and, SEEN!

to the yellow house (La Jolla Playhouse)

SEEN on Nov 30, 2021. Two thumbs up!

 

By Kimber Lee 

Directed by Neel Keller

selected credits (mentioned in podcast):

scenic design by Takeshi Kata

lighting design by Masha Tsimring

projection design by Nicholas Hussong

music composition by Justin Ellington

performers we especially liked: Deidrie Henry, Brooke Ishibashi, Paco Tolson

 

synopsis: February 1886. Vincent van Gogh is broke again. Trailing past-due notices and annoyed innkeepers, he arrives unexpectedly at his brother’s doorstep in Montmartre determined to make another fresh start. Caught in the fiercely competitive Parisian art scene, he drinks too much, falls in love with the wrong woman, argues with everyone – and paints. Night and day he works to translate what he feels onto the canvas, relentlessly chasing a new form of expression that seems to be always around the next corner. But at what point in an endless cycle of failures do faith and persistence become delusion and foolishness? A meditation on love, art and not being popular.

 

Shutter Sisters (Old Globe)

SEEN: Nov 7, 2021

 

Shutter Sisters

World premiere
A Globe-commissioned world premiere
By Mansa Ra
Directed by Donya K. Washington

A Globe-commissioned world premiere that was developed in the 2020 Powers New Voices Festival. Shutter Sisters tells the story of two women living parallel lives on the hardest days of their lives. A White woman named Michael attends her adopted mother’s funeral, while a Black woman named Mykal kicks her adult daughter out of her home. It’s a heartfelt and surprising journey through womanhood, identity, and what it means to belong.

Gardens of Anuncia (Old Globe)

SEEN: Oct 5, 2021

Gardens of Anunicia

Globe-commissioned world premiere musical

Book, music, and lyrics by Michael John LaChiusa
Directed and co-choreographed by Graciela Daniele

A Globe-commissioned world premiere musical by five-time Tony Award nominee Michael John LaChiusa. The Gardens of Anuncia is inspired by the life story of an icon of the American stage who directs and choreographs the show at the Globe: Broadway legend Graciela Daniele. Anuncia tends the garden of her country house as she reflects on her life, looking back on her girlhood in Juan Perón’s Argentina and paying homage to the family of women whose sacrifices allowed her to become an artist. This funny, poignant, and beautiful musical features a beguilingly romantic and tango-infused score filled with the exuberant sounds of women reveling in the joys of being alive.

Hair (Old Globe)

SEEN: Aug 31, 2021

 

Hair

The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical
Book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado
Music by Galt MacDermot
Directed by James Vásquez
Choreography by Mayte Natalio
Music Direction by Angela Steiner

The Age of Aquarius dawns again! It’s the Summer of Love, and a group of young Americans are looking to change the world! Directed by Old Globe Resident Artist James Vásquez (The Old Globe’s American Mariachi and Tiny Beautiful Things), this legendary rock musical bursts onto the outdoor stage with its Grammy Award–winning score, featuring iconic hits such as “Let the Sunshine In,” “Good Morning Starshine,” and the exuberant title song. Make love, not war!—and celebrate “harmony and understanding” with Broadway’s first great rock musical.

Youngblood (tiki bar!! speakeasy!!)

This is not a play. Repeat: this is not a play. We were so excited to be out doing things! in the world! next to other people! that we couldn't resist recording this episode. 

Theatre is ALIIIIIIVE!

This is not a show. Repeat: This is not a show. But we were excited to hear about theatre making a come back, and our favorite pre-Old Globe-show restaurant, The Prado in Balboa Park, opened up again. SO we made dinner reservations and had date night where we pretended that life was normal again and that we could see shows. 

Hurricane Diane (Old Globe)

SEEN: March 30, 2020

Hurricane Diane

By Madeleine George
Directed by James Vásquez

This unconventional new comedy from Pulitzer Prize finalist Madeleine George sees the Greek god Dionysus return to the modern world disguised as the butch gardener Diane, whose secret mission is to seduce mortal followers and restore the earth to its natural state. Where better to begin than with four real housewives from New Jersey? The New York Times cheered Hurricane Diane as an “astonishing new play,” and New York magazine hailed it as “hilarious and full of keen observation and profound human affection.” 

August Wilson‘s Jitney (Old Globe)

SEEN: Feb 11, 2020. Two enthusiastic thumbs up. 

August Wilson's Jitney

By August Wilson
Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Originally produced by Manhattan Theatre Club

A jitney is an unlicensed taxicab. Five tireless drivers in Pittsburgh’s Hill District fight for love, survival, and respect as the powers-that-be threaten to close down their garage in the name of neighborhood improvement. The Los Angeles Times recently proclaimed it a Critic’s Choice, saying, “This is an extraordinary company! A triumphant melding of acting and drama. Don’t make the mistake of skipping this one. It’s among the finest productions of a Wilson play I’ve seen.” The Washington Post calls Jitney “a consistently funny and absorbing evening,” while The Hollywood Reporter asks, “Is there a more accomplished living interpreter of the plays of August Wilson than Ruben Santiago-Hudson? The timing feels ideal to visit Wilson’s inimitably pulsating world with a peerless company of actors.” Contains strong language.

Noura (Old Globe)

SEEN: Oct 15, 2019

 

Noura

By Heather Raffo
Directed by Johanna McKeon

A riveting West Coast premiere loosely inspired by Ibsen’s A Doll’s House from acclaimed playwright (and Old Globe/USD Shiley M.F.A. Program graduate) Heather Raffo. Noura and her husband are Chaldean Christian refugees from Iraq, celebrating their first Christmas Eve as American citizens. But the long-anticipated visit of an orphan girl they once sponsored, now a promising college student, causes them to question who they’ve become and what they’ve left behind. The Wall Street Journal’s Terry Teachout calls this powerful drama “one of the finest new plays I’ve ever reviewed. Full of unexpected revelations and flashes of sudden, blinding illumination.” Contains strong language.

Almost Famous (Old Globe)

SEEN: Oct 1, 2019

 

Almost Famous

Book and lyrics by Cameron Crowe
Music and lyrics by Tom Kitt
Directed by Jeremy Herrin

Based on the Paramount Pictures and Columbia Pictures motion picture written by Cameron Crowe

It’s all happening… San Diego, 1973. Led Zeppelin is king, Richard Nixon is President, and idealistic 15-year-old William Miller is an aspiring music journalist. When Rolling Stone magazine hires him to go on the road with an up-and-coming band, William is thrust into the rock-and-roll circus, where his love of music, his longing for friendship, and his integrity as a writer collide. Written by Academy Award winner Cameron Crowe based on his iconic film, Almost Famous is about a young man finding his place in the world and the indelible characters he meets along the way. Directed by Tony Award nominee Jeremy Herrin, it features classic hits as well as new songs by Pulitzer Prize and two-time Tony Award winner Tom Kitt. This joyous world premiere is a celebration of community and the power of music. Contains strong language. This production contains lit (cocoa bean) cigarettes.