Arts & Culture :: Theater

Classy classical Christmas: music, dances, plays and choral treats for the holidays

Classy classical Christmas: music, dances, plays and choral treats for the holidays

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Dec 15, 2020

Holiday-themed music, choral and dance concerts continue, albeit in virtual formats, including San Francisco Ballet, San Francisco Symphony, Chanticleer, Kitka, Cal Performances, San Francisco Bach Choir, and more.

Choral response: SF Gay Men's Chorus brings holiday music

Choral response: SF Gay Men's Chorus brings holiday music

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Dec 15, 2020

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus isn't letting the pandemic spoil their Christmas holiday. The chorus' annual Christmas Eve concert, '(At) Home for the Holidays,' will go on this year as a virtual event with guest-star performers.

Ballet22 premieres with online concerts

Ballet22 premieres with online concerts

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Dec 9, 2020

In a blend of classical ballet, pointe work and contemporary styles, the new Oakland-based company Ballet22 will premiere new dances recorded at SF's ODC Theater, some with a modern holiday edge.

Katya Smirnoff-Skyy's 'Spectacular'- Russian opera diva's holiday concert's online

Katya Smirnoff-Skyy's 'Spectacular'- Russian opera diva's holiday concert's online

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Dec 8, 2020

Katya Smirnoff-Skyy, our favorite local exiled Russian opera diva, takes to the online airwaves in a holiday-themed concert that'll make the Yuletide extra-gay.

Holiday variety: Taylor Mac, New Conservatory's seasonal shows

Holiday variety: Taylor Mac, New Conservatory's seasonal shows

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Dec 8, 2020

The tinsel-strewn variety show has long been a staple of December entertainment. Taylor Mac revives his 'Holiday Sauce' at the Curran, and New Conservatory Theatre Center's 'Queer Variety' show should bring some holiday cheer.

Christmas, present: A.C.T.'s 'Carol,' SF Mime Troupe on air

Christmas, present: A.C.T.'s 'Carol,' SF Mime Troupe on air

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Dec 1, 2020

Nah, humbug! Tune in to newly adapted radio versions of 'A Christmas Carol' produced by American Conservatory Theatre and San Francisco Mime Troupe.

Sondheim's score: 'Anyone Can Whistle' 1997 recording to be released

Sondheim's score: 'Anyone Can Whistle' 1997 recording to be released

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Nov 19, 2020

A 1997 recording of the full score of Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurent's cult favorite musical about corrupt politics, a miracle fountain and asylum inmates will be released on December 4, giving musical theater fans a new score to enjoy.

Theater royalty gathers for U.K. arts benefit

Theater royalty gathers for U.K. arts benefit

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Nov 14, 2020

Imagine having a conversation with your favorite living British actors. 'For One Knight Only' will include Dame Judi Dench, Sir Derek Jacobi, Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Maggie Smith host Sir Kenneth Branagh in a fundraiser for UK theater workers.

Theater, Technically: Bay Area plays with a political edge

Theater, Technically: Bay Area plays with a political edge

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Oct 27, 2020

Shotgun Players, Berkeley Repertory and Marin Theatre Company each have new shows ready to be viewed safely online, with astute and timely political and social messages told through innovative ways.

Not curtains: theater companies adapt to retain audiences

Not curtains: theater companies adapt to retain audiences

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Oct 20, 2020

The most unusual new theater season in ages is now officially underway at Bay Area companies. From live-streamed productions to audio adaptations, new and classic plays are finding online audiences.

Terrorgrams: Peaches Christ & crew's 'Screaming Telegrams' bring door-to-door scary delights

Terrorgrams: Peaches Christ & crew's 'Screaming Telegrams' bring door-to-door scary delights

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Oct 9, 2020

Get some creepy clowns and ghoulish gals delivered to your door, or a ghoul-friend's, with the new Screaming Telegrams service.

The Boys in the Band: Tony nominee Robin de Jesus on his role in the new stage and film adaptations

The Boys in the Band: Tony nominee Robin de Jesus on his role in the new stage and film adaptations

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Sep 29, 2020

Robin de Jesus, who plays Emory in both the recent stage and new film adaptations of Mart Crowley's groundbreaking play, discusses portraying a joyful "flamboyant, effeminate queen."

'Angels in America' virtual performance streams Oct. 8

'Angels in America' virtual performance streams Oct. 8

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Sep 28, 2020

Seven pivotal scenes from the epic Tony and Pulitzer-winning two-part AIDS drama 'Angels in America' will stream online on October 8 as a benefit for amfAR's Fund to Fight Covid-19. Much more than a Zoom reading, look for some unusual changes.

The Noël Coward Foundation's 'Marvellous Party'

The Noël Coward Foundation's 'Marvellous Party'

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Sep 20, 2020

In an online fundraiser for two nonprofits, dozens of acclaimed actors and musicians perform intimate excerpts from the gay playwright/composer/author's plays, songs, poems and essays.