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SF Playhouse - Union Square

4.5 star rating
based on 53 reviews

Category: Performing Arts  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Union Square
533 Sutter St
2nd Fl

(between Mason St & Powell St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 677-9596
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Hours:

Wed-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sat. 1:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Good for Kids:
No

53 reviews for SF Playhouse - Union Square

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4

65

Amanda D.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
9/9/2009

This is an amazing playhouse--the shows are always top notch and the theater is very intimate and comfortable. No matter where you sit you have a great seat and the tickets are very reasonably priced. I'm a subscriber (I chose the Tues. night at 7pm option), so I pay $20 per show and get to bring as many guests as I want for that same price.

I saw every show last season and was not let down by any of them. Such good quality acting and selection of plays--you really feel like a part of whats going on onstage because the theater is so intimate and the actors so engaging. And the house staff is very friendly.

The SF playhouse is definitely worth checking out!

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Elite '09

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87

Lizz E.

Berkeley, CA

2 star rating
6/25/2009

Sigh.

Ok.  I've only seen one production, so I am hardly an expert at this juncture.  That said: I was super unimpressed with Dead Man's Cell Phone (and so was the hot date that I dragged along with me).

Was it the worst show I've ever seen?  Oh, of course not.  And admittedly, I am a bit of a snob.  But based on the reviews that it received, I expected much, much better.  I'm lucky that I was in good company, because if he hadn't tagged along, the whole thing would've been a waste.

Here's to hoping the next show redeems this playhouse for me.

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10

9

G G.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/9/2009

Consistently producing some of the best theatre in the Bay Area. Bill English is a brilliant scenic designer and their productions have excellent caliber actors and directors.  Plus, there's a bar IN THE THEATRE for you party people. This is my business and they're amongst the best of the best, and they do it on a budget that is a minuscule fraction of ACT's or Berkeley Rep's. Bravo!

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Photo of Claudia S.

 

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1

Claudia S.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
11/7/2009

Loved the play "First Day of School"  The acting was excellent and the play was hillarious. Tonight is the last show if you want to go.

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Photo of KarenYaella F.

 

6

2

KarenYaella F.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
8/20/2009

I just saw One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest at SF Playhouse last night and it was excellent! Even though the story is quite grim in subject and message, it was laugh-out-loud hilarious at many parts and really very well acted in every part. I also love the intimate theatre setting for this play and they made a great set.  It's a great show to get some laughs, support the arts, get your mind thinking about conformity, individuality and psycological manipulation. It's running for 2 more weeks only.

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Photo of Jackie G.

 

16

71

Jackie G.

San Mateo, CA

5 star rating
7/24/2009

I heard that this venue was very quaint and sweet. As I was walking up to the door I would have passed it if it were not for the sign out front. I walked in this little hole in the wall and up the stairs to find a very small theater that fits about 100-110 people (not really sure). Usually, my kind of theater would have million dollar sets and million dollar costumes, but this one was simple and nice. I sat down for "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" and was immersed in the play. I found the acting to be exceptional and very amusing. The play is running till Sept 5. Take a date there!! It was FANTASTIC! I would most definitely come back to see another production.

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52

310

crispy b.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
1/11/2009

I really am a cheap date.  I don't drink.  I don't smoke.  I won't even trick you into purchasing the Louis Vuitton bag I've been eyeing.

Being on a really strict budget blows, especially when it comes to enjoying myself in San Francisco.  Granted, I could technically find some ad space on Craigslist to post the following:

"Single Asian female seeks like-minded companion for good fun.  Financially responsible, socially acceptable, compatible personality a must."

...only to be read as such:

"Single slutty youngdocileAsian female seeks like-minded slutty Yelp friend collector for raunchy night on the town.  Big deep pockets of cash, willing to commit to anything, 420 okay, your hotel room or mine?"

Honestly.  In times of economic crisis, people are willing to do anything.

