In the small town of Tarnation, all hell breaks loose when the Supreme Court passes a law that criminalizes gay marriage. As the conservative Pastor Aiden and his right-wing sidekick, Faith, revel in ... [more+]

In the small town of Tarnation, all hell breaks loose when the Supreme Court passes a law that criminalizes gay marriage. As the conservative Pastor Aiden and his right-wing sidekick, Faith, revel in the "glorious" news at the Sunnyside Baptist Church, two young lesbians will stop at nothing to ensure they are married before the new laws take effect -- even if it means barricading themselves inside the church. A raucous farce about marriage equality, "What in Tarnation?" dissects homophobia and intolerance with cutting-edge comedy and razor-sharp wit at Eddy St. Theatreplex's The EXIT Theatre in San Francisco. [less-]

Stand-up comic, writer, actor and director Don Reed ("The Tonight Show", OWN, HBO) returns to The Marsh Berkeley with his long-running, award-winning solo show, "East 14th: Tales of a Reluctant Player... [more+]

Stand-up comic, writer, actor and director Don Reed ("The Tonight Show", OWN, HBO) returns to The Marsh Berkeley with his long-running, award-winning solo show, "East 14th: Tales of a Reluctant Player". Reed relates the hilarious and poignant story of his boyhood in 1970s Oakland, torn between his strict, churchgoing mother's upbringing and his admiration of his father -- who happens to be a pimp. "East 14th" was an off-Broadway hit, nominated for two NAACP Theatre Awards, and an excerpt aired on NPR/WNYC's acclaimed series "Snap Judgment". "The New Yorker" called the show "hilarious" and went on to say, "The audience can't stop laughing ... Don Reed plays all the characters with both ease and inexhaustible energy." [less-]

Pianist-storyteller Richard Glazier combines his passion for the Great American Songbook with more contemporary standards to create special programs displaying the highlights of both eras. His piano a... [more+]

Pianist-storyteller Richard Glazier combines his passion for the Great American Songbook with more contemporary standards to create special programs displaying the highlights of both eras. His piano arrangements come with fascinating history and stories behind the songs and their composers. His inside knowledge of shows, films, stars and funny anecdotes makes for a compelling tour through classic tunes. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, United Nations, Library of Congress, Smithsonian and more. Expect "The Trolley Song" from "Meet Me in St. Louis", a "Fiddler on the Roof" medley, "Pure Imagination" from "Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory" and many more at Lark Theater in Larkspur. [less-]

A poetic fable that delves into the questions of identity, aging and disappearance, "Nobody Lives Here Now" is a powerful dance-theater performance created by choreographer Joe Goode. Using the body i... [more+]

A poetic fable that delves into the questions of identity, aging and disappearance, "Nobody Lives Here Now" is a powerful dance-theater performance created by choreographer Joe Goode. Using the body in motion, this piece tells the story of a fantastical world where the things that anchor us - home, culture, people - rapidly shift and erode, causing a sudden transformation that's both shocking and empowering. This 30th anniversary production also features landmark performances as part of a retrospective on Goode's career and a special piece from original company member Liz Burritt. [less-]

BATS Improv -- named the Bay Area's Best Theater Company by the "San Francisco Chronicle", Best Comedy Troupe by "SF Weekly" and Best First Date Spot by the "San Francisco Bay Guardian" -- presents a ... [more+]

BATS Improv -- named the Bay Area's Best Theater Company by the "San Francisco Chronicle", Best Comedy Troupe by "SF Weekly" and Best First Date Spot by the "San Francisco Bay Guardian" -- presents a variety show full of comedy fun, including head-to-head improv battles, long-form murder mysteries, musicals and more. Located at Bayfront Theater in the Marina District, every BATS show is one of a kind, using audience suggestions for a unique mix of improv comedy and theater that's never the same show twice. [less-]

Tony Rock was born to do comedy. The fourth of eight children, Tony has stepped out of the shadow of his brother Chris Rock and become a star in his own right. Rock is the host of "Apollo Live", and h... [more+]

Tony Rock was born to do comedy. The fourth of eight children, Tony has stepped out of the shadow of his brother Chris Rock and become a star in his own right. Rock is the host of "Apollo Live", and his acting credits include roles on BET's "Reed Between the Lines", FOX's "Everybody Hates Chris" and UPN's "All of Us". He's performed stand-up at the most famous clubs in America, including numerous appearances at the Gotham Comedy Club, The Comedy Cellar, The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory and beyond. He adds another great name to that list when he headlines San Francisco's legendary Cobb's Comedy Club. [less-]

From the top-quality live musical guests to its exceptional Southern cuisine, Biscuits & Blues is the perfect San Francisco spot to enjoy a night of down-home entertainment nearly every night of the w... [more+]

From the top-quality live musical guests to its exceptional Southern cuisine, Biscuits & Blues is the perfect San Francisco spot to enjoy a night of down-home entertainment nearly every night of the week. Located in the heart of the theater district, this intimate venue hosts the best regional and national blues and jazz acts in a comfortable, close-up setting that's open to all ages. Voted America's No. 1 blues nightclub by The Blues Foundation and the Bay Area Blues Society, it's also known for serving up some of the best fried chicken in the entire region, not to mention California wines, microbrews and specialty cocktails. [less-]

