Theatre Rhinoceros’ 41st Season, A Journey of Excitement!
GLAAD Media Award Winner
For our 41st season as the longest-running LGBT anywhere, Theatre Rhinoceros presented three musicals, two new works, and a Broadway thriller as we took you on a journey of hope and excitement.
Tickets for Individual Performances were available approximately 4 weeks before each production
Masterpiece
Free Event!
Staged Reading!!
Masterpiece
A New Play
By John Fisher
Tuesday, August 28th at 7 pm
Sparks Art Gallery
4229 18th Street, San Francisco
(Between Diamond and Collingwood Streets) Map It
Remember the trial of the homophobic baker?
So do we.
Every word.
Masterpiece Loved by a Sister!
Remember the trial of the homophobic baker at Masterpiece Cakeshop? Well, John Fisher, director and playwright of THEATRE RHINOCEROS, has written an amazingly authentic account in his latest brilliant play, MASTERPIECE. I was fortunate to attend a one-time stage reading at Spark Arts in the Castro on August 28. Four long tables were attached where the actors could read their parts. Opposite them was the audience, the court of public opinion. The prologue depicted the scene where the gay couple tried to order a wedding cake but was refused “for religious reasons” and later took the case to the Supreme Court. Fisher has quoted from the official Supreme Court transcripts (with a little necessary humor injected) as each actor has now become a judge. Following the disappointing verdict given to the cake maker, in the epilogue, Fisher ends with a surprise trans twist. He told me he doubted the play would ever be staged, and I begged him to mount this “masterpiece.”
Sister Dana Van Iquity, SF Bay TimesFree Event! Staged Reading!!
The Pied Pipers of the Lower East Side
By Derek Ahonen
Directed by Alan Quismorio
Tuesday, September 4 at 7 pm
Sparks Art Gallery
4229 18th Street, San Francisco
(Between Diamond and Collingwood Streets) Map It
Dead & Breathing
by Chisa Hutchinson
Directed by AeJay Mitchell
September 6 – 22nd
The Gateway Theatre (formerly Eureka)
215 Jackson St Map It
Cranky old Carolyn Whitlock has been in hospice for far too long and just wants to die already. But she’ll have to work harder than she ever has in her privileged life to convince her oversharing and very Christian nurse, Veronika, to help her end it.
Then Veronika reveals something about herself that has Carolyn thinking that Veronika may not be the right person to send her on her way.
Promotional Video
From the Critics
Lively sparring match over the right to die in Theatre Rhino’s ‘Dead and Breathing’
“The two actors deliver memorable and shocking performances –
we laugh, we wonder, we ponder…”
Banners and Postcards
Publicity Photos
Pictured L to R: Shirley Smallwood as Carolyn and Cece Suazo as Veronika in Chisa Hutchinson’s DEAD AND BREATHING, Directed by AeJay Mitchell; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Gateway Theatre. Photo by Steven Ho.
Pictured L to R: Shirley Smallwood as Carolyn and Cece Suazo as Veronika in Chisa Hutchinson’s DEAD AND BREATHING, Directed by AeJay Mitchell; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Gateway Theatre. Photo by Steven Ho.
Pictured (L – R): Shirley Smallwood as Carolyn and Cece Suazo as Veronika in Chisa Hutchinson’s DEAD AND BREATHING, Directed by AeJay Mitchell; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Gateway Theatre. Photo by Steven Ho.
Pictured L to R: Cece Suazo as Veronika and Shirley Smallwood as Carolyn in Chisa Hutchinson’s DEAD AND BREATHING, Directed by AeJay Mitchell; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Gateway Theatre. Photo by Steven Ho.
Shirley Smallwood as Carolyn in Chisa Hutchinson’s DEAD AND BREATHING, Directed by AeJay Mitchell; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Gateway Theatre. Photo by Steven Ho.
Cece Suazo as Veronika in Chisa Hutchinson’s DEAD AND BREATHING, Directed by AeJay Mitchell; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Gateway Theatre. Photo by Steven Ho.
Pictured L to R: Cece Suazo as Veronika and Shirley Smallwood as Carolyn in Chisa Hutchinson’s DEAD AND BREATHING, Directed by AeJay Mitchell; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Gateway Theatre. Photo by Steven Ho.
