Present Laughter at Novato Theater Company is like a perfectly shaken martini—crisp, a little extravagant, and guaranteed to make you smile. Directed by Carl Jordan, this Noël Coward classic starts out fairly tame, with Garry Essendine (David Abrams) in a romantic entanglement with the starry-eyed Daphne Stillington (Tina Traboulsi). But don’t let the slow burn fool you. Before long, people are popping out of doors like toast from a five-slot toaster, each bringing more absurdity and hilarity than the last. You don’t just watch the comedy build—you feel it, like waiting for the next slam or quirky entrance, and boy, do they deliver.

David Abrams is pitch-perfect as Garry, a vain matinee idol whose life is more dramatic than anything onstage. He pouts, he preens, he charms—and he somehow manages to keep his composure as the chaos around him spirals. Tina Traboulsi plays Daphne with bubbly, wide-eyed mischief, and Thomas Peterson’s Roland Maule is a delightfully oddball wildcard, the kind of guy who makes you laugh just by standing there looking like he’s thinking too hard. Heather Shepardson’s Monica Reed slices through the madness with razor-sharp wit, Kevin Allen’s Morris Dixon rolls his eyes in all the right places, and Shirley Nilsen Hall brings just the right dose of deadpan as Miss Erikson. Honestly, though, the whole cast shines. There’s not a weak link in the bunch—they’re like a comedic relay team, and nobody drops the baton.

Photo Credit: Jere Torkelsen

Carl Jordan keeps the action moving at a brisk clip, orchestrating Coward’s rapid-fire dialogue and physical comedy with precision. The set—five doors that see more traffic than a 24-hour diner—is practically a character in itself, and the costumes add a dash of glamour to the chaos. As the action crescendos, the audience can’t help but revel in the brilliance of every slam, twist, and turn.

Present Laughter isn’t just a comedy—it’s a full-blown riot of laughter, charm, and theatrical magic. Grab a seat, hold on tight, and prepare for a night you’ll be grinning about long after the doors finally stop slamming.

Hershey Felder delivers a captivating performance in Rachmaninoff and the Tsar, blending history, music, and theater into a unique experience that’s both moving and thought-provoking. As someone who’s followed Felder’s career from afar, I was excited to finally see him live—and he did not disappoint.

This production, which marks the final installment in Felder’s composer series, takes us on a journey through the life and music of Sergei Rachmaninoff, intertwining his most beloved compositions with an imagined encounter between the composer and Tsar Nicholas II. British-Italian actor Jonathan Silvestri plays the Tsar, adding a compelling dynamic to the performance. The interaction between Felder and Silvestri creates a powerful emotional core that holds the audience spellbound.

Felder’s piano playing is, as advertised, extraordinary. He doesn’t just play the piano—he brings the music to life. His performance of Prelude in C-Sharp Minor and Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini resonates deeply, capturing the longing and melancholy that are central to Rachmaninoff’s story. Watching Felder, you’re reminded of the power of music to express what words often cannot.

The production values are top-notch. Erik S. Barry’s lighting design and Stefano Decarli’s projections transport the audience from modern-day Silicon Valley to the grandeur of Imperial Russia. The costumes and wigs by Marysol Gabriel and Judi Lewin add authenticity to the period setting. Every detail has been thoughtfully executed to enhance the storytelling.

One of the things I always notice in a great production is the sound of the audience—or the lack of it. In this case, there was none. No rustling, no coughing, no shifting in seats. The audience was rapt, fully immersed in the story unfolding on stage. That’s the mark of a performance that truly connects.

After the curtain call, Felder stayed for a Q&A session with the audience. It’s a rare opportunity to hear directly from a performer about their creative process, and Felder’s warmth and openness made it feel personal and engaging. It added another layer to an already memorable evening.

Make Your Holidays Sparkle
Bring some holiday magic into your life with tickets to Winter Wonderettes! Whether planning a festive night out with friends or a family treat to kickstart the season, getting your tickets is as easy as decking the halls.

Visit WinterWonderettes to reserve your seats today, or call the cheerful box office team at (415) 499-4488 for all the details. Don’t wait—performances run through the holiday season, and this sparkling show is sure to fill your heart with joy and your season with cheer. Let the Winter Wonderettes help make your holidays celebratory and fun!

Tickets are selling fast — act quickly! Reserve your seats now at Marin Theatre’s website or call their box office at (415) 388-5200 for Marin performances. For Sebastiani Theatre performances, visit Sebastiani Theatre’s website or call (707) 996-9756. This is the holiday treat be sure to see and enjoy!

Here’s the plot in a nutshell: Meg is the reliable older sister who dreams of settling down, Jo is a literary firecracker trying to take on the world with her pen, Beth is the kind soul who’ll make you cry just by smiling, and Amy is the youngest sibling whose life goals include traveling to Europe, making art, and always getting her way. Add in Marmee, their wise and warm mother, and you’ve got a recipe for a story brimming with humor, heart, and just enough drama to keep things spicy.

Sandra Ish, making her directorial debut with Sonoma Arts Live, has taken this timeless tale and whipped it into a smart, snappy production that never drags. Ish’s direction balances laugh-out-loud moments with scenes that’ll have you clutching your seatmate for emotional support (and maybe their popcorn too).

The cast is a powerhouse ensemble. Lauren Hartley’s Jo is the kind of hero who can melt your heart while defiantly stomping on every societal rule. Hannah Passanisi as Meg exudes classic elegance, while Joanna Lynn Bert’s Beth will quietly steal your heart. Emma Sutherland’s Amy? A scene-stealing tour de force of sass and ambition—she’s the sibling who always gets the best lines and knows it.

