The Thanksgiving Play
“Ridgeway’s direction of the play is terrific… We laugh, we grimace, and then we laugh some more.”
—Gene Kahane, Alameda Post
“The satire is sharp and on point… Hearty laughs with hefty questions make for a great night of theater.”
—Kelly Rogers Flynt, Broadway World
“Altarena Playhouse’s production about well-intended people hoping to succeed outside their element hits its mark with fine acting and fine direction… ‘The Thanksgiving Play’ strikes many chords with great insight and accuracy.”
—Vic Cordell, Cordell Reports
“A mind-stretching, satirical ‘Let’s learn that’ tour through the false history of the indigenous people in America… Director Kimberly Ridgeway artistically enhances FastHorse’s humor, bringing each character to shine independently.”
—Pat Morin, Front Row Review
Doubt
“Altarena Playhouse has a hit on its hands with ‘Doubt.’ Thoughtful, engaging, and provocative, the show is a masterpiece of details. Director Shannon Nicholson has the cast working together in perfect timing.”
—Kelly Rogers Flynt, Broadway World
“This small, perfect play is so important—and the production at the Altarena is powerful and honorable… worthy of attendance, applause and admiration.”
—Gene Kahane, Alameda Post
“Director Shannon Nicholson’s fast-paced 90 minutes delivers moments of humor, suspense, and anger. The actors inhabit their characters fully. “
—Mary Lou Herlihy, Theatrius
“Katina Psihos Lethuele steps back onto the stage and into the role of Sister Aloysius with absolutely spectacular results… ‘Doubt, a Parable’ captivates from its opening sermon about how shared doubt can act as a strong bond, leading relentlessly to its crash ending. Director Shannon Nicholson has engaged a superb cast whose performances make for a superior, if somewhat chilling, theatrical experience.”
—Vic Cordell, Cordell Reports
Pal Joey
“Nico Jaochico is tremendous as Joey… the dancers… are so good, so thrilling, so wonderful, that I left the theater singing their kicks. Scene after scene, number after number, they brought to the stage an energetic brilliance that, backed by the outstanding live band directed by the great Armando Fox, was scintillating… so fun, so engaging, and so darn entertaining. Well done to all!”
—Gene Kahane, Alameda Post
“This musical features a terrific cast of local favorites as this company proves even a notorious cad can be likable… Nico Jaochico is an ideal choice as Joey… Maria Mikheyenko is smashing as Vera Simpson. Her powerful, seductive voice delivers the show’s classic iconic hit [‘Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered’] with power and flair.”
—Vince Mediaa, VmediArts
“The glam and sparkle of nightclub life are on full display with daring dancers and swooning singers… If you’re itching for a bit of nostalgia for the era of nightclub entertainment, there will be plenty to entertain you.”
—Kelly Rogers Flynt, Broadway World
“Completely entertaining… [Maria] Mikheyenko’s performance is stunning… Altarena makes a nice parallel to the economic dilemma of young people today. Go see it to enjoy an era that speaks to us clearly now.”
—Lynne Stevens, Theatrius
Kimberly Akimbo
“Congratulations to ‘Kimberly Akimbo’ for a nicely wrought production of David Lindsay-Abaire’s complicated play, as the cast of five all give multi-layered, believable performances of their unusual characters.”
—Sally Hogarty, East Bay Times
“’Kimberly Akimbo’ is a show that refuses to be categorized as it is neither a simple comedy nor a heavy drama. A truer description is that it is a show that reflects life, real life.”
—Kelly Rogers Flynt, Broadway World
“From her opening scene, [Jamison Vaughn] firmly plants herself in the heart of the audience, and they love every moment of her heartrending performance.”
—Vince Mediaa, VmediArts
“With a stellar cast and distinctive contributions from the creative directors, Altarena Playhouse offers a production that delivers most everything the play has to offer… a winsome play and a delightful experience.”
—Vic Cordell, Cordell Reports
“Plenty of laughs, sighs, and maybe a couple of tears to keep us as audience quite entertained.”
—Eddie Reynolds, Theatre Eddys
“An outstanding ensemble… Vaughn’s performance [as Kimberly] is worthy of applause.”
—Gene Kahane, Alameda Post
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
“Charming and wildly entertaining… Altarena has shown once again that its productions can compete with better endowed theater companies in the Bay Area, and Director Jaquie Duckworth has found all of the keys to success.”
—Vic Cordell, Cordell Reports
“Funny, and warm-hearted… a worthwhile way to start your Holiday season. Come spend the Holidays with the Bennet sisters… it’s a lovely time with a flawless cast.”
—Vince Mediaa, VmediArts
“Marvelously directed by Jacquie Duckworth… She had her actors fill the space, move about, and interact with a naturalness that made their intentions believable.”
