TheatreWorks Silicon Valley kicks off its 53rd Season with the West Coast Premiere of Heidi Armbruster’s “Mrs. Christie”. TheatreWorks’ Artistic Director Giovanna Sardelli helms this madcap mystery investigating the unsolved 1926 disappearance of the queen of mystery novels herself, Agatha Christie. Almost a century later, Christie superfan Lucy unveils a clue about the author’s highly publicized 11-day vanishing and resolves to crack the case. In parallel storylines that blend past, present, and Poirot, Lucy discovers the power of finding oneself by disappearing. “Mrs. Christie” will be presented through October 29, 2023 at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View.

This imaginative and speculative romp’s World Premiere directed by Sardelli at Dorset Theatre Festival has been called “a most entertaining mélange of biography, sparkling with magical realism and theatrical wit” by Berkshire On Stage. BroadwayWorld lauded the work as “sophisticated, smart, funny, heartbreaking, and hopeful. Whether you're an Agatha Christie aficionado or you just like great art, this play has the power to move you. It is a love letter to writing, to theatre, to the mysterious and indomitable human spirit.”

Contra Costa Civic Theatre (CCCT) continues its 2023-24 season with “Tintypes”, the Tony-nominated musical about America’s last great Age of Innocence. Conceived by Mary Kyte with Mel Marvin and Gary Pearle, “Tintypes” plays from October 27-November 12.

“Tintypes” is a charming musical revue focusing on the exciting yet tumultuous period of American history between the turn of the 20th century and the onset of World War I. The score is a blend of patriotic songs, romantic tunes, and ragtime by the musical masters of the era, including George M. Cohan, John Philip Sousa, and Scott Joplin. From the immigrant experience to the beginning of the Jim Crow era to the birth of the great vaudeville stars, Tintypes chronicles the growing pains of a nation on the brink of becoming a world superpower.

Fresh off the heels of its most successful Gala Fundraiser to date with comedy great Jason Alexander, Livermore Valley Arts will continue to bring star names and star brands to the Tri-Valley in the early 2023-2024 season. From one of the greatest soul duos of all time, part of the soundtracks of our lives, The Righteous Brothers on Wednesday and Thursday, October 11 and 12, to an afternoon of big band music with beloved pianist, composer, and Emmy Award-winning radio and TV host John Tesh on Sunday, October 22, to reliving a musical classic that touched so many during its record-breaking 35-year Broadway run at The Four Phantoms on Friday, October 27, The Bankhead will be bringing some absolute icons to entertain and thrill the Tri-Valley this autumn. These phenomenal performances will all be at the beautiful Bankhead Theater (2400 First Street) in Downtown Livermore, CA.

That Lovin’ Feelin’ is back – The Righteous Brothers will be live in Livermore for not just one, but two performances this October! With a string of #1 classics, including the most played song in radio history, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame duo of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield topped the charts in their four decades as blue-eyed soul pioneers. After Bobby’s death in 2003, Medley continued to perform to sold-out crowds around the world, but fans and friends pleaded with him to keep The Righteous Brothers alive. As Medley said, “No one could ever take Bobby’s place, but when I caught Bucky Heard’s show, it all came together – I found the right guy to help me recreate the magic.”

Center Repertory Company’s presentation of “Crowns”, currently playing at the Lesher Center for the Arts (1601 Civic Dr.) in Walnut Creek, CA. through October 6, 2023, is a jubilant musical celebration of cultural history and especially that of glamorous hats. The title ‘Crowns’ actually refers to the fabulous assortment of hats the ladies of South Carolina wear to church as they represent individuality, achievement, and freedom.

With imaginative storytelling and songs tracing from Gospel through contemporary hip-hop, “Crowns” centers on a community of Black women who don these brilliant bold hats for all of life’s occasions. When Chicago-born Yolanda (Antonia Reed) is sent down South after losing her brother to senseless street violence, she is welcomed into their world, exploring the powerful rituals and rich history connected to these women wearing stunning headgear.

As the 2023-24 Bankhead Theater season continues this fall, Livermore Valley Arts is thrilled to bring a number of shows with the best medicine: laughter! From Bankhead favorite, the best up-and-coming comedians on the West Coast at the San Francisco Comedy Competition on Thursday, September 21, to an insightful and humorous conversation with Amy Sedaris, moderated by Jessica Aguirre, on Friday, September 22, to a triumphant return engagement from favorites Funny Women of a Certain Age on Friday, October 6, The Bankhead will be continuing its new season with multiple delights for the funny bone here in the Tri-Valley. The Bankhead and the Tri-Valley have a history of loving women comics, selling out past Bankhead performances for the likes of Paula Poundstone, Maria Bamford, and many others, so Livermore Valley Arts is particularly delighted to feature more stellar female comedians this autumn as part of its lineup. All of these laugh-filled events will be at the beautiful Bankhead Theater in Downtown, Livermore, CA.

