A little-known American hero steps into the spotlight in playwright Jeanne Sakata's eloquent one-man show, "Hold These Truths". Inspired by the true story of University of Washington student Gordon Hi... [more+]

A little-known American hero steps into the spotlight in playwright Jeanne Sakata's eloquent one-man show, "Hold These Truths". Inspired by the true story of University of Washington student Gordon Hirabayashi, this stirring drama spotlights an important but far-too-often forgotten moment in American civil rights history. When the government decides to mass incarcerate all people of Japanese ancestry on the West Coast during World War II, Hirabayashi struggles to reconcile his country's betrayal with his passionate belief in the U.S. constitution and democracy. Join him on his journey toward a greater understanding of America's triumphs and failings at the Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto. [less-]

One of the most beloved dance stories of all time hustles its way onstage at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City. "Saturday Night Fever" is the 1970s coming-of-age tale of young working class Brooklyn tee... [more+]

One of the most beloved dance stories of all time hustles its way onstage at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City. "Saturday Night Fever" is the 1970s coming-of-age tale of young working class Brooklyn teen Tony Manero, who escapes his life's tribulations with his weekend trips to the local discotheque. Based on the 1977 film starring John Travolta, the production is packed with classic disco hits from the Bee Gees, including "Stayin' Alive," "More Than a Woman," "If I Can't Have You" and "Disco Inferno." Get electrified by this nostalgic trip through disco. [less-]

Get carried away by the harrowing adventures of Quasimodo and Esmeralda when "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" swings into San Francisco's Victoria Theatre, courtesy of BAM! Bay Area Musicals. You'll be w... [more+]

Get carried away by the harrowing adventures of Quasimodo and Esmeralda when "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" swings into San Francisco's Victoria Theatre, courtesy of BAM! Bay Area Musicals. You'll be whisked back to the perilous streets of 15th-century Paris, where wicked men in power pull the strings and heroes appear where you'd least expect them. Based on the classic novel by Victor Hugo, with music from the animated feature's Academy Award-nominated score, the production is enhanced with new songs by two acclaimed musical theatre legends: Alan Menken and Steven Schwartz. [less-]

It's Paris in 1967. Bernard thinks he can juggle three unwitting stewardess fiancés. Bernard is very, very wrong! Ten years after the smash Broadway revival (which earned Tony awards for Best Revival... [more+]

It's Paris in 1967. Bernard thinks he can juggle three unwitting stewardess fiancés. Bernard is very, very wrong! Ten years after the smash Broadway revival (which earned Tony awards for Best Revival of a Play and Best Actor in a Leading Role), theTRIBE Productions breathes new life (and laughs!) into this hysterical bedroom farce at Bindlestiff Studio in San Francisco. [less-]

With their successful blend of improvised comedy and song continuing to entertain the semi-masses on a weekly basis, the Secret Improv Society's popular theatrical shows are not so clandestine anymore... [more+]

With their successful blend of improvised comedy and song continuing to entertain the semi-masses on a weekly basis, the Secret Improv Society's popular theatrical shows are not so clandestine anymore. A bunch of San Francisco's best improvisers, comedians and musicians often come out to play with the sharp-witted regular cast, too. It all results in a fast-paced, high-energy revue, featuring plenty of audience input and interaction. Volunteers can even join the fun onstage. No two shows are ever identical, so repeat visits to this Shelton Theater laugh fest are strongly suggested. [less-]

Written and performed by sisters Genie and Marie Cartier, "Yesterday Is Tomorrow: A Revolutionary Revue" takes a satirical look at the past, present and future of a world increasingly hostile to artis... [more+]

Written and performed by sisters Genie and Marie Cartier, "Yesterday Is Tomorrow: A Revolutionary Revue" takes a satirical look at the past, present and future of a world increasingly hostile to artists and dominated by technology. Featuring singing, dancing, poetry, acrobatics, comedy, boy bands and feminism, the show poignantly addresses timely San Francisco issues (and many more) while deftly and seamlessly weaving amongst diverse performance disciplines. See it at the intimate Shelton Theater. [less-]

If you want to hear angels sing on earth, your best bet is to see a Libera performance. Magical and enthralling, this vocal group produces celestial sounds that'll uplift any soul. Made up of South Lo... [more+]

If you want to hear angels sing on earth, your best bet is to see a Libera performance. Magical and enthralling, this vocal group produces celestial sounds that'll uplift any soul. Made up of South London boys age seven to sixteen, these "normal" kids display extraordinary vocal range, whether its singing traditional hymns, modern compositions and more. The classical crossover group has earned a worldwide following since 1995, performing with artists from Neil Diamond and Luciano Pavarotti to Björk. They've made frequent television appearances in the U.K., and now you can hear their heavenly voices live at St. Ignatius Church in San Francisco. [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-]

