KPFA theater critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The Winter’s Tale” by William Shakespeare, directed by Eric Ting, at Cal Shakes (California Shakespeare Theater) extended through October 2, 2021.
Bay Area Theater
Bay Area theatre reviews with KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky, plus interviews with local Artistic Directors, actors and directors. Older posts include interviews witth former associate KPFA theatre critic C.S. Soong. Dates when reviews airs can be found at http://bookwaves.homestead.com/Theatre_Reviews.html
Eric Ting, Artistic Director of Cal Shakes (California Shakespeare Theater) discusses how the company dealt with the Covid shut-down, with on-line streaming, and with the re-opening of the Bruns Amphitheater. Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” plays at the Bruns through October 2nd. The interview also includes a summary of the play and the reasons for its choice as the only play of the 2021 season.
Sean San Jose, the newly appointed Artistic Director of the Magic Theatre in Fort Mason Center, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. One of the founders and current Program Director of the legendary Campo Santo performance troupe, Sean San Jose is a noted Bay Area actor who has worked in several venues, including the Magic, Cal Shakes, ACT and Berkeley Rep. He’s also a playwright, director and most importantly, an activist in expanding the arts to unrepresented communities.
KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The Song of Summer” by Lauren Yee, directed by Bill English, at San Francisco Playhouse live, and streaming on demand, through August 14, 2021.
Johanna Pfaelzer, Artistic Director of Berkeley Rep, discusses how the company survived during the pandemic, along with a discussion of the upcoming season, scheduled to start in the fall when theatres open in California. She also talks about “The Waves in Quarantine,” which can be seen via the Berkeley Rep website. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
Actor Annette O’Toole discusses her work on stage and in film and television with host Richard Wolinsky, recorded in May, 2019.
Musical comedy performer and singer Jason Graae discusses his one-man show, “Perfect Hermany” featuring songs by Broadway composer/lyricist Jerry Herman, along with his take on Broadway divas, the #me too movement, the pandemic, and the changing atmosphere of theatre, with host Richard Wolinsky.
Len Cariou, Tony Award winner for the original production of “Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street” and star of his one-man show, “Broadway and the Bard,”in 2018, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky.
Carol Channing (1921-2019), in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded during the tour of her memoir, “Just Lucky I Guess,” recorded on October 18, 2002. The great Broadway star Carol Channing died on January15, 2019 at the age of 97. An iconic performer, she was best known for “Hello Dolly” and for her appearances on television and stage.
Barbara Cook, legendary Broadway star of “The Music Man” and Bernstein’s “Candide,” and later an acclaimed cabaret performer, died at the age of 89 in August, 2017. This interview was conducted at her home in New York City in June, 2016 upon publication of her memoir, “Then and Now.” She is interviewed by Richard Wolinsky.