Concert Review - El DeBarge

Concert Review

El DeBarge 

Bal Theatre - San Leandro, CA
November 2, 2013

Reviewed By = Mauricio Segura

     The Bal Theatre in San Leandro enjoyed another successful night of concerts on Saturday November 2nd. For each of two shows, patrons lined up and down the street in anticipation of hearing and watching 80's R&B hitmaker El DeBarge. “I was 14 when I first heard I Like It” said Shontelle of Oakland, “I've been in love with El ever since. And this is the first time I get to see him in person. I left my husband babysitting the kids, so me and my friend can come. I am more than excited!”

     From the moment El DeBarge hit the stage, you can feel the electricity shoot through the crowd, and the performer did not disappoint. His voice is just as good if not better than it was 30 years ago, his moves, charisma, and overall demeanor was that of a seasoned bonafide superstar. Alternating from sitting behind the keyboard to standing and dancing on stage, Debarge connected with every single fan like a true entertainer does. From handing the mic to one lucky woman to sing, to asking another one to come up on stage for a little dancing time and then jumping into the crowd for a group dance along, not one person left the show disappointed in any way.

     Each concert went on for almost an hour and half with hits like I like it, All this Love, Time will Reveal, and the finale Rhythm of the Night which brought the house down! El has had his ups and downs through the years in his personal life, but its quite obvious his fans have never left his side. On more than one occasion in fact, he clearly felt the love and connection as he paused momentarily to wipe tears from his eyes. Catching up with Shontelle again after the show she stated, “I don't know if I can even sleep tonight. That was the best concert I have seen in a long time. I might just get in line, buy tickets, and see the second show. When El came down from the stage he grabbed my hand, looked into my eyes and sang just to me. It was the best 8 seconds of my life!'

     If you have never been to the Bal Theatre, make it a point to check them out. Owner Dan Dillman is working hard on bringing to notch entertainment to San Leandro. Would you like to see Bel Biv Devoe, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, and others? Stay tuned. Aside from that, the Bal also puts on great comedy shows, conventions (Sci-fi Fest on November 16-17 with special guest Marta Kristen who played Judy Robinson in the Lost In Space series of the 1960's), and movies.

Bal Theatre Page - - - > http://gbm-concerts.info/bal.htm

Rating = 4 out of 5 Golden Bridges

Concert Review - Stand Up for Davis Street

Concert Review

Stand Up for Davis Street Comedy Benefit 

Bal Theatre - San Leandro, CA
October 11, 2013

Reviewed By = Mauricio Segura

        As Charles Dickens stated in his classic book, A Christmas Carol, “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor”. And such was the case on October 11th, as over 600 people including various elected officials and VIP's, were happily infected with the laughter bug at the Historic Bal Theatre in San Leandro. 

     For the third year, the Davis Street Family Resource Center’s annual “Stand Up For Davis Street” comedy benefit was a huge success. Not only did it raise awareness to the wonderful work the center does for it's community, but they managed to raise $60,000 in the process.

     To learn more about the center and the wonderful work they do, click here.

     Davis Street’s Executive Director, Rose Padilla Johnson along with Michelle Musgrove did a stupendous job at making the evening a huge success. From the planning stages, to the decoration of the theater, to the VIP reception, and everywhere in between, they worked tirelessly to put together a top notch event full of laughter and entertainment.

     Brian Copeland, a long time supporter of the center, headed the all-star ensemble of comedians as the evenings host. One by one, each comedian provided a set of hilarious jokes. “It was like a comedy boxing match”, said Todd G. of Fremont, “ a left hook of side splitting jokes here, a right hook there, and then another one stepped into the ring for more shots. I loved it!” The lineup itself was incredible, Joe Klocek, Johnny Steele, Will Durst, Laurie Kilmartin. Bob Sarlatte, Mark Pitta, and Tom Rhodes. Copeland hit the nail on the head when he stated that this was the best comedy show ever put on in the East Bay, as it truly was a comedy showcase.

     Anyone would call a night with that comedy lineup a success and go home happy, but this show loves to go above and beyond expectations by featuring a secret superstar guest to bring it all home. Last year, the crowd went wild when George Lopez took the stage, so the buzz of anticipation surrounding who this year's guest was went through the roof. Brian Copeland introduced the star as a Saturday Night Live Alumni who's catch phrase was “isn't that special”. That was enough clue for the crowd to stand up and raise a roar so loud that you weren't even able to hear Copeland conclude, “ladies and gentleman, please welcome Dana Carvey!”

