Theater critic reflects on Marin’s best shows of 2024

Jennifer S. McGeorge, left, as Hannah and Lisa Morse as Izzy in “Crossing Delancey.” PHOTO BY ROBIN JACKSON

Bennett Taubman as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof.” MICHAEL PRINGLE — ILLUMIGARDEN

Dani Innocenti Beem played the Lady of the Lake and Bruce Vieira played King Arthur in Novato Theater Company’s “Spamalot.” PHOTO BY JERE TORKELSEN AND HARRIETTEPEARL FUGITT

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By Barry Willis

IJ correspondent

Last year was a pivotal year for Marin’s theater community, and for the theater world in general.

It was peak season for LGBTQ+-themed productions, including a well-performed “Torch Song” at Marin Theatre and an ill-conceived “Kinky Boots” at the Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre on Mount Tamalpais, also done by several other Bay Area companies. The Marin production was the wrong show in the wrong venue — definitely not for the whole family, unlike the classic musical blockbusters that have filled the amphitheater for more than a century. It had issues on many levels, so much so that the Mountain Play Association has decided to forgo a 2025 show, apparently while the group tries to find a new direction.

But, in 2024, Marin theaters offered some truly great shows. Here are some of my favorites.

‘The Book Club Play’

Last year, seven productions garnered four stars or more, but only one earned five — and acclaim from every reviewer who saw it. That was Karen Zacarias’ “The Book Club Play” by Ross Valley Players. Directed by Mary Ann Rodgers, the hyper-intelligent comedy encompassed several unlikely characters thrown together by their ostensible love of literature. Their quirky interactions were amplified not only by differing personalities, but also by the fact that their meetings were being recorded remotely by a Danish documentarian fascinated by the book club phenomenon —a brilliant script brilliantly performed.

‘Blithe Spirit’

Ross Valley Players landed two four-star productions. Directed by theatrical polymath David Abrams, Noël Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” was a lightweight but uproarious comedy about the ghost of a departed wife wreaking havoc in the household of a British writer, portrayed with aplomb by Malcolm Rodgers. His character was tormented by the spectre of his first wife, Elvira (Ashley Garlick), conjured by medium Madame Arcati (Tori Truss).

‘Crossing Delancey’

Ross Valley Players also delivered a tremendous production of Susan Sandler’s enduring family tale “Crossing Delancey.” It was a charmer, starring never-fail Tamar Cohn as a Jewish grandmother angling to find Mr. Right for her bookworm granddaughter Izzy (Lisa Morse). The show also featured excellent efforts by Steve Price as an overbearing author, Jennifer S. McGeorge as flashy matchmaker Hannah Mandelbaum and Mark P. Robinson as nice-guy pickle vendor Sam Posner.‘Fiddler on the Roof’

Never to be counted out, Mill Valley’s Throckmorton Theatre presented an astoundingly good production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” earning nearly five stars. A spectacular directorial debut for Rebecca Gilbert, the double-cast, mostly student production was near Broadway quality, and a delightful continuation of a series of “youth productions.” The Czarist Russian village of Anatevka was gorgeously realized by set designers Steve Coleman and Jean-Paul LaRosee. The “Throck” continues to be Mill Valley’s own historical treasure. Long may it reign.

‘Spamalot’

Novato Theater Company book-ended a great season with two wonderful musical comedies: “Spamalot” and “Nunsense.” Directed by Larry Williams, the first starred Bruce Vieira, Daniela Innocenti Beem, Nicole Thordsen, Michael Hunter and Izaak Heath in Monty Python’s gloriously silly send-up of the King Arthur legend. Kudos also to Marilyn Izdebski, the choreographer; Michael Walraven, the set designer; Frank Sarubbi, the lighting designer; and especially costume designer Tracy Bell Redig. The show was — and is, as a recurring community theater favorite — a laugh riot of silly circumstances, goofy choreography and absurd songs.

‘Nunsense’

Another perpetual favorite, “Nunsense” starred Jane Harrington, Lauren Sutton-Beattie, Tina Smith, Nicole Thordsen and Kristine Ann Lowry as an oddball collection of nuns putting on a show as an emergency fundraiser to cover burial expenses for a departed nun. A high point was a medley of quick-change celebrity impressions by Tina Smith as Sister Robert Anne. Her “Wicked Witch of the West” bit was especially delicious. With no weak links, the entire performance under the direction of College of Marin drama instructor Lisa Morse was wonderful, boosted by Marilyn Izdebski’s choreography and Nick Brown’s rock band.

‘Bees & Honey’

Finally, Marin Theatre gave us a compelling look at a romantic relationship facing difficulties with “Bees & Honey.” Guadalis Del Carmen’s two-actor, no-intermission script cleverly tackled mating behaviors, racial and cultural identities, class distinctions, family and professional obligations, the nature of commitment and many other issues. Strongly directed by Karina Gutiérrez, Del Carmen’s somewhat disjointed story featured two Dominicans in New York City: Manuel (Jorge Lendeborg Jr.), the owner of an auto repair shop, and Johaira (Katherine George), a recent Columbia law school graduate on track to become an assistant district attorney. Obsessive sexual attraction proved inadequate to overcome their essential differences, but it was a fascinating ride watching them try.

Marin’s theater scene continues to be as strong and resilient as ever. See you at the theater!

Barry Willis is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association and president of the SF Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle. Contact him at barry.m.willis@gmail.com.