Fools Rush Inn
Staged Reading!!
by Joe Besecker
Directed by Jim McCunn
Tuesday, Oct. 2 @ 7pm
Sparks Art Gallery
4229 18th Street, San Francisco (Between Diamond and Collingwood Streets) Map It
The straight guy desires the bisexual woman who wants the straight woman who is attracted to the gay man who lusts for the straight guy. And they’re all getting together on New Year’s Eve at the Fools Rush Inn.
Unmerciful Good Fortune
Staged Reading!!
by Edwin Sanchez
Directed by Leticia Duarte
Tuesday, November 6 @ 7 – 9pm
Sparks Art Gallery
4229 18th Street, San Francisco (Between Diamond and Collingwood Streets) Map It
Arrogant young Puerto Rican Fatima, who works as a counter girl at a fast-food restaurant, has been arrested for the murder of 14 people, poisoned at her workplace. Young attorney Jeremy has been assigned to defend her. Fatima claims she has been blessed or cursed with psychic powers. By merely clasping the hand of an individual, she tells her translator, Maritza, she can immediately grasp everything about him/her including past, future, and innermost secrets. She says that her murders were mercy killings: She “read” each of her victims and killed them because they wanted to die. Maritza is first incredulous, then indignant at Fatima’s playing God. She firmly resists letting Fatima clasp her hand, but Fatima is persuasive, constantly shifting from pugnacious, foul-mouthed street girl to wise and wily seductress to gentle, compassionate young woman. Maritza finally offers up her hand, yielding her secrets and placing her fate in Fatima’s grasp.
The Boy from Oz
by Nick Enright & Martin Serman
Directed by John Fisher
October 26 – November 17th
The Gateway Theatre (formerly Eureka)
215 Jackson St Map It Parking Info
Running time: 2 1/2 hours, including one 15-minute intermission.
A fun and raucous musical by Nick Enright and Martin Sherman about songwriter, entertainer, and gay icon, Peter Allen.
The Boy From Oz is a raucous musical biography about the life of the most famous gay man from Australia – entertainer, singer/songwriter, Peter Allen – featuring songs written by him and with other collaborators.
The original book is by Nick Enright, with a revised book by Martin Sherman (Bent).
The show begins in the 1950s with Allen’s humble beginnings growing up in an Australian bush town. He then experiences a meteoric rise to fame as an international star opening for Judy Garland and selling out week-long engagements at Radio City Music Hall.
Allen was Judy Garland’s good friend and Liza Minnelli’s first husband, but, first and foremost, singer-songwriter Peter Allen was a performer. Within a few years, Allen and Minnelli split due to Allen’s homosexuality.
Eventually, Allen dies from AIDS – but before he dies, he is able to give one final concert back in his homeland.
Rave Reviews for The Boy from Oz !
The Boy From Oz is terrific at the Gateway Theatre. Rating:
Theatre Rhino has pulled out all the stops with their energy-filled yet bittersweet production… It is a song-filled jukebox tune fest buttressed with choreography, top-notch singers, great costumes and a storyline that might bring a tear in the second act.
The direction, pacing, dancing and costumes earn individual accolades that collectively create a winning performance ably backed by the three-piece onstage band of piano/keyboard (Sheelah Ramesh), Guitar/Bass (Nicholas Martin and Drums (David Walker).
“The Boy from Oz” Dances into our Hearts, at Rhino, SFDirector John Fisher has done it again. He has revived the most fabulous gay musical, telling the story of famous lounge singer, dancer, and songwriter Peter Allen…
Tall, sexy Justin Genna knows his way around the dance floor, executing poetic moves expertly…. Leandra Ramm looks so much like Judy Garland and belts her songs with such authority that she gives us a chill… the talented ensemble, Grace Liu, SuzyJane Edward, John-Thomas Hanson, thrill us with wonderful musical orgies and cocaine-filled nights…
Paired with Peter Allen’s moving lyrics, the magnetic chemistry among the ensemble roots the music in our hearts… A joy to behold.
