Ghostlight Recommends

Mother Courage
Berkeley Repertory Theatre I know the reviews have been mixed on this one, but go see it - they got it right. It closes this Sunday, October 22. Probably the best show I've seen at Berkeley Rep and one of the top five shows I've seen all year (that list includes Nakamura Ganjiro III performing the role of O-Hatsu in the Love Sucides with the Grand Kabuki Theatre of Japan, The Sewers - Banana Bag & Bodice, Orbit - Erika Shuch Performance Project, and Death & the Ploughman - SITI Company). Berkeley Repertory. Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA. Tickets www.berkeleyrep.org or 510.647.2949. Read Jean Schiffman's review here.

Big Love
Fool's Fury
The first 10 seconds of this show made me want to run from the theatre, but since I had an out of town guest I had to set a good example. And I'm glad I stayed. In spite of its overblown beginning, the show found its bearings and got down to business. I would liked to have seen more variety in tempo and pitch both vocally and physically especially during the moments when the cast literally throw themselves around the stage. The effect became predictable - a few moments of landing silently would challenge the ensemble's considerable physical capabilities and throw the audience off guard to boot. I agree with Frank Wortham's review, the company aims high in its approach to Mee's text and when it hits the target - the effect is sublime. Extended through October 28, Thursdays - Saturdays, 8pm. Traveling Jewish Theatre, 470 Florida Street, San Francisco. Tickets @ www.foolsfury.org or call (800) 838-3006.