“Once we open the facility (BTC Hall), we will continue to raise funds for the ultimate goal of building the Brentwood Playhouse, a performing arts space to host our multigenerational, multiethnic company and others that are hurting for an affordable performance space,” Gaughan said. “Rentals to other theater companies will help offset the cost of utilities and solidify and enhance our reputation in the performing arts community.”. Visit Kickstarter at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1702823012/brentwood-theater-company-needs-a-rehearsal-space.
A ballet slippers outline Broadway star back in her old stamping grounds, a famed Russian pianist making his West Coast premiere and Suzanne Vega celebrating her literary doppelganger top our list of cool stuff to do in the Bay Area, 1 Alysha Umphress: “Homecoming Queen” is the title of Umphress’ new cabaret show, and this week that title is most appropriate, The talented actress and singer is a Concord native who has performed in such Broadway hits as “On the Town” and “American Idiot.” She’s bringing “Homecoming Queen,” featuring Broadway tunes and pop standards from the 1940s through the ’80s, to Feinstein’s at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco for two performances..
So why do we still love this story of a dysfunctional family and their much-abused daughter? Perhaps it’s because we know the tale so well, and we like the idea about virtue being rewarded. But perhaps it’s also that narrative ballets have a pull on our imagination as no other form of dance has. In the case of Ballet San Jose’s version, which opened Friday, the credit has to go to Alexsandra Meijer, about as perfect a Cinderella as you are likely to see. This longtime company member gave a glorious, fully integrated and nuanced performance.
“The female version can be a bit ballet slippers outline of a trap,” says Altarena director Richard Robert Bunker, “Since the storyline and many of the lines are the same as the original male version, there’s a temptation for actors to play their characters just like those in the male version, But I really wanted that female sensibility, I asked my actors to remember relationships and conflicts with female friends and to bring that history into their roles.”, And Bunker’s cast does just that, Emily Garcia (often seen on the Lesher Center stage) plays Olive Madison with abandon slinging clothes and shoes from one end of Angelo Benedetto’s well-appointed set to the other, Caroline Schneider adds her own edgy performance as Florence Unger, While the female version isn’t as strong as the male, it still provides lots of laughs and insight into friendships, As with the male version, the appearance of the Costazuela brothers (the Pigeon sisters in the male version) is the highlight of the show, Joseph Rios (Jesus) and John Vincent Burke (Manolo) completely steal the scene with their spot on comedic timing..
Foothill College. “Raúl Cañibano: Storyteller.” Jan. 21 through March 11. The first solo exhibition in the Western United States by the Cuban photographer. Krause Center for Innovation Gallery, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. Opening reception 7-9 p.m. Jan. 21. Admission is free; parking is $3. http://raulcanibano.wordpress.com. Gallery House. “Meeting Point,” paintings and prints by Kyoko Fishcher, Feb. 3 through Feb. 28. Reception 6-8 p.m. Feb. 13. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays. Gallery House, 320 S. California Ave., Palo Alto. 650-326-1668.
