REVIEW QUOTE HIGHLIGHTS
2019-1977
New Theatre Design and Artistic Leadership
Anne Bogart has touted San Jose Rep as one of the best regional theaters in the country, partly because of Timothy Near’s artistic direction and partly because of the performance space itself. “The outside is a modernist box,” says Bogart, “and the inside is a Renaissance jewel.”
-Metro Silicon Valley, 2004
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
“ ‘Anne Frank’ at Center Rep keeps focus on humanity amid horror…It’s the happy moments that are so striking…The space is always abuzz with activity in the production directed by Timothy Near, former artistic director of San Jose Repertory Theatre. Even during intermission, the characters go about their business quietly, as if mindful of unsuspecting employees below.”
-Sam Hurwitt, San Jose Mercury News
Center Rep, 2019
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A DOLL’S HOUSE,
PART 2
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, 2018
“….Put your righteous indignation away, because Timothy Near directs, and “playful" is the best way to describe the result …it's funny! It's also in that very elusive newer style, where what it seems to be, on the surface, intentionally, is really just the tug on a fishing line—to lure us to examine our own place in the world.”
-Richard T. Green, Talkin’ Broadway
“…clever, provocative and terrifically entertaining…Near elicits strong performances…Kozlowski brilliantly balances Nora’s confidence and vulnerability, and Reed gets to the essence of a man at odds with himself and in conflict with his past.“
-Calvin Wilson, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“Director Timothy Near gives us a play that is both period and modern. It balances both sides beautifully. From the ghost-ish set by Scott C. Neale to the contemporary language of Hnath’s characters, we’re walking that tightrope without getting dizzy… It all works quite splendidly.”
-Ann Pollack, St. Louis Eats and Drinks
“While paying homage to Ibsen’s landmark literary masterpiece, Hnath continues the original’s path to controversy with this substantial sequel. See Near’s impressive interpretation and draw your own conclusions.” -Mark Bretz, Ladue News
A LESSON FROM ALOES
“Timothy Near’s meticulous production deftly renders Fugard’s gem, orchestrating a balanced triad of nuanced performances…a finely realized production”
-Marcus Crowder, San Francisco Chronicle
“Veteran director Timothy Near guides with astute grace, nuanced gift, and emotional glow this equally veteran and much-talented cast of three. She allows the rich script and the astounding production elements of set, lighting, costume and sound to work hand-in-hand with the ever-arresting spoken and silent expressions of this cast, resulting in a production highly engaging, challenging, and moving. Its two hours pass without notice of time…”
-Eddie Reynolds, Theatre Eddy’s, San Francisco
Z Below, San Francisco, 2018
THE REAL THING
Aurora Theatre, 2017
“Final kudos must go to Timothy Near for directing the flow and pace of the production in such a way to guarantee that the various plays within the play are just as real as the supposed real events and that the real events often slip quickly into something more like a stage show. Her directorial prowess combined with the acting skills of her cast help make this Aurora Theatre production of The Real Thing a worthwhile and enjoyable outing…”
-Eddie Reynolds, Theatre Eddy’s, San Francisco
BorN Yesterday
“…..deftly directed by Timothy Near, Center Rep's production brings out all the humor beautifully but also makes you feel the emotion of Harry and Billie's souring relationship, as well as the simmering sparks between her and Paul. The staging is full of marvelous details, sometimes just as simple as the expression on somebody's face in the background. The setting itself speaks volumes: Erik Flatmo's elegant set is a palatial hotel suite with two-story-tall windows with a direct view of the Capitol building, so close up it looks like it's right across the street. It's an omnipresent visual reminder that this sprightly comedy is ultimately and always very much about dirty money getting way too close to the workings of government, and the complicity of those who just sit by and do nothing to stop it.” -Sam Hurwitt, San Jose Mercury News
Center Repertory Theatre, 2016
MIRANDOLINA
“A fun and refreshing adaptation of the 1753 rom-com, getting its world premiere at Center Repertory Company…Near puts the buckle in the swash in this charming revival. A Florentine battle of the sexes!”
