LEE HARTGRAVE TONIGHT - CRACKPOT CHRONES

LEE HARTGRAVE TONIGHT - AND THE 'CRACKPOT CHRONES' 

They're back. Run, run, run and hide. This wonderful story of two Lesbians (a Jew and a Christian) give us terrific oy-vays all the way to Christmas. Gee, can you imagine the two of them getting along? Yeh - I can!  

Carolyn Myers is a Warrior Princess of high speed comedy. A little long here and there -- but crackpot ladies bring out some of the best outrageous stuff that I have ever heard. 'Farces" become them. Shall we say Genius?  Of course, you should. 

Rock-A-Chrone -- works like magic. The Ladies are cutting edge entertainment. It's "Straight" Talk -- and not "so Straight" -- but who cares - they are heart-warming fun. They may be a little bit older -- but they know how to spice up night life. It's brilliantly smart and quick-witted. They, of course will stir the audience with a rousing chit chat about religion and politics. The best things happen on the stage -- especially the actors. The stage is so much better than home. The Ladies can't jump around  - but they are very funny in this smart touching comedy. They sure as hell have a devoted cult following. 

NOW PLAYING AT THE EXIT THEATRE IN SAN FRANCISCO 

RATING: FIVE GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! 

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he also produced a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED --7 years))) 

LEE HARTGRAVE TONIGHT - AVENUE Q

LEE HARTGRAVE TONIGHT - AVENUE Q

Here is the Gang. And what a thrill they are.
Teresa Attridge - Millie DeBenedet - Will Giammona - Sam Jackson - Christopher Morrell - Zac Schuman -
and Stephanie Temple

I HAVE SEEN THREE VERSIONS OF AVENUE Q -- NONE AS GOOD AS THIS ONE

And I have enjoyed all of them - but...and there is a Butt. This Q is truly wicked, hip and as bawdy as the Actors can get. The characters bring out a stage version that is biting entertainment. It's truly wicked. Here's two of the songs: "Everyone's A Little Bit Racist," "The Internet is for Porn."

Well that's just the beginning. It's adult entertainment that knocks you out of your chair. This version brings to the stage 7O's  wicked entertainment. I love this Song: "If you were Gay". One character sez to the other - "But I'm not Gay." Maybe yes and maybe no! Who knows?

If you don't have a sense of humor -- then don't go. You're most likely not enlightened enough to understand what is going on.  One of the puppets will sing to you -- "It Sucks to be You."

I'm so fired up -- I could see this New Conservatory Theatre show everyday. Most musicals are too contrived. These Actors (and Puppets) touch you heart. It's totally awesome.


By the way - you might see some Puppet Sex. Oh, don't worry -- its not real.  I love to hear songs that are wicked and amazingly funny. This is Broadway -- and it's right here on Van Ness Avenue. Perfect for Avenue Q. You will just love this warped and wonderful world.

If you're Politically educated -- you will adore this musical. Hey, we're all adults - I think! It's about time that we grow up. The music is fantastic. Here's one of the songs:
"There's a Fine, Fine, Line." It's hard to believe that puppets can sing. But, I'd like to sleep with one.

I loved them all. They are so cute. And, I will always love these uproariously robust fabulous "Q"'s. Everyone was applauding like mad. It leaves you song-drunk. I wouldn't dream of missing this show. It sizzles! It's bound to be a huge hit. "A RAPID FIRE CROWD PLEASER!"

 Now playing at the New Conservatory Theatre at the Corner of Van Ness and Market Street 

RATING: Five Glasses of Champagne *****


(Lee Hartgrave has contributed articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook. And he produced a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED - 7-years)

SNOOPY!!! - 42nd STREET MOON

LEE HARTGRAVE TONIGHT -- SNOOPY!!!


