Bay Area theatre scene has something for everyone
August is busting out all over in the San Francisco area with live theatre and cabaret acts that go from the North Bay to the South Bay – and everywhere in between.
This weekend, a fun show can be seen at the Sonoma Arts Live Theatre with the two-man musical, I Dreamed a Dreamgirl. Picture this: stars Emerson Collins and Blake McIver are fans of Les Miserables and Dreamgirls and kind of mashed up the two in a musical battle that should delight audiences. Fans from the City and East Bay can still easily make the journey as Sonoma is really less than an hour away and this terrific show is only 90 minutes so you will be back home when the sky is dusky. But since this show proves Sonoma is diverse, maybe you might stick around and explore the lovely area. Tickets are more info at: https://tinyurl.com/DREAMSonoma
San Francisco also has a great show coming up with the return of Drag Becomes Her, Peaches Christ’s hilarious spoof of the Meryl Streep-Goldie Hawn comedy Death Becomes Her. In addition to Christ, the stars of this are two of the most popular RuPaul queens: the recent All-Star Winner Jinkx Monsoon and BendelaCreme. This has only two performances — both on August 27 at the famed Castro Theatre and will definitely be a welcome return for fans of Christ, who is one of the funniest queens to walk this earth. But apparently, the show has become kind of the drag Hamilton as all tickets to all performances are sold out. But, like the megahit Hamilton you might find some online or people selling at the door. Don’t miss Christ’s next show – subscribe to her newsletter at www.peacheschrist.com.
Don’t feel left out of drag options because SF Oasis will continue with performances of – ready for this – Harry Poofter and the Chamber of Secretions. Billed as a queer clapback parody, this spoof should delight drag and Harry Potter fans alike and apparently puts JK Rowling in her place. There is always something amazing at the Oasis – check out their schedule at www.sfoasis.com.
In the East Bay, Berkeley Rep features the world premiere of Goddess, a new musical from award-winning playwright Jocelyn Bioh. Touted as an exuberant story, Goddess is of a woman who casts a spell over everyone in a steamy Afro-jazz club in Kenya… all the while making positive changes in people’s life through her songs. Seems like a must see so get tickets at www.berkeleyrep.org.
The South Bay also has quite a worthy show this month: Xanadu.The Tony-nominated musical plays through September 11 at the San Jose Playhouse and creates its own unique magic, spoofing the sn the Olivia Newton-John cult film of the same name. While the movie is a favorite among many circles, it was not well received by critics. Yet, the Broadway musical took that idea and makes fun of itself (and the movie) and lead to critical acclaim. It’s played previously at the Playhouse so they not only know how to keep tongue-in-cheek but rollerskate! Get full information at https://sanjoseplayhouse.org/xanadu/
