Top picks: What to see at Sketchfest
SF Sketchfest returns for its 17th year, kicking off Thursday, Jan. 11, with arguably more eclectic programming than ever, including tributes, podcasts, live music and several events that defy easy one-or-two-word descriptions.
Co-founder Janet Varney, a comedian whose own career has veered from stand-up to acting to podcasting, says some of the best things happen when the group strives for the whimsical — such as a new detour that will feature musicians performing the soundtracks of “Rushmore,” “Twin Peaks” and “The Royal Tenenbaums.”
“That’s the freestyle organic quality that we want,” Varney says. “‘Would it be crazy if we booked ‘blank’?’ And then it happens, and it’s great, and it becomes a regular Sketchfest (feature).”
One notable subtle shift in 2017: There seems to be a little more sketch and improv than in recent years, a nod to the roots of SF Sketchfest, which began in the early 2000s as an outlet to showcase those forms of comedy.
Below are a few highlights from the nearly month-long festival.
The Big Names
Tribute to Dick Cavett: 50th Anniversary of “The Dick Cavett Show”: The talk show host, who performed stand-up comedy in San Francisco in the 1960s, celebrates a half-century career with guests including John Hodgman and Lance Bangs. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12. $35. Marines’ Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter St., S.F.
An afternoon with Bill Burr: The Massachusetts-born comedian, who headlined last year’s Colossal Clusterfest, returns to the city for his SF Sketchfest visit. Actor Kevin Pollak hosts the event with Burr, who has become one of the most popular stand-up comics and hard-working podcasters. 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13. $25. Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., S.F.
Tribute to “Twin Peaks”: Cast members of the old and new series, including Sherilyn Fenn, Ray Wise and Matthew Lillard, celebrate the quirky TV series, which returned to Showtime in 2017. 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13. $50-$150. Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., S.F.
Tribute to Jane Lynch: The versatile actress, comedian and singer gets honored at SF Sketchfest by “A Mighty Wind” co-star John Michael Higgins, “Glee” co-creator Ian Brennan and more. 2 p.m. Jan. 28. $30. Marines’ Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter St., S.F.
“Animal House” 40th anniversary: Director John Landis, actors Tim Matheson and Bruce McGill and others celebrate four decades since the comedy classic’s release, with a screening and reunion. 4 p.m. Jan. 21. $25. Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., S.F.
Tribute to Ricky Gervais: After years trying to make the date work, the “The Office” and “Extras” actor and comedian makes his SF Sketchfest debut. Actor/director and Sketchfest regular Christopher Guest interviews. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23. $35. Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., S.F.