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Poster by Paul Springer
Photos by Michael Behrens
Credits: Nate Levine plays Billy and Miss Emma

REVIEW OF THE WIDOW WEST:

“The Widow West” by Morgan Ludlow is at Stage Werx until September 27, and YOU SHOULD NOT MISS IT! Classical Greece had Homer and Ulysses, ancient Rome had Virgil and Aeneas, and now San Francisco has Morgan Ludlow providing us a myth of the city's own founding husband, Wily West. Historians be damned! The real story of what kept San Francisco afloat when the gold ran out involves a young cross-dressing prospector by the name of Billy and a rough, tough millionaire, the aforementioned Mr. West.  The play is almost too much fun, especially when watching Jason Jeremy as Adolph Sutro vie for the affections of Miss Emma, who he hasn't realized is a young man in drag. But the underlying humanity of the situation, particularly the danger to Emma if it is ever discovered that she is really a boy, is continually and seamlessly brought back into focus by the playwright and by the cast's balanced work. Excellent performances are turned in by Janice Wright as the whore with a heart of coal, Mark Shepard as Sam Brannan, and Billy Hayes as Wiley West. But best of all are the two leads, Nate Levine as Billy and Miss Emma, and Gwyneth Richards as the Widow West, whose narration advances the story. I've been going to theater in the area since 1977 and, for my money, Gwyneth Richards is the Bay Area's most accomplished Shakespearian actor. That's why it was particularly surprising and enjoyable to see her switch from a reminiscing Widow West into brief stints as various comic characters, including a brothel keeper who walks and talks like John Wayne (in a purple gown). As you can tell, I was delighted at this evening of theatre, and I'm urging all my friends to go see it.  “The Widow West” deserves to be San Francisco’s next big home grown hit.
Nick Hornby, YELP

The Widow West
By Morgan Ludlow

Stage Werx Theatre
533 Sutter Street @ Powell\
San Francisco

September 11-27, 2008


Directed by Soumyaa Kapil

LIVE MUSIC BY KAT DOWNS! 


Costumes by Helen Slomowitz
Lighting Design by DW Lech
Colleen Egan, Assistant Director
Casey Fern, Production Assistant
Suze Allen, Dramaturg

-Starring-

Gwyneth Richards
Nate Levine


Billy Hayes
Jason Jeremy
Kat Kneisel
Mark Shepard
Kirk Matthew White
Janice Wright


"The Wild West the way I have always wanted to see it!!!!" --GOLDSTAR MEMBER

"This was a really amazing play that I am still thinking about. It was so funny my ribs ached but it had an added dimension of being a warmhearted tale of acceptance.  I think this play could become something very big." --GOLDSTAR MEMBER

"It was GREAT! I laughed and cried, and I was not alone in my reactions."--GOLDSTAR MEMBER

"A new myth for San Francisco" 
--Nick Hornby on YELP
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Poster Designed by Paul Springer
Photos by William Boice
Credits: Linda Wang, Celeste Russi
Lauren Umansky, Celeste Russi and Gwyneth Richards

"Come see this beautiful actor's play..."
--Jim Strope SF EXAMINER

"This play covered territory that is near and dear to my heart: The battle of the sexes, patriarchal versus matriarchal values, and the effect of spirituality on societies. It had witty comedy, highly affecting drama, outstanding costuming, and spot-on performances by the actors."
--Goldstar Member

"A quirky and amusing fantasy..."
--Molly Rhodes 
SF Weekly


"Great play; funny but powerful & relevant for our times. A great adult fairy tale. Great writing, acting, music, costumes."
- Goldstar Member

Maidrid's Bow
An Amazon Tale
By Morgan Ludlow

Stage Werx Theatre
533 Sutter Street (at Powell)
San Francisco

JULY 9-AUGUST 18, 2009


Directed by David Stein

Live Music by Kat Downs
Caius Van Nouhys on bass

Costumes by Elise Barley

Fight Director Rachel Johnson
Assistant Director Kat Kneisel
Stage Manager Meira Perelstein

-Starring-

Nancy Bower
Stefin Collins
Monique Gonsalves
Ryan Hayes
Jason Jeremy
Nate Levine
Gwyneth Richards
Mikayla Rosario
Celeste Russi
Lauren Umansky
Linda Wang

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Drawn by a force she does not understand, the Amazon girl Maidrid secretly befriends Fars, a boy from across the river. Soon the couple is hunted in a battle of the sexes that threatens the foundation of their society.  Can young love survive the fury of the Goddess?  
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Poster Designed by Paul Springer
Photos by Michael Behrens
Credits: Kira Shaw and Alex Hersler
Jessica Scalzo and Jeff Newton

What do a couple swingers, a Siberian orphanage, a gay superhero, a woman who has lost her cat, two North Beach restaurateurs and a bunch of corporate yuppies have in common?   Find out in San Francisco Stories!  A modern collection of hilarious and heart-warming plays set in our beloved city by writers who live here. 
"Enjoyable, unpretentious stories. Plots and actors were great. I would recommend it..."
-- Mike Arbunich 
GOLDSTAR MEMBER

