Earlier in the Season

The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Adapted for the Stage by John Fisher
Eureka Theatre, 215 Jackson Street (between Front and Battery) Map It!

Previews: August 26 – August 28 @ 8 pm and Sunday August 29 @ 3 pm
Opening Night: Wednesday, September 1, 2010 @ 8 pm (Wine Reception to follow)
Performances: Thursday, September 2nd – Sunday, September 19th
     Wednesday - Saturday @ 8 pm
     Sundays, 9/5, 9/12 and 9/19 @ 3 pm

Tickets available now at

Oscar Wilde’s electrifying novel comes to the stage in this dynamic World Premiere adaptation. Using words, movement, and music this new performance keeps Wilde’s story in its own time but highlights the relevance of his fable to our own.

Creative Team: Stephen Chun, John Fisher, Aaron Martinsen, Celia Maurice, Gloria McDonald, Lia Metz, Anthony Powers, Adam Simpson, Christine U'Ren, Jef Valentine, and Maryssa Wanlass.

Press Release (PDF file)

Click on an image below for a larger version

Photos by David Wilson

From Left: Jef Valentine as Basil Hallward, John Fisher as Lord Harry

From Left: John Fisher as Lord Harry, Adam Simpson as James Vane, Aaron Martinsen as Dorian Gray, Maryssa Wanlass as Sybil Vane

Back row from left : Jef Valentine as Basil Hallward, Stehen Chun as Alan Campbell, Celia Maurice as Mrs. Vane, Adam Simpson as James Vane, Maryssa Wanlass as Sybil Vane. Foreground from left: Aaron Martinsen as Dorian Gray, John Fisher as Lord Harry.

Adam Simpson as James Vane, Maryssa Wanlass as Sybil Vane, Celia Maurice as Mrs. Vane

Aaron Martinsen as Dorian Gray, John Fisher as Lord Harry

Photos by Kent Taylor

Aaron Martinsen as Dorian Gray in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray;
a Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre; photo by Kent Taylor.

Aaron Martinsen as Dorian Gray; Jef Valentine as Basil Hallward in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray;
a Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre; photo by Kent Taylor.

John Fisher as Lord Harry Wotton; Aaron Martinsen as Dorian Gray; Jef Valentine as Basil Hallward in Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray;
a Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre; photo by Kent Taylor.

John Fisher as Lord Harry Wotton ; Aaron Martinsen as Dorian Gray; Jef Valentine as Basil Hallward in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray;
a Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre; photo by Kent Taylor.

Jef Valentine as Basil Hallward in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre;
photo by Kent Taylor.

Aaron Martinsen as Dorian Gray in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre;
photo by Kent Taylor.

Jef Valentine as Basil Hallward; Aaron Martinsen as Dorian Gray in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray;
a Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre; photo by Kent Taylor.

Aaron Martinsen as Dorian Gray; John Fisher as Lord Harry Wotton; Jef Valentine as Basil Hallward in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray;
a Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre; photo by Kent Taylor.

Aaron Martinsen as Dorian Gray in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray;
a Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre; photo by Kent Taylor.

Click on an image below for a larger version

Oscar Wilde, author of The Picture of Dorian Gray

The 2010 Marga Gomez New Year’s Eve Spectacular

Starring Marga Gomez

With Special Guests
Natasha Muse & Casey Ley
and DJ O'DJ

December 31, 2010
Two Shows Only! 7 pm ($30) and 9 pm ($35)

At the Victoria Theatre (2960 16th Street, at Mission)

Marga Gomez, San Francisco's queer queen of New Year's Eve, will wrap-up her wildly successful seven-year collaboration with Theater Rhinoceros in a hilarious, outlandish, farewell performance.

Marga Gomez, San Francisco's queer queen of New Year's Eve, wrapped-up her wildly successful seven-year collaboration with Theater Rhinoceros in a hilarious, outlandish, farewell performance.

Marga was joined by two special guests, both exciting new talents in Gay comedy: Natasha Muse, back by popular demand from last year's NYE show, and Casey Ley making his Rhino debut.

Always the funniest and gayest New Year's Eve event in town, each show will also include a huge balloon drop (the balloon is even bigger this year) and the traditional pre-midnight kissing countdown (because it's always New Year's Eve somewhere.)

Sexy lounge music will be provided through the night by audience favorite DJ O'DJ on the turntables.

Download the Poster

Press Release

Photos by Kent Taylor
Click on an image for a full-size version suitable for print media

Mary Me a Little

Marry Me a Little

A musical by Stephen Sondheim

February 9 – 20, 2011

At the Eureka Theatre
(215 Jackson Street, between Front and Battery)

Sondheim’s musical makes its San Francisco Debut as an all-male production. With the composer’s approval, two men will play the leads in this landmark same-sex marriage staging.

Press Release

Click on an image for a larger version of the graphic.
* (Asterisk) indicates performer is a Member of Actors' Equity Association

Performance Photos by Kent Taylor

Pictured left to right: Caleb Draper as Ben and Bill Fahrner* as Mark in Stephen Sondheim's Marry Me A Little, a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; directed by John Fisher. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Eureka Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

Pictured left to right: Caleb Draper as Ben and Bill Fahrner* as Mark in Stephen Sondheim's Marry Me A Little, a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; directed by John Fisher. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Eureka Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

Pictured left to right: Caleb Draper as Ben and Bill Fahrner* as Mark in Stephen Sondheim's Marry Me A Little, a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; directed by John Fisher. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Eureka Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

Pictured left to right: Caleb Draper as Ben and Bill Fahrner* as Mark in Stephen Sondheim's Marry Me A Little, a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; directed by John Fisher. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Eureka Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

Pictured left to right: Caleb Draper as Ben and Bill Fahrner* as Mark in Stephen Sondheim's Marry Me A Little, a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; directed by John Fisher. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Eureka Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

