THEATER
As You Like It Petaluma Shakespeare Company presents Shakespeare’s comedy directed by Chloe Bronzan. Ends Sat. Free. Foundry Wharf Green, 1st and H St., Petaluma. (707) 287-1766. petalumashakespeare.org.
August: Osage County Marin Theatre Company presents Tracy Lett’s dark comedy about sisters who return home to their troubled mother after their alcoholic father goes missing. Ends Sun. $10-$49. 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. (415) 388-5208. marintheatre.org. Baskerville, A Sherlock
Holmes Mystery Spreckels Theatre Company presents Ken Ludwig’s fast-paced comedy featuring the legendary sleuth and based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” Through Oct. 9. $16-$26. Bette Condiotti Theater, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. (707) 5883400. www.rpcity.org.
BATS Improv Improvised comedy ranging from sketch to full-evening works. “Friday Night Theatresports,” 8 p.m. Fridays ongoing; “Family Drama: Improvised Stage Play,” the narrative of a threeact stage play meets the surprise and excitement of improvisation. 8 p.m. Saturdays in Oct. and Nov. $17. Bayfront Theatre, Building B, Fort Mason, S.F. (415) 4748935. www.improv.org.
Beach Blanket Babylon Steve Silver’s fast-paced, topical musical. Ongoing. $25-$130. Club Fugazi, 678 Green St., S.F. (415) 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com. Beep & Bop Tut’Zanni Theatre Company presents the international commedia dell’arte troupe. Through Sept 23. $12-$14.99. PianoFight, Second Stage, 144 Taylor St., S.F. www.eventbrite.com/e/beepbop-tickets-25893344691. Big City Improv Improvised comedy. Ongoing. $15. Shelton Theater, 533 Sutter St. (510) 595-5597. www.bigcity improv.com.
The Brothers Size Two brothers, the Louisiana bayou and West African mythology swirl together in Theatre Rhino’s production of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play. Through Oct. 15. $15-$40. Eureka Theatre, 215 Jackson St., S.F. www.therhino.org By the Waters of Babylon In Robert Schenkkan’s play, Cuban and American cultures cautiously approach each other in a suburban backyard. Bruce Bierman directs. Thurs.Oct. 15. $30-$40. Phoenix Theatre, 414 Mason St., 6th Fl., S.F. www.brownpapertickets. com Caught Shotgun Players presents Christopher Chen’s study of cultural appropriation based on Chinese dissident jailed over a work of art. Ends Sun. $25-$35. The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. (510) 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org.
Chess The latest musical from Custom Made is loosely inspired by Bobby Fischer, with music by founding ABBA members Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus and lyrics by Tim Rice. Through Oct. 15. $25-$60. 533 Sutter St., S.F. (415) 798-2682. www.custommade.org. Dash! Un-Scripted Theater presents a short-form, freeform improvisational show directed by Paul HolmanKursky, Jerry Ruoti and Susie Sargent. 10 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. $10. 533 Sutter St., S.F. (415) 322-8738. www.un-scripted.com. Dear Master Aurora Theatre Company presents Dorothy Bryant’s play constructed around intimate dialogue in letters between 19th century French novelists George Sand and Gustave Flaubert. Ends Sun. $32-$56. 2081 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org.
Dinner Detective Murdermystery dinner show with audience participation. Ongoing. $74.95. Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf, 555 North Point St., S.F. (877) 252-9307. www.thedinnerdetective.com. East 14th: True Tales of a Reluctant Player Don Reed shape-shifts his features, body and voice to create his world on Oakland’s East 14th Street in the 1970s, torn between the righteous home of his Jehovah’s Witness stepfather and the continuous party at his pimp dad’s. A hilarious 100minute coming-of-age tale. Ends Sun. $20-$100. Marsh Berkeley, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. (415) 282-3055. www.themarsh.org. Elect to Laugh The Marsh presents Will Durst’s political humor blending monologues, commentary, and the occasional rant. Through Nov. 8. $15-$100. The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia St., S.F. (415) 282-3055. www.themarsh.org. The Emperor Jones The 17th annual Eugene O’Neill Festival features the playwright’s expressionist play from 1920. Ends Sun. $35. The Old Barn, Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site, Danville. www.villagetheatreshows.com .
Grand Concourse Playwright Heidi Schreck proffers a vision of forgiveness for the 21st century even as she writes with the moral heft, the clarion call for change, of 20th century titan Arthur Miller. As the trumpeter of Schreck’s words, Cathleen Riddley gives a career-defining performance. In repertory through Dec. 22. Two hours, 10 minutes. $23-$35. Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. (510) 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org. Hamlet Shotgun Players play roulette with Shakespeare’s tragedy — seven actors are re-cast nightly by random drawing. Purists may balk at the edited text, but the overall experience is thrilling. In repertory through Dec. 20. $5-$40. Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. www.shotgunplayers. org. Holding the Edge The Marsh presents Elaine Magree’s insightful comedy about a nurse and mother who finds herself in the chaotic sociopolitical center of the AIDS epidemic on the day of the Challenger explosion, confronting the relative value of lives. Through Oct. 15. $20$100. The Marsh Berkeley, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. (415) 282-3055. www.themarsh.org.
