Michael Yavnieli’s directorial approach to Scott Organ’s “Phoenix” promises a nuanced exploration of human connection and personal growth. The play’s premise, centered on a chance encounter between Bruce and Sue, serves as a canvas for Yavnieli to paint a complex portrait of modern relationships. His background in both acting and directing suggests a keen understanding of character dynamics, which could translate into performances that resonate with authenticity. Yavnieli’s choice to stage this intimate two-hander at... Read more →
Tom Chiodo’s “Adventures In The Great Beyond” emerges as a kaleidoscopic voyage of spirituality in the post-Aquarian age. This pop-rock musical, set to premiere at the Hudson Mainstage Theatre, combines themes of reincarnation, karma, and self-discovery. Chiodo’s script, complemented by Joe Nedder’s music, offers a refreshing take on the ever-relevant quest for meaning. The story’s unconventional twist — a mother-guru romance that transcends lifetimes — gives us a provocative lens through which to examine intergenerational... Read more →
Abstract Dr. Alexander "Sasha" Sidorkin, Chief AI Officer at California State University Sacramento and founding Director of the National Institute on AI in Society, discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on higher education. The conversation explores how AI could revolutionize teaching methods, curriculum design, and educational environments. Sidorkin promotes integrating AI to enhance personalized and adaptive learning, while also addressing the practical and ethical issues that arise when implementing AI in education. Artificial intelligence... Read more →
Michael Massey’s direction of “Spy for Spy” at the Whitefire Theatre introduces an innovative approach to storytelling that challenges traditional narrative structures. Under his guidance, the play unfolds as a romantic comedy with an experimental twist: each performance varies based on the sequence chosen by the audience, creating a dynamic experience that mirrors the unpredictable nature of love itself. This format, akin to a shuffled playlist, reflects the complexities and nonlinear aspects of relationships. Massey’s... Read more →
Victoria Lavan’s direction of John A. Goux’s “California Soul: A Descendent’s Story” promises an interesting intersection of historical narrative and contemporary theatrical techniques. Her diverse background, encompassing musical comedy, opera, and cabaret, suggests a director adept at navigating various performance styles. Lavan’s task in this staged reading is formidable. She must breathe life into a narrative that spans generations, balancing the historical content with the need for engaging theater. Her experience with the Betty Garrett... Read more →
John A. Goux’s “California Soul: A Descendent’s Story,” adapted from his novel of the same name, offers a fascinating blend of personal heritage and historical narrative. This staged reading at Theatre West promises to unearth the complex tapestry of California’s founding through the lens of Goux’s familial connections. As a former professor of music and mathematics, Goux brings an interdisciplinary perspective to this stage adaptation of his debut novel. The play’s premise - a young... Read more →
Marlon Hoffman’s debut solo album “Holy Matters” emerges as a powerful exploration of resilience and introspection. Co-produced with Davey Johnstone, the album showcases Hoffman’s raw, outlaw voice against a backdrop of seasoned musicianship. The title track sets a contemplative tone, while collaborations like “Suicide Ride” and “Runnin’ Outta Road” inject a rocker’s energy into the mix. Hoffman’s songwriting, particularly in tracks like “Om Namah Shivaya (Lady in Paris)” and “Grandpa Dave,” reveals a nuanced approach... Read more →
“Demolition,” directed by Max Mayer at the Pacific Resident Theatre, navigates the complexities of masculinity, identity, and personal growth within a deceptively simple narrative. The play juxtaposes Doug, a rugged, blue-collar worker, against Paul, a delicate, introspective young man on the verge of adulthood. Matthew Letscher’s script explores the contrasts between these characters, using their interactions to delve into deeper themes of mentorship and the varied influences on a young man’s development. The dynamic between... Read more →
In “TH IR DS,” director Jessica Aquila Cymerman conjures an alternate historical narrative that examines America’s divisive nature with an incisive lens. Set in a world where the Civil War never occurred, America is split into three distinct entities: The Union, The Confederate States, and The Pacific States. This fractured reality forms the backdrop for a gripping story centered on Catherine Shepard, a powerful water tycoon, who must broker a clandestine deal to provide water... Read more →
Mike Teverbaugh’s “The (Mostly) True Story of a Common Scold” is a fascinating look at American history through the lens of Anne Royall, the nation’s first female journalist. This play delves into the fraught tensions of the Jacksonian era, where the influence of evangelical leaders sought to reshape America’s ideological landscape. Royall, portrayed by Dendrie Taylor, emerges as a powerful figure, determined in her quest to preserve the secular integrity of the Constitution. The narrative... Read more →