BAYSTAGES | 2011.11 - November by VIA MEDIA / BAYSTAGES

NOVEMBER 2011 | Celebrating Live Performing Arts in SF and Beyond!

[THE PERFORMERS]

FRINGE OF MARIN = Dominican University

DIABLO BALLET

= Lesher Center For The Arts

[THE SHOWS]

THE TEMPERAMENTALS = New Conservatory Theatre Center

THE GLASS MENAGERIE

= Marin Theatre Company

ANTIGONE = A.C.T. Young Conservatory

[THE LATEST]

UH HUH HER ERIC OWENS

MARGARET JENKINS DANCE COMPANY

[THE COVER]

An Italian Explorer

PATRIZIO BUANNE

= GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL = NAPA VALLEY OPERA HOUSE

ALSO: THE FIRST NUDIE MUSICAL | PARADE | NUNSET BOULEVARD

oCtoBER 31 - NovEMBER 2

tHE FaBUloUs...

MAUDE MAGGART

EvERYBodY’s doiN’ it

NovEMBER 6

NovEMBER 3 - 6

RACHELLE FERRELL Up ClosE & pERsoNal

FAITH WINTHROP

“Ya Gotta HavE FaitH!” ... iN soNG, spiRit, aNd sass.

NovEMBER 7 - 9

NovEMBER 10 - 13

soMEtHiNG WoNdERFUl?

aN iNtiMatE EvENiNG WitH

CARLY OZARD

NovEMBER 13 & 14

2010 NiGHtliFE aWaRd – oUtstaNdiNG dUo

ERIC COMSTOCK & BARBARA FASANO

NovEMBER 15

RUSS LORENSON

“as loNG as i’M siNGiNG”: tHE MUsiC oF BoBBY daRiN

NovEMBER 19 & 20

SONY HOLLAND

NovEMBER 21 - 23

VERONICA KLAUS

“aFtER daRk” FEatURiNG tHE taMMY Hall tRio

NovEMBER 25 - 27

SUZANNE WESTENHOEFER

OTTMAR LIEBERT

NovEMBER 16 - 20 GRaMMY aWaRd WiNNiNG voCalist/piaNist

DIANE SCHUUR “dEEdlEs” NovEMBER 25 - 27

HolidaY CHEERs WitH

DEANA MARTIN HoNoRiNG HER FatHER dEaN MaRtiN

aMERiCa’s FavoRitE lEsBiaN “sEMi sWEEt” 222 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Grand Piano courtesy of Baldwin

800-380-3095 • www.TheRrazzRoom.com

editor ROBERT SOKOL editor@baystages.com publisher RON WILLIS publisher@baystages.com

THE STAGES DANCE | Light Moves.................................................................... 5 PLAY | The Temperamentals........................................................ 7 FESTIVAL | Fringe of Marin.......................................................... 9 STUDENT | Antigone..................................................................13 MUSIC | Patrizio Buanne............................................................15 DANCE | Diablo Ballet.................................................................17 CLASSIC | The Glass Menagerie...............................................19 BACK | Behind the Scenes With

............................20

Copyright ÂŠ 2011 by Caselli Partners LLC. All rights reserved. Printed in California. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form without written permission is prohibited. BAYSTAGES is published monthly by VIA MEDIA, a division of Caselli Partners LLC. All content not attributed to an author is compiled by BAYSTAGES staff from press releases and other sources. No guarantee is given for the validity of this data. Information is subject to change without notice.

design + layout VIA MEDIA design@viamedia.net contributing writers GRIER COOPER Nicole gluckstern james j. siegel ROBERT SOKOL JIM VAN BUSKIRK Writers may submit resumes and samples to editor@baystages.com for consideration.

contributing photographers STEVEN UNDERHILL cover image PATRIZIO BUANNE image: amit & naroop

Editorial photos are provided by the artists or venues and credits are noted where provided.

FELA! November 15 to December 11 Curran Theatre 445 Geary Street, SF $50 to $200 | 888.746.1799 shnsf.com

advertising sales RON WILLIS 415.552.8040 advertise@baystages.com distribution JUAN RAMIREZ If you need additional copies or would like to become a distribution point for BAYSTAGES please call our office. PDF copies of individual articles are available upon request. Performances and events may be submitted to our database at:

www.baystages.com Digital press releases and promotional materials may be sent to:

image: monique carboni (fela! - sahr ngaujah)

thisjustin@baystages.com Other review or promotional materials should be mailed to:

BAYSTAGES 780 sutter street SF, ca 94109 p: 415.552.8040 f: 415.869.3700

NOVEMBER 2011 |

REVOLVING The venues listed book a wide and frequently changing roster of artists. We recommend calling or checking the websites to get the latest performance details and information on ticket prices, minimum charges, and age limits (if any).

Great American Music Hall

Tenderloin, SF gamh.com | 888.233.0449 Hemlock Tavern

Polk Gulch, SF hemlocktavern.com | No Calls HOTEL UTAH SALOON

SOMA, SF hotelutah.com | 415.546.6300 Independent

Alamo Square, SF theindependentsf.com | 415.771.1421 Johnny Foley’s

Union Square, SF johnnyfoleys.com | 415.954.0777 MEZZANINE

SOMA, SF mezzaninesf.com | 415.625.8880 Chely Wright at Napa Opera House

MUSIC VENUES

Napa nvoh.com | 707.226.7372

Mill Valley 142throckmortontheatre.org | 415.383.9600

Marin ranchonicasio.com | 415.662.2219

Rancho Nicasio

BIMBO’S 365 CLUB

Regency Ballroom

North Beach, SF bimbos365club.com | 415.474.0365

Civic Center, SF theregencyballroom.com | 800.745.3000

BISCUITS & BLUES

Rickshaw Stop

Union Square, SF biscuitsandblues.com | 415.292.2583

Civic Center, SF rickshawstop.com | 415.861.2011

BLANK CLUB

ROCKIT ROOM

San Jose theblankclub.com | 408.292.5265

Richmond, SF rock-it-room.com | 415.387.6343

Bottom of the Hill

RRAZZ ROOM

Potrero Hill, SF bottomofthehill.com | 415.621.4455

Union Square, SF therrazzroom.com | 415. 394.1189

Café du Nord

SHATTUCK DOWN LOW

Upper Market, SF cafedunord.com | 415.861.5016

Berkeley shattuckdownlow.com | 510.455.4735

ELBO ROOM

Slim’s

Mission, SF elbo.com | 415.552.7788

SOMA, SF slims-sf.com | No Calls

EL RIO

STARRY PLOUGH

Mission, SF elriosf.com | 415.282.3325

Berkeley starryploughpub.com | 510.841.1424

FILLMORE

THEE PARKSIDE

Fillmore, SF thefillmore.com | 415.346.6000

Potrero Hill, SF theeparkside.com | 415.252.1330

FOX THEATRE

UPTOWN THEATRE

Redwood City foxrwc.com | 650-369-7770

Napa uptowntheatrenapa.com | 707.259.0123

Freight & Salvage

WARFIELD

Berkeley freightandsalvage.org | 510.644.2020

Downtown, SF thewarfieldtheatre.com | 800.745.3000

George’s NIGHTCLUB

YOSHI’S

| NOVEMBER 2011

Oakland + Fillmore, SF yoshis.com | 510-238-9200 + 415.655.5600

Marina, SF improv.org | 415.474.6776 BIG CITY IMPROV

Union Square, SF sheltontheater.com | 415.433.1227 BLUE BLANKET IMPROV

Half Moon Bay blueblanketimprov.com | 650.726.0770 BUNJO’S COMEDY LOUNGE

Dublin bunjoscomedy.com | 925.264.4413 COBB’S COMEDY CLUB

North Beach, SF cobbscomedyclub.com | 415.928.4320 COMEDY OFF BROADWAY

Oakland coboak.com | 510.214.2626 COMEDYSportz

San Jose comedysportzsanjose.com DARK ROOM

Mission, SF darkroomsf.com | 415.401.7987 ENDGAMES IMPROV

Union Square, SF endgamesimprov.com ENSO

Half Moon Bay ensohmb.com | 650.726.1409 HARVEY’S FUNNY TUESDAYS

Castro, SF harveyssf.com | 415.431.4278 IMPROV

San Jose improv.com | 408.280.7475 MADE UP THEATRE

Fremont madeuptheatre.com | 510.573.3633 PUNCHLINE

Embarcadero, SF punchlinecomedyclub.com | 415.397.7573 ROOSTER T. FEATHERS

Sunnyvale roostertfeathers.com | 408.736.0921 SECRET IMPROV SOCIETY

Union Square, SF improvsociety.com

STONE SOUP IMPROV

Oakland stonesoupimprov.com | 510.380.6808 .............................................................. Contact daily@baystages.com with additions or corrections.

images: laura crost (chely wright)

