- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Impact Theatre
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Nightlife Performing Arts, Nightlife [Edit]
1834 Euclid Ave(between Ridge Rd & Hearst Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94709
Neighborhood: UC Campus Area
(510) 224-5744
- Hours:
Thu-Sat 8 pm - 11 pm
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
65 reviews for Impact Theatre
Review Highlights
"I saw Jukebox Stories 2: TCOTCF, and loved it."
(in 8 reviews)
"I saw Ching Chong Chinaman and had a great time."
(in 5 reviews)
"So, GO SEE AN IMPACT THEATRE PRODUCTION."
(in 8 reviews)
Loading...
65 reviews in English
-
Review from Jeffrey S.
San Leandro, CA
9/21/2011
I've seen a few Impact Theater shows, and I've never been disappointed. My favorite so far has been "Of Dice & Men," which I saw with my wife last weekend. It's a great show, albeit very geeky. Anyone who's ever played D&D, Magic the Gathering, or even WOW should see this show.
The theater space is in the basement of La Val's in Berkeley. While you can bring your beer and pizza downstairs to watch the show, I recommend eating upstairs, and just bring the drinks. Less messy that way! -
Review from Charles B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 11/6/2011
Was blown away by The Chalk Boy tonight, in which a quartet of girls in high school deal with (or not) the sudden disappearance of Jeff Chalk, the handsomest and most popular guy in their school. Bitterly funny, with top-notch ensemble performances, a deceptively simple set, and just an all-around satisfying production. This is the second-best play I've seen in the last few months (#1 was Seven Guitars at Marin Theatre Company).
Impact may be a small theatre, but this is a thoroughly professional (as in quality) production; not even a single obviously fluffed line, which I had been hearing too much of at various theatres of late. Delightful things come in small packages. See it.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
11/14/2010
Updating to review The Play About the Naked Guy. Venue comments remain the same as in the previous… Read more »
-
-
Review from Lucia C.
9/28/2010
I totally missed this place when I walked into La Val's the first time for food. And then I almost missed it a second time when my buddy and I were rushing to make Milk Milk Lemonade.
Me: Look a sign!
Buddy: It points inside that restaurant.
Me: Nooo it can't be there... it's a pizza place!
And just as I was going to rush back to the sign to look for more hints, he finds it the secret (well not really) stairwell to... the theater!
My first thought walking down those stairs: Sketchy. My first impression: Beautiful space.
The stage was quaint and small, but this allowed for more interaction among the audience.
There were ~50 movie-theater-type-folding seats. It was 2/3 full that night.
The show itself was amazing- great cast, surprising props, humorous, &pulled at the heartstrings.
And best of all! They allowed us to bring food from outside- yea, that's right, who does this except for a theater underneath a pizza place! *heart*. And I didn't even have to buy the food there. yayy! -
Review from Perry A.
El Cerrito, CA
8/17/2011
I've known the folks of Impact for the last 8 years, and I haven't written a Yelp review? What the f**k is wrong with me? Anyways...I saw my very first Impact show back in 2003 -- Henry IV, Part 2 -- and from the moment I saw the petite Asian woman in the ensemble endlessly stage-mauling all the men with her gargantuan broadsword, I was hooked. They do some awesome work in that cramped pizza shop basement, and if you haven't been down there to check out their plays, then you need to get out from under your rock and check them out. Seriously.
-
Review from Lizz E.
Berkeley, CA
4/3/2010
I think I might be falling in love.
I know Impact Theatre and I have only been on two dates, but I swear, this is the real thing.
Impact has a casual, but clearly fashionable look, despite not having riches to work with. I like a date that knows how to look good without overdoing it.
Impact delivers intelligent, thoughtful discourse without snobbery or pretension. And hey, the number one way to turn ME on? Talk intellectual to me, baby.
Impact is unapologetically hilarious, leaving me to laugh so hard I've got tears rolling down my cheeks. To boot, Impact is a cheap date, who enjoys chowing down on pizza and beer.