But getting back to the original point.  My friend and I saved $25 by responding to a remote Craigslist ad for free tickets if we could definitely attend a Saturday showing of W. Kamau Bell's Bell Jar.  Really folks, if you're into talking about the layers of racism currently plaguing our society, you should go and see him.

The response came.  The address given was the SF Playhouse.  Show up around 7:45pm.  That was it.  Non-descript.  Dark.  Perverse.  Simple transaction.  Well hello, it's Craigslist.

We show up.  We walk upstairs.  It's stuffy, there are people silently pushing each other around for coveted carpeted floor space.  We project our dysfunctions onto any decent looking human being next to us, and then shuffle our way into the tiny theatre.

It's dark, the seats are set up so the tall MOFO isn't really blocking the short MOFO behind him/her.  My attention is drawn to the big hole in the ceiling.  I grabbed my fag's hand for dear life that a rat dropping wasn't getting ready to make peace with my hair.

The show began.  Lights out.  

Lights on.  W. Kamau Bell steps out.  Sweet.  Laughter.  Racism.  Grab your white pride!

Lights out.  Lights on.  End show.

What Craigslist will do for you on a Saturday night.

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1

1

Carolynn A.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/22/2009

Saw "First Day of School" last night.  Don't let this leave without seeing it.  90 minutes of wonderful acting - a really good comedy, well written. Perfect mid-week event. Did I mention wonderful acting?

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15

Ray K.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
7/4/2009

I think this is a fantastic "small" theatre.  You, the audience, are up close and personal with the plays' casts.  I just saw "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" there and it was great.  The performers put their hearts into their performances, in my opinion.  I would recommend this playhouse to anybody.  They didn't have any beer or wine, but according to one of the actors/staff, this is being rectified very soon.  This is one of the few play houses that let you take any purchase from the bar into the theatre.  That was nice.

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0

3

Amy A.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/17/2009

Very much enjoyed First Day of School... entertaining, funny, and unique! I was so impressed by the true parent dialogue amidst sexual encounters. The set was perfect for the theater! Well written, well directed, well played, and well done!

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3

180

Roger H.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
12/24/2008

Best theater in the city. I've been coming here for a season and a half and I've found that about 80% of the plays are really good.  This playhouse always performs challenging content and the subjects always keeping me talking about them hours after I've left the theater.

The theater is small and intimate and always makes me feel like I'm a part of the action.  If you are expecting Broadway don't go here but if you want real drama, this place can't be beat.

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Photo of Judy M.

 

1

8

Judy M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
8/20/2008

I love this place and this production company.  Great theater where you feel immersed in the show.  I first saw "Our Lady of 121st St" and went right back to see "Roulette".  Then on to The Ride down Mount Morgan, Jesus hopped the A-Train, Coronado, 6 Degrees of Separation, The Scene, Bug - it's all good and edgy stuff.  Some amazingly good acting and a great choice of material.  This is adult, thoughtful and challenging theater at its best .  Bill English is as dedicated as they come.

3 Cheers for SF Playhouse!

Off to see Cabaret tonight.  My first musical here.  Very curious as I could not watch the movie - cannot stomach Lisa Minnelli.

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22

KJ P.

Hayward, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 8/19/2009

SF Playhouse's   One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Dale Wasserman's adaptation of Ken Kesey's iconic novel from 1958) is award worthy!

True today, frighteningly true in many respects, Kesey's depiction of hope and fears and misplaced good intentions still represents psychiatric treatment nightmares.

The actors each were outstanding!!
Beyond excellent acting, they each physically embodied the psychiatric patients or staff they portrayed.

Kesey's language is powerful. This cast under the delft direction of Bill English, adds depth to the already rich dialogue.  No matter where you look, something is going on.  