142 THROCKMORTON

San Rafael georgesnightclub.com | 415.226.0262

napa valley opera house

COMEDY & IMPROV

BATS IMPROV

view from the editor As the best use for pumpkins moves from jacko-lanterns to pie, we embark upon that annual ritual know as the holiday season. Two months of shopping and planning and dreaming and scheming that funnel down to a calendar-tightening frenzy of office parties and other festivities. It’s also a time to draw family and friends near. Planning holiday gatherings and meshing schedules have never been easy. If you have friends who have a facebook account you are likely to experience an embarrassment of email riches with the subject line refrain “...invited you to the event...” and only so many days on the calendar! Blessed as I am to have some wonderful friends who are performers, November is going to be “one of those months” even more than usual. My friends Shaynee Rainbolt and Terese Genecco are flying in from New York on 11/1 to perform at Yoshi’s to celebrate their friend Russ Garcia’s 95th birthday. My friends Linda Purl and Lee Lessack are flying in from Los Angeles to perform at the Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton 11/6, and my friend Sony Holland is also zipping up from the Southland to gig 11/19-20 at the Rrazz Room. Speaking of the Rrazz, I might as well just move in for November. My friend Faith Winthrop is there

with 80 years of spirit and sass on 11/6, my friend Carly Ozard is doing “something wonderful” 11/79, my friend Russ Lorenson is getting his Bobby Darin groove on 11/15, and my friend Veronica Klaus goes “after dark” 11/21-23. Those are just the singers! I haven’t even mentioned all my actor friends who have shows opening this month. My point is that I am truly fortunate to have such wonderful, talented people in my life, and I give thanks for them and their talent. Each of you who visits or resides in the Bay Area has that same opportunity to experience the bounty that is our performing arts community. So enjoy this month. Contemplate some mambo Italiano with Patrizio Buanne - a sweet, talented new friend - or get a bit “temperamental” at New Conservatory Theatre Center. I plan to do both and more! Whether you are moved by dance or moved to dance, you’ll find it here on our pages.

ROBERT SOKOL, editor

image: via media

Guy Slater, Clint Campbell, Rahman Dalrymple, April Krautner, Tice Allison, Ray Morgan, Courtney Walsh, Barry Martin, Larry Williams, Adam Burkholder, Kate Kitchens, Preston Sigrist, (kneeling) Saskia Baur and Eyan Dean - wonderful new friends from Kite’s Book at 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa.

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER2011 2011| |

ONGOING SHOWS

DAILY The following listings are compiled from submissions to the baystages.com database and are subject to change without notice. Please be sure to verify performance times and dates when making your ticket purchases. Shows with multiple performances are listed below as of their first public performance, with the final performance date noted in the description. CLOSING SHOWS are listed separately in the sidebar columns with the date of the final scheduled performance noted before the title. ONGOING SHOWS offering regularly scheduled performance throughout the month are also listed separately in the sidebar columns. Closing and ongoing shows are not included in the listings that follow.

Donna Sachet of Sunday’s A Drag ABSOLUTELY SAN FRANCISCO

Alcove Theatre | SF $32-$50 | 415.922.8168 absolutelysanfrancisco.com One-woman musical dramedy about life, love and the SF experience.

Beach BlanKet Babylon

Club Fugazi | SF $25-$130 | 415.421.4222 beachblanketbabylon.com Long-running revue skewering news and culture with songs and big hats.

01 | Maude Maggart Rrazz Room | SF $35 | 800.380.3095 therazzroom.com

Cabaret, traditional & pop singer Maggart brings her show “Everybody’s Doin’ It.” (Ends 11/2)

01 | Grace Kelly Quintet Yoshi’s | SF $18 | 415.655.5600 yoshis.com

Young Saxophonist in a double bill with guitarist Russell Malone and his trio.

SECRET IMPROV / Big City Improv Shelton Theater | SF

01 | Merce Cunnhingham Stanford’s Memorial Auditorium $30-$85 | 650.725.2787 livelyarts.stanford.edu

CONFESSIONS

01 | Russ Garcia at 95 Yoshi’s | Oakland $20 | 510.238.9200 yoshis.com

$15-$20 | 866.468.3399 sheltontheater.com Every scene is based on suggestions shouted out by the audience.

The final Bay Area performance by one of the most influential companies in history.

Alcove Theatre | SF $8-$15 | No Calls endgamesimprov.com Innovative comedy show inspired by real people’s real submitted confessions.

Terese Genecco and Shaynee Rainbolt pay a tribute to jazz composer/arranger Russ Garcia.

HARVEY’S FUNNY TUESDAYS

Washington Irving’s story of superstition in early America. (Ends 11/12)

Harvey’s | SF FREE | 415.431.4278 harveyssf.com Ronn Vigh and guests for an eveing of laughs at 9:00 pm. Twi-drink minimum. Shopping! The Musical

Semyon Bychkov conducts the SF Symphony’s presentation of Stauss’s tone poem. (Ends 11/4)

02 | Savage in Limbo Actors Theatre of San Francisco $38 | 415.345.1287 actorstheatresf.org

SUNDAY’S A DRAG

02 | Yael Naim Bimbo’s 365 Club | SF $28 | 877.435.9849 bimbos365club.com

Starlight Room | SF $44.95 | 415.395.8595 harrydenton.com Drag entertainment abounds in Harry Denton’s newly refurbished boite. TOTEM

Grand Chapiteau @ AT&T Park | SF $38.50-$360 | 800.450.1480 cirquedusoleil.com/totem New Cirque du Soleil extravaganzga tracing the origins of man.

| NOVEMBER 2011

John Patrick Shanley’s touching and edgy comedy about three former grade school mates. (Ends 12/9)

Parisian-born Israeli singer Naim shares the Bimbo’s stage with David Donatien.

03 | Adam Ferrara Rooster T. Feathers | Sunnyvale $15-$20 | 408.736.0921 roostertfeathers.com

Stand-up Comic/Actor Ferrara is a regular on the series “Rescue Me.” (Ends 11/6)

Acclaimed actor and comic at Cobb’s. (Ends 11/6)

03 | DC Curry Tommy T’s Comedy | Pleasanton $15-$25 | 925.227.1800 tommyts.com

Winner of, and now regular host of, the Bay Area Black Comedy Competition. (Ends 11/6)

03 | Rachelle Ferrell Rrazz Room | SF $49.50 | 800.380.3095 therazzroom.com

Ferrell presents “Up Close and Personal.” (Ends 11/6)

03 | Rickie Lee Jones Napa Valley Opera House | Napa $35-$40 | 707.226.7372 nvoh.org

Singer-songwriter brings her stylings to Napa.

03 | Thomas Cooley All Saints Episcopal | Palo Alto $35 | 415.260.4687 voicesofmusic.org

Voices of Music with works by Purcell. Also in San Francisco (11/5) and Berkeley (11/6).

03 | Working for the Mouse EXIT Theatre | SF $20-$22 | 800.838.3006 theexit.org

Trevor Allen’s comic behind-the-scenes look at life as a character at Disneyland. (Ends 12/17)

04 | Baroque Band First Lutheran Church | Palo Alto $35 | 510.528.1725 sfems.org

Music from the Court of Charles II. Also Berkeley & SF.

04 | Cat Lady ODC Theater | SF $20 | 415.863.9834 odctheater.org

A little Ed Hardy meets Lord of the Flies meets cat pee. Playwright Kristina Wong stars. (Ends 11/6)

04 | Deer Tick Independent | SF $15 | 877.435.9849 theindependentsf.com

Sharing the stage with Guards and Kamp Camille.

04 | Fully Committed 6th Street Playhouse | Santa Rosa $20 | 707.523.4185 6thstreetplayhouse.com A hilarious, yet touching high-wire act with 40 characters played by Dan Saski. (Ends 11/12)

images: keeney and law (donna sachet)

Shelton Theater | SF $27-$29 | 800.838.3006 sheltontheater.com An original musical revue about everyone’s favorite pastime.

03 | David Alan Grier Cobb’s Comedy Club | SF $20.50-$22.50 | 800.745.3000 cobbscomedy.com

by grier cooper

image: mark palmer (light moves - margaret jenkins dance company)

“We became interested in the multiple meanings in ‘light moves.’ The shifts of light in a day I see as a metaphor for our internal shifts - that within any one hour we experience a multitude of sensations, observations, conflicting emotions or thoughts,” says choreographer Margaret Jenkins. So began a dialogue between the choreographer, multimedia artist Naomie Kremer, Wallace Awardwinning poet Michael Palmer and composer Paul Dresher. The end product is Light Moves, a synthesis of dance, moving images, live music and text; a shifting landscape of visual and aural elements that reflect the ongoing internal and external movements of light and emotion. “We are all fascinated with how to effect a balance between the visual images and the movement. The eye naturally goes to anything that moves, so how does one direct the eye and other senses to take in everything, not censor out any one element,” asks Jenkins. Light Moves promises plenty to please the eye: Kremer’s work marries painting with digital technology, transforming a two-dimensional painting into a three-dimensional animated world, like walking into a living, breathing canvas.

