Earning that Extra Half Star

Last night, Plotnik and Ducknik saw 'Thom Pain (based on nothing)' at Exit on Taylor. (You can read the San Francisco Theater Blog review here.)

Plot has been avoiding the Exit Theater, because it's in the heart of the tenderloin, which is to say even the more established bums have their own newbie bums. The community is growing. You and other neighborhood activists may think it's a vibrant, pulsing heartbeat of Saint Plotniko, but Plotnik doesn't think chronic, druggie and alkie homelessness is scenic. He doesn't think people screaming at each other is cute. He doesn't think cadres of overcoated citizens lining up filthy sleeping bags on the sidewalk smacks of civic pride. The last time Plot reviewed a play at the Exit, a bum was peeing on his rear tire when he got out of the theater.

When Plot, senselessly, said: "What are you DOING!" the man answered: "Hold on. I'm almost done!"

Sure, no big thing. Plot always wonders how many neighborhood activists try to walk on these streets after dark? Even the Press Agent told Plotnik last night: "I parked a dozen blocks away. I'm not gonna leave my car outside at night down here."

The play was pretty good and the actor, Jonathan Bock, is fabulous. Plot awarded an extra half a star because nobody peed on his rear tire. Tonight: Charlie Varon at the Marsh. Plot is really looking forward to this one.