The casting is perfect!
(Despite Susi Damilano's off stage warmth and friendly personality, she always did remind me of a Nurse Supervisor I encountered early in my nursing career.) When Big Nurse scowled lives changed. Damilano as Nurse Ratched/ Big Nurse could freeze fire with 'that look'.
Hansford Prince is brilliant as RP McMurphy.  In my opinion, Prince is a much more likable rouge than the last famous film actor doing the same character.
My personal favorite of the "boys": Chief Bromden (Michael Torres) seemed made for the part of the inimical character of Chief Broom.
All the actors bring vital life and energy to their parts. Patrick Alparone and Yusef Lambert, Brian Raffi and Gilberto Esqueda, Louis Parnell, Joe Madero, all deserve outstanding notice. Down to their fingertips and facial ticks and drool...  
Dr. Spivey (David Sinaiko) sooo had the moves and the wardrobe of several prominent East Coast psychiatrists I worked with (a few decades ago)...even the hair style!
Madeline Brown, and Marissa Keltie contributed stellar talent with Dwight Huntsman and Cats Forsman as 'muscle' and presence.

It was a wonderful Night Out!

The house was packed! Get your tickets now! Go! The Wine and chocolate pre show is delicious (and you can bring concessions into the theatre). There are no bad seats, the stage is Right There. Magic, so rare in this day and age, happens here.

A few weeks left, don't miss it. Everyone is talking about it!

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2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    12/21/2008

    See this show!
    Abraham Lincoln's Big Gay Dance Party at SF Playhouse.
    Aaron Loeb (First Person… Read more »

Photo of Liz S.

Elite '09

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880

Liz S.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
5/30/2008

SF Playhouse is 2-for-2 with me so far, and you can be sure that I will be back for more.

First of all, they offer discounted tickets on Goldstar which is very helpful - I would go even if they didn't, but this helps me to go more often.

Secondly, they perform in a small venue (it is on the second floor of the building, and is shared with another theater company and a nail salon), so there is not a bad seat in the house - and you get to really become a part of the production, and appreciate the fine nuances of the acting.

Thirdly, their choice of material is great - I recently saw "Coronado" by Dennis Lehane (who wrote "Mystic River" and "Gone Baby Gone"), and earlier this week I saw "Bug" by Tracy Letts (who wrote "Killer Joe", which I saw as part of a Yelp event a couple of years ago).  Both pieces were edgy and intense, raw and modern.  I appreciated the performances in both of them and was left thinking about them for days afterwards.

They have a small concession stand for candy and cookies and drinks.  I don't always indulge, but it's nice to have a glass of wine while you are watching a performance - a real treat that you'd never get in the big theaters.  Everyone there is extremely nice and enthusiastic.

Unlike with so-called "premium" cable channels, you are not forced to wait 6 months for new material - you can be sure that they are working on something interesting, entertaining, and exciting right now!  So grab your best theater-buddy (I have mine!) and book some tickets today.  You'll be glad that you did!

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17

JC B.

Castro Valley, CA

5 star rating
8/19/2008

This was my second time visiting the SF Playhouse and I can't wait to go back for more.  

I love the intimate setting and both performances I've seen have been great.

We most recently saw Cabaret.  The Emcee, played by Brian Yates Sharber had a cold the evening that we saw the show.  He informed the audience during his first scene.  Although he was a bit hoarse, I still think he gave a wonderful performance.  The thing I liked about the performance of Cabaret is that we felt as if we were part of the show.  During one scene he gave a few of us in our row horns to blow during the New Years scene.  

Because it's such a small theater, I feel a bit claustrophobic.  I called to order our tickets so that I could get an aisle seat.  I knew exactly where I wanted to sit because I had been there before.  The gentleman at the box office was really helpful and accommodating.  We got to the show about 1 minute before it started (rushing from Level III - check out review for that place).  The guy at the box office knew exactly who we were and gave us our tickets.  It turns out we weren't on the aisle, but in the middle of the row.  I kind of freaked out so my good friends that I was with asked the couple who were on the aisle if they could move to the center (actually, thinking back, I think they did the crazy finger around their ears pointing to me) saying that I was claustrophobic and blah, blah, blah.  The couple was really nice and said it would be no problem for them to move.  