DANCE

LIGHT MOVES

margaret jenkins dance company

Original music will be performed live by the Paul Dresher Ensemble, which “makes the experience more immediate for everyone,” according to Jenkins. Dresher is known internationally for his vast musical vocabulary and invention of instruments. He often composes music for opera and musical theater but is particularly responsive to dancers and movement. “Making work is an impossibly optimistic gesture and there is no didactic message, only the promise of an insight, an uplifting hour,” says Jenkins. “The layers of dancing and language and music and images provide the viewer with infinite interpretable stories within the flow of any evening about human intercourse. The light lets loose a lot of stories.” LIGHT MOVES November 3 to 5 | 8:00 pm Novellus Theater, Yerba Buena Center 701 Mission Street, SF $25 | 415.978.2787 ybca.org

NOVEMBER 2011 |

DAILY 04 | Jeremy Hotz Improv Comedy Club | SJ $20 | 408.280.7475 improv.com

Sharp, observational comedian comes to the Improv.

04 | Loretta Lynch Freight & Salvage | Berkeley $20.50-$22.50 | 510.644.2020 thefreight.org Oakland-based Americana band.

04 | Marc Cohn Napa Valley Opera House | Napa $35-$40 | 707.226.7372 nvoh.org Songwriter and singer Cohn celebrates the classic rock and pop of the 1970s.

04 | Mauritius Pear Avenue Theatre | Mountain View $20-$30 | 650.254.1148 thepear.org

The genteel bequest of a stamp album fans the flames of greed and sibling rivalry. (Ends 11/20)

04 | ODC/Dance unplugged ODC Dance Commons | SF $18 | 415.863.9834 odctheater.org

KT Nelson’s work-in-progress, Cut Out Guy, features the men of ODC and music by Ben Frost.

04 | Omar Sosa Yoshi’s | Oakland $22-$25 | 510.238.9200 yoshis.com

Composer and pianist Sosa with his Afreecanos Quartet. (Ends 11/5)

04 | Pacifica Quartet Dinkelspiel Auditorium | Palo Alto $44-$50 | 650.725.2787 livelyarts.stanford.edu Chamber music program featuring Bach, Shostakovich and Beethoven.

04 | Paul Posnak Old First Church | SF $17 | 415.474.1608 oldfirstconcerts.org

Concert pianist Posnak presents pieces by Chopin, Mozart plus Joplin, Gershwin and more.

04 | Peter Wolf Crier Café Du Nord | SF $10 | 866.468.3399 cafedunord.com

Enjoy the music of the duo of Pisano and Moen.

04 | Pride and Joy Fox Theatre | Redwood City $20-$26 | 650.369.7770 foxrwc.com

Popular party band entertains at this 150th Anniversary bash for the Redwood City Fire Dept.

04 | Rickie Lee Jones Montalvo Arts Center | Saratoga $44-$49 | 408.961.5858 montalvoarts.org Grammy award winning singer-songwriter.

04 | Super Diamond Bimbo’s 365 Club | SF $22 | 877.435.9849 bimbos365club.com

Neil Diamond cover band with Petty Theft.

| NOVEMBER 2011

04 | The Blues Broads 142 Throckmorton | Mill Valley $21-$30 | 415.383.9600 142throckmortontheatre.org

Tracy Nelson, Annie Sampson Dorothy Morrison, Deanna Bogart and Angela Strehli.

04 | The Fundamentals George’s Nightclub | San Rafael $10-$15 | 800.380.3095 georgesnightclub.com With special guest Terisa Griffin.

04 | Laramie Project Foothill College | Los Altos Hills $16 | 650.949.7360 foothillmusicals.com

A chronicle of the life of Laramie in the year after the murder of Matthew Shepard. (Ends 11/20)

04 | Wild Flag Great American Music Hall | SF $17-$19 | 415.885.0750 gamh.com

With Drew Grow and the Pastors’ Wives. (Ends 11/5)

05 | How To Succeed... Saratoga Civic Theater | Saratoga $18-$33 | 800.838.3006 wvlo.org

The musical, currently starring Daniel Radcliffe on Broadway, comes to Saratoga. (Ends 12/3)

05 | Menlowe Ballet Bayside Performing Arts | San Mateo $25-$40 | 510.522.6096 menloweballet.org The debut performances by Artistic Director Michael Lowe’s new ballet company.

05 | Mission Chamber Le Petit Trianon | SJ $25 | 999.999.9999 missionchamber.org

Presenting “Brilliant Combinations” with guest pianist Tavit Tashjian. Beethoven, Shostakovich.

05 | Reilly & Maloney Freight & Salvage | Berkeley $22.50-$24.50 | 510.644.2020 thefreight.org

Reilly and Maloney for a performance celebrating the release of David’s new CD.

05 | Savion Glover Palace of Fine Arts Theater | SF $30-$75 | 866.920.5299 sfjazz.org

Tap virtuoso Glover on stage with Bare Soundz.

05 | Sing For Your Supper Willows Theatre | Concord $25 | 800.380.3095 willowstheatre.com

Kristen McNamara, Lee Lessack, Linda Purl sing to benefit The Food Bank of Contra Costa.

05 | The Sun Kings Rancho Nicasio | Nicasio $15-$20 | 415.662.2219 ranchonicasio.com

Presenting their salute to The Beatles.

05 | Theatre Flamenco Mountain View Center $45 | 650.903.6000 theatreflamenco.org

Dance company celebrates 45th anniversary.

those activist friends of dorothy

image: lois tema photography (the temperamentals - seth thygesen, steve salzman, j.conrad frank, justin gilman, jeffrey hoffman)

by jim van buskirk

“All gay activism is thought to have started in 1969 at Stonewall. Well, B.S.! Before Stonewall, an even braver brunch of us stood up to the plate before there was even a plate.” So states Harry Hay in Jon Marans’ The Temperamentals. Set in Los Angeles in 1950, the play tells the story of the founding of the Mattachine Society, one of the earliest American homophile organizations. The Bay Area premiere will be particularly poignant for director Allen Sawyer. When he agreed to direct the play Sawyer was hoping to enlist the memories of his friend John Gruber, the last surviving original member of the Mattachine Society. Sawyer told Gruber about the upcoming production, but sadly Gruber died before the play was cast. Although Gruber is not a character in the play, Sawyer feels that his courageous determination and mischievous spirit pervades the play. “Having known John, I’m even more determined to bring this piece of history to a larger audience,” said Sawyer. Gruber, who with his boyfriend Konrad “Steve” Stevens became the sixth and seventh members of the Mattachine Society primarily as a social adventure, relived the atmosphere of the meetings, “All of us had known a whole lifetime of not talking, or repression. Just the freedom to open up ... really, that’s what it was all about. We had found a sense of belonging,

PLAY

the temperAmentals

of camaraderie, of openness in an atmosphere of tension and distrust. ... Such a great deal of it was a social climate. A family feeling came out of it, a nonsexual emphasis.” “Temperamental” was a code word for a gay man in the early 1950’s - part of a secret language that gay men used to communicate during this dangerous period, like “that way” or “a friend of Dorothy.” Sawyer believes “it’s important to remember that the characters in this play were brave pioneers fighting institutionalized homophobia for their very existence.” “At a time in history when we’re realizing the right to marry and to serve in the military based on the idea that we are the same as everyone else,” reminds Sawyer, “Harry Hay was saying that we are not ‘broken heterosexuals’ but have unique perspectives and insights to offer the larger fabric of the human condition.” the temperamentals November 4 to December 18 New Conservatory Theatre Center 25 Van Ness Avenue, SF $25 to $45 | 415. 861.8972 nctcsf.org

NOVEMBER 2011 |

DAILY 06 | Carmen War Memorial Opera House | SF $26-$330 | 415.864.3330 sfopera.com

07 | ONE NIGHT ONLY WITH HAIR Marines’ Memorial Theatre | SF $25-$75 | 415.273.1620 HelpIsOnTheWay.org

06 | Faith Winthrop Rrazz Room | SF $27.50 | 800.380.3095 therazzroom.com

07 | Carly Ozard Rrazz Room | SF $25 | 800.380.3095 therazzroom.com

06 | Gil Shaham Dinkelspiel Auditorium | Palo Alto $66-$76 | 650.725.2787 livelyarts.stanford.edu

07 | Jack’s Mannequin Regency Ballroom | SF $28.50-$30 | 800.745.3000 theregencyballroom.com

Carmen is one of the most vivid characters in opera. (Ends 12/4)

Jazz, traditional & pop singer Winthrop hrings her “Ya Gotta Have Faith... in song, spirit and sass”

Winner of multiple Grammys, solo violinist Shaham performs Bach.

06 | Graham Parker Freight & Salvage | Berkeley $30.50-$32.50 | 510.644.2020 thefreight.org

British songwriter and singer Parker shares hits from his 40 year career.

06 | Lamplighters Gala Herbst Theatre | SF $55-$97 | 415.392.4400 lamplighters.org

A fun and unique comic steampunk game show performance and silent auction.

06 | Linda Purl/Lee Lessack Firehouse Arts Center | Pleasanton $17-$27 | 925.931.4848 firehousearts.org

Broadway and Hollywood star Purl teams up with cabaret artist Lessack in a tribute to Irving Berlin.

