Theater

7 incredible Bay Area things to do this holiday weekend

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from cool movies and shows to exciting new restaurants.

Timothée Chalamet appears in a scene from the much-talked-about film "Marty Supreme."

Elayne Boosler is headlining this year's rendition of Kung Pao Kosher Comedy, Dec. 24-26 in San Francisco.

Bay Area arts: 16 cool shows and concerts to catch this weekend and beyond

Bradley Cooper, left, and Will Arnett appear in a scene from the new comedy/drama "Is This Thing On?"

What to watch: ‘Is This Thing On?’, ‘Anaconda’ worth holiday trip to theater

The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts will present “A Beautiful Noise — The Neil Diamond Musical” from Dec. 30 through Jan. 4. (photo courtesy of Jeremy Daniel)

Bay Area events calendar for Dec. 26 weekly editions

By Hema Sivanandam

December 22, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

The Curran Theatre has been sold to the San Francisco Giants (courtesy SF Giants, Curran).

SF Giants buy one of Bay Area’s premiere performing arts venues

By Jim Harrington

December 18, 2025 at 4:56 p.m.

San Francisco Giants acquire -- no, not a second baseman -- but rather the Curran...

"Graham Lustig's Nutcracker," presented annually by Oakland Ballet, is a highlight of the holiday season.

7 terrific Bay Area things to do this weekend, Dec. 19-21

By Randy McMullen

December 18, 2025 at 6:45 a.m.

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from "Nutcrackers" and other great holiday...

The Bay Area women's chorus Kitka brings its holiday concert to Oakland and San Francisco Dec.18-21.

Bay Area arts: 11 great shows and concerts to catch this weekend

By Randy McMullen

December 18, 2025 at 6:15 a.m.

From holiday shows to a Peter Pan panto and more, here's a look at what's...

A pantomime production of “Peter Pan” will run until Dec. 28, 2025, at the Presidio Theatre in San Francisco. Left to right, from the 2024 premiere: Andy Collins as Smee, Rotimi Agbabiaka as Hook and Chanel Tilghman as Tinkerbell. (Terry Lorant)

Panto in the Presidio returns with a sing-along ‘Peter Pan’

By John Metcalfe

December 17, 2025 at 7:30 a.m.

Christmas season is a time to cherish old things, like ye olde theater style of...

A file photo of Dave Koz, who will be performing in the "Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour" alongside other musicians and artists on Dec 21 at San Jose. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Bay Area events calendar for Dec. 19 weekly editions

By Hema Sivanandam

December 15, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 26: (L-R) Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster attend closing night gala premiere of "Song Sung Blue" during 2025 AFI FEST at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on October 26, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Did Hugh Jackman’s Sutton Foster romance result in Golden Globes snub?

By Martha Ross

December 14, 2025 at 7:23 a.m.

Jackman's 'nice guy' persona took a hit after he left his longtime wife for his...

Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s annual adaptation of Charles Dickens’s "A Christmas Carol" runs through Christmas Eve at the Veterans Memorial Hall at 846 Front St. in Downtown Santa Cruz. The classic yuletide tale, which is directed by Charles Pasternak and Alicia Gibson, stars Mike Ryan as Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future – played by Andrea Sweeney Blanco, Julie James and Charlotte Munson. Luke Shepherd provides music direction for the production.

This Bay Area production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ emphasizes the actual carols

By Steve Palopoli

December 14, 2025 at 7:24 a.m.

The key to the classic holiday tale – an actual Christmas carol -- is right...

From left, Kushi Beauchamp, Emily Ota, Maria Marquis, Amanda Pulcini and Monique Hafen Adams perform in TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's "Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley." performing December 3-28.
Photo Credit: Kevin Berne

Review: TheatreWorks strikes gold in Jane Austen’s world with ‘Pemberley’

By David John Chávez, Correspondent

December 18, 2025 at 9:25 a.m.

Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon team up on a sharp romantic comedy in "Christmas at...

Alysa Reinhardt performs as the Queen of Snow in New Ballet's "The San Jose Nutcracker."

7 awesome Bay Area things to do this weekend

By Randy McMullen

December 11, 2025 at 7:37 a.m.

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from holiday dance recitals and concerts...

Tango Hayato Fujita-Gomez, as the Nutcracker, and Naomi Le, as Clara, perform in New Ballet’s “San Jose Nutcracker.”

Bay Area arts: 14 great shows and concerts to catch this weekend

By Randy McMullen

December 11, 2025 at 6:10 a.m.

