This season we traveled through history as we revisited the great gay activist of the fifties, the great queer playwright of the Twentieth Century and arrived in the present for a comedy-drama about the state of queerdom in the new millennium.
Along the way we made some stops: first to worship the great queer comedian/song stylist Lea DeLaria, then to worship all the local queer starlights.
24-Hour Ticket Hotline
(800) 838-3006 Online:
Queer Theater for the
Queer in Everyone
Theatre Rhinoceros
1360 Mission Street
Suite #200
San Francisco
Rhino performers past and future
SexRev: The José Sarria Experience
Written and Directed by John Fisher
November 10 – November 27, 2011 At Counterpulse Theatre (1310 Mission Street, between 9th and 10th, SF, CA 94103)
The return engagement of our hit show about the man who was the first great queer activist, the first openly gay man to run for public office and the first Empress. (See Highlights)
Lea DeLaria stars in The 2011 Rhino New Year’s Eve Spectacular
December 31, 2011
Two Shows Only! 7 pm and 9 pm At the Victoria Theatre (2960 16th Street, at Mission, SF, CA 94103)
The New Year’s Eve Spectacular returns with Broadway star Lea DeLaria bringing her one of a kind blend of song and satire to the Victoria. Ring in the New Year with the most outrageous, tuneful show in town. (See Highlights)
The Two-Character Play
By Tennessee Williams
January 4 – 15, 2012 At the Eureka Theatre (215 Jackson Street, between Front and Battery, SF, CA 94111)
Williams’ heartbreaking backstage saga of a brother and sister and the secrets that make them cling to one another and eventually tear them apart. Williams’ own favorite play, The Two-Character Play brings together all the themes of his career in one final comic drama which celebrates both life and a life in the theatre. (See Highlights)
The 2012 Rhino Benefit Extravaganza
March 26, 2012
One Show Only!
At the Eureka Theatre (215 Jackson Street, between Front and Battery, SF, CA 94111)
Join us for one night of the very best in LGBT talent. All your favorite local headliners will be on stage for this unique variety event. (See Highlights)
100 Saints You Should Know
By Kate Fodor
May 31 – June 17, 2012 At Thick House (1695 18th Street, at Arkansas, SF, CA 94107) San Francisco Premiere
A comedy from the pen of one of America’s most sensitive playwrights, 100 Saints touches on family love, homosexuality and adolescence.
Written and Directed by John Fisher November 10 – November 27 EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND THRU DEC. 4! Thursday - Saturday @ 8 PM
Late-Night Shows Saturdays @ 10:30 PM
Sunday, 11/13 @ 7 PM
Sunday Matinees, 11/20 and 11/27 @ 300 PM At CounterPULSE www.counterpulse.org (1310 Mission Street, between 9th and 10th, SF, CA 94103)
The return engagement of our hit show about the man who was the first great queer activist, the first openly gay man to run for public office and the first Empress.
Pictured left to right: Donald Currie and Jean Franco in SEX REV: THE JOSE SARRIA EXPERIENCE, written and directed by John Fisher; produced by Theatre Rhinoceros; photos by Kent Taylor.
Pictured left to right: Sean Keehan, Robert Kittler, Tom Orr, Carlos Barrera, and Jean Franco in SEX REV: THE JOSE SARRIA EXPERIENCE, written and directed by John Fisher; produced by Theatre Rhinoceros; photos by Kent Taylor.
Pictured left to right: Sean Keehan, Robert Kittler, Tom Orr, Carlos Barrera, and Jean Franco in SEX REV: THE JOSE SARRIA EXPERIENCE, written and directed by John Fisher; produced by Theatre Rhinoceros; photos by Kent Taylor.
Pictured left to right: Tom Orr, Carlos Barrera, and Jean Franco in SEX REV: THE JOSE SARRIA EXPERIENCE, written and directed by John Fisher; produced by Theatre Rhinoceros; photos by Kent Taylor.