"Mr. Ludlow has done it again. Gathering an ensemble of wonderfully entertaining short plays. Each sprinkled with San Francisco neighborhood charm and wit. "
GOLDSTAR MEMBER

San Francisco Stories
Plays by Stuart Bousel, Morgan Ludlow, Kim Luke
Evelyn Jean Pine and Kirk Shimano

Laylah Muran
Executive Producer

Stage Werx Theatre
533 Sutter Street (at Powell)
San Francisco


May 13-29, 2010

Directed by Soumyaa Kapil

Amy Lizardo Ryan
Stage Manager

Quinn J. Whitaker
Technical Director

-Starring-

Monique Gonsalves
Alex Hersler
Jason Jeremy
Jeff Newton
Celeste Russi
Steve Salzman
Jessica Scalzo
Kira Shaw

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Photo by Michael Behrens
Credit: Jason Jeremy

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Poster Designed by Paul Springer
Photos by William Boice
Credits:  Ben Ortega and Linda Wang
Kat Kneisel and Ben Ortega

"NYMPH O' MANIA is delightful! "
--SF BAY TIMES  


"A happy diversion for a midsummer's night"
--BAY AREA REPORTER



"NYMPH O' MANIA's cast totally owned the script of this play.  They were funny, skillful and poignant, with great timing.  I would see it again and again! Morgan Ludlow's story touched me throughout and he had my complete trust by the end of the play.  I would watch anything he writes.  The set was amazing and I hear was built on a shoestring, which makes it even more wonderful to see.  The sound, lighting and Stage Werx itself were perfect for this production.  
Go SEE IT!"
--YELP

"Absolutely fabulous!"
--GOLDSTAR MEMBER

"I saw NYMPH O' MANIA last week with my mother and what a hoot!  She and I both loved the production wildly.  The audience was laughing hysterically throughout the show and the seats were almost all sold-out..."
--YELP

"This play is very, very funny! But it also turns on a dime, switching to dead serious. And back. That audience members were both crying and laughing (during very different scenes) is evidence that this is very well-written." 
--GOLDSTAR MEMBER

“Last night was the closing of this curiously in-depth ultra modern look at a dance around Midsummer Night's Dream, "Nymph O Mania."  Bringing elements of an ever intriguing Shakespearean play to present day was nothing short of hysterical.  Every character was fully engaged, not a one stealing the show but all impressive in their focus and message to be delivered.  The message for me was don't forget to stop and think about what is truly important--our hearts, our souls and truth.   Don't hide from anything, be who you are, live through your pain, wow. Not only did I laugh myself silly I felt thoughtful when I left. The last scene faded to black perfectly, with one of the lead characters left to reflect the new freedom he felt in his heart, seemingly a new man.  Bravo! The house was full, and the energy perfect.”  
--YELP




Nymph O' Mania
By Morgan Ludlow

Laylah Muran
Executive Producer

Stage Werx Theatre
533 Sutter Street (at Powell)
San Francisco


JULY 15-AUGUST 14, 2010


Directed by David Stein

Original Music by Kat Downs
Costumes by Elise Barley
Stage Manager, Casey Fern
Choreography, Alysia Hook

Sets & Lighting by Quinn Whitaker
Technical Director, Wes Cayabyab
Production Assistant by Colleen Egan

-STARRING-

Andrew Calabrese
Linda-Ruth Cardozo
Lance Fuller
Kat Kneisel
Ben Ortega
Linda Wang


A modern twist on A Midsummer Night's Dream set in a redwood forest in Northern California.  When Jack agrees to sell his land, several thousand acres of prime redwood forest, to a multinational lumber company all hell breaks loose at his wedding party.  Throw some hallucinogens into the punch bowl and Jack finds himself in the custody of a beautiful tree nymph while being pursued by the wedding party, which includes his jilted bride. An outrageous romp in the woods ensues, settling the fate of the forest, and the lovers, once and for all.
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Photo by Bill Boice
Linda-Ruth Cardozo, Andrew Calabrese, Lance Fuller, Ben Ortega and Kat Kneisel
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Photo by Bill Boice
Credit: Linda Wang as the Nymph
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Poster Designed by Paul Springer
Poster Photo by Linda Wang
Photos by William Boice
Credits: Gwyneth Richards, Ryan Hayes
Ryan Hayes, Gwyneth Richards

"One of the TOP 10 Shows of 2010 in the Bay Area!"
--SF BAY TIMES

"I'm a fan of Wily West Productions and it was a pleasure seeing RUTH AND THE SEA."
--Jim Strope, SF EXAMINER.COM


"Excellent. RUTH AND THE SEA explores the family ties that bind, positing that love can find a way to win, even in the most dysfunctional of families.  Recommended!"
--Tom Kelly, SF BAY TIMES

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Photo by Bill Boice
Credit:  Linda Wang as Jamie

"Great production!  The play is very well-written, and the acting is first class.  Some very moving scenes but also lots of humor throughout.  I highly recommend it."  --GOLDSTAR MEMBER

"An interesting viewpoint of the Christmas spirit with live music (quite wonderful!!!) Excellent acting.  Something Christmasy without being Chistmasy."  