From holiday shows and concerts to hyphy-themed car show, there is a lot to see...

Opera singer Jubilant Sykes was found stabbed to death in his Santa Monica home earlier this week. His son was arrested in the attach.

Opera singer Jubilant Sykes stabbed to death in California home, son arrested

By David Matthews

December 10, 2025 at 11:49 a.m.

Grammy-nominated opera singer Jubilant Sykes was stabbed to death inside his L.A.-area home on Monday....

In San Jose, watch comedians Hasan Minhaj, above, and Ronny Chieng face off Dec. 17-18 in “Hasan Hates Ronny — Ronny Hates Hasan,” a no-holds-barred debate about each other, their family trees and the country. (Cliff Owen — Associated Press archives)

Bay Area events calendar for Dec. 12-18 weekly editions

By Hema Sivanandam

December 8, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

Alysa Reinhardt as Queen of Snow in New Ballet’s 2022 production of “The San Jose Nutcracker.” The ninth annual production of the South Bay-centric version of the holiday ballet is set for Dec. 13-23 at the California Theatre in downtown San Jose. (Photo by Chris Hardy)

San Jose dance companies stay on point with ‘Nutcracker’ productions

By David John Chávez, Correspondent

December 8, 2025 at 9:19 a.m.

New Ballet, San Jose Dance Theatre mount holiday ballet.

Holiday arts 2025: ‘Nutcrackers?’ Why, yes, the Bay Area has a few

By Randy McMullen

December 22, 2025 at 3:39 p.m.

The ballet with a rich Bay Area history is presented in a wide variety of...

Director Kikau Alvaro on the set during a rehearsal for “Finding Neverland” at the Montgomery Theater in San Jose, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. Alvaro is the new artistic director of Children's Musical Theater. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

New artistic director for Children’s Musical Theater steps into big role

By Sal Pizarro

December 5, 2025 at 4:22 a.m.

Kikau Alvaro, who took over for his longtime mentor, Kevin Hauge, is directing "Finding Neverland,"...

The Los Altos-based Cantabile Youth Singers will perform as part of Symphony San Jose's "Holiday Spectacular" concert on Dec. 6-7.

7 amazing Bay Area things to do this weekend

By Randy McMullen

December 4, 2025 at 6:45 a.m.

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas

Singer Fher Olvera and the rest of the of the Mexican pop/rock band Mana are coming to the SAP Center in San Jose Dec. 5-6.

Bay Area arts: 9 cool shows, events and concerts to catch this week

By Randy McMullen

December 4, 2025 at 6:15 a.m.

From Latin legends Mana to a banned-books bingo game to holiday-favorite 'Messiah,' here are some...

Emma (Deb Anderson, left) and Aida (Karen DeHart, right) have thoughts about what's right for their grandson Nick (Filip Hofman) in "Over the River and Through the Woods" at City Lights Theater in San Jose.

Review: City Lights’ ‘Over the River’ a bittersweet look at family ties

By David John Chávez, Correspondent

December 4, 2025 at 2:17 a.m.

Family- and holiday-themed comedy-drama plays at City Lights Theater in San Jose

Transcendence Theatre Company brings "Broadway Holiday" to Santa Rosa and Sonoma. (photo: Brad Martel)

Transcendence Theatre Company celebrates season with ‘Broadway Holiday’

By Jim Harrington

December 3, 2025 at 10:13 a.m.

Get tickets to Transcendence Theatre Company's "Broadway Holiday" in Santa Rosa, Sonoma

From left, Carl Perkins (played by Tarif Pappu), Jerry Lee Lewis (Nick Kenbrandt), Elvis Presley, (Cody Craven) and Johnny Cash (Bryant Cobb) jam during an impromptu gathering at the Legendary Sun Records studio in "Million Dollar Quartet."

Review: Rock history delivered with attitude in ‘Million Dollar Quartet’

By David John Chávez, Correspondent

December 2, 2025 at 2:14 p.m.

Play with music depicts a day when Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and...

See "Georgiana and Kitty — Christmas at Pemberley," a play in the “Christmas at Pemberley” series from playwrights Margot Melcon and Lauren Gunderson, from left above, running through Dec. 28 at Palo Alto’s Lucie Stern Theatre. (photo courtesy of Frankie Frost — BANG archives)

Bay Area events calendar for Dec. 5-11 weekly editions

By Hema Sivanandam

December 1, 2025 at 5:24 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

Danny J Gomez and Annie Joan Dooling rehearse for Center Rep’s West Coast premiere of an new adaptation of “A Christmas Carol.” Charles Dickens’ classic story comes Dec. 10-21 to Walnut Creek’s downtown Lesher Center for the Arts. (Photo by Jared Randolph)

‘Tis the season for timeless classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ in Walnut Creek

By Lou Fancher, Correspondent

December 2, 2025 at 1:52 p.m.

