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-]

A protest brings Jesse, a black man, together with his white lover, Neil, a Black Lives Matter activist. But now, as Neil immerses himself in the struggle, Jesse has to confront his own political apat... [more+]

A protest brings Jesse, a black man, together with his white lover, Neil, a Black Lives Matter activist. But now, as Neil immerses himself in the struggle, Jesse has to confront his own political apathy or risk his rights and their love. This gripping world premiere play by Harrison David Rivers at San Francisco's New Conservatory Theatre Center, in partnership with Museum of the African Diaspora, asks "what is the real cost of standing on the sidelines?" [less-]

"Smoke: The Cabaret" is a musical exploration of the mysteries of love. This one-woman show, a sensual tale of infidelity and passion, stars vocalist Lori Rivera, who was a member of Grammy-nominated ... [more+]

"Smoke: The Cabaret" is a musical exploration of the mysteries of love. This one-woman show, a sensual tale of infidelity and passion, stars vocalist Lori Rivera, who was a member of Grammy-nominated group The Bobs. "Smoke: The Cabaret" features a dozen original jazz tunes, cabaret songs and comic ballads by Joe Ortiz. Experience this tale of two women -- sweet Celeste, a dangerously open-hearted innocent in search of Mr. Right, and sophisticated Francesca, a worldly master of erotic strategy -- at the Shelton Theater in San Francisco. [less-]

Dat Phan, best known as the winner of the first season of NBC's "Last Comic Standing", is coming back to San Francisco to headline Cobb's Comedy Club. Since winning the hit TV stand-up competition, Ph... [more+]

Dat Phan, best known as the winner of the first season of NBC's "Last Comic Standing", is coming back to San Francisco to headline Cobb's Comedy Club. Since winning the hit TV stand-up competition, Phan has appeared on "The Tonight Show" and "Family Guy", and he's headlined clubs and theaters across the country. He's known for his clever and funny observations about everyday -- and not-so-everyday -- life in America today. [less-]

How far would you go to bake the world's best bread? A culinary magical tale, "Bread! The Musical" follows one baker's quest to replicate his father's lost and legendary rye recipe, and he'll stop at ... [more+]

How far would you go to bake the world's best bread? A culinary magical tale, "Bread! The Musical" follows one baker's quest to replicate his father's lost and legendary rye recipe, and he'll stop at nothing to do it. This new musical from Joe Oritz is filled with a baker's dozen of original songs, homegrown hubris and potential peril as the baker's obsession begins to drive everyone (especially his wife) nuts. Theater aficionado Greg Fritsch directs this wacky and family-friendly musical at the Shelton Theater in San Francisco. [less-]

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Paula Vogel's "How I Learned To Drive" explores the complex relationship between a young woman and her uncle as a series of driving lessons progresses from inno... [more+]

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Paula Vogel's "How I Learned To Drive" explores the complex relationship between a young woman and her uncle as a series of driving lessons progresses from innocence to something much more dark and troubling. Told with surprising wit, this acclaimed play is an often-funny, surprising and ultimately devastating tale of survival. Through wildly absurd, unexpected and disturbing turns of events, Li'l Bit comes to terms with her past and her relationships as these events shape her womanhood and her understanding of the world. The Custom Made Theatre Co. brings this 20th-century masterpiece to Custom Made Theatre in San Francisco. [less-]

The psychedelic sexuality of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" comes to the big top at San Francisco's Great Star Theatre, hosted and performed by an equally tantalizing and kooky cirque troupe. For thi... [more+]

The psychedelic sexuality of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" comes to the big top at San Francisco's Great Star Theatre, hosted and performed by an equally tantalizing and kooky cirque troupe. For this show, the Vespertine Circus has remade "Rocky Horror" cirque-style, bringing you the cult classic on a tight-wire, with sweethearts Brad and Janet more flexible than ever. As with a traditional screening of the late-night fave, costumes and audience participation are encouraged, with the request to "keep it sexy and weird." But this is not a screening; it's a full-on circus. [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-]

San Francisco's Circus Center presents its acclaimed monthly entertainment series, Circus Center Cabaret. It's a unique mix of live jazz and a rotating cast of the Bay Area's best circus and variety p... [more+]

San Francisco's Circus Center presents its acclaimed monthly entertainment series, Circus Center Cabaret. It's a unique mix of live jazz and a rotating cast of the Bay Area's best circus and variety performers, presented in an intimate venue with a full bar. The September edition, Come On-A My House, is an open arms, kiss on the cheek, fun-filled evening celebrating the premiere of Circus Center Cabaret's third season. Madame Leanne Borghesi has been getting her caravan of talented troubadours and gifted gypsies set for the big event. Returning jazz masters, The Roger Glenn Trio, will be on hand as the swingin' house band, with a stage full of the best circus and variety artists from near and far, featuring the aerial artistry of the elegant Veronica Blair. [less-]

Out with the old, in with the Neo-Future! Called "a hotbed of energy and creativity" by the "San Francisco Chronicle", the San Francisco Neo-Futurists are blazing a trail to the future of theater. The... [more+]