Photo Credit: Katie Kelley

The supporting cast keeps things lively. Nathaniel Mercier’s Laurie is boy-next-door perfection, and Daniela Innocenti Beem’s Marmee anchors the show with a calm, nurturing presence. The rest of the ensemble delivers memorable moments that add depth and humor, from grumpy grandpas to sharp-tongued aunts.

And the music! Oh, the music. The songs range from tear-jerking ballads to toe-tapping ensemble numbers, each one perfectly crafted to tug at your heartstrings or make you grin like you just won the lottery.

The Rotary Stage in Andrews Hall is an ideal venue, drawing you right into the March family’s world. With holiday treats and hot cider on opening night, it’s the kind of experience that makes you want to hug everyone on your way out.

Sonoma Arts Live’s Little Women the Musical is heartfelt, hilarious, and wholly uplifting. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the March sisters or a newcomer to their story, this production will leave you feeling warm, fuzzy, and maybe even inspired to break into song about your own holiday plans. Get your tickets at sonomaartslive—trust me, you don’t want to miss this one!

If pies could tell stories, the world of Waitress would be a delightful tapestry of charm, heart, and humor—each slice revealing a tale of resilience, love, and laughter. At San Francisco Playhouse, this production serves up those stories with warmth and flair, offering a mix of wit, poignancy, and Sara Bareilles’ captivating music. Directed by Susi Damilano, the show is a feast of humor, heartbreak, and hope, baked to perfection. It’s fun, thoughtful, and just a bit bawdy—like a good night at the diner, with plenty of sass on the side.

Jenna: The Picasso of Pies
Jenna, played with extraordinary depth by Ruby Day, isn’t just a waitress—she’s an artist in the kitchen. Each day’s events filter through her emotions and emerge as one of Today’s Pies. A bitter fight becomes “Burnt Bridge Blackberry,” a spark of hope turns into “Second Chances Strawberry.” Jenna’s pies aren’t just desserts; they’re edible diary entries—part Picasso, part Betty Crocker. Ruby Day captures Jenna’s quiet strength and vulnerability, making her journey utterly compelling.

A Cast Full of Flavor
The cast brings Jenna’s world to life with remarkable energy and heart:

• Ruby Day (Jenna) embodies her character with grace, humor, and heartfelt emotion, anchoring the story with a powerful performance.
• Tanika Baptiste (Becky) is brash and bold, delivering hilarious one-liners while showing glimpses of deep loyalty and wisdom.
• Sharon Shao (Dawn) is charmingly quirky, bringing a lovable awkwardness that makes her scenes a joy to watch.
• Zeke Edmonds (Dr. Pomatter) finds the perfect balance of humor and humanity as the charmingly awkward doctor with a heart of gold.
• Michael Parrott (Ogie) is the comedic highlight, turning “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me” into an unforgettable show-stopper.
• Louis Parnell (Joe) adds gravitas and warmth as the diner owner, whose gruff exterior hides surprising depth.

Even the ensemble shines, rounding out a cast that feels as real and relatable as the characters they portray.

Photo Credit: Jessica Palopoli

Songs That Stir the Soul
Sara Bareilles’ music is the beating heart of Waitress, offering songs that range from gut-wrenching ballads to toe-tapping anthems. Here’s the full list of musical numbers:Act 1:

• “What’s Inside” – Jenna and Company
• “Opening Up” – Jenna, Becky, Dawn, Cal, and Company
• “The Negative” – Becky, Dawn, and Jenna
• “What Baking Can Do” – Jenna and Company
• “Club Knocked Up” – Nurse Norma and Pregnant Patients
• “Pomatter Pie” – Band
• “When He Sees Me” – Dawn and Company
• “It Only Takes a Taste” – Dr. Pomatter and Jenna
• “You Will Still Be Mine” – Earl and Jenna
• “A Soft Place to Land” – Jenna, Becky, and Dawn
• “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me” – Ogie, Dawn, and Company
• “Bad Idea” – Jenna, Dr. Pomatter, and Company

Act 2:

• “I Didn’t Plan It” – Becky
• “Bad Idea (Reprise)” – Jenna, Dr. Pomatter, Becky, Cal, Dawn, and Ogie
• “You Matter to Me” – Dr. Pomatter and Jenna
• “I Love You Like a Table” – Ogie, Dawn, and Company
• “Take It from an Old Man” – Joe and Company
• “Dear Baby” – Jenna
• “She Used to Be Mine” – Jenna
• “Contraction Ballet” – Jenna and Company
• “Everything Changes” – Jenna, Becky, Dawn, and Company
• “Opening Up (Finale)” – Company

From the emotional ballad “She Used to Be Mine” to the upbeat “Opening Up” and the quirky “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me”, the score blends humor and heart with Bareilles’ signature warmth, leaving the audience humming as they head home.The World of the Diner
Jackie Scott’s set design transforms the stage into a cozy, nostalgic diner, making it feel like a character in its own right. Kathleen Qiu’s costumes bring authenticity and flair, while Michael Palumbo’s lighting design creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Nicole Helfer’s choreography adds movement and energy, keeping the pace lively and engaging.A Must-See Treat
Waitress is more than a musical; it’s a reminder that life’s messiness can be turned into something beautiful and meaningful. It’s funny, touching, and full of heart, with a cast and creative team that clearly love the material as much as the audience does.Performances run through January 18, 2025, at San Francisco Playhouse (450 Post Street, San Francisco). Tickets are $35-$135. Visit sfplayhouse.org or call 415-677-9596 for tickets.