He's had scene-stealing roles in such mega-hit movies as "Anchorman", "Austin Powers", "Talladega Nights" and "Get Smart", and a recurring role as Todd Packer on NBC's "The Office". But Missouri nativ... [more+]

He's had scene-stealing roles in such mega-hit movies as "Anchorman", "Austin Powers", "Talladega Nights" and "Get Smart", and a recurring role as Todd Packer on NBC's "The Office". But Missouri native David Koechner got his start as a professional funnyman onstage in Chicago, studying at ImprovOlympic and The Second City before joining the cast of "Saturday Night Live". Now Koechner returns to his original stand-up roots at Cobb's Comedy Club, where he'll delight you with his hilarious jokes, signature stories and off-the-wall characters. [less-]

San Francisco is where a copywriter named Phyllis Diller first stepped out onto the stand-up stage (and stayed there for an astonishing 87 weeks). San Francisco is also where a high school dropout nam... [more+]

San Francisco is where a copywriter named Phyllis Diller first stepped out onto the stand-up stage (and stayed there for an astonishing 87 weeks). San Francisco is also where a high school dropout named Margaret Cho started doing open mics, and where Robin Williams discovered an ex-IHOP waitress named Paula Poundstone, and ... See the pattern? The gender revolution that led to the current renaissance of American comedy started here and continues still, as recent rising stars Ali Wong and Emily Heller prove. Now "Really Funny Comedians (Who Happen to Be Women)" sweeps into Cobb's Comedy Club to introduce you to the next crop of brilliant up-and-coming female comedians. [less-]

Sometimes motivational speakers are more hilarious than they are helpful -- just take a look at comedian Ross Everett's "Stop Stopping the Unstoppable". Join Everett's super "inspirational" life coach... [more+]

Sometimes motivational speakers are more hilarious than they are helpful -- just take a look at comedian Ross Everett's "Stop Stopping the Unstoppable". Join Everett's super "inspirational" life coach alter-ego Dale Thorhammer as he takes you down the road of personal development -- and you can bet that this road is paved with plenty of silly mantras, nonsensical advice and non-stop jokes. It may not be a real motivational seminar, but this show will definitely give you something to think about "and" laugh at! [less-]

Long home to an electric comedy scene, the Bay Area has spawned some of the biggest names in stand-up, from Margaret Cho to Patton Oswalt, and it continues to breed the next generation of hilarious st... [more+]

Long home to an electric comedy scene, the Bay Area has spawned some of the biggest names in stand-up, from Margaret Cho to Patton Oswalt, and it continues to breed the next generation of hilarious stars, like Vahé Hove and Chris Schiappacasse. Every Friday, get a sneak peek of who is up-and-coming in San Francisco's comedy scene, when a fresh line-up of San Francisco's best comics -- including many who have been seen performing on HBO, NBC, Comedy Central and more -- take the stage at the beautiful Variety Preview Theater in downtown San Francisco's iconic Hobart Building. Once there, splurge on food and drinks for a good cause. Proceeds from the sales go to Variety Children's Charity of Northern California. [less-]

For a roaring fun romp with the kids, bring the gang on down to Children's Fairyland for "Circus Caps for Sale". In this fun-loving comedy, a mischievous chase ensues when a monkey pokes fun by taking... [more+]

For a roaring fun romp with the kids, bring the gang on down to Children's Fairyland for "Circus Caps for Sale". In this fun-loving comedy, a mischievous chase ensues when a monkey pokes fun by taking the hat off a cap seller's head. Adapted from the children's book by Esphyr Slobodkina, this show is loaded with music and lovable characters -- all inside a circus bigtop! It's the perfect mix of theater and family fun when you get admission to the Children's Fairyland park, too. [less-]

Fast-talking Tupperware Lady Dixie Longate brings her hilarious show, "Dixie's Tupperware Party", to Feinstein's at the Nikko in San Francisco after packing up her catalogues, leaving her children in ... [more+]

Fast-talking Tupperware Lady Dixie Longate brings her hilarious show, "Dixie's Tupperware Party", to Feinstein's at the Nikko in San Francisco after packing up her catalogues, leaving her children in an Alabama trailer park and taking off-Broadway, the UK and Australia by storm. Now she travels the country throwing good ol' fashioned Tupperware parties filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, free giveaways, audience participation and the most fabulous assortment of Tupperware ever sold on a theater stage. Loaded with the most up-to-date products available for purchase, see for yourself how Ms. Longate became a member of the illustrious "#1 Tupperware Seller in the World" Club, as she educates her guests on the many alternative uses she has discovered for her plastic products. [less-]