A true cult classic, "Sordid Lives" is a hilarious "black comedy about white trash" that was nominated for more than 30 awards during its long run in Los Angeles. Written by Del Shores, the author of ... [more+]

A true cult classic, "Sordid Lives" is a hilarious "black comedy about white trash" that was nominated for more than 30 awards during its long run in Los Angeles. Written by Del Shores, the author of "Daddy's Dyin' (Who's Got the Will?"), "Sordid Lives" puts a comedic twist on a story of unconditional love, acceptance and coming out in a colorful small-town Texas family. The entire clan has converged for the funeral of Peggy, the family's matriarch and a good Christian woman ... in spite of the fact that she died during a tryst in a seedy motel room with her much younger, much married neighbor. Watch the family struggle to avoid a mortifying funeral in the San Francisco premiere of "Sordid Lives" at the New Conservatory Theatre Center. [less-]

Antidepressants and psychotherapy did nothing to help Adam Strauss deal with his debilitating obsessive-compulsive disorder, so after reading a scientific study showing that hallucinogenic mushrooms m... [more+]

Antidepressants and psychotherapy did nothing to help Adam Strauss deal with his debilitating obsessive-compulsive disorder, so after reading a scientific study showing that hallucinogenic mushrooms may cure OCD, Adam set out on a psychopharmacological journey of his own. "The Mushroom Cure" earned great acclaim when it debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and the laughs kept coming when it played at New York's International Fringe Festival, where it won the "Overall Excellence Award for Solo Performance." "The Mushroom Cure" was hailed by "The New York Times", who declared the show "mines a great deal of laughter from disabling pain." After an extended off-Broadway run, "The Mushroom Cure" now comes to The Marsh San Francisco MainStage Theater. [less-]

Journalist-turned-comedian Maureen "Mo" Langan, host of KGO Radio's "Hangin' With Langan", is one of the country's top touring comics. In her new one-woman show "Daughter of a Garbageman", Langan trac... [more+]

Journalist-turned-comedian Maureen "Mo" Langan, host of KGO Radio's "Hangin' With Langan", is one of the country's top touring comics. In her new one-woman show "Daughter of a Garbageman", Langan traces her roots back to her upbringing in New Jersey in the 1970s, where her Irish mother and New York City sanitation worker father taught her that hard work and education are always rewarded. Now living in an era where Kardashians have book deals and reality TV stars win elections, Langan uses humor, honesty and insight to tap into the frustrations of hard-working people and explore how her parents got it wrong. "Daughter of a Garbageman" received rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and now it's at The Marsh Berkeley. [less-]

A dinner party between two interracial couples goes horribly awry when an offhand comment sends them all into a paranoid tailspin in "You Mean to do Me Harm". This world premiere by international awar... [more+]

A dinner party between two interracial couples goes horribly awry when an offhand comment sends them all into a paranoid tailspin in "You Mean to do Me Harm". This world premiere by international award-winning playwright Christopher Chen ("New York Times" "Critics' Pick" "Caught") is a surreal psychological dissection of the relationship between China and America, and our relationships with those closest to us. "You Mean to do Me Harm" comes to The Rueff at A.C.T's Strand Theater as part of San Francisco Playhouse's "Sandbox Series", which brings daring new voices to the stage in intimate productions. [less-]

Master magician and mentalist Jay Alexander is the new headliner at the Marrakech Magic Theater with his "Mind Tricks" show, a triple entertainment experience of comedy, magic and mentalism. Alexander... [more+]

Master magician and mentalist Jay Alexander is the new headliner at the Marrakech Magic Theater with his "Mind Tricks" show, a triple entertainment experience of comedy, magic and mentalism. Alexander's shows have been praised by everyone from Robin Williams and U2's Bono to Monty Python's John Cleese and the Rolling Stones' Ron Wood. Your evening begins in the Oasis Lounge where you will see world class sleight-of-hand, and a wonderful assortment of drinks and Moroccan appetizers are available for purchase prior to the show. You will then be escorted into an intimate showroom for Jay Alexander's unforgettable performance of magic, psychology and human lie detection that will lift your spirits and have you gasping in amazement. [less-]

He's opened for Dave Chappelle, Tracy Morgan, the Wayans Brothers and Hannibal Buress -- and now Oakland's own Stroy Moyd and his #HellaFunny crew host this hilarious new weekly showcase at Bar Fluxus... [more+]

He's opened for Dave Chappelle, Tracy Morgan, the Wayans Brothers and Hannibal Buress -- and now Oakland's own Stroy Moyd and his #HellaFunny crew host this hilarious new weekly showcase at Bar Fluxus in Downtown San Francisco. Run by the same folks behind Madrone Art Bar, Bar Fluxus is a new, ridiculously colorful cocktail bar filled with cool art. Downtown Comedy Night features sets by some of the funniest rising comedy stars in the Bay Area and beyond, with hilarious headliners you may recognize from SF Sketchfest, Punchline, Cobbs, Viceland, NBC, ABC and beyond. [less-]

