Sometimes, reading (and writing) an acerbic review that drips acid like one of those drooling, double-jawed xenomorphs from "Aliens" can be more entertaining than the show itself.  Imagine an evaluation that begins, "If Dave MacDonald's Best of Broadway cast had dropped its sequin-covered panties and urinated all over the stage like an elderly Carol Channing, they literally could not do worse..." Sure, such a critique – clearly inspired by the delicious sarcasm of "Glee's" musical-hating cheer coach Sue Sylvester – might be a whole lot of fun on some admittedly sick, sick level, but comments like, "This is the most offensive thing I've seen in 30 years of reviewing – and that includes an

 photos by Barry Wisdom  Imagine being happily married for 36 years – more than three decades of bliss blessed with talented children and grandchildren. Along the way, you’ve earned the respect and love of your community, and while there have been a few tumultuous years marred by major moves (and even war), things seemed like they would continue forever. Then, out of the blue, you hit a rough patch when financial problems create a wedge between you and your beloved spouse. Money and even friends become scarce, and before you know it, you’re in a trial separation. Ultimately, the financial problems are resolved, but the time apart and the fear of history repeating raises real concerns ov

photographs by Barry Wisdom The Fair Oaks Theatre Festival’s “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” playing through Sept. 12, is sweetly innocent, adorably guileless and just plain funny.    Its extremely short scenes – seamlessly presented like a series of “Peanuts” comic-strip panels (on which it is based) – makes it perfectly suited for those with short attention spans, like kids and smart-phone-addicted adults. In other words, everyone.  Blessed with a talented cast sure of lines and lyrics, engaging choreography and some nifty, topical upgrades to its original, 43-year-old book, director Bob Irvin’s savvy staging is not only a child’s perfect introduction to live theater, but a wonde

Despite actor Joe Hart being temporarily confined to a wheelchair following a recent auto accident, he will still play some of the title role in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Bob Irvin will direct the play for the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival, and he said he thought keeping Hart in the role of the indomitable Charlie Brown is a “fitting tribute to the character – to demonstrate Charlie’s undaunted spirit and unflagging optimism in the face of naysayers.”  But he wasn’t home free. As Hart couldn’t meet the physical demands of the monthlong run of the show, a second “Charlie” was needed. Enter Michael Bowles, who made his Fair Oaks Theatre Festival debut earlier this summer as Harpo i