San Francisco Theatre + Broadway News

David & Amy Sedaris' THE BOOK OF LIZ to Return to Custom Made Theatre, 7/11-8/11

(6/19/2013) - THE BOOK OF LIZ will play a preview performance on Thursday, July 11, 8:00 pm, prior to opening on Friday, July 12 at 8:00 pm. Runs Thurs-Fri 8:00 pm; Sat. 2:00 & 8:00 pm; Sun 7:00 pm through Aug 11

Lynn Nottage's RUINED Set for Aurora Theatre's Final Aurora Script Club Meeting, 7/15

(6/18/2013) - Berkeley's acclaimed Aurora Theatre Company presents the final Aurora Script Club meeting of the season with Lynn Nottage's RUINED on July 15, 2013.

Carrie Manolakos, Nili Bassman, Q Smith and More Set for Transcendence Theatre's FLY ME TO THE MOON, 6/28

(6/18/2013) - Transcendence Theatre's Broadway Under The Stars in Jack London State Park opens on June 28th with the first concert of the summer season entitled Fly Me To The Moon.

Jamie Hyneman & Adam Savage's MYTHBUSTERS: BEHIND THE MYTHS to Play SHN Orpheum Theatre, 10/12

(6/17/2013) - The all-new live show MythBusters: Behind the Myths starring Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, co-hosts of the Emmy-nominated Discovery channel series 'MythBusters," will be playing a special engagement at the SHN Orpheum Theatre for two performances only on Saturday October, 12 at 2pm and 8pm.Tickets go on sale Friday, June 21st at 10am.

Now Playing Onstage in San Francisco - Week of 6/16/2013

(6/16/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 6/16/2013 for San Francisco

TheatreWorks Honors Gala Recognizes Gordon Davidson and Joe DiPietro Tonight

(6/15/2013) - TheatreWorks, the nationally acclaimed theatre of Silicon Valley, will stage its annual TheatreWorks Honors gala tonight, June 15, shining the spotlight on a Silicon Valley leader and a renowned theatre artist, both of whom have dedicated their lives to bringing forth vision, innovation, and creativity. The evening's honorees are Chairman of Fenwick & West law firm Gordon Davidson and Tony Award-winning Broadway playwright and composer Joe DiPietro (Memphis, Nice Work If You Can Get It).

Sierra Rep to Stage OKLAHOMA! at Fallon House, 6/28-8/18

(6/14/2013) - Oklahoma! - Rodgers & Hammerstein's first masterpiece - sweeps onto the Fallon House stage this summer. Sierra Repertory Theatre presents an outstanding cast in this finely crafted classic, a celebration of the American spirit of courage, independence and feisty good fun. It plays at the Fallon House theatre in Columbia State Historic Park from June 28 through August 18.

STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes - GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE at Berkeley Rep

(6/14/2013) - Berkeley Repertory Theatre has announced additional performances of its latest show, George Gershwin Alone. Originally scheduled to close June 23, the Bay Area debut of Hershey Felder's international hit is now extended for an additional two weeks, through July 7. See George Gershwin Alone and prepare to be enthralled by the irresistible music of America's favorite composer. Click below for a behind-the-scenes look at the show!

BroadwayWorld Special Coverage: SUMMER STAGES - Our Picks for Summer's Best Around the World!

(6/14/2013) - As the summer days near, BroadwayWorld rounded up our worldwide community - from Australia to Spain, California and beyond! - to bring you our top picks for the best of summer theater in each of our main markets! Looking for the best of the summer venue and production offerings in your area? Let's hear from a sampling of the BroadwayWorld experts!

Dan Clegg & Rebekah Brockman to Lead California Shakespeare Theater's ROMEO & JULIET; Full Cast Announced!

(6/14/2013) - California Shakespeare Theater continues its 2013 season with a theatrically inventive production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, directed byShana Cooper (2011's Taming of the Shrew) playing at the Bruns Amphitheater July 3-28.