06 | Napa Valley Symphony Lincoln Theater | Yountville $30-$80 | 707.944.9900 lincolntheater.com

“Spring Fever” featuring The Cypress String Quartet. Conducted by Alondra de la Parra.

06 | Office of the Dead All Saints Episcopal | Palo Alto $25-$22 | 800.838.3006 sfrv.org

SF Renaissance Voices’ annual concert of requiem masses. Also San Francisco & Berkeley

06 | Play Strindberg EXIT on Taylor | SF Free | 999.999.9999 cuttingball.com

Cutting Ball’s Hidden Classics Reading Series with a searing portrait of marriage.

06 | Sonic Forest Old First Church | SF $17 | 415.474.1608 oldfirstconcerts.org

Featuring Brenda Schuman-Post on oboe, with classical, jazz, folk, show tunes, & more.

06 | The Ruth Moody Band Osher Marin JCC | San Rafael $30-$40 | 415.444.8000 marinjcc.org

Singer, songwriter and founding member of the Award winning trio The Wailin’ Jennys.

| NOVEMBER 2011

Benefit for The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation & Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Cabaret, musical theatre, and pop vocalist Ozard presents “Something Wonderful?” (Ends 11/9)

With Scars on 45 and Lady Danville.

07 | Wally Schnalle Sextet Yoshi’s | Oakland $14 | 510.238.9200 yoshis.com Live CD recording of Schnalle’s sextet.

07 | “Weird Al” Yankovic Wells Fargo Center | Santa Rosa $35-$57.50 | 707.546.3600 wellsfargocenterarts.org Singer-songwriter/comedian brings his The Alpocalypse Tour to the Wells Fargo Center.

08 | Andrew Norelli Napa Valley Opera House | Napa $18 | 707.226.7372 nvoh.org

NVOH Comedy Series hosted by Rhonda Lucile Hicks with opening comic Maggie Newcomb.

08 | Bill Bowers Marsh - San Francisco | SF $10-$15 | 415.641.0235 themarsh.org

Hit Solo Show “It Goes Without Saying” In Rare West Coast Appearance

08 | Jackson Browne Flint Center | Cupertino $45.50-$65.50 | 800.745.3000 flintcenter.com

Browne brings his 2011 Solo Acoustic Tour to the Flint, accompanying himself on guitar and piano.

08 | The Bangles Fillmore | SF $27.50 | 800.745.3000 thefillmore.com

Still rocking the pop tunes after all these years.

08 | Wynonna Lincoln Theater | Yountville $65-$95 | 707.944.9900 lincolntheater.com

Country superstar Wynonna Judd returns.

09 | Average White Band Yoshi’s | Oakland $16-$22 | 510.238.9200 yoshis.com

Soul and funk stars bring their sound to Yoshi’s.

09 | Bryan Stow Benefit Yoshi’s | SF $45 | 415.655.5600 yoshis.com

Benefit for SF Giants fan abused at a game, with Giants Coach Tim Flannery’s Band and more.

magic in 20 minutes or less by nicole gluckstern

While the tranquil campus of a Catholic University in San Rafael might seem an unlikely staging ground for a festival of new short plays from around the Bay Area and beyond, Dominican University has been hosting the small but energetic Fringe of Marin for over fifteen years without conflict. Even when plays staged have had overtly sexual content - such as in Linda Ayres-Frederick’s Condoms (2008,) or last year’s The Story of Oh, by Jim Colgan - the nuns who have attended the festival have taken it all in stride. “The Dominican order is very open-minded,” festival founder Dr. Annette Lust notes.

image: courtesy photo (can one make love wrapped up in the french flag? - crystal nezgoda, conrad cady)

Beginning as a presentation of student-written short plays in 1996, the festival soon expanded to include members of the community, the University having cut the Drama department some time earlier. Lust attributes the moniker “Fringe of Marin” to a former Commuter Times reporter who had asked her if the festival was a “fringe” festival. The concept seemed to fit, so Lust adopted the title. Though there is a selection process, in contrast to traditional

“non-juried” fringe festivals, Lust contends that the selection criterion is not about content or subject matter, but rather timing, with each play presented clocking in at twenty minutes or less. This fall’s edition includes two programs of seven shorts playing in repertory for three weekends, and features Fringe of Marin regulars such as George Dykstra and Steve North. But the most unusual contribution comes from as far away as Romania via France: a short written by European playwright Benoît Vitse titled Can One Make Love Wrapped Up in the French Flag?

FESTIVAL

fringe of marin

Starring Crystal Nezgoda and Conrad Cady as the lovers, and directed by Jim Colgan, Vitse’s satirical comment on machismo and patriotism may be the first play written specifically for the Fringe of Marin by such a prominent playwright, in addition to the first that required translation. fringe of marin November 4 to 20 Meadowlands Hall, Dominican University 50 Acacia Avenue, San Rafael $5 to $17 | 415.673.3131 fringeofmarin.com

NOVEMBER 2011 |

SPOTLIGHT

DAILY 09 | Cornelius Boots Meridian Gallery | SF $10 | 415.398.7229 meridiangallery.org

10 | Language Rooms Thick House | SF $20-$28 | 800.838.3006 goldenthread.org

09 | Fruit Punch Rooster T. Feathers | Sunnyvale $10 | 408.736.0921 roostertfeathers.com

10 | Lavay Smith Yoshi’s | SF $20 | 415.655.5600 yoshis.com

09 | Keep Shelly in Athens Independent | SF $12-$14 | 877.435.9849 theindependentsf.com

10 | Ottmar Liebert Rrazz Room | SF $25 | 800.380.3095 therazzroom.com

Boots plays renegade nature music on giant Zen bamboo flutes.

Comedian Ronn Vigh hosts David Hawkins, Karinda Dobbins and more.

NUNSET BOULEVARD November 14 to January 15 Willows Theatre 1975 Diamond Boulevard, Concord $17 to $32 | 800.380.3095 willowstheatre.com

09 | Loney Dear Café Du Nord | SF $12-$14 | 866.468.3399 cafedunord.com

Fronted by Swedish-born multi-instrumentalist and ex-pro cyclist Emil Svanängen.

10 | Anthony Hamilton Warfield | SF $42.50-$59.50 | 800.745.3000 thewarfieldtheatre.com Singer-songwriter of soul-steeped vocals.

10 | Brad Williams Tommy T’s Comedy | Pleasanton $15-$25 | 925.227.1800 tommyts.com

Popular opening act for Carlos Mencia’s. (Ends 11/13)

10 | Chairman Wow Café Du Nord | SF $10 | 866.468.3399 cafedunord.com

With one guitar and four voices, Chairman Wow brings their CD release party to Cafe due Nord.

10 | Chely Wright Uptown Theatre | Napa $35 | 800.745.3000 uptowntheatrenapa.com

Acclaimed country singer/songwriter.

parade November 4 to 20 Lucie Stern Theater 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto $23 to $32 | 650.329.0891 paplayers.org This multi-award-winning best musical is based on what is considered one of the most sensational trials of the early 20th century. In 1913 Atlanta, a teenage factory employee is raped and murdered. Leo Frank, the young Jewish manager of the factory, is charged with the crime. The 1998 Broadway production won Tony Awards for the score by Jason Robert Brown and the book by Alfred Uhry.

10 |

| NOVEMBER 2011

10 | David Feldman Rooster T. Feathers | Sunnyvale $12-$18 | 408.736.0921 roostertfeathers.com

Feldman is an Emmy-winning writer and comedian.

Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers play Patsy Cline.

German-born composer/guitarist celebrates Nouveau Flamenco (traditional flamenco + jazz + pop). (Ends 11/13)

10 | Paul Mooney Cobb’s Comedy Club | SF $20-$22.50 | 800.745.3000 cobbscomedy.com

Comedy writer for Richard Prior, Sanford and Son, SNL, In Living Color and more. (Ends 11/13)

10 | Beth Custer Ensemble Brava Theatre | SF $15-$20 | 800.380.3095 brava.org

Brava’s Front Women Series & Sally’s Nights of Music present Beth Custer and her eclectic band.

10 | The Stone Foxes Club Fox | Redwood City $12-$16 | 650.369.7770 foxrwc.com

Blues-rock band performs hits of the late 60s and early 70s. With Vanaprasta and Battlehooch.

11 | Bring on the Lumière! ODC Theater | SF $20 | 415.863.9834 odctheater.org

A dance-theater-light installation inspired by the Lumière Bros (Ends 11/13)

11 | Broadway A to Z Amador Theater | Pleasanton $10-$20 | 925.462.2121 broadwaychorus.org

Broadway Chorus is over a hundred voices, a 20 year history, and diverse repertoire. (Ends 11/13)

10 | Forgetting the Details Bindlestiff Studio | SF $15 | 800.838.3006 bindlestiffstudio.org

11 | David Murray Yoshi’s | SF $16-$25 | 415.655.5600 yoshis.com

10 | Gordon Lightfoot Flint Center | Cupertino $50-$85 | 800.745.3000 flintcenter.com

11 | Dierks Bentley San Jose Civic | SJ $35-$45 | 800.745.3000 sjmetroband.org

10 | Joshua Bell Davies Symphony Hall | SF $15-$140 | 415.864.6000 sfsymphony.org

11 | EdDIe Griffin Improv Comedy Club | SJ $30 | 408.280.7475 improv.com

A Filipina-American struggles with her grandmother’s dimentia. (Ends 11/19)

Canadian Gordon Lightfoot is still bringing his soulful, inspired folk rock stylings to the stage.

