DEN OF THIEVES – MORE FUN THAN A JOHN HOLMES BLOW-UP DOLL

This is a funny insight about people who must make moral choices. Oh? You didn’t know that there was a 12-step program for Thieves? It’s called Thieves Anonymous. This play is the funniest, fantastic laugh-riot you’re likely see this year or any other. A Counselor knocks on a door of a minor thieves apartment. The girl does do a lot of shop lifting – but only for junk food. The Counselor suggests that she join Over-Eaters Anonymous. He says: “I’m a member. I haven’t touched refined sugar in years. Would I lie to you?” Well, yes and no! Cause the Counselor kind of falls off the wagon later on.

Then we meet the girl’s ex-boyfriend. He is a streetwise person who is looking for partners to rob a nightclub. He knows where the money is. He just needs to find a good safecracker. And lo and behold – the Angelic Counselor has some experience with that.

Den of Thieves author Stephen Adly Guirgis (he also wrote the fabulous (Jesus Hopped The A-Train) – has his ear to the ground when it comes to street talk and bringing religion into the mix of things.

Other characters in this laugh-a-minute show are a ditzy sex dancer (lap dancing anyone?). Then there are the Mafiosi who don’t think kindly about having their safe cracked. Of course, the group of misfit thieves - botches the job and gets caught. Now the Mafia guys have to decide how to kill them.

This is one of those plays that’s difficult to bring to light on printed pages. After all – it is the actors that make this play or not. And – SF is blessed to have that exhilarating cast. Every pause, every word is a Gem. Timing is everything – and the Actors on the SF Playhouse stage are experts at it. Then there is Susi Damilano – one of the Bay Area’s best directors. She is the one who brings this script to life. Every nuance, every step has her stamp on it. IT’S MORE FUN THAN A JOHN HOLMES BLOW-UP DOLL!

And here is another amazing thing. It’s the set design by Bill English. It’s Altman-esque. What an imagination – and you will be amazed at the whiz-bang changes that are so fast that you think you’re seeing a magic show. How does he do it? It’s hard to imagine a more talented designer/actor/artistic director.

THE SUBLIMELY SMART, SEXY, WITTY AND WELL-ACTED PLAYERS ARE: Kathryn Tkel, Casey Jackson, Chad Deverman, Corinne Proctor, Peter Ruocco, Ashkon Davaran and Joe Madero. I HEARD 500 CHEERS!

Yes! Seeing Thieves is the most fun you’ll have this year. “It’s A Blast!”

AT SF PLAYHOUSE

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) – trademarked)

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and produced a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED)))

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MICRO MOVIES


A GIRL IN TROUBLE IN THE MOVIE "The girl with the Dragon Tattoo." Courtesy Photo.

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO

This movie is basically Noir Movie that is in Color. Here’s the story line. There is a female juvenile delinquent who is under court ordered supervision. The man who is supposed to supervise her is a sexual pervert who continually rapes her before he will give her money that she is entitled to.

The movie is complex. Sometimes it is like pulp fiction and other times it is a pretty good mystery. It goes back and forth between several different plot lines that jump all over the place. There is a Nazi connection, torture, unbelievable violence that turns the movie into an action flick.

Another thing. The young woman is a crook and scam artist. So, it is kinda hard to have many feelings for her. Then there is another story about violence against women. Not just from the Trustee – but we find out that there is someone else who is murdering women. And it turns out of course, someone who you would not suspect.

The movie is way too long. It would benefit by some pruning. But, just when you start to get weary – a new plot twist comes along. But is you like Sex maniacs, a little romance and some mysterious thrills along the way – then this flick is for you. Now playing at Landmark Theatres. The main star of the film is Noomi Rapace. She has some surprises in store for you.

Swedish film with Subtitles.

RATING: THREE BOXES OF POPCORN. – trademarked-

BUZZIN’S MUSING’S

SOON: AT THE MAGIC THEATRE. A woman is critically injured in an accident. What if the man who almost killed her – save’s her? And what about the encounters in life that take you somewhere you’ve never been and never meant to go. Intrigued? I certainly am. “The Accident” starts April 15 (preview).

A FLASHY NEW STAGE PRODUCTION of “Peter Pan” makes it U.S> premiere in a stunning 1,350-seat theater-in-the round pavilion specially erected in Ferry Park on the Embarcadero across from the Ferry Bldg in San Francisco. There is a lush musical score, sensational flying sequences and the World’s first 360-degree CGI set surrounding theatergoers with 15,000 square feet of high-resolution video. When Peter and Wendy fly off to Nederland – you fly with them. How exciting is that? You can view the Peter Pan Video – on Facebook/shn.

SELECT SEATS FOR ‘MASTER CLASS’ ON PREVIEW PERF. March 26 – April 2 at the New Conservatory Theatre Ctr. Everyone loves Opera Divas – and the most famous of them all was Maria Callas. The Terrance McNally’s play brings out all the facets of a career that had its up’s and downs. She is larger than life, and yes – she could be a bitch, as well.

Baby: A musical opens at the Off Market Street Theatre (not far from the Chronicle building). This delightful musical comedy is a seven-time Tony award-nominated show. The New York Times called it “Smart, Funny and often ingenious”. It runs for 5 weeks – March 19th – April 18. EXTRA: Produced by “The Ray of Light Theatre”. Check it out on Facebook.

NEWS TO ME. MICHAEL FIENSTEIN AND DAME EDNA will discuss their collaboration on the Broadway show “All About Me”. Find the “Arts Beat interview on nytimes.com/theater.

Another chance to hear the wonderful voice of Raul Esparza. He will join “Anyone Can Whistle”. Mr. Voice will appear with Sutton Foster and Donna Murphy. The original (1964) was with Angela Lansbury. The five performances will run from April 8 to 11. Wish there could be more. Maybe, if it’s a hit – they might extend. At least that’s what I would like.

….AND JESUS MOONWALKS THE MISSISSIPPI. This new play by Marcus Gardley opens this Friday at 8pm. The play is inspired by the myth of Demeter and Persephone. It takes you on a journey that combines traditional storytelling, gospel music and a wicked sense of humor. The imagination allows trees to preach, rivers to waltz, and Jesus to moonwalk. Produced by The Cutting Ball Theater in residence at EXIT on Taylor. 277 Taylor St., SF. Lets Moonwalk together.

AND THAT’S A WRAP!!!!



The Photo of Lee Hartgrave Boy Reporter is by Jim Ferreira – Film Noir & Hollywood Glamour. www.lafterhall.com.

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