Arts Events Nov 22-29, 2018

THU 22
Expedition Reef
@ California Academy of Sciences
Open Thanksgiving! Exhibits and planetarium shows with various live, interactive and installed exhibits about animals, plants and the earth; Deep Reefs, Giants of Land and Sea, Gems and Minerals, and more. $20-$35. Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm. Sun 11am-5pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

Plant Collections @ SF Botanical Garden
Open Thanksgiving! Visit the lush gardens with displays of trees, flowers and shrubs from around the world. Monthly plant sales, plus art exhibits and gift shop. Free entry with SF proof of residency. $5-$10 for others. 7:30am-closing. 9th Ave at Lincoln Way. https://sfbotanicalgarden.org/

Skating @ Safeway Holiday Ice Rink
Open Thanksgiving! The Union square ice rink is open, with hourly rates, skate rentals, and special events through Jan. 21. $13-$18. 333 Post St. www.unionsquareicerink.com

FRI 23
Absolutely Fabulous Live @ Oasis
Edina (Terry McLaughlin) and Patsy (Michael Phillis) return in comic drag performances of episodes from the BBC comedy favorite. $27-$50. Thu 8pm, Fri & Sat 7pm, thru Dec. 1. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Cardboard Piano
@ New Conservatory Theatre Center
Hansol Jung's moving drama about hope amid unrest and repression in Uganda; pre-show live Nigerian music Thursday nights (post-show conversations with Executive Director of the African Human Rights Coalition, Melanie Nathan on Nov 9, 16, 23). $25-$45. Wed-Sat 8pm Sun 2pm. Thru Dec. 2. 25 Van Ness Ave., lower level. www.nctcsf.org

Cirque du Soleil @ AT&T Park
The amazing acrobatic circus returns for an extended stay with their new show, Volta. $54 and up. various times and dates thru Feb 3. www.circquedusoleil.com

Classic and New Films @ Castro Theatre
Nov 21-25: Sing-along The Sound of Music, with hosts Sara Moore and Laurie Bushman (2pm, 7pm, thru Nov 25). $11-$16. 429 Castro St. http://www.castrotheatre.com/

Crazy for You @ Alcazar Theatre
Bay Area Musicals' intimate staging of the hopping George and Ira Gershwin musical. $20-$65. Thu-Sun, various curtain times thru Dec. 16. 650 Geary St. www.bamsf.org

Everything is Illuminated @ Aurora Theatre, Berkeley
Simon Block's stage adaptation of Jonathan Safran Foer's best-selling novel, about a young Jewish writer's quest to find his family history in the Ukraine. $35-$70. Tue-Wed 7pm. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm & 7pm. Extended thru Dec 16. 2081 Addison St., Berkeley. www.auroratheatre.org

Flight of the Ancestors @ Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts
Day of the Dead exhibition of multimedia works. Reg. hours Tue-Sat 10am-5pm. Thru Nov. 17. 2868 Mission St. www.missionculturalcenter.org

Mary Poppins @ SF Playhouse
The popular Broadway adaptation of the P.L. Travers book and Disney film about a magical nanny gets a local production; music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman; book by Julian Fellowes. $30-$55 and up. Thru Jan 12. 450 Post St. www.sfplayhouse.org

Matt Simons @ Brick & Mortar
The Palo Alto native, whose latest, "Amy's Song" includes same-sex couples in its video, performs as part of his North American tour; Chris Ayer opens. $10-$13. 8pm. http://mattsimonsmusic.com/ http://brickandmortarmusic.com/

Men on Boats @ Strand Theater
American Conservatory Theater's new production of Jaclyn Backhaus's subversive retelling of 19th-century explorer John Wesley Powell's journey through Wyoming's waterways, with an all-women cast. $25-$55. Thru Dec 16. 1127 Market St. www.act-sf.org

Moonalice @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley
The local folk-rock band performs. $10-$15. 8:30pm. 1317 San Pablo Abe., Berkeley. www.moonalice.com www.ashkenaz.com

Older and Out @ North Berkeley Senior Center
Weekly group discussion about problems for elders in the LGBT community. 3:15pm. 1901 Hearst Ave., Berkeley. www.pacificcenter.org

