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Rave Reviews
From sizzlin’ to fizzlin’, when it comes to Arts & Entertainment, everyone's got an opinion. And you'll see below that Artsopolis.com users are a vocal bunch! Familiar with a show? You can rate it, review it, or write anything you want about it, and help other folks to make a more informed decision.
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West Side Story
Event Name: West Side Story
"Don't usually like this show!!"
Review posted by: Jim Thompson from Saratoga CA, Nov 10, 2009
My wife is a huge fan of West Side Story so i was rather forced against my will to come along. All the other times I've seen it I could barely remember the plot afterwards because the actors didn't... Expand
My wife is a huge fan of West Side Story so i was rather forced against my will to come along. All the other times I've seen it I could barely remember the plot afterwards because the actors didn't make me care. But I was VERY pleasantly surprised by this play! At times the orchestra was a little loud but it only bothered me when it drowned out the singers (which was rare). The lead actors and actresses were wonderful. beautiful voices all around and the dancing was astonishing! The management of this play had the inspiring idea to use video projection as the backgrounds for several of the different locations the gangs went to. I thought this idea was just amazing! It was so clever and it added so much to the play and made it feel really professional. I am a man so this is hard to admit but i will say that the ending on this one made me get a little misty. And that almost never happens to me. I whole heartedly recommend this play to everyone and anyone. FANTASTIC. Collapse
West Side Story
Event Name: West Side Story
"Not Good"
Review posted by: Sad from Sunnyvale, CA, Nov 10, 2009
I left this show extremely disappointed and underwhelmed. The leads were great vocally but they could not make up for the problems with this production. The direction, choreography, orchestra and... Expand
I left this show extremely disappointed and underwhelmed. The leads were great vocally but they could not make up for the problems with this production. The direction, choreography, orchestra and sound were poor and amateurish at best. The projection screen was horrific and ruined any of the tender scenes attempted. I would not recommend this show to anyone. Collapse
West Side Story
Event Name: West Side Story
"Very Impressed"
Review posted by: Pam Denetti from San Jose, Nov 10, 2009
Hats off to West Valley Light Opera for once again a great show! To me this was one of the strongest and talented casts I've seen in some time come out of that theater. The performances of Anita and... Expand
Hats off to West Valley Light Opera for once again a great show! To me this was one of the strongest and talented casts I've seen in some time come out of that theater. The performances of Anita and Tony were exceptionally enjoyable, both making me really believe in their characters and struggles- not to mention their beautiful voices! The sound was a bit off as the orchestra may be a little loud at times and drown out the actors on stage. The video was an interesting touch. Kuddos to all involved in this production, looking forward to seeing it again. Collapse
West Side Story
Event Name: West Side Story
"Not this time!"
Review posted by: Disappointed subscriber from San Jose, Nov 10, 2009
I attended the Opening Night of West Valley's current production of WEST SIDE STORY. I am sorry to report that it just isn't up to recent shows that this group has presented. First of all, it is a... Expand
I attended the Opening Night of West Valley's current production of WEST SIDE STORY. I am sorry to report that it just isn't up to recent shows that this group has presented. First of all, it is a difficult show to produce even in the professional world. I found the videos distracting and the pace of the show was so slow that I found myself struggling to stay awake. The dancers, orchestra, and sound were all under rehearsed and the all over all look was that of a poorly presented junior high school show. West Valley, I am disappointed in this attempt. I hope there is improvement with CHARITY and BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO; otherwise, you are going to lose me as a subscriber. Collapse
West Side Story
Event Name: West Side Story
"WOW"
Review posted by: A Fan from San Jose, CA, Nov 09, 2009
I was amazed at the professional level show coming from community theatre! It is uncommon to see so much talent on one stage! The vocal strength of all of the leads is obvious especially during the... Expand
I was amazed at the professional level show coming from community theatre! It is uncommon to see so much talent on one stage! The vocal strength of all of the leads is obvious especially during the Quintet. The dancers did an excellent job executing the choreography and there was plenty of action. Worth the price of admission! Collapse
West Side Story
Event Name: West Side Story
"Enjoyed this inventive production!"
Review posted by: Denise Anderson from Saratoga, CA, Nov 09, 2009
My husband and I loved this production! We thought that the use of the projections and filming was inventive and original. It brought something new to an old standard. The leads playing Tony and Maria... Expand
My husband and I loved this production! We thought that the use of the projections and filming was inventive and original. It brought something new to an old standard. The leads playing Tony and Maria were fabulous, as well as the supporting cast. At times, the orchestra was loud, but the overall production quality was excellent! We would and are recommending this production to our friends and family! Don't miss it! Collapse
Romeo and Juliet
Event Name: Romeo and Juliet
"Palo Alto Players Dazzles...As Always!"
