Film festivals, art exhibits and stunningly staged plays and musicals; choose from the expanding cultural menu.
THURSDAY 18
Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
The two costars of the hit musical Rent share a cabaret concert. $70-$115. 8pm. Also April 19 & 20 (all sold-out). Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com
Adi�s Mam� Carlota @ San Jose Stage Company
World premiere of Luis Valdez' drama based on events during the French occupation of Mexico. $32-$72. Thru April 28. 490 South 1st St., San Jose. www.thestage.org
Aladdin @ San Jose Performing Arts Center
The stage adaptation of Disney's hit animated musical is performed by the national touring company. Thru April 21. 255 South Almaden Blvd., San Jose. www.AladdinTheMusical.com
Border People @ The Marsh
Dan Hoyle's new solo show embodies multiple characters based around the U.S./Mexico border wall controversies; extended thru April 27. $25-$100. Thu & Fri 8pm, Sat 5pm. 1062 Valencia St. www.themarsh.org
Darius James, Val Jeanty @ Poetry Center, SF State
In Common Writers Series presents a workshop performance and conversation with James (Negrophobia: An Urban Parable) and Jeanty a.k.a. DJ Val-Inc. 7pm. Humanities Bldg., 1600 Holloway Ave. www.sfsu.edu
The Gentleman Caller
@ New Conservatory Theatre Center
Philip Dawkins' play explores the relationaship between gay playwrights Tennessee Williams and William Inge. $28-$44. Thru May 5. 25 Van Ness Ave, lower level. www.nctcsf.org
Hershey Felder: A Paris Love Story
@ Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Mountain View
The prolific playwright/pianist performs as composer Claude Debussy. $40-$120. Thru May 5. 500 Castro St., Mountain View. www.TheatreWorks.org
James Graham Dance Theatre
@ Joe Goode Annex
The Grass is Sleeping, a new work by the Izzie Award-winning local choreographer. $18-$38. 8pm. Thru April 20. 401 Alabama St. http://jamesgrahamdancetheatre.com/
Lee Squared @ Oasis
An Evening with Liberace and Miss Peggy Lee; David Maiocco and Chuck Sweeney reprise their iconic performances as the music legends. $25-$35. 7pm. 298 11th st. www.sfoasis.com
Mattachine: A Queer Serial @ GLBT History Museum
New three-part weekly series of talks about the history of the gay rights movement, with historian Joey Cain and podcast creator Devyln Camp. $5. 7pm. Thursdays thru April 18. 4127 18th St. www.glbthistory.org
Michelle Meow Show @ Commonwealth Club
Meow and cohost John Zipperer discuss LGBT issues with different prominent guests. Weekly, 12pm. 110 Embarcadero. www.commonwealthclub.org
Randy Rainbow @ Ruth Finley Person Theater
The snarky gay YouTube celebrity performs his new solo show. $39-$85. 7:30pm. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa https://lutherburbankcenter.org
Show Us Your Spines @ SF Public Library
Writers Dan Lau, Ajuan Mance, Roberto Rodriguez-Estrada, and Shelley Wong discuss their research projects at the James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center's archives. 6pm. 100 Lartin St., 3rd floor. www.sfpl.org
Smoke & Mirrors: The War on Drugs @ AAACC
Opening reception for an exhibit of works by 6 muralists and 20 artists focusing on pot use, hemp, and historical elements of cannabis in communities of color. 6pm-9pm. Reg hours Tue-Fri 12pm-6pm. Sat til 5pm. Thru Aug 31. 762 Fulton St. www.aaacc.org
SoMa Nights @ GLBT History Museum
SoMa Nights: 1980s-1990s Queer Club Photography, an exhibit of prints by prolific photographer Melissa Hawkins. Also, Two-Spirit Voices: Returning to the Circle, a Native American queer exhibit of the Bay Area organization on its 20th anniversary, including the annual Two-Spirit Powwow organized by BAAITS, indigenous medicine and responses to HIV/AIDS, and Two-Spirit meaning within indigenous communities. $5. 4127 18th St. www.glbthistory.org
