Shari Barrett (she/her)

I clearly remember when actress Rebecca Schaeffer was murdered in 1989 on her doorstep by a fan who was stalking her, long before this type of behavior was the norm as it seems to be today. This solo show, written and performed with amazing emotional insight by her mother Dana Schaeffer, begins with stories from her only child's childhood during which she worried if little Rebecca was out of her sight for a few minutes. So imagine how this proud mother, who spoke daily with her daughter when sh... full review

I met actor John Brahan at the Better Lemons panel in which I participated, and he was so enthusiastic about this show, I knew I had to go see it. And even though the idea of anyone that far to the right of the political spectrum is abhorrent to me, the two actors in the play both gave amazing performances which riveted my attention from start to its surprising finish.... full review

I have been an admirer of people who can perform aerial acrobatics for awhile, appreciating the incredible athletic ability needed to make such beautiful movements appear to be effortless, which they certainly are not. Starring Tamysen Malles & Monica Miklas as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and Alice from Alice in Wonderland who share stories from their lives as they fly through the air together, Nicole Beckerman, Rox Kousaka, Sheri Lee, Diana Nguyen, Jane Osborn, and Chelsea Rousselot portray ch... full review

This show was basically a visit to the land of Bizarro with "Super Heroes" trying to find something to do in a town with no crime. The story seemed silly and pointless, with most of the characters wearing latex body suits with accessories to reflect their names: Rhino Man, Leopard Woman, The Human Fly and Silver Streak. On Friday, June 15, the cast included Ronald Auguste, Brendan Brandt, Robert Cicchini,Christopher Frontiereo, Jeff Kongs, Jade Sealey. Perhaps if you enjoy comic books, this wo... full review

As a woman with naturally curly hair who suffered the indignities of what had to be done to keep it straight and in style during my teen years, I certainly appreciate the sentiments Ella Turenne expressed during her show, "Love, Locs & Liberation." Her goal as a big and beautiful black woman was to share how spiritually uplifting it becomes when you realize you are not your hair, but the soul within that shines brightly no matter what may cover your head. Navigating the tale from her decision t... full review

Directed by Tara Donovan with skill, passion and great insight into the many components of those on the autism spectrum, this West Coast premiere of Kira Rockwell's three-person play WITH MY EYES WIDE SHUT will open your eyes to the ways in which others see the world and react to it. The two lead characters, Cole (Craig Shields) and Naomi (Esther Mira, a highly artistic choreographer whose lovely dances are set to the color moods of her character), both have behavior issues. He is a musical pro... full review

I have never played Dungeons and Dragons or seen/read any of the Harry Potter books or movies. Perhaps I would have appreciated the humor of this play a bit more if I had since many audience members were laughing hysterically at the references I did not understand. This fantasy play about four friends forced into the woods to search and destroy a monster called the Infector in order to protect the world from the disease it brings, was fun to watch, with an animated backdrop that rolled into posi... full review

I was very disappointed in that Jason Powell chose to take on this iconic character without hiding the fact he is a man. It made the whole show seem a bit off to me, even though he certainly must have been representing Garland as her true self during the hardest years of her life. Just not what I expected, especially on her birthday.... full review

This musical tale of teenage obsession, love & loss will ring true for any of us who imagined we really did share a life with our rock star crush, expecting to hear back when gifts are sent or letters are written. But even more than Sam's obsession with Duran Duran is the love she shared with her father, a successful screenwriter who urged his daughter to follow her heart. A touching tale of love, loss and the power within ourselves to overcome every single challenge and emerge as the person we... full review

Insanely funny and entertaining musical satire centering on media party girls Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears - with a cameo by Kim Kardasian. Great concept with the three mostly drunk young women hitting Club Les Deux in Hilton's Bentley which becomes a time machine. As the three travel back to the years when each was THE girl of the moment was a riot. Several male actors make up their entourage, taking on several characters as well as handling the technical and musical aspect of t... full review