SF Symphony’s Project San Francisco residency program presents virtuoso violinist Bell.

Murray’s Cuban Ensemble presents their show “Nat King Cole en Español.” (Ends 11/13)

Multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley brings his ‘Country & Cold Cans’ tour San Jose.

Comedic talent Griffin is also an actor, dancer, choreographer and singer.

images: su ellen berger (nunset boulevard - deborah del mastro), joyce goldschmid (parade - william giammona, alicia teeter)

The Little Sisters of Hoboken have been invited to sing at the Hollywood Bowl. They are thrilled at the prospect until they arrive and realize that they are booked into the Hollywood Bowl-A-Rama - a bowling alley with a cabaret lounge. The show is structured in the tried and true variety format, but as always, things go awry.

Greece-based duo on with Kisses and Blackbird.

A comical political thriller and an American immigrant family story. (Ends 12/4)

11 | Fabulous Divas Retro Dome | SJ $32.50-$50 | 408.404.7711 theretrodome.com

12 | Aju Vu Club Fox | Redwood City $12-$14 | 650.369.7770 foxrwc.com

11 | Mariachi Vargas Lincoln Theater | Yountville $35-$55 | 707.944.9900 lincolntheater.com

12 | April Verch Firehouse Arts Center | Pleasanton $15-$25 | 925.931.4848 firehousearts.org

11 | Morris Day & the Time Mezzanine | SF $35 | 877.435.9849 mezzaninesf.com

12 | Carlos Barbosa-Lima Brava Theatre | SF $38 | 415.242.4500 omniconcerts.com

Alan Palmer plays Joan Crawford, Audrey Hepburn, Judy Garland +. (Ends 11/13)

Acclaimed Mariachi band. Benefit VIP tickets also available.

Presented by SF Funk Fest.

11 | Sarah Cahill Old First Church | SF $17 | 415.474.1608 oldfirstconcerts.org

Joined by pianist Regina Schaffer for several recent four-hand pieces by Terry Riley and more.

11 | Seussical Montgomery Theatre | SJ $18 | 408.792.4111 cmtsj.org

Children’s Musical Theater San Jose presents the musical based on Dr. Seuss. (Ends 11/20)

11 | Soldier Stories Freight & Salvage | Berkeley $20.50-$22.50 | 510.644.2020 thefreight.org

Veteran’s Day benefit show to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans.

11 | Linda Imperial Band Rancho Nicasio | Nicasio $12 | 415.662.2219 ranchonicasio.com

San Francisco-based Steely Dan tribute band. Sharing the stage with Alien Cowboys.

12 | Cats Mountain View Center $10-$20 | 650.903.6000 pytnet.org

SF-based dance company celebrates 45th anniversary with guests from Spain. (Ends 11/13)

11 | Thoroughly Modern Millie 142 Throckmorton | Mill Valley $18-$30 | 415.383.9600 142throckmortontheatre.org 142’s Marin Youth Performers present this classical musical of the 1920s. (Ends 11/20)

11 | To Kill a Mockingbird Ross Valley Players $25 | 800.838.3006 rossvalleyplayers.com

Harper Lee’s classic tale of racial and family relations. (Ends 12/11)

CMY

12 | Charlotte’s Web Montalvo Arts Center | Saratoga $20 | 408.961.5858 montalvoarts.org

E.B. White’s beloved tale of friendship comes to life.

12 | Elvin Bishop Uptown Theatre | Napa $35 | 800.745.3000 uptowntheatrenapa.com Guests The Blues Broads.

11 | Theatre Flamenco Marines’ Memorial Theatre | SF $30-$45 | 415.771.6900 theatreflamenco.org

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s world-famous musical of T.S. Eliot’s book of children’s poems. (Ends 11/20)

11 | The Soldier’s Tale Aurora Theatre | Berkeley $10-$55 | 510.843.4822 auroratheatre.org

Toad hops from obsession to obsession chasing fads. Can his friends keep him safe? (Ends 11/12)

Brazilian virtuoso guitarist and teacher presents a selection of Latin American-inspired pieces. MY

Symphony’s concert features Tedi Papavrami, violin, and Marie Plette, soprano. (Ends 11/14)

11 | The Wind in the Willows Mountain View Center $8-$10 | 650.903.6000 pytnet.org

April Verch performs her folk acoustic fiddle numbers at the Firehouse.

With special guest David Freiberg.

Tom Ross & former SF Ballet dancer Muriel Maffre’s re-imagine Stravinsky, (Ends 12/18)

Left your heart in San Francisco? Get it back at..

“You will laugh and cry.. A show this nuanced, this layered – and this much fun, Absolutely San Francisco is a show to see again and again.” - Ed Attanasio, Northside San Francisco

Thu and Sat at 8pm, Sun at 4pm - Open Run

The Alcove Theater 414 Mason Street, 5th Floor San Francisco

For tickets go to www.absolutelysanfrancisco.com or telephone 1.415.992.8168

HEADSHOTS | PORTRAITS | EVENTS

Contemporary Hawaiian music band.

12 | Kim Angelis Mildred Owen Hall | Pacifica $20 | 650.355.188 pacificaperformances.org

Gypsy violin & guitar, with guest Josef Gault.

12 | Led Zeppelin 2 Slim’s | SF $16 | 888.233.0449 slims-sf.com An evening with a tribute band.

12 | Lester Chambers George’s Nightclub | San Rafael $15 | 800.380.3095 georgesnightclub.com With Big Cat Tolefree & The Hipnotics.

12 | Lyle Lovett Warfield | SF $42.50-$69.50 | 800.745.3000 thewarfieldtheatre.com

Country legend in concert with his acoustic band.

12 | Rich Robinson Café Du Nord | SF $20 | 866.468.3399 cafedunord.com

The guitar player for the Black Crowes brings his solo show to Cafe du Nord.

steven underhill | .com

415.370.7152 PHOTOGRAPHY NOVEMBER 2011 |

| 11

BENEFIT EVENTS

DAILY 12 | South Bay Blues Blast` Montalvo Arts Center | Saratoga $25-$30 | 408.961.5858 montalvoarts.org

13 | Silly Sundays Club Fox | Redwood City $10-$14 | 650.369.7770 foxrwc.com

12 | They Might Be Giants Fillmore | SF $27.50 | 800.745.3000 thefillmore.com

15 | Black Star Mezzanine | SF $40 | 800.745.3000 mezzaninesf.com

Featuring the Chris Cain Band, the JC Smith Band and Maxx Cabello, Jr.

Alt-Rockers bring their unique style to the Fillmore. (Ends 11/13)

uh huh her November 2 | 8:00 pm Slim’s 333 11th Street, SF $21 | 415.255.0333 slims-sf.com The Keep a Breast Foundation and House of Blues Entertainment are teaming up to present Keep A Breast’s first ever breast cancer prevention music tour during October’s National Breast Cancer Prevention Month. Uh Huh Her, the critically acclaimed electro-indie duo comprised of Camila Grey and Leisha Hailey, is supporting the effort.

12 | Wild Women of Song Herbst Theatre | SF $20-$40 | 866.920.5299 sfjazz.org

A multimedia concert celebrating the work, lives and times of women songwriters of Tin Pan Alley.

13 | Brocelïande Seventh Avenue Presbyterian | SF $15-$20 | 800.838.3006 sevenperforms.org

Featuring Celtic and Early Music weaving vocal and instrumental harmonies.

13 | Dorado Schmitt Herbst Theatre | SF $20-$50 | 866.920.5299 sfjazz.org

Schmitt & his Django All-Stars performing Gypsy jazz pioneered by Django Reinhardt.

13 | Eric Comstock & Barbara Fasano Rrazz Room | SF $30 | 800.380.3095 therrazzroom.com Comstock & Fasano in the jazz/cabaret show “Helluva Town: A NY Soundtrack.” (Ends 11/14)

13 | Interpreti Veneziani Le Petit Trianon | SJ $40-$50 | 408.286.5111 sjchambermusic.org

San Jose Chamber Music presents this accomplished string orchestra from Venice.

Tired of Tom Bergeron? Do you wish Bruno and Len would get over themselves? Then join Donna Sachet and co-host Patrik Gallineaux as eight new drag stars and their ballroom champion partners compete for the tiara’d disco ball trophy to raise money for the fight against AIDS. Bebe Sweetbriar, comic Ali Mafi and LaToya London are among those judging the footwork and deciding the results.