     For close to an hour, Dana had everyone in the theater rolling in laughter. His George Bush (daddy and son), Schwarzenegger, and countless other impressions brought back the SNL memories. Miley Cyrus was not immune to the Church Lady's hilarious wrath, and his jokes about Indian Cardiologists made your heart skip a comedic beat. What an absolute treat the evening was!

     If you have yet to attend one of these benefits, you must make it a point to be there at next year's event. Stand Up for Davis Street is truly the East Bay's best comedy show of the year. And you know Golden Bay Magazine will let you know when it will be happening. But do remember the reason behind it is to raise money for an amazing institution who needs constant support to do what they do. If you're into giving to charities or volunteering your time, this is one of the most deserved local places for you to consider. Please visit their website, check out everything they do, and help them out whenever possible.

     I can't end this review without mentioning the great venue this event has been held in. The Historic Bal Theatre, owned by Dan Dillman, is a multi-event venue that is helping put downtown San Leandro back on the entertainment map. Check out their calender here, and go check them out soon.

     Lastly, a special thanks to Michelle Musgrove for giving me the opportunity to attend and review this incredible show and promote the foundation. Already looking forward to next year, cheers!

Rating = 5 out of 5 Golden Bridges

Theatre Review - Noises Off

Theatre Review

Noises Off 

Curtain Call Theatre - San Leandro, CA

Reviewed By = Mauricio Segura

     Head on out this weekend and enjoy a great performance of the hilarious British comedy, "Noises Off."

     New York critics have called it “The funniest farce ever written!” and that my friends, is an understatement! From the time the phone rings in the first ten seconds all the way to the final curtain call, you will be holding your belly with non-stop hysterical laughter.

     This crack up comedy follows the on and off stage antics of a problem plagued theater company from the blundering dress rehearsal to the catastrophic closing performance. Seen from both the front and back of the stage, you’ll witness each side splitting incident which makes “Noises Off” the best date night outing you'll have all year!

     Director Erik Scanlon did a splendid job of putting this show within a show together. Each actor's theatrical chemistry is evident as they obviously work well off each other to deliver such an entertaining performance. It is difficult to name any standouts as they all did such a wonderful job. However, Josh Milbourne (as Garry LaJune) did an outstanding job of channeling his inner "John Ritter" (Ritter played LaJune in the movie version), in both line delivery and physical humor. And by the way, for those keeping score at home, yes, as unintentional as it was, this is the second Curtain Call review in a row where I mention John Ritter.

     This is Curtain Call's last performance of the season, and what a way to end it. Make it a point to check out Noises Off. You’ll never again see or think of sardines the same way again!

Rating = 3 1/2 out of 5 Golden Bridges

Title = Noises Off
Genre = Comedic Play

Theater/City = Curtain Call Performing Arts

                           999 E. 14th Street
                           San Leandro, CA

Contact Phone = (510) 909-9516

Production Dates = Now through October 13 

Ticket Prices = $10 - $25 

Click Here For More Info & Tickets - - - > http://www.curtaincallperformingarts.org/

Theatre Review - The Woman in Black

Theatre Review

The Woman in Black 

Douglas Morrison Theatre - Hayward, CA

Reviewed By = Moe

     If I were to ask you, do you think three actors (one of which has no lines), alone on a stage, can put on an entire play about a ghost story and still be able to pull off a fully executed spine tingling array of horrifying madness? Of course not! You would need a slew of actors, great sets, special effects, and an amazing script! At least that's what logic tells you, right? Well, there are exceptions to logic, and The Woman in Black, playing right now at the Douglas Morrison Theatre takes that logic and turns it inside out.

     Arthur Kipps (C. Conrad Cady) has an unusual and rather disturbing story to tell. He's written a manuscript in the hopes of reading it to his family and friends, and has hired an actor (Mark Frazier) to teach him how to most effectively deliver it to his audience. Bored and annoyed at Kipps failed attempts to capture and keep his audience's attention, the actor has them act out the parts and re-live the story on stage for maximum effect.

     Years earlier, Kipps, a junior solicitor, was sent to the small market town of Crythin Gifford. His client, Alice Drablow had just passed away and its his responsibility to secure and itemize all of the legal papers found in her home. But something is amiss from the second he stepped off the train in this strange little town. His contact person offered little help, and the townspeople he encountered  once realizing why he was there, began acting strangely nervous and distant. It wasn't until his journey to the Eel Marsh House, a home situated at the end of a fog filled marsh accessible only during low tide, that he finally discovered the true and horrifying secrets of the home and the ghostly apparition known as the woman in black.