Foothill Music Theatre to Present DAMN YANKEES, 7/26-8/18

(6/14/2013) - The award winning Foothill Music Theatre swings for the fences this summer with the Tony Award-winning musical DAMN YANKEES. This production will be helmed by Tom Gough with music direction by Catherine Snider, and choreography by Katie O'Bryon and plays July 26 - August 18 in the Smithwick Theatre, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills.

Aurora Theatre Company's THIS IS HOW IT GOES Begins Today

(6/14/2013) - Closing Aurora Theatre Company's 21st season is the Bay Area Premiere of Neil LaBute's dark, edgy comic drama THIS IS HOW IT GOES, directed by Aurora Theatre Company Artistic Director Tom Ross (A Delicate Balance). Ross helmed LaBute's The Shape of Things, the first LaBute play produced in the Bay Area, in 2003. Featuring Aldo Billingslea (Collapse), Gabriel Marin (Collapse, Jack Goes Boating), and Carrie Paff (A Delicate Balance, Collapse, Betrayal), THIS IS HOW IT GOES presents a one-two punch after LaBute's Fat Pig (staged at Aurora in 2009).

A.C.T.'s Young Conservatory Presents DARLING, A NEW MUSICAL, Now thru 6/29

(6/14/2013) - American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) Young Conservatory Director Craig Slaight has announced Darling, A New Musical today, June 14-29, 2013, at The Theater at the Children's Creativity Museum (221 4th Street, San Francisco). Tickets are $20 and available by calling the A.C.T. Box Office at 415.749.2228 or going online to www.act-sf.org/ycshows.

GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE Extends at Berkeley Rep Through July 7

(6/13/2013) - As its highly acclaimed production of Sarah Ruhl's Dear Elizabeth continues to captivate audiences, and theatregoers queue up in record numbers for its upcoming production of No Man's Land, Berkeley Repertory Theatre announces today additional performances of its latest show, George Gershwin Alone.Originally scheduled to close June 23, the Bay Area debut of Hershey Felder's international hit is now extended for an additional two weeks, through July 7.

Alcove Theatre to Premiere Musical CHANCE, 7/5

(6/12/2013) - After its workshop production at the York Theatre in NYC in Nov. 2011, CHANCE - A Musical Play about Love, Risk & Getting it Right inspired by quotations from the writings of Oscar Wilde - will be having the its world premiere staging at the Alcove Theatre in San Francisco.

Photo Flash: First Look at Sierra Rep's SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS

(6/12/2013) - When dance teacher Michael Minetti first meets his elderly student Lily Harrison in her Florida-coast high rise, it seems pretty clear these two will barely make it past 'Hello,' let alone their first full lesson. Besides their 30-year age difference, they clash at every turn. A former teacher and minister's wife, she's guarded, uptight and suspicious. A former Broadway dancer, he blurts out jokes and insults and swings from glib to desperate to nonchalant in 10 seconds flat. It's fun to watch, but how will they make it through a six-week dance course? That's the hilarious and touching journey that unfolds in Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, a new comedy currently playing at Sierra Rep's East Sonora Theatre stage. Scroll down for a first look at the actors in action!

IN FRIENDSHIP: STORIES BY ZONA GALE to Celebrate Word for Word and Z Space's 20th Anniversary, Beg. 8/14

(6/12/2013) - To mark the the 20th Anniversary of both Word for Word and Z Space, the Word for Word Charter Members present 'In Friendship: Stories by Zona Gale', opening with a press night on Saturday August 17, 8pm and running through September 8 (previews August 14 -16) at Z Space's new second venue, Z Below, at 470 Florida Street.

