The Truth and Nothing but the Truth

Photo by Nicole Abalde - https://flic.kr/p/e84Mtf

The Truth and Nothing but the Truth

By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

Q:The Oakland Athletics have not been able to leave the old decrepit Oakland Coliseum, because?  
A: The San Francisco Giants.

     Above is absolutely correct, it is not Commissioner's Bud Selig's fault, it is the ownership of the San Francisco Giants, who by the way, got the San José/South Bay territory for free in the early 1990's from?  A: The Oakland Athletics.

     Yes, we all remember the Giants were leaving San Francisco, they were dying at The Stick. I was at The Stick one night when Bud Herseth visited as he was a potential owner and was going to move the Giants to Denver.

     The Oakland A'S were winning pennants and drawing over 2 million people a year, something that the Giants had never done at Candlestick Park.

     Now, the Giants play in a beautiful park, and their management is laughing at the Oakland A'S as they are "trapped"and held "hostage"from leaving Oakland, a city that is basically bankrupt and with lots of problems inside and outside City Hall.

     Nobody will tell you, and nobody would dare write this, but the Truth and Nothing But The Truth is that the Giants WOULD LOVE NOTHING MORE THAN TO BE THE ONLY MAJOR LEAGUE TEAM IN THE BAY AREA.

     The Giants want to be the only team here in the fifth largest media market in the United States of America. Latest Census in 2010 showed over 6 million people between the three most populated cities: 1-San José, over 1 million people, 2-San Francisco, 750,000 and 3-Oakland over 450,000. Those three with the other communities in the nine-county Bay Area comes to over 6 million people.

     Is this because of greed? You could say that. The Bay Area is an affluent market, real estate property, is as high as just about anyplace in this country. San José is one of the richest areas per capita in the country; it is the Silicon Valley, headquarters to some of the world's leading technology companies. The Bay Area economy and to a great extent the US economy is energized by the high tech industry in the South Bay, we all know that.

     What happens if Giants head honcho, Larry Baer becomes the next baseball Commissioner?  There is a more than 50-50 chance, I would say. Then, I would say the chances of the A'S dying in Oakland are very high and they(A'S) would probably have to sell to other owners in order to try to survive in Oakland. Wolff and Fisher would not build a new park in Oakland. I remind everybody these owners make money with the current Athletics, there is no need to feel "sorry"for them.

     Even with two Divisional Titles in a row and a great start to this 2014 season, the Oakland A'S are still at the bottom of the attendance chart in the American League, with only Tampa Bay(another terrible park)and Cleveland(a city that has suffered great unemployment and fallen into hard times)below the A'S at the box office.

Q: When is this going to end? 
A: When the Giants, who control this situation, want it to end. It is as simple as that.

     Nobody should tell you this is Bud Selig's problem, Selig has no problems, Major League Baseball revenues, mainly because of Television, not radio or print or internet media, are going through the roof; and like it or not, this bonanza has come under Bud Selig's reign as Commissioner. Bud Selig has made lots of money for the owners, and basically that is the #1 accomplishment of this Commissioner, not Interleague play or the new "review"of plays. So when somebody asks you.  What is going to happen with the A'S and their plans of moving to San José?  The right answer for you to give is very simple and it is only 4 words.When the Giants want.

     The Giants hold all the cards here, not Bud Selig, not the Mayors of San Francisco or Oakland, or the fans.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez has been the spanish play by play voice of the Oakland Athletics since 1978. He and color commentator Manolo Hernandez Douen can be heard broadcasting games during the 2014 season on KIQI 1010 am.

Theatre Review - I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change

Theatre Review

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change 

Village Theatre - Danville, CA

Reviewed By = Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

     The Tri-Valley Repertory Theater has scored a hit, with this play at the Village Theater, in Danville, until March 16.

     This is a wonderful musical review of the play which originally opened at the West Side Theater, (off Broadway) New York City, on August 6, 1966. It has been produced in over 400 cities worldwide, including Tel Aviv, Budapest and Hong Kong.

