Arts & Culture

'MJ' at the Orpheum: celebrating the music of Michael Jackson, not the man

'MJ' at the Orpheum: celebrating the music of Michael Jackson, not the man

  • THEATER
  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Feb 6, 2024

How do you solve a problem like Michael Jackson? Amidst all the goosebump-inducing musical moments in "MJ," the Michael Jackson-inspired show now playing at the Orpheum Theatre, there's a quick snippet of song that's particularly worthy of attention.

Pride in Panels: queer comic books to be celebrated at SF's main library

Pride in Panels: queer comic books to be celebrated at SF's main library

  • ART
  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Feb 6, 2024

On Sunday February 18 San Francisco's main library will celebrate queer comic books with an exhibition to remember. Titled "Pride in Panels: SF Queer Comics Fest," the afternoon will bring together scores of queer comic book creators.

Magnificently familiar: Berkeley Rep's 'Cult of Love' sings and prickles

Magnificently familiar: Berkeley Rep's 'Cult of Love' sings and prickles

  • THEATER
  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Feb 6, 2024

There's lots of beautiful music in "Cult of Love," the coruscatingly funny drama now on stage at the Berkeley Rep, as the Dahl clan —elderly parents, four adult children and their partners— has gathered for Christmas and a good deal of familial conflict.

An homage to Chita Rivera, the musical theater star

An homage to Chita Rivera, the musical theater star

  • THEATER
  • by J.A. Valentine
  • Feb 6, 2024

The passing of Chita Rivera on January 30 at age 91 will be deeply felt by many. Here, a devoted fan, and a performer himself, shares highlights of the musical theater star's epic career.

Cruises & comedy crashes: The Lavender Tube on 'Death and Other Details,' SNL's off-kilter sketches and more

Cruises & comedy crashes: The Lavender Tube on 'Death and Other Details,' SNL's off-kilter sketches and more

Hulu's new murder mystery series "Death and Other Details" will remind you of "White Lotus" and other shows, but it's got three lesbians. Our columnist also cover SNL's comedic crashes, and news of their next guest host, a racist homophobe.

A.C. Burch's 'The Distance Between Us' — a murder mystery in Provincetown

A.C. Burch's 'The Distance Between Us' — a murder mystery in Provincetown

  • BOOKS
  • by Laura Moreno
  • Feb 6, 2024

Written with great creativity and passion, "The Distance Between Us" by A. C. Burch is a fun page-turner with echoes of "Murder She Wrote," Miss Marple, and at times Jane Austen.

Mostly British Filmfest at The Vogue

Mostly British Filmfest at The Vogue

  • MOVIES
  • by Joel Shepard, Jim Provenzano
  • Feb 5, 2024

For some jolly good cinema, the Mostly British Film Festival returns on February 15 to 22, at the Vogue Theatre. The 16th annual tribute to English language films from the former Commonwealth screens 26 movies, some with queer themes.

Going Out, Feb. 1-9, 2024

Going Out, Feb. 1-9, 2024

  • CULTURE
  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Feb 1, 2024

Shake up your usual routine with a vibrant dance concert, a stunning art exhibit, or a night of drinks and drag. While nearly every bar will screen the Super Bowl on Feb 11, you can find other diversions, even some that also include men in tights.

Minna Lee's big launch — 'My Home on the Moon' at SF Playhouse

Minna Lee's big launch — 'My Home on the Moon' at SF Playhouse

  • THEATER
  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Jan 30, 2024

"I can't imagine I'll ever eat an algorithmic cookie and love it," declared queer playwright Minna Lee, whose "My Home on the Moon" is currently having its world premiere production at the San Francisco Playhouse. "Eat a what?!," you may wonder.

Jeremy Jordan's Broadway-bound once again. But next, he plays Feinstein's at the Nikko

Jeremy Jordan's Broadway-bound once again. But next, he plays Feinstein's at the Nikko

  • MUSIC
  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Jan 30, 2024

When Jeremy Jordan performs at Feinstein's at the Nikko on February 18-20, more than four years will have passed since he last played San Francisco. After his concerts, he's back on Broadway starring in the musical, "The Great Gatsby."

'The Old Gays Guide to the Good Life'

'The Old Gays Guide to the Good Life'

  • BOOKS
  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Jan 30, 2024

The Old Gays, a group of friends in Palm Springs, dance, wear skimpy outfits, and dress in drag. They are social media superstars with 11 million followers on TikTok and 1 million on Instagram, and now they have book full of advice and stories.

Veronica Klaus returns: jazz diva to perform at Martuni's

Veronica Klaus returns: jazz diva to perform at Martuni's

  • MUSIC
  • by Christopher J. Beale
  • Jan 30, 2024

Former San Franciscan Veronica Klaus, whose singing style transports audiences to a bygone era, returns to Martuni's for two nights only on February 1 and 6.

Are you 'Open To It?' Frank Arthur Smith dishes on his gay non-monogamy series

Are you 'Open To It?' Frank Arthur Smith dishes on his gay non-monogamy series

"Open To It" is a web series led by Frank Arthur Smith. In season one we meet Cam and Greg, a gay couple who make the decision to start hooking up with other guys. What follows is an episodic master class in comedic representation turned all the way up.

Words: Lesléa Newman and Gary Eldon Peter: Young Adult writers in conversation

Words: Lesléa Newman and Gary Eldon Peter: Young Adult writers in conversation

  • BOOKS
  • by Michele Karlsberg
  • Jan 30, 2024

Books about LGBTQ younger generations living in rural settings helps to save lives. Characters, stories and landscape that young readers can connect with are always important. YA authors Lesléa Newman and Gary Eldon Peter discussed their new books.