By David John Chávez
@davidjchavez.bsky.social
Brown drama guy. Bay Area theater critic/reporter @ SJ Mercury News, SF Chronicle, KQED, American Theatre Mag + others. Chair: American Theatre Critics/Journalists Association, 2X Pulitzer Drama Juror ('22-'23) GO SJ Sharks! IG: @davidjchavez #hellatheatre
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Reposted by By David John Chávez
For @foreignpolicy.com, I wrote about the international response to Elon Musk's Grok CSAM/non-con deepfake spree, and why he's not backing down despite the outrage from everyone with a conscience: foreignpolicy.com/2026/01/14/m...
Elon Musk’s X Is in Deep Trouble Over Deepfake Porn
Grok is being used to make abusive and illegal images.
foreignpolicy.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:59 PM
For @foreignpolicy.com, I wrote about the international response to Elon Musk's Grok CSAM/non-con deepfake spree, and why he's not backing down despite the outrage from everyone with a conscience: foreignpolicy.com/2026/01/14/m...
So far, one of my favorite things I've ever seen here. Great way to start my 2026 theater season. Closing week. #hellatheatre #SFPlayhouse
January 14, 2026 at 4:47 AM
So far, one of my favorite things I've ever seen here. Great way to start my 2026 theater season. Closing week. #hellatheatre #SFPlayhouse
Palo Alto Players is ready for their production of "The Da Vinci Code." How do u translate a roller coaster thriller to the stage? Artistic director Patrick Klein was also curious, so he went to find out. My feature for the @mercurynews.com about this regional premiere. (gift article) #hellatheatre
Palo Alto Players are up to ‘Code’ in latest production
Stage version of Dan Brown’s bestseller runs Jan. 16-Feb. 1.
www.mercurynews.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Palo Alto Players is ready for their production of "The Da Vinci Code." How do u translate a roller coaster thriller to the stage? Artistic director Patrick Klein was also curious, so he went to find out. My feature for the @mercurynews.com about this regional premiere. (gift article) #hellatheatre
Hard same. Gripping at every turn. One of those films where it feels like you need a seat belt while watching.
just here to say I loved Marty Supreme
January 6, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Hard same. Gripping at every turn. One of those films where it feels like you need a seat belt while watching.
Reposted by By David John Chávez
The American people electing Trump after he staged a coup attempt 5 years ago was a nail in the coffin of our democracy. You can rationalize it all you want - But inflation! But wokeness! - but ultimately it was a societal suicide attempt and probably the dumbest collective voting decision ever made
January 6, 2026 at 2:51 PM
The American people electing Trump after he staged a coup attempt 5 years ago was a nail in the coffin of our democracy. You can rationalize it all you want - But inflation! But wokeness! - but ultimately it was a societal suicide attempt and probably the dumbest collective voting decision ever made
In 2025, I made the switch from Toxic Twit to Bluer Skies. Grateful to all who have engaged with me here, a healthier and happier online experience with minimal MAGA bullshit. Wishing you all nothing but the best in 2026.
a happy new year greeting with a clock and balloons
ALT: a happy new year greeting with a clock and balloons
media.tenor.com
January 1, 2026 at 6:25 AM
In 2025, I made the switch from Toxic Twit to Bluer Skies. Grateful to all who have engaged with me here, a healthier and happier online experience with minimal MAGA bullshit. Wishing you all nothing but the best in 2026.
Reposted by By David John Chávez
Have you ever heard someone go off, and their words are so perfectly chosen, so well said in that moment, that you’re in awe? You think, “There’s nothing to add here,” and you applaud in your head.
That’s exactly this. Pure perfection. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
That’s exactly this. Pure perfection. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
December 21, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Have you ever heard someone go off, and their words are so perfectly chosen, so well said in that moment, that you’re in awe? You think, “There’s nothing to add here,” and you applaud in your head.
That’s exactly this. Pure perfection. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
That’s exactly this. Pure perfection. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Reposted by By David John Chávez
Sharing this piece by the brilliant Faith Zamblé, who was part of the second BIPOC Critics Lab where she reflects on me and the work I’ve been building through the Lab. Reading yourself through the eyes of a former student is a rare gift.
extendedplay.thecivilians.org/i-is-for-ima...
extendedplay.thecivilians.org/i-is-for-ima...
“I” is for Imagination: Jose Solís and the BIPOC Critics Lab - Extended Play
Extended Play Editor Faith Zamblé explores the origins of the groundbreaking BIPOC Critics Lab with founder Jose Solis.
extendedplay.thecivilians.org
December 21, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Sharing this piece by the brilliant Faith Zamblé, who was part of the second BIPOC Critics Lab where she reflects on me and the work I’ve been building through the Lab. Reading yourself through the eyes of a former student is a rare gift.
extendedplay.thecivilians.org/i-is-for-ima...
extendedplay.thecivilians.org/i-is-for-ima...