Queer Yoga @ Love Story Yoga
All-level weekly classes in an LGBT space. $11. 6:30pm-7:30pm. 473 Valencia St. at 16th. http://www.lovestoryyoga.com/

Taylor Mac @ Curran Theater
The dizzyingly talented super-queer singer-performer brings Holiday Sauce to SF, a rollicking celebration and calamitous critique of Christmas. $29-$469. Thru Dec. 1. 450 Geary St. https://sfcurran.com

The World of Charles and Ray Eames @ Oakland Museum
Exhibit of the innovative designers' works, including furniture, toys, and rare prototypes; thru Feb 17. Also, Cruisin' the Fossil Coastline, Ray Troll's colorful illustrations paired with paleontologist Kirk Johnson's research. Also, Take Root: Oakland Grows Food and other exhibits. Friday night events 5pm-9pm. Free/$15. 1000 Oak St. http://museumca.org

SAT 24
Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi
The musical comedy revue celebrates its 45th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. $25-$160. Beer/wine served; cash only; 21+, except where noted. Holiday show tickets now on sale. Wed-Fri 8pm. Sat 6pm & 9pm. Sun 2pm & 5pm. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com

Contact Warhol: Photography Without End
@ Cantor Arts Center, Palo Alto
Exhibit of contact sheets and previously unseen images by Andy Warhol. Thru Jan 6, 2019. Stanford University campus, Palm Drive at Museum Way. https://museum.stanford.edu/visit

Fall Contemporary Art
@ Harvey Milk Photo Center
Works by local artists in various media, plus a sneak preview of The Senior Portrait Project. Thru Dec. 1. 50 Scott St. http://harveymilkphotocenter.org

Films @ BAM/PFA
Artistic and award-winning films, including international features, and documentaries about artists; ongoing. 2155 Center St., Berkeley. www.bampfa.org

A History of World War II @ The Marsh
Prolific playwright and director John Fisher's new solo show's subtitled The D-Day Invasion to the Fall of Berlin. $20-$100. Thu 8pm, Sat 8:30pm. Thru Dec. 15. 1062 Valencia St. www.themarshsf.com

It's a Wonderful Life @ War Memorial Opera House
Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer's innovative operatic adaptation of the Frank Capra film. $26-$370. Nov 20, 24, 25, 29, Dec 1, 4, 7 & 9. 301 Van Ness Ave. https://sfopera.com/

LGBTQ Histories from the WWII Home Front
@ Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center, Richmond
Park indoor exhibit that showcases the lives of historic LGBT people. Open daily 10am-5pm. 1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000, Richmond. https://www.nps.gov/rori/index.htm

Other Cinema @ ATA Gallery
Weekly screenings of wacky, unusual, short, documentary and animated films; free books, vinyl, VHS and wine. $7. 8:30pm. 992 Valencia St. www.othercinema.com

Pike St. @ Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Award-winning performer/playwright Nilaja Sun's new solo show portrays three generations of a Puerto Rican family's legacy and lives. $27-$80. Thru Dec 16. 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. www.berkeleyrep.org

Skate Night @ Church on 8 Wheels
Wheeled fun at the former Sacred Heart Church-turned disco roller skate party space, hosted by John D. Miles, the "Godfather of Skate," including Saturday's Black Rock night (Burning Man garb encouraged). 7pm-10pm. Sat afternoon sessions 1pm-2pm and 3pm-5pm. $10. Kids 12 and under $5. Skate rentals $5. 554 Fillmore St at Fell. www.churchof8wheels.com

Through-LINES: The Art of Ballet @ 836M
Exhibit of stunning dance photos by prolific photographer RJ Muna, with design and sound installations by Christopher Haas, Bernie Krause and Jim Campbell; presented by Alonzo King LINES Ballet as part of its 35th anniversary season. Thru Jan 7, 2019. 836 Montgomery St. www.linesballet.org www.836m.org

Various Exhibits @ NIAD Art Center, Richmond
Exhibits of art by visiting professionals, and art made by developmentally disabled people. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. 551 23rd St. Richmond. (510) 620-0290. www.niadart.org

