Hard Laughter a play by Ann Brebner and Laurel Graver
adapted from the novel Hard Laughter by Anne Lamott
Dramaturgy and Direction by Jayne Wenger

In the wake of tragic news, Hard Laughter explores one bohemian northern California family's vulnerability, resilience, and reliance on comedy.

Opening April 25th!
Purchase tickets

Starring: Lindsay Benner*, Jeffrey Bihr*, Rio Codda, Zac Jaffe*, Hannah Rose Kornfeld, Laura Lowry*, and Frances Lee McCain*

Upcoming Projects

In Development :
Work-in-Progress by Brian Thorstenson. New Ensemble member and author of the AlterTheater hit Summerland, Bay Area playwright Brian Thorstenson begins work on a new play, written specifically for AlterTheater.

Full of Grace by L. Peter Callender, inspired by the writings of Playwrights Lab member LeRoy Aarons on the 10-year anniversary of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Hearings. One family struggles with forgiveness after hearing the brutal details of a young relative’s murder.

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Past Productions

Smorgasbord of Shorts,
Fall 2004
Rocking Chairs 100%, 4th St. & Cijos

Sex Parasite by Jessica Goldberg,
Spring 2005
Rafael Town Center, Court St & 4th St.

Smorgasbord of Shorts II,
Winter 2006
1557 Fourth Street

Summerland by Brian Thorstenson,
Spring 2006
Art Works Downtown, 1337 Fourth Street

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Recently Closed

Thirst by Dyke Garrison
directed by Ann Brebner
September 21st--October 7th
In this world premiere play, power and success ram full-speed into love and family. A family's internal dynamics explode when a long-time alcoholic's liver begins to fail. How much is too much to sacrific for love? A tale of love and gin.

Starring Sheila Balter*, Jeanette Harrison, Craig Jessup*, Will Marchetti*, Erica Smith
Playing at Art Works Downtown, 1337 Fourth Street (at D Street), San Rafael.

Catherine's Care by Robert Ernst
A World Premiere by award-winning actor/writer and San Rafael resident Robert Ernst!
With music composed and arranged by Andy Dinsmoor and Barney Jones
February 2nd—February 18th

Bursting through the boundaries of musical theater, Catherine’s Care springs from the mind and memories of Catherine, an aging crone stuck in a nursing home and a fun-loving teen. In a world peopled with strangers who seem familiar and crows that sing, Catherine must craft her own reality, and hopes and dreams.

Starring Tamar Cohn, Craig Jessup*, Jenna Johnson and Carla Spindt*
with live music by Andy Dinsmoor, Robert Ernst*, Mark Malmberg and Daniel Savio

After the Fall by Arthur Miller
October 27th—November 12th
American maestro playwright Arthur Miller’s most autobiographical work, a tale of personal responsibility in the post-1950s. A man, with two divorces behind him, shines a spotlight in the dark corners of his past in the hope of discovering that he is worthy of love. After the Fall journeys through the Depression, the Holocaust, the Red Scare--as seen through the lens of Arthur Miller's memory.

Directed by Jessica Heidt
Starring: Karen Aldridge*, Jeanette Harrison, Eric Fraisher Hayes*, Dawn Scott,
Nick Sholley*, Patricia Silver*, Ayla Yarkut*, Dennis Yen

Named Number One theatrical event of 2006 by North Bay Bohemian!

For more details about our past seasons, click here

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