I RECENTLY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY to chat with Maureen-Theresa Williams, artistic co-director of Concord’s Butterfield 8 Theatre Company, about some of the major changes the group is currently undergoing. John Butterfield, with whom Williams and two others co-founded Butterfield 8 in 1995, is on an extended sabbatical in New Zealand, finishing out his master’s program […]
Review: Berkeley’s Central Works masters ‘Machiavelli’ prequel
A FEW YEARS AGO, CENTRAL WORKS OF BERKELEY wowed audiences with an original play, “Machiavelli: The Prince,” about how the infamous strategist influenced the pious duke, Lorenzo de Medici II of Italy, convincing him to embrace a severe political philosophy. Now, “Prince” playwright Gary Graves has created a prequel to the saga, “The Lion and […]
Review: Once again, VSO presentation lives up to its promise
THE VALLEJO SYMPHONY INVITED A PAIR OF SPECIAL GUESTS to perform together Sunday at First Presbyterian Church in Vallejo. Violinist Franklyn D’Antonio and pianist Miles Graber performed an array of challenging and upbeat short works to what felt like a near-full house in the acoustically superior sanctuary room.
Butterfield 8’s ‘Maltese Falcon’ well played in Concord
BUTTERFIELD 8 THEATRE COMPANY OPENED “THE MALTESE FALCON” on Friday to a large and appreciative audience at the group’s downtown Concord venue, Cue Productions Live. Chad Clevenger leads an impressive cast in this 2007 stage adaptation by Helen Borgers, which closely follows the 1930 novel by Dashiell Hammett. The story ties together the lives of […]
Review: Student lead shines in DVC’s ‘Hamlet’
THERE IS ONE WEEKEND LEFT TO CATCH an impressive performance of “Hamlet” at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, closing Sunday, Feb. 16. From the excellent delivery of his Shakespearean English to his powerful overall stage presence, lead Gordon Belanger succeeds beautifully in producing a fully credible and passionate Prince of Denmark. In fact, Belanger […]