Review posted by: Sarah G. from Menlo Park, Nov 09, 2009
This show is wonderful. First of all, it is visually STUNNING. The set is lovely and creates a suitable atmosphere for this emotionally charged play. THE COSTUMES ARE AMAZING!!! Everyone looks period... Expand
This show is wonderful. First of all, it is visually STUNNING. The set is lovely and creates a suitable atmosphere for this emotionally charged play. THE COSTUMES ARE AMAZING!!! Everyone looks period appropriate and absolutely sparkling. The men are extremely handsome and dapper and the ladies are gorgeous! The cast is very endearing. I loved everyone; each character contributed to the overall success of the show. Sepideh Moafi as Juliet is overall BEAUTIFUL. She glows on stage and oh wow, her voice! Her interactions with Romeo are fun and heartbreaking, and I especially loved her relationship with the nurse. They work quite well together. Paul Jennings as Tybalt utterly commands the stage. The fights are exciting and scary--in a good way of course! Joshua Messick is hilarious in his roles as Peter and Samson, and Shannon Warrick as the Nurse is a huge standout--a very honest performance. Andrew Gruen as Romeo is absoultely charming and lively. Don't miss this show! Collapse
West Side Story
Event Name: West Side Story
"Disappointed"
Review posted by: Anonymous from San Jose, CA, Nov 08, 2009
The highlight of this production was definitely Tony (played by Isaac Benelli) who gave a solid performance despite many distractions from all other areas (sound, orchestra, direction, choreography)... Expand
The highlight of this production was definitely Tony (played by Isaac Benelli) who gave a solid performance despite many distractions from all other areas (sound, orchestra, direction, choreography) which unfortunately ruined the performance for me. I disagree with the use of video-projected backgrounds and scene transitions throughout the show. I found it distracting and tacky, and one of the biggest mistakes in this production. I was unable to hear the actors dialogue when the orchestra was playing. Overall, actors sounded muffled and hard to understand. I felt the pace of the show was slow and could be tightened up. Lots of empty space that didn't need to be there. I cannot in good conscience recommend this production. Collapse
The Fantasticks
Event Name: The Fantasticks
"You don't want to miss this one!"
Review posted by: Sue C. from California, Nov 06, 2009
I loved this production of the Fantasticks! It is well cast - each member seems perfect for their role. The singing is exceptional, the acting is sweet and funny... and there are no bad seats at the... Expand
I loved this production of the Fantasticks! It is well cast - each member seems perfect for their role. The singing is exceptional, the acting is sweet and funny... and there are no bad seats at the Sunnyvale theater. I recommend it highly. Collapse
The Fantasticks
Event Name: The Fantasticks
"Extraordinary Production"
Review posted by: Jim Griffith from San Jose, CA, Nov 06, 2009
Though it's story is simple to summarize - the heady, joyous naivete of young teenagehood meets the cold hard reality of the adult world - as a piece of theater, The Fantasticks has always been... Expand
Though it's story is simple to summarize - the heady, joyous naivete of young teenagehood meets the cold hard reality of the adult world - as a piece of theater, The Fantasticks has always been extraordinarily difficult to pull off ("simple" is never easy). I've seen so many productions of this dear old chestnut that I've lost count (that includes the original back in the sixties) and nearly all of them were at best, just ok or at worst, ill-concieved (set in a NYC subway station), incomprehensible, or so full of art as to collapse into unwatchable buffoonery well before the interval. The Fantasticks demands a level of finesse and delicacy of handle unachievable by most companies and directors. Not this production. Sunnyvale's The Fantasticks, under the superlative direction of Walter Mayes is without a doubt the best production I have ever seen. The casting, the musical direction, staging and singing all are perfection. Miss this production and it is your loss. Go! Collapse
The Fantasticks
Event Name: The Fantasticks
"A Polished Gem!"
Review posted by: Mary from Mountain View, Nov 02, 2009
This show's deceptive simplicity is not always easy to pull off, but under Walter Mayes' sure-handed and reverential direction, Sunnyvale Community Players have managed this quite nicely. The result... Expand
This show's deceptive simplicity is not always easy to pull off, but under Walter Mayes' sure-handed and reverential direction, Sunnyvale Community Players have managed this quite nicely. The result is a wonderful revisiting of an oft-performed classic. Shawna Downs Gonzales is completely delightful as Luisa, Jeffrey Henson and Matt Tipton strongly fill the roles of The Fathers and Aaron has a hilariously touching turn as the old actor, Henry. The musical trio occasionally steals the show, led by a bravura performance at the grand piano by Bob Sunshine. Even if you have seen it many times, you will love this show. Collapse
The Fantasticks
Event Name: The Fantasticks
"Fantastic!"