As Peter, Justin Genna moves with flair and fling, swiveling his hips enough to spin anyone’s imagination and always with a smile that elicits other smiles. His dancing with high, long-legged kicks and moves that are smooth and sexy is often dazzling – whether if he is on stage alone, in duets, or with a full cast.
As Liza [Minnelli], Carol Ann Walker… is particularly impressive in sparkling, glittering attire as she is joined by a full ensemble – they dressed in black suites and bowlers — as well-executed Fosse hands and moves define ‘She Loves to Hear the Music.’”
[Genna’s] lines are impeccable, and one entire review could be dedicated to the way he moved his hips.
ReelKev Interviews Justin Genna
Production Photos
Pictured L to R: Cameron Zener as Young Peter and Justin Genna* as Peter Allen in THE BOY FROM OZ, directed by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre. Photo by David Wilson.
*Actor appears Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.
Pictured L to R: Justin Genna* as Peter Allen, Kim Larsen as Dick, Larissa Kelloway as Marion, Justin Lopez as Greg, Leandra Ramm as Judy Garland, John-Thomas Hanson as Mark, SuzyJane Edwards as Dee, Grace Chen as Rockie, Carol Ann Walker as Liza Minnelli and John Charles Quimpo as Chris in THE BOY FROM OZ, directed by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre. Photo by David Wilson.
*Actor appears Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.
Kim Larsen as Dick, Justin Lopez as Greg, SuzyJane Edwards as Dee, Carol Ann Walker as Liza Minnelli, John Charles Quimpo as Chris, John-Thomas Hanson as Mark and Grace Chen as Rockie in THE BOY FROM OZ, directed by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre. Photo by David Wilson.
Pictured L to R: John Charles Quimpo as Chris and Justin Genna* as Peter Allen in THE BOY FROM OZ, directed by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre. Photo by David Wilson.
*Actor appears Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.
Pictured L to R: Justin Genna* as Peter Allen, John-Thomas Hanson as Mark, John Charles Quimpo as Chris and Leandra Ramm* as Judy Garland in THE BOY FROM OZ, directed by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre. Photo by David Wilson.
*Actor appears Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.
Pictured L to R: Carol Ann Walker as Liza Minnelli, Justin Genna* as Peter Allen and Leandra Ramm* as Judy Garland in THE BOY FROM OZ, directed by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre. Photo by David Wilson.
*Actor appears Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.
Pictured L to R: Justin Lopez as Greg, SuzyJane Edwards as Dee, Justin Genna* as Peter Allen, John-Thomas Hanson as Mark, John Charles Quimpo as Chris, Grace Chen as Rockie and Kim Larsen as Dick in THE BOY FROM OZ, directed by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre. Photo by David Wilson.
*Actor appears Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.
Pictured L to R: Justin Genna* as Peter Allen and Justin Lopez as Greg Connell in THE BOY FROM OZ, directed by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre. Photo by David Wilson.
*Actor appears Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.
Pictured L to R: The Band – Sheela Ramesh, Conductor/Pianist; Nick Martin, Guitar; David Walker, Drums in THE BOY FROM OZ, directed by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre. Photo by David Wilson.
Publicity Photos
Justin Genna* as Peter Allen in THE BOY FROM OZ, a Theatre Rhinoceros Production directed by John Fisher at The Gateway Theatre. Photo: David Wilson.
*Actor appears Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.
Pictured L to R: Carol Ann Walker as Liza Minnelli and Justin Genna* as Peter Allen in THE BOY FROM OZ, a Theatre Rhinoceros Production directed by John Fisher at The Gateway Theatre. Photo: David Wilson.
*Actor appears Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.
Leandra Ramm* as Judy Garland in THE BOY FROM OZ, a Theatre Rhinoceros Production directed by John Fisher at The Gateway Theatre. Photo: David Wilson.
*Actor appears Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.
Pictured L to R: Leandra Ramm* as Judy Garland and Carol Ann Walker as Liza Minnelli in THE BOY FROM OZ, a Theatre Rhinoceros Production directed by John Fisher at The Gateway Theatre. Photo: David Wilson.
*Actor appears Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.
Pictured L to R: Carol Ann Walker as Liza Minnelli, Justin Genna* as Peter Allen, and Leandra Ramm* as Judy Garland in THE BOY FROM OZ, a Theatre Rhinoceros Production directed by John Fisher at The Gateway Theatre. Photo: David Wilson.
