Phoenix Theatre

Harold Pinter’s Birthday Party play is a classic. The three acts start with a disturbing dysfunctional tenant of a British B-​n-​B establishment. I considered leaving after the first act, BUT the next two acts pull the play together with brilliance that is only Pinter! Well worth attending this small intimate theater that is NOT over-​priced. Go see it.

The only time I’ve been here was for my friend and colleague’s improv graduation show, so I’m basing my assessment on my impressions that evening, although there could be much more that this relic has to offer.
When I first arrived, there was a line almost around the block for the much larger theatre next door. I was blown away that an improv show could pull such a crowd. That is, until a poster in the corner of my eye directed me through a neighboring door and up several flights of stairs to the Phoenix.
It turns out the improv show had a huge crowd as well. The space my friend and her troupe (is that how I should refer to them?) was performing in was relatively small for a theatre, packed to the rafters and hot as all hell. I spent the performance leaning against a wall while many sat on the floor since the seating was all taken. It wasn’t ideal, but we were there to watch some talented improvers (again, is that a word?) show their skills, and for that reason I thought it was a great atmosphere for such a show. I support local theatre, and this unique setting is exactly the kind of place where you’ll find local performances you’d never see anywhere else.
I’d like to see if there is more that this building has to offer. For example, is it just one theatre or several? Whatever the case, I had a fantastic time and consider the dated building and strange layout part of the Phoenix Theatre’s charm.

Came here to watch «kiss of the spider woman». Only two actors in the show. It was our 1^st time here. Show was not bad. Concession didnt ‘have much to offer though. Have to climb up 6 flight up stairs. Theatre is quite small, prob can seat 30 ppl or so.

I have seen at least 3 different productions here. I like climbing the stairs to the 6^th floor and the intimate seating. I also appreciate the proximity to BART and the wealth of food/​drink options between BART and the theater.

We came here for a comedy performance by Laughter Against the Machine. It’s a small, slightly run-​down black box theater, but perfect for intimate performances for a crowd of about 40 – 50.
The location is a sort of nondescript building next to Ruby Skye; in fact, it looks like apartments or offices, until you see the printed sign for Phoenix Theater taped to the door!
I’d definitely come back here for another performance. It’s nice to get away from the crowds of SF.

We saw Indulgences in The Louisville Harem last night. Sad and funny, wonderful and inventive writing, powerful and «sublime» acting. This is the real deal. I stumbled into it, looking for a suitable but memorable birthday adventure for our 13yo daughter and her BFF. The 50 seat theater caught my eye. Our daughter loved it. «Dad, I was crying, for real.» The actors were still shaken up a bit as they took bows. Don’t miss this if you enjoy theater.
«Minimum age 10» says the website, and that seems about right for being able to sit still :-), but maybe a bit older to appreciate it.

I just attended the opening night of «Harvesting the Lost», which is an original play written by Dan Wilson and produced by Triple Shot Productions. I am a long time fan of the production company and I found this to be the best production yet. Triple Shot has a mission of producing plays that plumb the depths of the most pressing social issues of our time. «Harvesting the Lost» delivers on this objective with a story that brings the problem of homelessness to our attention in a very personal, and disturbing, way.
Andi C. Trindle plays Ruth, a dedicated newspaper reporter, in love with Amanda, played by Sheila Devitt. Together, they struggle through the daily tasks of life, until external forces and events quickly raise the pressure. Loving bonds break and mental faculty is threatened until the previously unthinkable spectre of homelessness becomes a horrible possibility.
This was one of the finest original plays I’ve seen in San Francisco. It’s a true achievement for Dan Wilson. I’m looking forward to following this young man’s career as a playwright.
The Phoenix Theatre is a cool place to see a play. The theater itself is on the sixth floor of the building. I like how it’s an out-​of-​the-​way nook. It has a 48-​seat capacity, so every seat makes for a very personal experience.
The play runs through September if you want to check it out.

We saw a play called «The Woman in Black» here on Halloween this year.
This theatre is really tiny. It’s housed on the top floor of a building next to Ruby Skye, and if you somehow miss the elevators and opt for the stairs on your way up, you’ll see some secret entrances into the club itself.
The elevators are completely modern and super-​speedy, belying the outward shabbiness of the building itself. I recommend them over the stairs to the 6^th floor.
And yes, once at the top, you are ushered into a teeny-​tiny space, where seats ring the stage in a semi-​horseshoe shape, no more than 4-​deep and 4 wide at its curve, and 2 deep ’round the sides. In other words, there is really not a bad seat in the house with a setup this intimate.
Refreshments are a steal — they charge 1 dollar for bottled water and cups on wine; hot chocolate was free that evening, as was candy (it was Halloween, after all).
And the play — The Woman In Black — a spare production with no more than 3 actors onstage, one of whom did not speak the entire time, was … fine. Mildly Victorian, with definitely enough spooky elements to jolt me awake after a bit of a slow start, it was nicely appropriate for the 31^st of October.
I’d go back again, on the merits of the space alone…

The gorgeous Molly R. is in an improv show. (
) In this show she sings, dances and makes up funneh stuff. It’s a very good show and it’s playing right now at the Phoenix Theater.
Tonight was opening night and I went to cheer her on.
The Phoenix Theater is nice — it’s in an odd building — right next to Ruby Skye. It’s on the 6^th floor of a building otherwise full of offices. The theater is an intimate little black box stage with a small lobby and not a bad seat in the house. I’ve been here multiple times before and it’s one of many really nice rental houses in San Francisco where independent theater companies can house their short run shows.
Of course, Un-​Scripted Theater Company is fabulous — but, I already mentioned that in my review of them.
Every once in a while you have to just be useful as opposed to being funny and cool… there ya go. Goodnight San Francisco!

I saw «Use Both Hands» here a couple of weeks ago. The theater was on the 5^th or 6^th floor and was very small and intimate. Several times during the show the actors were literally performing right next to me. Parking is available nearby, but not very cheaply. Also, the theater sells beer, woot.
The building is immediately next to Ruby Skye — in fact, I was really confused when I looked in the front door — I saw two people and a rack of clothes. I thought to myself «Err, is there where I’m supposed to go in? Is this backstage of somewhere?»
It turned out the back side of the theater building has a door that opens into Ruby Skye and what I could see was Ruby Skye’s coat check! Don’t let that throw you! ;)

Went here for a show last night. The actors did an amazing job and the space was awesome. So cozy & intimate. There wasn’t a seat in the house that didn’t have a good view. Will definitely go back.