We're So Happy, We Could Scream!

Happy Days, Rude Guerrilla Theater Company. This staging marked the first time I was able to see beyond the façade of Beckett's infuriatingly difficult play into the heart of its characters-and saw some of myself looking back.

His Majesty Mr. Kean, California Repertory Company. A sparkling production of a surprisingly bright and witty play by Charles Higham that made fine use of language and repartee.

De Donde, University Players, Cal State Long Beach. An ensemble of remarkable depth and cohesiveness for an undergrad company nearly sustained an overlong and underwritten play through its damn-near three-hour running time.