Book: REMEMBERING MOM AND DAD

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Remembering_Mom_and__Cover_for_KindleBy Ande Jacobson

In REMEMBERING MOM AND DAD, I make the jump from analyzing the stories to telling them.  The book is a collection of nonfiction essays and short stories written over time remembering Bayla and Jerry Jacobson. The stories include personal recollections from my experience along with the retelling of numerous events related to me in conversations over the years. Some of the stories included are: “Music in the House”, “The Parenthood Plunge”, “The Jacobson Pet Parade”, “Disney Days of Summer”, and many more.  Interested?

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He served his art and his country

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creer-as-fieldsBy Ande Jacobson

Tabard Theatre Company continues its “True Lives” theme with the Bay Area Premiere of James Stills’ one-man play, Looking Over the President’s Shoulder, telling the story of Alonzo Fields, the chief butler in the White House through four administrations.  In a note at the beginning of the script (and in the program), Stills writes, “I remember thinking there was something wonderfully subversive and bold about a one-man play whose character hadn’t been allowed to talk on the job.”  And talk he does.  And the story he tells is captivating. Continue reading →

Following the American Dream by way of Asia

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cltc-ching-chong-chinamanBy Ande Jacobson

Lauren Yee’s Ching Chong Chinaman may not be the most politically correct play in existence, but it certainly has found a home at City Lights Theater Company.  The play is surreal at times and unfolds in a satirical, sitcom fashion as Yee explores the American Dream through the completely assimilated Wong family. Continue reading →

The Dragon roars again with “After Ashley”

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sean-gilvery-after-ashley

By Ande Jacobson

Edna the Dragon roars again as Dragon Theatre Productions opens its 2013 season in its new home in Redwood City with Gina Gionfriddo’s After Ashley.  The show is a dark satire that takes biting stabs at reality and true crime television as the story unfolds.  Be aware, this production contains strong language, adult situations, and sexual content not appropriate for young children. Continue reading →

Dreams from Manhattan’s West Side dazzle audiences at TheatreWorks’ “Somewhere”

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Somewhere 10_TMartinBy Ande Jacobson

TheatreWorks is known for its stunning premieres of shows that go on to greatness, and their current production may well follow that tradition.  Written by Matthew Lopez, Somewhere, opened its Northern California premiere this weekend to an enthusiastic full house, and this looks to be a thrill ride indeed.  Lopez says “the characters are not based on my family; they’re based on my love for my family.”  And love is plentiful in this one: love of family, love of tradition, and love making dreams come true.  Director Giovanna Sardelli says it best in describing what the play is about when she says “Somewhere is the Puerto Rican answer to the question ‘What happens to a dream deferred?’”  Somewhere is a musical but not in the traditional Broadway form.  In this show, dance is featured, but the only vocals heard are those in the period recordings in sound designer Jeremy J. Lee’s soundtrack. Continue reading →

The Pear explores the intimacy of love, friendship, and yes, “Intimate Apparel”

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intimate-apparelBy Ande Jacobson

Lynn Nottage’s title, Intimate Apparel, sounds like it may be an advertisement for Victoria Secret, but that only scratches the surface of the material central to this play as Pear Avenue Theatre’s production explores many levels of intimacy beyond the clothing. This is a play about friendship, love, marriage, class, race, and yes, hand-crafted intimate garments. Continue reading →

The role of the pit musician in musical theatre

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OUaMWatchingWithOrchBy Ande Jacobson

Imagine that you have gone to the theatre to see a performance of that Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, The King and I. You’ve been sitting in the auditorium for a few minutes before curtain reading through the program, and you take note of some of the cast members you may know as you read their biographies. Continue reading →

Saxophones are coming to San Jose as we countdown to 15 December

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SJSaxmas2010_fbBy Ande Jacobson

Sacramento’s 2012 Saxophone Christmas is history, but San Jose is in for a treat on 15 December.  In addition to the many favorites on the program, founder Ray Bernd promises three special new arrivals at this year’s San Jose event.  Alas, he’s keeping them close to the vest until show time. Continue reading →

Hillbarn stages a colorful “Joseph”

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Jacob, his 12 sons and WivesBy Ande Jacobson

Hillbarn Theatre has brought back an early Andrew Lloyd Webber favorite for this year’s holiday season, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. While the work is Lloyd Webber’s second musical collaboration with Tim Rice immediately following The Likes of Us, it was his first to be publicly performed as a short, though it wasn’t fully staged until after Jesus Christ Superstar made its successful debut. With its catchy music, Joseph… is a colorful, family-friendly show based on the biblical story of Joseph’s coat of many colors. Continue reading →

Better than Santa – Saxophone Xmas is coming to town

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By Ande Jacobson

As the holiday season approaches, the one event that stands out above all others isn’t Santa Claus’ arrival.  No, for a reed player at least, it’s that San Jose tradition – Saxophone Christmas.  This year marks the 19th annual gathering where saxophonists of all levels and ages convene on the third Saturday in December (this year the 15th) to renew friendships and make merry playing holiday music on every kind of saxophone one can imagine.  From the tiny, pen-sized soprillo, to the 1.9 meter tall contrabass sax, this is an event not to be missed.  Fear not, the standard alto, tenor, and baritone saxes that you’ve seen in school bands will be there as well, along with many others. Continue reading →