Craft beer and comedy merge harmoniously in the Beer Basement at Ales Unlimited, where "The Setup" draws some of the funniest local and nationally touring stand-ups in the business. The space is small... [more+]

Craft beer and comedy merge harmoniously in the Beer Basement at Ales Unlimited, where "The Setup" draws some of the funniest local and nationally touring stand-ups in the business. The space is small and cozy but the hops and the laughs are big, with performers hailing from such comedic institutions as Comedy Bang Bang, San Francisco Sketchfest and The Comedy Store. So order a drink from Ales Unlimited's world-class selection of microbrews, wines and specialty cocktails, then head downstairs for a truly underground experience in the heart of the Tenderloin. [less-]

It's time to take this week's sensational news stories and put them to good use: comedy. At "SF Tonight", you'll be provided with newspapers, magazines and scissors, or you can bring your favorite sto... [more+]

It's time to take this week's sensational news stories and put them to good use: comedy. At "SF Tonight", you'll be provided with newspapers, magazines and scissors, or you can bring your favorite stories from the week's news -- hard-hitting journalism (is there still such a thing?) or the latest popular thread on Facebook -- and the talented improvisers at EndGames Improv will turn those stories into a one-of-a-kind show that may not exactly be educational, but will definitely be entertaining. You might even be surprised by a special guest. So don't let the news get you down. Spend your Saturday night with the cast of "SF Tonight" at Stage Werx in San Francisco. [less-]

The no-brainer way to get real laughs is to be in the company of hilarious people. With "Real Live Comedians", you'll get 90 minutes of live stand-up comedy action and other assorted funny business fr... [more+]

The no-brainer way to get real laughs is to be in the company of hilarious people. With "Real Live Comedians", you'll get 90 minutes of live stand-up comedy action and other assorted funny business from some of the best talents out there. Brought to you by producer-performer Jason Mack, each show features a different host and selection of comics, plus stand-up from Mack himself, whose charmingly awkward persona and dark but silly humor has quickly won over Bay Area audiences. Get ready to laugh 'til it hurts when this comedy showcase takes the stage at the Punch Line in San Francisco. [less-]

"ShortLived", one of the nation's largest audience-judged theater competitions, returns with 48 short plays over nine weeks and $5,000 on the line for the winning team. Now "you" get to decide which p... [more+]

"ShortLived", one of the nation's largest audience-judged theater competitions, returns with 48 short plays over nine weeks and $5,000 on the line for the winning team. Now "you" get to decide which playwright ultimately succeeds in winning the grand prize. Each of the first eight weeks of competition feature six short plays per week, ranging from dramatic plays, comedic sketches, devised work, musicals, movement-based pieces or solo acts. Your vote is key in determining who's the ultimate champion at San Francisco's PianoFight. [less-]

Spend New Year's Eve with Paula Poundstone as the famed stand-up slices and dices her way through a showcase of keen cultural commentary at San Francisco's Nourse Theater. Famed for a quick mind that ... [more+]

Spend New Year's Eve with Paula Poundstone as the famed stand-up slices and dices her way through a showcase of keen cultural commentary at San Francisco's Nourse Theater. Famed for a quick mind that always manages to come up with the perfect quip, Poundstone is a master of riffing off of a crowd. It's also why she's been the perfect panelist for NPR's "Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!", and why she became the first woman to be invited to perform at the White House Correspondents' dinner. Her new podcast for Maximum Fun, "Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone", is a comedy field guide to life, adding humor while hosting leading experts to help us navigate the 21st century. Ever since breaking through in 1990 with her acclaimed HBO special "Cats, Cops and Stuff", Poundstone has been a sought-after headliner whose winning, spontaneous style makes even big audiences feel like they're part of an intimate cocktail party with hilarious friends. [less-]

Shelton Theater celebrates 25 years in San Francisco with the Bay Area premiere of Tennessee Williams' black comedy play "Baby Doll". The story follows a virgin child bride and her alcoholic husband i... [more+]

Shelton Theater celebrates 25 years in San Francisco with the Bay Area premiere of Tennessee Williams' black comedy play "Baby Doll". The story follows a virgin child bride and her alcoholic husband in a revenge plot of seduction and justice. The film was created at the height of Williams' genius and reveals the master storyteller's vision of seduction, empathy and cruelty in the Deep South. This is your chance to see the lurid, controversial tale by the Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner who also wrote "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", among other classics. [less-]