Theatre
Russia’s Bolshoi cancels ballet about gay dancer 3 days before premiere
Russia‘s Bolshoi Theater has canceled a much anticipated ballet about dancer Rudolf Nureyev just three days before the opening night.
Bolshoi made the announcement Saturday, saying that Tuesday’s premiere has been canceled. The ballet about Nureyev who defected from the Soviet Union to the West in 1961 was directed by Kirill Serebrennikov, known for bold productions that poke fun at Russia’s growing social conservatism.
Serebrennikov was detained and questioned in May in a criminal case over embezzlement of government funds. He denies wrongdoing.
Speaking to journalists Monday, Bolshoi director Vladimir Urin denied reports that the show had been scrapped because of its frank portrayal of Nureyev’s gay relationships. Urin simply said that the ballet wasn’t ready and it will instead premiere next year.
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Offers Up Their Musical Version of ‘The Gay Kitchen Sink’
Rounding out Season 39 is an over-the-top, extravagantly fun series of concerts – “The Gay Kitchen Sink!”
Pride Month is never complete without an over-the-top, fabulous evening with the internationally acclaimed San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus!
Celebrate Pride with SFGMC and their summer show — “The Gay Kitchen Sink” at the Nourse Theater, with very special guests The Kinsey Sicks.
“The Gay Kitchen Sink” is just what it sounds like — a delightfully spirited playlist of LGBT anthems, current favorites, and huge production numbers. You’ll absolutely revel in music by gay icons like Cyndi Lauper, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Sara Bareilles, Destiny’s Child, Robyn, Taylor Swift, Kander & Ebb, Patsy Cline, and of course a little Broadway thrown in the mix.
Of course, SFGMC couldn’t put on a Pride concert without a nod to the 1967 Summer of Love. The show opens with a rousing set of pieces honoring the 50th Anniversary of this momentous San Francisco revolution. In the Age of Aquarius, the hope was harmony and understanding. SFGMC starts by letting the sun shine in!
The Chorus will also present a few selections from its upcoming Lavender Pen Tour, which journeys to six Southern states this October to spread the Chorus’ message and music of hope, tolerance, and acceptance.
Also, don’t miss The Kinsey Sicks, SFGMC’s featured guest artists for “The Gay Kitchen Sink.” The Kinsey Sicks are “America’s Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet”… and they must be heard to be believed! The Washington Post writes, “If you haven’t made the acquaintance of The Kinsey Sicks, it’s high time you did… Uproarious… brilliant… authentically joyful,” and KQED calls them “The Royal Shakespeare Company of drag performance.”
The Gay Kitchen Sink
Nourse Theater San Francisco, CA
The Gay Kitchen Sink
Friday, June 16, 2017 8:00 PM
Saturday, June 17, 2017 2:30 PM
Saturday, June 17, 2017 8:00 PM
Two Lesbian Artists Offer Art Inspired by Activist Yuri Kocjiyama
Co-Presented by the Asian American Women Artist Association (AAWAA) and Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center (APICC), Shifting Movements: Art Inspired by the Life and Activism of Yuri Kochiyama (1921-2014) is a multimedia exhibition illuminating the legacy of intersectional revolutionary activist Yuri Kochiyama through artworks that highlight the values and themes that guided her, and the incredibly diverse people, struggles, and movements that inspired her throughout a lifetime dedicated to fighting for a more humane and just world.
The exhibition will take place May 4th to 25th, 2017 at SOMArts Cultural Center in San Francisco. Artists of all mediums are invited to submit artworks that address key values, themes and milestones from Kochiyama’s prolific and galvanizing life – and how it relates to today’s contemporary context.
The exhibition is open to artists of all color and any gender identification in the United States, 18 years and older.
Shifiting Movements is curated by AAWAA Curator & Exhibitions Manager Michelle A. Lee (Eating Cultures, Hungry Ghosts) and features a jury including Independent Curator Melorra Green and Artist/Visiting Professor from the University of Oregon Margaret Rhee.
Dates: May 4th – May 25th, 2017
Location: SOMArts Cultural Center,
Main Gallery, 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA
Opening Reception: May 4th, 2017, 6pm – 9:00pm
Admission to the exhibition is free and open to the public, with a suggested donation for the Opening Reception. For more information please visit www.aawaa.net or email info@aawaa.net.