Charles Dickens’ classic story has a man and a community grappling with timeless themes.

Kushi Beauchamp as Kitty Bennet and Emily Ota as Georgiana Darcy in TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's "Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley," running Dec. 3-28 at the Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto. Artistic director Giovanna Sardelli, who is directing the play, says local audiences are at home in Jane Austen’s world, especially during the holiday season. “As we continue to diversify the cast, I think it expands the reach,” she adds.

Nuance counts for a lot in TheatreWorks play based on Jane Austen’s works

By David John Chávez, Correspondent

December 1, 2025 at 4:19 a.m.

Etiquette consultant helps ‘Christmas at Pemberley’ stay true to time period

Visitors tour the 41st annual Deacon Dave’s Christmas display at Casa del Pomba in Livermore in 2024. The famed display will return on Nov. 29.

7 incredible Bay Area things to do Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 28-30

By Randy McMullen

December 1, 2025 at 8:25 a.m.

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from cool movies to holiday lights...

Goro (Ilhee Lee) is chastised by Suzuki (Kayla Nanto) in Opera San Jose's production of "Madama Butterfly," playing through Nov. 30 at California Theatre in downtown San Jose.

Bay Area arts: 11 cool shows, concerts and more to catch this weekend

By Randy McMullen

November 26, 2025 at 1:38 p.m.

From iconic classical works to topical comedy and a Sheila E. homecoming -- there is...

Kushi Beauchamp stars as Kitty Bennet and Emily Ota as Georgiana Darcy in TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's new production of "Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley," (

Holiday arts 2025: Catch these 12 Bay Area stage shows

By David John Chávez, Correspondent

December 9, 2025 at 6:12 p.m.

From a new 'Carol' to 'Christmas at Pemberley,' there is something for everyone.

Mariachi Sol de Mexico will return Nov. 28 to San Jose’s Hammer Theatre Center for a musical tribute to Mexico’s Christmas traditions. (photo courtesy of Mariachi Sol de Mexico — BANG archives)

Bay Area events calendar for Nov. 28 through Dec. 4 weekly editions

By Hema Sivanandam

November 24, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

Shannon Gorman and Brendan Fraser appears in a scene from the touching new film "Rental Family."

What to watch: Heartwarming ‘Rental Family’ is an endearing triumph

By Randy Myers

November 21, 2025 at 4:29 a.m.

And San Francisco-set 'Man on the Inside,' starring Ted Danson, is just as good as...

Smuin Contemporary Ballet kicks off its annual Christmas Ballet tour with three performances at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek.

7 terrific Bay Area things to do this weekend, Nov. 21-23

By Randy McMullen

November 20, 2025 at 12:35 p.m.

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from great holiday shows and concerts...

Cassidy Isaacson performs in Smuin Contemporary Ballet's "Santa Baby," part of the company's annual holiday show.

Bay Area arts: 10 cool concerts and shows to catch this weekend

By Randy McMullen

November 20, 2025 at 7:31 a.m.

From a beloved holiday dance show to an acclaimed youth choir's concert, there is a...

Don't miss the port and chocolate tasting booth at the Dickens Christmas Fair, which is entering its 41st season at the Cow Palace in Daly City. (Photo by Robin Fadtke)

Dickens Christmas Fair: The best, newest and most unusual foods to try this year

By Jason Mastrodonato

November 17, 2025 at 4:06 p.m.

The fair has been an annual tradition since 1970 and features some delicious and unusual...

Enjoy “A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin” on Nov. 23 at the San Jose Civic Center, where a special 35th anniversary screening of the classic film “Home Alone” will take place, followed by a Q&A session with none other than Macaulay Culkin, above, who was the film’s child star. (David Livingston — Getty Images archives)

Bay Area events calendar for Nov. 21-27 weekly editions

By Hema Sivanandam

November 17, 2025 at 5:07 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

Emily Michiko Jensen stars as Cio-Cio-San in Puccini’s "Madama Butterfly," presented by Opera San José through Nov. 30 at the California Theatre in downtown San Jose. Jensen, an Opera San Jose artist in residence who sang the role of Fiordiligi in Mozart’s “Cosi Fan Tutte” in September, said being cast in these two roles made her feel “like I was being cast as a complete person who is very proud of my ethnicity, heritage and my background.” (Photo by David Allen)

Opera San Jose’s ‘Butterfly’ sings her director’s praises

By David John Chávez, Correspondent

November 17, 2025 at 10:45 a.m.