SNOOPY: THE MUSICAL IS A STAGE-TO-SCREEN TRANSLATION, OR MAYBE IT'S A COMIC STRIP IN THE DAILIES. No matter what-I am thrilled with the musical. To me -- it's still an award winning prize. Heck - the evening is full of color and energy. How can you dislike it. And even though the music sounds like it was taken from other musicals -- who cares? I don't -- I loved Dave Dobrusky's playing on the Piano - he practically gave an opening production that was like being in the Opera house. He's a wiz.

And there is Kyle Stoner (Linus van Pelt) who is 'Not for the Faint of Heart, or the lazy of singing. He burns up the stage. And the way he drags his blanket around is an absolute can't miss. Everyone in the audience is thrilled beyond. The whole evening was packed with  many laughs-per-minute from Ashley Rae Little (Peppermint Patty) and Ian Leonard (Charlie Brown) -- who shows us his soul. In the end --Charlie is truly brilliant. I almost cried along with him.

The entire cast is full of talent. And I'm talking 'Serious Talent'. I've seen nothing better than this stage show. And you won't find any better and exciting talent than Keith Pinto (Snoopy). He is electrifying! He not only performs like a dog. He's jumps around like a circus performer. There isn't a dull moment.

Also keeping us Captive all evening is: Dyan Mc Bride (Lucy Van Pelt), Chloe Condon (Sally Brown) and Janine Burgener (Woodstock).

The SNOOPY is a rapid fire crowd-pleaser. The cast could not be better. Watch them -- they will all be huge stars along the way.

RATING: Five Stars

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

LEE HARTGRAVE TONIGHT - REAF HAS A WINNER

LEE HARTGRAVE -
ENTERTAINING

AMUSING COMEDY- MUSICAL EVENING

REAF - 2013 BRINGS ANOTHER

PULSATING EPIC ON DEC. 9TH @

MARINES MEMORIAL THEATRE 

THE ENSEMBLE IS ASTONISHING

At Reaf performances the cast always delivers swagger and panache. All of the singers bring us all kinds of contemporary jazz and everyone on the stage does it with supreme style. Yep - there is major talent on this stage.  I have heard many of them, and none of them hide behind chord structures.

Some of the show, as usual - shows us comic talent.
Bruce Vilanch is sharp and truly remarkable. He is as penetrating as anyone can get. Oooops...Maybe that was a the wrong word. But, we do know that he is a five trick pony at times. No matter - Vilanch is one of my favorite stars. Everyone adores him.

This Star studded AIDS Benefit concert also brings out these amazing talents: Tim Hockenberry, Jason Brock, Jai Rodriquez, Sharon McNight, Carly Ozard, Shawn Ryan, Kim Nalley, David Gaines, Shawn Ryan, Kim Nalley, Jai Rodriquez -  and many others. Surprises are always amazing at the REAF benefits. Others will be announced in the auditorium.

Dec. 9 (Monday) opens "Help Is on the way for the Holidays X11. This is a benefit that will leave everyone with a huge smile.

PERFORMANCES START AT 7:30 pm. There will be many surprises. THIS IS LIKE GRAND OPERA WITH SOME ROCK AND  ROLL - PLUS FANTASTIC ROMANTIC SONGS. You will discover what makes us happy. I'M HAPPY! See you there.

(Lee Hartgrave is a long -time Critic of movies and Stage) You can read his reviews on the computer or the "Pad"  at beyondchron.org, and/or Lee Hartgrave Tonight)

GOLDEN GIRLS - DYNAMITE PERFORMANCES!

LEE HARTGRAVE TONIGHT


THE GOLDEN GIRLS ARE DELECTABLY AMUSING AND IRRESISTIBLE


WOW! These dazzling darlings on the Victoria stage are uproarious, rare and remarkable. And these gals are a little bit over the boundry - as they roast the audience with multiple sarcasms. I, have to admit - I was overwhelmed with the performance. They deliver with refreshing immediacy and joyful humor that makes the show an absolute can't-miss.    