About Yuri Kochiyama
A Japanese American internment survivor who was later instrumental to the Japanese American redress and reparations movement, Yuri Kochiyama was one of the few Asian/Pacific Islander American (API) women activists to achieve national prominence. Living in Oakland and Berkeley from 1999 until her death in 2014, Kochiyama cultivated deep relationships with local academics, activists, artists, incarcerated individuals, and community members through her organizing, speaking, and prolific letter writing, particularly to political prisoners. After moving to Harlem after WWII, Kochiyama immersed herself in the history of Black Resistance, learning from leaders such as Malcolm X, and developing a holistic and intersectional understanding of the civil rights struggles against racism, sexism, and economic disparity. As a result Kochiyama was not only a seminal figure in API history, but was also deeply engaged in African American, Latino, and Native American movements. Although Kochiyama is highly regarded within many activist circles, her story and the breadth of her influence is not generally known, even among Japanese Americans. Kochiyama’s story is part of an overlooked history of cross-cultural activism and serves as an inspirational model at a time of great cultural and socio-political upheaval.
About the Presenter:
Asian American Women Artists Association
The Asian American Women Artists Association (AAWAA) is a national non-profit arts organization dedicated to ensuring the visibility and documentation of Asian American women in the arts. Since 1989, AAWAA has been a resource for the arts and academic communities, working to further the recognition of Asian American women artists. Through exhibitions, literary readings, speakers’ bureau, publications, and educational programs, AAWAA offers thought-provoking perspectives that challenge societal assumptions and promote dialogue across cultures and generations. For more information on AAWAA and its mission and programs, please visit www.aawaa.net. Contact AAWAA at 1890 Bryant Street, Suite 302, San Francisco, CA 94110, (415) 252-7996, or info@aawaa.net.
Co-Presented By:
Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center
The Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center’s (APICC) mission is to support and produce multi-disciplinary art reflective of the unique experiences of Asian Pacific Islanders living in the United States. Since 1998, the Center has promoted the artistic and organizational growth of the City’s Asian/Pacific arts community by organizing and presenting the annual United States of Asian America Festival. For more information on APICC and its mission and programs, please visit www.apiculturalcenter.org. Contact APICC at 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, (415) 829-9467, info@apiculturalcenter.org.
Shifting Movements is also funded in part by: National Endowment for the Arts, the RJL Memorial Fund, San Francisco Arts Commission, and Grants for the Arts.
Spreckels Theatre Company presents The North Bay Premiere of the Broadway musical “Big Fish”
The story begins when a young man endeavors to sort out fact from fiction regarding his father, Edward Bloom, a charismatic teller of tall tales. The musical flashes back as it follows the father’s mythological adventures. With music, dancing, eccentric characters and spectacular surprises, Edward Bloom’s fantastical fables take his son and audiences on a magical journey that finds truth in the impossible.
Directed by Gene Abravaya
Music Direction by Lucas Sherman
Choreography by Michella Snider
Costumes by Pamela Enz
CAST: Starring Darryl Strohl-DeHerrera as Edward Bloom, Heather Buck as Sandra Bloom and Mark Bradbury as Will Bloom. Featuring Bobby Finney as Karl the Giant, Larry Williams as Amos Calloway, Katee Drysdale as Josephine, Jordan Martin as Young Will, Serena Elize Flores as the Witch, Shawna Eiermann as Jenny Hill, Dwayne Stincelli as Dr. Bennett, Nate Mercier as Don Price and Roy Kitaoka as Zacky Price.
WHEN: Aug. 12 to Aug. 28, 2016
8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays;
2 p.m. Sundays
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25
TICKETS: $16 to $26
$16 children 12 and under; $22 students; $24 seniors/youth; $26 general. Student Rush: Spreckels welcomes SSU and SRJC students to take advantage of its student rush price. Present student ID at the Spreckels box office 10 minutes before curtain for special admission of $12. Reservations recommended.
WHERE: Spreckels Performing Arts Center
Codding Theatre, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
PLEASE NOTE: During major road construction in Rohnert Park, the Snyder Lane entrance to the Spreckels Performing Arts Center will be close. Use the entrance from Rohnert Park Expressway and turn left to access the Spreckels Performing Arts Center parking lot.