--GOLDSTAR MEMBER

Ruth and the Sea
By Morgan Ludlow

Laylah Muran
Executive Producer

Stage Werx Theatre
533 Sutter Street (at Powell)
San Francisco


DECEMBER 2-18, 2010

Linda Wang, Associate Producer
Christopher Struett, Associate Producer

Directed by Stuart Bousel

Sets & Lighting by Quinn Whitaker
Costumes by Kira Shaw
Technical Director, Wes Cayabyab

-STARRING-

Gwyneth Richards

Tom Darter
Ryan Hayes
Michelle Jasso

Kira Shaw
Linda Wang

Bay Area Critics' Circle Award-Winning Actress Gwyneth Richards stars in Wily West's brand new Holiday show.  From the seashell set on the piano, the ocean calls out to Ruth, a feisty mid-western grandmother whose preparations for one more Christmas are interrupted by news that she probably won't see the coming spring.  Preferring madcap adventure over chemo, she grabs all the hard liquor, drains her bank account, and convinces her rehab skipping dope fiend grandson to embark on a cross-country trek to find the shore-side contentment of her youth, one last time.  Though at opposite ends of the spectrum, old lady and aging hipster (all-the-time pursued by Ruth's no-nonsense daughter-in-law, her over-protective ex, and a down-and-out Dolly Parton impersonator) find themselves bonding in unexpected ways even as Ruth inevitably drifts into death.  Never maudlin, never predictable, RUTH AND THE SEA turns the American Christmas Story on its ear, re-inventing its own archetypes and eschewing holiday schmaltz as it takes the audience on a search for nothing less than the meaning of life.

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Photo by Bill Boice
Credit: Michelle Jasso sings as Mona.

Wily West New Play Festival

Believers
By Patricia Milton

May 1, 2011
Stage Werx Theatre
2:00pm

Directed by Lisa Giglio

Featuring: Jeffrey Hoffman, Gabi Patacsil, 
Jaimelee Roberts, and Garret Dailey.

Inside Tower Labs, drug researcher Rocky Wise hopes to create a love vaccine so he never again will feel the pain of a bad break-up. BELIEVERS takes place in a dystopian future at the intersection of pharmaceuticals, religion and romance...delivering a perscription-stength dose of whacked out comedy!
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Evening of One Acts

May 2, 2011
Stage Werx Theatre
7:30pm


Featuring: Matthew Bradley, Wes Cayabyab, China Crawford, Mary Egan, Casey Fern, Sylvia Kratins, 
Daniel Martinez, Kathleen Nolan, Scott Ragle, 
Farrah Sanders and Richard Wenzel.


WATCHDOGS AGAINST DOORSTEPS
By Susan Jackson
Directed by Kat Kneisel

A CAUTIONARY TALE
By Steve Koppman
Directed by Kat Kneisel

CENSUS AND SENSIBILITY 
By Rod McFadden
Directed by Colleen Egan

WHAT WE OWE AND TO WHOM WE OWE IT
By Diane Sampson
Directed by Colleen Egan

LONG ELECTION DAY'S JOURNEY INTO
PARADE NIGHT
By Ignacio Zulueta
Directed by Ken Sonkin

An evening of entertaining and illuminating short plays by local Bay Area writers.
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Juno en Victoria
By Stuart Bousel

May 1, 2011
Stage Werx Theatre
7:30pm

Directed by Claire Rice

Featuring: Kirsten Broadbear, Kat Bushnell, Bryce Duzan, Travis Howse, Michelle Jasso, and Celeste Russi.

In a beautiful country estate, a mother plans her youngest daughter's wedding while her sister tries to catch the woman she thinks is sleeping with the master. Taking its cue from the novels of Austen, Forster, Waugh and Thackery, JUNO EN VICTORIA is a new British tragicomedy about the secret lives of Victorian women.  Funny, sad, and ultimately haunting, this fast-paced, well-researched and meticulously crafted period piece subtly undermines its own source material even as it pays homage to the parlor dramas of a bygone era.

Double Feature 

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Ashtad and Dardanos
By JC Samuels

May 3, 2011
Stage Werx Theatre
7:30pm

Directed by Brady Brophy-Hilton

Featuring: Wes Cayabyab, Jason Jeremy, 
Michelle Jasso and Ben Ortega.

A brutal and haunting story about friendship and survival during malevolent times.  ASHTAD AND DARDANOS parallels the folk story of an unlikely bond between a bear and a squirrel with the setting of a country ravaged by war where two men desperately cling to survival and their difficult relationship with each other.  Master and slave.  Friends and enemies.  Fantasy and reality.

Love in the Time of Zombies
By Kirk Shimano

Directed by Brady Brophy-Hilton

Featuring: Wes Cayabyab, Stephen Chang, Michelle Jasso, Jason Jeremy, Shelley Johnson and Linda Wang.

