North Coast Rep's well-designed Maltese Falcon a clever film-noir sendup. Salazar-Thompson’s witty script - packed with hilarious metaphors and similes make for a consistently amusing trip back in time.
- The San Diego Union-Tribune
North Coast Rep's latest stage production is a world-premiere unique adaptation of the classic mystery The Maltese Falcon with funny, campy, twists and turns complete with fast paced costume, character and set changes that will leave you guessing who-dun-it.
- The Vista Press/The North County Daily Star
With direction by Todd Nielsen every move and gesture is choreographed to perfection, pantomimed rolled into one. With some of the cleverest sound effects/musical composition by Ian Scott, Salazar-Thompson’s spoof rolls along at about 2+ hours of tongue in cheek guffaws and chortles that will keep you on your toes all evening.
- Carol Davis, critic
Marvelous send-up of film noir. A delightful cascade of corny metaphors, similes to bring a smile and a crack ensemble to deliver it all. Richard Baird is a masterful Sam Spade, rolling his own cigarettes. The audience is rolling, too, in the aisles with laughter
- Christene Meyers, critic
Playwright Matthew Salazar-Thompson offers an ingenious theatrical take on Dashiell Hammett’s legendary detective story, and director Todd Nielsen leans fully into the comedy, creating a playful production filled with audience interaction, clever staging, and plenty of laughs. The inventive staging, lively performances, and playful take on a classic detective story make for an entertaining theatrical ride.
- From Another 0
What’s most successful about this production is the cast and crew’s ingenuity in effecting a romantic and dangerous ‘30s San Francisco by simply moving a few props and partitions around. Physical touches like spray-canning fog, or creating the illusion of a moving cab or cable car, are creative and amusing. Sound design and music composed by Ian Scot give the setting the period atmosphere and noir shadings required. Sound and visual effects are also utilized to get laughs. This is, remember, a comic take on a classic.
- Stage West
North Coast Repertory Theatre’s The Maltese Falcon embraces both the mystery and the mischief of its inspiration. With an energetic cast, clever design, and the delightfully unexpected presence of live foley sound effects happening right on stage, the production delivers a theatrical experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly playful.
- BroadwayWorld
The Maltese Falcon provides a very fun time at the Solana Beach venue with old-fashioned thrills. Fans of the original source material and those unfamiliar with Hammett’s work should get a lot of laughs from the comical noir
- San Diego Story
The Cast of The Maltese Falcon
Louis Lotorto, Daniel A. Stevens, & Richard Baird
Daniel A. Stevens
The Cast of The Maltese Falcon
Liam Sullivan
Louis Lotorto
Regina Fernandez & Louis Lortorto
Regina Fernandez
Richard Baird & Louis Lotorto
Richard Baird & Regina Fernandez
Richard Baird
Richard Baird, Louis Lotorto, & Shelley Regner
Shelley Regner
Shelley Regner & Richard Baird
Shelley Regner & Richard Baird
Richard Baird Sam Spade
Regina Fernandez Woman
Louis Lotorto Man #2
Shelley Regner Brigid O'Shaughnessy
Daniel Stevens Man #1
Liam Sullivan Foley Artist
Matthew Salazar Thompson Playwright
Todd Nielsen Director
Evelyn Myers Stage Manager
Marty Burnett Scenic Design
Matt Novotny Light Design
Elisa Benzoni Costume Design
Grace Wong Associate Costume Design
Ian Scot Sound Design/Composer
Rai Feltmann Props Design
Peter Herman Hair and Wig Design
Matt Fitzgerald Projection Design
Jeruel Canda Production Assistant
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