60 SECOND REVIEWS

REUNION ‘PLAYGROUND”

LIPS TOGETHER TEETH APART

SONY HOLLAND AT THE RRAZZ

THIS IS A ‘REUNION THAT YOU WON’T EASILY FORGET!

A Prisoner of Love (Marvin Greene - Courtesy Photo

The Sandbox Series presents “Reunion” by Kenn Rabin. Multi-talented Luis Parnell directs this new work. The mission here is to promote new works. And, that they do with great flare.

“Reunion” is a taut story about a handsome school Teacher that charms more than the bees. He is attracted to young women at school. He is one of those men who just can’t help themselves, especially when the young women throw themselves at his feet. And throw themselves at him, they do.

But, here is the hitch in his sex life. One of the girls, claims that she was raped by the School Teacher (Marvin Greene.) Now he is in Jail (10 years) – and is plotting with the other Girl that he slept with, to help him get out of jail. The action takes place in and around Berkeley – and involves a secret recording. Ummm-Juicy!

I was mesmerized by the salty dialogue: Here’s one: “It’s about you – you’re being chased by wild animals and wolverines.” Here’s another – “You’re bumming me out – I’m Mary Magdalene…the whore.” And then there is the Jail Nurse (The Bitch) – “I’m going to attach this device to your Penis.” I expected her to say: Gosh, Sweetie, That’s a Big Gun!” She didn’t say that, but well – that sounds like a lot of fun doesn’t it?

THE ACTORS ARE ABSOLUTELY MARVELOUS. THIS IS FIRST RATE THEATRE. They Are: Steve Bologna, Alexandra Creighton, Lauren English, Marvin Greene and Emily Rosenthal. They really are boldly original! Actors this good should be shipped to Broadway. They are that exciting and provocative!

NOW PLAYING AT THE S.F. PLAYHOUSE IN THE ‘SANDBOX THEATRE.”

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) – trademarked-

Photo by Lois Tema

Chloe Makes her Brother show her the "Full Monty" 

 

LIPS TOGETHER, TEETH APART

It’s the Fourth of July. Two Straight Couples are spending the holiday weekend at a house that once belonged to Sally’s brother, who died of AIDS. We see the Straight Couples but not one Gay person is on the stage. Oh, they are there, for sure, but we don’t see or hear them. We have to imagine that they are the next-door neighbors. They are sort of like being in the Clouds with Apple.Com. The four “Straights” are all related one way or another. They bitch about the Gays on either side of the house – but that doesn’t stop the Straights from having sex. They just swap wives back and forth. But frown on Gays doing the same thing. One of the men, who is the brother of his sister, presents a rather ticklish question. “Let me see your Penis she says to her brother. I want to see how our parents looked.” The brother is frustrated, but gives in. He drops his pants. She says: “Dad did a good job.” They were out on the Patio at the moment. Do you suppose that the Gay boys were watching? What are you mad? Of course they were watching. Wouldn’t you?

 McNally (Playwright) has written some great words that are both neurotic and giddy. It’s funny, sexy, and at times poignant -- you’re sure to double up with laughter. McNally has written some very funny lines for the talented Characters in the play.

SEE THIS PLAY! LAUGH YOURSELF SILLY! ADORE THE ACTORS! GET READY TO APPLAUD -=- HERE COMES: Sarah Mitchell, Marie O’Donnell, Michael Sally and Cameron Weston.  They have the comedy knack down to a “T”. The remarkable chemistry is amazing! You must see this “Hugely entertaining show!”

Now playing at the New Conservatory Theatre

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) –trademarked-

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he produced and hosted a long-running Art Segment on PBS-KQED)))

SONY HOLLAND TONIGHT AT THE RRAZZ ROOM

Sony Holland sings at the Rrazz Room. Courtesy Photo.

Sony Holland has a great collection of songs on Amazon.com, but there is nothing like hearing her gorgeous voice in person. Like Anita O’Day and other jazz greats – Sony is right up there with other singing Diva’s. No problem hearing the lyrics here. Sony not only sings standards that will never die – she re-interprets them. Take “Over The Rainbow” - that was made famous by Judy Garland. Now, Holland has taken that Masterpiece and worked it into something so new and magical that I truly thought that I was in “OZ”. There was even a Wizard there. Yep, right there – he was sitting right in front next to Sony. O.K. I won’t keep you waiting. It was Jerry Holland, the Bandleader and husband.

Both of these talents have written many songs on there own – like “You Are So Good To Me". One of my most favorite hypnotic songs was Holland’s “When I Find You.” Also amazing styling comes about with “Non-Stop To Brazil” with some influence by Astrud Gilberto. That will shake your bones a lot. I loved everything about the show with -- Andy Langham – Piano; David Hughes – Bass; Jerry Holland – Guitar; and Kendall Kay on Drums.

There is only one thing missing for me. I was hoping that Jerry and Sony would do at least one duet. That would be like getting a Double Chocolate Ice Cream Cone. Maybe, next time around. 

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (Highest rating) –trademarked-

Courtesy of beyondchron  


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