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I Am My Own Wife

San Jose Stage Company

February 11-March 8, 2009

Avg. Event Rating (4.6 Stars): Add Review/Comment

I Am My Own Wife is the miraculous and fascinating true story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, who survived the Nazis and then Communism behind the Berlin Wall. When the wall came down and the West walked in, Charlotte was still standing. Her incredible life story, told in her own words to the playwright through a series of interviews, is also about what dark secrets she chooses not to tell, and how it colors Wright's efforts to chronicle her amazing life. The end result, says is a story that is both moving and intellectually absorbing [and] quite powerfully makes the case for storytelling in our lives.

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• Ticket Info

  Tickets: $20-$45

  Info Phone: 408-283-7142

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• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  February 11-March 8, 2009

  Times:
  Wed & Thurs: 7:30pm
  Fri & Sat: 8pm
  Sun: 2pm

• Venue Info

  San Jose Stage Theater

  490 S. 1st Street San Jose, CA 95113

  Full map and directions

• Accessibility Info

  • Wheelchair Access

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

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• Member Reviews

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  • Event Name: I Am My Own Wife
    "great show"
    Review posted by: Sue ( an almost 20 yr season ticket holder) from San Jose, Mar 05, 2009
    

    I really liked this play- not only did I learn about some history I hadn't heard about - it really leaves you asking questions( in a good way) - what was the real truth . Robert Parsons was wonderful... Expand

    I really liked this play- not only did I learn about some history I hadn't heard about - it really leaves you asking questions( in a good way) - what was the real truth . Robert Parsons was wonderful - every character was portrayed so individually it was easy to get into the story and follow it - it is well worth seeing Collapse

  • Event Name: I Am My Own Wife
    "Great Theatre!!"
    Review posted by: Gary Campbell from Saratoga, CA USA, Mar 05, 2009
    

    Robert Parsons solo performance was enthralling. We were captivated from the opening dialog to the final curtain. Robert's command of the different dialects and languages was astounding. He brought... Expand

    Robert Parsons solo performance was enthralling. We were captivated from the opening dialog to the final curtain. Robert's command of the different dialects and languages was astounding. He brought these characters to life and made it believable. I encourage all adults to see this Tour de Force! Collapse

  • Event Name: I Am My Own Wife
    "Great a Charlotte"
    Review posted by: South Bay Critic from San Francisco, Bay Area, Mar 04, 2009
    

    Mr. Parsons is very interesting as Charlotte. The whole character seems to inhabit him. Act I was excellent. Parson's Charlotte is lovely and strong, comfortable in her own skin. Overall it was an... Expand

    Mr. Parsons is very interesting as Charlotte. The whole character seems to inhabit him. Act I was excellent. Parson's Charlotte is lovely and strong, comfortable in her own skin. Overall it was an excellent night of theatre. Collapse

  • Event Name: I Am My Own Wife
    "Something for each of us"
    Review posted by: Lilice from San Jose, Mar 01, 2009
    

    This is a tale of a tender soul caught between reality and fantacy, between life and politics. A story of a love of history and the trials in living it. Sensitively portrayed by a multi-talented... Expand

    This is a tale of a tender soul caught between reality and fantacy, between life and politics. A story of a love of history and the trials in living it. Sensitively portrayed by a multi-talented actor. I recommend seeing this play. Collapse

  • Event Name: I Am My Own Wife
    "I Am My Own Wife"
    Review posted by: Mario Giorgianni from Campbell, CA, Feb 28, 2009
    

    My wife and I totally enjoyed "I Am My Own Wife" at the San Jose Stage Company. We were drawn by the story and amazed at the actor's ability to move seamlessly from one character to the next. The... Expand