Lastly, my friends love Impact; whenever Impact is mentioned, they rave about how wonderful it is and how they can't wait to see Impact again!
Unfortunately, though, I think Impact might be interested in dating around, and seeing other people. Like any hopeless romantic, I'll keep hanging around, waiting for Impact to see that we're a match made in heaven.Listed in: The EB
-
Review from Michelle S.
Brookline, MA
2/28/2009
Puck is kinda like a mix between Johnny Rotten and Vyvyan (that punky guy with the studs in his head) from "The Young Ones."
Demitrius rocks the pink popped collar.
Oberon doesn't solve the Rubix cube.
Helena sports a fanny pack adorned with neon puffy paint.
Bottom is played by a woman.
Starvling eats Funyons and wears....electronic media cables?
Flute and Snug are slacker/stoners.
Hippotola is an Amazon trophy wife.
Titania and her fairies are goth.
Theseus wears a skinny tie.
There is a dance off.
If I haven't told you enough to make you want to see Impact's 80's interpretation of "Midsummer Night's Dream," then you have no soul.
Impact is to live theatre as Parkway is to movies. Pizza. Beer. Plays. Just not as many couches. The seats are actually lecture desks. Show these guys some love; they're worth it.
Buy your tickets now. Don't be the asshole who thinks that he can just walk into the show and get a ticket; they will sell out...and they deserve to.Listed in: Allow me to entertain you....
-
Review from Angela N.
11/17/2006 2 photos
Grassroots theatre. Does it get any better than that? Fuck no.
Last night at Impact I saw "Jukebox Stories," a collection of songs and spun tales prattled and sang by two rambunctious and occasionally bumbling boys-next-door. Their too-convincing bedroom stage setting suited the basement well and the audience was constantly engaged.
The occasional bittersweet soul-baring truth came out, wrapped in a frothy display of wit and playful banter. It was touching, imperfect and occasionally ridiculous. I encourage you to see "Jukebox Stories" if only for the eye candy and the chance to win a jar of pudding in story-and-song bingo.
Impact embodies the spirit of theatre newly born and I dig the hell out of it. While I love that incognito subterranean thing they've got going on in La Val's basement, I'd like to help get them out of there. So let's, right here: http://impacttheatre.c....
Will post photos soon! -
Review from Elissa D.
Berkeley, CA
4/11/2006
If you haven't been to Impact you're missing out on some of the best theatre in the Bay Area, actually, you're missing out on a damn good time to be had here or elsewhere. Their comedic pieces are not to be missed. Make sure you see what they call, "The Briefs", short comedic one acts.
It's held in the basement of La Valle's Pizza Parlor in the Gourmet Ghetto, and you can actually take your beer and pizza down to see the show! It just doesn't get better than that. A tad bit noisy with the usual sports crowd upstairs, but this makes for such a fun evening you won't even care. Bring your friends, they'll think you're awesome.
UPDATE 11/20- I saw Jukebox Stories last week. It's effin awesome. You need to see it. That is all. -
Review from Patrick A.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2006
Lust | Envy | Greed | Pride | Anger | Gluttony
FUCK YES! -
Review from Megan S.
San Francisco, CA
6/17/2007
I highly recommend going to a show here for a really unique experience! I saw Impact Briefs here - the actors were talented and funny and the burlesque dancers were fantastic! It's showing until mid-July and if you want to see something really fresh, go for it. They also offer discount student tickets.
The theater was so intimate, and you can order La Val's pizza and beer and bring it down into the theater!!Listed in: Burlesque!
-
Review from Gracie B.
Newark, NJ
9/7/2007
I also saw sleepy last night and am also still digesting it. I'd kinda had a long day and got lost getting here (my issue because I didn't write down my directions) and just wasnt ready for it. The play was good the actors were great, but it's definitely a thinking kinda show.
That said - yeah...don't let the fact that it's under a pizza joint and the fact that you can eat pizza and beer make you think that this isn't a serious place. It is. It's very intimate and you're going to be close to the show. Closer, even, than you are at the Aurora theater. Which is good - especially since the actors are so good. -
Review from Cris L.