At a desolate campground in Oregon, two desperate families find themselves driven over the edge by greed, secrets and desire. "The Edge of the World" tells a timely tale of illegal immigrants who are ... [more+]

At a desolate campground in Oregon, two desperate families find themselves driven over the edge by greed, secrets and desire. "The Edge of the World" tells a timely tale of illegal immigrants who are suddenly caught on the radar, and how their ensuing quest for survival leads to a series of ill-conceived actions and treachery. Virago Theatre Company's immersive, world premiere production of Miles Pawski's "The Edge of the World" pulls you into a strange and violent world at San Francisco's Potrero Stage. [less-]

The Skivvies head back to A.C.T. Strand Theater to celebrate San Francisco Pride. Comedy-pop pair Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley have sold out shows playing their signature pared-down arrangements of ... [more+]

The Skivvies head back to A.C.T. Strand Theater to celebrate San Francisco Pride. Comedy-pop pair Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley have sold out shows playing their signature pared-down arrangements of eclectic song covers, all while stripped down to their underwear. Letting it all hang out, the popular "undie-rock" duo plays everything from the cello to the ukulele to the glockenspiel as they remake and mash up pop hits. Catch their "Pride Rock" concert at night, or during a special brunch performance. [less-]

Faster-paced and more frenetic than other styles of improv, "DASH" is a "flash free-form" improv comedy show. The latest from San Francisco's Un-Scripted Theater Co., "DASH" mixes games and scenes int... [more+]

Faster-paced and more frenetic than other styles of improv, "DASH" is a "flash free-form" improv comedy show. The latest from San Francisco's Un-Scripted Theater Co., "DASH" mixes games and scenes into a seamless, spontaneous and continuously morphing spectacle of excitement and laughs. Over the course of this hourlong show, the cast incorporates audience ideas and suggestions throughout -- from the ridiculous to the hilarious. Anything can (and probably will) happen at "DASH", but all things comedy and chaos are pretty safe bets. [less-]

Singer Lorna Luft, daughter of legendary entertainer Judy Garland, helps celebrate Pride Weekend in San Francisco with a return performance at Feinstein's at the Nikko. Born to Garland and producer Si... [more+]

Singer Lorna Luft, daughter of legendary entertainer Judy Garland, helps celebrate Pride Weekend in San Francisco with a return performance at Feinstein's at the Nikko. Born to Garland and producer Sid Luft, Lorna made her debut singing on "The Judy Garland Show". She went on to write the bestselling memoir "Me and My Shadows", she's wowed audiences on and off Broadway, and she's earned acclaim with her multi-media production "Songs My Mother Taught Me - The Judy Garland Songbook". Luft was most recently seen in San Francisco entertaining audiences in Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" at SHN. [less-]

Though they're both in their mid-50s, Sharon and Robyn make an unlikely pair of roommates, much less friends -- Sharon's a staid Midwestern divorcee, who's happy to ante up her personal info, while he... [more+]

Though they're both in their mid-50s, Sharon and Robyn make an unlikely pair of roommates, much less friends -- Sharon's a staid Midwestern divorcee, who's happy to ante up her personal info, while her new renter Robyn's a hard-edged vegan from the Bronx, who plays her cards close to the vest. But when "The Roommate" finally does show her hand, revealing some shocking secrets, it spurs a surprising reaction in Sharon, proving it's never too late to take a gamble on changing your life. The San Francisco Playhouse stages the Bay Area premiere of this dark comedy by multi-award-winning playwright Jen Silverman. [less-]

From the author of "Slaughterhouse-Five", the classic novel "Mother Night" by Kurt Vonnegut blends black and white into a chilling shade of gray, and artistic director Brian Katz brings it to the stag... [more+]

From the author of "Slaughterhouse-Five", the classic novel "Mother Night" by Kurt Vonnegut blends black and white into a chilling shade of gray, and artistic director Brian Katz brings it to the stage in this new adaptation. American Howard W. Campbell Jr., a self-professed spy during World War II, is now on trial in Israel as a Nazi war criminal. But is he really guilty? This historical reflection is also a love story, which fantasizes an idyllic "nation of two" as the only way to survive when the rest of the world has gone mad. Catch this world premiere at Custom Made Theatre in San Francisco. [less-]

"A Night with Janis Joplin" is a blues-rock theatrical event that captures the legendary singer's life and legacy with all of the live intensity of an actual Joplin concert. Powered by showstopping hi... [more+]

"A Night with Janis Joplin" is a blues-rock theatrical event that captures the legendary singer's life and legacy with all of the live intensity of an actual Joplin concert. Powered by showstopping hits like "Cry Baby," "Piece of My Heart," "Me and Bobby McGee," "Summertime" and "Mercedes Benz," as well as a song Joplin never formally recorded, the show brings Joplin's story to the stage while also saluting some of her famous musical influences, including Bessie Smith, Etta James, Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone. Catch this soulful, no-holds-barred tribute to one of rock music's greatest performers in San Francisco at A.C.T.'s Geary Theater. [less-]