Review posted by: Chris from Cupertino , Oct 31, 2009
I had never seen this show before, and did not expect to like it. I was blown away! Every member of the cast (all 8 of them) was superb. El Gallo, and Luisa were standouts even in this stellar cast.... Expand
I had never seen this show before, and did not expect to like it. I was blown away! Every member of the cast (all 8 of them) was superb. El Gallo, and Luisa were standouts even in this stellar cast. This a show that could easily be rather formless, but Walter Mayes direction, and the outstanding cast made it poignant, charming, and funny, sometimes simumtaneously. "The Mute" was a hoot to watch, make sure that you pay attention to her performance. Not to be missed. Collapse
It's a Small World... An Exhibit of Scaled Miniatures
Event Name: It's a Small World... An Exhibit of Scaled Miniatures
"great exhibit"
Review posted by: Karen from Los Altos, CA, Oct 30, 2009
We took our 2 sons (age 4 and 11) to see the show, they loved it. Staff was very friendly--great place for families. Fun experience for the boys, as most of their toys are the same size as the... Expand
We took our 2 sons (age 4 and 11) to see the show, they loved it. Staff was very friendly--great place for families. Fun experience for the boys, as most of their toys are the same size as the minis on display, their attention was actually captured! Looking forward to taking our family at Thanksgiving to see again. Thanks! Collapse
Winter Fairy Tale
Event Name: Winter Fairy Tale
"Joyful, expressive storytelling!!"
Comment posted by: Caryn from Mountain View, CA, Oct 19, 2009
If this show is anything like last year's - and it promises to be much, much more -- it will knock your socks off. Joyful, expressive storytelling is why we go to the ballet. We loved the summer show... Expand
If this show is anything like last year's - and it promises to be much, much more -- it will knock your socks off. Joyful, expressive storytelling is why we go to the ballet. We loved the summer show and left transformed. Since the performance is just one night, I am reviewing the summer show which took my breath away -- and I wasn't the only one in the audience who felt that way. (Five Stars!) The move to the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts for the Summer show and the rapid increase in polish of the dancers and production between Winter and Summer means I just cannot wait to see what they do next. Not to be missed! We're going and bringing friends with us. I think a new holiday tradition is starting up. Collapse
Brian Copeland's Not a Genuine Black Man
Event Name: Brian Copeland's Not a Genuine Black Man
"Interesting perspective and performance"
Review posted by: Susannah from San Jose, CA, Oct 19, 2009
This is a good example of some very serious topics presented in a humorous and effective way. Topics and language are probably more along the lines of PG-13, but Brian is a good storyteller and I... Expand
This is a good example of some very serious topics presented in a humorous and effective way. Topics and language are probably more along the lines of PG-13, but Brian is a good storyteller and I learned a lot while being entertained. See this on stage before it becomes a film for sure! Collapse
Aztec Dance and Drum Class
Tezkatlipoka Aztec Dance and Drum
Event Name: Aztec Dance and Drum Class
"Great Dance Class"
Review posted by: Ana R. from San Jose, CA , Sep 27, 2009
I checked this class out with my sister-I wasn't sure what t expect, but it was a very good cool class & we were glad we tried it out. We got to drum, dance, and learn about Aztec arts & culture which... Expand
I checked this class out with my sister-I wasn't sure what t expect, but it was a very good cool class & we were glad we tried it out. We got to drum, dance, and learn about Aztec arts & culture which was pretty neat. I'd recommend this to anyone whose interested in indigenous art forms from Mexico. Collapse
Afterlife
San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art
Event Name: Afterlife
"Curator Kathryn Funk!"
Comment posted by: Valerie (L'Heureux) McIntyre from Calfiornia, USA, Sep 22, 2009
I was surfing the web for art stuff and came across the name Kathryn Funk. There can be only one! I am hoping this is the same Kathryn I knew back in Fresno thru the Fresno Art Center and the San... Expand
I was surfing the web for art stuff and came across the name Kathryn Funk. There can be only one! I am hoping this is the same Kathryn I knew back in Fresno thru the Fresno Art Center and the San Joaquin Clay Association. If it is the same one, VALERIE L'HEUREUX SAYS HELLO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Collapse
Santana Row Farmers' Market
Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association
Event Name: Santana Row Farmers' Market
"Beautiful!"
Review posted by: BHacker from Los Gatos, CA, May 30, 2009
The best farmer's market surroundings - after Los Gatos!
The best farmer's market surroundings - after Los Gatos!
Coastside Comedy Improv
Event Name: Coastside Comedy Improv
"Two thumbs up"
Review posted by: Xander from Half Moon Bay, May 11, 2009
I think I wet my pants, just a little bit. Great night of comedy for an outstanding price!
I think I wet my pants, just a little bit. Great night of comedy for an outstanding price!
