Now or Later: shiny but nonsensical

On its surface, Now or Later is a shiny political object. But, at least in this interpretation, the play doesn’t make sense. This mounting from Fighting Chance Productions is beyond timely. The story takes place on the eve of an American presidential election. We’re...

Kick yourself some Butt Kapinski

Leave a Comment This ain’t a review, see? It’s a tip. And, if you know what’s good for ya, you’ll act on it. Fast. In 2013, solo artist Deanna Fleysher brought Butt Kapinskito the Vancouver Fringe. It contained some of the best clowning I’ve seen. Butt, the title...

Bakersfield Mist: mediocre script, strong production

Bakersfield Mist is raucously funny sometimes and even moving in moments, but the script isn’t as smart as it pretends to be. LA playwright Stephen Sachs drew inspiration for Bakersfield Mist from real-life characters and events. The stakes are high. In the early...

Suitcase Stories (un)packs a punch

Sometimes, when you see a show, you know that an artist is offering you a personal gift. That’s what it’s like with Maki Yi’s Suitcase Stories. The script isn’t perfect, but both the play and production are important, skilled in many ways—and heartfelt. In her solo...

Empire of the Son also rises

I’m telling all the people I love most to see this show. Tetsuro Shigematsu’s Empire of the Son is exquisite. It’s also painstakingly honest. In his script, which Shigematsu performs solo, he explores his relationship with his father, Akira. In a talkback after the...