San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
The List
THEATER
Archduke: Rajiv Joseph’s philosophical dark comedy looks at how pliable young men with nothing to lose can become radicalized political weapons. The play, set in 1914, holds a mirror up to contemporary events. Giovanna Sardelli directs with Stephen Stocking as Gavrilo Princip the 19-year-old who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand to ignite World War I and Scott Coopwood as Apis the nationalist who stokes the flames. Through June 30. Two hours, 30 minutes. Tickets: $40-$100. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. (650) 463-1960. https://theatreworks.org.
— M. Crowder
Beach Blanket Babylon Steve Silver’s effervescent revue of send-ups and showstoppers in which Snow White looks for love in an onslaught of pop-culture lampoons and fantastic hats. Through Dec. 31. $25-$130. Club Fugazi, 678 Green St., S.F. 415-4214222. www.beachblanketbabylon. com
— R. Hurwitt
Border People Dan Hoyle’s incisively written, masterfully performed Marsh solo show, a collection of 11 monologues from residents of various geographical, cultural, psychic and racial borders, is a testament to the core-tonerve-ending courage and commitment to self that you have to have to live on the border, any sort of border, and to be able to tell your truth about it. 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 5 p.m. Saturdays. Ends Sat., June 22. 75 minutes. $25-$100. The Marsh, 1062 Valencia St., S.F. 415-282-3055. www.themarsh.org. — L. Janiak
Hamilton Lin-Manuel Miranda’s blockbuster about the first secretary of the Treasury doesn’t have to prove itself anymore, and it’s still miraculous. Silken-voiced Donald Webber Jr. gives villain Aaron Burr a little boy’s terror. As Eliza and Angelica Schuyler, Julia K. Harriman and Sabrina Sloan seem to find and illuminate each note’s Platonic ideal. As the title character, Julius Thomas III exemplifies a rare, magical quality in performance: the ability to focus, with ruthless clarity, on what his character can see right now — the sort of acting that isn’t showy or brassy but sharpens everything around it. Through Jan. 5. Two hours, 55 minutes. Regular tickets $111-$686, subject to change. SHN’s Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St., S.F. 888-746-1799. www.shnsf.com
— L. Janiak
The Infinite Wrench For a conceit as contrived and blatant as a race to perform 30 short plays in 60 minutes, the San Francisco Neo-Futurists are the least stagey group on Bay Area stages. For their ferocious commitment to the new, their openness to the imagination, their unvarnished honesty and can-do pep, they’re an underground power generator in an art form no one should ever deride as “dying” so long as they’re fighting the seconds ticking by. 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Ongoing. PianoFight, 144 Taylor St., S.F. www.sfneofuturists.com.
— L. Janiak
Kings Sure, circumstances evolve and power shifts in Sarah Burgess’ play about members of Congress from Texas and their hangers-on, but you might not know it from how her characters react in Shotgun Players’ subdued production. In place of character arcs, the script devotes its stage time to foregone conclusions, like a freshman Congresswoman preaching about how corrupt government is, how immune she is from it, how her rival embodies it. Ends Sun., June 16. Two hours, 15 minutes. $7-$40. Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. 510-841-6500. www.shotgun players.org.com.