Coastside Comedy Improv
Event Name: Coastside Comedy Improv
"Great family entertainment"
Review posted by: John and Sherrie from Mountain View, CA, Mar 29, 2009
My wife and I had the pleasure of attending Blue Blanket Improv recently. There was a good family audience and everyone seemed to enjoy the interactive format. I would recommend it to any parent... Expand
My wife and I had the pleasure of attending Blue Blanket Improv recently. There was a good family audience and everyone seemed to enjoy the interactive format. I would recommend it to any parent looking for a place to take their kids for a fun evening together. It's a rare opportunity for parents and their kids to enjoy comedy together! John and Sherrie Collapse
Sinbad
Event Name: Sinbad
"Sinbad: My Cheeks Still Hurt"
Review posted by: Mrs. Officer from Brentwood Ca, Jan 25, 2009
My husband and I and another couple went to see Sinbad last night at Tommy T's and we were not disappointed; not even for a minute. We all laughed continuously as Sinbad made us laugh at ourselves for... Expand
My husband and I and another couple went to see Sinbad last night at Tommy T's and we were not disappointed; not even for a minute. We all laughed continuously as Sinbad made us laugh at ourselves for his 2 hour set. He was masterful in allowing the audience to interject their experiences and/or dilemmas into his act and translated life into humor without missing a beat. He is an obvious professional. He was also very gracious after the show allowing his fans to take photos and get autographs from him. I would definitely see him again and again. My cheeks still hurt from laughing so much. And, as usual, Tommy T was a wonderful host. Collapse
Boogie Woogie Ballroom
Event Name: Boogie Woogie Ballroom
"great."
Review posted by: F. Catania from Burlingame, CA, Sep 08, 2008
Boogie Woogie Ballroom opened last night in Burlingame. Great enthusiasm and interest by all the dancers. A friendly atmosphere. It happens every Sunday night. Great for all ages and those that... Expand
Boogie Woogie Ballroom opened last night in Burlingame. Great enthusiasm and interest by all the dancers. A friendly atmosphere. It happens every Sunday night. Great for all ages and those that love to DANCE! I am going to tell all my friends. Collapse
Rodin Sculpture Garden - Public Tours
Event Name: Rodin Sculpture Garden - Public Tours
"local tradition"
Review posted by: rich carter from san mateo,ca, Apr 09, 2008
a beautiful and important local spot. maybe not deserving the hype on the top 10 list, but that doesn't discount the beautiful garden if you're visiting the canter center. check it out, find out for... Expand
a beautiful and important local spot. maybe not deserving the hype on the top 10 list, but that doesn't discount the beautiful garden if you're visiting the canter center. check it out, find out for yourself. Collapse
Coastside Comedy Improv
Event Name: Coastside Comedy Improv
"Very Funny"
Review posted by: Steven Koy from San Mateo, Apr 08, 2008
I went with a friend and it was great. They kept the energy high and the comedy was solid!
I went with a friend and it was great. They kept the energy high and the comedy was solid!
Coastside Comedy Improv
Event Name: Coastside Comedy Improv
"loved it"
Review posted by: John from Half Moon Bay, Mar 03, 2008
VERY FUNNY. And a great price as well.
VERY FUNNY. And a great price as well.
Celtic Night
Britannia Arms - Cupertino
Event Name: Celtic Night
"Started going there 15 years ago"
Comment posted by: wayne/sue from Fremont,Ca,USA, Aug 09, 2007
We were following South Bay Wailing Co. and went there for years. Then we started doing house concerts. BraskHouseConcerts.com
We were following South Bay Wailing Co. and went there for years. Then we started doing house concerts. BraskHouseConcerts.com
Rodin Sculpture Garden - Public Tours
Event Name: Rodin Sculpture Garden - Public Tours
"Peaceful, beautiful setting"
Review posted by: Mouse from Sunnyvale, CA, Sep 18, 2006
The Rodin garden has been one of my favorite hang-outs since high school. The layout is elegant, and the sculptures are simply magical. Lovely spot for picnicking, too.
The Rodin garden has been one of my favorite hang-outs since high school. The layout is elegant, and the sculptures are simply magical. Lovely spot for picnicking, too.
ComedySportz
Event Name: ComedySportz
"Laughter is the best medicine!"
Review posted by: Susannah from San Jose, CA, Aug 02, 2006
The ever-changing talent of the CSZ team is astounding. I'm amazed and amused whenever I catch this unique format of comedy, I've been a fan for years, through their various homes in the Bay Area.... Expand
The ever-changing talent of the CSZ team is astounding. I'm amazed and amused whenever I catch this unique format of comedy, I've been a fan for years, through their various homes in the Bay Area. It's a great time for the whole family, and the perfect solution if you are in the mood to laugh! Run don't walk,and careful not to trip to see ComedySportz! Collapse
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