San Francisco’s own Focus on Golden Gate Theatre Company (FOGG) just finished the last weekend of its first production, “The Cable Car Nymphomaniac.” The musical is fresh and new, written only two years ago by Kirsten Guenther, with music and lyrics by Tony Asaro, co-founder and artistic director of FOGG. Based on a true story, “The Cable Car Nymphomaniac” exemplifies the declaration of the company “to create high-quality, original, and locally relevant musical theater for the people of the Bay Area” (Asaro, from the program), and emphasizes its goal of continuing to preserve San Francisco’s history.

The show begins in 1964, when a regular woman named Gloria Sykes, played by Rinabeth Apostol, has an accident in a cable car, causing her to hit her head. This incident acts as a catalyst for Gloria’s actions to come, swinging from one lover to the next. Currently, a woman wanting to engage in sexual relations is completely status quo, however in the 1960s this was typically unheard of. So much was it not part of the social norm that Gloria decided to sue MUNI not just for her mental trauma, but for her sexual urges as well. While Gloria was the heroine of the show, there was also Bryce, played by Courtney Merrell, the perfect housewife of her husband, Bruce, played by David Naughton, Gloria’s attorney. While Gloria was having trouble staying out of bed, Bryce was having trouble getting in.

The two contrasting female leads contribute to the demonstration of the feminist movement in San Francisco. With songs like “Bruce Needs His Bryce” and “A Woman Shouldn’t Want” it’s obvious that housewives like Bryce have their place in society: being owned by their husbands. Bryce looks to Gloria as her idol, longing to possess the freedom she believes Gloria has. However, an unexpected twist is revealed and it appears Gloria isn’t as glamorous as Bryce’s brain made her up to be.

Along with Gloria’s emotional troubles, Bryce makes a big step forward in her own feminist movement, creating more than one heart-wrenching occasion in the show, although not too many tissues shall be necessary throughout the duration of the show. Just leave it to the ensemble, played by Steven Ennis, Hayley Lovgren and Tony Asaro, to strike up some comedic relief and (almost) steal the show. The cast as a whole performed brilliantly, showcasing the main theme of the show not just through characterization, but especially through Asaro’s original compositions. The addition of music to the stage creates an entirely different experience when it “heightens the fun and deepens emotional impact” (Asaro, from the program).

Although this was the closing weekend of “The Cable Car Nymphomaniac,” FOGG is working towards fundraising for more productions in the future. Keep an eye out on Indiegogo if you’d like to contribute and be a part of the FOGG community, anti-disappointment guaranteed.