Two women navigate cultural appropriation issues in Puccini’s work.

Actress Christine Baranski speaks during a recent Newsmakers: Lesher Speaker Series at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts. (Ishita Khanna — Contra Costa Youth Journalism/Bay City News)

Actress Baranski wraps up speaker series at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center

By Contra Costa Youth Journalism

November 17, 2025 at 4:45 a.m.

The Emmy-Award winning star urged the audience to unplug from screen time and says live...

Cal Shakes 2017 production of Shakespeare's AS YOU LIKE IT (Jay Yamada)

The shows must go on: New group, new name for former Cal Shakes theater

By Chase Hunter

November 14, 2025 at 4:53 p.m.

The Siesta Valley Bowl will host expanded offerings when it reopens in spring 2026 with...

Emily Michiko Jensen stars as Cio-Cio-San in Opera San Jose's production of Puccini’s tragic masterpiece "Madama Butterfly."

‘Monkey King’ world premiere at S.F. Opera a marriage of old and new

By Georgia Rowe

November 13, 2025 at 10:08 a.m.

The 21st-century opera is based on a centuries-old Chinese fable.

7 awesome Bay Area things to do this weekend

By Randy McMullen

November 13, 2025 at 6:45 a.m.

From cool concerts and shows to a delightful animated and apple tart deliciousness, there is...

Bay Area arts: 10 shows and concerts to catch this weekend

By Randy McMullen

November 13, 2025 at 6:15 a.m.

From Opera San Jose's new take on an old classic to a Contemporary Christian superstar...

NBC114 10/17/95 -- "HOME ALONE" - 'NBC THURSDAY NIGHT MOVIE' -- TELECAST DATE: Thurs., Nov. 23 (8- 10p.m. ET) --- PICTURED: Macaulay Culkin --- "HOME ALONE" --- Macaulay Culkin ("My Girl"), Joe Pesci ("My Cousin Vinny") star in the highest-grossing comedy feature of all time, "Home Alone." It's three days before Christmas, and young Kevin (Culkin) is accidentally left behind when his family departs for a holiday trip. He soon has to defend himself and his home singlehandedly when two men try to burglarize his house. --- NBC Photo.

Macaulay Culkin coming to Bay Area for “Home Alone” anniversary screenings

By Jason Mastrodonato

November 12, 2025 at 4:30 a.m.

Culkin to engage in audience Q&A after screening of the film, which was released 35...

FILE – Actress Sally Kirkland appears at the 75th annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles on March 23, 2003. (AP Photo/Kim D. Johnson, File)

Sally Kirkland, stage and screen star who earned an Oscar nomination in ‘Anna,’ dies at age 84

By Associated Press

December 8, 2025 at 6:10 a.m.

Sally Kirkland, a one-time model who became a regular on stage, film and TV, best...

From left, Lee Ann Payne, Livia Gomes Demarchi and Jon Viktor Corpuz perform in "A Driving Beat," a world premiere play by Jordan Ramirez Puckett.

Review: ‘Driving Beat’ at TheatreWorks resonates on many levels

By David John Chávez, Correspondent

November 13, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's moving, hip-hop fueled world premiere almost always rings true.

Bryan Adams will bring his "Roll with the Punches" tour Nov. 19 to San Jose’s SAP Center, with special guests Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. (Mickey Bernal — Getty Images archives)

Bay Area events calendar for Nov. 14-20 weekly editions

By Hema Sivanandam

November 10, 2025 at 5:07 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

From left, Amanda Kristin Nichols, Karen Killeen and Aimee Doherty perform in Jez Butterworth’s "The Hills of California," playing at Berkeley Repertory Theatre through Dec. 7.

Powerful family dynamics fuel ‘Hills of California’ at Berkeley Rep

By David John Chávez, Correspondent

November 6, 2025 at 11:15 a.m.

'Hills of California' latest work from award-winning playwright who created 'Jerusalem.'

Lee Ann Payne and Jon Viktor Corpuz star in "A Driving Beat," getting its world premiere by TheatreWorks Silicon Valley through Nov. 23.

