SF Mime Troupe Shows Us How to Protest with Fire

 by John-Thomas Hanson

On the Fourth of July, the Tony Award-winning San Francisco Mime Troupe launched its 66th season with “DISRUPTION – A Musical Farce.” Playing to a large, excited S.F. family audience in Dolores Park, the timely new work blends song, satire, and spectacle. “DISRUPTION” asks a critical question: As the U.S. veers toward tyranny, will San Francisco resist—or become Silicon Valley’s newest accessory?

Visually, the production strikes a smart balance between minimalism and imaginative flair. Scenic designers Kristy Arroyo and Pietro Calogero have crafted a marvel: a 12-foot-wide stage with rotating puzzle of set pieces that transform quickly and inventively for each scene.

The four-person Troupe and their spirited, live band guide us through a whirlwind comedy about tech-driven “progress,” bureaucratic absurdity, and fiery resistance. The show—FREE to audiences all summer long in parks across the Bay Area—continues SFMT’s legacy of delivering socially conscious theater that makes us laugh, sing, and squirm in all the right ways.

On a windy Independence Day, the cast gracefully handled a feisty and engaged audience that clapped, booed, cheered, and laughed loudly. When the microphones dropped out and the crowd began heckling, Michael Gene Sullivan and Jed Parsario calmly and masterfully improvised a conversation that flowed seamlessly back into the script.

Their delivery was so smooth and funny, you’d never guess it was not planned. When the mics returned, we all erupted in cheers, applauding their smooth handling of the hiccup.

Sullivan’s script, with additional dialogue by Marie Cartier, brims with sharp political commentary and clever wordplay, tackling hot-button issues: ICE, budget cuts, corporate sponsorship, and the privatization of public services.

At curtain, Sullivan shared that this year’s script was particularly challenging because political developments are shifting so fast that he was rewriting up to opening day.

Multi-talented Sullivan stars in the production, transforming into multiple characters—including red-hatted cop Hector Washington, who belts operatic notes with surprising gusto. He delivers each role with sharp physicality and infectious bravado.

Alicia M.P. Nelson is both hilarious and chilling as Zubari Macintosh, a tech visionary turned accidental autocrat. With her AI watch “AHA!” (Almost Human Algorithm) strapped to her wrist and a corporate smile plastered on her face, she proclaims: “The government is a business, not a service.”

She wants to balance The City’s budget by slashing fire departments, public transit, and parks—and raise revenue by selling off public space to corporate sponsors. Cue Amazon / Market Street and the Donald Trump Solid Gold City Hall Dome, complete with statue.

Lizzie Calogero delights as the quirky, slightly unhinged revolutionary Elizabeth, and then slips effortlessly into the hard-nosed police chief.

Jed Parsario grounds the show with heart as Augie, a working-class immigrant caught in the crosshairs of ICE. Parsario also provides comic contrast as the maniacal Mayor of San Francisco.

All four actors manage multiple roles with crisp clarity, making bold choices in voice, movement, and emotion. The cartoonish, exaggerated props make visual storytelling easy to follow even from a distance, and the staging is tight, fast, and efficient.

Daniel Savio’s music propels the show forward with toe-tapping energy and biting irony. The songs are lively, well-scored, and full of satirical punch. Though most of the musical numbers are strong and dynamic, a few moments felt slightly off vocally compared to previous years—possibly due to wind and difficulty hearing the stage monitors. Still, the performance remains bold and impactful, leaving a lasting impression.

The band deserves a special shout-out. The compact three-person crew—Guinevere Q on bass, Daniel Savio on keys, and Jason Young on drums and guitar—deliver a rich, dynamic sound. Their perfectly timed cartoon sound effects, reminiscent of classic radio dramas, add layers of humor and charm that ripple through the park.

I found myself smiling, laughing, and moved by the spirit of collective resistance. During the song “Frogwater,” the entire audience clapped and sang along, swept up in the moment.

Overheard on the way out: “That was so timely and relevant.” “I was crying by the end—it hit so close to home.”

At curtain, Sullivan gave a heartfelt speech, reminding us that SF Mime Troupe shows are “Free to see—but not free to do.” Due to recent NEA funding cuts, this year’s season has been shortened—running only through August 3, instead of September, as in past years. The troupe had to raise around $250,000 for this year’s shortened run of “DISRUPTION.” They still need to raise more than $100,000 to help get their Christmas show, “Red Carol,” up on stage.

SFMT relies on individual donations and public arts funding. They do not accept corporate sponsorship.

At 80 minutes, “DISRUPTION” moves fast, feels urgent, and never lets up. It’s proof that public theater can still be radical, relevant, and seriously fun—even when it’s free. Be sure to grab your friends and catch the show while you can.

 

“DISRUPTION – A Musical Farce” –written & directed by Michael Gene Sullivan, additional dialogue by Marie Cartier, music, lyrics, & music direction by Daniel Savio, choreography by Hugo Carbajal.

Sound by Taylor Gonzalez, costumes by Keiko Shimosato Carreiro, scenic design by Kristy Arroyo & Peitro Calogero, props by Lena Seagrave, stage management by Cheryle Honerlah. Info: sfmt.org

Cast:  Michael Gene Sullivan, Alicia M.P. Nelson, Lizzie Calogero, Jed Parsario, and Taylor Gonzalez (voice).

Band:  Guinevere Q (Bass, Voice of AHA!), Daniel Savio (Keyboards), and Jason Young (Drums, Percussion, Guitar).

Performing to August 3, 2025, at: San Francisco, Berkeley, Ukiah, Cotati, Oakland, Santa Cruz, & Davis. Schedule at: sfmt.org/full-summer-schedule

All shows are FREE and open to the public unless otherwise listed. Show runs 80 minutes.

The San Francisco Mime Troupe, known for its politically charged and socially relevant performances, has been a cornerstone of the Bay Area theater scene since 1959. This radical theater group uses satire and humor to address pressing social issues, making their performances both entertaining and enlightening.

Banner photo: Alicia M. P. Nelson, Jed Parsario, & Michael Gene Sullivan. Photos by DavidAllenStudio.com