— L. Janiak
“Kiss My Aztec!” This irreverent musical satire from John Leguizamo and director Tony Taccone tells the story of a 1560 Aztec uprising against Spanish colonials through a hip modern lens. Latinx culture gets it due. Clever choreography by Maija García and superb music by Benjamin Velez. Lyrics by Velez, Leguizamo and David Kamp. Through July 14. Two hours, 30 minutes. $40-$115, subject to change. Berkeley Repertory Theatre, 2015 Addison St., Berkeley. 510-647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org. — M. Crowder
The Magic Bus Antenna Theater presents Chris Hardman’s magical mystery tour through the hippie ’60s and the Beat and Cold War past, on a bus ride through the city. Veterans of the era might nitpick, but it’s hard to resist the old clips and ’60s music. Ongoing. $40-$59. Meet at Union Square, Geary Street, S.F. 855-969-6244. www.magicbussf.com — R. Hurwitt
Marrakech Magic Theater Jay Alexander’s mien throughout his card tricks, mind reading, number games and feats of extraordinary coincidence is that of a nerd with overweening enthusiasm — enthusiasm you can’t help but share. And descending the venue’s mysterious steps into an all-arabesque lounge (with drinks and appetizers available for purchase) for preshow close-up magic and then entering a tiny jewel box theater for the actual show are experiences in and of themselves. Ongoing. 90 minutes. $45. Marrakech Magic Theater, 419 O’Farrell St., S.F. www.sanfranciscomagic theater.com. — L. Janiak
A Midsummer Night’s Dream It’s the ballooning bulges of bouffon and black light-ready neon in Cal Shakes’ take on Shakespeare’s comedy of love run amok (and overflowing). If Tyne Rafaeli’s direction sometimes feels like it’s throwing everything out there to see what sticks, most of her experiments yield high dividends, thanks especially to Rami Margron as Oberon and Theseus, Marcel Spears as Bottom and Annie Worden as Helena and Snug. Ends Sun., June 16. Two hours 30 minutes. $20-$94, subject to change. Bruns Amphitheater, 100 California Shakespeare Theater Way, Orinda. 510-548-9666. www.calshakes.org.com. — L. Janiak Not a Genuine Black Man Brian Copeland reprises his first autobiographical solo, a richly comic, searingly honest and compelling tale of growing up black in very white San Leandro in the 1970s. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. Through June 27. $20-$100. The Marsh, S.F., 1062 Valencia St., S.F. 415-283-3055. www.themarsh.org. — R. Hurwitt Oedipus el Rey A power struggle is about to break out in the Pico-Union barrio of Los Angeles. Fresh from prison and trying to keep his nose clean, the new kid in the neighborhood finds temporary digs with another ex-con, who’s now running an elaborate scheme involving guns, drugs, loan sharking and more. When the newcomer falls for the crime boss’ sister, things get deep fast. Tales untold and pasts undiscovered lurk in the background, destined to ignite. That’s the powerfully refractive lens playwright Luis Alfaro holds up to one of the signal Greek tragedies in “Oedipus el Rey.” Directed by Loretta Greco. Through June 23. 1 hour, 40 minutes. $15-$75. Magic Theatre, Fort Mason, Building D, 2 Marina Blvd., S.F. 415441-8822. www.magictheatre.org.
— S. Winn Rhinoceros In Frank Galati’s hands at American Conservatory Theater, Eugène Ionesco’s 1959 play, in which a rhinoceros stampedes through a provincial French town, isn’t only about the fallout from World War II’s particular brand of fascism. It’s about us, how trolls are an eternal byproduct of human existence, how our pillars of morality and rationality bend and bow before peer pressure’s irrepressible appeal. And it’s a hoot even as it haunts. 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays-Sundays. Ends Sun., June 23. 100 minutes. $15-$110, subject to change. ACT’s Geary Theater, 415 Geary St., S.F. 415-749-2228.www.act-sf.org.