The next day I called the box office to find out what had happened.  I opened by saying that we had a wonderful evening but I know when I ordered the tix I had aisle seats.  The gal I spoke with said the only thing she could think of was that the guy at the box office the night of the show, thought he was doing us a favor by putting us more in the center (which for anybody else would have been the case).  She apologized and just told me next time I ordered tickets to have the person write a big note "do not change/upgrade seats" which is what I will do.  

I also love that they don't charge $3.00 for an 8 or 9 oz bottle of drinking water.  I don't remember the price but it didn't break me.

I can't wait to see Abraham Lincoln's Big Gay Dance Party!!!  Sounds like a hoot.

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Photo of Enrico B.

 

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12

Enrico B.

Emeryville, CA

1 star rating
2/26/2009

Here's a theatre company that thinks they're all that and a bag of chips when really, they're just another second-rate community theatre company. We saw a terrible production of Yasmina Reza's masterful play Art that just seemed so ill-conceived and terribly directed. Even if, we decided to give this company another chance. Boy, did they blew it. We went to see Cabaret and it was God-awful, with actors who weren't very good musicians to begin with. I think the problem with SF Playhouse is they have such strong line-ups but never really hit home run with their follow through. It's a pity. Perhaps a new artistic director is needed.

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Photo of Kara S.

 

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Kara S.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
4/4/2008

Just saw the new play Coronado the other week. Really cute, but small theater. I was impressed by hearing the show was sold out on a Wed night, but saw immediately when entering it would be hard not to. So if you want to see a show on a weekend you might be suggested to get tickets in advance.

I deduct one star because we were starving and needed some grub to nibble on. They sold candy, and the smallest little container of nuts I've ever seen. Apparently you can bring outside food into the theater, so that's really our fault.

(the play Coronado is pretty good too if you're in the mood for some the-ya-ter...)

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Debbie W.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
5/24/2009

What a fun little venue.  Got a gift certificate and went to see "Dead Man's Cell Phone".  It was great; funny, smart and contemporary.  Was surprised at first by the setting; easy to miss it,  you walk up a set of stairs and into this small, oddly shaped theater where you need to walk across the stage to get to the other side.  Intimate!  But I really enjoyed the show and the unpretentiousness of this group.  I'll definitely be back.

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Photo of Maria C.

 

74

161

Maria C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
8/7/2008

I came here with a crew on Sunday to see some of the standup comedy performers.   Hilarious.  Best deal in the city for some Sunday night entertainment.  We saw comedians ranging from a 13 year old boy to a Phillippina with a bagel belly to our very own Freddy using his perfect little butt to show us how the latinas make him do it.
This was a totally entertaining show with some really amazing local talent.   Way better than anything else you'd be doing at 8pm on Sunday night.

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Tracy H.

Mill Valley, CA

5 star rating
7/11/2009

If you love theatre ~ if you love humanity ~ go see One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest at SF Playhouse. 14 extraordinary actors tell Ken Kesey's taut story of courage and frailty. Budget woes at the SF Chronicle mean this play was not reviewed and is depending on word of mouth to build an audience. Make a plan. Buy your tickets. See a powerful story powerfully told. And tell your friends.

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Elite '09

14

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Monica B.

Marin County, CA

4 star rating
6/29/2008

Enjoyed our night out last night for Cabaret.  We were given a free pair of tickets to see the show and thought-why the hell not?! We love theater and see it whenever we can, especially if Boyfriend and I can get out of our own rehearsals for shows and DOUBLE especially if our friends give us a free pair of tickets-so there you have it.

The space was used wonderfuly and creatively, with great choreography and singing skills by most of the cast.  The actress who played Sally Bowles didn't steal the stage with her vocal power, but her presence and reads for her scenes were fantastic and immediately had use empathizing with her.  The rest of the cast rested between adequate and great, hitting every point inbetween.

All in all, don't know if I'd spend the $ seeing their productions since they're as expensive as what you find at ACT or Nederlander touring shows, but I would certainly enjoy it with a set of discount or comped tickets again in the future.

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Elite '09

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260

Linda M.