[title of show] @ SF State
Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell's wacky musical about making a musical...about a musical. $18. Thru April 27. Creative Arts Bldg., 1600 Holloway Ave. www.sfsu.edu
With(out) With(in) the Very Moment @ SF Arts Commission
Opening reception for an exhibit about LGBT lives, and surviving AIDS, with Elliot Anderson, Adam Ansell, Ed Aulerich-Sugai, Mark Garrett, Cliff Hengst, Nancer Lemoins, Mark Paron, Anton Stuebner, and featuring Alternate Endings, a series of video programs by Visual AIDS for Day With(out) Art. 6pm; thru June 22. 401 Van Ness Ave. www.sfartscommission.org
The Wolves @ Strand Theater
American Conservatory Theatre students perform Sarah DeLappe's Pulitzer Prize finalist play about the pressures of a girls' soccer team. $25. Thru April 20. 1127 Market St. www.act-sf.org
FRIDAY 19
Actually @ Aurora Theatre, Berkeley
Anna Ziegler's new play dives into race, gender and sex on college campuses. $35-$70. Tue, Wed, Sun 7pm, Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm, thru May 5. 2081 Addison St., Berkeley. www.AuroraTheatre.org
Caminos Flamencos @ Cowell Theatre
The dance and music company performs Encrucijada (Crossroads), a vibrant new flamenco work with guest artists from Spain. $25-$75. 8pm. Also April 20. Fort Mason 2 Marina Blvd. www.CaminosFlamencos.com
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
@ Golden Gate Theatre
Touring company of the musical stage adaptation of Roald Dahl's popular tale about a contest to tour the magical sweets factory. $40-$226. Thru May 12. 1 Taylor St. www.shnsf.com
Comedy Returns @ El Rio
The monthly comedy show features Maureen Langan, Joe Klocek, Victor Pacheco, Dave Zugnoni and guest-host Bernadette Luckett. $10-$20. 7pm. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com
Hamilton @ Orpheum Theatre
The mega-hit Tony-winning Broadway hip hop musical revision of American Revolutionary-era history. $111-$686. Thru Sept 8. 1192 Market St. www.shnsf.com
Hedda Lettuce @ Oasis
The wacky and stylish New York drag "green goddess" performs her latest live-singing and comedy show, "Gives Great Hedda." $27-$50. 7pm. Also April 20. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com
Helen @ NOHspace
Theatre of Yugen performs Ellen McLaughlin's updated contemporary tragicomic version of Euripedes' Helen of Troy. $15-$40. Fri-Sun thru April 27. 2840 Mariposa St. www.theatreofyugen.org
Home @ Berkeley Repertory
Geoff Sobelle's amazing immersive play, where a two-story house is constructed as its residents tell their stories. $30-$91; thru April 21. Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison St. www.berkeleyrep.org
The Importance of Being Earnest @ Aurora Theatre, Berkeley
Oscar Wilde's classic "trivial comedy for serious people" gets an East Bay production. $35-$70. Thru May 12. 2018 Addison St., Berkeley. www.auroratheatre.org
Nigga-roo @ Exit Theatre
Dazi� Grego-Sykes' acclaimed solo show exploring blackness as a social construct. $20-$30. 8pm. Fri & Sat thru April 27. 156 Eddy St. www.theexit.org
Older and Out
@ North Berkeley Senior Center
Weekly group discussion about problems for elders in the LGBT community. 3:15pm. 1901 Hearst Ave., Berkeley. www.pacificcenter.org
Pippin @ Julia Morgan Theater, Berkeley
The Stephen Schwartz musical gets a local production Berkeley Playhouse. $20-$40. Thu-Sat 7pm &/or 1pm, 2pm; thru May 5. 2640 College Ave. http://berkeleyplayhouse.org
Queer Yoga @ Love Story Yoga
All-level weekly classes in an LGBT space. $11. 6:30pm-7:30pm. 473 Valencia St. at 16th. http://www.lovestoryyoga.com/
Ramon Pablo Vidali @ Strut
Castro on Canvas, the artist's historic portraits of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Thru April. 470 Castro St. www.ramonvidaliart.com www.strutsf.org