7 amazing Bay Area things to do this weekend

By Randy McMullen

November 6, 2025 at 6:45 a.m.

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from some compelling new movies to...

A son, (played by Jon Viktor Corpuz) and his mother, (Lee Ann Payne) share a happy moment during a cross-country road trip in "A Driving Beat."

Bay Area arts: 12 great shows and concerts to catch in the Bay Area

By Randy McMullen

November 6, 2025 at 6:10 a.m.

From TheatreWorks' new play about a mother-son road trip to a jazz guitar icon, there...

Kristin Chenoweth and Charlie Kirk. (Getty Images)

Kristin Chenoweth says backlash to Charlie Kirk comments ‘nearly broke’ her

By Karu F Daniels

November 5, 2025 at 5:47 a.m.

Chenoweth's remarks caused an uproar among her fans, who took them as a show of...

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 28: Keanu Reeves attends "Waiting For Godot" opening night at the Hudson Theatre on September 28, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)

Keanu Reeves stripped down and got bloody at end of his Broadway play

By Martha Ross

November 4, 2025 at 12:18 p.m.

For their curtain call for 'Waiting for Godot' last Friday night, Reeves and co-star Alex...

Celebrate light and community Nov. 8-9 at the San Jose Water Lantern Festival, seen previously above, with fun, music, activities, a food truck and light-up lanterns with the message of hope, peace, love and happiness. (Karl Mondon — staff archives)

Bay Area events calendar for Nov. 7-13 weekly editions

By Hema Sivanandam

November 3, 2025 at 5:24 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

Michael B. Jordan and Miles Caton star in "Sinners," Ryan Coogler's bizarro horror film about evil forces stalking a 1930s Mississippi juke joint.

7 incredible Bay Area things to do this weekend

By Randy McMullen

October 30, 2025 at 3:24 p.m.

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from great shows and Halloween films...

James Stewart and Kim Novak star in Alfred Hitchcock's classic "Vertigo," which will be screened on Oct. 30 with the San Francisco Symphony performing the score live.

Bay Area arts: 11 shows and concerts to catch this weekend

By Randy McMullen

October 30, 2025 at 6:12 a.m.

From classic movies with live music to Dia de los Muertos events, there is a...

From left, Claire DeJean, Emilie Kouatchou and Denver Milord star in "Stereophonic," a play about a struggling rock band. (Julia Cervantes/BroadwaySF)

A rock band implodes under expectations in ‘Stereophonic’

By David John Chávez, Correspondent

October 30, 2025 at 6:14 a.m.

Tony-winning play examines the impact of pressure on artistic creation

Ida B. Wells (played by Danyel Fulton) chastises members of the women's movement during a scene from the musical "Suffs," playing in San Francisco through Nov. 9.

Review: ‘Suffs’ serves up a tuneful tribute to fight for equality

By David John Chávez, Correspondent

November 13, 2025 at 9:59 a.m.

Award-winning Broadway hit musical plays at San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre through Nov. 9.

Mateo (Jon Viktor Corpuz) and his mother, Diane (Lee Ann Payne), hit the road in TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s production of “A Driving Beat,” running Oct. 29 through Nov. 23 at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. (photo courtesy of Tracy Martin)

Bay Area events calendar for Oct. 31 through Nov. 6 weekly editions

By Hema Sivanandam

October 27, 2025 at 5:11 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

Jeremy Allen White puts his all into portraying Bruce Springsteen in "Deliver Me From Nowhere."

7 terrific Bay Area things to do this weekend

By Randy McMullen

October 23, 2025 at 6:45 a.m.

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from amazing movies to championship chili...

Garbage -- from left, Duke Erikson, Shirley Manson, Butch Vig and Steve Marker -- will perform Oct. 23 at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga.

Bay Area arts: 15 cool shows and concerts to catch this weekend

By Randy McMullen

October 23, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

From concerts to opera to film festivals and a costumed pet parade, there is a...

Pianist, playwright and performer Hershey Felder portrays Chopin in a previous production. His next work will make its debut at TheatreWorks in Jan. 2026. (Photo courtesy of Hershey Felder Presents)

Pianist-playwright Hershey Felder will return to the Bay Area with a world premiere

By Linda Zavoral

October 21, 2025 at 4:22 a.m.

TheatreWorks announces January 2026 debut of Felder's 'The Piano and Me.'