12 |

| NOVEMBER 2011

Siegel presents the music of Gershwin, Bernstein & more.

13 | Justin Berkman Improv Comedy Club | SJ $15 | 408.280.7475 improv.com

Be in the house at the Improv when Berkman films his premiere comedy special and DVD.

13 | Martha & Monica Old First Church | SF $17 | 415.474.1608 oldfirstconcerts.org

Cellist Scott and pianist McCarroll performing Bach, Schnittke and Beethoven.

13 | Mill Valley Philharmonic Osher Marin JCC | San Rafael Free | 415.444.8000 marinjcc.org

Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D Major. Plus meet the musicians after the performance.

Featuring Mos Def.

15 | Fela! Curran Theatre | SF $50-$400 | 888.746.1799 shnsf.com

Story of Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, whose Afrobeat rhythms ignited a generation. (Ends 12/11)

15 | Miguel Zenón Yoshi’s | Oakland $16 | 510.238.9200 yoshis.com

Jazz saxophonist explores the Puerto Rican Songbook.

15 | Over The Rhine Great American Music Hall | SF $25 | 415.885.0750 gamh.com With guests Milk Carton Kids.

15 | Period of Adjustment SF Playhouse | SF $40-$50 | 415.677.9596 sfplayhouse.org Ralph Bates is a Korean War hero facing problems with his in-laws. (Ends 1/14)

15 | Russ Lorenson Rrazz Room | SF $30.00-$35.00 | 800.380.3095 therazzroom.com

Lorenson celebrates life & music of Bobby Darin.

15 | SF Jazz Quartet Yoshi’s | SF $15-$20 | 415.655.5600 yoshis.com

CD release party for Nolan Gasser, Roger Glenn, Terry Miller & Andy Eberhard.

16 | Big Al’s Big Ass Comedy Improv Comedy Club | SJ $12 | 408.280.7475 improv.com

Northern California comic Al Gonzales brings his Latino/Alternative comedy to the Improv.

16 | Diane Schuur Rrazz Room | SF $45-$47.50 | 800.380.3095 therrazzroom.com

Jazz Singer/Pianist, Grammy Winner (Ends 11/20)

16 | Greg Stephens Café Du Nord | SF $10-$12 | 866.468.3399 cafedunord.com

Featuring The Ad Hoc Brass Band, with Tango No. 9 and Big Lou’s Dance Party.

16 | Momix Wells Fargo Center | Santa Rosa $35-$45 | 707.546.3600 wellsfargocenterarts.org

Presenting their latest dance piece, Botanica.

images: courtesy photo (uh huh her, dancing with the dragstars)

dancing with the dragstars November 13 | 2:00 pm Ruby Skye 420 Mason Street, SF $20 to $99 | 415.282.5492 patrikpresents.com

13 | Jeffrey Siegel Jewish Community Center | Palo Alto $35-$40 | 800.838.3006 paloaltojcc.org

Touring comedians Rodger Lizaola, Frankie Quinones and Alvin Williams.

by james j. siegel “We draw from some of the best talent in the Bay Area,” said Craig Slaight, director of Young Conservatory for American Conservatory Theater for the past 23 years. The program offers theater training for actors ages 8 to 19, plus the opportunity to audition for several Young Conservatory shows each year. The shows are “a way to see young actors who are capable of grappling with big ideas,” said Slaight, and he has seen many YC alumni go on to successful careers that include Broadway and television roles. Darren Criss, known for his role as Blaine Anderson on the popular Fox television show Glee, is a recent alum. This month, the YC tackle the “big ideas” of Sophocles in the Greek tragedy Antigone which, according to the director W.D. Keith, is not going to be just kids in togas. Instead the show is set in an unspecified Arab country during the outbreak of war.

By setting the classic tragedy in the Arab world, Keith says the play becomes more relevant to the world today. He believes the show needed a setting where women are separated from society and the concept of God is an ever present force in the lives of people. The young actors are “facing pretty mature subject matter,” said Keith, noting the “teenage energy is palpable.” Audience members will not only get to see young actors taking on challenging material, but Keith said it’s an opportunity to see “what a star can look like.” antigone November 11 to 19 Hastings Studio Theater 77 Geary Street, SF $10 | 415.749.2228 act-sf.org

image: kevin berne

Antigone tells the story of the daughter of King Oedipus. Her two brothers kill each other in battle. When one is labeled a traitor, Antigone’s father says that his body is to be left on the battle field. Antigone

decides to go against her father’s wishes and try to give her brother a proper burial.

STUDENT

antigone

taking a youthful look at classic theatre

NOVEMBER 2011 |

| 13

SPOTLIGHT

DAILY 16 | Willie K Rancho Nicasio | Nicasio $17-$20 | 415.662.2219 ranchonicasio.com

Hawaiian music and a special winter luau.

17 | A Tale of Two Genres SF Playhouse | SF $25 | 800.380.3095 un-scripted.com

Improvised musical, using audience input to create a Dickens-like show. (Ends 12/21)

La voix humaine November 12 to 27 California Theatre 345 South 1st Street, SJ $51 to $101 | 408.437.4450 operasj.org Opera San Jose presents a double-bill: Pagliacci, the opera that launched Leoncavallo into the international scene, paired with La voix humaine, which Poulenc composed for singer Denise Duval, from Cocteau’s “mono-drama” for Anna Magnani. Tha pairing of these two intensely dramatic operas explores the human psyche in a perfect union of music and drama.

17 | Broadway By the Year Fox Theatre | Redwood City $43 | 800.380.3095 broadwaybythebay.org

Blockbusters from ‘47 & ‘66 like Brigadoon, Mame, Cabaret, I Do! I Do! and more. (Ends 11/20)

17 | Goapele Yoshi’s | Oakland $28 | 510.238.9200 yoshis.com

Neo-soul / jazz singer-songwriter. (Ends 11/20)

17 | Liss Fain Dance YBCA - Forum Theatre | SF $25 | 415.978.2787 ycba.org

A performance that includes the audience. (Ends 11/20)

17 | Michael Ian Black Cobb’s Comedy Club | SF $22.50-$23.50 | 800.745.3000 cobbscomedy.com

Actor, writer, and comedian from Comedy Central.

17 | Michael Loftus Rooster T. Feathers | Sunnyvale $12-$18 | 408.736.0921 roostertfeathers.com

Loftus is a regular on TruTV’s “The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s Dumbest.” (Ends 11/20)

Guitar Player Magazine presents Montrose in concert at the Firehouse. (Ends 11/18)

ERIC OWENS November 20 | 3:00 pm Hertz Hall UC Berkeley Campus $48 | 510.642.9988 calperformances.org Scoring a major triumph at the Met in 2010 with his electrifying performance in Wagner’s Das Rheingold, American bass-baritone Owens has carved a unique place in the contemporary opera world as both an esteemed interpreter of classic works and a champion of new music. Acclaimed for his compelling stage presence and inventive artistry, he is equally at home in concert, recital, and opera performances.

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| NOVEMBER 2011

17 | Santaland Diaries City Lights Theater | SJ $25-$35 | 800.380.3095 cltc.org

David Sedaris’ brilliant holiday satire, adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello. (Ends 12/18)

17 | Stephen Stills Napa Valley Opera House | Napa $55-$75 | 707.226.7372 nvoh.org

With band & guests Pegi Young & the Survivors.

17 | The Coffis Brothers Club Fox | Redwood City $10 | 650.369.7770 foxrwc.com

Singers and songwriters Jamie and Kellen share the stage with the band Allofasudden.

17 | The Effect of Gamma Rays ... Gough Street Playhouse | SF $32 | 510.207.5774 custommade.org Astory of dysfunction, vengeance and revelation. (Ends 12/11)

Join Ebenezer Scrooge as he experiences an unforgettable Christmas Eve. (Ends 12/30)

18 | A Christmas Story 6th Street Playhouse | Santa Rosa $25-$32 | 707.523.4185 6thstreetplayhouse.com Phillip Grecian’s adaptation of the nostalgic motion picture favorite. (Ends 12/27)

18 | BrokeBach Mountain Mission Cultural Center | SF $15-$30 | 800.838.3006 lgcsf.org Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco presents this eclectic mix of music from Bach and more.

18 | Diablo Ballet Lesher Center | Walnut Creek $22-$49 | 925.943.1775 diabloballet.org

18th season opening performances at the Lesher Center. (Ends 11/19)

18 | Euouae Old First Church | SF $17 | 415.474.1608 oldfirstconcerts.org

Medieval vocal ensemble directed by founder Steven “Sven” Olbash. Gregorian chant and more.

18 | Journey Unauthorized Club Fox | Redwood City $15-$18 | 650.369.7770 foxrwc.com Journey tribute band comes to Club Fox.

18 | Menopause The Musical Wells Fargo Center | Santa Rosa $30 | 707.546.3600 wellsfargocenterarts.org

A concert performance of the comical musical about the experiences of women of a certain age.