-Karen D’Souza, San Jose Mercury News
“A comical production that is original and fun to watch…a very silver-tongued translation…”
-Richard Connema, Talkin’ Broadway
“The production has enough innuendo with commedia dell’arte touches to keep you chickling long after the curtain descends…”
- Kedar Adour, For All Events
Z Below, San Francisco, 2018
MASTER HAROLD
…and the boys
“A magnificent play, magnificently directed, acted and staged. What more can we ask from theater, or any art?” Patch.com, Berkeley
“Timothy Near’s sensitive revival telegraphs sad echoes in our own place and time, and the way money and power cement our fates reverberates clearly in the ear. -Karen D’Souza, San Jose Mercury News
Aurora Theatre, 2015
Center Repertory Theatre, 2015
SWEET CHARITY
“Near's direction is superb. She creates time for each character to deliver a unique and often funny characterization, which makes the play all the richer. She also creates a wonderful rhythm for the show -- mostly speedy, but slowing down when necessary.”
-Pat Craig, San Jose Mercury News/East Bay Times
Center Repertory Theatre, 2013
CLYBOURNE PARK
St. Louis Theatre Circle Awards for Outstanding Director of a Drama, Outstanding Production of a Drama, Outstanding Set Design, Outstanding Ensemble.
“Director Timothy Near’s presentation was a superior example of insightful writing and crystal clear interpretation that grabs your heart and soul in an iron vise.”
-Mark Bretz, Ladue News
“Director Timothy Near’s presentation was a superior example of insightful writing and crystal clear interpretation that grabs your heart and soul in an iron vise.”
-Mark Bretz, Ladue News
“Show of the season…keen-eyed direction of Timothy Near. “
-St. Louis Post Dispatch
“…a razor-sharp ensemble delivers expertly calibrated performances that start out in muted shades then erupt into blistering bursts of raw emotion. ……Under Timothy Near’s brilliant chess-like direction, the characters’ beliefs come across honestly, whether they are well-intentioned or misguided. The moving finale left me speechless, a rare occurrence. It took a while to exhale.”
-Belleville News Democrat
“…...startlingly funny…. The Rep’s presentation of Clybourne Park directed by Timothy Near rises to meet superlatives reserved for truly mind-bending theater….. flawless timing.”
-Nancy Fowler, St. Louis Beacon
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, 2012
RUMORS
“Near again demonstrates her comic credentials. Center Rep scores big laughs with pitch-perfect Rumors.”
-San Jose Mercury News “Neil Simon should put Timothy Near on payroll to direct his plays.”
-Theatreworld Magazine
Center Rep, 2012
LA BOHEME
“Near has increased the pleasure with buoyant pacing and a detailed eye for ensemble interaction, spontaneity, and a strong sense of naturalism. “
-San Jose Mercury News
“The inspired direction of Timothy Near blew dust off the old crowd pleaser and polished the performances to a gleaming luster. Ms. Near infused the action with freshness and immediacy much like Trevor Nunn did with the 1998 West End production of Oklahoma”.
-Out and About Magazine.
“The most beautifully intimate and moving La Boheme in 60 years for this reviewer of this opera. …Near’s sure theatrical sense brought small details into sharp focus….it was like seeing and hearing this masterwork for the very first time.”
-Susan Steinberg Opera Blog
Opera San Jose, 2011
LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR
“...a gripping new production of Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” that brought out all the hot-blooded excitement of this hardy perennial of the musical stage.....reaffirms the power of opera in all its dimensions.”
-Joshua Kosm, Music Critic, San Jose Mercury News
Opera San Jose, 2012
NOISES OFF
“With the show’s excellent cast and Timothy Near’s take-no-prisoners direction, the play is, at the very least, one of the most hilarious productions I have ever seen - great praise considering I’ve seen perhaps a half a dozen versions of Frayn’s farce.”
-Pat Craig, San Jose Mercury News/East Bay Times
Center Rep, 2010
MRS. WARRENS PROFESSION
“Ms. Near’s version of MWP is an arresting blend of ‘Vicwardian’ decor and modern energy. New York’s Roundabout Theatre…will have to work overtime to top this exemplary version.” -Terry Teachout, Wall St. Journal
“Near keeps the action entertaining and the timing sharp.” -Rob Hurwitt, San Francisco Chronicle
“Near’s lusty production captures both the play’s boldness and its timelessness.”
-Karen D’Souza, San Jose Mercury News
“Near’s Mrs. Warren comes to life with an energy and savage humor that surpasses any production I have seen to date….”
