Karen Zacarias places two women contemplating motherhood,
philosophy, physics, mortality and love centuries apart, leaping
back and forth from the 18th century to the present.
Karen Zacarias places two women contemplating motherhood, philosophy, physics, mortality and love centuries apart, leaping back and forth from the 18th century to the present.
Emilie du Chatelet – a 42-year-old, 18th century French scientist – and Olivia Brown – a 42-year-old, 21st century American astronomer – crisscross throughout the performance, while uncovering their lives, ambitions and attitudes toward maternity.
Kirsten Brandt directs this funny, sensitive and poignant production with an approach that keeps what could be a confusing interweaving of time travel, clear and informative.
The cast of San Jose Rep’s veterans are a pure joy and deliver first-rate performances. Rachel Harker, Carrie Paff, Mike Ryan, Kathryn Tkel, Miles Gaston Vilanueva and Robert Yacko take on these characters (some playing dual roles) with fresh energy.
Brandin Baron’s costumes are stunning, and William Bloodgood creates a set that is amazingly simple, creative and interesting.
For an intellectual romp and a lesson in what makes the world go round, “Legacy of Light” will entertain and enlighten.
‘Legacy of Light’
Where: San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio
Through: April 17
Tickets: $21 – $57
Details: (408)
367-7255
‘Stomp’: A cacophony of rhythms and sounds
What do you get when you bring metal trash can lids together with tractor tire inner tubes, bungee cords, paint cans mixed up with Zippo lighters? You get “Stomp”! Those are a few of the off-the-wall items used to bring this bombastic program to life in San Jose.
Luke Cresswell and Steve McMicholas’ “Stomp” has evolved since its first showing at the Edinburgh Festival 14 years ago. It is reworked, but stays true to the original idea: using familiar items to create rhythmic music with unique humor and exuberance.
“Stomp” has developed into an international phenomenon performing in 350 cities and 36 countries, including Canada, Europe, Las Vegas and a successful Off-Broadway production in New York. It has sold out and won awards wherever it played.
For a cacophony of orchestrated rhythmic noise, “Stomp” will get the pulse pumping, the feet tapping and the mind moving with the whacking, slamming, clanging and smashing of everything but regular instruments. Here is the place to let it all come out. It’s less expensive than a shrink and you can smile through the hilarious gyrations of performers who know they are delivering something inimitable and joyous.
If you have hearing aids, turn them down. I can’t say sit back and relax … just sit back and enjoy the sounds and beat of the unexpected.
‘Stomp’
Where: The San Jose Center For The Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd.
When: April 12-17
Tickets: $20 – $69
Details: (408) 792-4111
