Arts & Culture :: Theater

Holiday happenings: music, dance and camp fun for your Yule

Holiday happenings: music, dance and camp fun for your Yule

  • by Philip Mayard
  • Nov 28, 2023

From classical music and dance, to campy classics featuring your favorite drag performers, there's something on stages across the Bay Area to bring joy and inspiration to your holiday season.

The unscripted self: Billy Crudup in Berkeley Rep's 'Harry Clarke'

The unscripted self: Billy Crudup in Berkeley Rep's 'Harry Clarke'

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Nov 28, 2023

"Why would anyone read reviews?!" asks the brash title character of David Cale's funny, brainy one-actor play "Harry Clarke," now at the Berkeley Rep. "Surprise me!"

Gay Pride on Pride Rock — 'The Lion King' cast member & manager share tales from the road

Gay Pride on Pride Rock — 'The Lion King' cast member & manager share tales from the road

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Nov 21, 2023

"Sometimes you get surprised," said Eric Bean of the 50-odd cities he's visited as one of the 134 members of "The Lion King" touring company that opens at the Orpheum Theatre this week. "In Tulsa, Oklahoma, there are four different drag brunches!"

Matt Mathews: TikTok phenom plays the Regency Ballroom

Matt Mathews: TikTok phenom plays the Regency Ballroom

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Nov 21, 2023

"I don't consider myself a stand-up comedian at all," drawled Matt Mathews. Nevertheless, his comic wit that gained popularity online has led to nearly sold-out shows nationwide.

Doubleplus '1984' — Aurora Theatre's stage adaptation of Orwell's classic

Doubleplus '1984' — Aurora Theatre's stage adaptation of Orwell's classic

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Nov 21, 2023

If you're more interested in holding tight to the things you're thankful for than in cranking up the amperage of your holiday cheer, the Aurora Theatre's production of "1984" may be just the ticket for you.

Going Out, Nov. 16-24, 2023

Going Out, Nov. 16-24, 2023

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Nov 15, 2023

Get ready to stuff yourself, we mean with arts and nightlife events, in this week's Going Out.

Going Out, Nov. 9-17, 2023

Going Out, Nov. 9-17, 2023

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Nov 9, 2023

We've got plays, musical, art exhibits and nightlife fun that are outta this world, well, actually possibly in your neighborhood, in this week's Going Out.

'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' — Shotgun Players pulls the wig down from the shelf

'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' — Shotgun Players pulls the wig down from the shelf

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Nov 7, 2023

As conceived by writer John Cameron Mitchell and composer/lyricist Stephen Trask back in 1997, "Hedwig"— now being presented by Berkeley's Shotgun Players — is intended to feel like a late night in a dive bar, not an evening at the theater.

Tanika Baptiste directs 'Group Therapy' at Theatre Rhino

Tanika Baptiste directs 'Group Therapy' at Theatre Rhino

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Nov 7, 2023

Tis the season for Tanika Baptiste. While performing in the recent SF Playhouse production of 'Nollywood Dreams,' the multi-talent helmed rehearsals of Theatre Rhinoceros' new show, Kheven LaGrone's 'Group Therapy.'

Theyfriend: shining a spotlight on nonbinary performers

Theyfriend: shining a spotlight on nonbinary performers

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Nov 7, 2023

Nonbinary performers will be celebrated from November 14-18 when Diamond Wave, a San Francisco-based queer arts organization, presents the third annual Theyfriend performance festival.

'The Legend of Georgia McBride' — Matthew López' drag makeover comedy at Center Rep

'The Legend of Georgia McBride' — Matthew López' drag makeover comedy at Center Rep

  • by Christopher J. Beale
  • Nov 7, 2023

Center Repertory Company is staging "The Legend of Georgia McBride" at Lesher Center for the Performing Arts in Walnut Creek as a direct response to the latest anti-drag and LGBTQ legislation sweeping the nation.

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."