In this hilarious new comedy two would-be couples find themselves stranded in an abandoned cabin, wrestling with trust issues, fears of commitment, and the occasional wayward zombie.  A mysterious woman who is unfazed by the walking dead arrives to claim ownership of the cabin.  She has a secret plan of course -- but even she cannot predict what these four people will teach her about the line between death and humanity.
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Poster Designed by Paul Springer
Photos by William Boice
Credits: Celeste Van Etten & Michelle Jasso
Linda Wang

"Bousel's witty dialogue shines, with clever nods to Austen and Wilde..."  
--Sam Hurwitt

"If it is still running, you MUST go see it.  The play is SUPERB, the actors are Oscar-worthy. Really."  
--Goldstar Member

"JUNO EN VICTORIA is a cleverly written and beautifully executed Victorian representation of Ancient Mythology focused on the Goddess Hera and her family."
 --Goldstar Member

"Bousel's depiction of Hera, and Jasso's realization of it, is a great triumph of the play."
 --Sam Hurwitt

"The women in this production are incredibly strong and talented actresses and I was deeply moved..." 
--Goldstar Member

Juno en Victoria
By Stuart Bousel

Laylah Muran
Executive Producer

Stage Werx

533 Sutter Street
San Francisco

June 9-July 2, 2011

Directed by Claire RIce

Sets & Lighting by Quinn Whitaker
Costumes by Miriam Lewis
Technical Director, Wes Cayabyab

-STARRING-

Michelle Jasso

Celeste Van Etten
Kat Bushnell
Bryce Duzan
Travis Howse

Linda Wang

An English country estate in the high Victorian era, the Goddesses Hera and Hestia are a pair of wealthy sisters semi-retired to pastoral bliss and boredom.  The story revolves around the imminent marriage of Hebe, daughter of Zeus and Hera, to Heracles.  Taking its cue from the novels of Austen, Forster, Waugh and Thackeray, JUNO EN VICTORIA is a new tragicomedy about the secret lives of Victorian women.  Funny, sad, and ultimately haunting this period piece pays homage to the parlor dramas of a bygone era.

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Photo by Bill Boice
Credits:  Travis Howse as Ganymede 

and Michelle Jasso as Hera.
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Poster Designed by Paul Springer
Photos by William Boice
Credits: Philip Goleman
Sarah Moser as Peaches

The funniest play this season!"
Lee Hartgrave, BEYOND CHRON

"Lyons has a gift for stream-of-conciousness monologue and all of the characters get to play their own great scene...a wonderfully written and staged "time-lapse" sequence...that is priceless!"
Robert Sokol, SF EXAMINER

"Sharp performances crisply directed by Sara Staley...
the writing has several inspired flights of zaniness..."
--Robert Avila, SF BAY GUARDIAN

"The play is at its best in quirky little moments 
of revealing human behavior..."
--Richard Dodds, SF BAY AREA REPORTER

Peaches en Regalia
By Steve Lyons

Laylah Muran
Executive Producer

Stage Werx
533 Sutter Street
San Francisco

AUGUST 4-27, 2011

Directed by Sara Staley

Lighting & Sets Designed by Quinn Whitaker
Stage Manager, Casey Fern
Technical Director, Wes Cayabyab

FEATURING

COOPER CARLSON
PHILIP GOLEMAN
NICOLE HAMMERSLA
SARAH MOSER

Peaches en Regalia is based upon the widely produced, critically  acclaimed one act of the same name, which KPBS radio praised as “cute and quirky.”   

In this delightful comedy Norman is in the men’s room, struggling with the lessons from his time management class, Peaches is waitressing at Doug’s Diner, struggling with her gas price theories, and Joanne is in the Chinese laundry, struggling with her flow charts.  They all meet at Doug’s Diner and find their angst-ridden lives turned upside down when straight-talking Syd sits down at their table.   Love blossoms.   Happiness reigns.  But the happiness may be short lived, as Norman’s time management skills are challenged by the ultimate nemesis of time management, a baby!

A fast-paced experience, very funny, almost slap-stick 
but with a post-modern twist!"
--Jim Strope, SF EXAMINER.COM




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Poster Designed by Paul Springer
Credits: Wesley Cayabyab & 
Gabrielle Patacsil on cover of 96 Hours 
Photo by Colin Hussy
Left Photo by William Boice
Credit: Gabrielle Patacsil 

"Stuffed with ultimatums and revelations and Jewish-Italian home cooking..."
--Amber Adrian, 7X7 Magazine

"We all left with huge smiles and repeating great lines from the show!  Another Wily West cavalcade of talent showcasing beautiful work from all ends."  
--Goldstar Member

"A wild and melodramatic send-up of the mafia genre."
 --Nirmala Nataraj, SF Chronicle

Arrivederci Roma
By Morgan Ludlow

Laylah Muran
Executive Producer

Stage Werx
533 Sutter Street
San Francisco

October 6-29, 2011

Directed by David Stein

Costumes Designed by Elise Barley
Lighting & Sets Designed by Quinn Whitaker
Stage Manager, Wayne Roadie
Choreography by Alysia Hook
Technical Director, Wes Cayabyab

-STARRING-

WESLEY CAYABYAB
KEITH JEFFERDS
CHRISTOPHER MORRELL
GABRIELLE PATACSIL

BARBARA VAN DERMEER


The Godfather meets Trannyshack in this hilarious transgender mafia story.  When mafioso boss, Alfredo Reggiano, is invited to dinner by his competitor and rival, Roma Asiago, to talk "business" Alfredo knows he should be prepared for anything.  But nothing has prepared him for the shock he is about to face when Roma reveals her ultimate reason for meeting him. From the same creative team that brought you the critically acclaimed hit show, Nymph O' Mania, last summer comes this new outrageous comedy!
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Photo by Colin Hussy
Credits: Keith Jefferds, Gabrielle Patacsil,
Wes Cayabyab and Christopher Morrell
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Poster Designed by Colin Hussy
Photos by Jim Norrena

