THEATRE REVIEWS
SDRep’s ‘Aubergine’ Pits Poetic Against Mundane
Julia Cho’s Aubergine, at San Diego Repertory Theatre through February 17, explores the cultural practices associated with dying, especially when multiple cultures are involved. The exploration sits astride the two cultures well and makes for a mostly satisfying couple of hours in the Lyceum Space…
Read MoreA Truly Special Life
Saying that Becoming Dr. Ruth is a play about sex that you can take your grandmother to might sound like a bold statement. However, thanks to an effervescent lead performance from Robin LaValley and sensitive writing from Mark St. Germain, the Broadway Vista Theatre’s production really is that kind of a show.
Read MoreThreadbare Writing Hobbles Cygnet’s Wannabe Bio ‘Marie and Rosetta’
Modern gospel stylist Sister Rosetta Tharpe was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018 — and if her followers’ pedigrees are any indication, the honor is a little late in the game. Eric Clapton and Keith Richards couldn’t get enough, sitting mesmerized at one of her concerts in 1963. Elvis, Chuck,…
Read MoreMany ‘Jewels’ Sparkle in Lamb’s Tribute to Itself
Lamb’s Players Theatre is celebrating 25 years in its Coronado theater, and it’s throwing itself a party, in the form of a “greatest hits” show. The company certainly deserves to praise itself, as it has proved to be a major theatrical presence in both the city of Coronado and in San Diego more generally…
Read MoreBetty Buckley and Dancing Waiters Brighten ‘Hello Dolly!’ at Civic
Buckley is magnetic in monologues: “As my late husband Ephraim Levi, used to say, money—pardon the expression—is like manure. It’s not worth a thing unless it’s spread around, encouraging young things to grow.” And hats off to the dancing waiters…who give this ‘ol gem extra gallop…
Read MoreDiversity Displayed in Theatrical Productions
Three aspects of San Diego’s 2018 theatre season stood out prominently. First, the quality was, by and large, excellent.
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