Sweden, ME
6/14/2007
Paul McCartney said it the best:
You Got The Sweetest Little Show
Sweetest Little Show
Sweetest Little Show In Town -
Review from Patrick G.
Alameda, CA
7/2/2007
I want to make a woman out of this theatre. Treat her right. show her how a real man loves her. I want to bring her flowers, make out with her from time to time, then just when the loving gets really good, I want to take a bite of pizza that she provides from upstairs; swill it down with beer.
Yes Impact Theatre, I'm talking to you. You are the perfect girl/woman. You make me feel just a bit naughty. But still, I can justify you.
I laugh, I lust, I sit on my hands and don't touch. I stretch and strain, there's a pole in my way.
Impact Theatre, can I take you out some time and show you off and be my trophy? -
Review from Caitlin M.
Oakland, CA
3/6/2009
Whoever said Impact is to live theatre as the Parkway is to movies really hit the nail on the head.
Midsummer is great. Go see it.
The only way Impact could get more awesome is if more people went to their shows and donated money so they could create more awesome programming. So on your way out--drop $5 in the donation bucket. Think of it as buying Impact a beer, now that you guys are pals. -
Review from Sara M.
Silver Spring, MD
11/19/2006 2 photos
I have to admit that I was initially slightly horrified that I would be seeing theater in the basement of La Val's. La Val's has a basement?! Yes! It's actually pretty awesome.
You can grab beer and a slice of pizza and head down the stairs to see a show. And you can go upstairs and refill your beer at intermission. The basement really looks like a basement, but it makes for a very intimate theater experience.
I saw Jukebox Stories on Friday night. The performers, Prince Gomolvilas and Brandon Patton take turns - Prince tells stories and Brandon sings amusing songs.
The audience gets to participate (which usually is panic-inducing for me, but in the small setting was actually nice). Throughout the show the audience plays "Prince and Brandon's Totally Rad Low-Stakes Arbitrary Audience Participation Gimmick" Bingo.
It's a different show every night, as they perform just a selection of the stories and songs they have on hand each night. I'm considering going back to see it again. Some of the performance titles are "What My Sister's Breast Implants Have to Do With Golf" and "Sloppy Seconds."
With admission at $15, $10 for students or seniors, this experience is a bargain.
____________________
Update 9/7/07
Last night I was lucky enough to take advantage of the Yelp preview night at Impact. They performed the new play "Sleepy" for us, and of course, it was great fun.
I thought the play started off a little slowly, but as it moved on and the connections between the various acts became more apparent, I enjoyed it more and more.
"Sleepy throws its characters into a nightmarish dreamscape in which reality is unreliable and time is fluid, but the fear and confusion the characters face are all too real" reads the brochure. The play was mostly dark, a little creepy, with a dash of humor here and there. I definitely recommend it to anyone who's looking for an affordable and laid-back cultural experience.
____________________
Update 2/28/08
I went to the opening night of Jukebox Stories a couple weekends ago. You must go. Seriously. I think I'm going to go again.
The stories and songs are hilarious as usual, and this time there isn't bingo, but the audience gets to solve the Case of the Creamy Foam. I was too shy to solve the case and damn, I wish I had. I need a 3 pack of Juno t-shirts like you wouldn't believe.Listed in: Berkeley Activities, Unusual Dates
-
Review from jill j.
Mill Valley, CA
10/11/2007
Impact Theater is a TINY stage with seating for maybe 50 people, located in the dark & noisy basement of a pizza joint. Although it seems cool to get beer and pizza from upstairs and bring it into the theater, don't feel obligated to do so -- there are plenty of great places to eat in the area (i.e. 10-15 minute walk).
Performances are generally fun & edgy; I've seen "Sleepy" and "Rosencranz & Guildenstern Are Dead" there. (I've been informed that R & G was performed by a different troupe, maybe Shotgun Players?, but it was in the same space.) There are no beautiful sets or posh seats here. The theater is very casual and low-key, and the quality of the acting varies from mediocre to quite good.
