Steve Murray

What did our critic think of CROWNS at Center Repertory Company? Can a play centered around hats sustain interest for an extended period – in the case of Regina Taylors spirited Crowns, the answer is a resounding yes. These hats, worn by African American women, are so much more than an accessory to their outfits, representing cultural traditions, family histories, and pride.

What did our critic think of WOLF PLAY at Shotgun Players? I love, love, love this production! It hits the trifecta of theatre – great writing, impeccable staging and courageous, authentic acting. Add in puppetry, boxing sequences, and wonderful set design and you’ve got a powerhouse that delivers a cogent, timely message about family structure, fractured humans and gay rights in a unique, totally absorbing structure.

What did our critic think of PIAF! THE SHOW at Herbst Theatre? Nathalie Lermitte brings her world-renowned tribute to the music of Edith Piaf to the Herbst Theatre for a one night only performance. Combining Piaf’s timeless songs and intimate projections, Lermitte channels Piaf’s spirit.

What did our critic think of HIPPEST TRIP - THE SOUL TRAIN MUSICAL at A.C.T. Toni Rembe Theatre? Soul Train, one of the longest running nationally syndicated variety shows, and its creator Don Cornelius are the subject of this Broadway bound musical backed by some heavy players. The anticipation was running high and the star-studded audience ready to boogie.  Unfortunately, the sensational dance numbers and wild costumes can’t save the train wreck of a book surprising provided by two-time Tony-nominated playwright Dominique Morisseau (Ain’t Too Proud- The Life and Times of the Temptations, The Detroit Project).

What did our critic think of ODYSSEY at Marin Theatre Company? Four women, each with similar stories of escape from persecution, forced relocation and separation anxiety bond over a reenactment of portions of Homer’s Odyssey in Lisa Peterson’s engaging and beautifully staged world premiere production commissioned by Tony award-winning The Acting Company that opens MTC’s 2023/24 season.

What did our critic think of CIRQUE DU SOLEIL CORTEO at Chase Center?

What did our critic think of MAHĀBHĀRATA at Z Space?

Fans are still absorbing the loss Tina Turner at age 83 this May, which makes attending Tina Turner – The Tina Turner Musical a tad more emotional and significant. The 12-time Grammy award winner and “Queen of Rock n Roll” sanctioned this production which premiered in the West End in 2018 and is now in its sixth incarnation. Following the jukebox format, the show highlights plenty of Tina’s huge hits wrapped around the ups and downs of her tumultuous and ultimately triumphant career.

What did our critic think of LES MISERABLES at Orpheum Theatre?

What did our critic think of JENN COLELLA - OUT AND PROUD at Feinstein's At The Nikko?

What did our critic think of A CHORUS LINE at SF Playhouse? For theatre lovers, A Chorus Line is iconic, holding a reverential appeal with its backstage story of cattle call hopefuls putting it all out there knowing their chances of making the final eight are slim. With its largest cast ever assembled, SF Playhouse’s production delivers on the required elements of Jamed Kirkwood Jr., Nicholas Dante, Marvin Hamlisch, and Edward Kliban’s 1975 Pulitzer Prize winning musical; superb choreography and the angst of the performers forced to expose their most intimate stories.

What did our critic think of OUT OF CHARACTER at Berkeley Repertory Theatre? And the winner is [long pause], Ari’el Satchel for The Band’s Visit. The crowd goes wild, agents, fans and friends congratulate him, but Ari’el can’t savor the moment- he’s hiding in the bathroom, a victim of debilitating anxiety and panic. Thus, begins the world premiere of Out of Character, Satchel’s emotionally raw, oft humorous recounting of his battle with OCD.

What did our critic think of INTO THE WOODS at Curran?

What did our critic think of THE ROAD TO MECCA at Z Below? They say there’s a thin line between madness and genius. Aging widow Helen finds herself caught in a battle between her artistic freedom and conservative moralism. The battle plays out in an attempt to move her from her eccentric, fantasy-filled home to an old-age home supposedly for her safety. Athol Fugard’s award-winning play comes to life with three of the finest acting performances in recent memory.

What did our critic think of STEEL MAGNOLIAS at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley?

The Great Star Theater in San Francisco has announced the production of Chinatown Dragon, running for 7 weeks from July 7th to August 20th, 2023.

What did our critic think of THE WIZARD OF OZ at A.C.T. Geary Theatre?

What did our critic think of SF MIME TROUPE OPENS 64TH SEASON WITH 'BREAKDOWN' at Various Locations?

What did our critic think of YERMA at Shotgun Players?

What did our critic think of LET THE RIGHT ONE IN at Berkeley Repertory Theatre?