*Actor appears Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.
Justin Genna plays gay icon Peter Allen in the Theatre Rhinoceros production of The Boy From Oz, by Martin Sherman and Nick Enright, and featuring the music of Allen and others. Photo by Lauren Toub.
*Actor appears Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.
Carol Ann Walker plays Liza Minelli in the Theatre Rhinoceros production of The Boy From Oz, by Martin Sherman and Nick Enright, and featuring the music of Allen and others. Photo by Andrew Muhlbach.
Leandra Ramm plays Judy Garland in the Theatre Rhinoceros production of The Boy From Oz, by Martin Sherman and Nick Enright, and featuring the music of Allen and others. Photo by Lisa Keating.
Dot
Staged Reading!!
by Colman Domingo
Directed by Darryl V. Jones
Tuesday, December 4 @ 7 pm
55 Laguna Map It
The holidays are always a wild family affair at the Shealy house. But this year, Dotty and her three grown children gather with more than exchanging presents on their minds. As Dotty struggles to hold on to her memory, her children must fight to balance care for their mother and care for themselves. This twisted and hilarious new play grapples unflinchingly with aging parents, midlife crises, and the heart of a West Philly neighborhood.
A Co-Production with the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre.
Dot playwright Colman Domingo
Megabytes!
The Musical
Theatre Rhinoceros’ New Year Eve Spectacular!
Written and Directed by Morris Bobrow
Special Guest Khris Francis!
New Year’s Eve, December 31st @ 8 pm
Running time 90 minutes
The Gateway Theatre (formerly Eureka)
215 Jackson St Map It Parking Info
Our New Year’s Eve Spectacular returns! The hit show about the pleasures (and pains!) of tech.
Say You Love Satan
by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Directed by Joe Tally
Monday January 14, 7pm (NEW DATE!)
Strut, 470 Castro Street Map It
Late one rainy night in Baltimore, Andrew—an affable graduate student researching the works of Dostoevsky—meets a handsome stranger named Jack. The two immediately hit it off and start dating, despite the fact that Andrew already has a super-duper boyfriend and that Jack has the Mark of the Beast—you know, 666—burned into his forehead. Andrew finds himself breaking things off with his super-duper boyfriend, distancing himself from his friends, and doing things that–well, they’re just not right. But then he realizes Jack wants more than a boyfriend. It’s too horrible…and he must escape.
Playing Detective
a new play by Jerry Metzker.
Directed by Kieran Beccia
Tuesday, February 5th @ 7 pm
Sparks Art Gallery
4229 18th Street, San Francisco
(Between Diamond and Collingwood Streets)
Map It
Joey has a one-night stand with a man he met through an app. Then the police show up, because Joey’s mysterious date, who has vanished into thin air, might be connected to a homicide. Against the advice of his gal pal, Sukie, and hunky roommate, Buck, Joey can’t help investigating. The two detectives on the case aren’t too thrilled with his investigations, either, but Joey can’t help himself. Does he really need to know what happened? Of course! But meddling also keeps him in touch with sexy Detective Hernandez.
Photo © Lasse Behnke | Dreamstime.com
Classics Illustrated
A new play by Joe Higgins
Directed by Gabriel Ross
Tuesday, March 5th, 7 – 9 pm
Sparks Art Gallery
4229 18th Street, San Francisco
(Between Diamond and Collingwood Streets)
Map It
John and Tom, two men in their sixties who were childhood buddies, reunite and reminisce about the boys they were.
And, they remember Frankie, who didn’t survive their teenage years.
They marvel at how the world and their old neighborhood has changed, but Tom needs to come to terms with his first love and the part he played in Frankie’s death.
The Underpants Godot
The Underpants Godot
By Duncan Pflaster
Directed by Alan Quismorio
March 16 -23
Spark Arts Gallery
4229 18th Street (at Collingwood) Map It
The play presents a final dress rehearsal of a bold, postmodern, stripped down interpretation of the Samuel Beckett classic, when a representative of the Beckett estate shows up with serious questions about the production: Is it true to the author’s intent? Is it a fresh look at difficult play? Or, are those just men in their underwear?