The San Francisco Comedy Competition is a unique elimination-style contest, differing from many other competitions in prestige and time commitment. Running over a four-week timeline during the month of September, the legendary San Francisco Comedy Competition attracts hundreds of qualified comedians from around the world, with only 32 comedians being chosen. Now in its 47th year, the San Francisco Comedy Competition has helped launch a Who’s Who of comic champions. Over the years, legends such as Robin Williams, Dana Carvey, Sinbad, and Ellen DeGeneres have emerged from this renowned stand-up comedy contest to become stars. Hosted by Dan St. Paul, The Bankhead looks forward to welcoming and discovering the next comedy greats before they hit it big, in Downtown Livermore on September 21.

Into The Dark — the Bay Area production company spawned from the creative, twisted minds of Peaches Christ, David Flower Productions, and Non Plus Ultra — will present The Initiation, a brand-new, fully immersive haunted experience opening at The San Francisco Mint (88 5th St.). Performances will take place Wednesday through Sunday evenings beginning Friday, September 29 and continuing through Sunday, October 31. Patrons must be 18+ with valid I.D. to visit.



Offering a combination of theater, 4D effects, and haunted mazes, The Initiation invites thrill seekers to attend a recruitment seminar for “Insight,” a spiritual cult whose sole purpose is to open their eyes to true consciousness and help see the horrors hiding within the darkness. Warning: Few survive The Initiation!

"This year's completely new Terror Vault show, The Initiation, is inspired by San Francisco's rich history of being home to so many strange and bizarre cults,” said Joshua Grannell aka Peaches Christ. “From groups like the Manson Family and the Symbionese Liberation Army to people like Jim Jones and Anton Lavey, we've taken this inspiration and crafted a show where guests become members in the play and must make their way through becoming part of the cult while surviving its evil leadership."

Winchester Mystery House has announced that its record-breaking, immersive Halloween experience will return this fall with an entirely new chapter, Unhinged: Housewarming. Anticipated to be the premier Halloween haunt in the South Bay, this years’ experience will feature a brand-new origin storyline, complete with new characters and terrifying scares. Guests will journey back in time to Hallowe’en night 1923, for a Haunted Housewarming party they’ll not soon forget!”. Unhinged: Housewarming will take place on select evenings from September 22 – October 31, 2023.

The year is 1923. Following the death of Sarah Winchester in the fall of 1922, Miles and Flora Taylor — an esteemed Hollywood couple — have taken residence of the infamous Winchester Mystery House and extended an invitation to the grandest housewarming event of the century. But beware, as the night progresses, a mysterious air settles in, revealing that there is more to this gathering than meets the eye. Guests will begin their experience at a Roaring 20s Garden Party, taking place in the front garden of the Winchester Mystery House, where they will enjoy live entertainment, character interactions, games, photo opportunities, themed food and drinks, and more! From there, they will be led through winding garden paths up to the newly opened Estate, where they will confront what lurks within its many halls.



Center Repertory Company will present Crowns, a jubilant musical celebration of cultural history and glamorous hats, performing September 9 through October 6, 2023. With imaginative storytelling and songs tracing from Gospel through contemporary hip-hop, Crowns centers on a community of Black women who don brilliant bold hats for all of life’s occasions. When Chicago-born Yolanda is sent down South, she is welcomed into their world, exploring the powerful rituals and rich history connected to their stunning headgear. Written by Golden Globe Award-winning actor/director/playwright Regina Taylor based on the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry, Crowns is an inspirational and roof-raising musical play that will lift spirits and have audiences leaping to their feet. Helmed by celebrated regional theatre director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, Crowns will perform at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek.

Director Sonnenberg has assembled a talented cast to bring this vibrant musical play to life. Seen in Center REP’s A Christmas Carol as Flora Fezziwig, Antonia Reed returns as Yolanda, a young Black woman who goes down South and discovers a vibrant community of women wearing fabulous hats.

A lively new exhibit, “Comic Crossing: The Art of the Graphic Narrative,” is currently on display at the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery In Livermore, CA. through October 8, 2023. This multimedia art exhibit features a collection of visually stunning and emotionally compelling graphic novels, comics, and illustrations.

The range of graphics in this fun exhibit stretches from classic comics like Flash Gordon and Spider-Man to contemporary comics to fantasy. Some comics will make viewers chuckle, and some will make viewers think deeply. Looking specifically at some of the artists on display at the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery, exciting parts of the exhibit include the process and some prints of Jessica Nagel, who has video clips of her works in progress of a graphic novel. Additionally, artist and retired software engineer Thom See has an interactive Artificial Intelligence display: See starts a four-frame story and viewers can change the story though their own AI prompts, which will be an intriguing opportunity to see what AI comes up with for storyboarding in tandem with art, as visitors can play with the AI prompts to see how one can develop a story.

