Going into the woods can evoke scary thoughts of wild animals and creepy people, but not so for the magical forest displayed in SF Playhouse’s stunning production of “Into the Woods.”
Beautifully designed by Heather Kenyon, these woods feature lush trees and foliage with one tall tree rotating to become Rapunzel’s tower.
Bill English cleverly directs his impressive cast with just the right amount of sarcasm, humor and tender moments. His slightly over-the-top look at storybook characters gone awry also works perfectly with his talented cast, who are more than capable of giving their shallow storybook characters added depth.
Each cast member creates exceptional characters. Here are just a few of the truly outstanding talent involved with this show. Alison Ewing takes the Witch to new heights with her fine acting, comedic flair and stunning voice, while Maureen McVerry utilizes her comedic powers to create a funny, sweet Milky White the cow with only her facial expressions and body language.
Jillian A. Smith (Cinderella), Samantha Rich (Rapunzel/Cinderella’s Mother) and Olivia Hellman (Little Red Riding Hood) also impress with their beautiful voices. Trevor March (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf #1) and Johann Santiago Santos (Rapunzel’s Prince/Wolf #2) add their exciting voices and creative silliness to the show.
Choreographer Nicole Helfer and Music Director Dave Dobrusky bring their always amazing ingenuity to this truly memorable show.
“Into the Woods” runs through Jan. 17 at 450 Post St. in San Francisco. Call 415-677-9596 or go to sfplayhouse.org.
Berkeley: Shotgun’s gorgeous production of “Sunday in the Park with George” has been extended through Jan. 31 at 1901 Ashby Ave.
“The sound-world of the show is just as daring, provocative, interesting and non-traditional as the type of art that the character of George Seurat was striving to create,” said Music Director David Möschler. “It’s not book scenes followed by songs belted out ad nauseum; it’s a score that is interwoven through dialogue and comes together more like a film score that helps create a strong sense of narrative and dramatic continuity from beginning to end.”
For tickets, call 510-841-6500 ext. 303 or go to shotgunplayers.org/show/sunday.
Also in Berkeley: “Annie” continues through Sunday at Berkeley Playhouse on 2640 College Ave.
Brendan Simon plays Daddy Warbucks with Cara Impallomeni and Emma Jillizian alternating in the title role and Penny and Mac alternating as the all-important dog Sandy.
For tickets, call 510-845-8542 ext. 351 or go to tickets.berkeleyplayhouse.org.
Martinez: Looking ahead to New Year’s Eve, the Campbell Theater on 636 Ward St. presents lots of laughs with headliner Steve Mazan and comedians Lee Levine and Cookie Williams. Bob Johnston hosts. Taking place Dec. 31 at 7:15 p.m. and 10 p.m., each show includes a sparkling toast at the end.
For tickets, go to campbelltheater.com/cococomedy. A portion of the proceeds benefits local nonprofits.
Hayward: Also in the new year, Korsa Musical Theater offers the poignant-yet-thrilling ride through the challenges of adolescence in “Spring Awakening,” Jan. 9-18 at Douglas Morrisson Theatre on 22311 N. 3rd St.
I’ve seen several productions of this musical by Steven Sater, and each one has resonated with me — often reminding me of my own teenage problems or those of my children.
Sater makes this time even more powerful by setting his story in the harsh, repressive world of 19th century rural Germany but with a contemporary pop-rock score.
For tickets, call 510-595-5514.
S.F.: For something a bit different, look for “The Golden Girls Live — The Christmas Episodes” through Sunday at the Curran Theatre on 445 Geary St.
Returning for its 20th year of holiday hilarity, “The Golden Girls” celebrate in true Miami style. The lovingly irreverent tribute, performed by four drag legends, promises big laughs, heartwarming moments and a dose of holiday spirit.
You’ll also find another special tribute — “Rain: A Beatles Christmas Tribute” — Dec. 23 only at the Golden Gate Theatre on 1 Taylor St. at Market.
Together longer than the actual Beatles, the band Rain has mastered every detail of the Beatles’ iconic sound and style. Now, for the first time, the group wraps the concert in holiday cheer including a stage transformed into a winter wonderland.
For tickets to either “The Golden Girls” or “Rain,” go to broadwaysf.com.
Also in S.F.: Sometimes it can be difficult keeping up with East Bay talent that has flown away to New York or Los Angeles. Luckily, my favorite tenor Sean Patrick Murtagh returns every Christmas for a concert.
Dubbed the “golden tenor” by New York audiences, Murtagh will once again present “Holiday Test Drive XII” next Monday at 5 p.m. at Feinstein’s at the Nikko on 222 Mason St.
I will never forget Murtagh’s kindness when I was singing my first solos in a musical. He stood in the wings giving me encouragement every night!
For tickets, go to feinsteinssf.com.
Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.