THE PLAYS

Mission: Irrisistible
by Patricia Milton

Of Machines and Men
by Rod McFadden

The Disadvantaged
by Candice Benge

Traveling Music
by Gaetana Caldwell-Smith

An American Traitor
by Jordan Puckett

Her Special Day
by Rachel Bublitz

One Last Night Stand
by Bridgette Duta Portman

Space Junk
by Kristin Anundsen

SHEHEREZADE XII

Laylah Muran
Executive Producer

Stage Werx Theatre
446 Valencia
San Francisco

MAY 11 – 26, 2012

Ann Thomas and Kat Kneisel

Directors

Quinn Whitaker
Lead Design and Producing Director 

Costumes by Rhonda Carson

-STARRING-

Diana Brown
Wesley Cayabyab
Abigail Edber
Philip Goleman
Edward Kimak
Melissa Keith
Ben Ortega
Linsay Rousseau Burnett
Lila Tavelli
 

Space garbage is falling from the sky and the Mayan's might have something to do with it, but a Russian / American space program might solve all our problems at home.  Matt's at the bar and even the end of the world can't get him laid, but at least his mom isn't trying to steal his wedding day focus like Caroline's is.  When Dr. Turing thought of thinking machines more than half a century ago, we doubt he had a jealous Prius in mind.  Stress can lead a rich man to be ridiculous on the front lines of a revolution at home and a young doctor to tragedy in a war torn nation half a world away.   It all happens in around and because of 2012, don't miss it!
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Poster Designed by Paul Springer
Photos by Jim Norrena
Credits: Maria Giere Marquis, Casey Fern

"The story develops...with some clever plot twists and sharp comic writing...there's a lot here to enjoy."
--Robert Hurwitt, SF CHRONICLE

"Playwright Patricia Milton has good comic chops and there are plenty of laughs to be found in this light hearted romance. Actors Casey Fern and Maria Giere Marquis are charming as Rocky and Grace, the battling researchers."
--Charles Kruegar, BAY AREA THEATRE CRITICS' CIRCLE

"The horny muskrats, and the frequent deluges of frogs? Bring it on!"
--George Heymont, HUFFINGTON POST

Believers
By Patricia Milton

Laylah Muran
Executive Producer

Stage Werx
448 Valencia Street
San Francisco

AUGUST 2-25

Directed by Sara Staley

Lighting & Sets Designed by Quinn Whitaker
Assistant Designer, Anya Kazimierski
Technical Director, Wes Cayabyab

LIVE MUSIC BY RICK HOMAN

-STARRING-

Casey Fern
Maria Giere Marquis
Jon Fast

Kate Jones

Is it really better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all? Or is it better to find a pharmaceutical remedy? Believers is an apocalyptic romantic comedy inspired by the Grimms fairy tale The Frog King. The world seems poised on the brink of environmental collapse. Inside a remote pharmaceutical lab, researcher Rockwell Wise is bent on creating a love vaccine to keep his heart safe. His ex-lover, drug developer Grace Wright, hungers to create a love potion to rejuvenate our romance-starved planet. When Grace is hired to lead Rocky's development team in the midst of a company crisis, they become locked in a struggle over love and drugs --- with some very unexpected side effects.
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Poster Designed by Cody Rishell

Monday, October 8th
7:30pm

FRIAR LAZARO 
By Bridgette Dutta Portman
Directed by Brady Brophy-Hilton

Set in a Spanish mission in 19th century California, Friar Lazaro tells the story of a young padre whose religious doubts lead him to madness and murder...

Tuesday, October 9th
7:30pm

HOPE'S LAST CHANCE
By Rod McFadden
Directed by Brady Brophy-Hilton

While staying the weekend at a secluded Bed and Breakfast Inn Stan and Angela are awakened to screams in the night...


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Spooky Cabaret
A New Play & Music Festival

Quinn Whitaker
Producing Director

Stage Werx
448 Valencia
San Francisco

Sunday, October 7th
5:30pm

DROWNING KATE
By Morgan Ludlow
Directed by Wesley Cayabyab

Dr. Harry Onslow brings his recently drowned wife back to life or has he awakened something else? 