It Can’t Happen Here Berkeley Repertory Theatre presents Michael Leibert, Tony Taccone and Bennett S. Cohen’s stage adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’ novel, a political drama following the ascent of a demagogue who becomes president. Through Nov. 6 .$29$97. Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org. It Shoulda Been You Center Rep presents Brian Hargrove and Barbara Anselmi’s musical comedy about the culture clash that occurs when two families come together to celebrate a wedding. Through Oct. 8. $37-$63. Lesher Theatre, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. (925) 943-7469. www.centerrep.org. King Charles III ACT presents a provocative comedy drama about press intrusion, backroom politics and the timeless magnetism of power. Through Oct. 9. $20-$105. ACT’s Geary Theater, 415 Geary St., S.F. (415) 749-2228. www.actsf.org. Little Shop of Horrors com/little-shop-of-horrors. Macbeth Terri McMahon directs Arabian Shakespeare Festival’s production of Shakespeare’s tragedy about an ambitious Scottish thane. Thurs.-Oct. 16. Royce Gallery, 2901 Mariposa St., S.F. www.arabianshakespearefestival.org Magic at the Rex Magic and comedy. 8 p.m. Saturdays. Ongoing. $25. Hotel Rex, 562 Sutter St., S.F. (415) 8950090. www.magicattherex.com. The Magic Bus Antenna Theater, an experimental troupe of the ’80s and ’90s, returns with Chris Hardman’s 85-minute tour through the hippie ’60s and the Beat and Cold War past, on a bus ride through the city. Ongoing. $40-$50. Meet at Union Square, Geary Street. (855) 969-6244. www.magicbussf.com.
Medea College of Marin Drama Department presents the West Coast premiere of Ben Power’s new translation of Euripides’ tale of power, betrayal and retribution. Fri.-Oct. 16. $10-$20; Fri. preview is pay what you will. College of Marin Performing Arts Building, Studio Theatre, Sir Francis Drake and Laurel Ave., Kentfield. (415) 485-9385. www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/2602347. Mincing Words The Marsh presents Assemblyman Tom Ammiano’s new solo show giving audiences a peek into the world of politics from an insider’s perspective. Through Oct. 15. $20-$100. The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia St., S.F. (415) 282-3055. www.themarsh.org. Mr. India In Naatak’s musical, a bumbling, half-blind chaivala, or tea vendor, finds himself prime minister of his country for two days. Ends Sun. $20-$28. Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. www.naatak.com.
N Eugene O’Neill Festival presents a staged reading of Adrienne Earle Pender’s true story behind Eugene O’Neill’s “The Emperor Jones.” 8 p.m. Thurs. $20. The Old Barn, Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site, 1000 Kuss Rd., Danville. www.villagetheatreshows.com. Odysseo Spectacular in every way, this equine and human extravaganza combines more than three dozen horses, acrobats and dancers on an enormous stage filled with high-tech wonders. But nothing matches the horses for sheer beauty and power. Ends Sun. $29.50-$264.50. White Big Top at Highway 87 Julian St., Ext, San Jose. (866) 999-8111. www.cavalia.net. Othello California Shakespeare Theater presents Shakespeare’s tragedy. Through Oct. 9. $20-$84. 100 California Shakespeare Theater Way, Orinda. (510) 5489666. Peter and the Starcatcher Berkeley Playhouse presents Rick Elice’s musical stage adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s novel, a prequel to Peter Pan. Through Oct. 16. $22-$40. The Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. (510) 8458542 Ext. 351. www.berkeleyplayhouse.org. Pride and Prejudice — The Musical In IAM Theatre’s musical theater adaptation of the beloved Jane Austen novel, Brittany Law and David Crane play the mighty lovers Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Through Oct. 9. Southside Theater, Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd., S.F. www.iamtheatre.org.