PHONE: 707-588-3400
For tickets, call the Spreckels Box Office at 707-588-3400. Box Office hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 12 to 5 p.m. and one hour before showtime. – See more at: http://www.rpcity.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3037873&pageId=3359716#sthash.24MYbMB9.dpuf
“Dance The Night Away” With Transcendence Theatre Co. at Jack London Park
Transcendence Theatre Company presents Dance the Night Away August 5-7, 12-14, and 19-21 featuring show-stopping dance numbers celebrating tap to Fosse and everything in between combined with powerful vocal performances to create a rousing evening of
entertainment.
”Dance the Night Away” will pay tribute to many well-known dancers and singers sharing some
of their most popular music,” remarked show director Tony Gonzalez. He continues his description of
the show: “The concept of ‘dancing the night away’ actually goes beyond the standard idea of dancing.
This is about getting lost in the joy of movement and music, which is really something anyone can
experience.”
Audiences familiar with “Broadway Under the Stars” shows will not only see a new show when
they attend Dance the Night Away, but will discover some distinctive transformations to the
performance space. “We know everyone cherishes the special atmosphere of the Winery Ruins, which
of course will continue, but we are excited to change things up a bit with the set which we hope will
surprise and delight our regular patrons,” Gonzalez promises.
The performers scheduled to appear in Dance the Night Away include Alicia Albright, Allyson
Carr, Amanda Lehman, Amy Miller, Brad Surosky, Bryan Buscher-West, Casey Hebbel, Colin Campbell
McAdoo, Correy West, David R. Gordon, Dean de Luna, Dylan Smith, Eric Jackson, Erika Conaway,
Jacqueline Arnold, Jessica Lee Coffman, Keri Safran, Kiira Schmidt, Leslie McDonel, Matthew Rossoff,
Meggie Cansler, Michael Callahan, Nick Dalton, Stephan Stubbins, and Thomasina Gross.
Transcendence’s Broadway Under the Stars, now in its 5th season, is an award-winning series of
Broadway-inspired concerts featuring performers from New York and Los Angeles — artists who often
come to the Sonoma stage directly from recent Broadway appearances. More than a standard musical
revue, each show weaves well-known Broadway and popular songs into a spectacular themed
performance in the open-air 150-year-old Winery Ruins at Jack London State Historic Park.
Transcendence Theatre Company, named by USA Today’s 10BEST as the #2 “Outdoor Concert Venue
You Shouldn’t Miss” in the United States, received twelve 2015 Broadway World San Francisco awards
including Best Special Theater Event for the fourth consecutive year.
All events begin with picnicking amongst the vineyards of Jack London’s historic Beauty Ranch lawn—
including gourmet food truck fare, an assortment of local wineries pouring, and pre-show music—
casting a magical spell of communal festivity and summer celebration. Sunset heralds the start of the
show and the stage begins to sparkle as dusk descends and the Broadway stars sing and dance under
a starlit nighttime sky.
“DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY” August 5-7, 12-14, 19-21
Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA
Pre-show picnics begin at 5:00 pm; Shows commence at 7:30 pm
Tickets to “Broadway Under the Stars” shows range from $42 to $134 and are on sale at
www.TTCsonoma.org .$5 of every ticket sold for Broadway Under the Stars shows will benefit Jack
London State Historic Park. Group tickets for all shows are available at a special discount for
individuals and organizations. Contact the box office for more details at (877) 424-1414. For more
information about Transcendence Theatre Company’s 2016 season and to purchase tickets, please
visit the website at www.TTCsonoma.org or call the box office at 877-424-1414.
About Transcendence Theatre Company:
An award-winning nonprofit arts organization comprised of artists with professional experience from
Broadway, movies, and television. The company’s featured performers have appeared on Broadway in
shows such as The Book of Mormon, Mamma Mia, Les Misérables, Chicago, La Cage Aux Follies,
Gypsy, Hairspray, Follies, 42nd Street, White Christmas, Million-Dollar Quartet, Mary Poppins among
others. Transcendence Theatre Company specializes in producing high caliber Broadway concerts in
distinctive Sonoma County locations—from their primary home within the majestic open-air ruins of the
historic winery in Jack London State Historic Park to other remarkable and stunning settings throughout wine country and the community. Since their inception in 2011, Transcendence Theatre
Company shows have been experienced by over 64,000 patrons and raised over $217,000 for Jack
London State Historic Park.