    My wife and I totally enjoyed "I Am My Own Wife" at the San Jose Stage Company. We were drawn by the story and amazed at the actor's ability to move seamlessly from one character to the next. The experience of seeing this wonderful play was very moving. What a treat for a middle of the week, out of the ordinary evening on the town. We highly recommend "I Am My Own Wife." Like with the movie "Milk," you are confronted with the life of a unique individual presented openly and without apology. The intimacy of the SJ Stage, with us sitting so close to the action, enhanced our experience and we left feeling uplifted. See this play, and leave enough time afterwards to sit with your companion to talk about this true story. Collapse

  • Event Name: I Am My Own Wife
    "Rivoting - Incredible Performance"
    Comment posted by: ArLyne Diamond, Ph.D. from Silicon Valley, (San Jose) California, Feb 28, 2009
    

    I am a regular subscriber to San Jose Stage and a supporter. I am usually impressed. This time, I and my six companions were blown away. This was a rivoting performance by an unusually gifted actor... Expand

    I am a regular subscriber to San Jose Stage and a supporter. I am usually impressed. This time, I and my six companions were blown away. This was a rivoting performance by an unusually gifted actor who had us completely believing all the roles he played. Rick is an excellent director and he did himself proud with this performance. Go get season tickets to San Jose Stage and tell all your friends, you will never be disappointed. Collapse

  • Event Name: I Am My Own Wife
    "Theatre at its mesmerizing best!"
    Review posted by: Bill from Los Gatos from Los Gatos, CA, Feb 27, 2009
    

    Didn't really know what to expect of Wednesday night's performance at the San Jose Stage. It turned into a one man's tour de force performance, as he morphed from one character to the next without any... Expand

    Didn't really know what to expect of Wednesday night's performance at the San Jose Stage. It turned into a one man's tour de force performance, as he morphed from one character to the next without any hesitation. Even his accents appeared flawlessly; if you had had your eyes closed, you would have sworn that the stage was populated by an ensemble of actors. The composite of the piece; i.e. the sets, the lighting, and the sound all melded together into a deft bit of story telling. I have already encouraged several friends to try to catch this riveting piece of theatre. Collapse

  • Event Name: I Am My Own Wife
    "Excellent Production"
    Review posted by: Spencer from San Jose, CA, Feb 27, 2009
    

    I was educated, entertained, and enthralled with this production of "I am My Own Wife." It's no wonder why it won the Tony for Best Play. Go see it!

    I was educated, entertained, and enthralled with this production of "I am My Own Wife." It's no wonder why it won the Tony for Best Play. Go see it!

  • Event Name: I Am My Own Wife
    "Theater?"
    Comment posted by: John G. Daly from San Jose CA, Feb 25, 2009
    

    It's unfortunate that theater companies have to resort to "one man shows" in these hard economic times. As a subscriber I feel short changed.

    It's unfortunate that theater companies have to resort to "one man shows" in these hard economic times. As a subscriber I feel short changed.

  • Event Name: I Am My Own Wife
    "A stunning piece of theatre!"
    Review posted by: Annamarie Castrilli and David Carmichael from Toronto Canada, Feb 25, 2009
    

    While on a visit to California from Toronto Canada, friends suggested that we take in this play at the San Jose Stage Company. It was an extraordinary experience. The intimate setting of the theatre... Expand

    While on a visit to California from Toronto Canada, friends suggested that we take in this play at the San Jose Stage Company. It was an extraordinary experience. The intimate setting of the theatre created just the right atmosphere through which the main character could tell her story with the poignancy of a shared secret. The one and only actor,Robert Parsons, gave a masterful multi-personage performance on a set that was both austere and evocative of so much more than was represented. Together Parsons and director Rick Singleton engaged the audience so deeply that it was hard to leave the theater at the conclusion of the play. We had been drawn into a magical web. Thank you! We will return to the San Jose Stage Company. Collapse

  • Event Name: I Am My Own Wife
    "Fascinating!"
    Review posted by: Lisa from San Jose, CA, Feb 22, 2009
    

    The San Jose Stage Theatre is a great small venue and well worth a visit. This week I watched I am my own wife and would highly recommend it. One actor, many, many characters! What a fascinating story... Expand

