Arts & Culture :: Theater

Holiday concerts of note

Holiday concerts of note

  • by Philip Campbell
  • Nov 30, 2021

The holidays are here and ready to celebrate in person. Opportunities to attend concerts and seasonal music events are plentiful and most performance venues are back to full capacity.

Martin Sherman: the acclaimed playwright discusses his new and classic works

Martin Sherman: the acclaimed playwright discusses his new and classic works

  • by Tim Miller
  • Nov 30, 2021

In advance of the local premiere of his new play 'Gently Down the Stream,' prolific playwright Martin Sherman discusses 'the full heat of queer and Jewish identity' in his writing with performer and author Tim Miller.

Poetic points of perplexion: 'Plot Points in Our Sexual Development' at NCTC

Poetic points of perplexion: 'Plot Points in Our Sexual Development' at NCTC

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Nov 30, 2021

Miranda Rose Hall's 'Plot Points in Our Sexual Development,' now in its regional debut in a polished production at the New Conservatory Theatre Company, is a superficially familiar hour-long relationship drama with a surprising grenade toss of an ending.

Stephen Sondheim: March 22, 1930-November 26, 2021

Stephen Sondheim: March 22, 1930-November 26, 2021

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Nov 29, 2021

It is no exaggeration to say that Stephen Sondheim reinvented the Broadway musical and became the quintessential musical dramatist of our age, and the most influential composer-lyricist of the second half of the 20th century.

50 years in 50 weeks: 2004's home runs

50 years in 50 weeks: 2004's home runs

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Nov 25, 2021

You can't fault us for our enthusiastic coverage of Richard Greenberg's thought-provoking drama 'Take Me Out,' about a gay baseball player's decision to come out. Also, the play includes extensive male nudity in shower scenes.

'On Broadway' - documentary raises the curtain on theater history

'On Broadway' - documentary raises the curtain on theater history

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Nov 23, 2021

Oren Jacoby's documentary 'On Broadway' covers a lot of ground. The film, which celebrates Broadway's unique ability to bounce back bigger than ever after facing adversity, is now available on DVD and streaming online.

Veteran dancer Brian Fisher's new steps

Veteran dancer Brian Fisher's new steps

  • by Philip Mayard
  • Nov 23, 2021

Having originated and performed the role of Drosselmeyer in Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets for 13 years, this year, Fisher will step down as a performer to serve as the production's Artistic Associate and Rehearsal Director.

Family forays on stage: Berkeley Rep's 'Wintertime' — Aurora Theatre's 'Father/Daughter'

Family forays on stage: Berkeley Rep's 'Wintertime' — Aurora Theatre's 'Father/Daughter'

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Nov 23, 2021

Berkeley Rep's giddy show, Charles Mee's comic 'Wintertime,' takes on a home-for-the-holidays extended family gathering. Aurora Theatre offers the world premiere of Kait Kerrigan's Father/Daughter, about parents and children's connections.

Holigay events: choral, cabaret, comedy and more for December fun

Holigay events: choral, cabaret, comedy and more for December fun

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Nov 22, 2021

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and now that the Bay Area has reopened, there's plenty to do in December. Here are several ways you can celebrate and have a joyous holiday.

Randy Rainbow: gay satire king, er, queen, at the Masonic

Randy Rainbow: gay satire king, er, queen, at the Masonic

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Nov 16, 2021

Shining brightly through the seemingly impenetrable recent dark storm clouds, Randy Rainbow burst forth with colorful parody songs and videos that provided endless sources of laughs. He'll perform in SF Nov. 20.

Good morning, Baltimore: Drag Race's Nina West headlines 'Hairspray' in San Jose

Good morning, Baltimore: Drag Race's Nina West headlines 'Hairspray' in San Jose

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Nov 16, 2021

Hairspray, the Tony Award-winning musical, will perform November 23-28 at San Jose's Center For the Performing Arts. RuPaul's Drag Race star Nina West heads the cast as Edna Turnblad.

50 years in 50 weeks: 2002's stages

50 years in 50 weeks: 2002's stages

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Nov 11, 2021

In October 2002, New Conservatory Theatre Center premiered Mart Crowley's 'The Men From the Boys,' the sequel to his historic 1968 plays, 'The Boys in the Band.'

Arts Briefs: Joan Jett Blakk, Queer Vibes, & more

Arts Briefs: Joan Jett Blakk, Queer Vibes, & more

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Nov 2, 2021

Here's an update on several LGBT arts events taking place in-person and online, including a short film about a political drag queen, a hair salon's fun events, and a new performer showcase produced by the SF LGBT Center.

Drag in their family

Drag in their family

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Nov 2, 2021

Terry Guest, the Chicago-based playwright of At The Wake of a Dead Drag Queen, shares the inspiration for his play; also, Brava Theater Center hosts the Theyfriend Nonbinary Performance Festival.