A few words with those who know Shakespeare best

When it comes to Shakespeare Santa Cruz, there’s much ado about something. Year after year, the revered company brings William Shakespeare’s words to life on our side of the western world. This year, season 26, features two Shakespeare plays, one play by J.M. Synge and another by Samuel Beckett. And at the endgame of this season (with the holiday show) artistic director Paul Whitworth will take a bow and move on to his next endeavor.

The summer season delivers four compelling shows: “Much Ado About Nothing” directed by Kim Rubinstein, “The Tempest” directed by Kirsten Brandt, “The Playboy of the Western World” directed by Robert Moss and “Endgame” directed by Peter Lichtenfels.

The curtain rises for ‘Kiss Me Kate’

When the words “Kiss Me” are in a play title, you can expect fireworks, chemistry and plenty of romantic tension. All of the above, of course, create the perfect fodder for a musical, and that’s exactly what Cabrillo Stage has tapped into with its second summer production this year, “Kiss Me Kate.” Staged in the  Cabrillo College Theater, the show will be a much larger scale production than “Little Shop of Horrors,” which is showing until July 22 at the Erica Schilling Forum on the Cabrillo College campus. The classic story follows two couples that are starring in “The Taming of the Shrew.”  In essence, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at a behind-the-scenes play, featuring quarreling lovers. Is there anything better to see onstage?

Mountain Community Theater finds a new approach to drama

Three guys walk into a bar: Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso and Elvis. Surreal? Yes. But the concept isn’t too far from reality or from Santa Cruz, as the encounter happens on stage this weekend with Mountain Community Theater’s “Picasso at the Lapin Agile.” The quirky and reportedly “hilarious” play, written by über funny man, Steve Martin, takes place in Paris, 1904. In a mysterious bar somewhere in the City of Lights, these three geniuses stumble upon one another. Normally, that might seem like an idea that’s way too over the top. But in the hands of Martin, we are likely to forget the impossibility of such a meeting, and instead eavesdrop on what this strange gathering of men will bring about. (Laughs, for sure.)

Pisces Moon brilliantly takes an intimate look at the death penalty in ‘The Exonerated’

Capital punishment. Besides abortion, it’s one of the most controversial topics that send people into their fighting corners. It makes for a fascinating idea to interpret on stage, which is exactly what Pisces Moon theater company has done with its most recent play, “The Exonerated,” which opened last weekend at the Broadway Playhouse.

Director Susan Myer has this uncanny ability to do with a play what a great visual artist might do with their canvas. (This is not particularly surprising, being that Myer has a history in the fine arts.) She presents community theater plays unlike any I’ve ever seen. By now, audiences can expect to an enjoy a Myer production, and even learn a thing or two.

New theater company raises the curtain for Tom Stoppard

Santa Cruz has long been a haven for theatrics (both on stage and off). The town is hardly lacking in drama. While virtual “plays” are often seen downtown everyday amongst our colorful cast of locals, theater companies in town also keep audiences delighted.

In a coastal community that’s saturated with creativity, our actors, playwrights, directors and their ilk are a close-knit crew. Many of these artists and the companies they perform with are firmly rooted in town, sort of like concrete. They’re not going anywhere.

Sleeping Beauty takes a nap, but it’s keeping things at SSC wide awake

Acting in a Shakespeare Santa Cruz production is a hard gig. In order to score a beloved spot in any of the revered company’s summer shows, your resume will probably need to be lengthy and impressive. So for the neophytes who are trying to break in, SSC is accommodating: The company offers “interns” choice spots (usually in the ensemble) in the summer repertory plays. During the winter season, SSC gives students even more stage time. In late November through December, in recent years, the company has offered an annual pantomime (a style of theater originating in England, which requires that male roles be played by females and vice versa, among other surprises). These pantomimes feature a cast that is heavily made up of UC Santa Cruz students.

Cirque du Soleil’s latest masterpiece hits San Jose

Words simply do not give Cirque du Soleil’s “Varekai” justice—although you could sum it up by calling it a sumptuous, exhilarating, jaw-dropping spectacle that leaves you breathless and feeling good. But, you cannot truly describe real art. It must be experienced. And, you really should experience “Varekai,” now playing in San Jose after a show-stopping turn in San Francisco.

The Cirque du Soleil mystique has been enthralling audiences worldwide for nearly