Growing up in Union City meant being close to Hayward's terrific Ye Olde Pizza Joynt, where there was an organist in the '90s named Jerry Nagano. Since the old days of pizza places hiring a full time organist, he's stayed busy. For @kqedarts.bsky.social, I spoke with Jerry about his career.
Meet Jerry Nagano, One of the Bay Area’s Last Great Theater Organists
The organist from San Jose’s California Theatre discusses his unique career and humble pizza-shop beginnings.
www.kqed.org
December 16, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Growing up in Union City meant being close to Hayward's terrific Ye Olde Pizza Joynt, where there was an organist in the '90s named Jerry Nagano. Since the old days of pizza places hiring a full time organist, he's stayed busy. For @kqedarts.bsky.social, I spoke with Jerry about his career.
Reposted by By David John Chávez
it's taken me a while to put this together. but I hope, if you've never heard of her, or even if you have, this tribute to Alice Wong buoys your heart and gives you a good sense of who this incredible person was. www.coyotemedia.org/remembering-...
Remembering Alice Wong
On the one-month anniversary of her passing, we honor the acclaimed disability justice advocate, writer, shit-talker, and friend to so many.
www.coyotemedia.org
December 15, 2025 at 7:20 PM
it's taken me a while to put this together. but I hope, if you've never heard of her, or even if you have, this tribute to Alice Wong buoys your heart and gives you a good sense of who this incredible person was. www.coyotemedia.org/remembering-...
I believed "Georgiana and Kitty," the 3rd in the Pemberley series trilogy, would be quite good. I didn't anticipate it to be as funny as it was, and better than expected. The show runs thru 12/28 at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. My review for the @mercurynews.com #hellatheatre (gift article)
Review: TheatreWorks strikes gold in Jane Austen’s world with ‘Pemberley’
Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon team up on a sharp romantic comedy in “Christmas at Pemberley”
www.mercurynews.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:52 AM
I believed "Georgiana and Kitty," the 3rd in the Pemberley series trilogy, would be quite good. I didn't anticipate it to be as funny as it was, and better than expected. The show runs thru 12/28 at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. My review for the @mercurynews.com #hellatheatre (gift article)
The cultural impact, the amount of times I've watched his films on repeat, and the outspoken voice he was known for just makes this news beyond devastating. What a voice, what artistry, what a loss. #RIPRobReiner
Rob Reiner's first seven films: 1. Spinal Tap. 2. The Sure Thing. 3. Stand By Me. 4. THE PRINCESS BRIDE. 5. WHEN HARRY MET SALLY. 6. Misery 7. A Few Good Men. Good lord. Even Spielberg included 1941 in his first seven.
And that was after playing Michael Stivic. I hope this news isn't true. But...
And that was after playing Michael Stivic. I hope this news isn't true. But...
December 15, 2025 at 5:49 AM
The cultural impact, the amount of times I've watched his films on repeat, and the outspoken voice he was known for just makes this news beyond devastating. What a voice, what artistry, what a loss. #RIPRobReiner
After spending the last few years watching bad hockey, feels like such a reward to enjoy a very fun team.
Pretty incredible Sharks comeback just now: Penguins led 5-1 with 13:37 left in the third, San Jose came back to win in OT on a Klingberg goal 6-5
December 14, 2025 at 2:58 PM
After spending the last few years watching bad hockey, feels like such a reward to enjoy a very fun team.
Great night at the bally. #SanJose #TheNutcracker
December 14, 2025 at 5:42 AM
Great night at the bally. #SanJose #TheNutcracker
Badass. BADASS!!!
December 10, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Badass. BADASS!!!
Live music in Oakland is the shit. #JohnLegend #Paramount
December 10, 2025 at 5:26 AM
Live music in Oakland is the shit. #JohnLegend #Paramount
The South Bay is fortunate to have multiple, amazing versions of #TheNutcracker For the @mercurynews.com, I spoke with creatives from both New Ballet and San José Dance Theatre in advance of Dec. 13, when both companies open their versions of the longstanding Christmas tradition. (gift article)
San Jose dance companies stay on point with ‘Nutcracker’ productions
New Ballet, San Jose Dance Theatre mount holiday ballet.