-Chloe Veltman, Lies Like Truth Theatre blog
Cal Shakes, 2009
UNCLE VANYA
“Laughter percolates throughout the "Uncle Vanya" that opened Saturday at the Bruns Amphitheater, breaking in waves over the unhappy lives of the denizens of a late 19th century Russian country estate. Empathy gathers slowly around the disappointed characters of Chekhov's masterpiece until Timothy Near's engrossing production reaches its sweet, poignant conclusion.”
“Near delivers a beautifully orchestrated “Vanya”. ...she does full justice to the cosmic comedy Chekhov mined from self-involved, wasted lives without stinting the pathos of their dashed hopes.”
“Near, who grew up on a ranch near Ukiah, makes it clear that this is a working farm - the home of Serebryakov's deceased first wife, long run by her brother Vanya and the professor's daughter Sonya to underwrite his academic career.”
-Rob Hurwitt, San Francisco Chronicle
Cal Shakes, 2008
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, 2012
IPHIGENIA AT AULIS
“…this production captures the terrifying energy and the uncontrollable lust that seems independent of individual action in times of war….this production turns the theatrical risks into a unified, powerful experience that jangles subconscious nerves…”
- Marianne Messina, Metro-Silicon Valley
“…a forceful and imaginatively conceived production…” -Richard Scheinin, San Jose Mercury News
“….under the veteran stage director Timothy Near’s touch, the stage fairly vibrates with vitality, with every “witch’s spell” meticulously played out, every twitch and show of mass aberration and hypocrisy choreographed down to the turning of the head and position of the hand.” -Paul Hertelendy, Arts.com
“Director Timothy Near, Artistic Director of San Jose Rep, demands much of her cast and gets it. She keeps the action fast, believable and nuanced delivering musical drama of the first order.” -Paul Myrvold, Theatre Notes
ENCHANTED APRIL
“Director Timothy Near shaped the play into a giddy piece of feel-good fluff that moved quickly, was gorgeous, and punctuated all the funny and romantic moments of the story. Near recently stepped down as artistic director of San Jose Repertory Theatre, and married a few years back. It's as if all the joy and freedom she feels in her new life has been poured into this production — with delightful results.”
-Kathleen Allen, Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Theatre Company, 2008
Opera San Jose, 2005
The Crucible
San Jose Rep, 2005
MAJOR BARBARA
“San Jose Rep Artistic Director, Timothy Near, compounds the pleasure by making the play a visual as well as a verbal delight. More than that, she’s staged it with great sensitivity and an exceptionally strong cast ….” - -Robert Hurwitt, San Francisco Chronicle
“Timothy Near, artistic director of SJ Rep, chose George Bernard Shaw’s Major Barbara, to begin the new season “because this is an election year, and it is time for all of us to think as clearly and critically as possible about how the world is run and what our individual responsibility is” she writes in her program notes. She does her audience a great service, for Shaw’s look at such issues as morality, poverty and the role that the military-industrial complex plays in government resonates strongly during these politically charged times even though the play is nearly 100 years old. She does her audience a great service in another way, too, for she directs a smartly styled, well cast production that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Near has given her audiences a double gift with this play: theatrical excellence and a work that’s certain to provoke thought and discussion long after the curtain call.”
-Aisle Say, San Francisco
“The Rep’s production deploys all the theatrical elements in a grand scene change that bares these revelations. Stage hands in white safe suits conduct curtains to rise, ushering in small and large scale models of Undershaft’s vision. Brassy intimidation from Gustav Holst’s Mars gives way to the soft-stringed Venus, perfectly imagining the play’s themes. This brilliant collaboration by director Timothy Near and her designers creates the multimetaphored spectacle that good theatre is all about.”
-San Jose Metro
San Jose Rep, 2004
BAD DATES
“Near paces the action with a musical sensitivity, enlivening her scene changes with the sassy dance moves of stage managers…”
-S.F. Chronicle
“Near frames the show with kicky line dancing set changes and catchy Top 40 tunes that give the production a little extra punch.”
-San Jose Mercury News
San Jose Rep, 2004
WINTERTIME
“San Jose Rep has done it again – brought innovative and cleverly written entertainment to the theatrical scene in a play that celebrates the enormous job of keeping love alive and sustaining long-term relationships in Charles Mee’s Wintertime.”
