Fool for Love first premiered in 1983 with Ed Harris and Kathy Baker in the lead roles at Magic Theatre in San Francisco. Steppenwolf did a production in 1984 starring Randall Arney, William Petersen and Rondi Reed. A film version was released in 1985 starring Sam Shepard (the playwright), Kim Basinger, Harry Dean Stanton, and Randy Quaid. This play is more than worthy of a revisit. It’s a timeless story of love and betrayal. Eddie meets May at a motel after having not seen her for a while. She wants him to leave, but at the same time she can’t bear to see him go. The history of their relationship is revealed as they struggle to figure out their future.

Unfortunately, this production is much tamer than others have been in the past. The emotional level feels much lower and the chemistry between the main characters is missing.

However, Caroline Neff’s performance of May is pretty good. It’s a roller coaster of a ride for her character. Nick Gehlfuss plays Eddie, the ex-boyfriend, who struggles to figure out what May wants. 

Tim Hopper as The Old Man is a quiet presence. His role is very much a supporting one in this production. Lastly, Cliff Chamberlain plays Martin, May’s new suitor, on point. He is thrown into this crazy situation with very little idea what is happening. He represents the audience searching for answers.

Cost of a ticket: $68 (Main Level Rear)

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Discounted 

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Get tickets now for Fool for Love through March 23rd.

Quinn Delaney

Two students meet at school in the United Kingdom. They come from very different lives at home, but they are drawn to each other. Wesley Guimaraes is great as the calm and sweet one looking for a loving relationship. Jack Lancaster is excellent as the wild and violent one who doesn’t really understand his feelings or know what he’s looking for. Because of this, their relationship is volatile.

Sophie Swithinbank has written a very intense play that balances humor and darkness very well. In the very toxic high school relationship, the characters are two very different people trying to form a connection. It’s not an easy play to watch, but it is a powerful one. 

See the program here. 

Cost of a ticket: $48

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It –

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Get tickets now for Bacon through March 30th!

Quinn Delaney

A new couple decide to go on a double date. They met via the Jewish dating app, J-date. They both bring their friends who have just recently got out of long term relationships. None of them are looking for something serious, but things get serious despite their best efforts. 

Joshua Salzman and Ryan Cunningham have written a very funny and charming musical about looking for love in NYC. The songs are fantastic and similar in style to the music in Rent. Instead of being all singing, there is a great amount of dialog which set up the songs nicely.  

Troy Dailey is great as the nerdy guy who struggles to get over his ex. Colin Huerta is so funny as his brother who teaches him that the best way to win her back is to not care. Cassandra Caruso is so good as the gal getting out of relationship and just looking for a fun rebound. Lauren Josephs is solid as her best friend, who does her best to stay in the friends with benefits zone. Renee Cohen and Ellie Rodriguez are excellent as the bartenders who clearly see what is going on among the couples. 

Cost of a ticket: $42

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It +

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Get tickets now for I Love You Because through March 16th! 

Quinn Delaney