A volunteer prepares to scare visitors inside a previous annual Bernal Scream haunted house, which has returned this year to San Jose’s Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. (Nhat Meyer — staff archives)

Bay Area events calendar for Oct. 24-30 weekly editions

By Hema Sivanandam

October 20, 2025 at 4:47 p.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

The photography show “Salt of the Earth” by Barbara Boissevain runs until Feb. 2026 at the David Brower Center in Berkeley, Calif. Pictured: "Alien Saltscape III" by Barbara Boissevain. (Courtesy of the artist/David Brower Center)

7 awesome Bay Area things to do this weekend

By Randy McMullen

October 16, 2025 at 6:45 a.m.

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from the stirring "Firebird" to super...

Oakland Symphony music director Kedrick Armstrong will lead the orchestra in a program including Stravinsky’s “Firebird” Suite on Oct. 17.

Bay Area arts: 11 shows and concerts to catch this weekend

By Randy McMullen

October 16, 2025 at 6:10 a.m.

From Oakland Symphony's new season to a salty exhibit and Vienna Teng, there is a...

Take a walking tour starting Sunday morning at the Bair Island Unit of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, where a flock of shorebirds flies previously above. (Aric Crabb — staff archives)

Bay Area events calendar for Oct. 17-24 weekly editions

By Hema Sivanandam

October 13, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

The playlist is the thing in TheatreWorks’ ‘A Driving Beat’

By Anne Gelhaus

October 15, 2025 at 12:35 p.m.

Hip-hop helps tell the story in world premiere production.

It’s big, bright and in front of San Jose’s Center for the Performing Arts

By Sal Pizarro

October 10, 2025 at 4:37 a.m.

Against the objections of a grassroots group, the city council first approved allowing the advertising...

The funny and versatile actor/entertainer John C. Reilly brings his "Mister Romantic" tour -- and his singing pipes -- to Livermore's Bankhead Theater on Oct. 13.

7 amazing Bay Area things to do this weekend

By Randy McMullen

October 9, 2025 at 6:45 a.m.

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas from great shows and movies to...

Multi-platinum rapper Playboi Carti brings his long-awaited tour to San Francisco and Sacramento this week.

Bay Area arts: 8 great shows and concerts to catch this weekend

By Randy McMullen

October 9, 2025 at 6:10 a.m.

From a multiplatinum rapper to revered stage and screen actor, there is a lot to...

Actor John C. Reilly is starring in the musical “Mister Romantic,” which on Oct. 13, 2025, is playing at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore, Calif. (Bobbi Rich/@mamahotdog)

John C. Reilly brings his musical “Mister Romantic” to the Bay Area

By John Metcalfe

October 8, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

It's a heartfelt tribute to vaudeville and classic American songwriters, from Irving Berlin to Tom...

Eddie Zhang stars as a rather libidinous count with a taste for blood in "Dracula: Comedy of Terrors" at City Lights Theater in San Jose.

Review: City Lights in San Jose goes for laughs, not chills, in ‘Dracula’

By David John Chávez, Correspondent

October 8, 2025 at 1:20 p.m.

Bram Stoker's iconic tale makes for a solid foundation of farce in 'Dracula: Comedy of...

A talented writer (played by Johnny Moreno) spars with his agent (Nicole Tung) in "McNeal" at San Jose Stage Company. (Dave Lepori/San Jose Stage Company)

Review: ‘McNeal’ centers on a brilliant man who lives in an ethical vacuum

By David John Chávez, Correspondent

October 7, 2025 at 6:25 p.m.

San Jose Stage's new play deals with such timely themes as AI and theft of...

Elissa Beth Stebbins plays author Louisa May Alcott and heroine Jo March in TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s world premiere of “Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women,” now showing through Oct. 12. (photo courtesy of Tracy Martin)

Bay Area events calendar for Oct. 10 weekly editions

By Hema Sivanandam

October 6, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

From left, Emily Ota, Sharon Shao, Cathleen Riddley, Elissa Beth Stebbins, and Lauren Hart star in "Louisa May Alcott's Little Women" at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley.

Review: TheatreWorks brings classic ‘Little Women’ to the stage

By David John Chávez, Correspondent

October 4, 2025 at 2:09 p.m.

The somewhat uneven world premiere production still retains much of the magic of Louisa May...

From left, Ryan Jinn, Esther Chung, Ins Choi, Kelly Seo, and Brandon McKnight star in "Kim’s Convenience" at American Conservatory Theater

Review: ‘Kim’s Convenience’ at ACT brings hit sitcom back to its roots

By David John Chávez, Correspondent

October 4, 2025 at 2:12 p.m.