“…special applause to [director] Quismorio who made a theater pop up in a small art gallery’s back room. He used, not just put up with, the location and gives us an intimate performance of a tight play. The characters worked together and the action felt consistent and logical. The Underpants Godot pop-up production is a terrifically enjoyable surprise. Theatre Rhino gives the audience a very witty and wise play delivered with style and spot-on acting.”
Publicity Photos
Jordan Ong (as Mark, an actor playing Estragon) and Eric Johnson (playing Doug, a director) in The Underpants Godot by Duncan Pflaster, a Theatre Rhinoceros Pop-Up Production at Spark Arts. Directed by Alan Quismorio. Photo by Joseph Tally.
Jordan Ong (as Mark, an actor playing Estragon) and Francisco Rodriguez (as Tim, and actor playing Vladamir) in The Underpants Godot by Duncan Pflaster, a Theatre Rhinoceros Pop-Up Production at Spark Arts. Directed by Alan Quismorio. Photo by Joseph Tally.
Jordan Ong (as Mark, an actor playing Estragon) and Francisco Rodriguez (as Tim, and actor playing Vladamir) in The Underpants Godot by Duncan Pflaster, a Theatre Rhinoceros Pop-Up Production at Spark Arts. Directed by Alan Quismorio. Photo by Joseph Tally.
Jordan Ong (as Mark, an actor playing Estragon) and Francisco Rodriguez (as Tim, and actor playing Vladamir) in The Underpants Godotby Duncan Pflaster, a Theatre Rhinoceros Pop-Up Production at Spark Arts. Directed by Alan Quismorio. Photo by Joseph Tally.
Deathtrap
By Ira Levin
March 22 – April 13
Wednesday – Saturday @ 8 pm. Saturday matinees @ 3 pm.
The Gateway Theatre (formerly Eureka)
215 Jackson St Map It Parking Info
Playwright Sidney Bruhl needs a hit, desperately. Is he willing to kill to get it? Will his wife help him? How far will their nerve take them? And what will handsome Cliff’s reaction be when he finds out?
“If you care to assassinate yourself with laughter, try DEATHTRAP.” Time Magazine.
Deathtrap replaces Action Hero in this slot for the season. Action Hero will be presented later in the year.
Theatre Rhinoceros’ ‘Deathtrap,’… feels fresh with a wonderful cast and the brilliant directing team of Jerry Metzker and John Fisher. Fisher delivers a brilliant master class in physical comedy, eliciting laughter as he stumbles over bodies.
“Fisher.. has a fine time embroidering on the work’s ‘gay play’ reputation… Fisher evokes John Waters butching it up.”
“Tremendous physicality… It was breathtaking… When I jumped twice during the first [attack], I was able to watch lots of people in front of me jump and cry out – as if they had expected a low key drawing room drama… And what a complex script to master, and the roller coaster dialogue and emotions… Thanks for the gift to the community of [Deathtrap]…”
“Anne Hallinan, brings a blithe spirit to Helga Ten Dorp, the psychic next door; her Dutch-accented medium is a dizzy delight, filling the room with infectious comic energy every time she enters.”
Production Photos
Pictured left to right: John Fisher* as Sidney Bruhl and Desiree M. Rogers as Myra Bruhl in Ira Levin’s Classic Thriller DEATHTRAP; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre; Directed by Jerry Metzker and John Fisher. Photo by David Wilson. *Member, Actors’ Equity Association.
Pictured left to right: John Fisher* as Sidney Bruhl and Jake Soss as Clifford Anderson in Ira Levin’s Classic Thriller DEATHTRAP; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre; Directed by Jerry Metzker and John Fisher. Photo by David Wilson. *Member, Actors’ Equity Association.
Pictured left to right: Randy Solomon as Porter Milgrim and Anne Hallinan as Helga Ten Dorp in Ira Levin’s Classic Thriller DEATHTRAP; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre; Directed by Jerry Metzker and John Fisher. Photo by David Wilson.
