Laugh at a mix of longtime favorites and up-and-coming comedians at "#HellaFunny", San Francisco's hilarious traveling comedy show. "#HellaFunny" began at the legendary Purple Onion club in 2010 in th... [more+]

Laugh at a mix of longtime favorites and up-and-coming comedians at "#HellaFunny", San Francisco's hilarious traveling comedy show. "#HellaFunny" began at the legendary Purple Onion club in 2010 in the North Beach neighborhood of S.F., and now carries the fun to venues all over the Bay Area. For this show, Viceland's Stroy Moyd takes the stage at Cobb's Comedy Club in San Francisco. The three-time winner of the Laugh Factory Hollywood's Fresh Faces Comedy Competition has opened for hot shots like Dave Chapelle, Hannibal Buress and others that have also cracked a couple jokes at this venue themselves. [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-]

Sweetwater Music Hall holds a special place in California music history. For over 40 years, this Bay Area treasure's played host to artists like Carlos Santana, Elvis Costello, Sammy Hagar, Bonnie Rai... [more+]

Sweetwater Music Hall holds a special place in California music history. For over 40 years, this Bay Area treasure's played host to artists like Carlos Santana, Elvis Costello, Sammy Hagar, Bonnie Raitt and members of the Grateful Dead. In fact, it was the Grateful Dead's Bob Weir who helped reopen the club in 2012 with an all-new, state-of-the-art sound system and a revived sense of purpose to support local musicians. Today, Sweetwater Music Hall is a thriving 300-person venue that hosts everyone from rising local talent to the biggest national roots, folk and rock stars, with concerts virtually every night of the week (and an organic restaurant that's perfect for date night). [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-]

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-]

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-]

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-]

Meet four-year-old Lucy's imaginary friend "Mr. Marmalade". He's a workaholic cocaine addict who beats his personal assistant and has a penchant for porn and sex toys. Oh, and Lucy's other "friends"? ... [more+]

Meet four-year-old Lucy's imaginary friend "Mr. Marmalade". He's a workaholic cocaine addict who beats his personal assistant and has a penchant for porn and sex toys. Oh, and Lucy's other "friends"? They're five-year-old Larry, who holds the record for the youngest suicide attempt in the history of New Jersey, and Sookie, her neglectful mom. Does this sound like the strangest comedy ever? It might just be. Playwright Noah Haidle's supremely dark comedy is full of "I can't believe I'm laughing at this" moments and gives both a hilarious and a heartbreaking glimpse into the life of a little girl who's growing up way too fast. See this Breach Once More production at Young Performers Theatre in San Francisco. [less-]

Sarcastic, witty and just plain funny, Canadian stand-up comic Ian Bagg is known for his formidable ability to work a crowd. He's performed on "The Tonight Show", "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", CBS'... [more+]

Sarcastic, witty and just plain funny, Canadian stand-up comic Ian Bagg is known for his formidable ability to work a crowd. He's performed on "The Tonight Show", "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", CBS's "Late Late Show", his own half-hour Comedy Central and HBO specials, HBO's US Comedy Arts Festival and the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal. The native of British Columbia has also had his own Comedy Central special, and has performed all over the world, including China, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and across North America. See him as he headlines the Punch Line. [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-]

Award-winning actor and musician Hershey Felder has previously used his unique blend of character study and piano virtuosity for epic musical roles such as George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Chopin and T... [more+]

Award-winning actor and musician Hershey Felder has previously used his unique blend of character study and piano virtuosity for epic musical roles such as George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Chopin and Tchaikovsky. Now he returns to the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts to pay homage to Beethoven, one of the world's most prolific and iconic composers, in "Hershey Felder, Beethoven". Experience the composer's greatest works in a whole new light when classics like Moonlight Sonata and 9th Symphony immerse you in a world that brings the composer and his masterpieces to life. [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-]

Steve Silver's "Beach Blanket Babylon" is the world's longest-running musical revue. Since 1974, this San Francisco institution has followed Snow White on a musical comedy quest around the world, wher... [more+]

Steve Silver's "Beach Blanket Babylon" is the world's longest-running musical revue. Since 1974, this San Francisco institution has followed Snow White on a musical comedy quest around the world, where she runs into satirically portrayed pop culture and political celebrities, an impressive array of gigantic hats and one show-stopping musical number after another. Because the show is constantly updated with new costumes, hats and characters, it rewards repeat visits. Among the familiar faces you might see spoofed at this Club Fugazi production: Lady Gaga, Barack and Michelle Obama, Kate Middleton and Adele. Now running for more than 40 years, "Beach Blanket Babylon" remains one of San Francisco's wildest evenings of live entertainment. [less-]