Curtain Call Performing Arts to Present LE NOZZE DI FIGARO at CCT, 6/21-23

(6/11/2013) - Curtain Call Performing Arts (CCPA), is proud to present renowned San Francisco based opera troupe, Opera On Tap in "Le Nozze di Figaro," the latest show to enter Curtain Call's vibrant California Conservatory Theatre (CCT) venue, with five performances Friday through Sunday, June 21-23. Fresh off of a renewed lease with the city, and primed for a fantastic summer of live entertainment, 'Figaro' kicks off a string of shows and concerts in the CCT venue that offer something for everyone. Talented musicians ranging from opera singers to rock/reggae bands, big band and funk groups have graced the CCPA stage through the popular concerts and improv nights in the intimate 67-seat venue, bringing a diversity of art, music, and theatre to new audiences. The latest show launches a partnership between the two arts organizations, with 'On Tap' assuming residency with Curtain Call moving forward, and shows already planned for next season.

Local Playwrights' Pieces Receive Multiple Productions for 2013-14 Season

(6/10/2013) - Playwrights Foundation is happy to announce that two productions that were part of the Foundation's Bay Area Playwrights Festival (BAPF) 2012 have received awards and multiple productions in the 2013-14 season. Christopher Chen received the Glickman Award for the The Hundred Flowers Project, a co-production of Crowded Fire Theater and the Playwrights Foundation. The Hundred Flowers Project will be mounted by Chicago's Silk Road Rising in the 2013-14 season. George Brant's Grounded will receive three productions through the The NATIONAL NEW PLAY NETWORK (NNPN) Continued Life of New Plays Fund in the 2013/14 season, as well as productions in 5 other cities including two in the UK.* see list below

Photo Flash: Lisa Vroman, Billy Stritch and More at Bay Area Cabaret's Marvin Hamlisch Tribute

(6/10/2013) - Bay Area Cabaret concluded its 2012-2013 season by honoring the memory and legendary career of composer Marvin Hamlisch on June 2, 2013. Selections from his work (A Chorus Line, The Way We Were, They're Playing Our Song) were performed by special guests, including Broadway stars Lisa Vroman (The Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd) and Karen Mason (Mamma Mia!, Sunset Boulevard), Grammy Award winner Billy Stritch, 2012 Bay Area Teen Idol winner Bobby Conte Thornton, Academy Award-winning songwriters Alan and Marilyn Bergman, and more. Scroll down for photos from the celebration!

Sutton Foster, Jonathan Groff, Darren Criss & More to Teach at YOUNG ACTORS' THEATRE CAMP, 6/25-7/30

(6/10/2013) - Young Actors' Theatre Camp Program Directors Shawn Ryan and John Ainsworth announced today that several stars of stage and screen - including two-time Tony Award winner Sutton Foster (ABC's 'Bunheads,' Thoroughly Modern Millie, Anything Goes), Darren Criss (Fox's 'Glee,' How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying), Jonathan Groff (Fox's 'Glee', Spring Awakening) Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Stars' 'Spartacus', CW's 'Vampire Diaries'), Naomi Grossman (FX's 'American Horror Story') and Jim O'Heir (NBC's 'Parks and Recreation') - will lead master classes at the Young Actors' Theatre Camp taking place June 24 - July 30, 2013.

HANOMAN THE MUSICAL Postponed at San Jose Center for the Performing Arts Until November

(6/10/2013) - Due to unforeseen circumstances, Hanoman The Musical will not be performing at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts on the originally scheduled dates of June 25-27, 2013.

Tickets for Cirque du Soleil's AMALUNA Now On Sale

(6/10/2013) - Cirque du Soleilreturns to the Bay Area with its latest big top production Amaluna which will premiere on November 15, 2013 under the blue-and-yellow Big Top at AT&T before heading to San Jose on January 22, 2014 for a limited engagement at Taylor Street Bridge (E lot). Directed by the renowned 2013 Tony Award Winning Director Diane Paulus, Amaluna had its world-premiere in Montreal in April 2012 and is currently on tour in North America.

PIPPIN to Play Four-Week San Francisco Run in 2014!

