It's been a while but Norman and I are back and we have Jake Fong – Jake has been on Episodes 228, 235 and 287 – I always love having Jake on as a guest host. Jake is currently understudying for the Glass Menagerie, now playing at SF Playhouse. Now he comes with his lovely wife and actress Jessica Fong, who just finished doing Sol, the Musical. Jessica shares her origin story, what theatre means to her and where she sees herself in the future.
Norman and I have been working diligently on the Baldwin Project, where our eventual play will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of one black’s great poet laureates, James Baldwin. Check out new readings and updates here: https://www.baldwincentennialproject.com
We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It’s a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they’ll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men’s hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com
Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair
Plethos Productions (run by Karin & Jon Richey – Episode 185) has a fundraiser going on to create a new theatre space in downtown Hayward! As part of the fundraising campaign, Plethos is hosting a retreat at Camp Monologa on the weekend of July 26-28. Along with a host of teaching classes by some of the best bay area theatre artists, The Yay will be hosting a live episode taping, plus gourmet kid-camp inspired food by Mad Creationz served at the Mess Hall, a swimming hole, wine and paint night, plus and so much more!
You can find more about the fundraiser and give a donation here: https://givebutter.com/letsplethos
SHOWS:
The Glass Menagerie (SF Playhouse)
May 2 – June 15
Jake Fong is understudying for the show
Jeffrey Lo (Episode 153) is directing the show
https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/
Blue Door (Aurora Theatre)
April 19 – May 19
Michael J. Asberry (Episode 183) is in the show
https://www.auroratheatre.org/index.php/shows-events/20232024-season/blue-door
The Fillmore Eclipse (Walking Cinema)
May 3 – 12
Pete Fitzsimmons (Episode 65) and Jay Krohnengold (Episode 105) is in the show
https://www.walkingcinema.org/projects/eclipse
The Tutor (New Conservatory Theatre Company)
April 5 – May 12
Torange Yeghiazarian wrote the play
https://nctcsf.org/event/the-tutor/
Pac & Biggie Are Dead (Lower Bottom Playaz)
June 1 - 30
Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) is directing the show
Cat Brooks (Episode 283) is in the show
Reg Clay is stage managing the show
http://www.lowerbottomplayaz.com
Nan (part of the 2024 Bay Area Playwright’s Festival)
May 6-12, streaming On Demand
Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) will be in the play
Jeannie Barroga (Episodes 18, 32, 221 & 243) is the dramaturg
https://playwrightsfoundation.org/2024-bay-area-playwrights-festival/
The Chinese Lady (The Pear Theatre)
April 19 – May 12
Eiko Moon-Yamamoto will perform as Afong Moy on April 20 (8pm); April 25 (7:30pm); April 28 (2pm); May 4 (8pm) and May 12 (2pm)
https://www.thepear.org/whats-playing
Love Letters (The Pear Theatre)
April 19 – May 11
Fred Pitts (with his lovely wife Kelly Rinehart) will perform May 10, 8pm
Eiko Moon-Yamamoto will perform May 3rd, 2pm
https://www.thepear.org/whats-playing
Darkheart (Bindlestiff Studios)
May 16 – June 1
Golda Sargento aka Rebel Maria (Episode 220) wrote the musical
https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjA2MzY2
As You Like It (SF Shakes)
Feb – May in various areas
Jen Coogan (Episode 239) is part of the musical creative team for this show
https://sfshakes.org/tour/
Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay)
Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)
