Behind a secret door near the intersection of North Beach and Chinatown lies a dimly lit subterranean realm teeming with colorful characters and overlapping storylines. This is "The Speakeasy", an int... [more+]

Behind a secret door near the intersection of North Beach and Chinatown lies a dimly lit subterranean realm teeming with colorful characters and overlapping storylines. This is "The Speakeasy", an interactive theatrical experience that'll transport you to a 1920s San Francisco watering hole full of bootleggers, bouncers, war veterans and barflies. As you wander throughout the multi-room environment, sipping cocktails, playing casino games, or simply observing, you'll stumble across all manner of conversations and interactions as a complex narrative web unfolds. The experience is always fresh, and there's a new theme for 2019: "Age of Scofflaws". [less-]

The ‘80s had aerobics. The ‘90s had Tae Bo. We have yoga. It’s exercise, it’s enlightenment … it’s big business. And in the world of Dipika Guha’s "Yoga Play", apparel giant Jojomon is k... [more+]

The ‘80s had aerobics. The ‘90s had Tae Bo. We have yoga. It’s exercise, it’s enlightenment … it’s big business. And in the world of Dipika Guha’s "Yoga Play", apparel giant Jojomon is king – until a scandal sends the company into a freefall that no amount of comfortable, breathable fabric will get them out of. Desperate to recover their earnings and reputation, newly hired CEO Joan stakes everything on a plan so crazy, it just might work. Come along on a journey to enlightenment in a world determined to sell it in this production from San Francisco Playhouse. [less-]

A favorite across the country, "The Dinner Detective" serves up a tasty whodunit along with a seated four-course dinner. And since this popular comic murder mystery is set in the present day, you'll n... [more+]

A favorite across the country, "The Dinner Detective" serves up a tasty whodunit along with a seated four-course dinner. And since this popular comic murder mystery is set in the present day, you'll never know whether someone at your table is one of the talented cast of improvisers. In fact, everyone's a suspect -- including you! The event starts out with a reception featuring tray-passed hors d'oeuvres followed by the meal, which includes salad, an entrée and dessert. Between courses you can expect plenty of murder, mayhem and hidden clues coming to light as you puzzle through the crime. Everyone gets a commemorative mug, and the top sleuth wins a prize package -- and some serious bragging rights -- at the end of the evening. [less-]

Pianist. Composer. Improviser. These are the traits and skills that are attracting both old and new generations of classical musicians to American pianist Charlie Albright. He brings a whole new persp... [more+]

Pianist. Composer. Improviser. These are the traits and skills that are attracting both old and new generations of classical musicians to American pianist Charlie Albright. He brings a whole new perspective to classical audiences -- an artist who brings music to everyone, he uniquely connects with audiences like no other through his music, speaking, and making concerts fun. Hailed as “among the most gifted musicians of his generation” with a “dazzling natural keyboard affinity”” by the "Washington Post", Albright has been praised for his “jaw-dropping technique and virtuosity meshed with a distinctive musicality” by "The New York Times". A recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant and Gilmore Young Artist Award, Albright won the Ruhr Klavier Festival Young Artist Award presented by Marc-André Hamelin (Germany) and the Young Concert Artists International Auditions. The first classical pianist in the Harvard/New England Conservatory 5-Year BA/MM Joint Program, Albright received a bachelor's degree in economics and completed a pre-medical curriculum at Harvard College (Class of 2011) and a Masters of Music student in Piano Performance at the New England Conservatory of Music (Class of 2012). Before this show at San Jose's Trianon Theatre, he will conduct his own pre-concert lecture and will be available after the concert for a Meet the Artist session. [less-]

Come feel the energy of American Improv Theater's newest team, Card Sharks.... [more+]

Come feel the energy of American Improv Theater's newest team, Card Sharks. [less-]

Simon Russell Beale makes his epic return to National Theatre Live screens as a selfish, ill-equipped king in danger of losing his crown in this exciting new production of "Richard II". Directed by Jo... [more+]

Simon Russell Beale makes his epic return to National Theatre Live screens as a selfish, ill-equipped king in danger of losing his crown in this exciting new production of "Richard II". Directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins ("Little Revolution", "Absolute Hell"), "The Tragedy of King Richard the Second" is a story of power and privilege, of family and loyalty, of poetry and politics. But beneath all the pageantry is an aching examination of what it means to be fully human. Don't miss "The Tragedy of King Richard the Second", broadcasted in HD from the National Theatre in London, at the Hammer Theatre Center in San Jose. [less-]

José Alberto Flores Jandete has been clowning around for his entire life -- he made his first appearance as a clown when he was just seven years old, wearing his father's clothes at a friend's birthd... [more+]

José Alberto Flores Jandete has been clowning around for his entire life -- he made his first appearance as a clown when he was just seven years old, wearing his father's clothes at a friend's birthday party. He's spent the years since then developing his clown character of Chuponcito, whose antics are beloved by both children and adults. He's appeared on TV and toured throughout Mexico -- and now Chuponcito is donning his makeup and big shoes to take to the stage at the San Jose Improv for a hilarious Spanish-language show that'll have you rolling in the aisles. [less-]

