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    The Turn of the Screw

    The Turn of the Screw

    Dragon Productions Theatre Company

    November 5-November 28, 2010

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    Described by Stephen King as "the quintessential ghost story," The Turn of the Screw became one of James' most famous works. Jeffrey Hatcher's adaptation condenses Henry James' story into a heart-stopping ninety minutes with a very minimal setting and only two talented actors, the play is terrifying because each audience member's imagination brings the ghosts to life.

    • Ticket Info

      Tickets: $15-$25

      Info Phone: 1-800-838-3006

      Buy tickets

    • Dates & Times

      Dates:
      November 5-November 28, 2010

      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 official website or call the venue to verify the information.

    • Member Reviews
      • Event Name: An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein
        4 out of 5 stars rating "Strange Pickings elicit plenty of laughs"
        Review posted by: Susannah from San Jose, Ca, Feb 08, 2010

        So there's no real way to describe this collection of short plays except that they are just RANDOM and BIZARRE. A bit twisted, certainly sick, and at times a cross between a double dog dare and a... Expand

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        So there's no real way to describe this collection of short plays except that they are just RANDOM and BIZARRE. A bit twisted, certainly sick, and at times a cross between a double dog dare and a therapy session gone wrong. What I really loved about this was it would have been easy for the actors to "phone it in" and knowing that much of what they are saying is absurd, the production could have been little more than experimental performance art. But they didn't. They were 100% committed to the reality and sincerity of every line and it WORKED! Many of the peices dragged on just a bit too long, but the actors were masterful and the blocking accented the playful side of Shel's writing. A great effort. Theatre ran a bit warm and was sold out so take that into consideration and get tickets in advance and dress in layers for comfort. Collapse

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      • Event Name: An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Amazing Cast and Fantastic Acts!"
        Review posted by: Admiration for the Arts from East Bay, CA, Feb 07, 2010

        The play consists of several short acts by the author of the childrens book "The Giving Tree". All the acts are well written with a dark and witty overtone. This cast of 6 individuals give each act... Expand

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        The play consists of several short acts by the author of the childrens book "The Giving Tree". All the acts are well written with a dark and witty overtone. This cast of 6 individuals give each act depth and meaning, as well as providing an amazing sense of comedic timing. Very small intimate stage with limited set and costume, creates a strong emphasis on how talented this cast really is. Each actor played at least 3 different characters, showing great diversity in both direction and skill. Keep an eye on these 6 actors, they will move mountains! From deceptive birthdays, to suicide games, to bag lady transformations, to awkwardly forward prostitutes, to laundromat impostors, there is never a dull moment! Overall, GREAT Direction and production of a show. Highly recommended for ages 15 and up! After all, it is an "adult evening". Collapse

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      • Event Name: Side Man
        4.5 out of 5 stars rating "Powerful performance of Sideman"
        Review posted by: Elaine from Palo Alto, Nov 23, 2009

        We loved the production of Sideman. It was an accurate, funny, engaging, and deeply felt depiction of the jazz players of the 1950s. Also a heart-rending depiction of a dysfunctional family. Be aware... Expand

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        We loved the production of Sideman. It was an accurate, funny, engaging, and deeply felt depiction of the jazz players of the 1950s. Also a heart-rending depiction of a dysfunctional family. Be aware that this play does not have "family friendly" language: there is lots of swearing and many references to drugs. Even after seeing Sideman on Broadway 8-9 years ago, we recommend this production highly. Very powerful. Collapse

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      • Event Name: Side Man
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Sideman - Moving performance"
        Review posted by: June from Los Altos Hills, Nov 17, 2009

        Sideman is a soulful play with a very strong cast. Kurt Gravenhorst delivers an exceptionally heart-touching performance as Gene, the sideman. It's not often that an actor can play a role in such a... Expand

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        Sideman is a soulful play with a very strong cast. Kurt Gravenhorst delivers an exceptionally heart-touching performance as Gene, the sideman. It's not often that an actor can play a role in such a sensitive and convincing way that it causes me to cry! Go see it! Collapse

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      • Event Name: Side Man
        "Side Man at Dragon Theatre ~ Not to be missed!"
        Comment posted by: Estrellita from Palo Alto, CA, Nov 15, 2009

        Side Man is a powerful production portraying the decline of the big band era and the disfunction of a struggling family. The cast adeptly connects the audience with the challenges of balancing... Expand