TWELVE POLE CREEK
By Jennifer Lynn Roberts
Directed by Rick Homan

Haunted by tragedy from his youth, Thomas has been hunting a predator no one else thinks exists...
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Photo by ML
Credit: Christopher Morrell 

Wednesday, October 10th

PLUNGER
By Benjamin Thorton
Directed by Colleen Egan

UNIVERSE REX
By Morgan Ludlow
Directed by Stuart Bousel

ANY NUMBER OF NAMES
By Krista Knight
Directed by Brady Brophy-Hilton

THE VAMPIRE SORORITY
BABES V.S. THE INTERGALACTIC FRAT ZOMBIES
By Stuart Bousel
Directed by Clint Winder
Choreography by Wesley Cayabyab

Four one-act plays to chill and thrill you.  Featuring murder, parallel worlds, zombies, vampires and creepy little finger puppets!
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AUDIENCES LOVE SHEHEREZADE 13

"9-10 minutes plays with one-ten-minute intermission. All world premiers of local playwrights' work by a local top-notch actors. Great direction too. Professionally staged in an intimate 60 seat cabaret theatre. 2 short plays stood out for me. 'Indelible'--about a tattoo artist with anger management issues and a girl wants a butterfly on her butt. Funny and sweet. And then the crown jewel was 'Romulus and Jewel: A 10-Minute Travesty in Five-Acts.' Funniest wildest 10 minutes I have seen in a long long time." --Goldstar Member

"This year's Sheherezade is a tour de force of writing, directing and acting with a wide variety of short plays that showcase the skills of all involved, especially the versatility of the actors who play several roles in different plays. Don't miss it!" --Goldstar Member

Hell hath no furry like the women Frank left behind in AFTER FRANK .  Fleeting fame and scientific ambition affect a young romance in CURT AND LAURA: A STORY OF LOVE AND BIG NUMBERS and the missed chance to ride a heroic-win on the basketball-court out of small town poverty twenty years ago brings old friends to the Stinky Raccoon Saloon in TWO TO FIVE WITH THREE SECONDS TO GO.   In AUTO-INCORRECT Nate doesn't have a chance with old high school crush Claire, an enthusiastic English teacher,  when his brain starts "correcting" his speech on their first date, but an unexpected similar interest bring two opposites together at the tattoo parlor in INDELIBLE.   W hen the line between art and life blur too close for her soon-to-be son-in-law's comfort and daughter Midge sees the line, Madeline finds it hard to hide in CHRYSOMELIDAE HIDE NO MORE.   Athletic and tough Mei-Hua never did SAY UNCLEand she never will.  And while Maddy and Joe potentially ruin their daughter's birthday and try to unravel the blame in PINATA FIGHT , the star crossed dog and cat,  ROMULUS AND JEWEL experience an instant and tragic inter-species passion surpassed by no-one except perhaps their masters' ill-fated love at first sight.


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Rich Egan, Joey Cherney, Karen Offereins, Wes Cayabyab, Kate Jones and Abigail Edber

SHEHEREZADE 13

Laylah Muran
Executive Producer

Quinn Whitaker
Producing Director & Lead Design

Featuring :  Wesley Cayabyab, Joey Cherney, Abigail Edber, Rich Egan, Kate Jones, Karen Offereins, Peter Townley 

Brady Brophy-Hilton
Kat Kneisel
Laylah Muran
Ann Thomas
Directors

Wesley Cayabyab
Technical Director

The Exit Theatre Main Stage

April 12-April 27th 2013
Thu-Fri-Sat 
8pm 

Now in its 13th year, Sheherezade throws down the gauntlet! It's an evening of fully-produced short plays by Playwright's Center of San Francisco members performed by a phenomenal ensemble cast.  Always a mix of the irreverent with the poignant, this year's line-up promises to be fun, entertaining, intelligent and occasionally quirky.

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Kate Jones and Rich Egan
After Frank
Written by Patricia Milton
Directed by Laylah Muran

Auto-Incorrect
Written by Bridgette Dutta Portman
Directed by Ann Thomas

Chrysomelidae Hide No More
Written by Jennifer Lynne Roberts
Directed by Brady Brophy-Hilton

Indelible
Written by Beverly Butler
Directed by Kat Kneisel

Laura and Curt: 
A Story of Love and Big Numbers
Written by Rod McFadden
Directed by Brady Brophy-Hilton

Piñata Fight
Written by Elizabeth Flanagan
Directed by Brady Brophy-Hilton

Romulus and Jewel: 
A 10-Minute Travesty in Five Acts
Written by Diane Sampson
Directed by Kat Kneisel

Say Uncle
Written by Mordecai Cohen Ettinger
Directed by Kat Kneisel

Two to Five with Three Seconds to Go
Written by Susan Jackson
Directed by Laylah Muran
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Photo Jim Norrena
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Photo Jim Norrena
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Poster designed by Paul Springer with photography by Jim Norrena
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All photos by Jim Norrena.

GORGEOUS HUSSY: 
An Interview of Joan Crawford
By Morgan Ludlow


Laylah Muran
Executive Producer

Brady Brophy-Hilton
Director

Quinn Whitaker
Sets & Lighting

Exit Theatre
156 Eddy Street
San Francisco

July 26-August 16

- Starring -
RYAN HAYES
SUSAN JACKSON


Bay Area Theatre Critic's Circle Award for 
Best Original Script!  


This show brings the iconic star back to life for some drinks and lively conversation.  When an ambitious young journalist sneaks into Joan Crawford's Beverly Hills Hotel suite, he thinks he is about to get the interview of his career.  But the aging movie star has something else in mind.  In a strange twist of vodka and make-up, the tables are turned and the interviewer becomes Joan Crawford while the woman behind the icon asks the really hard questions as she struggles to understand the truth behind her career and life.  