San Francisco Ballet @ War Memorial Opera House
John Neumeier's The Little Mermaid is performed; post-concert LGBT Nite Out party; partial proceeds benefit the GLBT Historical Society. $64-$325. 8pm. 301 Van Ness Ave. www.sfballet.org/niteout
Time Sensitive @ Flight Deck, Oakland
Amy Sass' thoughtful contemplation of life and philosophical queries. $25-$75. Thru May 4. 1540 Broadway, Oakland. www.raggedwing.org
Yoga Play @ SF Playhouse
Dipika Guha's comic play about the conflict of commerical scandal and spiritual enlightenment. $35-$125. Thru April 20. 450 Post St., 2nd floor, Kensington Park Hotel. www.sfplayhouse.org
You Betta Work Comedy Fiesta @ San Mateo County Pride Center
Jesus U. BettaWork chosts the monthly queer gigglefest, with featured comic Iris Benson. $5. 7:30pm. 1021 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo. http://jesusubettawork.com/
SATURDAY 20
Animation Exhibits @ Walt Disney Museum
Exhibit of animation art by the prolific artists. 104 Montgomery St, The Presidio. $5-$25. 10am-6pm. Closed Tue. http://wdfmuseum.org/
Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi
The musical comedy revue celebrates its 45th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. $25-$160. Beer/wine served; cash only; 21+, except where noted. Wed-Fri 8pm. Sat 6pm & 9pm. Sun 2pm & 5pm. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com
The Diary of Anne Frank
@ Lesher Arts Center, Walnut Creek
Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett's dramatic adaptation, based on the world-famous diary of a young Jewish girl hiding with her family from Nazis, is performed by Center Repertory Theatre. $34-$56. Thru April 28. 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. http://www.lesherartscenter.org/
Films @ BAM/PFA
Artistic and award-winning films, including international features, and documentaries about artists; ongoing. 2155 Center St., Berkeley. www.bampfa.org
Foglifter Contributors @ Strut
Contributors to the queer literary journal read. 7pm. 470 Castro St. www.strutsf.org
Halston @ SF MOMA
Screening of Fr�d�ric Tcheng's documentary about the world-famous fashion designer's life; Q&A with fashion designer Naeem Khan. $15. 8pm. Also, April 21, 3:30pm at Children's Creativity Museum Theater. www.sffilm.org
In Old Age @ Magic Theatre
Part of Nigerian playwright Mfoniso Udofia's Ufot Family Cycle trilogy is performed. $40-$100. Thru April 21. 2 Marina Blvd. www.ufotplays-sf.com
The Jungle @ Curran Theatre
Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson's acclaimed drama about French refugee camp immigrants, set in an up-close immersive and intimate staging. $79-$165. Thru May 19. 445 Geary St. www.sfcurran.com
LGBTQ Histories from the WWII Home Front @ Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center, Richmond
Park indoor exhibit that showcases the lives of historic LGBT people. Open daily 10am-5pm. 1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000, Richmond. https://www.nps.gov/rori/index.htm
Maricela, Luis Mora @ Dance Palace
Art and photo exhibit of imagery and symbolism of Danza Azteca. 503 B St., Point Reyes Station. http://dancepalace.org
Other Cinema @ ATA Gallery
Weekly screenings of wacky, unusual, short, documentary and animated films; free books, vinyl, VHS and wine. $7. 8:30pm. 992 Valencia St. www.othercinema.com
Skate Night @ Church on 8 Wheels
Wheeled fun at the former Sacred Heart Church-turned disco roller skate party space, hosted by John D. Miles, the "Godfather of Skate," including Saturday's Black Rock night (Burning Man garb encouraged). 7pm-10pm. Sat afternoon sessions 1pm-2pm and 3pm-5pm. $10. Kids 12 and under $5. Skate rentals $5. 554 Fillmore St at Fell. www.churchof8wheels.com
