SF Follies by Sean Martinfield, Sentinel Fine Arts Critic

John Bisceglie’s SF FOLLIES is the most refreshing musical revue to inhabit the City in a very long time. Playing now in the off-Broadway-type environment of Actors Theatre (855 Bush Street at Taylor), SF FOLLIES sits in the proverbial “All Talking/All Singing/All Dancing” category and boasts a sparkling group of Bay Area performers who will soon become the talk of the town. The show is packed with charming banter and witty songs that take a crack at everything and every-type-of-body from street pigeons to the (duck!) Mayor’s Desk at City Hall, then across the street to “Swan Lake” at the Opera House, on over to the Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill.

(Check out the Hit List on SFFollies.com) Viewed close up and personal, a multi-talented and detail-oriented crew gives Bisceglie’s set and costume designs the classic Star Treatment. Choreographer Kayvon Kordestani has collaborated on 15 projects with Bisceglie. The high-toned perfectly matched kicks of the ensemble’s opening number let us know this ain’t your grandma’s beach blanket party.

Based on the decibel level of the response to last weekend’s opening performances, John and his co-author Jason Tarshis should start making plans for a First Anniversary Bash. Given the state of the City and how its leaders will strut its stuff – there will be plenty to punch-up, poke-at, perforate-through, and meet with the pitter-patter of dancin’ feet come 2010. Affordably priced and conveniently located, SF FOLLIES is the biggest bang of Season 2009.