-Rossmoor News
“Like an opera with articulate posturing and ascetic arias, this “slam-bang” emotional roller coaster of complex realities is grand entertainment, outrageously funny and artfully orchestrated by director Timothy Near.”
-Rossmoor News
“San Jose Rep mounts a marvelous production of Charles L. Mee’s Wintertime.”
- San Jose Metro
”While there is plenty of extreme passion in Charles L. Mee’s sexy, smart and fresh comedy about love and desire, the pleasures of this winning production are more subtle and lasting than any effusive praise can convey.”
“……Near has brilliantly coached the cast to wring as much expression from a trashed living room as from tart wordplay.”
- San Jose Metro
“Director Timothy Near unleashes a first-rate cast on this wildly eclectic material with most enchanting results.”
- S.J. Mercury News
THE ODD COUPLE
“Directed by Timothy Near, the comedy, written by Neil Simon, is magnificently interpreted. Oftentimes what makes us laugh is the naturalness of the action of every one of the personalities.”
-La Oferta
“Timothy Near’s outstanding direction gently whirls the actors around the theatre, turning the shabby folly into a symbol of hope and healing in this tender, fanciful waltz.” - Curtain Call, Seattle,Wa.
“Directed with loving care and an open heart by Timothy Near.”
-Backstage West, Seattle
“For the first time, I have seen the benefit of “in the round” staging. Director Timothy Near made the evening flow with organic moments and movements.”
-Talkin’ Broadway, Seattle
San Jose Rep, 2003
San Jose Rep, 2003
TALLEY’S FOLLY
A Contemporary Theatre, 2000
BY THE BOG OF CATS
“Timothy Near stages this play inspired by Euripede’s Medea with a transformative magic turning the theatre into a place where both living and dead phantoms wander in search of a semblance of peace”
-San Jose Mercury News
“Timothy Near’s direction beautifully captures the crepuscular atmosphere of Carr’s writing, etching some haunting images.Scenes are marvels of economic design, using minimal scenery to create maximum impact -Aisle Say, San Francisco
“Then there’s artistic director, Timothy Near’s direction—taut, muscular and poetic as the play itself, full of powerful drama and arresting images.”
-S.F. Bay Guardian
“…With this dream cast, By the Bog of Cats…updates the Greek tragedy by personalizing it, and in a way also preserves a piece of Traveler culture by spinning a spectacular yarn no one who sees it will soon forget.”
“Timothy Near directs an outstanding cast who make all the characters absolutely real”
-San Jose Metro
“Timothy Nears no-holds-barred production has swept all before it and put Carr up in our new pantheon of playwrights with Martin McDonagh and Conor McPherson. A production like the Rep’s makes you believe in the religion of live theater and confirms that San Jose is the place to look for great new Irish plays in California”
-The Irish Herald
San Jose Rep, 2001
AMY’S VIEW
“Director Near paces the play effectively and achieves an admirable sense of naturalism from her actors -- Nears production is strong and even works out some of the lumps in Hare’s script….the final image –a highly theatrical vision of dignity, grief and salvation—is one that will linger long after Amy’s View ends.” -Oakland Tribune
WALLFLOWERING
“Under the direction of Timothy Near, Wallflowering is foot-loose and fanciful with the elegant tandem of dancing alter egos. Under Near’s guidance it has become a rich, often fetching choreographic spread.”
-San Jose Mercury News
THE GLASS MENAGERIE
“The crowning achievement of a remarkable season…another shining example of the Rep’s consummate skill at taking a classic work and molding it with important new shadings without lessening the production’s inherent purpose or greatness. Congratulations to director Timothy Near for shaping a wonderful production.”
-KMOX Radio
“Even those who aren’t fond of this play will find this interpretation enthralling and captivating. The most striking thing is the direction. Ms. Timothy Near once again makes her mark emphatically on the Rep stage.” -KFUO Radio
San Jose Rep, 2000
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, 1997
San Jose Repertory Theatre, 1997
THUNDER KNOCKING ON THE DOOR
“The Rep’s shiny new theatre is a beauty. Small wonder that Artistic Director Timothy Near wanted to open this wonder with a show that would be both a celebration and a showcase. Thunder fills the bill. It doesn’t just knock on the door - it raises the roof!”