Fasten your seatbelts as fun-filled musical "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" rolls into San Francisco's Eureka Theatre. Based on the popular cult film, this high-energy musical adventure follows three ... [more+]

Fasten your seatbelts as fun-filled musical "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" rolls into San Francisco's Eureka Theatre. Based on the popular cult film, this high-energy musical adventure follows three disco drag queens aboard a battered old bus on a road trip through the Australian Outback. The journey becomes a touching, life-changing experience as the three companions search for and find love, friendship and acceptance. This hilarious and heartwarming production features dazzling costumes as well as a virtual hit parade of dance and sing-along favorites, including "It's Raining Men," "I Love the Nightlife" and "I Will Survive." [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-]

Combining great Japanese cuisine and live music, Yoshi's Oakland has quickly become one of the world's most respected venues for jazz, rock, blues and more. What started as a small sushi bar has bloss... [more+]

Combining great Japanese cuisine and live music, Yoshi's Oakland has quickly become one of the world's most respected venues for jazz, rock, blues and more. What started as a small sushi bar has blossomed into an award-winning live performance venue with a state-of-the-art sound system and design, occupying 17,000 square feet in the heart of Oakland's Jack London Square. Yoshi's Oakland has hosted such legendary jazz greats as Betty Carter, Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Diana Krall, Branford Marsalis, McCoy Tyner, Harry Connick Jr., Oscar Peterson and hundreds of others, and has also expanded its focus to present a variety of musical genres -- and even popular comedians. [less-]

After a 25-year absence, MacArthur Genius grant recipient Han Ong returns to the Magic Theatre where he made his made his professional debut in 1992. This acclaimed novelist and playwright is known fo... [more+]

After a 25-year absence, MacArthur Genius grant recipient Han Ong returns to the Magic Theatre where he made his made his professional debut in 1992. This acclaimed novelist and playwright is known for works like "Fixer Chao" (an "L.A. Times" "Best Book of the Year") and "The L.A. Plays", which earned praise from none other than Robert Brustein, founder of the American Repertory Theater. Ong's latest work, "Grandeur", imagines a meeting between an ambitious young reporter and musical visionary Gil Scott-Heron, often credited as the creator of rap music. With a cast lead by Carl Lumbly (ABC's "Alias", CBS' "Cagney & Lacey") playing Scott-Heron, "Grandeur" is a story of art and legacy, told through this funny and gut-wrenching exchange. [less-]

A love story hits fast-forward in this cleverly-structured romantic comedy by David Schulner. "An Infinite Ache" tells the story of Hope and Charles, an Asian woman and Jewish guy who are limping towa... [more+]

A love story hits fast-forward in this cleverly-structured romantic comedy by David Schulner. "An Infinite Ache" tells the story of Hope and Charles, an Asian woman and Jewish guy who are limping toward the end of their uneventful first date. Before they part, though, their lives as a couple begin to unfold before them in snapshot-style vignettes, from first kiss to five decades later, covering marriage, parenting, tragedy and beyond. But the real question is: Will there be a second date? Discover all the infinite directions two lives can take when this fresh and heartfelt play takes the stage of San Francisco's Bindlestiff Studio. [less-]

"One woman tour de force" ("SF Bay Guardian") Sharon Eberhardt brings her latest piece to The Marsh Berkeley stage. Eberhardt is a writer-performer who's created and produced some of The Marsh's longe... [more+]

"One woman tour de force" ("SF Bay Guardian") Sharon Eberhardt brings her latest piece to The Marsh Berkeley stage. Eberhardt is a writer-performer who's created and produced some of The Marsh's longest-running shows including "Tell It on Tuesday". In "Crazy Famous", she introduces you to Sandy, who'll do anything to craft a killer song: move in with Mira, the manipulative ex-girlfriend of two dead rock gods, obey Mira's every whim to hear the tapes of the rock stars' legendary last sessions, even collaborate with Nick, a sketchy ex-bassist and unemployed bartender. [less-]

Experience Shakespeare's chilling portrait of temptation, ambition and betrayal on the Phoenix Theatre stage in San Francisco. Set in a macabre world of ghosts and witches, "Macbeth"'s cycle of corrup... [more+]

Experience Shakespeare's chilling portrait of temptation, ambition and betrayal on the Phoenix Theatre stage in San Francisco. Set in a macabre world of ghosts and witches, "Macbeth"'s cycle of corruption is thrown into motion when the popular King Duncan of Scotland is murdered by his trusted friend and general Macbeth. Driven by a supernatural prophesy and his wife's deadly ambition, Macbeth goes on to claim his destiny. But just as he grasps the crown, it starts to slip through his bloody fingers. [less-]