BroadwaySF, part of the Ambassador Theatre Group, has announced two new shows coming to San Francisco’s Curran Theater (445 Geary St.)—The Rocket Man Show, a one-of-a-kind tribute to Elton John, and a special 48th anniversary screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, featuring the movie’s original Brad Majors, Barry Bostwick.

This is Elton! Crash land into your seat with The Rocket Man Show, starring Scotsman Rus Anderson—Elton John’s official 70’s body double as featured in the ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ world tour. Chosen by the man himself, Rus’ performance pilots a night of greatest hits, gorgeous costumes, and fierce piano playing. Currently featured on E!’s ‘Clash of the Cover Bands’, Rus’ portrayal of Elton has been described as “Amazing” by Jimmy Fallon and “Phenomenal” by Queen’s Adam Lambert.

The Rocket Man Show has quickly joined the list of must-see tickets in town and is perhaps summed up best by ‘All About That Bass’ megastar Meghan Trainor who claims “You IS Elton!” It’s one small step for man…one giant leap for Elton John fans.

The Rocket Man Show will take place on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets (starting at $40.50) are available at www.broadwaysf.com.

Contra Costa Civic Theatre (CCCT) will launch its 2023-24 season with Sondheim on Sondheim, a captivating musical revue that delves into the life and artistry of one of the greatest composers in American musical theater history, Stephen Sondheim, from August 25 through September 10.

This is an intimate portrait of the famed songwriter in his own words… and music. Through the use of exclusive interview footage, audiences will get an inside look at the personal life and artistic process of famed composer, Stephen Sondheim.

His story. His inspiration. His genius. The tapestry of creativity that characterizes Stephen Sondheim remained largely undiscussed, especially by the man himself, until the creation of Sondheim on Sondheim. Ranging from the beloved to the obscure, the carefully selected two-dozen songs hang from a framework of in-depth video interviews, delving into Sondheim’s personal life and artistic process. Far from the typical song cycle, Sondheim on Sondheim has massive theatrical potency, as well as inarguable staying power. The incomparable James Lapine brilliantly curated a collection of songs that have been masterfully arranged by David Loud.

Due to ongoing support from a GoFundMe campaign and generous corporate contributions from Summit Bank and Galvan and Associates in San Leandro, The Marsh San Francisco has added free performances of award-winning playwright and actor Brian Copeland’s The Waiting Period on select dates in August and September 2023. This deeply moving and surprisingly funny work outlines Copeland’s own struggles with depression and suicidal thought, and is presented at no cost to remove all barriers for those who may be struggling with depression themselves. Featuring humorous, poignant, and riveting insights, The Waiting Period will be presented August 20 & 27 and September 10 & 17, 2023, with performances at 12:00pm Sundays at The Marsh San Francisco (1062 Valencia St.).

“This play saves lives,” said Copeland, “Many who have seen it tell me they suddenly recognized their own symptoms or those of a loved one, in time to intervene before they committed the ultimate harm to themselves and devastated their families.”

By Darlene Jurow

San Francisco Playhouse (450 Post Street) concludes its 20th Anniversary Season with the exuberant, high-kicking, fan favorite production of A Chorus Line, currently performing through September 9.

A Chorus Line captures the spirit, tension, and hope of a high stakes audition of twenty-four hopeful dancers who undertake a grueling audition for eight coveted spots in the back-up chorus of an unnamed Broadway show, exploring the inner lives and bittersweet ambitions of the performers. They put it all out there, even exposing their most intimate stories, while knowing their chances of making the final eight are slim. This period of desperation is pronounced so well in the musical number “God, I Hope I Get It”.

A Chorus Line was created from the real-life stories of working Broadway dancers, including eight who appeared in the original cast. Their deeply personal tales, shared in workshop sessions hosted by dancers Michon Peacock and Tony Stevens, caught the attention of director/choreographer Michael Bennett who had also been considering a show centered on the singular life of chorus dancers. A Chorus Line’s 1975 Broadway debut changed the face of musical theater.

Livermore’s Bankhead Theater (2400 First Street) presents quirky, ingenious, and hilarious Maria Bamford on Saturday, August 5. Stephen Colbert has called Maria Bamford his “favorite comedian on earth” while Judd Apatow is said to label Ms. Bamford “the funniest woman in the world.” Maria is the first female comic to have two half-hour “Comedy Central Presents” specials, starring alongside Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis and Brian Posehn in the Comedy Central series “The Comedians of Comedy” and Netflix’s “Comedians of Comedy: The Movie.” In addition, she has starred in the acclaimed Netflix Series “Lady Dynamite,” about a comedian who suffers a nervous breakdown.

Bamford is also the star of three unconventional hour-long stand-up specials: “Weakness is the Brand,” “Old Baby” and “Maria Bamford, the special, special, special!”.

Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, and BroadwaySF, part of the Ambassador Theatre Group, are pleased announce casting for the San Francisco engagement of Disney’s “Aladdin”. The hit Broadway musical comedy will begin performances in San Francisco at BroadwaySF’s Orpheum Theatre (1192 Market St.) on Wednesday, August 2 for a limited engagement through Sunday, August 13.

The production features Adi Roy (Aladdin), Marcus M. Martin (Genie), Senzel Ahmady (Jasmine), Anand Nagraj (Jafar), Aaron Choi (Iago), Sorab Wadia (Sultan), Ben Chavez (Omar), Jake Letts (Babak), Colt Prattes (Kassim), Dwelvan David (Standby Genie, Jafar & Sultan) and J. Andrew Speas (Standby Genie, Sultan & Babkak).

Senzel Ahmady grew up in Fairfield, CA and attended Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District from first grade through senior year. At Young Artists Conservatory of Music in Vacaville, CA, she participated in voice and piano lessons, show choir, a cappella group, and musical theater. She is currently on a professional leave of absence from NYU to perform in “Aladdin”. Senzel looks forward to performing for family, friends and teachers at the Orpheum Theatre, where she grew up seeing Broadway shows.

     Comedian Paula Poundstone recently returned to the Bankhead Theater stage in Livermore, CA. for a command performance. Best known for her smart, observational humor and spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend, on this June date Paula received continuous roars from the capacity crowd at the Bankhead. Originally slated as a 90-minute standup comedy performance, Paula was on such a roll engaging with the audience that the show actually went well over two hours, as the interaction with the crowd and laughs with them was continuous.

     A side-splitting comic genius, Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend. Groundbreaking in so many ways, Paula was the first female comic, in its then 73rd year, to perform at the White House Correspondents dinner. She was the first female standup, in its then 5th year, to win the ACE award for Best Comedy Special on Cable television. She is recognized in innumerable lists, documentaries, and literary compendiums noting influential standup comedians of our time.

by Ron Friedenthal

     TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s production of “Steel Magnolias” is a surprisingly gripping comic drama portrayal of this contemporary play set in a small town, focusing on a  black owned hair salon in 1980’s Louisiana.  Through the eyes of the characters, the audience sees how relationships between generations and cultures can be bridged by common themes of understanding in a non-confrontational setting, such as a hair salon.  The   close interaction and warmth between the characters makes you want to be a part of their community.

     In the show, the same group of women has hair appointments at the same time every week.  Despite having different backgrounds, they collectively develop and learn about how much they can relate to each other’s experiences.

     As the play develops, the comedic interplay between the characters demonstrates how each of them lets their guard down to quip with each other.  The salon is an oasis from the outside where different cultures and generations would not normally interact.  However, each of the women feel so comfortable with each other that they would drop into the salon whenever they have things on their mind.

      Center Repertory Company’s adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s 2005 musical bursts on to the stage at The Lesher Theater in Walnut Creek, CA. like a blast of sunshine, hope and jubilation.  This stage play is a socially engaged drama that offers both sparkle and pizzazz. Set during a record-breaking New York City heat wave, “In the Heights” features a Latinx Washington Heights community and how it deals with neighborhood unity – and change. This vibrant stage adaptation pulsates with musical numbers that blend hip-hop, Latin rhythms, rap, jazz, pop and salsa!

     Michel Alejandro Castillo, who plays the role of Usnavi, is a particular delight. A bodega worker who dreams of returning to his parents’ Dominican Republic homeland, at the end he decides that his ties to Washington Heights take precedent.   

by Darlene Jurow

     California Symphony wrapped up its 2022-23 season at the Hofmann Theatre at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, CA. Its stirring  “Fresh Inspirations” program featured nationally acclaimed pianist Sarah Cahill, a guest soloist, who was superb during her performance in the symphony’s World Premiere of ‘Stargazer’.

     The concert actually kicked off with Hector Berlioz’s wonderful ‘Le carnaval romain’ (“Roman Carnival Overture”), which showcased the composer’s brilliant and innovative techniques of orchestration. This exhilarating work vividly distinguishes a number of instrumental sounds, from the solo sound of the English horn to the solid sounds of a multitude of trombones. From its boisterous beginning to its thunderous finale, this piece was a delightful opener to “Fresh Inspirations”.

     Nearly 40 years after making its television debut, “The Golden Girls’ is as popular today as ever. This television sitcom about four senior women living together in a Florida retirement community featured numerous guest stars, some of whom will be making live appearances at the Orinda Theatre in Orinda, CA. on May 26, 27, and 28 for this celebration of all things “Golden Girls”.

     This three-day event will include a behind-the-scenes discussion with producers, writers, directors, as well as guest stars of the show. Plus so much more!