     The talented cast consists of three men and three women, Morgan Breedveld, Amy Lucido and Paula Gianetti, and David Irving, Min Kahng, and Alexander Orenberg. Christina Lazo is Director of Choreography and Joe Simiele is Music Director. The play is produced by Kathleen Breedveld, the mother of Morgan. Dialogue and song go hand and hand in this entertaining musical at the historic Village Theater in Danville, which on November 13, 2013 celebrated its 100th anniversary.

     Consisting of two acts, Act 1 with eleven scenes and Act 2, with 9 scenes, is an adult play about men and women relationships, from single to married couples. Truly enjoyable, with my favorite scene being, scene four of act 2 "On The Highway of Love", but you can pick your favorite, all very funny and some very touching, deals with the reality of life and relationships.

     Because of the adult nature, it is not recommended for children and/or preteens, but strongly recommend for everybody else (17+). Easy access from highway 680, in the heart of downtown Danville. Danville offers a bevy of restaurants, and interesting shops, which makes this the perfect one day outing, (and to keep with the theme), date night for people living here in the Bay Area.

     Friday and Saturday 8pm and Sunday at 2pm. Fun, fun, fun, for everybody that likes music with a little bit of spice. For tickets call (925) 373-6800.

Rating = 4 out of 5 Golden Bridges

Title = I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
Genre = Musical

Theater/City = Village Theatre / 233 Front Street, Danville, CA

Contact Phone = 925-314-3463

Production Dates = Now through March 16, 2014

Prices = $30 

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

Theatre Review - Last of the Red Hot Lovers

Theatre Review

Last of the Red Hot Lovers 

Broadway West - Fremont, CA

Reviewed By = Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

     This popular Neil Simon comedy is now playing through February 15 at the Broadway West Theater in Fremont.

     A hilarious two act play. New York City restaurant owner Barney Cashman uses his mother's apartment to seduce three different women. Barney is deep into a mid-life crisis and tired of the same routine with his wife of 27 years. A good loyal husband and provider runs into three different types of women in succession.

     Brian Cushman is played by Alan Pérez. A hard working decent conservative man who seems to wear suits for most of his life. The first woman, also married and looking for an affair is Elaine Navazio who is willing and able, and is played by Ambera DeLash.

Then comes Bobbi Michele a paranoid single Los Angeles actress who was living the 60's experience to the hilt, played by Jenni Gebhardt and then the third women. Jeannete Fisher, married and who works at Barney's restaurant, she is a very unhappy wife, played by Elizabeth Lowe.

     Directed by Mary Galde, this play is a good time filled with hilarious lines, a real classic by the great Neil Simon, heavy in dialogue, these well rehearsed actors, execute it well, with great timing and stage presence.

     I truly enjoyed it, as the rest of the audience in this historical building right on the "Five Corners" in the Irvington District of Fremont.

     Performance times are 8 pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. There are three Sunday matinees. Tickets are $25 general $20 for students and seniors. Check the website for special ticket prices and packages.

**This play is not appropriate for children**

     Broadway West Theater is located at 4000-B Street in Fremont, easy to find, and there is a coffee/cafe downstairs. The red brick building right on the corner of Fremont - Washington Blvds. Seating is usually 15 minutes before performance time. Parking in the back of the building is free.

     This is the 18th season for the Broadway West Theater Company. This 2014 season got started with The Last of the Red Hot Lovers. This March another Tony Award- winning comedy Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. May will bring the mystery-drama The Children's Hour. 