Pictured left to right: John Fisher* as Sidney Bruhl, Desiree M. Rogers as Myra Bruhl and Jake Soss as Clifford Anderson in Ira Levin’s Classic Thriller DEATHTRAP; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre; Directed by Jerry Metzker and John Fisher. Photo by David Wilson. *Member, Actors’ Equity Association.
Pictured left to right: John Fisher* as Sidney Bruhl, Anne Hallinan as Helga Ten Dorp and Desiree M. Rogers as Myra Bruhl in Ira Levin’s Classic Thriller DEATHTRAP; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre; Directed by Jerry Metzker and John Fisher. Photo by David Wilson. *Member, Actors’ Equity Association.
Pictured: Jake Soss as Clifford Anderson in Ira Levin’s Classic Thriller DEATHTRAP; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre; Directed by Jerry Metzker and John Fisher. Photo by David Wilson.
Publicity Photos
Pictured left to right: Jake Soss as Clifford Anderson and John Fisher* as Sidney Bruhl in Ira Levin’ s Classic Thriller DEATHTRAP; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre; Photo by David Wilson.*Member, Actors’ Equity Association. Photo by David Wilson.
Pictured left to right: Jake Soss as Clifford Anderson and John Fisher* as Sidney Bruhl in Ira Levin’ s Classic Thriller DEATHTRAP; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre; Photo by David Wilson. *Member, Actors’ Equity Association. Photo by David Wilson.
Pictured left to right: Jake Soss as Clifford Anderson and John Fisher* as Sidney Bruhl in Ira Levin’ s Classic Thriller DEATHTRAP; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Gateway Theatre; Photo by David Wilson. *Member, Actors’ Equity Association. Photo by David Wilson.
Trade
Trade
By Mark O’Halloran
Directed by Ely Sonny Orquiza
April 5-14, 2019
Opening Night: Friday, April 5 @ 8 pm. (Reception to follow)
Spark Arts Gallery
4229 18th Street (at Collingwood) Map It
Trade is a play by Irish Mark O’Halloran depicting an encounter between a respectable, but closeted, middle-aged man and the young man he hires for company. A tense, but delicate, interchange after which everything will be different.
Publicity Photos
John Tranchitella appears in the Theatre Rhinoceros pop-up production of TRADE by Mark O’Halloran, directed by Ely Sonny Orquiza at Spark Arts Gallery. Photo by Joseph Tally.
Michael Mikee Loria (left) and John Tranchitella appear in the Theatre Rhinoceros pop-up production of TRADE by Mark O’Halloran, directed by Ely Sonny Orquiza at Spark Arts Gallery. Photo by Joseph Tally.
Michael Mikee Loria (left) and John Tranchitella appear in the Theatre Rhinoceros pop-up production of TRADE by Mark O’Halloran, directed by Ely Sonny Orquiza at Spark Arts Gallery. Photo by Joseph Tally.
John Tranchitella (left) and Michael Mikee Loria appear in the Theatre Rhinoceros pop-up production of TRADE by Mark O’Halloran, directed by Ely Sonny Orquiza at Spark Arts Gallery. Photo by Joseph Tally.
Michael Mikee Loria appears in the Theatre Rhinoceros pop-up production of TRADE by Mark O’Halloran, directed by Ely Sonny Orquiza at Spark Arts Gallery. Photo by Joseph Tally.
Free Event! Staged Reading!!
Tunnel Vision
by Andrea Lepcio
Directed by Alexis Lazear
Tuesday, May 7 @ 7 pm
Sparks Art Gallery
4229 18th Street, San Francisco
(Between Diamond and Collingwood Streets) Map It
Olexzandra needs to escape her study and Jill needs to escape the train tunnel. They both end up together–but they don’t know each other or where they’ve ended up. At first, it’s antagonistic. Then, the attraction begins. Will it lead them to being found?
Sister Act
Book by Bill & Cheri Steinkellner.
Additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane.
Directed and choreographed by AeJay Mitchell
May 17 – June 1
Wednesday – Saturday @ 8 pm. Saturday matinees @ 3 pm
The Gateway Theatre (formerly Eureka)
215 Jackson St Map It Parking Info
See (and Hear) the Sister Act Trailer
Sister Act on Wanda’s Picks
Hear Branden Noel Thomas (Deloris), Director and Choreographer AeJay Mitchell, and Music Director Tammy L. Hall talk Sister Act with Wanda.