That Don Reed Show @ The Marsh Berkeley
The acclaimed local playwright/performer returns with his hit solo show that takes on Black stereotypes and show business bias. $20-$100. Sat 8:30pm, Sun 5:30pm; extended thru April 28. 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. www.themarsh.org
Various Exhibits @ NIAD Art Center, Richmond
Exhibits of art by visiting professionals, and art made by developmentally disabled people. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. 551 23rd St., Richmond. (510) 620-0290. www.niadart.org
Wild SF Walking Tours @ Citywide
Enjoy weekly informed tours of various parts of San Francisco, from Chinatown to the Haight, and a 'radical' and political-themed LGBT-inclusive tour. Various dates and times. $15-$25. www.wildsftours.com
SUNDAY 21
Cruisin' the Fossil Coastline
@ Oakland Museum
Cruisin' the Fossil Coastline, Ray Troll's colorful illustrations paired with paleontologist Kirk Johnson's research. Also, Take Root: Oakland Grows Food and other exhibits. Friday night events 5pm-9pm. Free/$15. 1000 Oak St. http://museumca.org
Easter in the Park @ Dolores Park
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence's annual Easter celebration returns to the Mission park, with drag galore, DJed and live music, early kids events, and the always-fun Easter bonnet, Foxy Mary and Hunky Jesus contests. 10:30am kids events. 12pm-4pm. 18th St at Dolores. www.thesisters.org
Ecstatic Dance @ Sacred Heart Church
Weekly group freeform dance with a spiritual flavor at the former church-turned event space. $15. 9am-12pm. Also Wed. and Fridays in Oakland and Fairfax. 554 Fillmore St. www.ecstaticdance.org
Expedition Reef @ California Academy of Sciences
Exhibits and planetarium shows with various live, interactive and installed exhibits about animals, plants and the earth; Deep Reefs, Giants of Land and Sea, Gems and Minerals, and more. $20-$35. Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm. Sun 11am-5pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org
Magnificent Magnolias @ SF Botanical Garden
Visit the lush gardens with displays of trees, flowers and shrubs from around the world, including the annual Magnolia bloom. Monthly plant sales, plus art exhibits and gift shop; free entry with SF proof of residency. $5-$10 for others. 7:30am-closing. 9th Ave at Lincoln Way.
https://sfbotanicalgarden.org/
Marks in Time @ Marin Center
Exhibit of the work of tattoo artists; thru May 31. 10 Ave of the Flags, San Rafael. www.marincounty.org
Monet: The Late Years @ de Young Museum
New exhibit of the French Impressionist's great later works, including Water Lilies; thru May 27. Also, modern and historic art, including embroidery, Maori portraits and installations. Free/$15. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.famsf.org
Plant Exhibits @ Conservatory of Flowers
Artfully arranged plant and floral exhibits. 100 John F. Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate Park. https://conservatoryofflowers.org
Queer California: Untold Stories @ Oakland Museum
Multimedia exhibition documenting California LGBT lives, with contemporary artwork, rare historical materials, film, photography, sculpture; thru Aug. 11. 1000 Oak St. http://museumca.org/
Queer Tango @ Finnish Hall, Berkeley
Same-sex partner tango dancing, including lessons for newbies, food and drinks. $5-$10. 3:30pm-6:30pm. 1970 Chestnut St, Berkeley. www.finnishhall.org
Sprightly @ SF Public Library
Weekly hangout for LGBTQ youth, with crafts, snacks and activities. 12:30pm-2:30pm. James C. Hormel Center, 3rd floor, 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org
Various Exhibits @ Chabot Space & Science Museum, Oakland