Rating = 4 out of 5 Golden Bridges

Title = Last of the Red Hot Lovers

Genre = Play

Theater/City = Broadway West Theatre / 4000-B Bay Street, Fremont, CA

Contact Phone = 510-683-9218

Production Dates = Now through February 15, 2014

Prices = $25 general / $20 Students 

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

Theatre Review - The Drowsy Chaperone

Theatre Review

The Drowsy Chaperone 

Bankhead Theatre - Livermore, CA

Reviewed By = Mauricio Segura

     What can I possibly say about Tri-Valley Rep's production of The Drowsy Chaperone? It's got a crazy and cheesy storyline, the lyrics are terrible, and its full of over the top acting, however... It's the best, funniest, and most entertaining musical I have seen in years! I, along with the entire audience, did not stop laughing from beginning to end! Yes its cheesy, yes the lyrics are crazy, and yes the acting is over the top, but it all works in such brilliant harmony that one can't help but be consumed in this circus of comedic audacity.

     This winner of five well deserved Tony Awards including Best Musical of 2006, takes place in the living room of an agoraphobic Broadway fanatic known simply as The Man in the Chair. He's feeling nostalgic and has a case of the blues, so he decides to take out and play the record of his favorite musical, The Drowsy Chaperone. He narrates throughout, as the entire musical comes to life through his imagination.

     Janet van de Graffe is a Broadway star set to be married to oil tycoon Robert Martin and leave her celebrity life behind. No one in her professional world wants her to marry and quit show business, especially the show producer Feldzieg, who's got two mafia “bakery” goons threatening him at every turn if she leaves his money making Broadway hit. Throw in mistaken identities, dream sequences, spit takes, tap dancing, hula hoops, airplanes, a hilarious Latin lover named Aldolpho, and a tipsy Broadway diva serving as the chaperone, and you get an hour and forty-five minute tsunami of sidesplitting pandemonium.

     Ron Lytle who plays the man in the chair does an amazing job at grabbing the audiences attention from the very beginning. He plays a character very reminiscent to a middle aged version of Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory, only more entertaining, funnier, and flamboyant. The way he interacts with the audience, his mannerisms, delivery of lines, and overall delightful persona, makes him instantly likable. He's a finely tuned comedic prowess and the runaway star of the show!

     Catherine Williamson (Janet van de Graffe) went above and beyond my expectations. Read my interview with her in our January issue (http://gbmmonthly.us/jan_14_cover.htm). Aside from having one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard, she's an equally entertaining actress and dancer. The numerous physical exertions of her part as Janet throughout the performance, all the while still hitting perfectly pitched high notes with a smile on her face, defines what a truly talented and dedicated actress should aspire to be. This young woman, like the character she portrays, is a star!

     The gangsters, Justin Isla and Daniel Quesada are fun to watch. Major kudos for almost perfecting the Bronxonian accent! Alexis Rogers as the Drowsy Chaperone has an amazing voice and great in bringing out the diva of her character. Marty Newton (George) and Ryan Cowles' (Robert Martin) tap dancing number is stupendous! Belinda Maloney as Mrs. Tottendale and Scott Maraj as Underling in the Ice water bit is magical! The rest of the cast and ensemble are all equally entertaining.

     And then there is Aldolpho! Played marvelously by Alex Orenberg. This character of a Latin Lover is the personification of all the Hollywood stereotypical lovers, good and bad (mostly bad), mixed into one final mold with strawberry and meatball sauce (Don't ask, I have no idea what that means either, but once you see the performance you will agree there is no other way to describe it), which becomes Aldolpho! His ego leaves little room for the rest of his brain to function, so he compensates in other ways. An unforgettable character in any show, but makes a huge hilarious dent in this one.

     In all, it's a win win with the Drowsy Chaperone. The sets and costumes are great, the choreography and music will have you enthralled, and the talent on stage is delectable. Head on out this weekend and check it out. It's this winters must see production! 

Rating = 4 out of 5 Golden Bridges

Title = The Drowsy Chaperone

Genre = Musical

Theater/City = Bankhead Theater / 2400 First Street, Livermore, CA

Contact Phone = (925)-373-6800

Production Dates = Now through February 1, 2014 

Ticket Prices = $38 

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