ACT in San Francisco presenting the stage comedy that became a hit Netflix series.

War and Treaty (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter) are one of the acts to see at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass this weekend.

7 incredible Bay Area things to do this weekend, Oct. 3-5

By Randy McMullen

October 2, 2025 at 6:45 a.m.

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from great festivals to a fun...

Joe Duplantier and Gojira are among the featured acts at this weekend's Aftershock festival in Sacramento.

Bay Area arts: 10 cool shows and concerts to catch this weekend

By Randy McMullen

October 2, 2025 at 11:45 a.m.

Highlights include one of the world's best metal festivals, a celebration of the "Blood Moon"...

Lion dancers roam through the large crowd gathered for the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival at the Children's Discovery Museum in downtown San Jose on Sept. 27, 2025. (Lauren Uppal/Mosaic)

Cultures converge at Mid-Autumn Moon Festival in San Jose

By Lauren Uppal

September 29, 2025 at 5:52 p.m.

The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival held last weekend at the Children's Discovery Museum in San Jose...

Attendees paint pumpkins in Santa Cruz at a previous Harvest Festival, which will return this year on Oct. 4. (contributed photo from BANG archives)

Bay Area events calendar for Oct. 3-10

By Hema Sivanandam

September 29, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

Singer and Bay Area native Ledisi is bringing her tribute to Dinah Washington to several Northern California appearances, including Sept. 27 at Monterey Jazz Festival.

7 terrific Bay Area things to do this weekend

By Randy McMullen

September 25, 2025 at 11:20 a.m.

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from the famed Monterey Jazz Fest...

Elissa Beth Stebbins plays author Louisa May Alcott in TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's world premiere production "Louisa May Alcott's Little Women," by Lauren Gunderson.

Bay Area arts: 8 great shows and concerts to catch this week

By Randy McMullen

September 25, 2025 at 11:20 a.m.

From a new take on "Little Women" to an opera superstar and crazy-cute corgis, there...

The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch returns to the Palo Alto Art Center Sept. 27. (LiPo Ching — staff archives)

Bay Area events calendar for Sept. 26 weekly editions

By Jake Richardson

September 22, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

‘Little Women’ playwright finds story’s joy and passion in a tempestuous time

By David John Chávez, Correspondent

September 21, 2025 at 11:28 a.m.

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley stages world premiere of Lauren Gunderson's adaptation.

This album cover image released by Republic Records shows “The Life of a Showgirl” by Taylor Swift. (Republic Records via AP)

Taylor Swift to preview latest album ‘The Life Of A Showgirl’ at AMC Theatres

By CNN.com Wire Service

September 19, 2025 at 11:27 a.m.

“Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl” will launch in theaters on October...

The landmark Fountaingrove Round Barn burns in Santa Rosa, Monday, Oct. 9, 2017. It was constructed in 1899 by Thomas Lake Harris’ informally adopted son. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

Sex, scandal and ashes: The story of an infamous North Bay cult

By Clark Mason

October 15, 2025 at 10:51 a.m.

What began as a utopian experiment ended in scandal and headlines about "spiritual harems" and...

Jennifer Aniston as morning news show co-host Alex Levy is one of the best reasons to watch "The Morning Show."

7 awesome Bay Area things to do this weekend

By Randy McMullen

September 18, 2025 at 9:48 a.m.

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from great shows to tasty tacos.

Chanticleer, the acclaimed Bay Area men's choir, kicks off its 48thy season with several performances this month.

Bay Area arts: 9 great shows and concerts to catch this weekend

By Randy McMullen

September 18, 2025 at 10:22 a.m.

From a world-renowned men's chorus to historic Muni rides, there is a lot to see...

Walnut Creek’s Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery curator Brian Kemble, left, appears March 31, 2004, with Ruth Bancroft and has been with the garden since 1980. A special evening honoring Kemble and his 45-year tenure is planned for Sept. 25 at the garden. (Tue Nam Ton — staff archives)

Fall into these end-of-summer events in the Bay Area

By Jake Richardson

September 15, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

Opera San Jose General Director Shawna Lucey addresses attendees during the company’s ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of its 42nd season at the California Theater in San Jose, Calif., on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Opera San Jose looking to shake things up for its 42nd season

By Sal Pizarro

September 14, 2025 at 11:29 a.m.