-San Francisco Examiner
“The Timothy Near-directed production is a gleeful introductory party for the new theatre.”
-San Jose Mercury News
MISS JULIE
“Director Timothy Near’s audacious preamble to a classic doesn’t transpose the play from its 19th century milieu to the 20th. But that touch and many others in her exciting production add a tingling psychosexual frisson to it. A vibrant and convincing piece of theatre that cuts to the heart of Strindberg’s charged text…Near and her collaborators have made this convention-flouting play daring all over again.” -San Francisco Chronicle
San Jose Rep, 1997
LATER LIFE
“Calculated to provide a chuckle and a tear, and it does both in the Rep’s little jewel of a production…director Timothy Near gets credit, for the blocking is exquisitely choreographed.” – S.F. Chronicle
San Jose Repertory Theatre, 1995
San Jose Repertory Theatre, 1997
San Jose Repertory Theatre, 1996
THE MOUSETRAP
“Director Timothy Near and her excellent cast blaze in this bang up production.”
-WYSO FM Cincinnati
“Director Timothy Near has put her best foot forward in staging this age-old play. Near has brought out three dimensional characters from her cast and zeroed in on the topics which are still germane to today’s society.”
-The Cincinnati Herald
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, 1995
San Jose Rep, 2003
The Rainmaker
ON THE VERGE
“A wonderfully entertaining version of this imaginative adventure play…Timothy Near’s direction makes this a show not to be missed.”
-Bay City News
“It’s funny, tuneful and charming, and under Timothy Near’s direction it moves along as purposefully as the Broadway Limited. The result is a marvelously detailed tableau. Everyone on that stage has a life, and something on his or her mind.”
-San Jose Mercury News
San Jose Rep, 1994
“An inspired Chekhov production concludes the Rep’s season…in a harmonious and rewarding production staged by Timothy Near…The Seagull is an entirely fortuitous conclusion to the year.”
-Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle
San Jose Repertory Theatre, 1994
THE SEAGULL
San Jose Repertory Theatre, 1993
THE BABY DANCE
“In Timothy Near’s superb production, The Baby Dance remains admirably taut and tightly focused on the intensity of feeling that isolates the players in their anguished little cells of grief.”
- San Francisco Chronicle
San Jose Repertory Theatre, 1993
San Jose Rep, 1995
FIRE IN THE RAIN, SINGER IN THE STORM
“You would have to have a heart of flint and the disposition of an ogre not to be charmed by this loving and cajoling bit of unconventional autobiography. It is gentle, generous, humorous and candid without becoming needlessly invasive. Together, sisters Holly and Timothy keep things simple, balanced and, above all, honest. It is this quality of truthfulness more than any other that permeates the show.”
-LA Times
“Timothy Near directs this heartfelt, no-holds-barred autobiography with love and respect…should be added to the list of one-woman shows that knock your socks off.” -Hollywood Dramalogue
“Exuberant, soul-stirring and thoroughly entertaining…” “Four Stars!” “Wonderful!”
-Oakland Tribune
Mark Taper Forum, 1992
San Jose Rep, 1991
THE RAINMAKER
“Near is a powerful director with a sharp, creative vision…a brilliantly comic production.”
-Alameda Times Star
“Judging by the Rep’s well-defined production, there’s reason to believe Near may be San Jose’s rainmaker.”
-Peninsula Times Tribune
“Near has made an impressive directorial debut at the Guthrie. It’s a balanced, thoughtful, and imaginative production that probes the depths of the play without trying to pull it out of shape and make it fit an unlikely concept.”
- Minnesota Daily
“Let me say right up front that this is as fine a production of The Rainmaker as you’re likely to see. Director Timothy Near has worked miracles with the play.”
-Minneapolis Curtain Call
“Near wants to carry us away and she does…her diversions are superb and she must get the credit.”
-Minneapolis Star and Tribune
The Guthrie Theatre, 1986
San Jose Repertory Theatre, 1987
All my sons
“Timothy Near’s production gathers power, and as it surges to its wrenching climax, it becomes a searing, shatteringly acted production of a surprisingly strong play. Near has now given the theatre one of its finest productions.” -Malcolm L. Johnson, Hartford Courant
Stage West, 1985