Thrillpeddlers’ “Theodora; She-Bitch of Byzantium”
“Director Russell Blackwood’s ever-game cast has its brightest spots in the crucial places, beginning with Jef Valentine’s vivacious drag “queen”, Theodora...a misunderstood misanthrope with a great pair of gams.” — Robert Avila, SF Bay Guardian
“As bonkers as Theodora is, there’s something stately at its center that lends the drag drollery an unexpected air of gravitas. That something is Valentine, who commands the Hypnodrome’s tiny stage like a true empress. In his manifesto for the legendary Ridiculous Theatre Co., founder Charles Ludlam states: “Treat the material in a madly farcical manner without losing the seriousness of the theme.” Valentine perfectly carries out Ludlam’s vision.”
— Chloe Veltman, SF Weekly Read full review
— Chloe Veltman, SF Weekly Read full review
Ray of Light’s “Rocky Horror Show”“The near-perfect cast manages to pay tribute to the film while outpacing it in almost every way.”
— Chris Jensen, SF Weekly
“Valentine rocks the Frank-n-Furter corset magnificently.”
— Janine Kahn, SF Weekly All Shook Down
“Respectable turns by an enjoyable cast headed up by a formidable Jef Valentine.”
— Robert Avila, SF Bay Guardian
“Valentine is charismatic in his fishnets…he embraces the role with an almost fanatical gusto. His vocal chords on the songs are vigorous and bell clear. There is a little bit of Marilyn Manson menace in his performance.”
— Richard Connema, Talkin’ Broadway
Theatre Rhinoceros’ “The Picture of Dorian Gray”“Jef Valentine brings an earnest integrity to the portrait painter Basil Hallward...”
— Robert Hurwitt, SF Chronicle
”Valentine's smart and engaging performance as Basil carries real weight and is a fresh surprise coming from a talented actor seen more often in drag than "straight" clothes.”