Catch drama ‘Music of Summer time’ at San Francisco Playhouse
Sweet summer romance turns into much more in the hands of playwright Lauren Yee as she explores the destructive power of fame in The Song of Summer. The show, which runs at the San Francisco Playhouse through August 14, also examines the choices we make that lead to unexpected consequences.
The story follows Robbie (Jeremy Kahn), an unusual singing sensation whose original melody has become the “song” of the summer. Unable to deal with his sudden fame and controversy over his song, Robbie runs to his small hometown and to the piano teacher (Anne Darragh) who encouraged his musical talent. He is surprised to find the daughter of his teacher Tina (Monica Ho) still at home. Robbie, who had a crush on Tina in high school, assumed she was pursuing the medical career she’d always wanted. Meanwhile, Robbie’s manager Joe (Reggie D. White) tracks down his AWOL star and tries to get him back to his performance and recording schedule.
Yee has given her characters a lot of interesting twists and turns and clever dialogue, but the main premise – Robbie as a rock star – just doesn’t quite fit. The key to his character and plot is his lack of confidence and awkwardness, which Kahn skillfully shows off. What doesn’t seem plausible is the opening sequence in which Robbie appears in front of an audience of mostly enthusiastic fans. His awkward movements show such a discomfort and discomfort in direct contrast to Tina’s comment on how he transforms into another person while singing – there is no transformation here.
Apart from this inconsistency, director Bill English skillfully helps his actors to discover the many nuances in their challenging characters, to move beautiful scenes and to create emotional climaxes. Ho as Tina vibrates with energy as she creates a sharp-tongued character full of barely hidden vulnerability. With white, there is also an energy and frustration just below the surface as it switches from one plan to another to get its star back on track. Meanwhile, Darragh embodies the supportive, adult, encouraging talent when she sees it, but also adds layers of deeper meaning with ease.
While English has considerable directing skills, he really outdoes himself with his scenic design. A spinning set (and a disciplined crew) move quickly from one scene to another with an extraordinary video backdrop that shifts from one image to another.
The San Francisco Playhouse is located at 450 Post St. Call 415-677-9596 or go online at sfplayhouse.org for tickets. Proof of vaccination is required and visitors are required to wear masks in the theater. For those who prefer to watch the show from home, on-demand video tickets are available.
Oakland Hills: Marriage will be the focus of August 6-22 when Woodminster Summer Musicals presents “I Do, I Do”. Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones (the creative team responsible for “The Fantasticks”) have turned the lackluster piece “The Fourposter” into a touching story of two soul mates who have lived through 50 years of marriage. Directed by Joel Schlader with the musical direction by Mark Dietrich and the choreography by Sarah Pon and Blake Hennessy-York. Gary Stanford Jr. and Leslie Ivy play George and Agnes.
The focus of the action is the four-poster bed and according to managing director Harriet Schlader, the set had to be redesigned to accommodate the very large set piece! Performances take place in the Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park. Seat assignments in the large facility are physically distant for security reasons and masks are required when moving around the facility. Tickets can be found at woodminster.com.
Oakland Plains: Unfortunately, the Oakland Theater Project had to cancel its personal performances of “The Dream Life of Malcolm X” due to COVID-19.
“We thank the patrons for their grace and understanding as we continue to try to navigate this new pandemic world by producing theater,” wrote Managing Director Colin Mandlin.
San Francisco: The Multi Ethnic Theater (MET) closed its live performance of “20th Century USA” on Sunday, but is hoping to offer the filmed version of the show in September. The production includes three one-act plays: George M. Cohan’s parody of a Broadway court drama “Common Clay”; William Inge’s story about autograph seekers and their prey “To Bobolink, For Her Spirit”; and Thornton Wilder’s road trip story, The Happy Journey to Trenton and Camden. Personal appearances will take place at the Phoenix Theater, 414 Mason St., Suite 601, San Francisco. Call 514-420-8000 for reservations.
Also in San Francisco: The Magic Theater has announced a personal gala on August 5th from 6pm to 9pm to celebrate its new Artistic Director, Sean San José.
“What we’re going to do is have a big, big old party for everyone. Join us for an outdoor affair, completely live. The night will include music, DJs, dance performances, our city’s poet laureate (San Francisco) and your host Wonway Posibul, ”said San José.
The event will take place outside the fire station at the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco. Tickets can be found at magictheatre.org.
Sally Hogarty can be reached at sallyhogarty@gmail.com. Read more of their reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.