Monaco, that magical and mythical principality on the Mediterranean coast, has long been the glamorous playground for millionaires and playboys, royals and rogues, film stars and philanderers. But even if the closest you'll ever come to playing baccarat at a posh casino in Monte-Carlo is a scene from a James Bond movie, you can visit the famed resort vicariously this month as the Alliance Francaise in San Francisco hosts the photography exhibition "Monte-Carlo Legends," free and open to the public through April 4 (1345 Bush St., SF).
The exhibit of vintage black and white photos, presented by the Embassy of Monaco in Washington, DC, and the Consulates of Monaco in New York and SF, showcases stars of stage, screen, and sporting events. The cast of characters portrayed in these photos is crowned with Monaco's famous beauty, Princess Grace Kelly. Paparazzi have also captured for posterity illustrious visitors such as Maria Callas, Charlie Chaplin, Jean Cocteau, Alfred Hitchcock, Rudolf Nureyev and Edith Piaf.
Reached for comment, Honorary Consul of Monaco in San Francisco Thomas Horn (also B.A.R. Publisher Emeritus) said, "We are delighted to bring these iconic photos of the Grace Kelly period to San Francisco. Whether it is glamour, movie stars, sports heroes or private family photos you are interested in, they are all in this exhibition. This is the first time they have been seen outside of New York. This exhibition is not to be missed."
In conjunction with the exhibit, there will be a special screening of the docu-drama "Monte-Carlo, naissance d'un mythe (Monte-Carlo, Birth of a Legend)" by director Francois Freynet (2007, French with English subtitles) on Tues., March 31, 7 p.m., at the Alliance Francaise, free and open to the public (until seating is full). Also, author Pamela Fiori will give a lecture and signing of her book "In the Spirit of Monte Carlo" on Fri., April 3, 7 p.m., at the Alliance Francaise. Tickets ($20) are online at af-montecarlo.eventbrite.com. More info on all of these events: (415) 775-7755, or afsf.com.
Movie Music
The Oakland-East Bay Gay Men's Chorus (OEBGMC ) will present its Spring concert series "From Stage and Screen" under the direction of music director Carl Pantle, with guest artist Misa Malone, a performer with "Beach Blanket Babylon." The concerts will take place Sat., April 18, at 7 p.m., and Sun., April 19, at 4 p.m. at the Odell Johnson Theater in Oakland. The concerts will feature music from movies and musicals including "Wicked," "Kinky Boots," "Chicago," and "The Lion King." The audience will be treated to a red-carpet welcome complete with flashing bulbs from paparazzi. That's show-biz!
OEBGMC will donate a portion of its ticket sales to Alameda Meals on Wheels (alamedamealsonwheels.org). Purchase tickets at oebgmc.org/tickets, or call 1 (800) 706-2389. More info: oebgmc.org.