Critical praise for Sister Act!
Whether undulating sensuously beneath costume designer David Draper’s glittery cocktail frocks or adding his own roof-raising vocal bedazzling to the basic black habits Deloris wears in the convent, Branden Noel Thomas radiates sexy self-confidence. Smartly directed and choreographed by AeJay Mitchell, Thomas never plays Deloris as a drag queen or a joke. He makes her feel like a natural woman.
Branden Noel Thomas [is] a Deloris of truly statuesque proportions who can belt out Menken’s music in its original key and work a costume to death.
… this is the kind of production which could give Vice President Mike Pence a fatal heart attack.
… the crowning grace in this heart-thumping, toe-tapping, clap-your-hands production is the casting of Branden Noel Thomas as Sister Mary Clarence (aka Deloris van Cartier, “of the Cartier Family”). With glitter-adorned eyelashes that reach almost into the first row of the audience, curls that tumble to her shoulders like Niagara Falls, and glorious vocal pipes that any church organ would envy to possess, this Sista is almost assured of packing ‘em in at the Gateway Theatre for nightly congregations full of revival-meeting fervor.
Noel Thomas, playing the lead role in drag, dominates the stage. … His upper register and some of the more soulful tracts sound like they come from a powerful blues beltin’ mama.
Sister Act is a sweet love story that will have you discreetly wiping away tears during the encore.
As a nun myself, I wholly (holy?) recommend this one!
Sister Dana, Bay Times… Branden Noel Thomas in nun-drag is every inch the ideal choice for Sister Deloris we could imagine! With a beautiful delivery of each song, and an inspiring presence, Thomas delivers a hilarious performance… Thomas is an irrepressible force of nature.
Hear the KALW Interview
AaJay Mitchell and Brandon Noel Thomas talk to Kevin Vance on KALW’s “Open Air”. The Sister Act chat begins at @33 minutes, 30 seconds.
Production Photos
The Cast of SISTER ACT, directed by AeJay Mitchell. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Gateway Theatre. Photo by David Wilson.
L to R: Anna Smith as Mary Patrick, Dee Wagner as Mary Lazarus, Branden Noel Thomas* and Paul Lopez as Mary Theresa in SISTER ACT, directed by AeJay Mitchell. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Gateway Theatre. Photo by David Wilson.
L to R: Kim Larsen as Mother Superior and Branden Noel Thomas* as Deloris in SISTER ACT, directed by AeJay Mitchell. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Gateway Theatre. Photo by David Wilson.
L to R: Joyce Domanico-Huh as Joey, John Charles Quimpo as T. J., Crystal Liu as Curtis, and Abraham Baldonado as Pablo in SISTER ACT, directed by AeJay Mitchell. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Gateway Theatre. Photo by David Wilson.
Publicity Photos
Pictured L to R: Branden Noel Thomas* as Deloris Van Cartier and Kim K. Larsen as the Mother Superior in the Theatre Rhinoceros production of SISTER ACT: THE MUSICAL, directed and choreographed by AeJay Mitchell at the Gateway Theater. Photo by David Wilson.
Branden Noel Thomas* as Deloris Van Cartier in the Theatre Rhinoceros production of SISTER ACT: THE MUSICAL, directed and choreographed by AeJay Mitchell at the Gateway Theater. Photo by David Wilson.
Kim K. Larsen as the Mother Superior in the Theatre Rhinoceros production of SISTER ACT: THE MUSICAL, directed and choreographed by AeJay Mitchell at the Gateway Theater. Photo by David Wilson.
Pictured L to R: Branden Noel Thomas* as Deloris Van Cartier and Kim K. Larsen as the Mother Superior in the Theatre Rhinoceros production of SISTER ACT: THE MUSICAL, directed and choreographed by AeJay Mitchell at the Gateway Theater. Photo by David Wilson.
Branden Noel Thomas* stars as Deloris in the Theatre Rhinoceros production of SISTER ACT: THE MUSICAL at the Gateway Theater.
