Author: AJ Jaffari
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when a small town is asked to hold the weight of the world?Come From Away at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley reminds us of the extraordinary power of human kindness in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Centered around the events of September 11, 2001, the musical tells the true story of the…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when a simple train ride becomes something far more revealing? The Coast Starlight at The Stage transforms an ordinary journey into something quietly introspective, where connection, curiosity, and vulnerability take center stage. Keith Bunin’s play doesn’t rely on spectacle—instead, it leans into stillness, allowing its characters the space to exist,…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when a lie meant to comfort spirals into something far more complicated? Dear Evan Hansen at CMT Marquee dives into the fragile intersection of loneliness, connection, and the deep human desire to be seen. With its contemporary score and emotionally charged story, the musical explores how one moment—one decision—can ripple…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when tap shoes, mistaken identities, and a Cole Porter score set sail all at once? Anything Goes at Altarena Playhouse delivers a delightful dose of classic musical theatre charm, where romance, comedy, and show-stopping numbers collide on the high seas. With its witty book and timeless songs like “I Get…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when music becomes the language for everything we can’t quite say out loud? Once at Berkeley Playhouse reminds us that sometimes the most powerful love stories aren’t the ones that end with grand gestures, but the ones built through quiet moments and shared melodies. With its folk-inspired score and deeply…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when one of musical theatre’s most iconic rock operas returns to the stage with all its power and passion intact? Jesus Christ Superstar at Broadway at Music Circus proves that even decades after its debut, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s groundbreaking score still pulses with urgency and intensity. With…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when loneliness becomes routine—and courage feels just out of reach? Primary Trust at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley is a quiet, tender meditation on isolation, friendship, and the small acts of bravery that change a life. Eboni Booth’s Pulitzer Prize–winning play doesn’t rely on spectacle; instead, it gently unfolds, inviting us into…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when you mix Monty Python absurdity with Broadway spectacle? Spamalot at ATG San Francisco gallops onto the stage with coconuts in hand and absolutely no intention of taking itself seriously. Lovingly ripped off from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this musical adaptation embraces the ridiculous at every turn—complete with…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when fear refuses to stay confined to the screen? A.C.T.’s stage adaptation of Paranormal Activity dares to translate the quiet dread of the cult horror film into a live theatrical experience, where every creak, shadow, and silence feels amplified. Stripped of cinematic jump cuts and handheld cameras, the story leans…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when love is built on illusion—and the truth refuses to stay hidden? M. Butterfly at SF Playhouse unfolds as a haunting exploration of desire, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. David Henry Hwang’s Tony Award–winning play challenges assumptions about gender, power, and fantasy, blending political intrigue with…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when a bestselling thriller makes the leap from page to stage? The Da Vinci Code at Palo Alto Players showcases the widely known novel by Dan Brown into a fast-moving theatrical experience that leans heavily on mystery and puzzles. The production invites audiences into a world of hidden symbols, secret…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when the pursuit of art begins to cost more than it gives?Shotgun Players’ Sunday in the Park with George dives headfirst into that question, offering a meditative and emotionally rich exploration of creativity, obsession, and the price of making something lasting. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when two overlooked young women finally step into their own spotlight at Pemberley? TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley brings warmth and holiday charm to Jane Austen’s beloved world, offering a festive companion piece that centers the hearts often left on the margins. In this continuation of…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when imagination lifts us higher than reality ever could—especially when reality feels its heaviest? CMT Marquee’s Finding Neverland beautifully intertwines whimsy and heartbreak, revealing the story behind J.M. Barrie’s most iconic creation through a lens that is both magical and deeply human. It’s a tale where grief meets imagination head-on,…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when a mother’s past collides with her son’s search for identity? A Driving Beat at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley hits the stage with rhythm, heart, and honesty, blending a contemporary story of family and self-discovery with the pulse of hip-hop. Written by Jordan Ramirez Puckett, this world premiere production takes a…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when a little red-headed orphan steals the stage? Annie at Palo Alto Players delivers joy, laughter, and a healthy dose of nostalgia, proving that this timeless musical still has plenty of heart to go around. Few shows are as iconic as Annie—from its instantly recognizable songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when humanity’s greatest invention learns to outgrow its maker? Rossum’s Universal Robots at Foothill Theatre Arts reimagines Karel Čapek’s groundbreaking 1920 play with startling modern relevance, exploring the thin line between creation and destruction in an age defined by artificial intelligence. Often cited as the origin of the word “robot,”…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when a seaside guesthouse becomes the battleground for a family’s unforgotten dreams? The Hills of California at Berkeley Repertory Theatre opens with the Webb sisters returning to the place they once shared with their mother’s soaring ambitions and, in doing so, uncovering how the songs of youth can echo with…
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By AJ Jaffari What happens when protest meets powerhouse vocals? Suffs at BroadwaySF transforms the story of the women’s suffrage movement into a thrilling, modern musical event—equal parts history lesson and anthem for change. Written, composed, and originally led by Shaina Taub, the show electrifies early 20th-century history with contemporary rhythm, poetic dialogue, and bold…