Pictured left to right: Carlos Barrera, Jean Franco, and Tom Orr in SEX REV: THE JOSE SARRIA EXPERIENCE, written and directed by John Fisher; produced by Theatre Rhinoceros; photos by Kent Taylor.
Pictured left to right: Tom Orr and Sean Keehan in SEX REV: THE JOSE SARRIA EXPERIENCE, written and directed by John Fisher; produced by Theatre Rhinoceros; photos by Kent Taylor.
Pictured left to right: Carlos Barrera and Sean Keehan in SEX REV: THE JOSE SARRIA EXPERIENCE, written and directed by John Fisher; produced by Theatre Rhinoceros; photos by Kent Taylor.
Pictured left to right: Carlos Barrera and Sean Keehan in SEX REV: THE JOSE SARRIA EXPERIENCE, written and directed by John Fisher; produced by Theatre Rhinoceros; photos by Kent Taylor.
Pictured left to right: Jean Franco, Robert Kittler, and Sean Keehan in SEX REV: THE JOSE SARRIA EXPERIENCE, written and directed by John Fisher; produced by Theatre Rhinoceros; photos by Kent Taylor.
Poster -- Click for a full-size version
Photos by Kent Taylor. Click on an image for a full-size version from the 2010 Production
Pictured left to right: Donald Currie, Michael Vega, Tom Orr and Jean Franco in "SexRev: The Jose Sarria Experience" Written and Directed by John Fisher. Photos by Kent Taylor.
Pictured left to right: Donald Currie, Michael Vega, Tom Orr and Jean Franco in "SexRev: The Jose Sarria Experience" Written and Directed by John Fisher. . Photos by Kent Taylor.
Pictured: Tom Orr in "SexRev: The Jose Sarria Experience" Written and Directed by John Fisher.. Photos by Kent Taylor.
Tom Orr and Jean Franco in "SexRev: The Jose Sarria Experience" Written and Directed by John Fisher. Photos by Kent Taylor.
Pictured left to right: Tom Orr and Michael Vega in "SexRev: The Jose Sarria Experience" Written and Directed by John Fisher. Photos by Kent Taylor.
Pictured left to right: Jean Franco and Michael Vega in "SexRev: The Jose Sarria Experience" Written and Directed by John Fisher. Photos by Kent Taylor.
Pictured left to right: Tom Orr, Jean Franco and Michael Vega in "SexRev: The Jose Sarria Experience" Written and Directed by John Fisher.. Photos by Kent Taylor.
Pictured left to right: Jean Franco, Tom Orr, Michael Vega and Donald Currie in "SexRev: The Jose Sarria Experience" Written and Directed by John Fisher. Photos by Kent Taylor.
Tom Orr in "SexRev: The Jose Sarria Experience" Written and Directed by John Fisher. Photos by Kent Taylor.
Click on a production photograph for a large-format version for media. Photos by Kent Taylor.
34 Seconds of SexRev will make you go Head Over Heels!
Lea DeLaria in The Last Butch Standing
Lea DeLariastars in
The Last Butch Standing The 2011 Rhino New Year’s Eve Spectacular
December 31, 2011
Two Shows Only! 7 pm and 9 pm At the Victoria Theatre (2961 16th Street, at Mission, SF, CA 94103) Map It!
The New Year’s Eve Spectacular returns when Broadway star and goddess vocalist Lea DeLaria brings her one-of-a-kind blend of song and hilarious satire to the Victoria.
Ring in the New Year with the most outrageous, tuneful show in town..
There are punch lines, torch songs and plenty of scatting in Lea DeLaria's show THE LAST BUTCH STANDING.
The show is a mix of swinging jazz and stand-up blue comedy that explores what it is like to be a bad ass dyke in the post Ellen 21st Century.