— L. Janiak
Not reviewed
Above Ground Footloose presents a 4-week festival of new independent theater featuring 10 new shows. See website for schedule. Through June 29. $15-$30. Mojo Theatre, 2940 16th St., S.F. 510-658-3530. ftloose.com
Anna Consider Mars PlayGround Festival of New Works presents Ruben Grijalva’s play examining global challenges such as climate change, economic disparity and technology. Ends Sun., June 16. $6.50$56.50. Portrero Stage, 1695 18th St., S.F. playground-sf.org/festival
The Barber of Seville Cinnabar Theater presents Rossini’s romantic comedy opera about a savvy young woman who must outsmart a pompous old lecher that stands between her and her true love. 8 p.m. FridaysSaturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Ends Sun., June 23. $25-$40. 3333 Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma. 707-763-8920. www.cinnabartheater.org
Big, The Musical Berkeley Playhouse presents the musical stage adaption of the hit film about an adolescent boy who is enchanted and wakes up as a full-grown man. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 1 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. June 21-July 28. $20$40. Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. 510-845-8542. berkeleyplayhouse.org
Broadway Bares/S.F. Strips IV: Comic Strips A benefit celebrity burlesque-style strip show featuring Jai Rodriguez, Bruce Vilanch, Cassandra Cass, Leanne Borghesi, Andrea Christian and Nick Masc. Proceeds benefit the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation. 8 p.m. Sun., June 16. $45-$100. DNA Lounge, 375 11th St., S.F. www.reaf-sf.org/broadwaybares-sf-strips-4—comic-strips.html
A Chorus Line Transcendence Theatre Company presents an outdoor performance of Michael Bennett, Marvin Hamlisch, Edward Kleban, James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante’s Broadway hit musical about aspiring actors auditioning for a Broadway musical. 7:30 p.m. FridaysSaturdays. Through June 30. $45$150. Jack London State Historical Park, 2400 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen. 877-424-1414. transcendence theatre.org/a-chorus-line
Disenchanted! Guggenheim Entertainment presents Dennis T. Giacino’s musical parody of fairytale princesses that’s “anything but Grimm.” 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays. June 20July 21. $36-$54. 3Below Theaters & Lounge, 288 S. Second St., San Jose. 408404-7711. www.3below theaters.com
Drumming with Anubis Left Edge Theatre presents David Templeton’s comedy in which the Egyptian Lord of the Dead drunkenly crashes the annual camping trip of four middleaged heavy metal music fans. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through June 30. $25-$40. Studio Theatre, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. 707-5463600. www.leftedgetheatre.com
The Fit San Francisco Playhouse’s Sandbox Series presents the world premiere of Carey Perloff’s new play exploring modern business ethics through the story of an IndianAmerican venture capital associate trying to finance her idea of a bio-receptive, information-gathering fabric. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 3 p.m. Saturdays. Through June 29. $30-$35. The Reuff at ACT’s Strand Theater, 1127 Market St., S.F. 415-677-9596. www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/
2018-2019-season/the-fit
Harvey Pinole Community Players present Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1944 play about a perfect gentleman and his best friend, who happens to be a 6-foot-tall, invisible rabbit. 8 p.m. FridaysSaturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Ends Sat., June 22. $20-$25. Community Playhouse, 601 Tennent Ave., Pinole. 510-7249844. www.pinoleplayers.org
Incidents in the Wicked Life of Moll Flanders Ross Valley Players presents Jennifer Le Blanc’s adaption of Daniel Defoe’s 1722 novel about a heroine who survives and thrives despite the challenges of 18th-century society. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. FridaysSaturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Ends Sun., June 16. $12-$27. The Barn Theater, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross. 415-4569555. www.rossvalley players.com
LongShotz: Disruption Junction AmiosWest presents three new one-act plays by Patricia Cotter, Morgan Gould and Chad Callaghan. 8:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. Through June 29. $30. Phoenix Theater, 414 Mason St., S.F. longshotz 2019.brownpapertickets.com
Mamma Mia! San Jose Stage Company presents the hit musical telling the story of a young woman’s search for her birth father, set to the music of ABBA. 7:30 p.m. WednesdaysThursdays; 8 p.m. FridaysSaturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through July 7. $32-$60. 490 S. First St., San Jose. 408-2837142. www.thestage.org
