Dialogues of gossip dissolve into bursts of "blah blah blahs" and complex young characters rap, text and dance with reckless abandon in "All of What You Love and None of What You Hate", a sparkling de... [more+]

Dialogues of gossip dissolve into bursts of "blah blah blahs" and complex young characters rap, text and dance with reckless abandon in "All of What You Love and None of What You Hate", a sparkling debut from up-and-coming playwright Phillip Howze. Set entirely in the universe of one bedroom, a young girl begins to process the shifting world around her. Her future largely undetermined, she sets off on a journey of self-discovery to find answers and defy her fate. Overwrought with raw emotion and pure abstraction, this insightful play will take an unabashed look into the world of urban youths, teen pregnancies and miscommunication at The Reuff at A.C.T's Strand Theater in San Francisco. [less-]

Come see the Punch Line's weekly SF Comedy Showcase, held every Sunday for over 30 years. San Francisco has a rich and vibrant comedy scene, and this weekly show has launched the careers of such comed... [more+]

Come see the Punch Line's weekly SF Comedy Showcase, held every Sunday for over 30 years. San Francisco has a rich and vibrant comedy scene, and this weekly show has launched the careers of such comedians as Patton Oswalt, Margaret Cho and Arj Barker, as well as the current flock of rising stars such as W. Kamau Bell and Moshe Kasher. Laugh at a lineup of the Bay Area's top stand-up comics, many of whom have appeared on late-night television, Comedy Central and other esteemed television outlets. [less-]

Who knew a game would serve as the perfect metaphor for romantic rivalries, cunning gamesmanship and political tensions? And no, it's not Risk. The world's ancient game of strategy makes its move at S... [more+]

Who knew a game would serve as the perfect metaphor for romantic rivalries, cunning gamesmanship and political tensions? And no, it's not Risk. The world's ancient game of strategy makes its move at San Francisco's Custom Made Theatre with the stirring rock musical "Chess". This musical drama features music by ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson ("Mamma Mia") and lyrics by Tim Rice ("Evita"), including the smash hit song "One Night in Bangkok," "I Know Him So Well" and more. "Chess" involves a love triangle between two top chess players -- an American and a Russian -- and the woman who manages one and falls in love with the other. Loosely based on the lives of chess grandmasters Anatoly Karpov and Bobby Fischer, the rock opera plays out against the Cold War struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union, with each wanting to win international tournaments for purposes of propaganda. [less-]

Truth and fiction blur in Pulitzer Prize finalist David Henry Hwang's hilarious and moving show "Yellow Face", which is based on the author's own life -- but with wild exaggerations. When Hwang mistak... [more+]

Truth and fiction blur in Pulitzer Prize finalist David Henry Hwang's hilarious and moving show "Yellow Face", which is based on the author's own life -- but with wild exaggerations. When Hwang mistakenly makes a disastrous casting decision, he quickly and hilariously gets in over his head. As the situation spirals further out of control, he finds himself at the center of international intrigue and a government investigation. Winner of an Obie award, "Yellow Face" explores timeless questions surrounding cultural identity through a sharply satirical lens. Director Jeffrey Sun stages this biting look at race, politics and the media at San Francisco's Firescape Theatre. [less-]

"Peter and the Starcatcher", the multiple Tony-winning show that "The New York Times" called "the most exhilarating storytelling on Broadway in decades," is the swashbuckling, madcap prequel to "Peter... [more+]

"Peter and the Starcatcher", the multiple Tony-winning show that "The New York Times" called "the most exhilarating storytelling on Broadway in decades," is the swashbuckling, madcap prequel to "Peter Pan". A dozen actors play more than 100 characters, combining their acting talent with ingenious stagecraft and an imaginative story to reveal the origins of "the boy who wouldn't grow up." This Berkeley Playhouse production takes a hilarious romp through the Neverland you never knew in an action-packed adventure that brings pirates, orphans and secret agents of the queen together on the high seas. Based on the best-selling novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, and written by Rick Elice ("Jersey Boys"), "Peter and the Starcatcher" boasts an all-star creative team and weaves an enchanting tale that appeals to both adults and kids. [less-]

From Tony-winning master of mayhem Ken Ludwig ("Lend Me a Tenor") comes this madcap sendup of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic and beloved whodunit "The Hound of the Baskervilles". The male heirs of t... [more+]

From Tony-winning master of mayhem Ken Ludwig ("Lend Me a Tenor") comes this madcap sendup of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic and beloved whodunit "The Hound of the Baskervilles". The male heirs of the Baskerville line are being killed one by one -- and it's up to the great Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick, Dr. Watson, to make their way through a dizzying web of clues, disguises and deceit in "Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery". Does a wild hellhound prowl the moors of Devonshire? Or something more sinister? And will our heroes discover the truth in time? Watch in amazement as five actors tackle more than 40 characters in this fast-paced romp at Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park, just north of San Francisco. [less-]

From its 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 its 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-]

Theater troupe We Players brings a new perspective to Shakespeare's works by taking them off the stage and performing them as participatory theater productions that blur the line between audiences and... [more+]

Theater troupe We Players brings a new perspective to Shakespeare's works by taking them off the stage and performing them as participatory theater productions that blur the line between audiences and actors. Through a partnership with the California State Parks, We Players have produced immersive, on-location shows like "Hamlet on Alcatraz" and "Macbeth at Fort Point". Now, We Players tackle Shakespeare's most famous work in "Romeo and Juliet" at Petaluma Adobe. The historic Rancho Petaluma Adobe -- a 19th century ranch in the dry, sunbaked scrublands outside Santa Rosa -- transforms into the city of Verona for this play, in which you can follow the action as two star-crossed lovers try to bring peace to their warring families. Join the Capulets in their fiery family dance circle, participate in the rituals of marriage and death, and have your heart broken by the tragic end to this timeless tale of love and hate. [less-]

Don't miss your chance to see one of history's greatest plays, as Shakespeare's "Othello" stands apart for its passion, its sense of danger, and its continued relevance amidst the evils of the modern ... [more+]

Don't miss your chance to see one of history's greatest plays, as Shakespeare's "Othello" stands apart for its passion, its sense of danger, and its continued relevance amidst the evils of the modern world. Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, and his new wife, Desdemona, seemingly have it all -- true love, success and happiness. But can anyone protect them from "honest" Iago, a master magician of deceit? The inspiration for villains as varied as Milton's Satan and "Breaking Bad"'s Walter White, Iago is one of the most hypnotically evil characters ever created, and the driving force behind Shakespeare's profound tragedy of love and jealousy. [less-]

Edwin San Juan plays top comedy clubs across the country, and is heavily involved with the USO, performing for U.S. troops stationed around the world. For several years, the Los Angeles native produce... [more+]

Edwin San Juan plays top comedy clubs across the country, and is heavily involved with the USO, performing for U.S. troops stationed around the world. For several years, the Los Angeles native produced the popular "Slanted Comedy" showcase of Asian-American comedians, which had its own Showtime special. He's made several appearances on BET's "Comic View", and has also been seen on "Comics Without Borders", Comedy Central's "Live at Gotham", the concert film "Payaso Comedy Slam", and shows on ABC, UPN, NBC and more. His laid-back style, sly punchlines and hilarious stories always keep his audience in stitches. Now he's headlining the "There Goes the Neighborhood" comedy tour at Cobb's in San Francisco. [less-]

The voice of today's generation -- the Arthur Miller of the Millennials -- young playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney penned this play that's been hailed by the "Chicago Tribune" as "the greatest piece of... [more+]

The voice of today's generation -- the Arthur Miller of the Millennials -- young playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney penned this play that's been hailed by the "Chicago Tribune" as "the greatest piece of writing by an American playwright under 30 in a generation or more." West African folklore takes a trip to Louisiana's bayou in "The Brothers Size", as the recently paroled Oshoosi Size returns home, hoping for a fresh start working in his brother Ogun's repair shop. But when the charming and sinister Elegba enters the picture, the situation's delicate stability is threatened and fraternal ties are tested. A stirring score, flights of poetry and West African mythology give wings to this soulful and celebratory work. Make your way to San Francisco's Eureka Theater for this Theatre Rhinoceros production of "The Brothers Size". [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-]

Marrakech Magic Theater features world-renowned sleight-of-hand magician Peter Morrison in a highly interactive show in its intimate 42-seat theater. A featured performer at the world-famous Magic Cas... [more+]

Marrakech Magic Theater features world-renowned sleight-of-hand magician Peter Morrison in a highly interactive show in its intimate 42-seat theater. A featured performer at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, Morrison combines mind-blowing magic, intriguing feats of mentalism and laugh-out-loud humor in a fast-paced 75-minute show -- and audience participation makes each performance different. Make sure you get there early to enjoy Morrison's pre-show tableside magic in the Oasis Lounge. [less-]

Although its been 200 years since its original publication, Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" still remains one of the most popular love stories of all time. The bitingly funny tale has spawned mult... [more+]

Although its been 200 years since its original publication, Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" still remains one of the most popular love stories of all time. The bitingly funny tale has spawned multiple film and television adaptations as well as every type of book spinoff imaginable. Now Fort Mason Center's musical adaptation of the beloved story highlights everything that gives "Pride and Prejudice" its timeless appeal, from its wicked sense of humor to the irresistible charm of its characters -- while also throwing in some dazzling song and dance numbers in the mix. Under a canopy of redwood trees and a crystal clear night sky, the sparklingly witty Elizabeth Bennet and the handsome but haughty Mr. Darcy try to overcome their pride and prejudice to find love and happiness together despite the rigid social rules of regency England. Featuring music and lyrics by Emmy Award-winning composer Rita Abrams ("I Want It All Now"), this stunning musical will leave you starry-eyed and humming all the way home. [less-]

Winner of the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Play, Mike Bartlett's "King Charles III" explores the people underneath the crowns, the unwritten rules of Britain's democracy and the conscience of its m... [more+]

Winner of the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Play, Mike Bartlett's "King Charles III" explores the people underneath the crowns, the unwritten rules of Britain's democracy and the conscience of its most famous family. This modern-day riff on Shakespearean political drama, which was a sold-out hit on both Broadway and in London's West End, has been hailed as "fresh, thrilling and fearlessly comic" ("Entertainment Weekly") and "flat-out brilliant!" ("The New York Times"). Set shortly after the death of the Queen, the story centers on Prince Charles, who after a lifetime of waiting, is finally made king, only to face an ethical dilemma over a bill limiting the freedom of the press. See this exciting production of "King Charles III" now at San Francisco's American Conservatory Theater. [less-]

Jack London's "The Call of The Wild" is one of the pioneering works of the adventure genre, an allegory that hearkens to the nature of your true essence with the tale of Buck the dog, who is sold into... [more+]

Jack London's "The Call of The Wild" is one of the pioneering works of the adventure genre, an allegory that hearkens to the nature of your true essence with the tale of Buck the dog, who is sold into Alaskan slavery, rescued by a kind woodsman and follows the call of the wolves into freedom. Writer and actor Charlie Bethel brings London's powerful story to the stage in a breathtaking one-man performance that shows that everyone is Buck the dog, searching through the darkness for the freedom that stirs deep inside of us. [less-]

Mick Fleetwood may've co-founded one of the most successful and respected rock acts of all time in Fleetwood Mac, but he confesses to being a blues man at heart. So the acclaimed British drummer went ... [more+]

Mick Fleetwood may've co-founded one of the most successful and respected rock acts of all time in Fleetwood Mac, but he confesses to being a blues man at heart. So the acclaimed British drummer went out and created yet another eponymous group, The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band. It's fronted by singer-guitarist Rick Vito, and jams through original tunes, early era Mac ("Oh Well," "Rattlesnake Shake") and vintage Americana classics like "Shake Your Money Maker" and "When the Levee Breaks." The quartet's live album "Blue Again!" scored a Grammy nomination as Best Traditional Blues Album, and this tour includes a prime slot at the Telluride Blues Festival, behind Joe Walsh. Don't miss this stop at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco. [less-]

Step back into the romantic age of letter-writing via "Dear Master", an elegantly orchestrated play following the 13 years of letter exchange between legendary 19th-century French novelists Amantine-L... [more+]

Step back into the romantic age of letter-writing via "Dear Master", an elegantly orchestrated play following the 13 years of letter exchange between legendary 19th-century French novelists Amantine-Lucile-Aurore Dupin, better known as George Sand, and Gustave Flaubert. Their powerful friendship was fueled through "productive discussions" of fierce, opposing arguments revolving around politics, art and the literary world of their time. A shimmering glimpse into the brilliant psyches of Flaubert, the literary realist pioneer, and the iconoclast Sand, who protested the social restrictions of women by adopting male dress for a period, "Dear Master" offers further insight into a world of political turmoil and deeply-held passions. The play also won the Bay Area Critics Circle Award for Best Script in 1991. Watch the unlikely friendship of these intellectual writers come to life at the Aurora Theatre Company in downtown Berkeley. [less-]

For the best live music entertainment, head to Goldenvoice's Social Hall SF in the Regency Ballroom building. Having recently undergone extensive renovation, the intimate space accommodates up to 600 ... [more+]

For the best live music entertainment, head to Goldenvoice's Social Hall SF in the Regency Ballroom building. Having recently undergone extensive renovation, the intimate space accommodates up to 600 and hosts electronic club nights, comedy events, rock concerts and more. Upgrades include a state-of-the-art sound system, a concert stage, and a 40-foot wooden bar where you can order a variety of specialty cocktails. From indie-rock to jazz, electronic to hip-hop, the venue's calendar is fast filling with great shows -- most of which are open to all ages. Score your tickets now to an upcoming show or three. [less-]

After entertaining crowds all over the world, comedian and SF native son Tony Camin comes home to crack up audiences at the Punch Line. Camin has appeared on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", "Real Tim... [more+]

After entertaining crowds all over the world, comedian and SF native son Tony Camin comes home to crack up audiences at the Punch Line. Camin has appeared on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", "Real Time with Bill Maher", "Jimmy Kimmel Live" and the Comedy Central shows "Premium Blend" and "Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn". He has also worked as a correspondent for the IFC series "The Media Project", and written for several shows on Comedy Central, VH1 and NBC. He may be best-known as the co-creator of the off-Broadway and touring hit "The Marijuana-Logues" with Doug Benson and Arj Barker. Now he brings his low-key (if deceptively savage) stand-up back to the stage. [less-]