    The San Jose Stage Theatre is a great small venue and well worth a visit. This week I watched I am my own wife and would highly recommend it. One actor, many, many characters! What a fascinating story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, wonderfully acted, how he keeps the dialogue and all the characters straight is amazing! It is a great reason to head out and escape the rain! Collapse

  • Event Name: I Am My Own Wife
    "Pure Theatre"
    Review posted by: Robert H Miller from San Jose CA, Feb 21, 2009
    

    This production is what theatre is all about. You don't have to identify with the character, but simply take it all in and react. Such a human being! You leave with so many unanswered questions, but... Expand

    This production is what theatre is all about. You don't have to identify with the character, but simply take it all in and react. Such a human being! You leave with so many unanswered questions, but then we go thru life with so many unanswered questions. A very full evening indeed. I may just see it again. Collapse

  • Event Name: I Am My Own Wife
    "Skillfully mesmerizing"
    Review posted by: Scot from San Jose, CA, Feb 21, 2009
    

    This one person show is extremely well written, captivatingly performed, and finely tuned by San Jose Stage, with just the right use of props, lighting, and supporting sound to make it a powerful and... Expand

    This one person show is extremely well written, captivatingly performed, and finely tuned by San Jose Stage, with just the right use of props, lighting, and supporting sound to make it a powerful and thought provoking night at the theatre. Whatever your knowledge of German history, no matter your level of interest in the collecting of clocks or early phonographs or the amount of your compassion for someone queer or different living in a totalitarian society, you will find yourself drawn into this work. I must give particular praise to the excellent use of language and command of accent as the actor adroitly switched characters: I have been lucky enough to live in Germany before, and I marvelled at his expertise in using both languages, at varying degrees of skill and with a range of accents (always appropriate to his character of the moment), to so artfully and authentically make the characters believable. Kudos to Robert Parsons (and any voice coach he might have used). Collapse

  • Event Name: I Am My Own Wife
    "Outstanding performance, intriguing topic"
    Review posted by: Elaine from Cupertino CA, Feb 20, 2009
    

    Really enjoyed the intriguing fact-based story, and the fabulous performance of so many roles by a single artist. Complex and thought provoking.

    Really enjoyed the intriguing fact-based story, and the fabulous performance of so many roles by a single artist. Complex and thought provoking.

  • Event Name: I Am My Own Wife
    "A must-see for Bay Area theater fans"
    Review posted by: Kristy Hughes from San Jose, CA, Feb 18, 2009
    

    This one-man show features an actor playing multiple roles seamlessly, describing the life of one Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, an East German museum curator, survivor of the Nazi's and Communist regime.... Expand

    This one-man show features an actor playing multiple roles seamlessly, describing the life of one Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, an East German museum curator, survivor of the Nazi's and Communist regime. And tranvestite. That (s)he would exist at all and how we learn about he(r) life and the playwrite's relationship with he(r) unfolds wonderfully in this two act play. Robert Parsons is amazing as ALL the characters. One would try to figure out how he changes characters so effortlessly, except that one forgets he's the only one on stage. After this production, I can continue to make the claim "I've never seen a bad show at San Jose Stage." Good theater is so very very GOOD. Thank you San Jose Stage for continuing your work! Collapse

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• Nearby Dining

  • 19Market - 19 N Market St, San Jose, CA 95113
    
  • 4th Street Pizza Co. - 150 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113
    
  • 71 Saint Peter - 71 San Pedro St., San Jose, CA 95113
    
  • Agenda Restaurant Bar & Lounge - 399 S. First St., San Jose, CA 95113
    
  • Amici's East Coast Pizzeria - 225 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113
    

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• Nearby Hotels & Motels

  • Crowne Plaza San Jose - 282 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, CA 95113
    
  • Fairmont San Jose - 170 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113
    
  • Hotel DeAnza - 233 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113
    
  • Hotel Montgomery - 211 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113
    
  • Ramada Limited San Jose - 455 S 2nd St, San Jose, CA 95113
    

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