It's an experience every Bay Area theater-goer should have at least once. -
Review from Erica H.
Sweden, ME
3/21/2008
Five stars for the grit and the grooviness of this community theatre. I've enjoyed every show I've been to. Sometimes small is better. Sometimes.
I like that this place is real and creative. Though I think some new seats might be a good thing for this place eventually. -
Review from Edward Y.
Oakland, CA
6/5/2008
Went to go see my first show tonight -- 'Tis Pity She's a Whore. It was definitely an amazing experience. Considering this was the last week the show was playing, it was a packed house. It can get extremely stuffed in there...
Anyways, I thought this place was great. I love how they encourage you to bring beer/food from upstairs. At first, I was a bit skeptical about bringing beer/pizza down to watch a play, but it's a very comfortable and relaxed setting. I feel like I'm in someone's house. I didn't feel bad bringing down two pitchers of beer along with two boxes of pizza.
The acting was superb. To be honest, I'm not one to frequent plays, but I thought it was great nonetheless. The fact that it is a divey theater with top talent makes it a hands down five star experience in my book. Even AFTER reading all these reviews and having high expectations, it still blew me away. You really have to check this out. Love the fact that it is non-profit as well and community based.
On a side note, pizza is mediocre -- but CHEAP beer! $2.75 for a cup of beer, about $8-$9 for a pitcher. -
Review from Adena D.
Redwood City, CA
12/3/2007
Impact Theatre kicks ass. Here's why -- you walk into this pizza place filled Berkeley kids and you think to yourself, 'ok, wait, wasn't I going to the theatre?' Then you realize there's these stairs that go down to the basement. That's where the theatre is.
If your idea of a good theatre is A.C.T., maybe you won't like Impact. They're not pretending to be high class. You're welcome to bring beer from upstairs and chug away during the performances.
That's not to say that you have to drink to enjoy the shows here. Some of them lend themselves to drinking, comedies especially. Here's theater for the common folk. Some of its weird. A lot of its fun. And it's all definitely worth a night of your time.
Insiders tip -- go on Thurs, it's usually pay-what-you can, and you should pay at least $10, but if you're dirt poor you can still enjoy theater here.
***disclaimer: I once assistant directed a show here. And it was an awesome experience.*** -
Review from L.A. W.
Tracy, CA
7/2/2007
The Impact Briefs show that's playing now is amazing! The actors' timing is astoundingly well done, WHY AREN"T THESE PEOPLE FAMOUS!?!?!
Hot, sexy, sinful, irreverent, funny, intelligent, witty and brave!
Satirical without being bitter, and sexy without being crude.
Stripping nuns and dead clowns...does it get any effing better??? HELL NO!
UPDATE 7/17
I went back again...and it was still as wunnerful as I 'membered.
I can't believe they picked me for sinner of the night TWICE...maybe I should lay off the evility for a bit...Nah, it's too fun.
This theater has captured my heart. I'm going to pimp this crack EVERYWHERE!!!!Listed in: Sex, Drugs & Rock n Roll, Cocktail, my lovah?
-
Review from Allison L.
Berkeley, CA
2/15/2008
Awesome joint. Totally intimate. You can eat pizza, drink beer, and watch some good theater. What else would you want?
Saw Jukebox Stories here tonight. Go see it! -
Review from kaveh a.
Lafayette, CA
5/21/2011
This theater, the actor/tresses, the seating, the ability to drink beer during the experience, the proximity to Jupiter, and lots of delicious food, puts this place at the top of my list for a cool night... hey, if its even at least better than what you did last Friday night you should go... and believe me, you will have more fun than you thought.
The theater is located underneath the La Val's pizza joint, so grab a beer and head on downstairs... We saw Dissembly and it was engaging and funny...very funny.. The theater is small, so get there early but not too early as you can drink and eat downstairs in the theater... the stairs are steep.