This play by Morgan Ludlow will be directed by Brady Brophy-Hilton and will feature the amazing talents of Susan Jackson and Ryan Hayes two local actors you will not want to miss giving a tour de force performance!

Gorgeous Hussy will run July 26, Aug 1, 3, 9, 15, 16 @ 8:00pm.


"Fans of Joan Crawford will find delight with Morgan Ludlow’s new two-hander. As the elderly movie star, Susan Jackson gives a fine impersonation, convincing us that we are in the presence of cinematic royalty. As her interviewer, Ryan Hayes gives a performance that is full of unexpected twists and surprises."
 - Charles Kruger, SF Examiner

"It was a wonderful way to explore the lesser known Joan Crawford, the woman behind the public figure, the possible motivations behind her sometimes questionable parenting skills and behavior...this was executed with humor as well as compassion, bringing tears to my eyes at times, between the laughter."
 -Goldstar Member

"Susan Jackson and Ryan Hayes deliver compelling portrayals of Joan Crawford (with or without her wig). But what Gorgeous Hussy really achieves is a clinical dissection of the perverse power of celebrity and the dangers of trying to live up to one's publicity."
 -- George Heymont, Huffington Post



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Photo by Jim Norrena
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Photo by Jim Norrena
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All Photos by Jim Norrena
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All Photos by Jim Norrena
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"The playwright certainly has fun with many of the cliches of the genre: the isolated country inn, the stormy weather, a ghostly child in need, a mysterious landlady, a cantankerous old codger with a desperate secret, and so on and so forth. He also manages to imbue his hapless haunted couple with an interesting personal subtext that helps us to care about them in their life predicament, bringing a bit of gravitas to an otherwise lightweight story.The result is entertaining" 
--Charles Kruegar
TheatreStorm


LAWFULLY WEDDED
By Morgan Ludlow, Kirk Shimano &
Alina Trowbridge

Laylah Muran
Executive Producer

Wesley Cayabyab

Director

Featuring an outstanding ensemble cast of Wes Cayabyab, Philip Goleman, Kat Kneisel, Brian Martin, Jeffrey Orth, Scott Ragle, Farah Sanders, Janice Wright, & Heidi Wolff


Exit Theatre
156 Eddy Street
San Francisco

July 25-August 17

Lawfully Wedded is a timely collage of scenes and stories that reveal the American struggle for marriage equality. The show is written by three San Francisco playwrights: Morgan Ludlow, Kirk Shimano & Alina Trowbridge. When Bill and Jason decide to get married, they confront all the familiar challenges any newlywed couple must face as they plan a wedding, meet their in-laws, buy a house, mix with the neighbors, have a child and deal with the calamity of a major illness. 

Lawfully Wedded will run July 25, 27 Aug 2, 8, 10, 17 @ 8:00pm.

"LAWFULLY WEDDED offers a pleasant night at the theatre overall, with some surprisingly effective moments, excellent writing and fine acting."
 --Charles Kruger, SF Examiner
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Hope's Last Chance
By Rod McFadden

October 3-26, 2013

Exit Theatre
156 Eddy Street
San Francisco
(Close to Powell Street BART Station)

Directed by Brady Brophy-Hilton

Starring 
Kat Bushnell, Wesley Cayabyab, Shelley Johnson, Jeffrey Orth, John Terrell and Ella Zalon

While spending the weekend at a secluded bed and breakfast, Stan and Angela awake to screams in the night.  Unable to leave until the mystery is solved, Stan and Angela struggle to separate what is real from what is imagined, and they soon realize the answers to those questions are literally a matter of life or death.  Theirs!  HOPE'S LAST CHANCE combines elements of the classic murder mystery and romantic comedy, into a hilarious and chilling new ghost story that will keep you guessing (and laughing) until the very end. 
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Poster designed by Paul Springer
Dissonance 
by TERRY ANDERSON

The Duck 
by VONN SCOTT BAIR

The Box 
by MADELEINE BUTLER

Brew, Drink, Repeat 
by BRIDGETTE DUTTA PORTMAN

Almost Like Being Alive 
by STEVE KOPPMAN

Reframing Rockwell 
by JIM NORRENA

The Interview 
by MADELINE PUCCIONI

Photo Dynamic Therapy 
by JENNIFER LYNNE ROBERTS

"Wily West Productions Executive Producer Laylah Muran de Assereto has assembled a talented cast and a diverse collection of one-acts that meld into a satisfying evening of fresh and lively theatre."  
--BEAST IN A JUNGLE

Sheherezade 14

Laylah Muran
Executive Producer

WESLEY CAYABYAB
AMY CRUMPACKER | Directors

ELLEN CHESNUT | Set & Costumes

ANTONIA LUCAS | Music Design & Compilation

Featuring:  CAMERON GALLOWAY, PHILIP GOLEMAN, RICK HOMAN, JASON JEREMY CAT LUEDTKE, LEONTYNE MBELE-MBONG, GARETH TIDBALL

QUINN CAYABYAB| Producing Director

Exit Theatre
156 Eddy Street
San Francisco

June 7-28

SHEHEREZADE is a fully produced short play festival featuring 8 original plays written by local San Francisco playwrights. This year the plays deal with disparate topics from trying to get a job to solving a decades-old murder, from new to old romance, from paint on canvas to the space-time continuum, these plays embody a common theme of how we navigate reality when it can’t be relied upon or won’t hold up to the preconceived.