Hayward, CA

5 star rating
7/19/2007

Went to see "Man of La Mancha" last night with a couple of girlfriends.

I'm mostly reviewing the theater here, as opposed to the show.  This theater really deserves the adjective "intimate".  It is very small, and close, and you almost feel like a part of the performance.  Like Megan, I love that we could bring our wine and skittles into the show.  The staff is enthusiastic and passionate... I felt it from the moment I called to purchase my tickets over the phone until I left the theater.

Now, about the show.  It was wonderful and the actors were very, very talented.  Though I'm not familiar with the traditional "Man of La Mancha", they have changed the setting from the Spanish Inquisition to a war-torn future (2064).  But, to the relief of my friend who likes the original, all of the excellent original music is used, and the storyline is the same.  Like the dork that I am, I came home and sang, "Dream the Impossible Dream" to my husband.  Who simply shook his head.

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Photo of Albert Y.

 

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Albert Y.

Santa Clara, CA

5 star rating
9/8/2008

LOVED the play and the theater.  We look forward to returning soon!

Cabaret, September 6th, 2008.

The Play:  Brian Yates Sharber was tantalizing as the Emcee (can't get enough of him) along with a forceful cast in one of our favorittes: Cabaret! Certainly entertaining, but with a deeper message, Brian's Emcee serves well as a collective conscience, reminding us not to forget what happened amidst all the fun and frivolity of pre-WWII Germany.

You probably know the story-line, so I won't bore on . . .  It IS nice to see Fraulein Schneider and Herr Schultz' characters revived in a heart-warming (then heart-rending) performances by Karen Grassle and Louis Parnell.

Kate Del Castillo was quite the sympathetic creature I think Sally was meant to be.  Her memorable version of the title tune starts out as the meanderings of a drunken slattern but ends as a powerful self-realization of the down-but-not-out complex woman.

If you haven't already, go see this!

The Theater:  Quaint, cozy and comfortable.  For me, it's magic.  I Imagine one of those theme-park rides where groups of forty or fifty sit down, strap in.  Instead of being whisked away to the far reaches of the galaxy, we are on a trip into hyper-reality!  That's what the Playhouse did for me.  The hours passed by like moments.  I went away with a smile on my face and food for plenty of thought-filled discussions swirling around in my head.  I want to go again.

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Photo of gene b.

 

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gene b.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
9/11/2008

Bill and Susi do a great job at this small theatre company. I would definitely recommend this company for a great night of theatre in San Francisco.
Keep up the great work! Continued success.

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Dan W.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
3/15/2007

The SF Playhouse consistently represents the best that small professional theatre has to offer.

I hadn't been to see a show in some time, sadly. The last SF Playhouse show I caught was in their old space, so I was delighted to find that their new venue is as classy and enjoyable as the old one. The space is small, about a hundred seats, but this isn't a back alley theatre by any means. the seats are comfortable, there are no bad seats in the house, and the production quality is excellent.

I caught Jesus Hopped the A Train last night and was riveted from start to finish. The only blot on the evening was the presence of a rather drunken man shambling out of his seat halfway through the first act, in order to leave the theatre by walking directly in front of the stage. He was most likely trying to escape a trio of people in the back row who were being loud, obnoxious and even answering cell phones! this is unusual, however. It bears notice only because the performers didn't miss a beat. They remained completely engaged, focused, and it was easy to return focus to where it belonged.

The script is complex, layered, funny where it should be and deeply thoughtful throughout. Performances are uniformly excellent, with the two leads bringing an intensity and reality to their roles that makes one wonder why they aren't stars by now. The set is gorgeous, with stellar light and sound design.

I've seen about six shows at the Playhouse (and performed in Our Town a few years back with them) and have watched the work (good to begin with) continue to grow in quality and consistency.

check them out.

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Netty L.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
2/11/2008

Cute, intimate little theater with a little more than maybe 50 seats. It was really cool to be in a theater that small, and be able to see so well. Being that close to the performers made me feel like that "fourth wall" was broken down that much more.

