Theater picks: Circus Bella, `39 Steps,' `The Prom'
Here are three shows Bay Area stage fans should know about.
Circus Bella: The Bay Area troupe is presenting its unique take on the one-ring circus format with the touring 60-minute show “Flip*Flop*Fly.” This weekend the talented group of aerialists, jugglers, acrobats and clowns present two performances as part of the Yerba Buena Arts Festival. Details: Noon and 2:15 p.m. Saturday; Yerba Buena Center for the Arts lawn on Mission Street, between Third and Fourth streets, San Francisco; free; www.circusbella.org, ybgfestival.org.
SPARC Theater: The Shakespeare and Performing Arts Regional Company is launching its annual Shakespeare in the Vineyard (formerly Livermore Shakespeare Festival) with the riotous Hitchcock spoof “The
39 Steps” (today through July 10). Other shows in the season include the comedic musical revue “Life Is a Cabernet” (Sunday through July 31) and the Bard's “The Comedy of Errors” (July 15-Aug. 7). Details: Performances at Darcie Kent Vineyards, 7000 Tesla Road, Livermore; $18-$56; sparctheater.org.
“The Prom”: It certainly makes sense that this hit Broadway musical about four theater stars who lend their support to a lesbian who has been banned from attending her prom (sadly, it's based on a true story) opens during Pride month in San Francisco. The feelgood show, with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and a book by Bob Martin and Beguelin, has just opened a monthlong run at the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco. Details: Presented by BroadwaySF; through July 17; $56-$256; www. broadwaysf.com.