When a 20-year drought leads to a government ban on private toilets, a greedy company profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs -- until a hero rises up against the system. ... [more+]

When a 20-year drought leads to a government ban on private toilets, a greedy company profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs -- until a hero rises up against the system. "Urinetown" is a satirical, original and surprisingly clean tale of corruption, love and revolution in a time when water is worth its weight in gold. The show's irreverent score gives a nod to musicals from Broadway to Brecht and Weill, and playfully parodies shows like "Fiddler on the Roof", "Les Misérables" and "West Side Story". The winner of three Tonys and two Obie Awards during its original Broadway run, "Urinetown" can now be enjoyed at Hammer Theatre Center in San Jose. [less-]

The compelling new drama "Archduke" tells the story of three young men who, with nothing left to lose, join Serbia's secret military society on the eve of World War I. The destitute young men follow a... [more+]

The compelling new drama "Archduke" tells the story of three young men who, with nothing left to lose, join Serbia's secret military society on the eve of World War I. The destitute young men follow an unlikely path to terrorism in the name of Serbian nationalism. The deeper they find themselves in the organization, the more they learn about each other -- and the closer the tale parallels the bizarro politics of today. The story comes from the dark, humorous, exciting mind of Rajiv Joseph, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie Award-winning playwright. Open your mind to a challenging and insightful journey you only knew a fraction about at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. [less-]

"The New York Times" calls it "the best musical of the century." "The Washington Post" says, "It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals." And "Entertainment Weekly" says, "Grade A... [more+]

"The New York Times" calls it "the best musical of the century." "The Washington Post" says, "It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals." And "Entertainment Weekly" says, "Grade A: the funniest musical of all time." It's "The Book of Mormon", the nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical. This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Now with standing-room-only productions in London, on Broadway and across North America, "The Book of Mormon" has truly become an international sensation. Grab your tickets to see "The Book of Mormon" at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. [less-]

A true Broadway sensation, "Wicked" looks at what happened in the Land of Oz from a very different perspective. Long before Dorothy arrives, another girl is born with emerald-green skin. She's smart, ... [more+]

A true Broadway sensation, "Wicked" looks at what happened in the Land of Oz from a very different perspective. Long before Dorothy arrives, another girl is born with emerald-green skin. She's smart, fiery, misunderstood, and she possesses an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships ... until the world decides to call one "good," and the other one "wicked." With a thrilling score that includes the hits "Defying Gravity," "Popular" and "For Good," "Wicked" has been hailed by "The New York Times" as "the defining musical of the decade." From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story. Take advantage of Goldstar's pre-sale offer so you can be sure to see this acclaimed musical at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. [less-]

Steve Treviño was a writer and cast member on Comedy Central's "Mind of Mencia" and has completed several national tours with the show's star Carlos Mencia. His hilarious jokes, many of which are sto... [more+]

Steve Treviño was a writer and cast member on Comedy Central's "Mind of Mencia" and has completed several national tours with the show's star Carlos Mencia. His hilarious jokes, many of which are stories about his childhood in Texas, have also been seen on BET's "ComicView", SiTV's "Latino Laugh Festival", "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" and many more TV shows. His Showtime debut "Grandpa Joe's Son" was a hit and his second special "Relatable" is available on Netflix. Catch him headline in Sunnyvale at Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club. [less-]

Known for his razor-sharp crowd work and improvisational skills, Cash Levy's appeared on Comedy Central, Fox Sports, "Comics Unleashed", CBS' "The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson" and has toured th... [more+]

Known for his razor-sharp crowd work and improvisational skills, Cash Levy's appeared on Comedy Central, Fox Sports, "Comics Unleashed", CBS' "The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson" and has toured throughout the U.S and internationally, including performing for U.S. troops all over the world. Levy's one-hour show, "Crowd Control", was the first ever comedy special to premiere on AXStv and features his trademark off-the-cuff riffing with the audience. He also hosts a popular podcast, "Cashing In with T.J. Miller", on the Nerdist Network. [less-]

Mobius Trio has made it its mission to fully integrate the classical guitar into the 21st century's nascent musical lexicon. The Trio exclusively performs music that they have commissioned; they seek ... [more+]

Mobius Trio has made it its mission to fully integrate the classical guitar into the 21st century's nascent musical lexicon. The Trio exclusively performs music that they have commissioned; they seek to expand the guitar ensembles repertoire to encompass all of the myriad currents passing through contemporary art music. Mobius Trio has commissioned over three dozen composers in their first few years of existence, and that pace isn't slowing. Recent commissions include Sergio Assad, Luciano Chessa, and Ryan Brown, with more pieces and collaborations on the way. Mobius Trio was formed in 2010 by guitarists Robert Nance, Mason Fish, and Matthew Holmes-Linder while studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. They started things off with a bang, commissioning and learning five pieces within the span of a couple of months, and performing many of those pieces at Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center the following April. Matt, Rob, and Mason are all accomplished, competition-winning guitarists in their own right, and they all live and work in San Francisco. [less-]

