Geoff Hoyle News

The Marsh Berkeley has announced that due to popular demand it has scheduled an extended run of Lisa Rothman's hit show, Dragon in the Drop-Off Lane. This hilarious and cautionary tale describes what happens when Rothman's Oakland-raised kids venture into the fairytale world of Marin, where all the children seem to know how to sew, speak in a "Crystal Cave whisper," and decorate their (vegan) gingerbread men with stevia icing, carob chips, and unsweetened coconut flakes. Of course, no fairytale would be complete without a fairy godmother to help Rothman reckon with her parenting choices.

The Marsh San Francisco announces a one-night-only Marsh benefit performance of Not a Genuine Black Man, the longest running solo show in San Francisco theater history by award-winning actor, playwright, and talk show host Brian Copeland. This funny, honest, and harrowing piece recounts the struggles Copeland faced growing up in what was declared one of the most racist suburbs in America. "In the current political climate, empathy seems to be a lost commodity. By showing people the world through the eyes of a bullied and lonely little African-American boy, I hope they will develop compassion for the demonized 'other,'" says Copeland. The San Francisco Chronicle described the show as "relentlessly introspective and disarmingly honest, Copeland takes apart the false notion that black masculinity is some monolithic concept, in a way that has continued, unfortunately, to be relevant long after the show's 2004 premiere." Not a Genuine Black Man will play as a Marsh benefit performance for one-night-only at 8:00pm, Thursday, January 10, 2019 at The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia St., San Francisco. For tickets ($30-$35 sliding scale, $55-$100 reserved) or more information, the public may visit www.themarsh.org or call The Marsh Box office at 415-282-3055 (open Monday through Friday, 1pm-4pm).

The Marsh Berkeley has announced that due to popular demand it has scheduled an extended run of Lisa Rothman's hit show, Dragon in the Drop-Off Lane. This hilarious and cautionary tale describes what happens when Rothman's Oakland-raised kids venture into the fairytale world of Marin, where all the children seem to know how to sew, speak in a "Crystal Cave whisper," and decorate their (vegan) gingerbread men with stevia icing, carob chips, and unsweetened coconut flakes. Of course, no fairytale would be complete without a fairy godmother to help Rothman reckon with her parenting choices.

The Marsh San Francisco adds five free performances of Brian Copeland's The Waiting Period, due to ongoing support from a GoFundMe campaign and generous corporate contributions from Fremont Bank and OSIsoft in San Leandro. This deeply moving and surprisingly funny work outlines Copeland's own struggles with depression and suicidal thought, and is presented at no cost to remove all barriers for those who may be struggling with depression themselves. Featuring humorous, poignant, and riveting insights, the solo show written by Copeland and directed by David Ford, will take place January 6 & 20,  February 3, March 3 & 17, 2019 with performances at 5:30pm, Sundays at The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia Street. General admission for this performance is free, although reservations are recommended. To reserve tickets or for more information, the public may visit the public may visit www.themarsh.org or call The Marsh Box office at 415-282-3055 (open Monday through Friday, 1pm-4pm).

The Marsh San Francisco announces the extension of Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name?, Irma Herrera's hit solo show weaving history and comedic insights into stories about names, shedding light and throwing shade on societal prejudices and assumptions.

The Marsh San Francisco presents Irma Herrera's solo show Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name?, a new work that weaves history and comedic insights into stories about names, shedding light and throwing shade on societal prejudices and assumptions. When giving her name its correct Spanish pronunciation, she often gets the "where are you from?" question. The assumption: that she is a foreigner. Irma's family has been in South Texas for generations, and the award-winning social justice activist, lawyer, and journalist thinks of herself as American as apple pie. Irma's notes from American history and laugh out-loud humor invite audience members to consider what it will take for everyone to get along. Post-show talkbacks, featuring experts in everything from civil liberties to laws related to baby naming, will be offered throughout the run.

The Marsh San Francisco presents Irma Herrera's solo show Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name?, a new work that weaves history and comedic insights into stories about names, shedding light and throwing shade on societal prejudices and assumptions. When giving her name its correct Spanish pronunciation, she often gets the "where are you from?" question. The assumption: that she is a foreigner. Irma's family has been in South Texas for generations, and the award-winning social justice activist, lawyer, and journalist thinks of herself as American as apple pie. Irma's notes from American history and laugh out-loud humor invite audience members to consider what it will take for everyone to get along. Post-show talkbacks, featuring experts in everything from civil liberties to laws related to baby naming, will be offered throughout the run.