Audiences will get to vote on the ending of Mozart's "Così Fan Tutte," which debuts...

A college student (played by Ben Hirschhorn, center) tries to het his drinking under control while reconnecting with his grandparents (Peter Van Wagner, left, and Barbara Kingsley) in "The Reservoir" at Berkeley Repertory Theatre.

A rocky road to recovery emerges in ‘The Reservoir’ in Berkeley

By Chad Jones, Correspondent

September 14, 2025 at 11:40 a.m.

Jake Brasch's surprisingly humorous play about a college student's struggles opens Berkeley Rep's new season.

Jacopo Calvo is a featured performer as Smuin Contemporary Ballet kicks off its new season with a program that includes three Bay Area premieres.

7 amazing Bay Area things to do this weekend

By Randy McMullen

September 11, 2025 at 6:47 a.m.

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from killer wings to a gut-busting...

Celebrated pianist Yuja Wang is the guest soloist for the S.F. Symphony's season-opening concert Sept. 12.

Bay Area arts: 8 shows and concerts to catch this weekend

By Randy McMullen

September 11, 2025 at 8:53 a.m.

Yuja Wang, "Dead Man Walking," Smuin Ballet and more await music and arts fans.

Ryan McKinny (second from left) stars as death row inmate Joseph De Rocher with Susan Graham as Mrs. Patrick De Rocher in S.F. Opera's revival of Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally's "Dead Man Walking."

‘Dead Man Walking’ opera returns to city that made it a sensation

By Georgia Rowe

September 11, 2025 at 5:30 a.m.

S.F. Opera set to revive Jake Heggie's landmark breakout work

Piedmont High School graduate Tyler Joseph Ellis stars as Storyteller Two and Maya Lagerstam as Storyteller One in the U.S. tour of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “Shucked.” (photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

‘Shucked’ is the funniest new musical to come to the Bay Area in ages

By Jim Harrington

September 11, 2025 at 5:07 a.m.

"Shucked" deserves to be ranked among such hilarious blockbusters as "Mean Girls," "Spamalot," "Hairspray."

FILE – Actor Polly Holliday appears outside the 46th Street Theater in New York on July 15, 1986. (AP Photo/Waring Abbott, File)

Polly Holliday, theater star famous as the tart waitress Flo on sitcom ‘Alice,’ dies at 88

By Associated Press

December 8, 2025 at 6:11 a.m.

She was the last surviving member of the principal cast of “Alice.”

Maya Lagerstam and Tyler Joseph Ellis are the Stoytellers in the North American Tour of "Shucked," the hit Broadway musical.

After rough start, ‘Shucked’ sprouts a Broadway success story

By David John Chávez, Correspondent

September 10, 2025 at 4:43 a.m.

Popular touring musical playing at San Francisco's Curran Theatre through Oct. 5

Mezzo-soprano Joanne Evans plays Dorabella and tenor Ricardo Garcia is Ferrando in Opera San José’s "Così Fan Tutte," running Sept. 14-26 at the California Theatre. (photo courtesy of Chris Hardy)

Bay Area events calendar for Sept. 12 weekly editions

By Jake Richardson

September 8, 2025 at 8:35 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

Lauren D’Ambrosio plays postulant Maria Rainier in South Bay Musical Theatre’s production of “The Sound of Music,” running Sept. 27-Oct. 18 at the Saratoga Civic Theater. (Photo by Dave Lepori)

‘Sound of Music’ hits the stage in Saratoga

By Debby Rice

September 7, 2025 at 6:56 a.m.

South Bay Musical Theatre celebrates film version’s 60th anniversary.

Joan Baez (Chad Batka/The New York Times)

Joan Baez finds new ways to protest: ‘I’m too (expletive) old to go to jail’

By Jim Harrington

September 5, 2025 at 2:57 p.m.

"I think anything that the current -- quote -- administration would hate, I want to...

Comedy legend John Cleese is hosting what promises to be an unforgettable evening to celebrate 50 years of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" on Sunday, Sept. 14,..at the San Jose Civic (photo courtesy of John Cleese).

John Cleese celebrating 50 years of ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’

By Jason Mastrodonato

September 5, 2025 at 9:10 a.m.

Cleese sat down for a Q&A to discuss the iconic film he made back in...

Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery will present of comedy and music at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore on Sept. 6.

7 incredible Bay Area things to do this weekend

By Randy McMullen

September 4, 2025 at 12:40 p.m.

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from amazing shows and concerts to...

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