Wild SF Walking Tours @ Citywide
Enjoy weekly informed tours of various parts of San Francisco, from Chinatown to the Haight, and a 'radical' and political-themed LGBT-inclusive tour. Various dates and times. $15-$25. www.wildsftours.com

SUN 25
Animation Exhibits
@ Walt Disney Museum
Exhibit of animation art by the prolific artists, including Walt Disney's Nine Old Men: Masters of Animation (Bambi, Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp), and Home for the Holidays at Carolwood, thru Jan. 7. Other exhibits of Disney artifacts and film screenings. 104 Montgomery St, The Presidio. $5-$25. 10am-6pm. Closed Tue. http://wdfmuseum.org/

Ecstatic Dance @ Sacred Heart Church
Weekly group free-form dance with a spiritual flavor at the former church-turned event space. $15. 9am-12pm. Also Wed. and Fridays in Oakland and Fairfax. 554 Fillmore St. www.ecstaticdance.org

Lew the Jew and His Circle:
Origins of American Tattoo
@ Contemporary Jewish Museum
Exhibit of the prolific tattoo artist's work, tools and life; thru June 9. 2019. Also, Veiled Meanings: Fashioning Jewish Dress, from the Collection of The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, an exhibit of detailed clothing from dozens of countries; thru Jan 6, 2019. Also, In That Case: Havruta in Contemporary Art—Oxossi Ayofemi and Risa Wechsler, thru July 2019. 736 Mission St. https://thecjm.org/

Painting is My Everything @ Asian Art Museum
Art From India's Mithila Region, thru Dec 30. Also, contemporary works by Kim Heecheon and Liu Jianhua; also, exhibits of sculpture and antiquities. Sunday caf� specialties from $7-$16. Free-$20. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 200 Larkin St. http://www.asianart.org/

Queer Tango @ Finnish Hall, Berkeley
Same-sex partner tango dancing, including lessons for newbies, food and drinks. $5-$10. 3:30pm-6:30pm. 1970 Chestnut St, Berkeley. www.finnishhall.org

Second Look, Twice @ MOAD
Exhibition of the work of 15 critically-acclaimed contemporary artists of African descent, including Glenn Ligon, Martin Puryear, and Kara Walker, who have used the medium of printmaking to create vivid and abstracted works. Thru Dec. 16. Free/$15. 685 Mission St. www.moadsf.org

Various Exhibits @ Chabot Space & Science Museum, Oakland
Space, science and planetary exhibits, including planetarium shows and the Observatory; special nighttime events like meteor shower shows. Free-$18. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. www.chabotspace.org

MON 26
Book Club @ Strut
The gay men's health and art center's book club discusses local author Jim Provenzano's gay-themed novel Now I'm Here, about a 1980s Ohio piano prodigy and a pumpkin farmer. 7:30pm. 470 Castro St. https://bit.ly/2K7I834 www.strutsf.org

Connecting Threads @ JCCSF
Quilts From the Social Justice Sewing Academy, an exhibit of textile art by local youth, with political themes. Mon-Fri 8am-10pm, Sun 8am-8pm, thru Nov. SF Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St. www.jccsf.org

Looking Through the Lens @ Diane Wilsey Center for Opera
The Glory of San Francisco Opera, Past and Present, an exhibit of historic productions photos from the San Francisco Opera's many productions. Free. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm. Veteran's Building, 401 Van Ness Ave. www.sfopera.com

State of Emergency: Violence Against Trans Women @ Commonwealth Club
Michelle Meow hosts a discussion about anti-trans violence, with Ellie Hearns (Activist & Founder, The Marsha P. Johnson Institute), Diamond Stylz (Lifestyle Influencer, Activist) and Toni-Michelle Williams (Activist, Co-director, Solutions Not Punishment Coalition). Free. 6:30pm. 110 Embarcadero. www.commonwealthclub.org

Songs of the Season @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
Donna Sachet's annual holiday concert and fundraiser for Positive Resource Center, produced by Brian Kent, with Frenchie Davis, David Hernandez, Leanne Borghesi, Effie Passero, Kenny Nelson, Dan O'Leary and other performers. $60-$100 ($20 food/drink min.). 8pm. Also Nov. 27 & 28. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com