Space, science and planetary exhibits, including planetarium shows and the Observatory; special nighttime events like meteor shower shows. Free-$18. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. www.chabotspace.org
MONDAY 22
Dorian Katz @ Wicked Grounds
The illustrator's exhibit of queer comics and coloring books; thru April. 289 8th St. www.wickedgrounds.com
Lest We Forget @ Civic Center Plaza
Luigi Toscano's outdoor photo exhibit of 78 large-scale portraits of Holocaust survivors; thru May 19. https://bit.ly/2uSNrfO
Lizzo @ The Warfield
The hot singer performs. $30-$40. 8pm. Also April 24. 982 Market St. www.lizzomusic.com http://www.thewarfieldtheatre.com/
Modern Art @ SF MOMA
Wayne Thiebaud, Etel Adnan, Alexander Calder, Donald Judd, Louise Bourgeois and many classic Modern works. The Sea Ranch: Architecture, Envioronment and Idealism (thru April 28). Vija Celmins: To Fix the Image in Memory, thru March 31. Free/$25. Fri-Tue 10am-6pm. 151 3rd St. www.sfmoma.org
Show Me as I Want to Be Seen @ Contemporary Jewish Museum
Show Me as I Want to Be Seen, the work of groundbreaking French Jewish artist, Surrealist, and activist Claude Cahun (1894—1954) and her lifelong lover and collaborator Marcel Moore (1892—1972), thru July 7; In That Case: Havruta in Contemporary Art—Oxossi Ayofemi and Risa Wechsler, thru July. Lew the Jew and His Circle: Origins of American Tattoo, an exhibit of the prolific tattoo artist's work, tools and life; thru June 9. 736 Mission St. https://thecjm.org/
Tender is My Loin @ PianoFight
Bambi Lake performs with veteran composer Scrumbly Koldewyn, Birdie Bob Watt and Thrillpeddler stars in the musical revue about the Tenderloin's more squalid aspects. $20-$25. 7:30pm. 144 Taylor St. www.pianofight.com
Various Exhibits @ SF Public Library
In Search of the Glass Slipper, Perci Chester's '70s gay community photo exhibit; thru May 16. Immigrant Girl, Radical Woman, an art exhibition of historical research and ephemera about early twentieth century immigrant and activist Matilda Rabinowitz; thru May 19. Portal: Group Show of Speculative Fiction, thru Feb. Art/Work: Art Created by the Staff at SFPL, thru Mar. 8. SF Wildlife: Photography by Jouko van der Kruijssen, thru Mar. 28. 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org
William Blake in Color @ William Blake Gallery
Exhibit of classic plates in the new gallery of historic art by the 18th- and 19th-century poet and illustrator. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Sat 11am-5pm. 49 Geary St. #205. www.williamblakegallery.com
TUESDAY 23
Art Exhibits @ Legion of Honor
Small Inventions: Artist's Books by Charles Hobson (thru July 14); Mummies and Medicine (thru April 14)and other exhibits of classical and modern art. Free/$30. Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave. https://legionofhonor.famsf.org/
Dining Out for Life @ Bay Area Restaurants
Enjoy dinner from among dozens of participating local restaurants, and a portion of your bill goes to the SF AIDS Foundation. Register for the sweepstakes for a chance to win dinner with actress Pam Grier! www.doflsf.org
Survey Bay Area @ Montague Gallery
Group exhibit of Bay Area glass artists; 5:30pm-7:30pm; thru April 13. Tue-Fri 11am-6pm. Sat 11am-5pm. 445A Sutter St. http://montaguegallerysf.com/
Various Exhibits @ The Beat Museum
Enjoy exhibits, a bookstore and gift shop that celebrates the era of 'Beatnik' literature (Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, etc.), with frequent readings, walking tours and other events in North Beach. $5-$8. Daily 10am-7pm. 540 Broadway www.kerouac.com
Westward @ City Hall
Exhibit of large-scale photos by women photographers focusing on West Coast communities. Thru May. North Light Court, Ground Floor, 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Place. www.sfartscommission.org
