Arts & Culture :: Theater

Andrew Rannells' 'Uncle of the Year' — hilarious, heartbreaking essays from a funny gay actor

Andrew Rannells' 'Uncle of the Year' — hilarious, heartbreaking essays from a funny gay actor

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Nov 7, 2023

In his candid new book of essays "Uncle of the Year," successful actor Andrew Rannells wonders why he still feels like an anxious twenty-year-old climbing his way toward solid ground.

Nathalie Lermitte's tribute to Edith Piaf

Nathalie Lermitte's tribute to Edith Piaf

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Oct 31, 2023

Between a summer that brought TayTay and Bey to the Bay and a winter that heralds the latest manifestation of Madonna, yet another gay-favored global superstar headlines the Herbst Theatre on November 6; Edith Piaf, as interpreted by Nathalie Lermitte.

NCTC's 'we are continuous' — Ordinary people, extraordinarily wrought

NCTC's 'we are continuous' — Ordinary people, extraordinarily wrought

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Oct 31, 2023

One of the most poignant moments in Harrison David Rivers' autobiographical "we are continuous," is a mother's reaction when her gay adult son, says "You don't have to worry about me."

Going Out, Oct. 26-Nov. 3, 2023

Going Out, Oct. 26-Nov. 3, 2023

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Oct 26, 2023

Halloween's on Tuesday, but you know there'll be plenty of creepy costumed fun through this weekend. We also have plenty of arts and nightclub events that are a bit less scary, including our Besties winners and runners-up, this week in Going Out.

John Cameron Mitchell on playing 'Cassette Roulette' with Amber Martin

John Cameron Mitchell on playing 'Cassette Roulette' with Amber Martin

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Oct 24, 2023

John Cameron Mitchell takes to the stage on November 4 at Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall with multi-talented singer Amber Martin. The duo will play "Cassette Roulette," a fun night of prepared and audience-request songs performed with their band.

Museums, music & more: Besties arts: a winning year in local culture for 2023

Museums, music & more: Besties arts: a winning year in local culture for 2023

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Oct 24, 2023

From music to dance and theater, our readers have shared their favorites in the Besties once again. Here's what they have to say this go-round in the performing arts.

Theater Briefs: closing soon and coming soon

Theater Briefs: closing soon and coming soon

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Oct 24, 2023

The fall theater season continues at a fast and furious pace, with plenty of openings still to come. Here are a few productions that should be on your radar.

Going Out, Oct. 19-27, 2023

Going Out, Oct. 19-27, 2023

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Oct 19, 2023

From artists showcasing their works at the Shipyard Open Studios, to pre-Halloween weekend revelry, we're sharing a feast of arts and nightclub events in Going Out, this week and every week.

Fortune Feimster — She's queer, she's here, she's hella funny.

Fortune Feimster — She's queer, she's here, she's hella funny.

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Oct 17, 2023

With two hilarious, full-length Netflix specials to her name, numerous acting roles, and a brand new live stand-up comedy tour, aptly titled "Live, Love, Laugh" (in Oakland Oct. 21), there's plenty of Fortune Feimster to go around.

Eddie Izzard and Alex Edelman: Pushing the envelope of stand-up

Eddie Izzard and Alex Edelman: Pushing the envelope of stand-up

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Oct 16, 2023

This month, San Francisco audiences can see two of the brainiest comics currently working in full-length solo shows: queer British entertainer Eddie Izzard, and rising star Alex Edelman.

Golden Thread's ReOrient Festival — Middle Eastern playwrights share their stories

Golden Thread's ReOrient Festival — Middle Eastern playwrights share their stories

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Oct 14, 2023

The ReOrient Festival of Short Plays, running at Potrero Stage includes three productions of works by queer and nonbinary Middle Eastern playwrights with a focus on LGBTQ characters.

'The Rocky Horror Show' — Ray of Light & Oasis deliver a definitive delight

'The Rocky Horror Show' — Ray of Light & Oasis deliver a definitive delight

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Oct 10, 2023

To borrow a line from playwright-composer Richard O'Brien, Ray of Light Theatre "has discovered the secret, that elusive ingredient, that... spark that is the breath of life itself!" in its electrifying resurrection of O'Brien's own "The Rocky Horror Show."

Anthony Rapp's 'Without You' — Musical musings on love and loss

Anthony Rapp's 'Without You' — Musical musings on love and loss

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Oct 10, 2023

From October 19-22 actor Anthony Rapp, whose career took off when he was cast as Mark Cohen in the now classic musical "Rent," will bring his solo musical "Without You" to the Curran Theater.

Going Out, Oct. 5-13, 2023

Going Out, Oct. 5-13, 2023

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Oct 5, 2023

Our autumn harvest of arts and nightlife events is ripening, rousing and ribald, so check 'em out this week and every week.