Egypt’s ‘Jon Stewart’ goes for the laughs in Berkeley
1 Bassem Youssef: Billed as “the Jon Stewart of Egypt,” this physician-turned comedian, political/social commentator and TV personality has found extensive fame and controversy in Egypt, where gleefully mocking the powerful comes with a certain risk. In 2013, he was prosecuted for allegedly slandering Islam and President Mohammed Morsi but released after paying a fine. He brings his U.S. tour to UC Berkeley April 4, in an appearance recently added to the Cal Performances’ schedule.
Details: 8 p.m.; Zellerbach Hall; $20-$25; 510-6429988, calperformances.org.
2 “Rags”: This musical about a Jewish mother and her son escaping persecution in Russia and landing in New York City at the turn of the 20th century is by Joseph Stein (book), Stephen Schwartz (lyrics) and Charles Strouse (score), who have had their hands in such Broadway classics as “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Wicked” and “Pippin.” Theatre Works begins a production of the oft-revised show next week, directed by company founding artistic director Robert Kelley.
Details: In previews April 5-7, main run is April 8-30; Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts; $35-$86; 650-4631960, theatreworks.org.
3 “Overnight”: The powerful forces of gentrification sweeping Oakland are the focus of this play getting its world premiere at the city’s Flight Deck performance complex. The play is a collaboration with several Flight Deck resident companies and centers on what happens when a high-rise apartment building springs up, literally overnight, in an Oakland abandoned lot.
Details: March 31-April 22; Flight Deck, Oakland; $25-$45; www.theflightdeck.org.
4 “Sisters Matsumoto”: Playwright Philip Kan Gotanda set this drama in Stockton (where he was born) as three sisters from a once-wealthy family seek to reconstruct their lives after being released from a World War II Japanese internment camp.
Details: Presented by Center Repertory Company; in previews March 31-April 2, main run is April 4-29; Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek; $33$55; 925-943-7469, www. centerrep.org.
5 Rhythmic Circus: This Minneapolis troupe performs it tap dance show in loud costumes, with lots of humor and backed by a human beatbox performer and a seven-piece funk/rock band. Details: 8 p.m. March 31; Bankhead Theater, Livermore; $16-$50; 925373-6800, lvpac.org.
6 Oakland Symphony: The orchestra on March 31 performs Dvorak’s resounding Symphony No. 9 in E minor, “From the New World,” (selected in an audience popularity vote last year), as well as Bruckner’s Te Deum in C Major, featuring soprano Hope Briggs and other vocal soloists, the Oakland Symphony Chorus and the St. Mary’s College Chamber Singers and Glee Club. Details: 8 p.m.; Paramount Theatre, Oakland; $25-$80; 510-444-0802, www.oaklandsymphony.org.
7 Gould Piano Trio: The London group visited San Jose’s Trianon Theatre in February 2014 and made such
a favorable impression, it’s been invited back. On April 2, the threesome will perform at the venue with pianist Robert Plane in a “Vienna Passion” program featuring works by Beethoven, Brahms. Alexander von Zemlinsky and Erich Korngold. Details: Presented by San Jose Chamber Music Society; 7 p.m.; $37-$49 with student and senior discounts; 408-286-5111, www. sjchambermusic.org.
8 Bhi Bhiman: The former Bay Area Sri Lankan-American singer-songwriter and guitarist has earned glowing reviews for his unique blend of folk, grunge, blues and other sounds. He comes to Stanford University’s Bing Concert Hall on March 31 to showcase his 2015 release “Rhythm & Reason.” Details: Presented by Stanford Live; 8 p.m.; the show is currently listed as sold out, but check Stanford Live’s website for late ticket releases; live. stanford.edu.
9 Catalyst Quartet: The award-winning foursome comes to San Jose’s Hammer Theatre Center on April 5 for a concert celebrating South American composers Heitor Villa-Lobos, Diego Vega, Astor Piazzolla and Alberto Ginastera. Details: 7:30 p.m.; $8$18; 408-924-8501, www. sjsu.edu/hammertheatre.
10 The Slants: The Portland, Oregon, all-Asian-American dance-rock band has made news with its yearslong legal battle to register its name, which U.S. patent officials rejected because of its offensive connotation. But you can catch the band and its synth-pop, dancerock sound when it lands at New Parish in Oakland on April 2. Details: 7 p.m.; $12; thenewparish.com.