WEDNESDAY 24
Kour Pour @ Ever Gold Gallery
Exhibit of vibrant paintings combining historic and contemporary tapestry themes; thru May 4. Wed-Sat 12pm-5pm. Minnesota Art Project, 1275 Minnesota St. at 24th. www.evergoldprojects.com
Looking Through the Lens
@ Diane Wilsey Center for Opera
The Glory of San Francisco Opera, Past and Present, an exhibit of historic productions photos from the San Francisco Opera's many productions. Free. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm. Veteran's Building, 401 Van Ness Ave. www.sfopera.com
Survivors of the AIDS Epidemic @ Manny's
A night of storytelling with Bay Area longterm survivors, AIDS activists and younger people in social justice; hosted by the GLBT Historical Society. $6. 7pm-9pm. 3092 16th St. www.welcometomannys.com
Then They Came For Me @ Futures Without Violence
Incarceration of Japanese Americans During WWII and the Demise of Civil Liberties, a touring multimedia exhibit documenting the terrifying period in U.S. history when the government scapegoated and imprisoned thousands of people of Japanese ancestry, including photographs by Dorothea Lange and Ansel Adams, alongside works by incarcerated Japanese American artists Toyo Miyatake and Min� Okubo. Free. Wed-Sun 10am-6pm. 100 Montgomery St. https://thentheycame.org/
Uncertainty Principle @ The Marsh
Adam Strauss' new solo show grapples with OCD and life's big questions. $20-$100. Wed & Fri 8pm, thru Mar. 29. 1062 Valencia St. www.themarsh.org
Various Exhibits @ Asian Art Museum
Kimono Refashioned, thru May 5. Also, contemporary works by Kim Heecheon and Liu Jianhua; also, exhibits of sculpture and antiquities. Sunday caf� specialties from $7-$16. Free-$20. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 200 Larkin St. http://www.asianart.org/
Various Events @ Oakland LGBTQ Center
Social events and meetings at the new LGBTQ center include film screenings and workshops, including Bruthas Rising, trans men of color meetings, 4th Tuesdays, 6:30pm. Film screenings, 4th Saturdays, 7:30pm. Game nights, Fridays 7:30pm-11pm. Vogue sessions, first Saturdays. 3207 Lakeshore Ave. Oakland. https://www.oaklandlgbtqcenter.org/
THURSDAY 25
Escort, Planet Booty @ Rickshaw Stop
Fun funky and disco-tronica fabulousness with the two bands. $18-$20. 8pm. 155 Fell St. www.rickshawstop.com
An Evening With C.S. Lewis
@ Marines' Memorial Theatre
David Payne plays the celebrated Chronicles of Narnia author, who tells stories of his life. $79. Thru April 28. 609 Sutter St. www.shnsf.com
Exclusion @ Presidio Officers Club
Exhibit documenting the Presidio's Japanese-American incarceration during World War II; other exhibits show the history of the former military base and the SF peninsula. Free, Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Thru Spring 2019. 50 Maraga Ave. https://www.presidio.gov/officers-club/exhibitions/
Hot Draw @ SF Catalyst
Gay Men's Sketch and artist Mark I. Chester host the erotic fetish drawing group, with male models in kinky poses; all welcome. $20. 6:30pm, 1060 Folsom St. www.sfcatalyst.org
Linda Eder @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
The stellar vocalist returns for a new cabaret concert, 'If You See Me.' $110-$135. 8pm. Also April 26 & 27. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com
The Life and Times of Jo Mora @ Cartoon Art Museum
New exhibit of drawing, maps, paintings and ephemera by the prolific illustrator of American culture (1876-1947). Thru April 28. 781 Beach St. www.cartoonart.org
Paradox & Friends @ Oasis
Paradox Voice Band's variety show of music, comedy and more. $20-$40. 7pm. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com
To submit event listings, email [email protected]
Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication.