The grandest of grand operas, Giuseppe Verdi's "Aida" strikes a brilliant balance of spectacular pageantry and emotional intimacy, all of which is amplified by Elton John's killer pop-rock score and T... [more+]

The grandest of grand operas, Giuseppe Verdi's "Aida" strikes a brilliant balance of spectacular pageantry and emotional intimacy, all of which is amplified by Elton John's killer pop-rock score and Tim Rice's powerful lyrics. This massively crowd-pleasing musical delivers a contemporary spin on the classic tale of forbidden love between an enslaved Nubian princess and an Egyptian soldier. As their taboo love grows in the face of cultural differences and the pressures of their warring nations, these lovers must face death itself in order to be together. Winner of four Tony Awards, including Best Original Score, "Aida" is filled with passionate storytelling, exuberant dancing and world-class staging and singing. Broadway By The Bay closes out its season with this musical by the legends who brought you "The Lion King, Evita" and "Billy Elliot" at Fox Theatre in Redwood City. [less-]

Igor Stravinsky hit music like a thunderclap. With "Petrushka" (1911) and "The Rite of Spring" (1913), he sent shockwaves that continue to ripple through music today. Driven, frenetic and strikingly o... [more+]

Igor Stravinsky hit music like a thunderclap. With "Petrushka" (1911) and "The Rite of Spring" (1913), he sent shockwaves that continue to ripple through music today. Driven, frenetic and strikingly original, each score is as unique in character as it is wondrous. Hear these seminal works at San Francisco's Davies Symphony Hall conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas and Stravinsky's Violin Concerto played by the "rapturously lyrical" ("The Guardian") Leonidas Kavakos. [less-]

From the author of the hit Temptations' musical "Ain't Too Proud", and the Obie award-winning "Skeleton Crew" comes "Detroit '67". It's 1967, Motown music rules, and Chelle and her brother Lank are ma... [more+]

From the author of the hit Temptations' musical "Ain't Too Proud", and the Obie award-winning "Skeleton Crew" comes "Detroit '67". It's 1967, Motown music rules, and Chelle and her brother Lank are making ends meet by holding after-hours dance parties in the basement of their home. But when Lank shelters a battered white woman, the siblings clash over more than the family business and the riots burning the black neighborhoods of their city. "Detroit '67" is a redemptive story of family and survival, and was the winner of the Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History. [less-]

Once stand-up comedians become full-blown TV and movie stars, you don't really expect to ever get to see them perform live again. But with "The Comedy Get Down", you have the chance to catch some of t... [more+]

Once stand-up comedians become full-blown TV and movie stars, you don't really expect to ever get to see them perform live again. But with "The Comedy Get Down", you have the chance to catch some of the biggest names in comedy all in one amazing show. Cedric the Entertainer, George Lopez, D.L. Hughley and Eddie Griffin will take the stage at the SAP Center at San Jose for a night of hilarious stand-up. For years, these members of comedy royalty have been pushing boundaries and breaking new ground, and now they're back with mic in hand to prove once again why they're some of the best around. [less-]

In every generation, there is a chosen one. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the slayer. The hilarious drag parody, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer Li... [more+]

In every generation, there is a chosen one. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the slayer. The hilarious drag parody, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer Live!", is back with a new mash-up episode of the beloved '90s sci-fi television series; featuring some of San Francisco's most fabulous drag stars and character actors. So put on your chunky heals, baggy jeans and choker necklaces...Find your Third Eye Blind CD and head down to The Oasis where these queens will slay! [less-]

It's the fabulous '60s -- and Effie, Lorrell and Deena are young, determined and talented. They've got a dream to be the next big girl group on the radio, no matter the cost. When they're discovered a... [more+]

It's the fabulous '60s -- and Effie, Lorrell and Deena are young, determined and talented. They've got a dream to be the next big girl group on the radio, no matter the cost. When they're discovered at a local talent show by a ruthless manager with his own agenda for fame, they're propelled into a world where dreams do come true ... and where success can tear apart even the strongest of relationships. Detailing the epic rise of a Motown-like super-group from obscurity to stardom, the story of two lifelong friends takes center stage in this legendary and soulful musical journey that explores the rewards of shooting for the stars, and the costs of valuing success over family. Enjoy "Dreamgirls" on the stage of the Berkeley Playhouse. [less-]

What did the "Fifth Beatle," producer George Martin, do after the Fab Four disbanded? He teamed up with folk-rock band America, steering seven of their albums and scoring hits like the chart-topper "S... [more+]

What did the "Fifth Beatle," producer George Martin, do after the Fab Four disbanded? He teamed up with folk-rock band America, steering seven of their albums and scoring hits like the chart-topper "Sister Golden Hair" and "Tin Man." The Beatles have to be an intimidating act to follow, but with their pitch-perfect harmonies and breezy acoustic sound, America had already charted a No. 1 hit in "A Horse With No Name" and taken home a Grammy for Best New Artist when Martin signed on. And America delivered on that promise and then some, becoming classic-rock radio staples. The band released their 18th album, "Lost & Found", in 2015, and now they're coming to San Jose's historic City National Civic with special guest Don Felder, former lead guitarist for the Eagles and writer of such favorites as "Hotel California." [less-]

A PBS favorite and an Emmy winner for his specials "Nights of Fire" and "Strings of Passion", flamenco guitarist Benise brings his smoking hot 2018 show "Fuego!" to the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in ... [more+]

A PBS favorite and an Emmy winner for his specials "Nights of Fire" and "Strings of Passion", flamenco guitarist Benise brings his smoking hot 2018 show "Fuego!" to the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in San Francisco. From elaborately choreographed dance numbers to live music from a full band, Benise celebrates the Spanish spirit with a true entertainment spectacular that burns up the stage with all the passion and artistry of nuevo flamenco. This romantic, exotic musical adventure is designed to appeal to all ages and cultures, paying homage to European, American and Caribbean sounds as well. [less-]

Winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, "Sweat" is the scorching new play from Lynn Nottage ("Ruined") that "The New York Times" called "keenly observed and surprisingly funny ... throbs with hea... [more+]

Winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, "Sweat" is the scorching new play from Lynn Nottage ("Ruined") that "The New York Times" called "keenly observed and surprisingly funny ... throbs with heartfelt life. " In the industrial town of Reading, Pennsylvania, a group of friends spend their days on the factory floor and their nights sharing drinks, secrets and laughs. But then layoffs and picket lines begin to erode their trust, and they find themselves pitted against each other in a heart-wrenching fight for self-preservation. Based on Nottage's extensive research and interviews with residents of Reading and arriving at A.C.T. in San Francisco after a heralded Broadway run, "Sweat" is a searing reflection of America's economic decline. [less-]

If you love Donald Trump, you'll hate "Things You Shouldn't Say"! Produced by Boxcar Theatre, this outrageous musical tells the remarkable true story of four friends from San Francisco who had a life-... [more+]

If you love Donald Trump, you'll hate "Things You Shouldn't Say"! Produced by Boxcar Theatre, this outrageous musical tells the remarkable true story of four friends from San Francisco who had a life-changing epiphany at a Bette Midler concert that led to them to form The Kinsey Sicks, in an effort to find joy during the darkest days of the AIDS crisis. Now that the era of Trumpism is upon us, these four are sharing their hilarious, inspiring and at times heartbreaking tale, all while showing that hatred and deceit can be fought with humor and heart. It's an unforgettable new musical exploring Trumpism, racism, AIDS, extreme macramé, oblong vegetables and, of course, Bette Midler. Join America's Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet as they celebrate 25 years of laughter, integrity and heroically high hair at Marines' Memorial Theatre. [less-]

With over 30 million records sold in North America alone, Styx is one of the most loved rock bands on the planet. Now, the group known for anthemic hits like "Come Sail Away," "Renegade," "Blue Collar... [more+]

With over 30 million records sold in North America alone, Styx is one of the most loved rock bands on the planet. Now, the group known for anthemic hits like "Come Sail Away," "Renegade," "Blue Collar Man" and "Fooling Yourself" returns to City National Civic for a powerhouse San Jose show. With not one but two Super Bowl appearances under their belt and multiple chart-topping tours, Styx has been going strong for more than 40 years, and shows no signs of slowing. [less-]

Under the baton of Valery Gergiev, Russia's illustrious Mariinsky Orchestra and "powerhouse Russian pianist" ("Los Angeles Times") Denis Matsuev celebrate the astounding diversity of one of the most r... [more+]

Under the baton of Valery Gergiev, Russia's illustrious Mariinsky Orchestra and "powerhouse Russian pianist" ("Los Angeles Times") Denis Matsuev celebrate the astounding diversity of one of the most revolutionary composers in history during this performance at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. Hear a sonic panorama of some of Stravinsky's most iconic works, including his scintillating prodigy piece, "Fireworks," his strikingly original "Symphony in C" and the rapturous ballet score that launched the young composer to international fame, "The Firebird." [less-]

Set in 1922, "Thoroughly Modern Millie" takes you back to the height of the Jazz Age in New York City, when modern girls were bobbing their hair, raising their hemlines, entering the workforce and rew... [more+]

Set in 1922, "Thoroughly Modern Millie" takes you back to the height of the Jazz Age in New York City, when modern girls were bobbing their hair, raising their hemlines, entering the workforce and rewriting the rules of love. You'll swing along to the story of young Millie Dillmount from Kansas, whose plan is to arrive in the Big Apple, find a job as a secretary for a wealthy man, then marry him. However, her scheme goes completely awry. This high-spirited musical romp is filled with frisky flappers, explosive tap numbers and a villainess you'll love to hate. Contra Costa Musical Theatre brings this high-spirited romp, filled with madcap musical merriment, to the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. [less-]

"A model of farsighted musical intelligence and no-nonsense command" ("Chicago Tribune"), Austrian conductor Manfred Honeck returns to the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall after his triu... [more+]

"A model of farsighted musical intelligence and no-nonsense command" ("Chicago Tribune"), Austrian conductor Manfred Honeck returns to the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall after his triumphant 2017 debut. The acclaimed conductor leads the Orchestra in Dvorak's rousing, Bohemian-flavored "Eighth Symphony" and Prokofiev's cello showpiece, "Sinfonia" concertante, with the fiery virtuoso Truls Mork. [less-]

Winner of the Tony and the Olivier Awards for Best Musical, "Crazy For You" has wowed audiences on Broadway, the West End and around the world, reclaiming the Gershwin songs into the perfect book musi... [more+]

Winner of the Tony and the Olivier Awards for Best Musical, "Crazy For You" has wowed audiences on Broadway, the West End and around the world, reclaiming the Gershwin songs into the perfect book musical. The show-stopping production will be an intimate version of the large-scale musical featuring the original Tony-winning choreography of Susan Stroman, recreated by Bay Area Musicals' Founder & Artistic Director, Matthew McCoy, who will also direct. A zany rich-boy-meets-hometown-girl romantic comedy, "Crazy For You" tells the story of young New York banker Bobby Child, who is sent to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a rundown theatre. In Deadrock, Bobby falls for spunky Polly Baker, the theater owner's daughter. But Polly takes an instant dislike to the city slicker, so Bobby vows -- through cunning, razzmatazz and a hilarious case of mistaken identity -- to win Polly's heart and save the theater. Filled with memorable Gershwin tunes like "I Got Rhythm," "Naughty Baby," "They Can't Take That Away from Me," "Embraceable You," "But Not for Me," "Nice Work if You Can Get It" and "Someone to Watch Over Me," this show can be enjoyed at San Francisco's Alcazar Theatre. [less-]

Captivated by the sounds of flamenco, composers from around the world have written music in the Spanish style. Pablo Heras-Casado returns to the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall to condu... [more+]

Captivated by the sounds of flamenco, composers from around the world have written music in the Spanish style. Pablo Heras-Casado returns to the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall to conduct "Spanish" works by Frenchmen, including Ravel's sultry slow-burn "Boléro" and Debussy's Andalusian postcard "Ibéria". Hear that music as well as the "fearless and arresting brilliance" ("Gramophone") of Spanish piano virtuoso Javier Perianes performing Bartók's melodious Piano Concerto No. 3. [less-]

An innocuous comment at a dinner of two interracial couples leads to a surreal escalation of Cold War-style paranoia. "You Mean to Do Me Harm" is a psychological exploration of Chinese and American fo... [more+]

An innocuous comment at a dinner of two interracial couples leads to a surreal escalation of Cold War-style paranoia. "You Mean to Do Me Harm" is a psychological exploration of Chinese and American foreign relations, and of the personal relations we hold most dear. Originally produced as part of last season's Sandbox series, this captivating new play closely examines the different perceptions we operate under and the difficulty of setting our own boundaries. See the world premiere of this "master craftsmanship of local playwright Christopher Chen" at the San Francisco Playhouse. [less-]

Linda Ronstadt's incomparable singing voice may've been silenced by Parkinson's disease, but she hasn't lost her keen sense of humor or warm stage presence. Led by Ronstadt herself, this spectacular, ... [more+]

Linda Ronstadt's incomparable singing voice may've been silenced by Parkinson's disease, but she hasn't lost her keen sense of humor or warm stage presence. Led by Ronstadt herself, this spectacular, big-screen multi-media journey is a fun, fast-moving trip back through her 100 million-album-selling career, accompanied by videos, rare personal photos and of course, her musical recordings. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and 11-time Grammy winner's unbelievable output ranges from pop, rock, country, bluegrass and Americana to opera, jazz, tropical Latin, Cajun and even the double-platinum Mexican folk album "Canciones de Mi Padre", which just happens to be the biggest-selling non-English-language album in U.S. music history. From her roots growing up in Tucson, to her early years with the Stone Poneys, her long association with the Eagles (they started as her backup band), her friendships with Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton and Aaron Neville, her Tony Award-winning time on Broadway and beyond, Linda lays it all out in down-to-earth style, and wraps up this special evening at Saratoga's Mountain Winery with an audience Q&A. [less-]

This cult classic horror/sci-fi parody -- which inspired the 1975 long-running midnight movie beloved by millions -- takes place on a dark and stormy night, as clean-cut sweethearts Brad and Janet fin... [more+]

This cult classic horror/sci-fi parody -- which inspired the 1975 long-running midnight movie beloved by millions -- takes place on a dark and stormy night, as clean-cut sweethearts Brad and Janet find themselves stranded on a lonely road. The innocent couple seeks refuge at the castle of gender-bending mad scientist Dr. Frank N. Furter. Once inside, they have their eyes opened to a whole new world of sex, science -- and maybe even love. Come dance the "Time Warp," and hear all your favorite "Rocky Horror" hits when this production from Ray of Light Theatre returns to the Victoria Theatre for the fourth year in a row. It's the perfect way to celebrate the Halloween season! [less-]

The Thin White Duke left behind a giant black hole in the rock firmament when he passed in 2016, but the void was felt especially deeply by members of his touring group -- including his longest-servin... [more+]

The Thin White Duke left behind a giant black hole in the rock firmament when he passed in 2016, but the void was felt especially deeply by members of his touring group -- including his longest-serving bandmate, jazz pianist Mike Garson. "The music we shared through the years is eternal and so is David," he wrote after Bowie's death, and he puts that sentiment into action through this amazing live tour, performing an ever-changing and rotating mix of fan favorites and deep cuts. Joined by fellow alumni Earl Slick, Mark Plati, Gerry Leonard and Carmine Rojas, Garson and "A Bowie Celebration" let loose with their authentic-as-it-gets salute with help from guest vocalists like Latin Grammy-winner Gaby Moreno, Rolling Stones backing vocalist Bernard Fowler and Living Colour's Corey Glover. "The celebration is an extremely well-executed display of musicality and a touching tribute to a well-loved rock god," says "The Daily Californian". Don't miss this one-of-a-kind concert experience at Mountain Winery in Saratoga. [less-]