—Gene Kahane, Alameda Post
The Birds
“Gabriella Goldstein, Richard Perez, Gwynnevere Cristobal, and Tim Holt Jones play their parts with such an authentic edge that they reminded me of when I first saw One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest… Unsettling and outstanding.”
—Gene Kahane, Alameda Post
A Soldier’s Play
“Magnificent… triumphant… This ensemble is as strong and talented and believable as you may ever have seen.”
—Gene Kahane, Alameda Post
“The cast rises to the occasion with several sharp performances… the narrative and ShawnJ West’s direction maintain a brisk pace and keep the audience well engaged.”
—Vic Cordell, Cordell Reports
A Nice Family Gathering has won two San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle awards!
Excellence in an Ensemble – Comedy
Excellence in a Principal Performance – Comedy
Peter Marietta
A Nice Family Gathering has been nominated for five San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle awards!
Excellence in an Ensemble – Comedy
Excellence in a Featured Performance – Comedy in a house with 100 to 300 seats:
Byron Guo
J. Aaron Seymour
Excellence in a Principal Performance – Comedy
Peter Marietta
Excellence in a Entire Production – East Bay in a house with 100 to 300 seats
See the full list of nominees here.
Ruthless! The Musical
“Ruthless! The Musical pushes all the right buttons, offering a bright script and bouncy music with clever and provocative lyrics. Altarena Playhouse gives it a rousing rendition that is enjoyable from start to finish. The casting and acting are superb, and the creative elements sparkle… The crack performances and sharp interplay drive the action at just the right pace.”
—Vic Cordell, Cordell Reports
“Ruthless! is ridiculous, but really really good. The wigs are ridiculous, but so so so good. The songs are ridiculous, but the singing is really and truly so so good… Go see Ruthless! The Musical, prepare to shake your head at how crazy terrific it is, but also be forewarned—when you wake up the next day you will still be smiling and think to yourself, oh wow, I may need to go see it again.”
—Gene Kahane, Alameda Post
“Ruthless! has great music, excellent acting, and phenomenal singing… I thoroughly enjoyed this witty, funny, and wise musical reflection on American life.”
—Rachel Norby, Theatrius
Slow Food
“Marietta and Ridgeway are magnificent as a couple who are discovering glitches in their marriage and airing them, in Wendy MacLeod’s brilliant comic dialogue. They bicker over intimate family and relationship issues that are common to every couple. Ridgeway’s expressions—sometimes subtle, sometimes exaggerated—are priceless. MacLeod’s creative script delivers crisp dialogue, perfectly timed nuances, and insightful emotional tension.”
—Patricia L. Morin, Theatrius
“What makes it work so well, what makes the time pass so fast, and what is the core of the play, is the acting… The nuances the actors show are many and magnificent, be it how Ridgeway pivots away from her husband when angry, to the way Marietta reaches across the table to bring her back to him. All of it is so genuine, so truthful and open that, again, it is both hard to watch and impossible not to watch.”
—Gene Kahane, Alameda Post
“With nimble direction and excellent acting, the laughter is almost continuous… it makes for an entertaining, light-hearted theatrical experience.”
—Vic Cordell, Cordell Reports
The Quality of Life
“Outstanding… An amazing foursome of wonderfully-cast actors deliver remarkable and memorable performances to a provocative script that especially resonates with Bay Area audiences.”
—Vic Cordell, Cordell Reports
“The Altarena’s intimate thrust stage provides the perfect setting for Anderson’s examination of loss, love and forgiveness.”
—Sally Hogarty, East Bay Times
“A fascinating play, well-acted—seeing it has surely improved my ‘quality of life.’”
—Tyler Jeffreys, Theatrius
Ripcord
“Director Christian Haines and his superb cast take a thrilling leap of faith with a sharp and heartwarming comedy that sticks the landing. [The] skirmishes escalate to insane heights, making the “The Odd Couple” look like child’s play. ….high stakes thrills and hilarious comedy.”
—Jordan Freed, Theatrius
“…a laugh-a-minute production of this often dark, but always uproarious comedy. ..with embarrassing incidents and revelations galore. Belly laughs abound….”
—Vic Cordell, For All Events
“Lindsay-Abaire takes this reality to a whole new level and finds not only the pathos but the humor and dignity in growing older….The dynamite duo of Ellen Brooks (Marilyn) and Michele Delattre (Abby) in the main roles…these talented actresses bring a lovely balance to their characters, giving each a more well-rounded persona.”
—Sally Hogarty, East Bay Times
Picasso at the Lapin Agile
“Director Timothy Beagley deserves great credit for assembling an extremely well-suited cast and ensuring high energy performances from all.”
—Victor Cordell, For all Events
“Director Timothy Beagley has found the perfect cast to bring these entertaining personalities to life with Peter Marietta as a slightly nerdy yet charming Einstein and Asher Krohn the perfect egotistical Picasso.”