This is a great date place; intimate, funny, pizza, beer....
just go here and don't worry about what is playing, you will like it. They are passionate about their craft and it clearly shows. -
Review from Jerry R.
San Francisco, CA
2/15/2009
GO WATCH A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM!
I've been upset about the fact that I missed Ching Chong Chinaman so best believe that I had tickets for last nights sold out show. A Midsummer Night's Dream directed by Melissa Hillman was amazing! Melissa chose to set William Shakespeare's romantic comedy in the 80's and the results were more than pleasing. The rad soundtrack, the costumes and the awesome acting makes this a must see. Plus it runs for AT LEAST 6 weeks so there's no excuse not to.
Impact Theatre. Yeah, you can have pizza. Yeah, you can have beer. Yeah, you can have pizza AND beer. What Yelpers fail to emphasis is the fact that this theatre company is talented. Don't regret missing out on this one like I still do with Ching Chong Chinaman. -
Review from Song-My T.
Milpitas, CA
1/4/2010
I came across one of the Impact Theater's random fliers, and decided to check out the theater in the basement of La Val's. The first show I saw there, "Jukebox Stories," was so funny. It was a show with little snippets of music and writing from the two performers all linked into a "whodunnit" kind of storyline. I thought it was really creative and well-performed. After that, i was hooked. I came back for "'Tis Pity She's a Whore" and "Ching Chong Chinaman," and thoroughly enjoyed both of them.
The theater experience at the Impact Theater is much different than other theaters in the area. For one, you can order pizza and beer and take them down to the theater with you. There is also a comfy couch that you can sit on in the front row to the side if you come early enough to grab it. Being in the basement makes the theater seem more intimate, and you are really brought into their performances. Plus, the tickets are so cheap!
The Impact Theater is really a unique asset to Berkeley. -
Review from John D.
Oakland, CA
5/30/2011
Saw "Disassembly"... and was very impressed. Witty, energetic, the kind of theater you can't get from a larger troupe.
Also a very accessible show, even for the non-artsy... can it get better than this? -
Review from Dana B.
Oakland, CA
2/17/2008
I love intimate and affordable theatre and this one was good. It was sometimes annoying that you could hear noise from the pizza joint upstairs, but it just added to the flavor.
The show that I saw 2/16/08 -- Jukebox Stories: The Case of the Creamy Foam was awesome! Go see it! Prince and Brandon are hilarious, you get to interact with them, and you can win fun prizes. I will go see them again for sure. I would also like to see other things at Impact again. -
Review from Farah S.
Updated - 3/14/2011
After seeing R&J my world traveling, conservatory-trained actor Aussie friend asked, "Is there any bad theatre in the Bay Area"? For real, go see it! And any other show of theirs. They've topped themselves once again.
Listed in: Going to the theeaytah!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/14/2006
Walk down the stairs to the deep, dark basement of La Val's Pizzeria and you'll find one of the… Read more »
-
-
Review from Patty W.
Livermore, CA
9/26/2008
I'd forgotten what a great town Berkeley is! Thank God for Yelp, otherwise, we'd have had one heck of a time figuring out that the theater is actually below the pizza place.
We saw Ching Chong Chinaman and thought it was hilarious. Pizza from La Val's was "eh," but the theater set-up down below was great. "Sold out crowd" means around 40-50 people, very cozy, and comfortable enough seats (with attached swing up desk tables, like what we had in the 8th grade!). I'd like to say there's not a bad seat in the place, but there are some view obstructions due to structural objects. The best seats are the ones deepest into the place. Pizza and beer from upstairs are encouraged, and everything is very laid back.
We will definitely come back, and will even make a donation to Impact Theatre to keep the good times coming! -
Review from Jon N.
Albany, CA
6/26/2007
Okay, I'm biased as well. Also, if I didn't say something great about Impact, the resident company would tear my scrotum off, tan it, and make it into a coin purse. Or a dice bag.
Getting back to Impact Theatre, if you haven't experienced an Impact show yet -- you should. You should because there is a LOT of crappy theatre in the world, let alone the Bay Area. As a matter of fact, a major chunk of this aforementioned crappy theatre charges you an assload of money to view it.