(6/10/2013) - SHN's Founder and President Carole Shorenstein Hays announced that PIPPIN, last night's Tony Award- Winner for BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL, plus 3 more Tony Awards, will be the 5th and final production of SHN's 2013-2014 Season. PIPPIN will play a four-week engagement at the SHN Golden Gate Theatre September 24-October 19, 2014. Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz's beloved coming-of-age musical comedy PIPPIN is directed by Tony Award-Winner Diane Paulus, featuring choreography by Chet Walker in the style of Bob Fosse, and circus creation by Gypsy Snider of the Montreal-based circus company Les 7 doigts de la main(also known as 7 Fingers).

Now Playing Onstage in San Francisco - Week of 6/09/2013

(6/9/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 6/09/2013 for San Francisco

Cutting Ball Theatre Stages Reading of THE BLACK MASKS Today

(6/9/2013) - Cutting Ball Theater presents the final installment of this season's Hidden Classics Reading Series, THE BLACK MASKS, by Leonid Andreev, in a new translation by Allison Horsley.

Audra McDonald Kicks Off GO BACK HOME Summer, Fall 2013 Tour

(6/8/2013) - According to Audra McDonald's official website, the singer will be taking her first solo album in seven years, Go Back Home, on a national tour. Go Back Home was released May 21 on Nonesuch Records. McDonald's new tour dates across North America will kick off with a performance at the Midland Center for the Arts in Midland, MI, tonight, June 8. Scroll down for a full list of tour dates!

Marin Shakespeare Company Announces 2013 Festival Season: A COMEDY OF ERRORS & More!

(6/7/2013) - This summer the Marin Shakespeare Company sets its outdoor stage with revenge, wild west wrangling and one of the Bard's wittiest comedies as they present 'The Spanish Tragedy,' a new country-western adaptation of 'A Comedy of Errors' and 'All's Well That Ends Well.'

The San Francisco Mime Troupe Announces 54th Summer Season

(6/7/2013) - The Tony Award-winning San Francisco Mime Troupe (SFMT) opens its 54th season with OIL & WATER - Two New One Act Musical Productions. After a successful grassroots fundraising effort, SFMT fans rallied to underwrite the SFMT's 54th season. This summer SFMT is doing something different. Within a larger musical/comedic frame, OIL & WATER is actually two shorter plays - CRUDE INTENTIONS and DEAL WITH THE DEVIL - each stylistically unique but topically linked and musically interwoven. True to the SFMT's theatrical grassroots of exaggerated genre and oversized characters, the plays challenge the dangerous energy practices of both corporations and the rest of us. In addition SFMT is committed to creating a smaller carbon footprint with this 2013 production.

Off Broadway West Theatre Co. to Present Harold Pinter's BETRAYAL, 6/20-7/20

(6/7/2013) - Betrayal is enjoying a revival on the East Coast and Off Broadway West Theatre Company is delighted to present the revival of this great classic here on the West Coast, as our first full production after a year's hiatus of successful staged readings. Marriage infidelity has never been as prevalent as it is in today's society, and is a subject that always bears inspection.

Triangle Lab and TTT to Bring All-Female TWELFTH NIGHT to Bay Communities, Spring 2014

(6/7/2013) - The Triangle Lab will work with Ten Thousand Things Theater (TTT) in spring 2014 to bring TTT's unique model of theater creation, performance, and outreach to Bay Area audiences, including those who have little or no access to the arts. The Triangle Lab, a joint program of California Shakespeare Theater and Intersection for the Arts, seeks to integrate art into community life.

STAGE TUBE: Becky Saunders Talks Sierra Rep's SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS

(6/7/2013) - When dance teacher Michael Minetti first meets his elderly student Lily Harrison in her Florida-coast high rise, it seems pretty clear these two will barely make it past 'Hello,' let alone their first full lesson. Besides their 30-year age difference, they clash at every turn. A former teacher and minister's wife, she's guarded, uptight and suspicious. A former Broadway dancer, he blurts out jokes and insults and swings from glib to desperate to nonchalant in 10 seconds flat. It's fun to watch, but how will they make it through a six-week dance course? That's the hilarious and touching journey that unfolds in Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, a new comedy currently playing at Sierra Rep's East Sonora Theatre stage. Click below to watch star Becky Saunders talk about the production!