Westward @ City Hall
Exhibit of large-scale photos by women photographers focusing on West Coast communities. Thru May 2019. North Light Court, Ground Floor, 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett
Place. www.sfartscommission.org

William Blake in Color @ William Blake Gallery
Exhibit of classic plates in the new gallery of historic art by the 18th- and 19th-century poet and illustrator. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Sat 11am-5pm. 49 Geary St. #205. www.williamblakegallery.com

World Tree of Hope Decorating @ Grace Cathedral
Decorate the Rainbow World Fund's annual holiday tree, with 1000s of origami paper cranes, in its new location. Volunteer Nov 24-30 at various times. Unveiling ceremony Dec. 3. 1100 California St. https://www.worldtreeofhope.org/help-us/

TUE 27
Between Life and Death @ Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts
Harvey Castro's photo exhibit of Mexican peoples' traditional ways of honoring their dead. Thru Dec 13., Tue-Sat 10am-5pm. 2868 Mission St. http://missionculturalcenter.org

A Bronx Tale @ Golden Gate Theatre
Touring production of the acclaimed musical adaptation of Chazz Palminteri's autobiographical story, with music by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, about a Bronx teenager enamored of a mafia boss. $56-$256. Tue-Thu 7:30pm. Fri & Sat 8pm, Wed, Sat Sun 2pm. Thru Dec. 23. 1 Taylor St. at Market. www.shnsf.com

Community Meetings @ Strut
Meetings for harm reduction, cycling, book club and more, most weekdays. 470 Castro St. www.strutsf.org

Gaugin: A Spiritual Journey @ de Young Museum
New exhibit of the French painter's Tahitian paintings, and works by artists who influenced him. Thru April 7. Also, Contemporary Muslim Fashions, an exhibit of stylish fashions in the Muslim world; thru Jan 6. Also, modern and historic art, including embroidery, Maori portraits and installations. Free/$15. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.famsf.org

Exclusion @ Presidio Officers Club
Exhibit documenting the Presidio's Japanese-American incarceration during World War II; other exhibits show the history of the former military base and the SF peninsula. Free, Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Thru Spring 2019. 50 Maraga Ave. https://www.presidio.gov/officers-club/exhibitions/

Fever @ Center for Sex & Culture
Fever: Documenting the Human Sexual Experience, a group photography exhibit curated by Anissa Malady. Tue 11am-5pm. Wed 10am-3pm, Thu 3pm-7pm and by appointment. Thru Dec. 28. 1349 Mission St. www.sexandculture.org

Jaime Cortez @ Strut
Horned Up Now: The CL Drawings, an exhibit of the artist's works derived from the Golden Age of portraiture. Thru Nov. 270 Castro St. www.strutsf.org

The Life and Times of Jo Mora @ Cartoon Art Museum
New exhibit of drawing, maps, paintings and ephemera by the prolific illustrator of American culture (1876-1947). Thru April 28, 2019. 781 Beach St. www.cartoonart.org

Modern Art @ SF MOMA
Wayne Thiebaud, Etel Adnan, Alexander Calder, Donald Judd, Louise Bourgeois and many classic Modern works. Free/$25. Fri-Tue 10am-6pm. 151 3rd St. www.sfmoma.org

Queer Sex U @ Strut
Joshua O'Neal facilitates a discussion about Gender identity and expression. 6:30-8pm. 470 Castro St. www.strutsf.org

Various Events @ Oakland LGBTQ Center
Social events and meetings at the new LGBTQ center include film screenings and workshops, including Bruthas Rising, trans men of color meetings, 4th Tuesdays, 6:30pm. Film screenings, 4th Saturdays, 7:30pm. Game nights, Fridays 7:30pm-11pm. Vogue sessions, first Saturdays. 3207 Lakeshore Ave.
Oakland. https://www.oaklandlgbtqcenter.org/

WED 28
Another Hole in the Head Film Festival @ New People Cinema
15th annual festival of fun, unusual scifi, horror and animated films. $15-$160 (full pass). Thru Dec. 12. www.sfindie.com www.ahith.com