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Photo by Jim Norrena
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Barrett Courtney. Photo by Jim Norrena
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Jenna May Cass & Dan Wilson. Photo by ML.
"Are you the kind of person who questions authority? Who likes to challenge the status quo or disrupt established business models? If so, you'll probably be amused by the mini-dramas included in Wily West Productions' Superheroes..."
--George Heymont
My Cultural Landscape

"The results range from the level of very good sketch comedy to a piece so over-the-top funny (“Marvin’s Last Wish” by Bridgette Dutta Portman) that it produced what is certainly the longest sustained audience laugh I can remember. It just kept coming in waves, as the shocked, but no doubt delighted, actors stood frozen in tableau..."
--Charles Kruger
TheatreStorm

"A fun play, with some decent acting and writing. We had a very enjoyable night."
--Goldstar Review

"The plays are all clever, occasionally touching, and divergent enough to sustain interest. The ensemble is first rate and is more-than-ably supported by musician Kat Downs who has composed several clever original songs and incidental music which she performs with panache."
--Charles Kruger
TheatreStorm
SUPERHEROES

Laylah Muran

Executive Producer

July 17, 19, 24, 31 August 2, 7, 14, 16 
Thursdays & Saturdays (Alternating)

Exit Theatre
156 Eddy Street
San Francisco

Jennifer Lynne Roberts | Head Writer

With Plays By
Susan Jackson, Morgan Ludlow, Rod McFadden, Patricia Milton, Laylah Muran, 
Bridgette Dutta Portman, Karl Schackne 


Directed by | ALICIA COOMBES & CHELSEY LITTLE

KAT DOWNS | Musician

QUINN CAYABYAB | Lead Design

ALEX HINTON | Production Stage Manager

CAST
Jenna May Cass, Barrett Courtney, Brian Flegel, 
Shelley Lynn Johnson, Karen Offereins & Dan Wilson 

Superheroes is a tight, hilarious collection of interwoven stories about old and new superheroes – their woes, predicaments and foes resulting in a funny and powerful new show that will be performed by an ensemble cast. What happens at the Superhero Convention?  What do Superman and Wonder Woman talk about when they are drinking whiskey? And what tricks does Angry Fairy Boy have in store for us this time? Kat Downs, from the band Sit Kitty Sit, will be returning to Wily West and singing live each night songs written from the theme. 
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Karen Offereins & Brian Flegel. Photo by ML.
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Shelley Lynn Johnson. Photo by Jim Norrena.
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"In a story that at first seems to have a gay relationship at its core before sending out tendrils into complex webs of sexual permutations. Happy and sad are always in close proximity, but Bousel finds ways to evoke laughs that always seem appropriate for the situations. Even the most quippish wisecracks ring true for the characters, who feel like fresh creations but are somehow still familiar."
--Richard Dodds
Bay Area Reporter 

"This is a marvelous script packed with witty, character revealing dialogue!  Wily West Productions can be extremely proud to have brought this world premiere to a Bay Area stage."
--Charles Kruger
TheatreStorm

"Stuart Bousel has written a very clever entertainment and this production has a young energetic cast performing the roles."
--Richard Connema
Talkin'Broadway

"Delightful. The cast is uniformly excellent...the direction is sharp and smooth, and the script is hilarious (and incisive). A comedy with a great deal of heart, this one is for anyone who has ever dated. I'm not kidding. The questions we all have while in the dating pool are deliciously exposed and up-ended in this tale of a love triangle that becomes a rectangle and then a hexagon... I'm going to go back and see it again."
--Goldstar Review

"Everybody Here Says Hello! is a delightful contemporary comedy... It contains some of Bousel's smartest writing and is performed by a talented, finely-tuned ensemble. If you've ever wanted to see a furiously fast-paced, fierce Feydeau farce without any slamming doors, Bousel's play definitely hits the spot!"
--George Heymont
My Cultural Lanscape

EVERYBODY HERE 
SAYS HELLO! 
By Stuart Bousel

Laylah Muran
Executive Producer

July 18, 25, 26, August 1, 8, 9, 15
Fridays & Saturdays (Alternating)

Exit Theatre
156 Eddy Street
San Francisco

Directed by | RIK LOPES

QUINN CAYABYAB | Lead Design

CAST
Mikka Bonel, Kat Bushnell, Wesley Cayabyab, 
Tony Cirimele, Sylvia Hathaway, Dan Kurtz, Sam Tillis & Nick Trengove 

A fast-paced comedy about a man, his boyfriend, and his boyfriend's girlfriend, Everybody Here Says Hello! is a bittersweet exploration of the ups and downs inherent to modern relationships and sexuality, the absurd distortion of our lives when seen through the eyes of our friends, and all the things we want to say to one another but never do.
 
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Dan Kurtz, Nick Trengove, Mikka Bonel. in EVERYBODY HERE SAYS HELLO! Photo by Jim Norrena.
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Photo by Jim Norrena
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Photo by Jim Norrena
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