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My Strange Nation, the Music of Susan Werner

Theatre Q

August 14-September 7, 2008

Avg. Event Rating (3.4 Stars): Add Review/Comment

Running the gamut from folk to jazz, from rock to gospel, the music of Susan Werner has captured the quirky nature of the world we live in and the eccentricities of relationships since the early 90’s. For the first time ever, her music is being brought to life on the stage with theatre Q’s world-premiere production of My Strange Nation, The Music of Susan Werner.

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• Ticket Info

  Tickets: $10-$30

  Info Phone: 415-433-1235

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• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  August 14-September 7, 2008

  Times:
  Thurs-Sat: 8pm
  Sun: 2pm

• Venue Info

  Dragon Theatre

  535 Alma Street Palo Alto, CA 94301

  Full map and directions

• Parking Info

  Free street after 3pm and nearby lot parking available. Parking garage is three doors down.

• Accessibility Info

  • Wheelchair Access

• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

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• Member Reviews

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  • Event Name: My Strange Nation, the Music of Susan Werner
    "Don't miss this gem!"
    Review posted by: dramagal614 from Palo Alto, CA, Sep 04, 2008
    

    I had not heard Susan Werner's music before, and found this funny, heartfelt, and inspirational-- I was so moved by several of the songs, and laughed with the witty lyrics in others-- it's a... Expand

    I had not heard Susan Werner's music before, and found this funny, heartfelt, and inspirational-- I was so moved by several of the songs, and laughed with the witty lyrics in others-- it's a wonderful evening's entertainment-- great singers, great music... Collapse

  • Event Name: My Strange Nation, the Music of Susan Werner
    "A must see!"
    Review posted by: Carlye Pollack from San Francisco, CA, Aug 25, 2008
    

    If you are even slightly left wing, SEE THIS SHOW. The lyrics are hilariously profound and the actors are wonderful. Dale Albright does a remarkable job of directing these talented women in a... Expand

    If you are even slightly left wing, SEE THIS SHOW. The lyrics are hilariously profound and the actors are wonderful. Dale Albright does a remarkable job of directing these talented women in a witty, truthful and entertaining musical revue. When I left I wanted to buy Susan Werner's cds, belt out a song, and high five everyone involved in the production. Collapse

  • Event Name: My Strange Nation, the Music of Susan Werner
    "first of its kind and u oughtta see it"
    Review posted by: susan werner (i am not kidding) from chicago, illinois , Aug 24, 2008
    

    i so enjoyed last sunday's matinee performance of "my strange nation." of course, i enjoyed it even more, because i knew all the words in advance. because i wrote em. :) however - that said - here's... Expand

    i so enjoyed last sunday's matinee performance of "my strange nation." of course, i enjoyed it even more, because i knew all the words in advance. because i wrote em. :) however - that said - here's why u should go see this show - because theatreQ is doing something FIRST - and FRESH - and the audience totally GETS the jokes - which was a THRILL to witness. u want pre-chewed entertainment? plenty of it out there...but u might wanna shop for something fresh, friends. and theatreQ is serving it up right down the street. shoutouts to dale and bob and todd and the entire cast - and have u added the tap dancing yet? oh god i am DREAMING about it! Collapse

  • Event Name: My Strange Nation, the Music of Susan Werner
    "Needs a vision"
    Review posted by: anonymous from San Francisco, Aug 21, 2008
    

    I had a few problems with this production. The music arrangement was a bit of a mess; tempos were all over the place. Also, I would have liked to hear more harmonies. One of the main problems was the... Expand

    I had a few problems with this production. The music arrangement was a bit of a mess; tempos were all over the place. Also, I would have liked to hear more harmonies. One of the main problems was the order of the songs. The show was very heavy with comedy songs at the beginning and as the show went on it was one ballad after the other. The show ended with lower energy; which killed it for me. I became uninterested and bored torwards the end. I don't know what the director's vision is for this show. Collapse

  • Event Name: My Strange Nation, the Music of Susan Werner
    "So not worth 5 stars."
    Review posted by: That one person in the back row... from san jose, CA USA, Aug 21, 2008
    

    To start off, the show was good, but I wouldnt say great. I definitely wouldnt give it five stars. There were a few awkward moments in which stage change took a bit longer than I think was expected,... Expand

    To start off, the show was good, but I wouldnt say great. I definitely wouldnt give it five stars. There were a few awkward moments in which stage change took a bit longer than I think was expected, the music at some times seemed like it was being played wrong, and certain props just flat out didnt do it for me. The actors that really caught my attention were Diahanna Davidson and Jenni. The skit "Misery" was hilarious. The actors seemed like they didnt have very much direction and just did what they felt was right at the time. I think The entire show could have been so much better with a few adjustments. Collapse

