It’s that time of year when critics look back and attempt to encapsulate an entire year’s worth of productions into one easily read list of the “best of” the year. Why? Because it gives us something to do during the slow period between the close of the holiday shows and the onslaught of productions in the New Year.
We’re kidding. Mostly.
The end of the year is a time for reflection by many, and critics are no different. We take pleasure in remembering and reporting on the good work we’ve seen produced locally. It’s our way of saying thanks to the community for the work they do and for continuing to invite and welcome us into their theatrical homes.
Here, in alphabetical order, are the Top Torn Tickets for the best and/or most interesting theater produced in Sonoma and Napa counties in 2025, as determined by Beulah Vega (BV), Caitlin Strom-Martin (CSM) and Harry Duke (HD):
As You Like It – Napa Valley College – A joyous celebration of diversity and a giant thumb in the eye to those who have a problem with that. HD
Bootycandy – Left Edge Theatre – A hilarious and transgressive ensemble piece. LET still reigns as the North Bay theater company that actively produces confrontational and gutsy shows. CSM
The Bridges of Madison County – Raven Players – Usually, I would run away from a musical romance like a Hallmark heroine from her big-city fiancé, but I liked this production. The two leads rose above the trite script and the lackluster songs and delivered outstanding performances. BV
Featherbaby – Spreckels Theatre Company – Maybe the greatest talking bird play ever written. HD
Gary, A Sequel to Titus Andronicus – Left Edge Theatre – An absolutely outrageous theatrical piece. Ballsy in every sense of the word. HD
The Importance of Being Earnest – 6th Street Playhouse – Proof that no gimmicks are necessary to get audiences to appreciate this hilarious Oscar Wilde classic. HD
Meet Me at Dawn – Mercury Theater – Raw and grounded performances and a haunting sound design made this one of the most emotionally moving shows of the year. CSM
A very impressive opening entry into full productions by the newest North Bay theater company. HD
Othello – Jacobethan Theatre Workshop – Towering performances and simple outdoor staging combined for Shakespeare as it’s meant to be done and done well. HD
The Pirates of Penzance – 6th Street Playhouse – Charming performances, colorful stagecraft and a top-notch orchestra brought the Gilbert & Sullivan classic energetically to life. HD
The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui – Mercury Theater – An astounding, unforgettable lead performance anchored this Bertolt Brecht cautionary tale. CSM
Revenge of the Rebobs! – Lucky Penny – In another life, I’m a horror writer, and there is nothing I love more than campy cryptid horror (most of my work falls into that category), so I was thrilled to see the elusive Rebobs take the stage. More horror plays (with or without the camp), please. BV
Ride the Cyclone – SRJC Theatre Arts – An absolute showcase for the young artists involved in all aspects of this production and the facility local taxpayers funded. HD
A polished, professional-level production and hands down my favorite show of the year. If the cast is any indication, the kids are alright, giving me hope for the future of theater. BV
The North Bay is an incredibly supportive community for the performing arts. Thanks also to the audiences for continuing to show up.
