Playwright, Director, and Occasional Actor
Playwright, Director, and Occasional Actor
Review published by FringeReview
review web link:
http://fringereview.co.uk/review/san-francisco-fringe/2016/it-came-from-fukushima/
Publish date: Sep 30, 2016
Review by Jo Tomalin
"A disheveled washed up Sam Spade type character called Ray talks to the audience in a somber lit office, when the latest news is projected on a large screen reporting about the Fukushima incident.
It turns out Ray is no longer working as a private detective because he has joined the ranks of the bloggers. He seems to be enjoying being a nondescript blogger with less stress – but now he has a drinking problem…. suddenly, a smart and classy lady, called Eugenia, interrupts him. She begs him to do one last job.
Gradually more characters emerge to take us on a slick and humorous science fiction detective story set in the Bay Area. Lt. Martinez arrives chewing a tooth pick and wearing a black suit, the story unfolds at a fast pace – Science speak about ending diseases, a neuropathic prototype, Dr. Kurtz…where is Dr. Geiger? There is a monster?
Actually, in between the well-timed humor there are deep seated environmental issues and serious provocations, so this is theatre that cleverly informs, which is always a good thing – and the characters are so interesting that the information and warnings are woven into the dialogue and visuals.
Written by Bill Hyatt and directed by Don Hardwick, the ensemble of excellent actors (Brian Levi, Melissa Quine, Miyoko Sakatani, Peter Allas, Melody Perera, Tom Bleecker, John Lennon Harrison), play several quick change characters, most are double cast, and they are equally energetic and convincing in each character. Stylish costumes of the characters include a lot of black, touches of black lace, green satin, the required of this genre trench coat, a white lab coat and a French beret.
Sound effects and several brief clips of breaking news punctuate the show, they all add to the build and intensity of the situation. There are some surprises, but I don’t want to divulge them here! Before the show Georgianna Kreiger plays a mean saxophone and evokes an atmosphere inside the darkly lit theatre.
In all, this is an entertaining, well acted comedic show. It’s a very fast thought provoking hour!"
Review published by
Back Stage West
review web link:
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/angels-unwrapped-1-39520/
Publish date: Dec 9, 2003
Review by Dink O'Neal
“Bill Hyatt's Christmas in Chechnya, an unrelentingly harsh slice of inhumanity. Set among a group of Russian soldiers, this depiction of man's descent from optimistic devotion through unwilling perversion into a void of feeling is not for the faint of heart. Director Dan Rosenblatt expertly crafts a disturbing view into souls both blackened by and combating hate. Kudos to John Nielsen, Marvin Solomon, Corey Manuel, and Avner Garbi for bringing these characters so fully to life..."
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Review published by
Back Stage West
review web link:
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/critics-lists-1-36159/
Publish date: Feb 3, 2004
Review by Backstage Staff
CRITICS' LISTS
PRODUCTION:
Christmas in Chechnya ...
PLAYWRITING:
Bill Hyatt, Christmas in Chechnya ...
DIRECTION:
Dan Rosenblatt, Christmas in Chechnya ...
PERFORMANCE:
Avner Garbi, Christmas in Chechnya...
Corey Manuel, Christmas in Chechnya...
John Nielsen, Christmas in Chechnya...
J. Marvin Solomon, Christmas in Chechnya"
Review published by theatrestorm.com
review web link:
Publish date: Dec 6, 2015
Review by Barry David Horwitz
"In “How to Make a Video,” Bill Hyatt wittily explores the relations between a searching and pregnant young widow, Janie (Amber Glasgow), and her bitter mother-in-law, Helen (AJ Davenport). The younger woman is trying to make a video of Helen for her child, but the grieving mother-in-law is not cooperating. Hyatt gives us a fine emotional study of self-concern and soured family relations."
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Review published by Huffpost.com
review web link:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/close-encounters_b_9232820
Publish date: Dec 06, 2017
Review by George Heymont
"... the following plays proved to be especially moving,,.
“Bill Hyatt’s play, How To Make A Video, featured Amber Glasgow as Janie, a pregnant young woman struggling to get Helen (AJ Davenport) to record a video message for her grandchild-to-be. Because Helen has been undergoing chemotherapy and is not sure how much longer she will live, she’s not feeling particularly cooperative. The fact that her son (the father of the child waiting to be born) recently died, does not make the situation any easier for her. Under Adam L. Sussman’s direction, Helen must wrestle with her basic distrust of Janie and any questions that remain about the cause of her son’s death.”
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HOW TO MAKE A VIDEO
was presented in the award-winning anthology:
SHEHEREZADE'S LAST TALES
Recipient:
TBA (THEATRE BAY AREA) AWARD: OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF AN ANTHOLOGY
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.theatrebayarea.org/resource/resmgr/awards/FullAwards16RecipientList.pdf
Review published by Back Stage West
review web link:
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/reviews-105-33822/
Publish date: February 21, 2001
Review by Adelina Anthony
"Down the Road and Riches by the prolific Lee Blessing are offered here as companion pieces, and they make a perfect match... Through the intense emotional lives of the Hennimans and the Riches, the playwright reminds us of the deep, hellish caverns of our souls. Not to worry, though, the night is far from esoteric; talented director Bill Hyatt and his ensemble mine these caverns for all of their dark and golden possibilities. Overall, it is a wonderfully disturbing night. ...
...Hyatt shines here as a director with an ear for language: The musicality of this piece is in perfect tempo, pitch, and rhythm, ..."
"Blessings: An Evening of Two Lee Blessing Plays," presented by the Company of Angels at the Angels Theatre
A testimonial from Pat Morin, a SF Bay Area Playwright:
Pat Morin is a San Francisco Bay Area Playwright whose one act play HIT LIST received its world premiere in the theatrical anthology, PCSF BEST SHORT PLAYS OF 2019. Directed by Bill Hyatt, HIT LIST won the "Audience Favorite" award. About her experience collaborating with Bill, Pat Morin said:
"Bill made the whole experience of producing “Hit List” exciting. First of all, he was very organized and insured rehearsal dates were timed to everyone’s convenience, a hard task to pull off in any production. His care for the actors extended to paying their parking and digging up or buying parts of their costumes. This added in creating a light and positive atmosphere for us all. He often asked me my opinion on how I felt the scene was developing, and asking about weak points as well. We went over the script several times as he took notes, and collaborated with all people involved, including the stage manager. He followed through with changes and stage design. He knew how to unify the group. My production won the short play festival for 2019, and it was Bill’s ability to shine in all these areas that pulled it off for me and the actors."