  • Event Name: My Strange Nation, the Music of Susan Werner
    "great words poor execution"
    Review posted by: Palo Alto senior from mid-town Palo Alto, Aug 21, 2008
    

    Susan Werner writes interesting songs, however this revue of her work was poorly staged. There was very little cohesion from one song to another therefore this could have been done as a cabaret act... Expand

    Susan Werner writes interesting songs, however this revue of her work was poorly staged. There was very little cohesion from one song to another therefore this could have been done as a cabaret act rather than attempting to make it into some kind of musical play with set changes that distracted rather than adding to the experience. Collapse

  • Event Name: My Strange Nation, the Music of Susan Werner
    "Strange-r No More!"
    Review posted by: Jeffrey Hoffman from Berkeley, CA, Aug 20, 2008
    

    I had no idea what to expect from this new musical review, but as soon as the opening show announcements began I knew it was going to be a good show. Susan Werner's music and lyrics are so clever and... Expand

    I had no idea what to expect from this new musical review, but as soon as the opening show announcements began I knew it was going to be a good show. Susan Werner's music and lyrics are so clever and relevant, giving us fresh perspectives on the way we all live our lives, and in the hands of the director, Dale Albright, we are given an even-more insightful and richer interpretation of these songs. By the end of the performance, I was even able to put words to some things I had been feeling for some time but just couldn't put my finger on the specifics of my point of view. Part cabaret, part review, and full-on fun--My Strange Nation will move you to express a panoply of emotions in just over an hour. Collapse

  • Event Name: My Strange Nation, the Music of Susan Werner
    "A pair of standout songs can't save this musical review"
    Review posted by: Anonymous from San Jose, CA, Aug 20, 2008
    

    I attended "My Strange Nation" opening weekend, and (with a few exceptions) found it to be haphazardly staged and acted. Two songs were standouts: "Maybe if I sang Cole Porter" and "Misery", but the... Expand

    I attended "My Strange Nation" opening weekend, and (with a few exceptions) found it to be haphazardly staged and acted. Two songs were standouts: "Maybe if I sang Cole Porter" and "Misery", but the rest seemed as though the singers had simply stepped in off the street, saw a stage, and decided to take advantage of it. Speaking of the stage itself, it seemed awkward and oddly used - the actors moved pieces of it between songs, creating breaks that were sometimes too long. However, all of this could have been forgiven and this review raised to 3 stars but for one thing: the music. The entire show was played on a keyboard, which made the songs sound tinny and strange. In addition, the rhythm changed often - sometimes in the middle of a song! It made an already faltering show into something that was little better than a high school musical. Collapse

  • Event Name: My Strange Nation, the Music of Susan Werner
    "Overrated!!!! Disappointing."
    Review posted by: anonymous from South Bay, Aug 20, 2008
    

    This musical review was highly dissapointing. I do not know Susan Werner's music, but I do not think that this did her work justice. First of all the electronic key board gave the music a sick... Expand

    This musical review was highly dissapointing. I do not know Susan Werner's music, but I do not think that this did her work justice. First of all the electronic key board gave the music a sick circus-like sound. The rhythm was often off. Since it is a musical review, the most important thing is the music. When you have only a keyboard it must be perfect, all mistakes are heard. Second, the set was awkward for the actors to move and made some of the scene changes too long. Third, in the song about the "big car," there was no "big car," but rather two wooden walls and a crooked, off center grill. Why wouldn't the director and set designer have placed the car sideways? The audience doesn't need an actual car, but no car would have been better than the high school version of a car. I felt like the direction was not consistent, and was often lacking. Diahanna Davidson and Jenni Debevec stuck out as bright shinning stars amongst the din of bad music and sloppy staging. Collapse

  • Event Name: My Strange Nation, the Music of Susan Werner
    "Cabaret-Style Musical"
    Comment posted by: MJ from Redwood City from Redwood City, CA, Aug 18, 2008
    

    My husband and I laughed ourselves silly during this delightful musical revue performed with aplomb by five talented actress/singers. The wonderful music of Susan Werner is staged to perfection, as... Expand

    My husband and I laughed ourselves silly during this delightful musical revue performed with aplomb by five talented actress/singers. The wonderful music of Susan Werner is staged to perfection, as politics, religion and love are viewed through a wide comic lens. Collapse

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    Phone: (650) 322-9000
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