18 | Tainted Love Bimbo’s 365 Club | SF $23 | 877.435.9849 bimbos365club.com

80s dance band shares the stage with Duran Duran Duran at Bimbo’s. (Ends 11/19)

18 | Tank Yoshi’s | SF $30 | 415.655.5600 yoshis.com

Modern R&B artist known for his vivid storytelling and sensual love songs. (Ends 11/20)

19 | Damage Inc. Club Fox | Redwood City $12-$14 | 650.369.7770 foxrwc.com

Early Metallica tribute band share the stage with Roses & Guns and Bad Boy Eddy.

19 | Dana Carvey Wells Fargo Center | Santa Rosa $39-$69 | 707.546.3600 wellsfargocenterarts.org SNL alum taped his HBO special “Squatting Monkeys Tell No Lies” here in 2007.

images: chris ayers (la voix humaine - bettany coffland), dario acosta (eric owens)

17 | Montrose Firehouse Arts Center | Pleasanton $35-$45 | 925.931.4848 firehousearts.org

18 | A Christmas Carol Mel Mello Center | Half Moon Bay $18-$30 | 800.380.3095 coastalrep.com

by robert sokol

There’s a buoyant energy that Patrizio Buanne radiates even when he is half a world away and nine hours ahead of you in Berlin to record some new music. “They call this place the New York of Europe. I wouldn’t compare it to San Francisco, but there are parts of San Francisco where you have lots of young people and you have the gay community and a creative community...and that’s what Berlin is at the moment. It’s the hot spot for young, creative people.”

image: courtesy photo

He began performing in clubs and on television and gained homeland renown recording what he calls the Italian songbook. “A lot of people think that being an Italian singer means you do things taken from opera, something like Pavarotti. Great arias written by Puccini or Verdi.” He pauses and you can sense the smile. “That is, of course, one thing,” he continues. “That’s part of the music of bel canto. But, did you know that the songs like ‘You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me’ that was recorded by Dusty Springfield was written in the mid-60s by a gentleman called Pino Donaggio as ‘Lo Che Non Vivo’ or that a song like ‘A Man Without Love’ which was recorded by Engelbert Humperdinck is really ‘Quando M’Innamoro.’ That ‘It’s Now or Never’ is really ‘O Solo Mio’ or that Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin every now and then would cover the Italian or Neapolitan standards?”

MUSIC

patrizio buanne

ambassador of the italian songbook

He pauses, point made. “So we’ve got some wonderful material that been translated into English. They spread around the world and became international songs, forgetting where they actually come from. So if you go back to the basics, back to the roots of the song, they were written in Italy.” Ultimately, he says that describing Italian music as only opera is like “describing Italian food as only pizza or pasta. There’s so much more,” he laughs. patrizio buanne November 17 | 8:00 pm Great American Music Hall 859 O’Farrell Street, SF $32.50 to $35 | 415.885.0750 gamh.com November 19 | 8:00 pm Napa Valley Opera House 1040 Main Street, Napa $30 to $40 | 707.226.7372 nvoh.org

NOVEMBER 2011 |

| 15

JUST RELEASED

DAILY 19 | Ebi Flint Center | Cupertino $45-$100 | 800.745.3000 flintcenter.com

20 | The Robert Cray Band Heritage Theatre | Campbell $46-$56 | 408.866.2700 robertcray.com

19 | George Komsky Herbst Theatre | SF $35-$50 | 415.392.4400 georgekomsky.com

20 | Trans-Siberian Orchestra HP Pavilion | SJ $31-$66.50 | 800.745.3000 hppavilion.com

Born in 1949 in Tehran, Ebrahim Hamedi is a very successful artist in Iranian contemporary music.

HOW TO SUCCEED... Broadway Revival Cast

Harry Potter...umm, actually Daniel Radcliffe...makes his Broadway musical debut in a revival of the 1961 hit about making it without breaking a sweat. John Larroquette co-stars. (deccabroadway.com)

Opera, Pop Opera, Broadway hits and more in a tribute to fallen SF Fire Dept. firefighters.

19 | Lavay Smith Mildred Owen Hall | Pacifica $20 | 650.355.188 pacificaperformances.org

Presenting “Crazy in Love with Patsy Cline.”

19 | Men of Worth Firehouse Arts Center | Pleasanton $14-$22 | 925.931.4848 menofworth.com Presenting folk music of Ireland and Scotland.

19 | Sony Holland Rrazz Room | SF $25 | 800.380.3095 therrazzroom.com

Holland may have started out singing Italian arias but she was soon drawn to jazz. (Ends 11/20)

19 | James Moseley Band Rancho Nicasio | Nicasio $15-$20 | 415.662.2219 ranchonicasio.com

BETTY BLUE EYES Original London Cast

The pork belly had no future in this short-lived musical adaptation of the film A Private Function with a score by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Insert includes photos and full lyrics. (firstnightrecords.com)

Hot soul during the Rancho’s Anniversary Week.

19 | Whose Live Anyway Marines’ Memorial Theatre | SF $45-$65 | 415.771.6900 whoseliveanyway.com 90 minutes of improvised comedy and song from the guys from “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”

19 | Yo Gabba Gabba! San Jose Civic | SJ $28-$56 | 800.745.3000 yogabbagabba.com Live tour of the popular Nick Jr. TV show.

19 | Zoo Station Café Du Nord | SF $15 | 866.468.3399 cafedunord.com

Cover band bring their Complete U2 Experience to Cafe due Nord.

ANYTHING GOES Broadway Revival Cast

Sutton Foster and Joel Grey star in the current hit revival of this Cole Porter classic that features such standards as “I Get A Kick Out Of You,” “ You’re The Top,” “It’s De-Lovely,” “All Through The Night” and the title song. Extensive liner notes include many photos from the current production. (ghostlightrecords.com)

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| NOVEMBER 2011

20 | Jane Lynch Herbst Theatre | SF $25-$30 | 415.392.4400 cityarts.net

In conversation with Steven Winn.

20 | Previously Secret Information Stage Werx | SF $15 | 800.838.3006 previouslysecretinformation.com Not stand-up comedy (no one-liners) and not traditional storytelling. Generally on 3rd Sunday.

20 | The Pixies Uptown Theatre | Napa $70 | 800.745.3000 uptowntheatrenapa.com

Their 2011 Doolittle “Lost Cities” tour. With guest Imaginary Cities.

Blues musician, guitarist and singer Cray has won 5 Grammys and was nominated for 11 more.

3 songwriters & musicians ranging from rock guitarists to R&B singers to classical instrumentalists.

20 | Will Durst 142 Throckmorton | Mill Valley $15-$25 | 415.383.9600 142throckmortontheatre.org Political comedian presents his Electoral Countdown Madness show.

21 | Riverdance Flint Center | Cupertino $52-$62 | 800.745.3000 flintcenter.com

Irish Dance phenomenon returns to the US in this country-wide tour. (Ends 11/23)

21 | Veronica Klaus Rrazz Room | SF $29.50 | 800.380.3095 therazzroom.com

Klaus presents her “After Dark” show featuring the Tammy Hall Trio. (Ends 11/23)

22 | Big Sean Regency Ballroom | SF $21-$23 | 800.745.3000 theregencyballroom.com

Sharing the stage with Cyhi the Prynce and Shawn Chrystopher.

23 | Chris Isaak Wells Fargo Center | Santa Rosa $47.50-$67.50 | 707.546.3600 wellsfargocenterarts.org Isaak presents his Christmas Show.

23 | Every Christmas Story Ever Told San Jose Stage Company $20-$45 | 800.380.3095 sjstage.com Fast-moving, irreverent comedy is a fond and furious look at holiday traditions. (Ends 12/18)

23 | Jake Johannsen Cobb’s Comedy Club | SF $22-$23.50 | 800.745.3000 cobbscomedy.com

Johannsen is sharing the stage with Ryan Stout. (Ends 11/27)

25 | Avant Yoshi’s | Oakland $30 | 510.238.9200 yoshis.com

R&B artists brings his soulful stylings to Yoshi’s Oakland. (Ends 11/26)

25 | Bobby Slayton Improv Comedy Club | SJ $20 | 408.280.7475 improv.com

Slayton brings his intense stand-up style to the Improv. (Ends 11/27)

dance

diablo ballet composing collaboration by grier cooper

image: ashraf (diablo ballet - jekyns pelaez, mayo sugano)

The Diablo Ballet launches its 18th season with some things old and some things new, including their first world premiere by Val Caniparoli, who has choreographed for San Francisco Ballet since the 1980s. The lineup includes a contemporary interpretation of Le Spectre de la Rose, by Dominic Walsh, a former principal dancer with Houston Ballet and Fluctuating Hemlines, set to a live percussion score, by Washington Ballet’s Artistic Director, Septime Webre. “I was drawn to the haunting and quiet intensity of the score as played by two cello players in the first movement,” says Caniparoli of A Phoenix Story, the music for his new work - a composition for two cellos by Uzbekistan-born, Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin. “I have used Elena Kats-Chernin previously…and have found myself intrigued by this composer.” The choreography is inspired by the Chinese myth of the phoenix and the dragon, touching on themes of balance and imbalance, as expressed in the traditional Chinese symbol, Taijitu (Yin and Yang). “I work in the studio with the dancers as true collaborators,” says Caniparoli. “My work always includes the dancers in the creative process and, in my experience, when they take true ownership of the creation they in turn have a much stronger and more honest performance.”