Written by Tennessee Williams
Directed by John Fisher
January 4 - 15, 2012
Previews: Wednesday, January 4 - Friday, January 6
Opening, Saturday, January 7
Tuesday - Saturday @ 8 PM
Sunday Matinees @ 3 PM
At Eureka Theatre
215 Jackson Street, between Front and Battery), San Francisco
The Two-Character Play is Tennessee Williams' heartbreaking backstage saga of a brother and sister and the secrets that make them cling to one another and eventually tear them apart.
Williams' own favorite play, The Two-Character Play brings together all the themes of his career in one final comic drama which celebrates both life and a life in the theatre. It's Tennessee Williams as you've never seen him.
The Two-Character Play is his scintillating study of sex, madness, theatre and the ghosts that haunt all artists. Williams called The Two-Character Play his favorite work, his most auto-biographical and his most terrifying.
The characters in this play, Felice and Clare are two actors on tour, they are also brother and sister. They find themselves deserted by their acting troupe in a decrepit "state theatre in an state unknown".
Faced (perhaps) by an audience expecting a performance, they enact The Two-Character Play – an illusion within an illusion, an "out cry" from isolation, panic, and fear.
The Two-Character Play has a concurrent double plot with the convention of a play within a play scenario. As the actors dip in and out of performance, improvising parts not memorized or not yet written, it becomes increasingly difficult to differentiate the actors from the characters and reality from illusion.
Photos by Kent Taylor - click on a photo for a large-format version for print media
Pictured from left to right: Ryan Tasker as Felice and Alexandra Creighton at Clare in The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams. A Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre. Costumes by Christine U'Ren, photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured from left to right: Ryan Tasker as Felice and Alexandra Creighton as Clare in The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams. A Theatre Rhinoceros production at The Eureka Theatre. Costumes by Christine U'Ren, photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured from top to bottom: Ryan Tasker as Felice and Alexandra Creighton as Clare in The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams. A Theatre Rhinoceros production at The Eureka Theatre. Costumes by Christine U'Ren, photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured from left to right: Ryan Tasker as Felice and Alexandra Creighton as Clare in The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams. A Theatre Rhinoceros production at The Eureka Theatre. Costumes by Christine U'Ren, photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured from left to right: Alexandra Creighton as Clare and Ryan Tasker as Felice in The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams. A Theatre Rhinoceros production at The Eureka Theatre. Costumes by Christine U'Ren, photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured from left to right: Alexandra Creighton as Clare and Ryan Tasker as Felice in The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams. A Theatre Rhinoceros production at The Eureka Theatre. Costumes by Christine U'Ren, photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured from top to bottom: Ryan Tasker as Felice and Alexandra Creighton at Clare in The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams. A Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre. Costumes by Christine U'Ren, photo by Kent Taylor..
Pictured from left to right: Ryan Tasker as Felice and Alexandra Creighton at Clare in The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams. A Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre. Costumes by Christine U'Ren, photo by Kent Taylor..
Pictured from left to right: Ryan Tasker as Felice and Alexandra Creighton at Clare in The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams. A Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre. Costumes by Christine U'Ren, photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured from top to bottom: Ryan Tasker as Felice and Alexandra Creighton at Clare in The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams. A Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre. Costumes by Christine U'Ren, photo by Kent Taylor..
Pictured from top to bottom: Ryan Tasker as Felice and Alexandra Creighton at Clare in The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams. A Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre. Costumes by Christine U'Ren, photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured from left to right: Ryan Tasker as Felice and Alexandra Creighton at Clare in The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams. A Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre. Costumes by Christine U'Ren, photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured from left to right: Alexandra Creighton as Clare and Ryan Tasker as Felice in The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams. A Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre. Costumes by Christine U'Ren, photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured from left to right: Alexandra Creighton as Clare and Ryan Tasker as Felice in The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams. A Theatre Rhinoceros production at the Eureka Theatre. Costumes by Christine U'Ren, photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured from top to bottom: Ryan Tasker as Felice and Alexandra Creighton as Clare in The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams. A Theatre Rhinoceros production at The Eureka Theatre. Costumes by Christine U'Ren, photo by Kent Taylor..
Actors' Photos - click on a photo for a larger version
Alexandra Creighton as Clare
Ryan Tasker as Felice
Publicty Postcard -- Click for a larger version
The 2012 Rhino Benefit Extravaganza
The 2012 Rhino Benefit Extravaganza
Monday, March 26th at 8 pm - One Show Only!
Eureka Theatre
215 Jackson Street Map It
Featuring the Very Best in Queer Talent
Musical Director, Dave Dobrusky
Host, John Fisher
With Tom Orr
Starring....
Carlos Barrera, Connie Champagne, Dave Dobrusky, Mike Finn, Sarah Fiske and Collage Theatre, Marga Gomez, Casey Ley, Natasha Muse, Matthew Martin, Jim McCunn, Holly Nugent, Tom Orr, Jef Valentine and the Cast of Shopping, the Musical!
Added to the Line-Up!
Leanne Borghese
"The Boys in the Chorus" number from the hit musical Hot Greeks
Click on the image below for a larger version. Photos by Kent Taylor.
Pictured Left to Right: Ann Lawler as Theresa and Wylie Herman as Matthew in 100 Saints You Should Know by Kate Fodor; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured Left to Right: Ann Lawler as Theresa and Wylie Herman as Matthew in 100 Saints You Should Know by Kate Fodor; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured Left to Right: Michael Rosen as Garrett, Tamar Cohn as Colleen, Wylie Herman as Matthew and Ann Lawler as Theresa in 100 Saints You Should Know by Kate Fodor; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured Left to Right: Wylie Herman as Matthew and Michael Rosen as Garret in 100 Saints You Should Know by Kate Fodor; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured Left to Right: Wylie Herman as Matthew and Michael Rosen as Garret in 100 Saints You Should Know by Kate Fodor; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured Left to Right: Ann Lawler as Theresa and Wylie Herman as Matthew in 100 Saints You Should Know by Kate Fodor; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured Left to Right: Wylie Herman as Matthew in 100 Saints You Should Know by Kate Fodor; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured Left to Right: Tamar Cohn as Colleen and Wylie Herman as Matthew in 100 Saints You Should Know by Kate Fodor; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.
Pictured Left to Right: Tamar Cohn as Colleen and Wylie Herman as Matthew in 100 Saints You Should Know by Kate Fodor; a Theatre Rhinoceros Production at Thick House Theatre. Photo by Kent Taylor.
Click on the image below for a larger version
Playwright Kate Fodor
Production Poster
Here's What the Critics Say!
"Theatre Rhinoceros and artistic director John Fisher offer a fine, engrossing production of this 2007 play by Kate Fodor(Hannah and Martin, RX), a sturdy comedy-drama about two fractured families colliding awkwardly in a sort of spiritual vacuum. Matthew (an intriguingly restrained Wiley Herman) is a desolate but forbearing Catholic priest sent on a leave of absence after a venial transgression involving some artful nude male photographs. Returning home, he endures a pained relationship with his devout, passively domineering Irish mother (Tamar Cohn, channeling a nicely measured mixture of stony discipline and childlike vulnerability). Soon Matthew gets an unexpected visit from single mom Theresa (a bright but shrewdly self-possessed Ann Lawler), a former Deadhead who now cleans the rectory and finds herself overcome with an urge to ask the gentle priest about prayer — just at the moment his faith seems to have left him. Meanwhile, Theresa's too-cool-for-school teenager, Abby (a deft and hilarious Kim Stephenson), waits outside and does some preying of her own on a slower-witted but game young man from the neighborhood (a charmingly quirky Michael Rosen), both of them roiling with confused yearnings. The appealing characters and unexpected storyline come supported by some excellent dialogue, developing a searching theme that ultimately has less to do with formal religion than the ordinary but ineffable need it promises (problematically) to meet. 'I think I could be religious or whatever if it made any sense,' notes Abby, 'but it doesn't make any sense.' It's easy to agree with the teenager on this one. 100 Saints is a genuinely funny and compassionate play discerning enough to avoid naming the depths it sounds."