The Real Americans Ina hilarious, moving and provocative follow-up to his equally impressive bicoastal hit “Tings Dey Happen,” also directed by collaborator Charlie Varon, Dan Hoyle travels through rural America seeking country wisdom and finding smug ignorance, xenophobia, fears of socialism and a Muslim president, militarism, homophobia and some surprising, even heart-wrenching, underlying connections. Through Oct. 15. $25-$100. The Marsh. 1062 Valencia St., San Francisco. (415) 2823055. www.themarsh.org. San Francisco Magic Underground An evening of magic, mental mysteries, and physical feats featuring a different lineup of performers each week. Thursdays, ongoing. $28. Shelton Theater, 533 Sutter St., S.F. (415) 294-1375. www.sfmagicunderground.com. Seared San Francisco Playhouse presents Theresa Rebeck’s dark comedy about success, loyalty and survival based around a chef who has poured his heart into his intimate Brooklyn restaurant. Through Nov. 12. $20-$125. 450 Post St., S.F. (415) 6779596. www.sfplayhouse.org. Secret Improv Society Comedy improv. Ongoing. $15. Shelton Theater, 533 Sutter St., S.F. (415) 699-8744. www. improvsociety.com. S.F. conjuring. Magic Ongoing.Parlor Stories$40. and ChancellorSquare, 433 Hotel Powell UnionSt. www.sfmagicparlor.com. ShakespeareThis kid-friendly or show Space followsWars a zany theater troupe who can’t decide whether to stage “Romeo and Juliet” or a show based on a certain George Lucas franchise. Free. Various Bay Area parks through Sat. www.peripateticplayers.org. The Speakeasy An immersive, interactive theater experience recreating a prohibition-era speakeasy. Ongoing. $60-$85. S.F. location given with ticket purchase. www.thespeakeasysf.com. A Streetcar Named Desire Novato Theater Company presents Tennessee Williams’ drama depicting the descent of a fragile woman whose life is undermined by her romantic illusions. Ends next Sun. $12-$27. NTC Playhouse, 5420 Nave Dr., Novato. (415) 8834498. www.novatotheatercompany.org. A Streetcar Named Desire Shelton Theater presents Tennessee Williams’ charged poetic classic set during a steamy summer in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Through Oct. 29. $20-$40. 533 Sutter St., S.F. (415) 882-9100. www.sheltontheater.org.
Sylvia Ross Valley Players present A.R. Gurney’s romantic comedy about relationships, love, instinct and loyalty. Through Oct. 16. $15-$27; Thurs. preview is pay what you will. The Barn Theatre, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross. (415) 456-9555 Ext. 1. www.rossvalleyplayers.com. Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind With their “ongoing, ever-changing attempt to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes,” the SF NeoFuturists, a vital addition to the Bay Area arts scene, are at once accessible and challenging, With hilariousthe speed and and probing. athleticism of Olympiads, they fight the ever-imminent possibility that the whole show might descend into chaos. Ongoing. $11-$16. SafeHouse for the Performing Arts, 1200 Market St., S.F. www.sfneofuturists.com. Type/Caste: A Solo Show About Acting While Black (& Queer) Rotimi Agbabiaka’s solo show using monologue, song, dance and drag to embody, explore and expose the battles minority artists fight in the exclusive world of mainstream American theatre. Ends Sat. $18-$25. Brava Theater Center, 2781 24th St., S.F. www.brava.org. Un-Scripted Theater Improvised comedy. “Act 1, Scene 2,” a full-length improvised play spawned by the first scene of an unfinished play from a different playwright each week. 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat.; “Dash Improv: Fast. Funny. Fearless.” 10 p.m. Saturdays. Ongoing. $10. 533 Sutter St., S.F. (415) 332-8738. www.unscripted.com. Waiting For Godot Dragon Theatre presents Samuel Beckett’s existential masterpiece directed by Jeanie K. Smith. Ends Sun. $25-$30. 2120 Broadway, Redwood City. (650) 493-2006 Ext. 2. www.dragonproductions.net.
The Waiting Period The subject is suicidal depression, but there’s nothing depressing about this brilliant solo from Brian Copeland. The 70minute tale of waiting to get the gun he bought to kill himself is brutally honest, astonishingly funny, urgent, courageous and charmingly told. Ongoing. Free-$100. The Marsh, 1062 Valencia St., S.F., (415) 282- 3055. www.themarsh.org. We Are Proud To Present In association with AfricanAmerican Shakespeare Company, San Jose Stage Company kicks off its culturally diverse 34th season with the racially charged play by Jackie Sibblies Drury. Through Oct. 23. San Jose Stage Company, 490 South First St., San Jose. (408) 283-7142. www.thestage.org.
Winter’s Tale If Rebecca J. Ennals’ direction lacks a unifying force that drives forward scenes that are variously dramatic, clownish, fantastical and romantic, she nonetheless elicits strong performances from many in her large cast, and public parks, with their range of life on ripe display, feel the right place to stage one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays,” which captures the full range of human feeling. Ends Sun. Free. McLaren Park’s Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, 50 John F. Shelley Dr., S.F. (415) 5580888. www.sfshakes.org.
Yellow Face Firescape Theatre takes on David Henry Hwang’s semi-autobiographical play from 2007 about race and casting in American theater. Through Oct. 30. $15-$30. Firescape Theatre, 414 Mason St. Suite 502, S.F. www.bhpsanfrancisco.com