ethnic dancing, social dancing, and even ice-skating. He has contributed to the repertories of dance companies worldwide, including Pacific Northwest Ballet, Boston Ballet, Scottish Ballet and Israel Ballet. Caniparoli has also choreographed for three of the country’s major opera companies: Chicago Lyric Opera, San Francisco Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. He has been the recipient of ten grants for choreography from the National Endowment for the Arts and has received numerous awards. Last year he collaborated with Carey Perloff on the A.C.T. production of The Tosca Project, which recently made its Canadian premiere. diablo ballet November 18 to 19 Lesher Center for the Arts 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek $22 to $49 | 925.943.1775 diabloballet.org

Caniparoli’s work is rooted in classicism but influenced by many other forms of dance including NOVEMBER 2011 |

| 17

JUST RELEASED

DAILY 25 | Deana Martin Rrazz Room | SF $45 | 800.380.3095 therazzroom.com

Singer, actress, author presents “Holiday Cheers With Deana Martin” (Ends 11/27)

25 | Jackie Kashian Rooster T. Feathers | Sunnyvale $12-$18 | 408.736.0921 roostertfeathers.com

As seen on Comedy Central Presents and Last Comic Standing. (Ends 11/27)

WEST SIDE STORY

The timeless musical celebrates its 50th anniversary with a Blu-Ray debut. Rita Moreno, currently sharing her staged memoirs at Berkeley Rep, won one of the film’s ten Oscars for her performance as Anita. This new edition includes previously released bonus material such as song commentaries by lyricist Stephen Sondheim, trailers and storyboards. New features on the four-disc set include cast members, contemporary filmmakers, dancers and choreographers analyzing the film’s famous dance sequences, 7.1 digital audio, plus a look at the film’s legacy and worldwide impact. (mgm.com)

25 | Miles Schon Band George’s Nightclub | San Rafael $10-$13 | 800.380.3095 georgesnightclub.com Brand new band will bring their blend of blues, funk and classic rock ‘n’ roll to George’s.

25 | My Fair Lady Burbank Auditorium | Santa Rosa $18 | 707.527.4343 santarosa.edutheatrearts

Santa Rosa JC Theatre Arts presents this beloved Lerner and Loewe musical. (Ends 12/10)

25 | Nutcracker Mountain View Center $28 | 650.903.6000 pacificballet.org

Pacific Ballet Academy of Mountain View presents 21st Annual Nutcracker. (Ends 11/27)

25 | Rachael Yamagata Slim’s | SF $18 | 888.233.0449 slims-sf.com Sharing the stage with Mike Viola.

18 |

| NOVEMBER 2011

26 | Bud E. Luv Rancho Nicasio | Nicasio $15 | 415.662.2219 ranchonicasio.com

Presenting his 7th annual holiday party.

26 | Laurie Lewis Freight & Salvage | Berkeley $22.50-$24.50 | 510.644.2020 thefreight.org

Bluegrass & acoustic CD release show with guests including Tom Rozum, Chad Manning and more.

27 | Mannheim Steamroller San Jose Civic | SJ $30-$85 | 800.745.3000 sanjosecivic.com Chip Davis will direct and co-produce this Christmas music concert.

27 | When They Were Young Lesher Center | Walnut Creek $12-$20 | 925.943.7469 diablosymphony.org

Selections written by classical composers in the early years of their careers.

28 | Mickey Hart Band Yoshi’s | Oakland $20-$25 | 510.238.9200 yoshis.com

The Grateful Dead percussionist’s latest, eclectic world music stylings.

25 | Suzanne Westenhoefer Rrazz Room | SF $40 | 800.380.3095 therazzroom.com

Singer and songwriter Tara Tati. With Horns of Happiness, Mortar and Pestle and Birdseye.

Comic Westenhoefer brings her “Semi Sweet” show to the Rrazz Room. (Ends 11/27)

If only every release received the kind of attention co-director (with Mark Haggard), composer, lyricist and screenwriter Bruce Kimmel put into the Blu-Ray video debut of his 1976 cult classic. Cindy Williams cracks wise as the secretary to film producer who winds up staging “Dancing Dildoes” in...did you read the title? Extras abound including commentary tracks by Williams, Kimmel and co-star Stephen Nathan, an extensive making-of documentary, a deleted scene, a deleted musical number, radio spots and trailers and a stills gallery. (kritzerland.com)

Diablo Theatre Company’s fully-staged musical adaptation of Irving Berlin’s 1954 holiday favorite. (Ends 12/4)

25 | S.O.S. Band Yoshi’s | SF $35 | 415.655.5600 yoshis.com

Bringing their “Take Your Time (Do It Right)!” to Yoshi’s in the City. (Ends 11/26)

THE FIRST NUDIE MUSICAL

25 | White Christmas Lesher Center | Walnut Creek $44 | 925.943.7469 diablotheatre.org

25 | The Velveteen Rabbit YBCA - Novellus Theater | SF $15-$45 | 415.978.2787 odcdance.org

ODC/Dance presents their 25th season of this beloved Bay Area production. (Ends 12/11)

25 | Turkey Trot Café Du Nord | SF $13-$15 | 866.468.3399 cafedunord.com

9th Annual Americana Music Fest. Featuring The Whisky Richards, Windy Hill Bluegrass Band and more.

25 | Vicente Fernández HP Pavilion At San Jose | SJ $58-$197 | 800.745.3000 hppavilion.com

Fernández, a cultural icon from Mexico, is renowned for his take on traditional ranchera music.

29 | Metal Mother Café Du Nord | SF $10 | 866.468.3399 cafedunord.com

29 | The Glass Menagerie Marin Theatre Company | Mill Valley $35-$55 | 415.388.5208 marintheatre.org Acclaimed as Tennessee Williams’ first great Broadway success. (Ends 12/18)

seeing beyond the filter by robert sokol

Centennials bring out a celebratory nature in people and the 100th birthday of playwright Tennessee Williams has certainly inspired many revivals of his work. Jasson Minadakis, artistic director of Marin Theatre Company is having this third round of directing Williams, this time with The Glass Menagerie, but he’s not content to follow a previously charted path. “We are trying not to approach it from the soft gauzy look back at his family life,” he says. “You know? The way this play is normally set part from all his other plays in terms of people thinking of it as the tender one, the sentimental one. In The Glass Menagerie, Minadakis sees the beginnings - “perhaps the most intensely of all his plays” – of what he calls the trapped characters. “These are characters that have a really burning, voracious desire to make something happen in their lives.

Another aspect that Minadakis sees differently from the common conception is the character of Laura. “Everyone always thinks that Laura is incredibly weak, but she is so strong that she has created a fantasy world with these little glass animals and no one can pull her out. Her mother can’t. Her brother can’t. The only person who can,” he continues, “is the gentleman caller and the only reason he pulls her out is because Laura is expecting to see a person that she’s created in her own mind – a person that doesn’t even exist.” the glass menagerie November 25 to December 18 Marin Theatre Company 397 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley $35 to $55 | 415.388.5208 marintheatre.org

image: ed smith (the glass menagerie - anna bullard, craig marker, nicholas pelczar

People point to Cat on a Hot Tin Roof or A Streetcar Named Desire as the plays where people are burning and desperate to make a big change. However, if you really look at what’s going on in The Glass Menagerie, you’ve got a family that is trapped in the Great Depression - which is not really easy to figure out in most versions you see because of the way it’s

costumed or the size of their apartment. There’s no soft-pedaling the hardships of the times in this version according to Minadakis. “We’re really looking at this play as the place where Williams really began exploring what it means to be trapped for his dramatic characters,” he says.

CLASSIC

the glass menagerie

NOVEMBER 2011 |

| 19

BACK Stacz Sadowski, Seth Thygesen, Jai Sahai, Jonathon Brooks, Maria Giere and Linda-Ruth Cardozo from of Dice and Men at Impact Theatre

Jim Brochu at the Jewish Community Center

image: via media

Adrienne Krug, Theresa Miller and Karina Wolfe from Desdemona at Boxcar Theatre

Eddie Muller (in fedora) and the cast of Thrillpeddlersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Shocktoberfest 12: Fear over Frisco at the Hypnodrome

image: via media

Will and Anthony Nunziata at the Castro Theatre

Kevin Spacey (center) and the cast of Richard III at the Curran Theatre

image: steven underhill

image: via media

Marissa Keltie, Kathryn Zdan, Mollie Stickney, Jessica Lynn Carroll, Arwen Anderson, Liz Sklar, Rachel Harker and Gabriel Marin from Bellwether at Marin Theatre Company

Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek at the Castro Theatre

image: via media

image: steven underhill

THEATRE DANCE DANCE MUSIC TOURS THEATRE DANCEMUSIC MUSIC TOU THEATRE TOURS

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