The Golden Gals completely charmed the audience. Making fun of the Television Series makes this joyful humor even more so. I was bent over laughing so much that I wanted more. I even laughed all the way out to the car. This certainly is the best smartly staged funny and absurd date night that I have ever seen. 

To me, the evening was a Gloriously and Goofy Godsend. There is no doubt about it....you'll laugh your Tuchus off! You can and will expect tons of laughs from the audience -- and a terrific ensemble of stars at their best. And oh yes...some of the outfits are gaudily vibrant. That dazzled my eyes.

This sure is a "Something for Everyone" at this show where there is a no-holds-barred new gold standard for the GOLDEN GIRLS. Truly brilliant!

HERE ARE THE GUT BUSTING STARS: Laurie Bushman - Manuel Caneri - Pollo Del Mar - Cookie Dough - Peter Griggs - Heklina - Matthew Martin - and Jordan Wheeler

Spectacular and magnificent staging

THE GOLDEN GIRLS: THE CHRISTMAS EPISODES
The setting: Miami, Florida around the Holidays! With: Laurie Bushman, Manual Caneri, Peter Griggs & Jordan Wheeler.

(RATING: Five Glasses of Champagne!!!!! (highest rating) -trademarked-

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he also produced and arranged many talk Radio shows on PBS KQED)))

  

STOREFRONT CHURCH - SMALL STORES TURN INTO PULPIT

STOREFRONT CHURCH -
HUGELY ENTERTAINING
















LEE HARTGRAVE TONIGHT

STOREFRONT CHURCH

Now you may say -- NOT ON MY BENCH! Ah, but you will. You see there is a pleasing building that looks like a mellow building in a mixed neighborhood. It's been many things. You would never believe that the "Storefront" would convert to a basement Church.

The Community lives and struggles with many hardships - and there is the money. There isn't any. They are in dept. They work struggling every day of their lives. Sure - many work and try to save money -- but they are higher ups. They don't care if the 'Storefront people' don't have enough money to keep their house in this poor community. "Remember - they train people to flop!"

In the basement is a barren room where a Preacher just sits there and dreams about having enough people to come to his Church. Someone seeks help for the owners of the house. They dream of being able to make up the $30,000 that they need now. They have asked bankers and crooks, to help them with a second mortgage. However -- the brokers and bankers are trying to take away the property in a sleazy way.

Yep - it's the plot and the power. The people that work and live in the upper class go for the lower class. They emotionally want to trick the lower class in a secret way. The tricksters hold you in their grip - and they are not giving up. They have other plans for the property. And they don't care if they kick you out of their home.

Hey, you know what? This is a tough, Bare-Knuckle cat-and-mouse story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. But you will believe in the impossible. You will find that this story matters most of everyone's life. The staggering performances will make you laugh and break your heart at the same time.

HERE ARE THE FIVE STAR PERFORMERS: Derek Fischer- Rod Gnapp* - Carl Lumbly* - Gabriel Marin* - Ray Reinhardt* - Gloria Weinstock* and Aeron Macintyre* - u/s

Set Design: Move over - Bill English has done it again. Casting: - Lauren English - "Amazing!" Directed by Joy Carlin. Storefront Church by John Patrick Shanley. The production is "Dazzling perfection." You want Broadway? - You got it!

NOW PLAYING AT THE SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE ON POST STREET - NEAR UNION SQUARE

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





   




















STOREFRONT CHURCH









Now you may say -- NOT ON MY BENCH! Ah, but you will. You see there is a pleasing building that looks like a mellow building in a mixed neighborhood. It's been many things. You would never believe that the "Storefront" would convert to a basement Church.







and hosted a long (7 years) radio program on PBS KQED))











MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE - Post # 3
Not just a Gay Story - it's a Love Story




























LEE HARTGRAVE TONIGHT 

STOREFRONT CHURCH

Now you may say -- NOT ON MY BENCH! Ah, but you will. You see there is a pleasing building that looks like a mellow building in a mixed neighborhood. It's been many things. You would never believe that the "Storefront" would convert to a basement Church.

