Arts & Culture :: Theater

'1776' — a new, queer take on an old classic

'1776' — a new, queer take on an old classic

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • May 9, 2023

It's been more than fifty years since the musical "1776" opened on Broadway. But a new production coming to San Jose takes this old chestnut and turns it on its ear. cast entirely with female, transgender and non-binary actors.

Billy Porter's big pop tour

Billy Porter's big pop tour

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • May 2, 2023

As a child in the 1970s, Billy Porter fantasized about growing up to become "the male Whitney Houston." He'll dip back into that oft-deferred dream later this week in both San Jose and San Francisco concerts.

Theatre Flamenco of San Francisco features Adrian Santana

Theatre Flamenco of San Francisco features Adrian Santana

  • by Laura Moreno
  • May 2, 2023

Theatre Flamenco of San Francisco proudly presents the upcoming show "Transitar por un Mundo sin Tiempo (Passage through a Timeless World)" on May 13 at the Herbst Theatre, featuring openly gay dancer Adrian Santana from Malaga, Spain.

'Imaginary Country' - Sharp & Fine's new show dances into the future

'Imaginary Country' - Sharp & Fine's new show dances into the future

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • May 2, 2023

From May 12-14, Z Space will host the world premiere of Sharp & Fine's "Imaginary Country," a new dance piece that poses the question: what would happen if you could see into the future?

'We Build Houses Here' — Detour's experiential extravaganza plays Oasis in May

'We Build Houses Here' — Detour's experiential extravaganza plays Oasis in May

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Apr 25, 2023

Detour Dance's "We Build Houses Here," the ambitiously multivalent castaway extravaganza, premieres at Oasis with an ambitious immersive setting.

Migguel Anggelo brings "LatinXoxo" to Stanford

Migguel Anggelo brings "LatinXoxo" to Stanford

  • by Laura Moreno
  • Apr 25, 2023

Migguel Anggelo, the larger than life Venezuelan-born creative genius, has put together a cabaret show called "LatinXoxo" that is an "outrageously queer concert experience."

'Poor Yella Rednecks: Vietgone II' at the Strand

'Poor Yella Rednecks: Vietgone II' at the Strand

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Apr 18, 2023

Qui Nguyen's 'Vietgone' was a huge hit at A.C.T.'s Strand Theater five years ago. 'Poor Yella Rednecks: Vietgone II,' now playing on that same stage, is, as its title indicates, a specimen of an extraordinarily rare thing: a theater sequel.

Sampson McCormick: comic edge & heartfelt wit

Sampson McCormick: comic edge & heartfelt wit

  • by Cornelius Washington
  • Apr 18, 2023

With insight and his unique perspectives on politics, Black life and family, award-winning gay comic Sampson McCormick will have you laughing at truths laid bare. He'll perform April 29 at the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center with Dhaya Lakshminarayanan.

Monica Palacios stands up and out

Monica Palacios stands up and out

  • by Laura Moreno
  • Apr 18, 2023

Renowned Chicana lesbian Monica Palcios presents her solo show "San Francisco, Mi Amor!" about the start of her queer comedy career and activism in San Francisco in the 1980s.

Zach Zimmerman: gay comic at the Swedish American Hall

Zach Zimmerman: gay comic at the Swedish American Hall

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Apr 18, 2023

Along with his stand-up act, Zach Zimmerman's just published book of essays "Is It Hot in Here? Or Am I Suffering for all Eternity for the Sins I Committed on Earth?" will be on sale at his show at the Swedish American Hall.

In the Spotlight: singular talents hit local stages

In the Spotlight: singular talents hit local stages

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Apr 11, 2023

A breakout glam rock cabaret star; a character actress who plays a whole cast of characters; Broadway's standby success story of the year; and a show tune interpreter like you've never heard before.

'English' at Berkeley Rep: What have we learned?

'English' at Berkeley Rep: What have we learned?

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Apr 11, 2023

Our theater critic gives Sanaz Toossi's "English," set in an Iranian ESL class and now playing at the Berkeley Rep, a solid B. But three of its cast members deliver A-plus performances that elevate the entire production to honor roll status.

'Merrily We Roll Along' - a rewinding Sondheim revival at 42nd St. Moon

'Merrily We Roll Along' - a rewinding Sondheim revival at 42nd St. Moon

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Apr 4, 2023

An enjoyable production of Stephen Sondheim's musical "Merrily We Roll Along," now being staged by 42nd Street Moon, is well worth catching in one of its final five performances before closing after Sunday's Easter matinee.

Sasha Velour's 'Big Reveal' - drag artist brings new show to Palace of Fine Arts

Sasha Velour's 'Big Reveal' - drag artist brings new show to Palace of Fine Arts

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Mar 28, 2023

Drag artist Sasha Velour takes to the stage of the Palace of Fine Arts Theater on April 6 with a new show that's also a celebration of the publication of "The Big Reveal: An Illustrated Manifesto of Drag," her first book.