"A thoughtfully entertaining comedy-drama. Theatre Rhino is concluding its current season with the area premiere of rising playwright Fodor's 100 Saints, seen in New York in 2007 and gradually spreading its way to regional theaters across the country. Its appeal is easy to understand, with characters and storylines that are easily accessible but that also possess some quirks that gently distinguish them from their prototypes. Director John Fisher's production at Thick House has a cast that understands how the characters fit into the enveloping drama, and it has been staged with sensitivity to the frequent changes in dramatic and comedic currents."
"Working with a unit set designed by Jon Wai-keung Lowe, Fisher has directed his cast in a way that lets Fodor's writing shine without overindulging his actors. 100 Saints You Should Know is one of those rare surprises: a thoroughly modern play which frames its challenges in human rather than political terms; and prefers to have its characters struggle internally rather than engage in physical combat."
"Absorbing! By attending [100 Saints You Should Know] you will be treated to a well directed and acted production that will stimulate your thinking process regarding religion’s relationship to homosexuality."
"The stars (and they are STARS) flesh out some of the best acting around. They loom large on the small stage, bringing us the most exhilarating story telling. John Fisher (Director) has produced a bold, lucid and insightful version of the play. THE WHIP SMART ACTORS ARE: Ann Lawler, Wylie Harman, Kim Stephenson, Tamar Cohn and Michael Rosen. They made this “Gripping” play - “A Triumph!” RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!!"
"Fodor presents a series of two-character scenes that are suffused with both anguish and humor and that ring true in their depiction of the way people reach out to each other, reject each other, torment each other and obfuscate their naked need for each other. Throughout, the comedy and tragedy of the human condition maintain a perfect balance. John Fisher directs his fine Theatre Rhinoceros cast with great sensitivity to the nuances of the characters’ interactions."
Stay and talk about what you saw! Meet the artists! Ask questions! Make comments! Talkback! Nightly!
After every regular performance (June 3 to June 17) of 100 Saints You Should Know there was a talk back with the Director and/or Cast/Crew Members of the show.
Talkbacks begin immediately after the show (approximately at 9:45 on W/TH; 10:15 on F/SAT; 5:15 on SUN) and were covered by the price of your ticket.
This program was funded by the Hewlett Foundation.
The Rhino Summer Reading Series
The Rhino Summer Reading Series
Mass Appeal by Bill C. Davis Monday, June 25 @ 800 PM Last Summer at Bluefish Cove by Jane Chambers Thursday, June 28 @ 800 PM
Both At Thick House
1695 18th Street, at Arkansas Map It
Tickets are Free. For reservations call 415 552-4100.
Two great queer plays in staged readings! It’s The Rhino Summer Reading Series! These are the plays that should be on every summer reading list. Admission is open to the public and free of charge.
Mass Appeal by Bill C. Davis. This brilliantly funny yet compassionate play had a long and critically hailed Broadway run. The play explores the conflict between an established older priest and the impassioned young seminarian who challenges the validity of his well-routined regimen.
Last Summer at Bluefish Cove by Jane Chambers.The late Jane Chambers' Last Summer at Bluefish Cove is a lovely study of relationships set in the lesbian world. The central character is a vibrant, self-confident woman named Lil Zalinski, who is spending the summer alone in a cottage on a New England beach that has been a lesbian haven for 30 years. Also at the cove are her dearest friends, three couples, including a pair of former lovers.
Creative Team: Claire Bauman, Molly Benson, Jan Brown, Tamar Cohn, John Fisher, Dave Gardner, Christina Geracci, Ann Lawler, Jon Wai-keung Lowe, Theresa Nguyen, and Jimmy Walden, Jimmy Whelan, and David Wilson.
"... deeply intriguing, comic, unsettling, at times mystifying and curiously rewarding."
