MY TOP LISTS OF 2006

Bay Area Theatre - Top 5
Out of over 50 productions I saw in 2006 - these are my top five:

1. M Butterfly (TheatreWorks)
On opening night I told Robert Kelley that even though I had been a fan of his direction for years - this was the first time where the lights came down and I couldn't move because I was so overwhelmed with emotion. Electrifying theatre at its best. Without a doubt Francis Jue gave the best performance I have seen this year.

2. Colorado (Impact Theatre)
When I first arrived to see this play I couldn’t believe it was in a pizza parlor basement. So much for deceiving looks - a hilarious play about family & identity with a first-rate ensemble cast.

3. 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Adult Night (Post Street Theatre)
I only saw the adult night of this show so I can only imagine that the regular version is even better. A flawless cast too. Very entertaining.

4. True West (San Jose Stage Company)
Randy King & Rod Gnapp are sublime in Sam Shepard’s brilliant play. The combination of these two actors was out of this world.

5. Thoroughly Modern Millie (Starstruck Theatre)
When I go see a show - I look at all the factors: the material, the cast, direction, costumes, lights, sets and then I ask myself If I was entertained. Boy was I entertained by this production - and this children’s theatre company headed by Lori Stokes was a revelation. These kids were can really do it all and my pal Courtney Stokes gave a tour-de-force performance as Millie.

*Disclaimer - I would have also liked to include in this top list San Jose Stage Company's production of Urinetown: The Musical - but then of course I am a little bit biased =+)

Televison - Top 5:

1. Dexter
Michael C. Hall is delicious as this good guy/serial killer. Bravo to Showtime for believing in this dark & at times hilarious piece.

2. Ugly Betty
This show ties with Dexter as to favorite new shows. America Ferrera is too precious as Betty - I am always rooting for her. Daniel Mabius is the new man in my life - delicious...and he can act too!

3. Grey’s Anatomy
I thought -this show couldn’t get any better? Ha! It is better than ever. Kudos to this fine ensemble cast.

4. Weeds
I love the premise of this show and it’s second season was genius. I love every scene that Mary Louise Parker and Elizabeth Perkins have together.

5. Entourage
Jeremy Piven is why I watch this show - the man is so fucking talented. "LLOYD!!"

Guilty Pleasure: Top Chef
The only reality show I watch - I love food and this competition show is hilarious!


Films - Top 5

1. Little Miss Sunshine
The best ensemble piece I have seen in a LONG time. Funny & heartbreaking. Abigail Breslin is amazing in this film.

2. Volver
Penelope Cruz in one of the best performances of this year - another film that is both heartbreaking & funny.

3. The Departed
This was the hottest cast ever - I’ve always been a huge Matt Damon fan but he was overshadowed by a hunky Leonardo - who manages to steal this film. Very yummy to see and a total macho film - bravo to Mr. Scorsese for getting this cast. And someone - please give him an Oscar already!!

4. Casino Royale
One of the best Bonds ever - and Daniel Craig makes a fine, strong Bond. James Bond is back - oh yes he is.

5. Dreamgirls
Jennifer Hudson in a star-making performance. It is worth the price of admission to see her perform "And I Am Telling You..."

Also worth mentioning: Running With Scissors
Complicated and dark - I really loved this movie especially Annette Bening’s brave performance.