The Community lives and struggles with many hardships - and there is the money. There isn't any. They are in dept. They work struggling every day of their lives. Sure - many work and try to save money -- but they are higher ups. They don't care if the 'Storefront people' don't have enough money to keep their house in this poor community. "Remember - they train people to flop!"

In the basement is a barren room where a Preacher just sits there and dreams about having enough people to come to his Church. Someone seeks help for the owners of the house. They dream of being able to make up the $30,000 that they need now. They have asked bankers and crooks, to help them with a second mortgage. However -- the brokers and bankers are trying to take away the property in a sleazy way.

Yep - it's the plot and the power. The people that work and live in the upper class go for the lower class. They emotionally want to trick the lower class in a secret way. The tricksters hold you in their grip - and they are not giving up. They have other plans for the property. And they don't care if they kick you out of their home.

Hey, you know what? This is a tough, Bare-Knuckle cat-and-mouse story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. But you will believe in the impossible. You will find that this story matters most of everyone's life. The staggering performances will make you laugh and break your heart at the same time.

HERE ARE THE FIVE STAR PERFORMERS: Derek Fischer- Rod Gnapp* - Carl Lumbly* - Gabriel Marin* - Ray Reinhardt* - Gloria Weinstock* and Aeron Macintyre* - u/s

Set Design: Move over - Bill English has done it again. Casting: - Lauren English - "Amazing!" Directed by Joy Carlin. Storefront Church by John Patrick Shanley. The production is "Dazzling perfection." You want Broadway? - You got it!

NOW PLAYING AT THE SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE ON POST STREET - NEAR UNION SQUARE
RATING: FIVE GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!!! (highest rating) -trademarked- 
 
   right now - but he heading that way. Omar has lots of things going on in his brain. Can Omar and Johnny fall in love with different cultures?

There is the political points that make it difficult for the boys. There are the Uncles and Fathers that are getting a little suspicious about the young guys . Omar and Johnny try to keep away  away from the relatives. Their strength and fragility is well displayed. The two boys try to cover up their romance. That's tough!















LEE HARTGRAVE TONIGHT
STOREFRONT CHURCH



Now you may say -- NOT ON MY BENCH! Ah, but you will. You see there is a pleasing building that looks like a mellow building in a mixed neighborhood. It's been many things. You would never believe that the "Storefront" would convert to a basement Church.

The Community lives and struggles with many hardships - and there is the money. There isn't any. They are in dept. They work struggling every day of their lives. Sure - many work and try to save money -- but they are higher ups. They don't care if the 'Storefront people' don't have enough money to keep their house in this poor community. "Remember - they train people to flop!"

In the basement is a barren room where a Preacher just sits there and dreams about having enough people to come to his Church. Someone seeks help for the owners of the house. They dream of being able to make up the $30,000 that they need now. They have asked bankers and crooks, to help them with a second mortgage. However -- the brokers and bankers are trying to take away the property in a sleazy way.

Yep - it's the plot and the power. The people that work and live in the upper class go for the lower class. They emotionally want to trick the lower class in a secret way. The tricksters hold you in their grip - and they are not giving up. They have other plans for the property. And they don't care if they kick you out of their home.

Hey, you know what? This is a tough, Bare-Knuckle cat-and-mouse story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. But you will believe in the impossible. You will find that this story matters most of everyone's life. The staggering performances will make you laugh and break your heart at the same time.

HERE ARE THE FIVE STAR PERFORMERS: Derek Fischer- Rod Gnapp* - Carl Lumly* - Gabriel Marin* - Ray Reinhardt* - Gloria Weinstock* and Aeron Macintyre* - u/s

Set Design: Move over - Bill English has done it again. Casting: - Lauren English - "Amazing!" Directed by Joy Carlin. Storefront Church by John Patrick Shanley. The production is "Dazzling perfection." You want Broadway? - You got it!

NOW PLAYING AT THE SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUE ON POST STREET - NEAR UNION SQUARE




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