Berkeley Playhouse to Wrap Fifth Season with THE WIZ, 7/13-8/25

(6/6/2013) - Berkeley Playhouse closes its fifth season with the Tony Award-winning musical THE WIZ. Kimberly Dooley(Lucky Duck, Seussical, The Musical, Once On This Island) directs and choreographs this soulful re-imagining of L. Frank Baum's family classicThe Wonderful Wizard of Oz, featuring a cast of 46. THE WIZ plays July 13 through August 25 (Press opening: July 13) at the Julia Morgan Theater in Berkeley. For tickets ($17-60) and more information, the public may visit berkeleyplayhouse.org or call 510-845-8542x351.

Novato Theater Company Announces 2013-14 Season: NEXT TO NORMAL, GYPSY & More!

(6/6/2013) - NTC is proud of the selections for its 2013-2014 season and its new digs. NTC is confident that its loyal audience will be, too.

Crowded Fire Theater Presents 410[GONE] World Premiere, Now thru 6/29

(6/6/2013) - Crowded Fire Theater (CFT) presents the World Premiere of Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig's 410[GONE], opening Monday June 10 with a press night at the Thick House in San Francisco, (Previews tonight, June 6-8) running through June 29.

Spare Stage Presents David Mamet's OLEANNA, Now thru 6/16

(6/6/2013) - Spare Stage, the award-winning Bay Area theatre company, presents Oleanna, David Mamet's exploration of sexual politics in academia, for two weekends only, tonight, June 6-16 at EXIT's Studio Theatre, 156 Eddy Street in downtown San Francisco. The drama features AaRon Murphy and Frannie Morrison, and is directed by Stephen Drewes.

Porchlight Theatre to Present SCAPINO, 6/20-7/13

(6/5/2013) - Porchlight Theatre Company presents Scapino by Frank Dunlop and Jim Dale.

Cutting Ball Theater Extends KRISPY KRITTERS IN THE SCARLETT NIGHT Through 6/23

(6/5/2013) - Cutting Ball Theater announces that it will add an additional four performances of its current World Premiere ofKRISPY KRITTERS IN THE SCARLETT NIGHT, San Francisco playwright Andrew Saito's poetic portrayal of the heart of the city. Cutting Ball Artistic Director Rob Melrose directs KRISPY KRITTERS IN THE SCARLETT NIGHT, featuring Felicia Benefield, Wiley Namen Strasser, David Sinaiko, Marjorie Crump-Shears, Mimu Tsuimara, Maura Halloran, Caleb Caberera, and Drew Wolfe. KRISPY KRITTERS IN THE SCARLETT NIGHT plays now through June 23 (added performances: Thursday, June 20, 7:30pm; Friday, June 21, 8pm; Saturday, June 22, 8pm; Sunday, June 23, 5pm) at the Cutting Ball Theater in residence at EXIT on Taylor (277 Taylor Street) in San Francisco. For tickets and more information, the public may visit cuttingball.comor call 415-525-1205.

Beach Blanket Babylon Announces 2013 'Scholarship for the Arts' Winners

(6/5/2013) - Jo Schuman Silver, producer of Steve Silver's Beach Blanket Babylon, announced last night the three Bay Area high school winners of theThe Steve Silver Foundation & Beach Blanket Babylon 'Scholarship for the Arts.'

New Musical Adaptation, A Minister's Wife Plays San Jose Rep - June 20 - July 14

(6/5/2013) - The poignant and provocative new musical, A Minister's Wife, makes its West Coast premiere at San Jose Rep June 20 - July 14, 2013.