I attended a showing with the YES of Gone. Gone was avant garde, and existentialist, meditating on what it means to leave a mark in this world, before time passes or before our lives end. Spoken word pieces were juxtaposed with short vignettes about relationships, or more performance art type pieces with words and dancing combined. My favorite was as I call it, "the dance of death" where characters danced to ragtime music, chasing each other, and pantomiming murdering one another, while one of the actors read a log of different ways that people  had died.

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Tara M.

Scarborough, ME

5 star rating
3/4/2007

Full disclosure time: I work for the SF Playhouse. However, the following review is *not* a schill, I swear.

Opening night for Jesus Hopped the A Train was last night. I had read the script and liked it, and I was looking forward to seeing the show. It exceeded my expectations -- the show was powerful, funny, thought-provoking ... the cast was stellar, the set gorgeous, the lights inspired, and even the pre-show music set just the right tone.

SEE THIS PLAY-- and see it soon, before it sells out.

(Show runs through April 20 and plays Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8pm, plus Saturday matinees at 3.)

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diana s.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
3/25/2007

It's kind of awkward, reviewing a theatre company that is also a performance venue, right?  Because do you base it on the play, on the venue, or on everything overall?  But if you see a shitty show (or a good show on a shitty night), and the space is amazing, or vice versa, do you compensate for one over the other?

Luckily, I'm not too concerned with weighing out the good and the bad points of the SF Playhouse, because everything was good!  Great, even.  The space, upstairs in the building housing the Shelton Theatre and a nail salon, is a beautiful 100-seat theatre.  Every seat is a good one--I sat in the very front row, and was delighted to be there, especially since the seats are very comfortable.  The lobby can get a bit cramped with people milling around to see shows in both the Playhouse's mainstage and their smaller 2nd stage, but the house was opened in a timely manner, and concessions sold at very reasonable prices (AND, like many theatres these days, food is allowed inside).  

This was my first time at the Playhouse, and the rumors I've head and reviews I've read are true--their work is very high quality.  Current show Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train is a stunning achievement, working all the senses at once.  Live theatre is difficult, people, but the actors, designers and crew made it seem effortless.  It was wonderful and heartwrenching and INTENSE.  I will definitely, definitely be back for more.

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Lance H.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
5/3/2007

Last night I saw the preview performance of "First Person Shooter." It was a typical SF Playhouse production: first rate and professional. The set (designed by the euphonically named Melpomene Katakalos) was the best design I've seen in this space, and I've a more than a few plays there.

The acting ranged from very good to excellent--there were a couple of hiccups, but that's to be expected in a preview which is basically still a rehearsal. There were many moments of truthful acting, especially from Adrian Roberts and Craig Marker, and things will just keep getting better.

The play is a sensitive treatment of a touchy subject, a mass shooting at a high school. It was inspired by Columbine and just happened to open now when our nerves are still raw from VT. The playwright was quoted in the program saying "I think my play is a play of redemption and hope and courage, not a play of fear and violence."

I agree. The play is too thematically rich to be encapsulated by my brief description. I urge you to go see this one!

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Photo of Rusty M.

 

3

77

Rusty M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
4/20/2008

We saw a very impressive production (Dennis Lehane's "Coronado") in a very intimate setting.  The players were all very skilled, and the set and lighting design was very sophisticated for a small house.  

I went because I am a Lehane fan; I left promising myself to go back for their next production, as I am convinced that I have found a great small theater company.

I second the advice from the other reviews: buy in advance on the weekend--the house can easily sell out.

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Photo of Teddy D.

 

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54

Teddy D.

Flushing, NY

4 star rating
3/31/2008

I saw Coronado here and was delighted by the friendly staff, intimate setting, and well-acted and professionally produced performance. About 100 seats, $40 tickets. There is another theatre in the same complex, I don't know if they are affiliated, but that audience emerged from an improv show as our show ended and the two crowds compared notes in the lobby. It didn't have the "let's get dressed up and go to a Broadway play" feel, people were very casual for better or worse.

This show is probably what Americans have been trained to think of as not suitable for children.