Out with the old, in with the Neo-Future! Called "a hotbed of energy and creativity" by the "San Francisco Chronicle", the San Francisco Neo-Futurists are blazing a trail to the future of theater. Their spirit of artistic adventurousness had them named the Bay Area's Best Theater Company in the "San Francisco Bay Guardian"'s 2016 Readers Poll. Now the Neo-Futurists present their daring, genre-defying work (or should we say works?), "The Infinite Wrench". Presented at San Francisco's Z Below, "The Infinite Wrench" is comprised of a series of two-minute plays designed to shift the conventions of live performance with the irrepressible, the honest, the WTF and the new. [less-]

Footloose's "Yes to Everything" is back with another exciting series of original solo shows, written and performed by six different talented artists. Each night is a different double bill that runs th... [more+]

Footloose's "Yes to Everything" is back with another exciting series of original solo shows, written and performed by six different talented artists. Each night is a different double bill that runs the gamut from comedy to clowning and dance. The latest lineup includes Heather Gold, Nikolas Strubbe, Eric Rubin, Dalton Alexander, Theresa Donahoe and Aimee Tomczak. [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-]

A tour-de-force one-man show adapted from the work of Samuel Beckett, "Krapp's Last Tape" is a powerful exploration of youth and aging. Starring artistic bon vivant John Elliott, the story revolves ar... [more+]

A tour-de-force one-man show adapted from the work of Samuel Beckett, "Krapp's Last Tape" is a powerful exploration of youth and aging. Starring artistic bon vivant John Elliott, the story revolves around an old man who lives a lonely existence in a darkened room. At the end of the year, he gets a bottle of wine, a banana and his tape recorder and listens to his own voice from the past, recalling prior glories and hope for the future. [less-]

Experience four hours of twilight and evening cruising on San Francisco Bay for a great cause, while listening to the best in blues, R&B and Americana. Grammy-nominated musician Kenny Neal was inducte... [more+]

Experience four hours of twilight and evening cruising on San Francisco Bay for a great cause, while listening to the best in blues, R&B and Americana. Grammy-nominated musician Kenny Neal was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame for his modern revival of the swamp-blues style. Guitarist-singer Tommy Castro puts a spin on blues, R&B and rock with his band The Painkillers, playing "Memphis soul-drenched R&B... top-of-the-line blues" ("The Chicago Sun-Times"). Talented musician David Sobel backs the soulful powerhouse Tia Carroll, whose voice and storytelling draw comparisons to legendary female singers such as Tina Turner, Koko Taylor and Aretha Franklin. Your ticket includes a food item from the bar, so relax for a memorable evening and let the blues wash over you aboard the San Francisco Belle. [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-]

In the madcap physical theater piece "The Submarine Show", two men bring to life a sidesplitting adventure from the bottom of the sea up to the sky as they inhabit fish, birds, monsters and even their... [more+]

In the madcap physical theater piece "The Submarine Show", two men bring to life a sidesplitting adventure from the bottom of the sea up to the sky as they inhabit fish, birds, monsters and even their submarine. Combining slapstick and pantomime, Emmy Award winner Slater Penney and former Cirque du Soleil performer Jaron Hollander bring their unique comic world to life using only their own bodies for a show that appeals to audiences of all ages. Winner of a Best of Fringe award at the 2011 San Francisco Fringe Festival, "The Submarine Show", has received standing ovations and rave reviews. Now it comes to the Great Star Theatre. [less-]

San Francisco native Scott Capurro is known for his confrontational and controversial comedy. You might recognize him as the actor who played Harvey Fierstein's boyfriend in "Mrs. Doubtfire", and he v... [more+]

San Francisco native Scott Capurro is known for his confrontational and controversial comedy. You might recognize him as the actor who played Harvey Fierstein's boyfriend in "Mrs. Doubtfire", and he voiced half of the two-headed podrace announcer in "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace". He won the prestigious Perrier Award for his first one-person show "Risk Gay" at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and he's also been seen on Comedy Central and heard on Alice 97.3. See him perform stand-up live when he headlines Punch Line Comedy Club in North Beach. [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-]

When drag queen Pink meets a flashy young man who takes an interest in her, she believes she's found her ticket to the diva life and out of her gang-controlled Oakland neighborhood. Her friend Ace, wh... [more+]

When drag queen Pink meets a flashy young man who takes an interest in her, she believes she's found her ticket to the diva life and out of her gang-controlled Oakland neighborhood. Her friend Ace, who harbors more than friendly feelings for her, warns Pink that the man may not be what he seems. Is this mystery man her golden ticket, or a troublemaker bringing violence and life-threatening jeopardy? Her life, and West Oakland, will change forever in "The Legend of Pink" at The Eureka Theatre in San Francisco. [less-]

Dance Theatre of San Francisco presents their fifth season at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. The Fall Program features two world premieres from choreographer and DTSF Artistic Director Dexandro... [more+]

Dance Theatre of San Francisco presents their fifth season at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. The Fall Program features two world premieres from choreographer and DTSF Artistic Director Dexandro "D" Montalvo as well as a new work from local choreographer Angela Dice Nguyen. Montalvo's piece for the full company, "Broke(n)", is an abstract interpretation of personal trials associated with going through both physical and mental recovery. Montalvo also restages his 2014 "Impulse", using four male dancers rather than the original four females. Guest choreographer Angela Dice Nguyen is expecting her first child this September and her new work for DTSF, titled "Lady in Waiting", is an exploration of what it means to become a new parent, with all the curiosity and anticipation of the unknown. [less-]