The presenting sponsor for Transcendence Theatre Company’s 2016 season is Nelson Family of
Companies. Additional sponsors include Signature Season Wine Sponsor: Benziger Family Winery,
Media Sponsor: Sonoma Index-Tribune, Premier Season Wine Sponsor: Chateau St. Jean,
Productions Sponsors: Alan and Susan Seidenfeld, Moss Adams LLP, Daryl Reese Attorney at Law,
Sonoma Media Investments, Comerica Bank, Mary’s Pizza Shack, the Sonoma Mentoring Alliance, and
business sponsors including Sotheby’s International Realty, KZST radio, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn
& Spa, Sonoma Market, Whole Foods Sonoma, Beau Wine Tours, Maxwell Village Cleaners, The Red
Grape, Sonoma Canopy Tours, the girl & the fig, El Pueblo Inn, Parkpoint Health Clubs, Atwood Ranch,
Friedman’s Home Improvement, Aventine Restaurant, Sonoma Valley Inn, Casa Bella Inn, Glen Ellen
Dentistry, The Dance Center Santa Rosa, Christa Granton Insurance, California State Parks, Jack
London Park Partners, Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers, Glen
Ellen Star, Common Sense Business Solutions, Bella Vita, Olive and Vine, and over 11 nightly wine
sponsors and more than 30 pouring-partner wineries.
Sonoma State University Stages a Contemporary Spin on “Hamlet”
Sonoma State University Dept. of Theatre Arts & Dance presents this main stage production of “Hamlet” with a limited run of performances from May 4 to May 8, 2016. (The opening performance on May 3 is sold-out).
Featuring one of the most compelling characters ever created, “Hamlet” is a revenge tragedy about an innocent young man plunged into a sea of corruption and subterfuge. Director and Sonoma State University Professor of Theatre Arts Paul Draper transports “Hamlet” to a contemporary context in modern dress on an intimate stage.
“The play’s melodrama is palpable. Though the challenges Hamlet confronts are not so black and white,” says Draper. “For all his training, intellect, wit and skill – the young prince is not prepared for the job he has been given.”
“We all face the pressures of becoming adults, forced to navigate and make sense of the world,” says Draper. “ ‘Hamlet’ offers a glimpse into the anarchic, thrilling and ultimately dangerous landscape of a promising young prince trapped in a kingdom of conspiracy and betrayal. What is Hamlet’s fate? How do we answer his question of ‘to be or not to be?’ – and what does it mean for our times?”
“Friends and Family Night” on Thursday, May 5 begins with a pre-show discussion from 6:30 to 7 p.m. The performance follows at 7:30 p.m. SSU faculty, staff and alumni are admitted free and standard, senior and visiting student tickets are only $5 per person at this performance.
WHEN: May 4 to May 8, 2016
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 4; Thursday, May 5; Friday, May 6; and Saturday, May 7
2 p.m. Sunday, May 8
TICKET PRICES: $5 to $17
Admission prices from $5 to $17. Sonoma State University students are admitted free to all productions with valid student ID. Tickets are $10 non-SSU students and seniors; $15 Sonoma State University Faculty and Staff; and $17 standard admission. “Friends and Family Night” is Thursday, May 5 when SSU faculty, staff and alumni are admitted free and standard, senior and visiting student tickets are only $5 per person.
TICKETS ONLINE: http://www.sonoma.edu/
LOCATION: Sonoma State University
Evert B. Person Theatre, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Evert B. Person Theatre is accessed through the main entrance to Sonoma State University.
PARKING: From the South entrance on East Cotati Avenue, turn right at the stop sign in front of the information kiosk. Park in Lots E (left) and F (right). Parking in SSU lots is $5 at all times. Permits may be purchased from the vending machines located at the entrance to parking lots, or at toll booths when available.