Not Impact.
Impact charges you a minor sum, AND you get to eat pizza AND drink beer while the show is going on! How is that NOT the best theatre experience EVER?? I mean, sometimes Impact throws a gutter ball with a show -- hey, even Ian McCellan had shitty shows...but he killed his audiences so the word never got out -- but when you're full of beer and pizza...who gives a shit?
So, GO SEE AN IMPACT THEATRE PRODUCTION! It's good for your wallet. It's good for your frame of mind (beer). It's good for your soul. -
Review from Brian D.
Oakland, CA
6/15/2007
Funky little theater troupe whose home base is under La Val's on north side ("LA Val's Subterranean").
The show I went to, "Impact Briefs 8," was a series of short plays, each no longer than 10 minutes, interspersed with a series of burlesque acts.
"Burlesque" being "hot girls taking their clothes off to music." It was tasteful; it was definitely burlesque in contrast to "stripping," choreographed and featuring the lovely and talented Helen Nesteruk.
Benefits of going to Impact: it's convenient (north side! woot woot), it's below La Val's, so you can eat pizza and a beer during the show, it's close to BART (walk across campus), and the troupe is unpretentious and accessible.
Impact is a member of Theater Bay Area and highlights "emerging playwrights," which is theater code for "playwrights you likely haven't heard of." I could be wrong, but I think the "Impact Briefs" series takes submissions for the shorts.
It's all non-profit- the actors are unpaid; all ticket prices are "donations" in a way. Impact is currently trying to improve the seating in La Val's Subterranean, and last I checked they were still letting patrons vote for what kind of seats they'd prefer. For a donation you can get your name inscribed on the new seats. -
Review from Lauren S.
11/16/2007
Yes! Impact theatre is a breath of fresh air in the theatre world, an alternative to the high-priced pretentious theatre arts spots that lie all around the bay area. It's literally UNDERGROUND.
...I mean, c'mon, it's underneath a PIZZA place. The fact alone that you can bring a slice and a beer (from the tap!) downstairs into the theatre, holler and cheer, and get lap dances from the actresses, and be at eye level with them is enough for me to spew recommendations across, Yelp and beyond.
Check out Helen N.'s review-- she knows, she's a Impact actress and choreographer, herself. -
Review from Jason W.
Oakland, CA
9/4/2007
As someone else wrote:
"Lust | Envy | Greed | Pride | Anger | Gluttony
FUCK YES!"
I would have to agree fully. I had hella fun. Not to mention the whole "pay what you want" aspect. It's a nice location for a small group of friends. -
Review from Alaric T.
Pleasant Hill, CA
10/26/2009
This review is for "Beer Theatre" their most recent production. An academic exploration of the Chester play cycles, rehearsed on the morning of the performance and performed later that evening.
General rules for theatre:
1. Stick to the script.
2. Don't ham up to the audience for cheap laughs.
3. Drinking during rehearsal or performance is forbidden.
All three rules broken with reckless abandon! Only at Impact Theatre can you eat food AND have beer or wine while enjoying a show. And that's on a regular basis! Now add in sanctioned drinking for the performers for this production and what do you get? An amazingly good time all in the name of academia.
Hooray for Impact Theatre! Always a good time. -
Review from Cyrus A.
Minneapolis, MN
2/26/2008
Theater without the stuffiness, Impact gave me the best live theater show I have ever seen. 60 Seat venue ensures you will be up close to the action, and beers and food from La Val's upstairs provides for a good time by all.
I saw Jukebox Stories 2: TCOTCF, and loved it. The show was entertaining, funny, smart, well-written, and masterfully performed. Tons of audience participation, random set lists, and just a fun time for all.
The prices are really reasonable, $15, $10 for students. Beers from upstairs are $8/pitcher domestic, $9.50 premium, and the premium selection was pretty solid (Heineken, Newcastle, Sierra Nevada, and maybe 5 or 6 more kinds).