     Both Cady and Frazier are phenomenal in their roles. Frazier takes over as Kipps and does a splendid job narrating the story. His stage persona, charismatic looks, and line delivery give him a command over the audience that is truly captivating. Cady has an outstanding ability of character interpretation, as he plays an array of them throughout, flawlessly changing voices and accents to create an entirely new character right before your eyes. And the amazing part is you believe and accept each change wholeheartedly. Both actors also do an outstanding job in creating imagery within the props allowing the audience to easily imagine (among countless examples), a trunk transformed into a a train traveling through the English country side in one scene, to a pony and trap in another. Oh, and you'll never forget the adorable, yet invisible dog spider, who just loves playing fetch. I must also mention Cynthia Lagodzinski's portrayal of the Woman in Black. She has no lines, yet her ghostly appearances and calculated movements are sure to raise your heartbeat up a few notches each time she materializes on to the stage.

     Not only do the actors pull this tale off, but they are helped with amazing lighting and sound effects, including some well built backdrops only visible when the need arises. Director Marilyn Langbehn, Artistic Director Susan E. Evans, and Technical Director/Prop Master Tom R. Earlywine each deserve at least a standing ovation for the way they put all of this together in such an enthralling fashion.

     Needless to say, I have to mark The Woman in Black, a Must See Production. It has all the intrigue, suspense, and scare factor rolled together tightly for an exceptional live theater experience. Check it out soon! 

Rating = 4 1/2 out of 5 Golden Bridges

Title = The Woman in Black
Genre = Dramatic Play

Theater/City = Douglass Morrison Theatre

                           22311 N. Third Street
                           Hayward, CA

Contact Phone = (510) 881-6777

Production Dates = Now through September 29 

Ticket Prices = $21 - $29 

Click Here For More Info & Tickets - - - > http://gbm-theatres.info/morrisson.htm

Theatre Review - Anything Goes

Theatre Review

Anything Goes 

Curtain Call Theatre - San Leandro, CA

Reviewed By = Mauricio Segura

     Pack your bags and join Curtain Call Performing Arts in San Leandro, as they take you on a fun and laughter filled cruise aboard the S.S. American in their latest musical, Anything Goes. With the music and lyrics written by the legendary Cole Porter, paired together with an amazingly talented cast, you'll be swooning, tapping your feet, humming along and clutching your stomach due to relentless laughter.

     The entire hilariousness takes place on a cross-Atlantic cruise where you'll follow the antics of larger than life characters like Reno Sweeny, an ex-evangelist turned night club singer, who along with her entourage of “Angelic” back up singers will hit high notes (both musically and comedic) all evening long. American Heiress Hope Harcourt, her rather clueless fiance Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, and Hope's mother Mrs. Wadsworth T. Harcourt take the upper class up an endearingly funny notch. Elisha J. Whitney, a drunk and pompous Wall Street broker, and his on again off-again (mostly off) assitant Billy Crocker, who's love for Hope takes him to the wildest extremes of courting. Moonface Martin (aka Public Enemy Number 13 ), a more brilliant criminal in his own mind, and his trusty sidekick Bonnie's hijinks make for the best cruise you're going to take this year!

     No one performer runs away with the production as is sometimes the case. Each plays their parts to sheer perfection. Flawless line delivery, dancing, and singing throughout makes Anything Goes a pleasure to watch. Ivan Harding as Billy Crocker is astounding. He's charismatic, has a great voice, and a unique style of comedic body language reminiscent of the late great John Ritter. Greg Lynch as high class Brit Evelyn is sure to bring laughter every time he opens his mouth! His accent and line delivery is so smooth you forget the guy is acting the part. And speaking of accents, both Scott Alexander Ayers (Moonface) and Hanna Schultheis-Gerry's command of the hard Brooklyn way of talking alone is mind-blowingly funny. Special kudos to the band for their musical interpretation that would make Cole Porter himself tip his Fedora.