This November, the family-friendly Bay Area holiday favorite The Jewelry Box returns to The Marsh San Francisco. Performed by Brian Copeland, who has been hailed by the San Francisco Chronicle as "among the Bay Area's most honest, thoughtful and eloquent storytellers," and directed by David Ford, this hilariously heartwarming story follows a young Brian as he heads to the "mean streets" of Oakland to buy his mom a Christmas present. When he finds the perfect gift - a jewelry box in the White Front Department store - six-year-old Brian sets out to earn the required $11.97 by Christmas. Rife with references to 1970s Oakland,

This November, The Marsh San Francisco presents C.W. Nevius' The Oakland Raiders, True Crime & Coming of Age in SF. Thirty-eight years ago, Nevius came to San Francisco from a small newspaper in Colorado Springs, to work at the San Francisco Chronicle. Assigned to cover the Oakland Raiders, Nevius was taken along for the ride of his life to the Super Bowl. He was also involved in covering the story of a shocking sexual assault case at the University of San Francisco, featuring an All-American basketball player. Throughout these experiences, many lessons were learned, many from a crusty, chain-smoking editor from - of all places - Oklahoma. Directed by David Ford and written and performed by Nevius, The Oakland Raiders, True Crime & Coming of Age in SF will be presented November 16-December 15, 2018 (press opening: November 30) with performances 8:00pm Fridays and 8:30pm Saturdays at The Marsh San Francisco Studio, 1062 Valencia St., San Francisco. For tickets ($20-$35 sliding scale, $55-$100 reserved) or more information, the public may visit www.themarsh.org or call The Marsh Box office at 415-282-3055 (open Monday through Friday, 1pm-4pm).

This holiday season, The Marsh Berkeley brings Lisa Rothman's Dragon in the Drop-Off Lane to the Marsh Discovery Series, which showcases work under development. After her kids dodge bullets at the local park, Rothman seeks respite by bringing them to a Winter Solstice Carnival in the ritzy town where she grew up. Holding the acorn pouch she purchased for $30, Lisa can't wait to use the acorns to pay for the pagan caroling, the gingerbread man decorating, and the puppet show. But now finds she's dodging a sanctimonious parent-volunteer in Lululemon yoga pants, a fire-breathing dragon, and - the most formidable opponent of all - her father. The stage is set for a heartfelt farce in which Lisa must reckon with what her parenting choices have cost her children. Dragon in the Drop-Off Lane will be presented November 29-December 22, 2018 with performances 7:30pm Thursdays and 5:00pm Saturdays at The Marsh Berkeley, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. For tickets ($20-$35 sliding scale, $55-$100 reserved) or more information, the public may visit www.themarsh.org or call The Marsh Box office at 415-282-3055 (open Monday through Friday, 1pm-4pm).

The Marsh San Francisco presents Irma Herrera's solo show Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name?, a new work that weaves history and comedic insights into stories about names, shedding light and throwing shade on societal prejudices and assumptions. When giving her name its correct Spanish pronunciation, she often gets the "where are you from?" question. The assumption: that she is a foreigner. Irma's family has been in South Texas for generations, and the award-winning social justice activist, lawyer, and journalist thinks of herself as American as apple pie. Irma's notes from American history and laugh out-loud humor invite audience members to consider what it will take for everyone to get along. Post-show talkbacks, featuring experts in everything from civil liberties to laws related to baby naming, will be offered throughout the run.

The Marsh San Francisco adds more free performances of Brian Copeland's The Waiting Period, due to ongoing support from a GoFundMe campaign and generous corporate contributions from Fremont Bank and OSIsoft in San Leandro. This deeply moving and surprisingly funny work outlines Copeland's own struggles with depression and suicidal thought, and is presented at no cost to remove all barriers for those who may be struggling with depression themselves.

Amber "the A.I. therapist" makes her debut in Eliza Gibson's solo show BRAVO 25: Your A.I. Therapist Will See You Now at The Marsh San Francisco. Gibson draws on her real-life experience as a social worker and therapist, sharing a story full of broken hearts and addicts in recovery, from a polyamorous lesbian awaiting the arrival of Superintelligence, to a grieving savant who likes donuts.