The box office is located on the first floor of the Student Center. On performance nights, depending on the venue, the Person Theatre or Ives Hall box office will open one hour prior to the event start time. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday thru Friday and one hour prior to all performances. Contact the box office at 707-664-4246 or email tickets@sonoma.edu
WEB SITE: www.sonoma.edu/tix
Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” Staged at SSU
Directed by Marty Pistone
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4; Friday, Feb. 5; Saturday, Feb. 6
5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7 (Post show discussion)
10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10 (School matinee featuring piano only)
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 ($5 Friends & Family Night)
7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12 and Saturday, Feb. 13
2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14
Admission prices from $5 to $17. Sonoma State University students are admitted free to all productions with valid student ID. Tickets are $10 non-SSU students and seniors; $15 Sonoma State University Faculty and Staff; and $17 standard admission. $5 admission for all ticket buyers offered for “$5 Friends & Family Night.” SSU faculty and staff receive free admission at these performances.
Evert B. Person Theatre
1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Evert B. Person Theatre is accessed through the main entrance to Sonoma State University.
The box office is located on the first floor of the Student Center. On performance nights, depending on the venue, the Person Theatre or Ives Hall box office will open one hour prior to the event start time. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday thru Friday and one hour prior to all performances. Contact the box office at 707-664-4246 or email tickets@sonoma.edu
Seven Amazing Performances Coming Soon to Sonoma County
You haven’t even made it through Thanksgiving and Christmas yet, so you’re probably not making plans for next year just now.
But tickets are on sale for some promising shows during 2016 at both Green Music Center in Rohnert Park and Wells Fargo Center in Santa Rosa. If you want the best seats, it’s not too early to order.
Here’s a lucky-seven list top picks:
1. Comedian Lily Tomlin, riding high with her current Netfilx TV series “Grace and Frankie,” co-starring Jane Fonda, will perform June 4 at Wells Fargo Center, just a few days after the television series returns June 1 for its second season. $59-$79. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org.
2. Jazz pianist Chick Corea and banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck team up for a show that blends not only jazz and bluegrass, but flamenco, gospel and more. The duo plays April 21 at Green Music Center’s Weill Hall. Tickets start at $65. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
4. Fans of great pop vocal ensembles won’t want to miss a double treat when the Manhattan Transfer meets Take 6 in their popular “Summit” touring show coming Feb. 18 to Wells Fargo Center. $55-$65. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org.
5. You’ve seen his face on all of the late-night TV talk shows. Comedian, actor, writer and producer Nick Swardson performs April 26 in the Green Music Center’s Weill Hall. Tickets start at $25. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
6. Beloved and highly respected Bay Area jazz and cabaret singer Paula West will sing standards and classics April 30 in the intimate Schroeder Hall at Green Music Center. $30. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
7, With 14 million in album sales and two Grammy nominations to her credit, Loreena McKennit — Canadian musician, composer, harpist, accordionist and pianist — will perform her own band world music — with Celtic and Middle Eastern themes, March 18 at Wells Fargo Center. $45-$55. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org.
“You Can’t Take it With You” Enjoys Run at Analy High School
Do you know the play “You Can’t Take It With You?”
Although written some 80 years ago, it addresses the issues of today: do
we live a small life: in fear,& resistant to change, or do we live a
joyous, inclusive, and fancy free life? The story of this play centers
around a family that live an uninhibited and joyous life and the people
driven by fear, who are inspired by them. It’s funny and it’s poignant.
And by the way, our son Elijah is the lead, as Grandpa.
Award Winning AnalyTheatre Dept. presents “YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU”
by Moss Hart & George S. Kaufman.
Nov. 13, 14, 19*, 20, 21, 2015 @ 7:00 pm. Nov. 15 & 21 @ 2:00 pm
*Nov. 19th – Benefit show for Valley Fire Relief (RCU)-tickets at door ONLY.
“The world is a crazy place, Grandpa”
“Oh, the world’s not so crazy, Kolenkov, it’s the people in it. Life’s
kinda simple if you just relax.”
“But how can you relax in times like these?”
“Well, if people would just relax, there wouldn’t be times like these.”
If you haven’t seen this fun-loving, “universal truths” comedy by these
two genius playwrights, then it’s high time you do!! Mark you calendars
and come see Analy’s Award winning Theatre Arts Department perform “You
Can’t Take It With You.” Great for the whole family!
Ticket prices: General Admission $10, students/Seniors $8, through
brownpapertickets.com, (800)838-3006, Or At The Door $15/$10
Hope to see you at the Theatre!!!