Cuckoo Edible Magic
WORLD PREMIERE
Written by Reed Flores
Directed by Michelle Talgarow
DATES: February 13, 2025 to March 8, 2025
LOCATION: Magic Theatre, 2 Marina Boulevard, Landmark Building D, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA
When otaku-besties Ren and Mai step outside to discover an anime-blue sky, their first thought is, “Damn, this edible is strong.” But they quickly discover something more sinister afoot. A Sailor Moon-esque adventure through the Bay Area pits our nunchuk-armed heroes against one villain after the next - from a maniacal rice cooker to evil BART contortionists to supercharged Dim Sum cart ladies. These unlikely heroes must save the Bay Area, but they can’t do it alone: they’ll need help from Mai’s tough-love parents, Ren’s over-involved sister, and maybe even a cute corner store employee.
The two friends’ quest is as wacky as it is poignant. CHamoru playwright Reed Flores explores themes of Bay Area AAPI life, Queer love, and complex family dynamics–both “born” and “chosen.” Developed through SFBATCO’s Creators Lab and New Roots Theatre Festival, this world premiere promises to evoke laughter, tears, and a craving for some ha gao.
90 minutes, with intermission
Tickets $20-$55
Discounted tickets for Students, Educators & Veterans.
Pay-what-you can previews: February 13 & 14
Opening Night: February 15
Playwright & Director
Reed Flores, Playwright, is an East Bay based director and playwright. Reed has worked around the country at places such as Seattle Rep, Actors Theatre of Louisville, among others. Locally, Reed's worked with SFBATCO, Theatre Rhino, NCTC, Hillbarn Theatre, where he is currently Casting Director, and TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, where he is currently the Line Producer. As a playwright, Reed has written plays with Bindlestiff Studio, Breaking Wave Theatre Company, and most recently joined the writing pool for PlayGroundSF. Favorite Directing credits include: RENT (Hillbarn Theatre), PUEBLO REVOLT (World Premiere, Alter Theatre Ensemble), BRACKISH (World Premiere, Wayward Voices).
Michelle Talgarow, Director, is a Kalmyk/Filipina performance maker in the Bay Area for over 25 years. She is beyond excited to be directing this full production of Cuckoo and so grateful to be collaborating with so many fine artists. Michelle most recent directing credits are THIRTY-SIX by Leah Nanako Winkler with Shotgun Players in Berkeley, the immersive rock play, DARKHEART by Golda Sargento with Bindlestiff Studios in SF. Michelle is a proud member of Shotgun Players’ artistic company and a proud member of the all AAPI Bay Area theatre collective, Ferocious Lotus. Michelle is currently an adjunct professor at University of San Francisco.
This production of Cuckoo Edible Magic is supported in part by the Kenneth Rainin Foundation's New and Experimental Works (NEW) Program.