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        Side Man is a powerful production portraying the decline of the big band era and the disfunction of a struggling family. The cast adeptly connects the audience with the challenges of balancing career and family. The strong performances of the three family members creates the substance of the play. Kurt Gravenhorst (Gene) is debonair and charming as Gene chooses his passion for the horn over family and remains clueless while his marriage dismantles. Sandy Rouge (Terry) is earthy, naive, sassy and pitiful as Terry self-destructs through alcoholism. Alex Hersler (Clifford) seamlessly transitions between a thirty year old and a 10 year old while recalling Clifford's disruptive and chaotic life with his parents and his role as peacemaker. Gene’s jazz musician cronies and a feisty waitress add brilliant realism to the declining jazz era of the play with camaraderie, playfulness, humor and friendship. This is a heartwarming and emotional performance. Collapse

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      • Event Name: Side Man
        5 out of 5 stars rating "SIDE MAN, wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
        Review posted by: Judy from Palo Alto, Nov 15, 2009

        This is an awesome, professionally executed, moving and superb theater experience.

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        This is an awesome, professionally executed, moving and superb theater experience.

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      • Event Name: The Memory of Water
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Personally affecting... Roiling memories"
        Review posted by: Tony from Cupertino, CA, Sep 09, 2009

        I'm glad we got to see the current play at Dragon. My date was quite taken by it. Before it started she had asked to go home right after but, obviously, she got caught up in it as she remained for the... Expand

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        I'm glad we got to see the current play at Dragon. My date was quite taken by it. Before it started she had asked to go home right after but, obviously, she got caught up in it as she remained for the Q&A with the cast, which she passionately participated in, despite a froggy throat. Her own mother, of whom she saw very little as a child, died five years ago. On Friday, just days before seeing the play, she had a phone conversation with an aunt, to whom she hadn't spoken in years, and found out a lot about her mother that she hadn't known before. The wounds were fresh for the show. I believe it was somewhat therapeutic and cathartic for her. Though she refused to characterize it as a comedy, since she was overwhelmed by the pain of it all, she did laugh (apparently in recognition) throughout. The Memory of Water stirred up memories... Collapse

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      • Event Name: The Memory of Water
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Funny, insightful, well done"
        Review posted by: Sharon from Palo Alto, CA, Sep 06, 2009

        We enjoyed Shelagh Stephenson's play tremendously. It's intelligently written, well-directed and superbly acted. Three sisters and their newly departed mother take center stage in an intimate story... Expand

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        We enjoyed Shelagh Stephenson's play tremendously. It's intelligently written, well-directed and superbly acted. Three sisters and their newly departed mother take center stage in an intimate story of relationship and memory. Collapse

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      • Event Name: The Memory of Water
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Happy Accidents"
        Review posted by: Caroline from Mountain View, CA, Sep 03, 2009

        The chief distinction between theatre and movies is that anything can go wrong in a live performance. And when something invariably does go wrong, the audience takes joy in witnessing how the actors... Expand

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        The chief distinction between theatre and movies is that anything can go wrong in a live performance. And when something invariably does go wrong, the audience takes joy in witnessing how the actors deal with it. Do they ignore it and pretend it never happened, or do they acknowledge the gaffe and somehow make it work. Much to our delight, it was the latter at last Saturday's The Memory of Water, in which an actor spilled (or should I say "showered") the stage and front row with (coincidently enough) water from his glass while raising it to make a toast. What could have been disastrous with a less experienced cast got spun into comic gold. Hilarity ensued as the cast improvised around it, all the while in character, until finally the play got back on track. Most impressive. These actors are real pros. Collapse

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      • Event Name: The Memory of Water
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Our first time at Dragon Theatre... and not our last!"
        Review posted by: Dorothy from Menlo Park, CA, Aug 29, 2009

        My friend and I had a wonderful time last night watching the play. It was a provocative, confrontive and psychologically challenging production. The acting was excellent...all, according to their... Expand

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        My friend and I had a wonderful time last night watching the play. It was a provocative, confrontive and psychologically challenging production. The acting was excellent...all, according to their characters, carried and conveyed the complex intensity of the story. There was no escape into "niceness"... they all sustained the momentum of discomfort with amazing energy. It was an evening filled with material to reflect on in our lives! Collapse

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