Branden Noel Thomas* stars as Deloris in the Theatre Rhinoceros production of SISTER ACT: THE MUSICAL at the Gateway Theater.
Pillow Talk and Locker Rooms
Free Staged Reading
A new play by Kheven LaGrone
Directed by Alejandro Torres
June 4 at 7 pm
Sparks Arts
4229 18th Street, San Francisco
Chuck and Connor are two African American professional men who have “made it.” They are both members at an exclusive gym in Oakland where they talk and try to one-up each other about their accomplishments and conquests. What they don’t talk about is Baby Boy, the streetwise hustler who they both know very well.
Stan Stone as “Chuck,” Paul Renolis as “Baby Boy,” and Brandon Sharpe as “Connor” in Kheven LaGrone’s Pillow Talk and Locker Rooms.
I Heart Alice
Written by by Amy Conroy
Directed by Hannah Clague
Tuesday, July 2, 7 – 8:30 pm
Sparks Arts
4229 18th Street @ Collingwood
Alice and Alice are coming out–finally! Two exceptional, opinionated women were spotted winking at each other in Crumlin Shopping Centre. Now they’re in a show … reluctantly. Defying stereotype,they’re here to share with the audience something they’ve never dared before. They are very nervous …
This is a story about the life and love of two women called Alice.
Action Hero
Written and Directed by John Fisher
June 6 – July 6
Phoenix Theatre
414 Mason Street (between Geary and Post)
Jason is headed to Hollywood to become a star. There he encounters the greatest star of all time, a man of many secrets and many desires. One of them is the desire to be frightened. Can Jason and his friend Cranston meet that challenge? And do they really want this star’s help, given what they know about him?
Interviews and Critical Acclaim
John Fisher on KPOO’s “Let Me Touch Your Mind”
Ross, Fisher, and Soss energetically weave all things Hollywood into compact, brilliant comic performances. A must see for anyone ready to laugh!
A multi-layered Los Angeles fantasia, weaving film noir motifs with a tale of contemporary young men trying to break into the movie business.
Masterful recreation of an adolescent’s ability to use the power of make-believe.
In his second Rhino role this year (after playing the young lover in “Deathtrap”), Jake Soss is again almost distractingly sexy
Production Photos
Pictured L to R: Gabriel A. Ross as Jason and Jake Soss as Cranston in John Fisher’s ACTION HERO; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Phoenix Theatre. Photo by David Wilson.
Pictured L to R: Jake Soss as Cranston, John Fisher* as Clark Tail, and Gabriel A. Ross as Jason in John Fisher’s ACTION HERO; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Phoenix Theatre. Photo by David Wilson. *Member, Actors’ Equity Association
Pictured: Gabriel A. Ross as Jason in John Fisher’s ACTION HERO; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Phoenix Theatre. Photo by David Wilson.
Pictured L to R: Gabriel A. Ross as Jason, Jake Soss as Cranston, and John Fisher* as Clark Tail in John Fisher’s ACTION HERO; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Phoenix Theatre. Photo by David Wilson. *Member, Actors’ Equity Association
Pictured L to R: Gabriel A. Ross as Jason, John Fisher* as Clark Tail and Jake Soss as Cranston in John Fisher’s ACTION HERO; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Phoenix Theatre. Photo by David Wilson. *Member, Actors’ Equity Association
Pictured L to R: John Fisher* as Clark Tail, Jake Soss as Cranston, and Gabriel A. Ross as Jason in John Fisher’s ACTION HERO; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Phoenix Theatre. Photo by David Wilson. *Member, Actors’ Equity Association
Pictured L to R: Gabriel A. Ross as Jason and John Fisher* as Clark Tail in John Fisher’s ACTION HERO; A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Phoenix Theatre. Photo by David Wilson. *Member, Actors’ Equity Association
Publicity Photos
John Fisher* as Clark Tail in ACTION HERO, a new play by John Fisher. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Phoenix Theatre.
Photo by David Wilson.
John Fisher* as Clark Tail in ACTION HERO, a new play by John Fisher. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Phoenix Theatre.
Photo by David Wilson.
John Fisher* as Clark Tail in ACTION HERO, a new play by John Fisher. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at The Phoenix Theatre.
Photo by David Wilson.