www.mercurynews.com
December 8, 2025 at 6:59 PM
The South Bay is fortunate to have multiple, amazing versions of #TheNutcracker For the @mercurynews.com, I spoke with creatives from both New Ballet and San José Dance Theatre in advance of Dec. 13, when both companies open their versions of the longstanding Christmas tradition. (gift article)
Director Jeffrey Bracco does a terrific job of creating mood in "Over the River and Through the Woods" by Joe DiPietro at City Lights Theater. It's a delightful production that really bears down with some wonderful acting performances. My review for the @mercurynews.com, thru 12/21 #hellatheatre
Review: City Lights’ ‘Over the River’ a bittersweet look at family ties
Family- and holiday-themed comedy-drama plays at City Lights Theater in San Jose
www.mercurynews.com
December 8, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Director Jeffrey Bracco does a terrific job of creating mood in "Over the River and Through the Woods" by Joe DiPietro at City Lights Theater. It's a delightful production that really bears down with some wonderful acting performances. My review for the @mercurynews.com, thru 12/21 #hellatheatre
Austen afternoon. On the job for the @mercurynews.com. TheatreWorks Silicon Valley.
December 7, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Austen afternoon. On the job for the @mercurynews.com. TheatreWorks Silicon Valley.
The script is showing its age in places, but #MillionDollarQuartet is all about the live tunes and the fun nostalgia. Here's my review of the rockabilly and rock and roll hit at San Jose Stage for the @mercurynews.com. Through 12/14 (gift article) #hellatheatre www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/02/r...
Review: Rock history delivered with attitude in ‘Million Dollar Quartet’
Play with music depicts a day when Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash met by chance at a Sun Records Studio.
www.mercurynews.com
December 3, 2025 at 11:14 PM
The script is showing its age in places, but #MillionDollarQuartet is all about the live tunes and the fun nostalgia. Here's my review of the rockabilly and rock and roll hit at San Jose Stage for the @mercurynews.com. Through 12/14 (gift article) #hellatheatre www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/02/r...
For @kqedarts.bsky.social, @enkohl.bsky.social and I did our annual end of the year picks for theater events, shows and news. In 2025, there were great things going on despite news that was a bit tough on the ecosystem. Still, there's hope for a more positive 2026 in Bay Area theater. #hellatheatre
The Best Bay Area Theater We Saw in 2025 | KQED
New musicals, world premieres and invigorating storytelling illuminated Bay Area stages this year.
www.kqed.org
December 3, 2025 at 7:48 PM
For @kqedarts.bsky.social, @enkohl.bsky.social and I did our annual end of the year picks for theater events, shows and news. In 2025, there were great things going on despite news that was a bit tough on the ecosystem. Still, there's hope for a more positive 2026 in Bay Area theater. #hellatheatre
They are so terrific, please support these legends! Doing lots of great work.
friends! @coyotemedia.org is dropping our paywall for December so you can see what we’ve been up to even if you have none dollars. All of our posts are currently free to read.
Come check us out & spread the word? www.coyotemedia.org
Come check us out & spread the word? www.coyotemedia.org
COYOTE
Independent journalism with a bite!
www.coyotemedia.org
December 3, 2025 at 6:53 PM
They are so terrific, please support these legends! Doing lots of great work.
For @americantheatre.org, I was honored to write about the #LatinoTheaterCompany of #LosAngeles, learning about all the wonderful work they do, rooted in familia and comunidad. Thank you to the amazing creatives who took the time to speak with me for the piece. An honor of a lifetime, mil gracias!
Who Is Latino Theater Company’s Work For? It’s in the Name
For 4 decades, this Los Angeles troupe has developed and staged vital theatre by, for, and about their community, and for about half that time have also run a multi-venue city facility.
www.americantheatre.org
December 3, 2025 at 3:45 AM
For @americantheatre.org, I was honored to write about the #LatinoTheaterCompany of #LosAngeles, learning about all the wonderful work they do, rooted in familia and comunidad. Thank you to the amazing creatives who took the time to speak with me for the piece. An honor of a lifetime, mil gracias!
There's lots that goes into building the world of Jane Austen. TheatreWorks Silicon Valley has made the holidays about the Pemberley series adapted by Lauren Gunderson & Margot Melcon. I spoke w/ 3 creatives responsible for that world for the @mercurynews.com. Thru 12/28 #hellatheatre (gift article)
Nuance counts for a lot in TheatreWorks play based on Jane Austen’s works
Etiquette consultant helps ‘Christmas at Pemberley’ stay true to time period
www.mercurynews.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM
There's lots that goes into building the world of Jane Austen. TheatreWorks Silicon Valley has made the holidays about the Pemberley series adapted by Lauren Gunderson & Margot Melcon. I spoke w/ 3 creatives responsible for that world for the @mercurynews.com. Thru 12/28 #hellatheatre (gift article)
Sunday afternoon matinee time, nice crowd on hand. City Lights Theatre, on the job for the @mercurynews.com. #hellatheatre
November 30, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Sunday afternoon matinee time, nice crowd on hand. City Lights Theatre, on the job for the @mercurynews.com. #hellatheatre