Pictured left to right: Caleb Draper as Ben and Bill Fahrner* as Mark in Stephen Sondheim's Marry Me A Little, a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; directed by John Fisher. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Eureka Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

Pictured left to right: Bill Fahrner* as Mark and Caleb Draper as Ben in Stephen Sondheim's Marry Me A Little, a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; directed by John Fisher. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Eureka Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

Pictured left to right: Caleb Draper as Ben and Bill Fahrner* as Mark in Stephen Sondheim's Marry Me A Little, a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; directed by John Fisher. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Eureka Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

Pictured left to right: Caleb Draper as Ben and Bill Fahrner* as Mark in Stephen Sondheim's Marry Me A Little, a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; directed by John Fisher. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Eureka Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

Pictured left to right: Caleb Draper as Ben and Bill Fahrner* as Mark in Stephen Sondheim's Marry Me A Little, a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; directed by John Fisher. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Eureka Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

Pictured left to right: Caleb Draper as Ben and Bill Fahrner* as Mark in Stephen Sondheim's Marry Me A Little, a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; directed by John Fisher. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Eureka Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

Pictured left to right: Caleb Draper as Ben and Bill Fahrner* as Mark in Stephen Sondheim's Marry Me A Little, a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; directed by John Fisher. A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at the Eureka Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

Suzanne Westenhoefer: Semi-Sweet

Suzanne Westenhoefer:
Semi-Sweet

April 8 - 9, 2011
Two Shows Only!

At the Victoria Theatre ( 2961 16th Street, at BART)

Suzanne is back with her first solo show at The Rhino since her hot summer nights
in 2009. Don't miss this SF stop on her Semi-Sweet Tour.

Press Release

File photos. Click on a image for a full-size version

Fighting Mac!

Fighting Mac!

Written and Directed by John Fisher

A Theatre Rhinoceros Production at Thick House
Thick House Theatre 1695 18th Street (at Arkansas)

Thursday, June 2 - Sunday, July 3, 2011

Previews: Thursday, June 2 – Thursday, July 3
Opening: Friday, June 10, 2011

Performances: Thursday - Saturday, 8pm
Sunday matinees: 3 pm

Thrills, spills, and food for thought. A rip-roaring adventure in the spirit of Lawrence of Arabia.

Fisher says:

“Over the last decade I have explored the subject of gays in the military in a series of plays including Combat! (1996, 1998), Amnesia (2003), and Special Forces (2007). In June I will present my latest play on the subject; a play which finally portrays a military free of legally sanctioned prejudice – a prejudice which has tarnished it for so long.

When I started writing this play over a year ago it was about the great nineteenth-century queer general Hector MacDonald. I feel the recent destruction of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” necessitates a splitting of focus in this play to include the contemporary scene.

Now the play tells the story of Jesse, a young gay man who is inspired by the heroics of Hector MacDonald to enroll in West Point and pursue a career in the army. His choice takes him to Afghanistan to fight in the war on terror.

I see this play as my continuing dialogue with the gays in the military debacle.

Since Alexander the Great we have served with distinction. Now we may serve openly. This play celebrates that advancement.”

Press Release Updated June 14th(pdf)

Click on an image to download a full-size version suitable for print reproduction.

Erik Johnson as Daniel and Joshua Lomeli as Jesse in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House; Photo by Kent Taylor.

William J. Brown III as Mac and Elijah Guo as Afghan in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House; Photo by Kent Taylor.

Alex Lee as Bill and Joshua Lomeli as Jess in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House; Photo by Kent Taylor.

William J. Brown III as Mac and Evan Bartz as Radclyff in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House; Photo by Kent Taylor.

William J. Brown III as Mac in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House; Photo by Kent Taylor.

Elijah Guo as Afghan and William J. Brown III as Mac in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House; Photo by Kent Taylor.

William J. Brown III as Mac and Ann Lawler as Chrisitna in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House; Photo by Kent Taylor.

Elijah Guo as Tom, Joshua Lomeli as Jesse, and John Fisher as Capt. Franklin in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House; Photo by Kent Taylor.

Elijah Guo as Tom and Joshua Lomeli as Jesse in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House; Photo by Kent Taylor.

Ann Lawler as Chrisitna and William J. Brown III as Mac in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House; Photo by Kent Taylor.

Joshua Lomeli as Jesse and Elijah Guo as Tom in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House; Photo by Kent Taylor.

William J. Brown III as General Hector MacDonald in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

William J. Brown III as General Hector MacDonald in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

William J. Brown III as General Hector MacDonald in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

William J. Brown III as General Hector MacDonald in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

(Pictured left to right) Erik Johnson as Daniel and Joshua Lomeli as Jesse in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

(Pictured left to right) Joshua Lomeli as Jesse and Erik Johnson as Daniel and in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

(Pictured left to right) Elijah Guo as Tom and Joshua Lomeli as Jesse in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

(Pictured left to right) Elijah Guo as Tom and Joshua Lomeli as Jesse in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

(Pictured) William J. Brown III as General Hector MacDonald in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

(Pictured left to right) Alex Lee as Tinmyn, William J. Brown III as General Hector MacDonald, Evan Bartz as Radclyff in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

(Pictured left to right) Alex Lee as Tinmyn, William J. Brown III as General Hector MacDonald, Evan Bartz as Radclyff in Fighting Mac! by John Fisher; a Theatre Rhinoceros production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.

Hector Macdonald
(click on photo for a larger version)

Image credited to G. Lekegian and co. Also bears a credit to to W. L. Colls, who prepared photogravure printing plates from photographs. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

John Fisher, Writer and Director
(click on photo for a larger version)

Publicity Poster
(click on the graphic for a larger version)