Ray Furuta, "The Rockstar of the Flute" ("Informador de Guadalajara"), performs classical masterpieces by French composers with pianist Nicholas Dold and cellist Katie Youn.... [more+]

Ray Furuta, "The Rockstar of the Flute" ("Informador de Guadalajara"), performs classical masterpieces by French composers with pianist Nicholas Dold and cellist Katie Youn. [less-]

"Grease" is the word, and the musical you've gotta see when it comes to the Fox Theatre in Redwood City. Always a crowd-pleasing favorite, "Grease" follows the '50s romance of innocent ingenue Sandy a... [more+]

"Grease" is the word, and the musical you've gotta see when it comes to the Fox Theatre in Redwood City. Always a crowd-pleasing favorite, "Grease" follows the '50s romance of innocent ingenue Sandy and bad-boy greaser Danny as they enter their senior year. Danny believes their hot summer fling is over ... until Sandy unexpectedly enrolls at Rydell High. The hit 1978 movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John quickly became a musical phenomenon with catchy sing-along tunes like "Summer Nights," "You're the One That I Want," "We Go Together" and "Greased Lightning." Join the Pink Ladies, the T-Birds and the rest of the gang and experience all the fun of this all-American classic. [less-]

A versatile producer as well as an excellent solo rapper in his own right, Brotha Lynch Hung was born Kevin Mann in Sacramento, California. He hooked up with Master P for a 1993 EP named "24 Deep", bu... [more+]

A versatile producer as well as an excellent solo rapper in his own right, Brotha Lynch Hung was born Kevin Mann in Sacramento, California. He hooked up with Master P for a 1993 EP named "24 Deep", but then went out on his own for his debut solo album, 1995's "Season of da Siccness". Mann worked on production for Master P's "I'm Bout It", E-40's "Southwest Riders", and "Mr. Serv-On's Life Insurance" before turning back to his own career. Given a big push by Master P's breakout success in the middle of 1997, Brotha Lynch Hung's sophomore album, "Loaded", followed in 1997. EBK4 followed in 2000 and both Blocc Movement and Virus appeared the next summer. The year 2002 was less busy, with "Appearances: Book 1" being released in the spring and the "Plague DVD" following it that summer. His 2010 release "Dinner and a Movie" found him on Tech N9ne’s label, Strange Music. The concept album was followed by another, "Coathanga Strangla", in 2011. Both efforts focused on the life of a serial killer. [less-]

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and Real Housewife of Atlanta Kandi Burruss created this cabaret and variety show, combining elements of sensuality and soul, with DJ sets to keep the dance floor groo... [more+]

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and Real Housewife of Atlanta Kandi Burruss created this cabaret and variety show, combining elements of sensuality and soul, with DJ sets to keep the dance floor grooving at all times. Not only was Burruss a part of the successful R&B group Xscape, but she went on to write the smash hits “No Scrubs” for TLC and “Bills, Bills, Bills” for Destiny’s Child. Now she's bringing Tamar Braxton and Trina with her to The Warfield in San Francisco for a sure-to-be sexy show. [less-]

This spring, Luis Valdez is back at San Jose Stage -- after premiering "Valley of the Heart" -- with the world premiere of "Adios Mama Carlota, The Empress of Mexico". Narrated by Empress Carlota in h... [more+]

This spring, Luis Valdez is back at San Jose Stage -- after premiering "Valley of the Heart" -- with the world premiere of "Adios Mama Carlota, The Empress of Mexico". Narrated by Empress Carlota in her private chamber in Bouchout Castle, Belgium, 1927, 60 years have passed since the death of her beloved Maximillian before a firing squad in Mexico. Revisiting the rise and fall of Emperor Maximilian in Mexico invoking her role as Empress, she’s haunted by her memories, holding royal court entertaining several distinguished ghosts, including; Maximilian, Napoleon III, Benito Juarez and Abraham Lincoln. Carlota questions her survival: Why has she lived so long without a husband, children, or relatives that no trace of her world remains? Carlota’s real dilemma pivots on her guilt and self-doubt on her abandonment of Maximilian and their unfinished love story. [less-]

Now in its 16th year, "Pear Slices 2019" presents eight vignettes in one performance — a stunning variety of stories, settings and plot twists penned by local playwrights and brought to life by a si... [more+]

Now in its 16th year, "Pear Slices 2019" presents eight vignettes in one performance — a stunning variety of stories, settings and plot twists penned by local playwrights and brought to life by a single cast of highly versatile, local actors. "Pear Slices" is like a box of chocolates — there's something for everyone's taste. Each spring, Pear Theatre patrons gather at Mountain View's intimate theatre company for this collection of original, short plays from the members of the Pear Playwrights Guild. [less-]