I will be back for another show at this place. Its a 5 star hall of famer. -
Review from Josh L.
Oakland, CA
2/26/2008
Great theater experiences here.
For the venue there's not a bad seat in the house (bonus points for a couch on stage left), and you can stuff yourself silly with pretty decent pizza upstairs before bringing it down to enjoy some good, local theater with actors who are there to entertain.
Definitely recommended. -
Review from Daniel J.
San Ramon, CA
7/20/2007
This is probably the best underground theater I've encountered.
The entire cast is way talented and the venue is tight.
I just caught Impact Briefs 8: Sinfully Delicious last weekend.
It's funny, entertaining, hot, inspiring and not to be missed.
Check it out. -
Review from M O.
San Francisco, CA
4/12/2007
So many theatres are unable to do what Impact has done: attract an audience that is mostly under 35!
How do they do it?
They have funny, creative shows written by up and coming playwrights. And it sure helps that there's a pizza shop upstairs and you can bring in your dinner and beer.
Great fun. Great theatre! -
Review from Vera D.
San Francisco, CA
11/29/2006
I've never been to Impact Theater at La Val's Subterranean Pizza and on this particular night, I came to see "Jukebox Stories", starring Prince Gomolvila, playwright, and Brandon Patton, musician.
The theater was very intimate and so audience participation in Prince and Brandon's interactive story-songs and bingo was high. I enjoyed the spontaneity of it, and especially the Reverse Q&A that brought Brandon's recent blind date onstage, much to her embarrassment! My favorite stories included "reply to college rejection letter" and "Asian mother guilt". Brandon's songs also told stories, and among my faves was one about a dysfunctional typical American family.
My boyfriend ended up winning the grand prize for bingo, a complimentary CD of Inverness, an up-and-coming band. Other audience members eagerly played bingo, to win a cup of pudding and some other toy.
The show was spirited and fun. I'd go again, it's sure to be different the second time around! The show's intimate and spontaneous nature also reminded me of Ghetto Gourmet, and so I invited Brandon to perform for a recent dinner (which he did). How cool was that? -
Review from Jessica K.
Santa Maria, CA
6/22/2007
Ah, Impact Theatre.
I will preface this by saying that I AM slightly biased, being one of the four burlesque dancers in their current production, but I'll do my best to be objective here.
You'll never be hard-pressed to find small, intimate performances, least of all in the Bay Area...and every weekend, confused first-time audience members can be seen wandering around the outside of La Val's Pizza for, yes, whole precious minutes at a time, wondering if they've found the right place.
Oh, but they have.
La Val's Subterranean, the basement theatre in which Impact performs, is one of the few tiny, in-your-face theatres in the Bay Area that is consistently filled to the brim with talented actors, clever, insightful directors, able-minded stage managers, overtly capable designers, and most importantly, intellegent audiences, because it houses Impact Theatre.
As so many before me have stated, Impact is free of the impressively haughty, superior attitude that many theatre companies maintain. Their "people" are welcoming, approachable, and extremely down-to-earth, and their audience always comes ready to have a good time.
Their current production, *Impact Briefs 8: Sinfully Delicious* offers constant entertainment, and even a sinfully delicious gift pack for one lucky winner at intermission. Impeccably acted hilarious short plays, and burlesque dancers who (if I do say so myself) have what every man wants: blatant sex appeal, a brilliant sense of humor, and an unmatchable passion for whipped cream.
Don't forget to grab a pint and a slice before you head downstairs for the show. It will only enhance your experience :D -
Review from Ashley V.
9/30/2008
I've seen one play here...don't be mad but the name escapes me at the moment. But it was about a family with two kids, one is a boy in love with the talk show host Maury and the other is a girl obsessed with becoming a beauty pageant winner.
I enjoyed it a lot. very funny, theres a monologue by the boy that was wonderful.
The seating is a little awkward, mostly just metal chairs with a little flat cushion. But for the price its worth it!
The theatre is under a pretty good pizza place too. And theres Mexican next door if pizza isn't your thing.
