Arts & Culture

Monica Palacios stands up and out

Monica Palacios stands up and out

  • THEATER
  • by Laura Moreno
  • Apr 18, 2023

Renowned Chicana lesbian Monica Palcios presents her solo show "San Francisco, Mi Amor!" about the start of her queer comedy career and activism in San Francisco in the 1980s.

Zach Zimmerman: gay comic at the Swedish American Hall

Zach Zimmerman: gay comic at the Swedish American Hall

  • THEATER
  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Apr 18, 2023

Along with his stand-up act, Zach Zimmerman's just published book of essays "Is It Hot in Here? Or Am I Suffering for all Eternity for the Sins I Committed on Earth?" will be on sale at his show at the Swedish American Hall.

To hell and back: Thomas Adès's 'Dante' ballet

To hell and back: Thomas Adès's 'Dante' ballet

  • MUSIC
  • by Tim Pfaff
  • Apr 18, 2023

Thomas Adès thinks big. The new live recording of "Dante," his 90-minute piece, has been recorded by the Los Angeles Philharmonic under its departing music director, Gustavo Dudamel.

Couples therapy: The Lavender Tube on Margaret Cho, 'Not Dead Yet,' 'Shark Tank' & more

Couples therapy: The Lavender Tube on Margaret Cho, 'Not Dead Yet,' 'Shark Tank' & more

Married couples in sitcoms and competition shows, plus Margaret Cho, Ali Wong and Elliot Page get a nod in our TV columnist's latest roundup.

Fenton Bailey's 'ScreenAge' - World of Wonder producer's pop culture inspirations in new book

Fenton Bailey's 'ScreenAge' - World of Wonder producer's pop culture inspirations in new book

  • BOOKS
  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Apr 18, 2023

Fenton Bailey's 'ScreenAge: How TV Shaped Our Reality From Tammy Faye to RuPaul's Drag Race' consists of three interweaving sections: personal memoir, the role of television in our lives, and the impact of queer pop culture.

Romeo Void's Debora Iyall: a timeless punk diva

Romeo Void's Debora Iyall: a timeless punk diva

  • MUSIC
  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Apr 11, 2023

Romeo Void's lead singer discusses the band's history and the release of "Live From Mabuhay Gardens, November 14, 1980."

In the Spotlight: singular talents hit local stages

In the Spotlight: singular talents hit local stages

  • MUSIC
  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Apr 11, 2023

A breakout glam rock cabaret star; a character actress who plays a whole cast of characters; Broadway's standby success story of the year; and a show tune interpreter like you've never heard before.

'English' at Berkeley Rep: What have we learned?

'English' at Berkeley Rep: What have we learned?

  • THEATER
  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Apr 11, 2023

Our theater critic gives Sanaz Toossi's "English," set in an Iranian ESL class and now playing at the Berkeley Rep, a solid B. But three of its cast members deliver A-plus performances that elevate the entire production to honor roll status.

'Summoning Sylvia' — ghosts, laughs and a witch

'Summoning Sylvia' — ghosts, laughs and a witch

  • MOVIES
  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Apr 11, 2023

"Summoning Sylvia" is a new, independently produced horror comedy that's currently available via Video on Demand. It's a zany laugh fest that offers ghosts, a self-professed witch, and even a little social commentary about homophobia.

What's Enough? Pianist Stephen Hough's new memoir

What's Enough? Pianist Stephen Hough's new memoir

  • MUSIC
  • by Tim Pfaff
  • Apr 11, 2023

Designated one of the 20 living polymaths, Stephen Hough has, in recent years, added to his discography and busy concert schedule a welter of new musical compositions, and books, including his new memoir.

'Little Richard: I Am Everything' - documentary of the rock music icon tells all

'Little Richard: I Am Everything' - documentary of the rock music icon tells all

  • MOVIES
  • by Cornelius Washington
  • Apr 10, 2023

In the new documentary, "Little Richard: I Am Everything," the truth that the pioneering rock musician had always proclaimed is made staggeringly clear. He was one of the most influential people of the 20th century.

Ocean film fest to feature trans bodysurfer

Ocean film fest to feature trans bodysurfer

  • MOVIES
  • by Marijke Rowland
  • Apr 5, 2023

When two people met in the water near the Manhattan Beach Pier, their shared love of surfing overcame their outward differences and became the basis for a new short documentary about the sport and trans joy.

SF Filmfest's faves

SF Filmfest's faves

  • MOVIES
  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Apr 4, 2023

The 66th San Francisco International Film Festival includes a wealth of Bay Area filmmakers across all sections. Stories from 37 countries will be featured.

'Merrily We Roll Along' - a rewinding Sondheim revival at 42nd St. Moon

'Merrily We Roll Along' - a rewinding Sondheim revival at 42nd St. Moon

  • THEATER
  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Apr 4, 2023

An enjoyable production of Stephen Sondheim's musical "Merrily We Roll Along," now being staged by 42nd Street Moon, is well worth catching in one of its final five performances before closing after Sunday's Easter matinee.