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Elite '09

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Megan G.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
3/2/2006

This upstairs theatre has an inviting waiting area where you can purchase cookies, candies, mixed nuts, champagne, beer, wine, waters and tea.  Once the doors open, you may... get this.... bring it into the theatre.  MGD and a chamomile tea = $5.

The play itself was amazing.

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39

140

Tatjana G.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
1/9/2007 1 photo

1: I must admit to being totally and absolutely biased  since I've worked at this wonderful, crazy space since it first opened its doors three years ago.

2: I want to thank all the wonderful Yelpers for their kind and appreciative words - this company exists to bring intimate, involved and creative theatre experiences to the members of this community, and it's great to hear that the plan is working.

3: Support your local artists and independent art institutions, they need all the help they can get to survive amongst the soulless, mass-produced corporate productions that are out there. Uhm, and if you happen to be looking for a theatre to support, what a coincidence, the Playhouse happens to be opening with a cutting-edge, exciting West Coast premiere this week!

OK, and that's it with the blatant self promotion.

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Elite '09

78

149

LeSLiE W.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/15/2007

What a great little theater this is!  The BF and I recently went and saw Six Degrees of Separation here and I was completely enthralled and equally surprised at that fact.  And the staff working here are just as great as the actors.  I thought I had purchased Saturday night tickets when in actuality I purchased Friday night tickets.  So we showed up a day late.  The host didn't bat an eye.  He told us to hang out for a bit and we'd be seated in a few minutes.

And we were.  What could have been a huge disappointment was only a very minor glitch in a great evening.  

Great show, great place, great staff.  AND...

The tickets were super cheap.  (Thanks Goldstar!)

Now I ask you... can you beat that?

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9

55

Emily F.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
4/20/2007

Christopher J. and I went for Carl Lumbly, but were more than pleasantly surprised by the other performances, production, direction, script, lighting and sound in JESUS HOPPED THE A TRAIN... not to mention the SF Playhouse cookies!  All of the cookies are homemade by a board member who doubles as house manager!  

The bottom line: They've added two shows Saturday at 3 & 8pm, when JESUS closes.  After that, you'll have to rent "Alias" to catch The Talented Mr. Lumbly.    

ERF

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2

15

J Chiller C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
1/24/2009

My husband and I took his mom to see Cabaret here when she was visiting from out of state. This was an amazing experience that exceeded our expectations.  The theatre is very intimate. We felt immersed in the story and the acting was superb. We felt like we should have been paying more for having such a great time. Bravo!

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36

17

Mark O.

Burlingame, CA

5 star rating
12/30/2006

Go see "Reckless" tonight!  It is closing night and the show is fab!  I got my wife tickets for the show because it was billed as a dark Christmas comedy (oh so much fun).  We had a great time.  The play is wild...a crazy through misfortune, false identities, broken dreams, and redemption.  The acting is strong.  The space is intimate (only about eight rows)....I can't wait for their next production...

Oh yeah...the cookies are good too!

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Elite '09

331

901

Andi T.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
2/15/2008

What a weird little artsy space this playhouse is!  It's like an upstairs speakeasy hiding behind a nail salon.  The theater itself was very intimate, like having a play right there in your living room.  Nifty!

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Elite '09

270

427

claudia y.

South San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
9/9/2008

saw six degrees of separation here.  it was good.  interesting.  i bought 4 tickets from goldtar and only 3 of us went.  they wouldnt give me a refund, understandable. and said i could call back and use the last ticket.  i never did.

its a really small theater. intimate.

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0

16

Francisco M.

Tiburon, CA

5 star rating
7/1/2006

My wife and I went to see "Sister Rose" and had a wonderful night.  This is one of San Fran's newest  theatre's and I feel one of it's best.  The house has a very intimate venue to watch live theatre..not a bad seat in the house.

Great place to support our local artists.......

UPDATE!!!

The Playhouse has moved across the street from the original space.  The new one is much smaller but more intimate.  Still a great night out!!!

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