—Sally Hogarty, East Bay Times
The Clean House
“While all the actors do a good job with their eccentric characters, Janelle Aguirre as the Brazilian maid is especially fun to watch.“
—Sally Hogarty, East Bay Times
“Bravo for an hilarious and loving comedy to Sarah Ruhl, to all the fine actors, to director Jacqui Herrera!”
—Evelyn Arevalo, Theatrius.com
“Full of compassion with beautifully realized characters, and some emotion that is gentle enough to bring you from tears to laughter within just a few lines.“
—Vince Vmediaa, VMedia Arts
“This story is a clever puzzlement… You will have to see this very askew play in order to grasp how its author suggests that adversity may eventually change our lives for the better.”
—Charlie Jarrett, Martinez News-Gazette
Company
“If we are indeed defined by the company we keep, then you will enjoy the best ‘Company’ at Altarena Playhouse.”
—Cynthia Lopez, Theatrius
Hand to God
“[Director Patrick] Nims’ cast does not disappoint as they easily handle the sexual and comedic aspects of the show.”
—Sally Hogarty, East Bay Times
“The human and puppet characters spring to life in this Bible Belt, bona fide sex romp!”
—Tyler Jeffreys, Theatrius
Clybourne Park
Actor, Champagne Hughes, makes appearance on Wanda’s Picks. Listen to the interview here
“…there is not a moment when this drama drags.”
—Vince Vmediaa, Vmediaabackstage.com
“…a finely tuned, sumptuously acted production of ‘Clybourne Park'”
—Sally Hogarty, East Bay Times
“‘Clybourne Park’—Captivating Comedy of Class & Race at Altarena”
—Rachel Norby, Theatrius
Altarena earned 14 finalists for the 2018 TBA Awards
One Man, Two Guvnors
“… a lively staging with a pleasingly strong cast…”
—Sam Hurwitt, The Mercury News
“fast-paced comedy has a storyline that will have you shaking your head trying to keep all the relationships straight while at the same time laughing uncontrollably…”
—Sally Hogarty, East Bay Times
The Miracle Worker
“One of the best compliments she [Emma Curtin as Helen Keller] received was when we had women who teach the deaf and the blind come to a rehearsal and say that Emma really ‘nailed’ it.” John Tranchitella, director
—Sally Hogarty, East Bay Times
“…the success of the production relies heavily on the actors’ abilities to portray these two central characters.”
—Sally Hogarty, East Bay Times
Guys and Dolls
“[Director Stewart] Lyle and his cast of 12 are looking beneath the glitz to find the grit of each character.”
—Sally Hogarty, East Bay Times
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
“By the end I wanted keep on watching their antics. I nearly choked on my laughter, but I was also touched by this theatrical family treasure.”
—Reilly Marstan-Chakan, Theatrius
Alameda Magazine: Best of 2017
Best Theatrical Mainstay
“As a community theater, it presents a mix of heartwarming dramas and comedies, small-scale musicals, and occasionally more audacious offerings.”
The First Supper
Review: Comical ‘First Supper’ mirrors schism in GOP
San Jose Mercury News | June 22, 2016
“Directed by Michael Sally, it’s a strong, lively and well-performed production, and it’s an engaging play with some very funny moments. “
Curtain Calls by Sally Hogarty
Alameda Journal | June 21, 2016
“A very timely satire, Karen Schiff’s “The First Supper” features two very different families forced together when their teenage college students find themselves expecting a child.”
The Light in the Piazza
Local reviewer really enjoyed Altarena performance
Jeffrey R. Smith | June 2, 2016
“To preclude any ambiguity, The Light in the Piazza is best thing to happen to High Street since they put in the bridge.”
Review of The Light in the Piazza
Steve Murray | May 25, 2016
“You can feel the charming, romantic wonderment of the developmentally challenged Clara and the handsome and naïve Fabrizio in this wonderfully staged adaptation of this Tony Award -winning Broadway hit.”
Altarena’s ‘Light in the Piazza’ is worth seeing
Bay Area News Group | May 15, 2016
“A lovely play about interesting people. It is well worth the time it takes to see this production.”
Curtain Calls by Sally Hogarty
Alameda Journal | May 11, 2016
“A lush, well-paced production. I applaud the talented musicians and accomplished singers.”
Review: Sigh! Bright, romantic ‘Light in the Piazza’ plays in Alameda
San Jose Mercury News | May 11, 2016
“Altarena’s production is bright and upbeat. The score is particularly effective.”
The Gin Game
Theater Review: “The Gin Game” Has Two Dynamic Actors, and “Wicked” Has Wonderful Music
Rossmoor News | Mar 16, 2016
“There’s lots of good stuff taking place at local theaters these days. I saw two shows that should please all theater-goers.”
Alameda: Altarena’s ‘Gin Game’ beautifully orchestrated
Alameda Journal | Mar 16, 2016
“I knew nothing about old people, nursing homes or card games when I first saw The Gin Game.”