Company in the News August-2024

See what PlayGround Writers, Company Members, and Alumni are up to this August!

Norman Gee directs and performs in INVENTORY/ James Baldwin Abroad with the Oakland Public Theater this August, honoring Baldwin’s centennial. Artistic Director of O.P.T., and Associate Producer with PlayGround-SF, Norman also works with other companies including A.C.T., SF-Shakes, Word for Word, Lorraine Hansberry, Shotgun Players, Oakland Theater Project, the San Jose Stage Company, and the SF Mime Troupe. Oakland Public Theater creates a ‘different kind of Black Theater”, expanding cultural notions to encompass often invisible roles of African-Americans. INVENTORY premieres at Potrero Stage SF, then moves to the BAM House in downtown Oakland. Info available here.

Bacilio Mendez II (SAG/AEA) has been cast as the understudy for the roles of Elyot Chase & Victor Prynne in American Conservatory Theater’s (ACT) production of Noël Coward’s hysterical classic tale of the tempestuous dance that is marriage “Private Lives”. Part of ACT’s 24-25 season, this all Latine production is directed by Bay Area favorite KJ Sanchez and runs from September 12 through October 6, 2024, at the Toni Rembe Theater in San Francisco. More info available here.

Daniel Martinez Jr‘s latest one-act play, Vodka Cran, will be getting a staged reading as part of Mountain Community Theater’s New Works Weekend! SYNOPSIS: Two souls become conscious in “The Great Before” and end up bonding. They promise to find each other on Earth. On Earth, we see them bump into each other at a party. They have an inexplicable draw to each other, but they can’t figure out why. WILL THEY?! “Vodka Cran” will be featured alongside two other one-act plays. There will be a talkback with Daniel and the cast and director after the Friday the 16th performance. Tickets go on sale on August 2nd and can be purchased here.

Lizzie Calogero will be playing a delightful assortment of characters, including an ambitious tech entrepreneur and a passionate student protester, in the SF Mime Troupe’s summer show, American Dreams. We’re free in Bay Area parks throughout July and August, and we’re loud and funny! Not silent mime! Info available here.

Ezra Reaves to perform in VELOUR: A Drag Spectacular at La Jolla Playhouse! If you happen to find yourself in SoCal, come check this out! It’s is going to be a MAGICAL show!

Jonathan Spector‘s EUREKA DAY announced casting for its Broadway run, with a cast including Bill Irwin, Jessica Hecht, Amber Grey, Zoe Chao and Thomas Middleditch. Performances begin Nov. 25th. More information here.

Kimberly Ridgeway is making her directorial debut at Central Works Theatre directing the World Premiere of Patricia Milton’s Accused! July 13 – August 11, 2024. Tickets available here.

Elena Wright will be in Twelfth Night at SPARC in July/August.

Rob Dario is on the design team for Marin Shakespeare Company’s production of THE UNTIME, running August 2 – 25.

Louis Parnell starts rehearsals for WAITRESS at the SF Playhouse in October.