Steve Budd, who returns to perform Thursdays and Saturdays July 19 - August 18 at The Marsh San Francisco, has added a special one-afternoon-only performance of his hit show What They Said About Love at 2pm, Sunday, August 12. He also announces a line-up of post-show events including visits from relationship and sex experts, astrologers, and more, who will help audiences explore whether love is in their stars, and how people really connect. What They Said About Love will play from July 19-August 18, 2018 with performances at 8:00pm Thursdays, 5:00pm Saturdays, plus one 2:00pm, Sunday, August 12 at The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia St., San Francisco. For tickets ($20-$35 sliding scale, $55-$100 reserved), the public may visit www.themarsh.org or call The Marsh box office at 415-282-3055 (open 1pm-4pm, Monday through Friday).

Due to popular demand, Steve Budd's What They Said About Love will transfer from The Marsh Berkeley to The Marsh San Francisco in July. In this absorbing solo show, which was the "Best of Fringe" winner for the 2016 San Francisco Fringe, Steve wonders why other people can-and why he can't-tie the knot. He sheds light on how people meet and make it to the altar, the push and pull of relationships, singles who can't seem to settle down, and more.

A shocking political reversal has found Americans facing headlines filled with divisive rhetoric while polarized citizens passionately debate the issues of the day. In Times Unseen, a long-term performance workshop series at The Marsh spearheaded by solo director maestro David Ford, the interaction of the political and the personal in times of great change is chronicled onstage. Initiated in 2017 in response to the presidential election, Times Unseen spotlights performers from disparate social, geographical, and political backgrounds, who share their raw, honest, and American experiences. Monthly showcases will culminate in a festival of work in October 2018, just in time for the midterm elections. Times Unseen performers will present their works in progress 7:30pm Monday, June 4 and in collaboration with Stagebridge 7:30pm Tuesday, June 12. Both performances will be staged at The Marsh Berkeley, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. Tickets ($10-$15 sliding scale) and information available at www.themarsh.org or at The Marsh box office at 415-282-3055 (open 1-4pm, Monday through Friday). 

The Marsh San Francisco adds six free performances of Brian Copeland's The Waiting Period, due to ongoing support from a GoFundMe campaign. This deeply moving and surprisingly funny work outlines Copeland's own struggles with depression and suicidal thought, and is presented at no cost to remove all barriers for those who may be struggling with depression themselves. Featuring humorous, poignant, and riveting insights, the solo show written by Copeland and directed by David Ford, will take place 2pm Sundays May 6 - July 29, 2018 (see exact schedule below), at The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia Street. General admission for this performance is free, although reservations ($55-$100), are recommended. To reserve tickets or for more information, the public may visit www.themarsh.org or call 415-282-3055 Monday through Friday between 1:00pm and 4:00pm.

Due to popular demand, The Marsh San Francisco extends Jill Vice's solo show, A Fatal Step. Turning the tables on film noir tropes, Vice's 60-minute dramedy tells its shadowy tale not from the typical point of view of the hardboiled detective, but from that of the femme fatale. When Sarah's footing with her handsome podiatrist boyfriend is undermined by an archrival, she takes drastic steps to keep her man. The San Francisco Examiner praised Vice, noting "it's impossible to take your eyes off the animated actress," while the San Francisco Chronicle celebrated her performance declaring "Vice both does noir justice and impishly picks it apart." A Fatal Step, directed by Mark Kenward and developed with David Ford, will return for its extended run 8:00pm Thursdays and 8:30pm Saturdays March 24-April 28, 2018 at The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia St., San Francisco. For tickets ($20-$35 sliding scale, $55-$100 reserved), the public may visit www.themarsh.org or call The Marsh box office at 415-282-3055 (open 1pm-4pm, Monday through Friday).

The Marsh San Francisco adds three free performances of Brian Copeland's The Waiting Period, due to ongoing support from a GoFundMe campaign. This deeply moving and surprisingly funny work outlines Copeland's own struggles with depression and suicidal thought, and is presented at no cost to remove all barriers for those who may be struggling with depression themselves. Featuring humorous, poignant, and riveting insights, the solo show written by Copeland and directed by David Ford, will take place 5:30pm Sundays March 25 - April 29, 2018 (see exact schedule below), at The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia Street. General admission for this performance is free, although reservations ($55-$100), are recommended. To reserve tickets or for more information, the public may visit www.themarsh.org or call 415-282-3055 Monday through Friday between 1:00pm and 4:00pm.

Due to popular demand, Steve Budd's What They Said About Love, the 2016 San Francisco Fringe "Best of Fringe" winner, will be extended at The Marsh. In this absorbing solo show, Steve wonders why other people can-and why he can't-tie the knot. He sheds light on how people meet and make it to the altar, the push and pull of relationships, singles who can't seem to settle down, and more.