     The only thing that took away points from the performance is the acoustics of the theater. It's a relatively small theater, but I still believe the actors should be mic'd. Not that it was a regular occurrence, but there were instances where some lyrics were lost because of weak singing. Not bad singing, just weak in the way that they weren't loud enough to project above the music. This of coarse might be due to where you sit. A person sitting in dead center might be able to hear everything perfectly, while a person in the corner might miss a little from time to time. But again, microphones would solve this little problem, and improve the experience.

     All in all, Anything Goes is a splendid show that I highly recommend. San Leandro itself is beginning to boom in the entertainment department, and Curtain Call Performing Arts is one of those leading the pack. So do yourself a favor, get on out and watch a performance of Anything Goes. Bon Voyage! 

Rating = 4 out of 5 Golden Bridges

Title = Anything Goes
Genre = Musical

Theater/City = California Conservatory Theatre 

                           999 E. 14^th Street, San Leandro, CA 

Contact Phone = (510) 969-7735

Production Dates = Now through August 25, 2013 

Ticket Prices = $22 - $25 

Click Here For More Info & Tickets - - - > http://www.curtaincallperformingarts.org/

Theatre Review - Singing in the Rain

Theatre Review

Singing in the Rain 

Dean Lesher Center - Walnut Creek, CA

Reviewed By = Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

     It is not easy to produce a musical like Singin’ in the Rain. Based on the 1952 American film, starring the great dancing legend Gene Kelly, considered one of the greatest MGM musicals of all-time. His iconic great Singin’ In the Rain number, is still one of the greatest scenes in the history of film making. This toe-tapping dancing musical is playing now through March 2, at the Lesher Center for the Arts at the Hoffman Theater in Walnut Creek, presented by The Diablo Theater Company.

     I truly enjoyed this presentation. Extremely entertaining for the whole family, a great theater experience. The tap- dancing numbers are a real treat and something from another era, which still requires great amount of talent, with rhythmic live music for all to enjoy.

     A troupe of 33 dancers and singers, are put to the test in a very nice facility, but considering it is not a large stage, they do as well as can be expected, while keeping a fast pace with a journey to the time when movies were changing from silent to “talkies”.

     In 1926 Don Juan was the first motion picture to feature a synchronized sound system. One year later The Jazz Singer, with the great Al Jolson, produced by Warner Brothers, with Vitaphone sound, put audio into movies to stay.

     Of the 25 motion pictures in the American Film Institute list of great movie musicals, the majority started as Broadway shows, and then moved to the screen. However, Singin’ n the Rain is the exception, as it originated at MGM studios, at the very start of what would make these studios the most famous for big production musicals.

     Dyan McBride Directs Singin’ in the Rain, featuring  some of the most famous songs including, “Good Morning”, “Moses Supposes”, (a real tongue-twister)”, Make them Laugh” and “Singin’ in the Rain”.

     At the beginning of the sound synchronized movies Don Lockwood, a big silent movie star, needs to make the transition, or could be extinct from the movie business. This could represent the end to Monumental Pictures. Lockwood is played by Ken Pinto, who does an excellent job, handling the theme song, with an umbrella and under the rain, while singing and dancing. Don's popularity is tied to his leading lady, Lina Lamont, with a voice “not suited” for sound pictures. Young Cosmo is played by Nathan Corell, who really impressed me with his versatility and overall talent. Both Lockwood and Cosmos find another voice for Lamont, played with distinction by Mary Kalita. Lina Lamont could not sing, so they find Kathy Selden to sing for her. All that Lina Lamont has to do, is move her lips, on the songs that are really being sung by Selden, played by Melissa WolfKlain.

     An excellent twelve piece orchestra directed by Cheryl Yee Glass, brings the whole night alive. A real delight with costumes of that period, well casted with well built dancers and a good ensemble makes Singin’ in the Rain very much fun.

     I give Singin’ in the Rain four Golden Bridges, out of a total of five.

     For more information and tickets, visit www.diablotheater.org. Singin in the Rain’ ends on March 2, 2013. Easy access from any part of the Bay Area in downtown Walnut Creek, just off the 680 freeway exit South Main Street. Go and enjoy it, take the whole family, it is a treat!

Rating = 4 out of 5 Golden Bridges

Title = Singing in the Rain
Genre = Musical

Theater/City = Diablo Theatre Company

                           1601 Civic Drive,

                           Walnut Creek, Ca

Contact Phone = (925) 295-1400

Production Dates = Now through March 2, 2013

Ticket Prices = $49 

Click Here For More Info & Tickets - - - > http://diablotheatre.org/blog/singin-in-the-rain