Next to Normal Los Altos Stage Company presents Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt’s musical telling the story of how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness. 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Ends Sun., June 23. $20-$38. Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. 650-941-0551. losaltosstage .org/next-to-normal
Once 42nd Street Moon presents Edna Walsh, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova’s musical stage adaptation of John Carney’s film telling the story of an Irish musician who learns to love and dream again through a fateful week with a Czech immigrant. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 6 p.m. Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Through June 30. $28-$75. Gateway Theatre, 215 Jackson St., S.F. 415-2558207. www.42ndstmoon.org
Once On This Island Contra Costa Civic Theatre presents Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s modern musical based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid” fairy tale and the novel “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through July 21. $15-$33. 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito. 510-524-9012. ccct.org
Out of Site: SOMA Eye Zen presents a site-specific, immersive performance project and walking tour exploring the LGBTQ2+ history of San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood with performances by by Kai Brothers, Maria David, Brian Freeman, Marga Gomez, Ryan Hayes and J. Miko Thomas, a.k.a. Landa Lakes. Noon and 2 p.m. Saturdays; 1 p.m. Sundays. Ends Sun., June 16. $10-$45. Howard Langton Community Garden, 10 Langton St., S.F. www.eyezen.org
Present Laughter Pear Theatre presents Noël Coward’s 1942 comedy brimming with seductions, suspicions, adulteries and blackmail, where the ends justify the means when it comes to fame and fortune. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through June 30. 1110 La Avenida St., Mountain View. 650-254-1148. www.thepear.org
Redwood City Play Festival Dragon Theatre and Fuse Theatre present a festival of one-act plays based on the theme of “Gender Shorts.” Ends Sun., June 16. See website for schedule. 2120 Broadway, Redwood City. www. fusetheatre.org/projects/ rwc-festival
Reflections in Black 2019 S.F. Recovery Theatre presents a collection of scenes by African American writers, featuring an African American cast, which examines what it means to be Black in the United States. 5 p.m. Thurs., June 20. $25 suggested donatoin. Queenj Ahda Senior Center, 1390 Turk St., S.F. www.sfrecoverytheatre.org ShortLived VIII PianoFight presents the finals of the nation’s largest audiencejudged theater competition. See website for full program. 8 p.m. Fridays; 5 and 8 p.m. Saturdays. Through Aug. 10. $20. 144 Taylor St., S.F.; Sept. 6-7 Finals at ACT’s Strand Theater, 1127 Market St., S.F. www.pianofight.com
The Speakeasy: Age of Scofflaws A reboot of the theatrical creation of a decadent 1920s jazz nightclub with 25 characters to interact with, secret rooms and passages and more. Through Aug. 4. $74-$124. North Beach location given with ticket purchase, S.F. www.thespeakeasysf.com Who Killed Sylvia Plath The Marsh presents Lynne Kaufman’s one-woman show performed by Lorri Holt in which poet Sylvia Plath returns to her burial place in West Yorkshire, England, to view the fourth replacement of her tombstone. 8:30 p.m. Saturdays; 5:30 p.m. Sundays. Ends Sun., June 16. $25-$100. The Marsh S.F., 1062 Valencia St., S.F. 415-282-3055. www.the marsh.org
Wink Marin Theatre Company presents Jen Silverman’s dark comedy, walking the thin line between savagery and civilization, about an unhappy housewife, her breadwinning husband, their strange psychiatrist and a missing cat. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays; 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. June Through July 7. $25-$70. 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. 415388-5208. www.marin theatre.org
Women On the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown Town Hall Theatre Company presents Jeffrey Lane and David Yazbek’s musical farce based on the film by Pedro Almodóvar set in 1980s Madrid about the unraveling world of a female voice-over artist. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Ends Sat., June 22. $18-$35. 3535 School St., Lafayette. 925-283-1557. www.townhalltheatre.com
Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie Center Rep presents David M. Lukten’s tribute to folk poet Woody Guthrie, told in his own words and music. 7:30 Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. Through June. 23. $39-$79. 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. 925-943-7469. www.center rep.org
The Year of Magical Thinking Aurora Theatre Company presents Joan Didion’s dramatic stage adaptation of her memoir, in which she explores the personal emotional and cognitive impact of the sudden unexpected loss of her husband and loss of their daughter. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through July 21. $35-$70. 2081 Addison St., Berkeley. 510843-4822. www.aurora theatre.org.