Dames at Sea @ Gateway Theatre
42nd Street Moon's production of the musical that spoofs 1930s shows. $30-$75. Wed/Thu 7pm. Fri 8pm, Sat 6pm, sun 3pm. Thru Dec 16. 215 Jackson St. www.42ndstmoon.org

Deirdre Weinberg: Living Memory in the TL @ Tenderloin Museum
Exhibit of mini-portraits showing "beauty where it might be overlooked." 398 Eddy St. http://www.tenderloinmuseum.org/

East Meets West @ Legion of Honor
Jewels of the Maharajas from the Al Thani Collection, thru Feb 24. Also, S�raphin Soudbinine, Lynn Hershman Leeson, Framing the Body, Mummies and Medicine and other exhibits of classical and modern art. Free/$30. Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave. https://legionofhonor.famsf.org/

Fighting Back: Harvey Milk's Living Legacy @ GLBT History Museum
Community forum about the slain politician's legacy and his effect on LGBTQ politics today. $5. 7pm. Also, the exhibit A Picture Is a Word: The Posters of Rex Ray, a survey of the graphic works of internationally renowned San Francisco queer artist and designer (1956 - 2015). $5. 4127 18th St. www.glbthistory.org

Friendly Fire @ Wessling Gallery
Group exhibit of vibrant works in various media by 14 artists. 440 Brannan St. http://wesslinggallery.com/

Joey Wolf @ Ever Gold
Drinking Games, the L.A. artist's exhibit of realist group paintings. Wed-Sat 12pm-5pm. 1275 Minnesota St. http://evergoldprojects.com

Lucy Jane Bledsoe @ REI Stores
The lesbian author of the new short story collection Lava Falls reads from her Grand Canyon adventure story, and other works, at the outdoor/camping supply stores. Nov 28, 7pm: 849 Brannan St. SF. Nov 29, 7pm: 1338 San Pablo Ave. Berkeley. Dec 6, 7pm: 2450 Charleston Road, Mountain View. http://www.lucyjanebledsoe.com/

THU 29
The Golden Girls @ Victoria Theatre
They're back! D'Arcy Drollinger, Heklina, Matthew Martin and Holotta Tymes perform drag versions of holiday episodes of the classic elder women's sitcom. $25-$50. Thu-Sat 8pm, Sun 7pm thru Dec. 23. 2961 16th St. www.thegoldengirlslive.com

A John Waters Christmas
@ Great American Music Hall
The 'Pope of Trash' film director (Hairspray, Desperate Living) brings his solo show of stories and anecdotes to the stage. $55-$125 VIP meet & greet. 8pm. 859 O'Farrell St. https://slimspresents.com

Listen Up! Voices of AIDS Activism @ GLBT History Museum
Eric Sneathen and local veteran AIDS activists discuss a screening of video from the ACT UP Oral History Project. $5. 4127 18th St. www.glbthistory.org

Literary Speakeasy @ Martuni's
James J. Siegel's monthly authors and cocktails night, with Katie Aliferis, Kelly Landmine, Kyle Thomas Smith, D'mani Thomas, and Jenny Xie. 7pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market.

Michelle Meow Show @ Commonwealth Club
Meow and cohost John Zipperer discuss LGBT issues with different prominent guests. Nov. 29: 40 Years After the Briggs Initiative: Our Power in Speaking Up and Speaking Out, with Tom Ammiano, Sue Englanders and Gwen Craig. Weekly, 12pm. 110 Embarcadero. www.commonwealthclub.org

Scott Fraser @ Jenkins Johnson Gallery
Earthly Delights, the painter's new exhibit of realist/surreal works. Thru Dec. 22. 464 Sutter St. http://www.jenkinsjohnsongallery.com

Various Exhibits @ The Beat Museum
Enjoy exhibits, a bookstore and gift shop that celebrates the era of 'Beatnik' literature (Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, etc.), with frequent readings, walking tours and other events in North Beach. $5-$8. Daily 10am-7pm. 540 Broadway www.kerouac.com


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Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication.