THE

ALSO: DAILY EVENTS + MUSIC & COMEDY CLUB LISTINGS + VENUE DIRECTORIES + MORE

AUGUST 2012 I Your Guide to the Best Theatre, Music, Dance and More in the Bay Area!

[THE COVER]

MANHATTAN TRANSFER

Bentyne is Back in the Boop-Bop

ALSO: DAILY EVENTS + MUSIC & COMEDY CLUB LISTINGS + VENUE DIRECTORIES + MORE

[THE ARTISTS]THE

KINSEY SICKS

OTTMAR LIEBERT

[THE SHOWS]110 IN THE SHADE

CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION

MEASURE FOR MEASURE

+HELP IS ON

THE WAYCOUNTERPULSE

222 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

800-380-3095 • www.TheRrazzRoom.comGrand Piano courtesy of Baldwin

JULY 30 AUGUST 13, 20, 27

TOMMY IGOE BIG BAND

ThiS Ain’T YoUr DADDY’S BiG BAnD

AUGUST 3 & 4 SOUL TRAIN NIGHTS

EDNA WRIGHT & THE HONEY CONE

CLASSiC 70’S r&B AnD SoUL GirL GroUP SinGinG ALL ThEir hiTS, LiKE “Want ads” AnD “stick Up”

JULY 24 - AUGUST 5

ANDREA MARCOvICCI

SMiLE

AUGUST 21 - 26

BARBARA COOkLET’S FALL IN LOvE

AUGUST 29 & 30

NICOLE HENRY

AUGUST 5REMEMBERING

THE CARPENTERS A LivE TriBUTE To ThE MUSiC

of ThE CArPEnTErSSTArrinG JoAnnA PiTT

MUSiCAL DirECTor : ToDD SChroEDErDirECTor: KirSTEn SAnDErSon

AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBEr 2 ThrEE TiME GrAMMY noMinATED voCALiST

kARRIN ALLYSON

AUGUST 7-12, 14-19ELECTILE DYSFUNCTION: THE kINSEY SICkS

FOR PRESIDENTA WorLD PrEMiErE CoMMiSSion

froM ThE CrEATorS of “oY vEY in A MAnGEr”

AUGUST 24 & 25

vERONICA kLAUSSinGS ThE PEGGY LEE SonGBooK

WiTh ThE TAMMY hALL Trio

AUGUST 31 & SEPTEMBEr 1

MARk NADLERCrAZY 1961

ThE SonGS AnD EvEnTS of 1961

AUGUST 2012 I I 1

editorROBERT SOKOLeditor@baystages.com

publisherRON WILLISpublisher@baystages.com

designVIA MEDIAdesign@viamedia.net

associate editorKAREN MARQUISSdaily@baystages.com

contributing writersGRIER COOpERNICOLE GLUCKSTERNCHRIS RENÉWILL SCHMIDROBERT SOKOLLEE WALKERELIZABETH WARNIMONT

contributing photographerSTEVEN UNDERHILL

cover imageTHE MANHATTAN TRANSFER Janis SiegelAlan paulTim HauserCheryl Bentyneimage: courtesy photo

All other photos are provided by the artists or venues. Photography credits are noted when provided.

advertising salesMALIA ANDERSON RON WILLIS415.552.8040advertise@baystages.com

Writers and photographers may submit work samples to editor@baystages.com. Publicists may send press releases and promotional materials to:

thisjustin@baystages.com

or by mail to:

BAYSTAGES780 sutter street, sf, ca 94109p: 415.552.8040 I f: 415.869.3700

PDF reprints of individual articles are available upon request.

Please call our office if you need additional copies of the current or back issues or would like to become a distribution point for BAYSTAGES.

BLITHE SPIRITAugust 8 to September 2Bruns Amphitheatre100 California Shakespeare Theater Way, Orinda$35 to $71 I 510.548.9666calshakes.org

THE STAGESMUSIC I Ottmar Liebert ................................................................... 5

PLAY I Circle Mirror Transformation .............................................. 7

BENEFIT I Help is on the Way: That’s Entertainment ................... 9

PLAY I Pride and Prejudice ............................................................11

SATIRE I The Kinsey Sicks: Electyle Dysfunction .......................13

DANCE I Counterpulse ..................................................................15

MUSICAL I 110 in the Shade ........................................................19

MUSICAL I A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum ....21

DANCE I AXIOM .............................................................................21

MUSIC I The Manhattan Transfer .................................................23

RECORDING I New CD Releases .................................................23

BACK I Behind the Scenes with .......................27-28Copyright © 2010-2012 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.

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chavez (alejandro escovdeo), heather sullivan (sweet baby jai), courtesy photo (the coverlettes)

Alejandro Escovedo at Bimbo’s 365 Club. (8/16)

The Coverlettes at Ranch Nicasio. (8/31)

Sweet Baby J’ai at Biscuits & Blues. (8/18)

REVOLVING

330 RITCHSOMA, SF330ritch.com/ I 415.541.9574

AMNESIAMission, SFamnesiathebar.com I 415.970.0012

ASHKENAZBerkeleyashkenaz.com I 510.525.5054

BIMBO’S 365 CLUBNorth Beach, SFbimbos365club.com I 415.474.0365

BISCUITS & BLUESUnion Square, SFbiscuitsandblues.com I 415.292.2583

BLANK CLUBSan Josetheblankclub.com I 408.292.5265

BLISS BARNoe Valley, SFblissbarsf.com I 415.826.6200

BOTTOM OF THE HILLPotrero Hill, SFbottomofthehill.com I 415.621.4455

BRICK & MORTAR MUSIC HALLMission, SFbrickandmortarmusic.com I 415.800.8782

CAFé DU NORDUpper Market, SFcafedunord.com I 415.861.5016

CAFé ROYALETenderloin, SFcaferoyale-sf.com I 415.441.4099

CLUB FOxRedwood Cityclubfoxrwc.com I 650.369.7770

DNA LOUNGESOMA, SFdnalounge.com I 415.626.1409

ELBO ROOMMission, SFelbo.com I 415.552.7788

EL RIOMission, SFelriosf.com I 415.282.3325

FILLMOREFillmore, SFthefillmore.com I 415.346.6000

FOx THEATREOaklandthefoxoakland.com I 800.745.3000

FREIGHT & SALVAGEBerkeleyfreightandsalvage.org I 510.644.2020

GEORGE’S NIGHTCLUBSan Rafaelgeorgesnightclub.com I 415.226.0262

GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALLTenderloin, SFslimspresents.com I 415.255.0333

HEMLOCK TAVERNPolk Gulch, SFhemlocktavern.com I No Calls

HOTEL UTAH SALOONSOMA, SFhotelutah.com I 415.546.6300

INDEPENDENTAlamo Square, SFtheindependentsf.com I 415.771.1421

jAZZSCHOOLBerkeleyjazzschool.com I 510.845.5373

jOHNNY FOLEY’SUnion Square, SFjohnnyfoleys.com I 415.954.0777

MAKE-OUT ROOMMission, SFmakeoutroom.com I 415.647.2888

MEZZANINESOMA, SFmezzaninesf.com I 415.625.8880

MILK BARHaight, SFmilksf.com I 415.387.6455

NAPA VALLEY OPERA HOUSENapanvoh.com I 707.226.7372

NEW PARISHOaklandthenewparish.com I 510.444.7474

OAKLAND METRO OPERAHOUSEOaklandoaklandmetro.org I 510.763.1146

RANCHO NICASIOMarinranchonicasio.com I 415.662.2219

REGENCY BALLROOMCivic Center, SFtheregencyballroom.com I 800.745.3000

RICKSHAW STOPCivic Center, SFrickshawstop.com I 415.861.2012

ROCKIT ROOMRichmond District, SFrock-it-room.com I 415.387.6343

RRAZZ ROOMUnion Square, SFtherrazzroom.com I 415. 394.1189

SAVANNAH jAZZMission, SFsavannajazz.com I 415.624.4549

SHATTUCK DOWN LOWBerkeleyshattuckdownlow.com I 510.455.4735

SILO’SNapasilosnapa.com I 707.251.5833

SLIM’SSOMA, SFslimspresents.com I 415.255.0333

STARRY PLOUGHBerkeleystarryploughpub.com I 510.841.1424

THEE PARKSIDEPotrero Hill, SFtheeparkside.com I 415.252.1330

UPTOWN THEATRENapauptowntheatrenapa.com I 707.259.0123

WARFIELDDowntown, SFthewarfieldtheatre.com I 800.745.3000

YOSHI’SOakland + Fillmore, SFyoshis.com I 510-238-9200 + 415.655.5600

These venues feature a rapidly changing roster of artists. We advise calling or checking the websites for the latest performance information including minimums and age limits (if any). Please contact daily@baystages.com with additions or corrections.

As we ride the crest of summer, it’s interesting to contemplate it resting between spring and fall, and how thinking very literally allows the words to take on deeper, more symbolic meanings.

Having “a spring in your step” implies a more youthful vigor and, perhaps a fresh outlook. That’s certainly true of Marissa Keltie and Kelly Britt, two young artists performing on our stages this month in very different shows. Both are excited to be a part of the Bay Area performing arts community - to receive opportunity and to contribute value.

The give and take of community is particularly important, critical even, when we “fall” and we hope our community will catch us. Singer Cheryl Bentyne learned that firsthand, emerging from a potentially devastating health challenge with a renewed appreciation for her many communities of family, friends, fans and her colleagues in The Manhattan Transfer. She’s just resumed touring with them after an extended absence and told me: “I’m having a whole new experience here. I went to the

show and saw them perform with Margaret Dorn, who has been singing my part of the last seven months, and I was sitting in the audience going, ‘This is so cool.’ It made me look at the group in a whole new way.”

Since launching BAYSTAGES I have certainly come to look at our performing arts scene in a whole new way and to sense the community, really communities. It’s been a privilege to begin this journey and I continually look for new ways to connect, to be of service, to support community. If you have an idea, please share it so that together we can celebrate and support theatre, music, dance and more in the Bay Area!

ROBERT SOKOL, editor

view from the editor

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AUGUST 2012 I I 3

Ken Brill, Kevin Singer, Terrence McLaughlin, Jessica Smith, Adam Scott Campbell, Michelle Jasso, Shelley Crowley, Matthew Provencal, J. Conrad Frank, Ron Dritz and (in front) Mia F. Gimenez, Charles Woodson Parker, Velvet Piini and Dina DiRado from Ray of Light Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s Sweeney Todd at the Eureka Theatre through August 11, 2012.

CLOSING SHOWS

Dan Hiatt in Upright Grand. (8/10)

5 I WAITING...Larkspur Hotel I SF$39-$75 I 800.838.3006WaitingSF.com Eat, drink and laugh your ass off! Tonya Foster stars as Mia in the new comedy.

5 I OKLAHOMABankhead Theater I Livermore$27.50-$37.50 I 925.373.6800trivalleyrep.com Includes “I Cain’t Say No” and “People Will Say We’re In Love.”

5 I ARCTIC HYSTERIABindlestiff Studio I SF$10-$25 I 800.838.3006bindlestiffstudio.orgPremiere of Kinderdeutsch Projekts’ movement-based play.

5 I BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL142 Throckmorton I Mill Valley$18-$30 I 415.383.9600142throckmortontheatre.orgMusical comedy/horror show inspired by a story in a tabloid.

5 I xANADUMontgomery Theatre I SJ$23 I 408.792.4111cmtsj.squarespace.comChildren’s Musical Theater San Jose presents the roller-skating musical.

10 I UPRIGHT GRANDLucie Stern Theater I Palo Alto$24-$73 I 650.463.1960theatreworks.orgTheatreWorks launches its 43rd season with the premiere by Laura Schellhardt.

11 I HAMLETConcannon Vineyard I Livermore$25-$39 I 800.838.3006livermoreshakes.orgRevenge, love, madness, and murder directed by Lisa A. Tromovitch.

11 I SWEENEY TODDEureka Theatre I SF$25-$36 I 800.838.3006roltheatre.comStephen Sondheim’s murderous musical of love, loss and revenge!

4 I I AUGUST 2012

image: m

ark kitaoka (upright grand - dan hiatt)

DAILY

1 I A LOT IN COMMUNISMPunch Line San Francisco I SF$15 I 415.397.7573punchlinecomedyclub.comThree comedians, all born in the former Soviet Union.

1 I ELDAR DjANGIROVYoshi’s I SF$20 I 415.655.5600yoshis.comJazz pianist.

1 I jOHN FOGERTYWente Vineyards I Livermore$119-$309 I 800.745.3000wentevineyards.comLegendary rocker.

1 I OTTMAR LIEBERTNapa Valley Opera House I Napa$30-$35 I 707.226.7372nvoh.orgFlamenco guitarist with Luna Negra.

1 I ROCK ‘N’ BLUES FESTMountain Winery I Saratoga$35-$75 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comJohnny Winter Band, Edgar Winter Band, Rick Derringer and more.

1 I SISTERS OF SOUL IIYoshi’s I Oakland$20 I 510.238.9200yoshis.comFeaturing Jennifer Johns, Ryan Nicole, Jimmie Reign, Chloe Dechelle & Punk Funk Mob.

2 I BELIEVERSStage Werx 446 I SF$15-$30 I 415.885.8526wilywestproductions.comWily West presents an apocalyptic comedy written by Patricia Milton (Ends 8/25)

2 I BURAKA SOM SISTEMAIndependent I SF$20 I 877.435.9849theindependentsf.comBand from Lisbon.

2 I CANDLESPIT COLLECTIVESlim’s I SF$8 I 415.255.0333slimspresents.comWith Dregs One, Projekt Seer, Understudies Crew.

2 I CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATIONMarin Theatre Company I Mill Valley$15-$57 I 415.388.5208marintheatre.orgFive characters learn more about themselves than acting. (Ends 8/26)

2 I MUSIC OF THE BEATLESDavies Symphony Hall I SF$15-$90 I 415.864.6000sfsymphony.orgFour musicians who look and sound just like the original Fab Four. (Ends 8/3)

2 I DANIEL SANTOSODC Theater I SF$20-$25 I 415.863.9834odctheater.orgSantos bids adieu to ODC after a decade with pieces by Brenda Way, KT Nelson, & more. (Ends 8/4)

2 I FAGS ‘N HAGSCobb’s Comedy Club I SF$20 I 415.928.4320cobbscomedyclub.comStand-up by gay men and the women who love them!

2 I GREG PROOPSPunch Line San Francisco I SF$20 I 415.397.7573punchlinecomedyclub.comOf the hit podcast The Smartest Man in the World. (Ends 8/4)

2 I jOHN FOGERTYMountain Winery I Saratoga$45-$125 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comCreedence Clearwater Revival alum.

2 I LA FINTA GIARDINIERACowell Theater I SF$40-$60 I 415.864.3330sfopera.comSF Opera’s Merola Program performs one of Mozart’s earliest works. (Ends 8/4)

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.

KEY: LF-Lafayette, MV-Mountain View, PA-Palo Alto, RC-Redwood City, SF-San Francisco, SJ-San Jose, SR-Santa Rosa, SU-Sunnyvale, WC-Walnut Creek.

AUGUST 2012 I I 5

“I’m a betweener.” That’s how Ottmar Liebert, whose nouveau flamenco band Luna Negra makes a stop in the Bay Area this summer, describes both his music and himself. “Even as a little kid, I wanted to connect the things that I liked. How can they make sense together?”

Flamenco, Liebert says, lies at the heart of several different cultures so that, in its modern form, it reflects several disparate influences. In his music, Liebert strives to find new combinations deriving from different world regions in order to create new sounds that are reminiscent of the root cultures, but also fresh and appealing to new audiences. That urge to connect things carries over into Liebert’s personal world view: “In this day and age, if we don’t find similarities in things - how we can work together and appreciate each other’s music and culture - it’s always going to be ‘us’ against ‘them.’”

Flamenco is sometimes associated with mariachi, and Liebert embraces both genres. “Mariachi is a lot of Hispanic culture plus a lot of German culture. The bass and horn is very reminiscent of German folk music. I haven’t studied mariachi in depth, but it’s a big part of my music.”

“When you listen to my first album, Nouveau Flamenco, songs like Barcelona Nights have a rumba rhythm, which is Spanish, but also thirds in the main melody, and the sort of walking oom-pah bass which also is very mariachi-like. Very few critics picked up on that. A lot of the music on that album was actually a crossover between flamenco and mariachi.”

Liebert’s newest album, Dune, features accordion player Char Rothschild, who was not able to join the summer tour. “We were thinking, should we find an accordion player? But in our mind trumpet breath and accordion bellows are very similar,” so trumpet and flugelhorn player Mike Middleton will be standing in for Rothschild on the tour, which wraps up in Houston at the end of the month.

OTTMAR LIEBERTAugust 1 I 8:00 pmNapa Valley Opera House1030 Main Street, Napa$30 to $35 I 707.226.7372nvoh.org

August 2 to 4 I 8:00 & 10:00 pmYoshi’s1330 Fillmore Street, SF$22 to $30 I 415.655.5600yoshis.com

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DAILY

2 I LENA SUNDAYYoshi’s I Oakland$20-$25 I 510.238.9200yoshis.comBay Area-native jazz vocalist.

2 I OTTMAR LIEBERTYoshi’s I SF$10-$30 I 415.655.5600yoshis.com/sanfrancisco5-time Grammy nominated New Flamenco guitarist/composer. (Ends 8/4)

2 I 7 BRIDES FOR 7 BROTHERS6th Street Playhouse I Santa Rosa$15 I 707.523.41856thstreetplayhouse.comSummer workshop production, staged with an all-student cast. (Ends 8/5)

2 I WOMEN CHOREOGRAPHERSODC Theater I SF$20-$25 I 415.863.9834odctheater.orgAmy Seiwert presents world premieres by Seiwert, Julia Adam and Gina Patterson. (Ends 8/4)

2 I SqUAREPUSHERRegency Ballroom I SF$27-$30 I 888.929.7849theregencyballroom.comWith Eric Sharp.

2 I TOMMY DAVIDSONTommy T’s I Pleasanton$20-$30 I 925.227.1800tommyts.comComedia, musician, actor and original star of In Living Color. (Ends 8/5)

2 I PAUL THORN BANDFreight & Salvage I Berkeley$22.50-$24.50 I 510.644.2020thefreight.orgDavid Jacobs-Strain opens.

2 I WAR HORSECurran Theatre I SF$31-$100 I 888.746.1799https:shnsf.comSHN brings the play that won the 2011 Tony Award for Best Play to San Francisco. (Ends 9/9)

3 I CAFE CON COMEDYDolores Park Cafe I SF$7-$20 I 800.838.3006koshercomedy.comNight of stand up with restaurant veterans: Bob McIntyre, Nick Leonard, Carla Clayy, Lisa Geduldig.

3 I EDNA WRIGHT/HONEY CONERrazz Room I SF$35 I 800.380.3095therrazzroom.comClassic 70s R&B and Soul girl group singing all of their hits. (Ends 8/4)

3 I ELVIN BISHOPYoshi’s I Oakland$20-$26 I 510.238.9200yoshis.com/oaklandWith his band. Bishop wrote the hit “Fooled Around and Fell in Love.”

3 I HUMOR ABUSEAmerican Conservatory Theater I SF$25-$95 I 415.749.2228act-sf.orgLorenzo Pisoni’s tale of life growing up in the circus returns. (Ends 8/19)

3 I jAY PHAROAHCobb’s Comedy Club I SF$22.50 I 415.928.4320cobbscomedyclub.comSNL’s youngest ever comedian live at Cobb’s. (Ends 8/5)

3 I MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEADMountain Winery I Saratoga$45-$85 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comWith Naia Kete.

3 I MISS jULIEActors Theatre of San Francisco$38 I 415.345.1287actorstheatresf.orgStrindbergs’ psycho-sexual drama filled with obsession & ambition. (Ends 9/8)

3 I PRIDE AND PREjUDICECue Productions Live! I Concord$18 I 800.838.3006b8company.comA staged adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic tale. 2 parts. (Ends 8/26)

3 I TITO Y SU SON DE CUBAFreight & Salvage I Berkeley$20.50-$22.50 I 510.644.2020thefreight.orgHigh energy Cuban sound a la Buena Vista Social Club.

3 I PRIVATE LIVESAltarena Playhouse I Alameda$19-$22 I 510.523.1553altarena.orgNoël Coward’s hilarious comedy of manners. (Ends 9/2)

3 I SOUL ASYLUMIndependent I SF$20 I 877.435.9849theindependentsf.comWith Trapper Schoepp & The Shades, Cosmic Suckerpunch.

3 I THE qUEST UNSAIDCounterPulse I SF$20 I No Number Availablecounterpulse.orgIndian classical dance exploration of the hidden in human relationships and emotions. (Ends 8/4)

CLOSING SHOWS

Michael Rhone & Corrie Borris in How to Succeed.... (8/12)

11 I PINKY6th Street Playhouse I Santa Rosa$20-$25 I 707.523.41856thstreetplayhouse.comDavid Templeton both wrote and stars in this heartwarming tale of teen love.

12 I KING jOHNForest Meadows Amphitheatre I SR$20-$35 I 415.499.4488marinshakespeare.org Action-packed play recounting King John’s battle for the English throne.

12 I GREATER TUNAThe Barn Theatre I Ross$17 I 415.456.9555rossvalleyplayers.comRoss Valley Players in this comedy about the mythical town of Tuna, TX.

12 I MERRY WIVES OF WINDSORConcannon Vineyard I Livermore$25-$39 I 800.838.3006livermoreshakes.orgLadies have the last laugh when Falstaff comes to town.

12 I HOW TO SUCCEED...Smithwick Theatre I Los Altos Hills$10-$28 I 650.949.7360foothillmusicals.com Musical satire of 1960s corporate life and one man’s shortcut to success.

12 I HER REBEL HIGHNESSHarlot I SF$25-$65 I 415.735.1627herrebelhighness.comTale of three rebellious princesses, determined to write their own destinies.

17 I ENRON 2012EXIT Theatre I SF$25 I No Phone Availableenron2012.comThe Smartest Guys in the Room meets Avenue Q. A dark and comedic view.

18 I NOISES OFF!Live Oak Theater I Berkeley$15 I 800.838.3006aeofberkeley.orgFarce about a horrible British farce and the madness backstage.

AUGUST 2012 I I 7

Playwright Annie Baker has been doing quite well in the Bay Area this year. Her play Body Awareness was presented in January by Aurora Theatre Company in Berkeley and The Aliens landed at SF Playhouse in March. This month the North Bay gets to experience a Circle Mirror Transformation courtesy of Marin Theatre Company. In it, four people take an acting class and they all, including the teacher, learn more about themselves than they expected.

The outstanding cast - all MTC veterans - includes Arwen Anderson. L. Peter Callender, Robert Parsons, Julia Brothers and Marissa Keltie. For Keltie, a newly-minted member of Actors Equity, the job is something of a dream.

“It’s amazing to have grown up here in the Bay Area because I’ve seen so many of these folks on stage for so many years, and then in the past few years, to get to the place where I’m now working with them is just sort of mind-blowingly amazing,” she says. “For example, Peter Callender came and spoke when I was in college and so we struck up a friendship and he would coach monologues for me.”

Keltie saw the two recent Baker productions not knowing she’d soon be appearing in one herself. “I was smart enough to see them, is what I always say, but I was actually lucky enough to see them because two friends invited me to each of the plays. The Aliens blew me away. I thought it was so fantastic.”

She describes the play as “deceptively simple. By the end it sort of hits you that you’ve really met and been through a journey with these five people, this really profound journey in all of their lives. I don’t think that you realize that you’re doing that as you’re watching it.”

CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATIONAugust 2 to 26Marin Theatre Company397 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley$36 to $57 I 415.388.5208marintheatre.org

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DAILY

4 I DAVID GRISMANIndependent I SF$29.50 I 877.435.9849theindependentsf.comThe David Grissman Bluegrass Experience.

4 I GUITARS W/OUT BORDERSFreight & Salvage I Berkeley$22.50-$24.50 I 510.644.2020thefreight.orgFeaturing Alex De Grassi, Walter Strauss, Franco Morone.

4 I GUTHRIE FAMILYMountain Winery I Saratoga$35-$75 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comWith Arlo Guthrie.

4 I jAY BRANNANGreat American Music Hall I SF$16 I 415.255.0333slimspresents.comWith Chris Pureka.

4 I KIT LOPEZCampbell Theatre I Martinez$20 I 925.798.1300willowstheatre.comWith her band The Branded Men.

4 I MADAMA BUTTERFLYMildred Owen Hall I Pacifica$20 I 650.355.1882pacificaperformances.orgPacifica Performances presents Verismo Opera with Puccini’s tragic opera.

4 I ORqUESTA LA MODERNAOsher Marin JCC I San Rafael$20 I 415.444.8000marinjcc.orgOsher Marin JCC’s Summer Nights. Dance lessons before the show.

4 I SO MUCH BETTERLesher Center I Walnut Creek$10 I 925.943.7469lesherartscenter.orgPresented by DTC’s Youth Camp.

4 I STRING VIRTUOSOSYerba Buena Gardens I SFFREE I 415.771.2376afrosolo.orgAfroSolo’s Jazz in the Gardens.

4 I DREAMCHASERS TOURFillmore I SF$35 I 800.745.3000livenation.comWith Meek Mill and Gunplay.

4 I THE ENGLISH BEATBimbo’s 365 Club I SF$22-$25 I 877.435.9849bimbos365club.comSka band shares the stage with The Champions Inc.

4 I THE FAMILY STONEYoshi’s I Oakland$22-$28 I 510.238.9200yoshis.com/oaklandLegendary rock band.

4 I THE MIKADONapa Valley Opera House I Napa$17.50-$45 I 707.226.7372lamplighters.orgLive orchestra, gorgeous sets and costumes, and the amazing voices of the Lamplighters! (Ends 8/5)

4 I WAYNE WALLACEMitchell Park I Palo AltoFREE I No Number Availablecityofpaloalto.orgPalo Alto’s free 2012 Twilight Concert Series.

5 I BERLIOZ REqUIEMDavies Symphony Hall I SF$15-$45 I 415.392.4400fingerlakeschoral.orgFeaturing over 300 musicians and singers from a number of New York and San Francisco choruses.

5 I CHINESE OPERAYBCA - Novellus Theater I SF$35-$45 I 415.978.2787ybca.orgHarmony Chinese Musical Center - benefiting Gum Moon Women’s Residence.

5 I HELP IS ON THE WAY xVIIIHerbst Theatre I SF$50-$125 I 415.392.4400reaf.orgAnnual AIDS benefit with a stellar cast of dozens of gifted artists, silent auction.

5 I LOS ENANITOS VERDESFillmore I SF$45 I 800.745.3000livenation.com

5 I LOS LONELY BOYSMountain Winery I Saratoga$35-$65 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comAnd North Mississippi Allstars.

5 I NIYAZYoshi’s I SF$26-$28 I 415.655.5600yoshis.comBlending Sufi mystical poetry with Middle Eastern folk music.

5 I OZOMATLIStern Grove I SFFREE I No Number Availablesterngrove.orgReturning to the Stern Grove Festival, with Malian band SMOD.

CLOSING SHOWS

Vernon Bush in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. (8/19)

18 I 10 YEARS OF UN-SCRIPTEDSF Playhouse - Stage 2 I SF$10-$20 I 415.322.8738un-scripted.com Un-Scripted celebrates its Tenth Anniversary Season.

18 I A DOLL’S HOUSEWillows Theatre I Concord$30-$36 I 925.798.1300willowstheatre.com19th-century wife finds her true self only after a falling out with her spouse.

19 I MERCHANT OF VENICENext Stage I SF$25-$32 I 415.798.2682custommade.orgA stylistic cross between Mad Men and American Psycho explores greed.

19 I WILLY WONKAJulia Morgan Center I Berkeley$17-$35 I 510.845.8542berkeleyplayhouse.orgBerkeley Playhouse presents a musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale.

19 I PROjECT: LOHANThe Costume Shop I SF$25 I 800.838.3006projectlohan.comD’Arcy Drollinger’s multi-media show chronicling the life of Lindsay Lohan.

20 I SWEENEY TODDCoastal Rep I Half Moon Bay$35 I 650.569.3266coastalrep.comStephen Sondheim’s musical about “The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”

26 I LES MISéRABLESOrpheum Theatre I SF$31-$150 I 888.746.1799shnsf.com25th anniversary tour of the world-beloved French Revolution musical.

26 I CHICAGOCity Lights Theater I SJ$25-$35 I 408.295.4200cltc.orgKander and Ebb’s brilliant satirical musical set in 1920s Chicago.

AUGUST 2012 I I 9

In its almost two-decade history, the Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation has recruited Emmy, Grammy, Tony and Oscar winners to donate their talents in support of Bay Area AIDS service organizations. In recent years, new types of winners have emerged, from shows like American Idol and America’s Got Talent, to lend their support.

Again under the guidance of director David Galligan, this years edition of Help is on the Way, sub-titled That’s Entertainment, will feature a mix of frequent players like jazz singer Paula West, Phantom soprano Liza Vroman and “grand diva” Carole Cook; returning guests from Broadway and Hollywood like Sam Harris, Maureen McGovern, Vicki Lewis, and Rex Smith; singers Kimberley Locke and the duo Tuck & Patti; and the ever-constant ASL interpretation of Jon Maher.

A newcomer to the fold is a lady who needs little introduction even though she’s chosen to be out of the spotlight for the last decade. Australian singer Helen Reddy was the voice of the women’s movement in the ‘70s with the anthem “I Am Woman,” which she wrote with Ray Burton. A multiple Grammy winner, Reddy recorded over a dozen Top 40 hits, had her own television show and also starred on Broadway and in London’s West End before retiring from showbiz to help others by training as a therapist.

It’s not the first time Reddy has lent a hand to this cause. “Oh, I’ve done a lot over the years,” she says. “In the early days, we just didn’t know what was going on. I was seeing friends one after the other just drop. It was really, really scary.“

Depending on the ticket purchased, in addition to enjoying the wonderful and diverse cast of entertainers, patrons of the benefit can attend pre- and post-show receptions - the latter offering a chance to rub elbows with much of the cast.

HELP IS ON THE WAYAugust 5Herbst Theatre401 Van Ness Avenue, SF$50 to $125 I 415.273.1620helpisontheway.org

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DAILY

5 I PATRICK LANDEZAYoshi’s I Oakland$20 I 510.238.9200yoshis.comHawaiian slack key guitarist.

5 I jOANNA PITTRrazz Room I SF$25 I 800.380.3095therrazzroom.comTribute to Karen and Richard Carpenter.

5 I SHAWN BROWNFirehouse Arts Center I Pleasanton$15-$25 I 925.931.4848firehousearts.orgWith Graham Central Station’s Ashling Cole.

5 I REFUGEE ALL STARSIndependent I SF$20 I 877.435.9849theindependentsf.comWith Black Nature Band, Naia Kete.

5 I VIVIANA GUZMáNLesher Center I Walnut Creek$25 I 925.943.7469lesherartscenter.orgChilean flutist, guitarist Jérémy Jouve.

6 I CHRIS ISAAKMountain Winery I Saratoga$55-$135 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comWith Shawn Colvin.

6 I KELLY PARK PRESENTS...Rrazz Room I SF$20 I 800.380.3095therrazzroom.comJazz vocalist Nicolas Bearde, Kelly Park Trio with violinist Mads Tolling.

6 I RAVI COLTRANEYoshi’s I Oakland$15-$20 I 510.238.9200yoshis.com/oaklandSaxophonist is backed by David Virelles, Dezron Douglas, EJ Strickland. (Ends 8/7)

7 I ETIENNE CHARLESYoshi’s I SF$14 I 415.655.5600yoshis.comAcclaimed trumpeter from Trinidad.

7 I FANG ISLANDGreat American Music Hall I SF$15 I 415.255.0333slimspresents.comWith Zechs Marquise.

7 I jOE BARTNICKPunch Line San Francisco I SF$15 I 415.397.7573punchlinecomedyclub.comLive CD recording by the comic who opens Lisa Lampanelli’s live shows.

7 I KASEY CHAMBERSSlim’s I SF$27.50 I 415.255.0333slimspresents.comWith Sarah Jarosz.

7 I KINSEY SICKSRrazz Room I SF$35-$40 I 800.380.3095therrazzroom.comElectile Dysfunction: The Kinsey Sicks for President. (Ends 8/19)

7 I NEIL DIAMONDHP Pavilion I San Jose$82-$117 I 800.745.3000hppavilion.comLegedary vocalist live at the HP.

8 I DURAN DURANMountain Winery I Saratoga$59.50-$149.50 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.com (Ends 8/9)

8 I IGLESIAS & LOPEZHP Pavilion I San Jose$96.50-$176.50 I 800.745.3000hppavilion.comJennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias.

8 I jONATHAN BUTLERYoshi’s I Oakland$20-$28 I 510.238.9200yoshis.com/oaklandSouth African-born R&B, jazz and gospel singer & guitarist. (Ends 8/9)

8 I CHIYANIKE & AZIMFreight & Salvage I Berkeley$20.50-$22.50 I 510.644.2020thefreight.orgHealing music of spirits of Zimbabwe.

8 I LIV WARFIELDYoshi’s I SF$14-$20 I 415.655.5600yoshis.comWith Jarrod Lawson.

8 I MARON & BARKERCobb’s Comedy Club I SF$35-$60 I 415.928.4320cobbscomedyclub.comComedians perform as a benefit for SF Animal Care & Control’s Animal Shelter.

8 I OPRY AT THE OPERANapa Valley Opera House I Napa$35-$45 I 707.226.7372nvoh.orgThe Silverado Pickups, Striking Matches, and Radney Foster.

8 I REDD KROSSGreat American Music Hall I SF$20 I 415.255.0333slimspresents.comWith The Mantles, Warm Soda.

ONGOING SHOWS

The rain’s staying in Spain at My Fair Lady at SF Playhouse.

BEACH BLANKET BABYLONClub Fugazi I SF$25-$130 I 415.421.4222beachblanketbabylon.comLong-running revue skewering news and culture with songs and big hats.

BEYOND THERAPYShelton Theater I SF$20 I 800.838.3006sheltontheater.orgThe tale of rwo Manhattanites seeking stable romantic relationships.

BIG CITY IMPROVShelton Theater I SF$20 I 866.468.3399bigcityimprov.comFour years running. Every scene is based upon audience suggestions.

MY FAIR LADYSF Playhouse I SF$30-$70 I 415.677.9596sfplayhouse.orgA fresh and sexy take on the classic musical based on Shaw’s Pygmalion.

PETER MORRISONMarrakech Magic Theater I SF$38 I 877.624.4264sanfranciscomagictheater.comMorrison demonstrates sleight-of-hand magic and feats of mentalism.

PARTY OF TWOShelton Theatre I SF$27-$29 I 800.838.3006partyof2themusical.comFollow two self-sufficient types from their meeting through their relationship.

SECRET IMPROV SOCIETYShelton Theater I SF$15 I 866.468.3399sheltontheater.comCreating characters, stories, and songs on the spot from audience suggestions.

SHOPPING! THE MUSICALShelton Theater I SF$27-$29 I 800.838.3006sheltontheater.comAn original musical revue about everyone’s favorite pastime.

AUGUST 2012 I I 11 AUGUST 2012 I I 11

John Butterfield had just finished studying direction in New Zealand when he came to Concord to establish Butterfield 8 Theatre Company in 2006. “They really stressed ‘think outside the box.’” Meanwhile, his good friend Carol Davis had been looking for artists to make use of the performance area at her downtown production company. The place is nothing like a conventional theater - in fact it’s not much more than a little floor space - but it was just the kind of creative challenge Butterfield had come prepared to meet. Pride and Prejudice, an adaptation of the Jane Austen classic penned by local author and Austen aficionado Don Hardy, reflects the director’s now well-seasoned propensity for innovation.

When he first approached Hardy about adapting the novel for the stage, the author was hesitant. “Don didn’t feel the play could be crammed into one evening. That’s a lot of story to cram into a little time slot.” Once he suggested presenting the play in two parts, though, Hardy was intrigued. “He spent about a year putting it together.”

The work premiered at Cue Productions last year and it was so popular, the two agreed it wasn’t too soon to bring it back this summer - with a few small improvements. “You know, you’re always tinkering. Don added some dialogue and some explanation and transition for characters, Darcy and I think for Jane as well. There will be a few new costumes, and some new props.” The show also involves some unconventional staging. “(Hardy) didn’t want the actors to leave the stage. He wanted them to stay and be engaged in the story, so we had to come up with stations for everyone.”

PRIDE AND PREjUDICEAugust 3 to 26Cue Productions Live1835 Colfax Street, Concord$10 to $12 I 510.282.6174b8company.com

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WAR HORSE August 2 to September 9SHN Curran Theatre445 Geary Street, SF$31 to $100 I 888.746.1799shnsf.com

Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo and adapted by Nick Stafford, War Horse is directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, and presented in association with Handspring Puppet Company. Filled with stirring music and songs, at the heart of the show are life-sized puppets which bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to breathtaking life on stage.

HUMOR ABUSE August 3 to 19American Conservatory Theater415 Geary Street, SF$25 to $95 I 415.749.2228415.749.2228

There’s probably not a clown joke that Lorenzo Pisoni has not heard at least once. The son of Pickle Family Circus founder Larry Pisoni, Lorenzo not only had a clown for a father, he grew up in the circus and tumbled, juggled and, yes, clowned around in a 20-year career of his own. Humor Abuse is a return engagement of Pisoni’s heartwarming tale of family love and dysfunction, leavened with laughter and clowning.

12 I I AUGUST 2012

That’s EntertainmentThat’s Entertainment

AUGUST 5HERBST THEATER

Bay Area’s Largest Annual AIDS Benefit Show & Gala

Benefiting 4 Bay AreaAIDS Agencies

Sam Harris Helen ReddyRex Smith

Maureen McGovernKimberley Locke

Lisa VromanJake SimpsonCarole CookPaula WestTuck & Patti

Cast of Les Mis& MORE

helpisontheway.org415.273.1620

DAILY

8 I DRAGONSOracle Arena I Oakland$65-$100 I 800.745.3000ringling.comPresenting their latest circus from Rinling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey.

9 I ANDREW BIRDIndependent I SF$50 I 877.435.9849theindependentsf.comOutside Lands Festival. With Kelly Hogan.

9 I ERIC VAUGHN qUARTET142 Throckmorton I Mill Valley$20-$30 I 415.383.9600142throckmortontheatre.orgVaughn is joined by Bob Kenmotsu, John Wiitala and Kent Bryson.

9 I KIM WATERSYoshi’s I SF$18-$22 I 415.655.5600yoshis.com/sanfranciscoSmooth urban jazz saxophonist.

9 I LONI LOVECobb’s Comedy Club I SF$18.50 I 415.928.4320cobbscomedyclub.comWith special guest Rachel Feinstein. (Ends 8/12)

9 I MESUT ÖZGENLesher Center I Walnut Creek$25 I 925.943.7469lesherartscenter.orgPresented by Sierra Guitar.

9 I NICKI MINAjParamount Theatre I Oakland$48.50-$82.50 I 800.745.3000paramounttheatre.comTrinidadian-American rapper and singer-songwriter.

9 I OTTMAR LIEBERTBankhead Theater I Livermore$39-$51 I 925.373.6800mylvpac.comWorld-renowned nouveau flamenco guitarist and composer, with Luna Negra.

9 I WEIRD AL YANKOVICUptown Theatre I Napa$55 I 707.259.0123uptowntheatrenapa.comHis Alpocalypse Tour.

10 I A FUNNY THING HAPPENED...Woodminster Amphitheater I Oakland$27-$56 I 510.339.0241woodminster.comHilarious musical farce set in ancient Rome. Music by Stephen Sondheim. Beautiful outdoor setting. (Ends 8/19)

10 I CASCADA DE FLORESOld First Church I SF$17 I 415.474.1608oldfirstconcerts.orgCelebrating the music of the golden radio age of Latin America.

10 I jANE MONHEITNapa Valley Opera House I Napa$25-$30 I 707.226.7372nvoh.orgGifted jazz vocalist.

10 I MRS. PAT’S HOUSELa Peña Center I Berkeley$12-$15 I 510.849.2568lapena.orgJovelyn Richards’ story of a brothel set in an African American neighborhood during the Depression. (Ends 8/12)

10 I NGAIO BEALUMPunch Line San Francisco I SF$19 I 415.397.7573punchlinecomedyclub.comSharing the stand-up stage with Sean Rouse. (Ends 8/11)

10 I OUTSIDE LANDSGolden Gate Park I SF$95-$225 I No Number Availablesfoutsidelands.comNeil Young, Foo Fighters, Beck, and many, many more.

10 I SEALMountain Winery I Saratoga$55-$155 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comWith special guest Macy Gray.

10 I SOUL POWERYoshi’s I Oakland$15-$18 I 510.238.9200yoshis.comHorn-driven funk & soul.

10 I TERENCE BLANCHARDYoshi’s I SF$20-$24 I 415.655.5600yoshis.com/sanfrancisco5-tim Grammy award-winning jazz trumpeter & film composer. (Ends 8/11)

10 I THE NICKEL SLOTS142 Throckmorton I Mill Valley$15-$20 I 415.383.9600142throckmortontheatre.orgWith Todd Morgan & the Emblems.

10 I WASHED OUTIndependent I SF$25 I 877.435.9849theindependentsf.comOutside Lands Festival. With Seventeen Evergreen.

AUGUST 2012 I I 13

It’s an old joke, but if anyone can breathe new life into “putting the fun into dysfunction,” it has to be Winnie, Rachel, Trixie and Trampolina - better known as The Kinsey Sicks. The a capella drag quartet is marching to a fife and drum beat with their politically-themed show Electile Dysfunction.

Getting a politician to state a position is always a challenge, and according Irwin Keller - Winnie’s alter ego - some days it felt like every time he and his cohorts would come up with a really wicked musical gag for the show, their subject would flip-flop and change the punch line.

“In a certain way our challenge - especially during the primary season, and especially with that cast of characters going for the Republican nomination - our challenge was being extreme enough,” says Keller. “Every time we would create a lyric, poking fun at the Republicans by taking some outrageous position, or saying some outrageous thing, we would turn on the TV and one of the candidates would have just said it.”

It’s all in a day’s work for Keller, Ben Schatz (Rachel), Jeff Manabat (Trixie), and Spencer Brown (Trampolina). The show is the group’s first commissioned work. “We’re very happy about it. We premiered it in

Washington, D.C. at Theater J. That’s theater with an ‘er’ not an ‘re.’ None of that British shit,” jokes Keller. “We spent a fair amount of time in 2011 writing this show, coming up with all new music. This show has 12, 13, 14 songs that had never been in any Kinsey Sicks show before. They were all written around this election, about this election, and about all the issues that were being bandied about. So the show is probably more political than any show we’ve done in quite awhile, and really biting and really funny.”

ELECTILE DYSFUNCTIONAugust 7 to 19The Rrazz Room222 Mason Street, SF$35 to $40 I 800.380.3095therrazzroom.com

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DAILY STILL STANDING (UP)

Mike Capozzola at El Rio for Kung Pao Comedy. (8/13)

COMEDY PALOOZA50 Mason Social House I SFFREE I 415.433.505050masonsocialhouse.comBringing the funny back and hosted by 411 comedy on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm.

COMEDY RETURNS TO EL RIOEl Rio I SF$7-$20 I 800.838.3006elriosf.com Laughs in the Mission the second Monday of every month at 8:00 pm.

HARVEY’S FUNNY TUESDAYSHarvey’s I SFFREE I 415.431.4278harveyssf.comRonn Vigh and a roster of LGBT-friendly comics on Tuesdays at 9:00 pm.

HELLA GAY COMEDY Deco Lounge I SF$20 I 415.346.3025decosf.comLGBT comedy variety show that changes its theme every month.

MARK PITTA & FRIENDS142 Throckmorton I Mill Valley$15-$20 I 415. 383.9600142throckmortontheatre.orgNational headliner from SF comedy scene hosts Tuesday at 8:00 pm.

MINORITIES STAND UPStageWerx I SF$10-$15 I At The Doorstagewerx.orgEdwin Li & Samson Koletkar blast away at stereotypes every 3rd Wednesday.

SFCC UNDERGROUNDPurple Onion I SF$7 I 800.838.3006sfcomedycollege.comSF Comedy College on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:00 pm.

TUESDAYS ARE jILLARIOUSTommy T’s Showroom I SF$10 I 415.346.5597tommyts.com/showroomFounder of How We First Met hosts a night of stand-up Tuesdays at 7:30 pm.

10 I WIZARD OF OZNewark Memorial High School$10-$15 I 800.838.3006stage1theatre.orgThe Wizard of Oz (RSC version) performed by kids aged 5-17. (Ends 8/19)

11 I BLITHE SPIRITBruns Memorial Amphitheater I Orinda$35-$71 I 510.548.9666calshakes.orgCal Shakes presents Noël Coward’s tale of a novelist who conjurs up the ghost of his late wife. (Ends 9/11)

11 I BUDDY GUYMountain Winery I Saratoga$39.50-$99.50 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comWith Jonny Lang.

11 I MSTRKRFTIndependent I SF$35 I 877.435.9849theindependentsf.comWith The M Machine.

11 I SEALWells Fargo Center I Santa Rosa$65-$85 I 707.546.3600wellsfargocenterarts.orgSpecial guest Macy Gray.

11 I SINGER’S SHOWCASEFirehouse Arts Center I Pleasanton$12-$25 I 925.931.4848firehousearts.orgActresses performing Arlen (11th) and Gershwin (12th) selections. (Ends 8/12)

11 I SWING SET jAZZ COMBORrazz Room I SF$25 I 800.380.3095therrazzroom.comMultiple-award winning, student-led jazz combo from Maria Carrillo High School in Santa Rosa.

11 I THE BLACKBYRDSYoshi’s I Oakland$25-$28 I 510.238.9200yoshis.com/oaklandFunk and R&B pioneers perform their hits. (Ends 8/12)

11 I THE MIKADOMountain View Center I MV$18-$52 I 650.903.6000lamplighters.orgLive orchestra, gorgeous sets and costumes, and the amazing voices of the Lamplighters! (Ends 8/12)

11 I YOU AND ICampbell Theatre I Martinez$20 I 925.798.1300willowstheatre.comA musical salute to music icons of the past. Willows Theatre’s Summer Series.

12 I A FLOCK OF SEAGULLSYoshi’s I SF$25 I 415.655.5600yoshis.comEnglish New Wave band won a 1983 Grammy award.

12 I AL jARREAUStern Grove I SFFREE I No Number Availablesterngrove.orgWith George Duke Trio plus Mara Hruby.

12 I DEAD CAN DANCEGreek Theatre I Berkeley$55-$95 I 800.745.3000deadcandance.com

12 I GRANDADDYIndependent I SF$25 I 877.435.9849theindependentsf.comOutside Lands Festival. With Caveman.

12 I OUTSIDE LANDS FESITVALGolden Gate Park I SF$95-$225 I 800.745.3000sfoutsidelands.comStevie Wonder, Jack White, Dispatch.

12 I ROGER HODGSONMountain Winery I Saratoga$35-$85 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comVocalist for Supertramp. With Tyrone Wells.

12 I TALK OF MARRIAGEYBCA - Forum Theatre I SF$5 I 415.978.2787ybca.orgPerformance & discussion touching on the sacred & profane nature of marriage,

12 I TIM HOCKENBERRY142 Throckmorton I Mill Valley$28-$40 I 415.383.9600142throckmortontheatre.org

13 I HEARTMountain Winery I Saratoga$45-$95 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comWith Fanatic Four.

13 I jESCA HOOPYoshi’s I Oakland$15 I 510.238.9200yoshis.comWith guitarist Jesse Harris.

13 I THE SHOUTGrand Lake Coffee House I Oakland$5-$20 I 510.220.8614theshoutstorytelling.comLife’s true stories told onstage without notes or scripts.

AUGUST 2012 I I 15 AUGUST 2012 I I 15

CounterPULSE is offering a wide selection of live performance from emerging California artists this summer. BARK (Karen Schaffman and Eric Geiger), is an exploration of chance and our readiness for it; The Quest Unsaid (Navia Natarajan and Jyotsna Vaideeswaran) is a look at relationships seen through Indian classical dance, music and poetry; WorkMORE! #5 (VivvyAnne ForeverMORE! And Mica Sigourney/OX), has drag performers blurring the line between theater and nightclub experience; and Sunk in Sleep (Bianca Cabrera’s Blind Tiger Society), bills itself “part dream, part nightmare” and “a down the rabbit hole kind of exploit.”

“I’m interested in the way audiences witness and explore performances. I think being a passive witness is a wonderful way of engaging, but I’m interested in seeking out other ways for people to be engaged,” says Cabrera, director and choreographer. “I’m interested in ways to make performance more of a party.” She explains, “There’s a bit of passive watching, sitting in chairs, but the there’s an interim space which I call The Portal. This is a space where they engage with the performers. There will be food and drink offered. It was essential to me

that we tap into multiple senses. You can choose your own level of adventure and participate as much or as little as you please.”

Cabrera partnered with Roel Q. Seeber, who created The Portal and serves as lighting and technical producer, and musician/composer Ben Joudvalkis. “His music is incredibly ornate and technological,” says Cabrera. “We have been rehearsing and building the material together.”

The group takes its name from illegal dive bars that advertised shows of natural oddities/curiosities during the Prohibition era. “Come see the Blind Tiger, 25 cents!!” meant a sly drink would be put in your hand as you perused the spectacles. These Tigers bring a hedonistic edge to Bay Area dance. “It’s like that final sip of wine,” says Cabrera, “where you say ‘I am feeling exactly like I want to feel - a little bit happy, a little bit dizzy… moving from the apex of the evening into a dream state.”

COUNTERPULSEAugust 3 to 27CounterPULSE Theater1310 Mission Street, SF$12 to $20 I 415.626.2060counterpulse.org

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MEASURE FOR MEASURE August 17 to 27Café Royale800 Post Street, SF$5 I No Number Availablesftheaterpub.wordpress.com

San Francisco Theater Pub has been curating twelve-month seasons of both staged readings and full dress productions of rarely-produced classics, new translations, and wholly original works since 2010, all in an atmosphere of chummy camaraderie, aided no doubt by the freely-flowing libations at their Tendernob lounge home, Café Royale.

Artistic Director Stuart Bousel is no stranger to lesser-known works of Shakespeare, including adapting both Henry IV and Henry V in 2011, and directing The Merchant of Venice, now running at Next Stage. What draws to this month’s Measure for Measure is the theme of compassion.

“The basic crux of the story, a deviant ruler who acts in a manner that he won’t tolerate in others, is a fantastic set up for discussing how and why we forgive some people and condemn others - often for doing the same thing or things we ourselves have done,” he says. “Additionally, it has an extraordinary heroine in the character of Isabella, who is able to embody compassion effortlessly once she comes to understand her own flaws.”

Bousel suggests a balance of low commitment and maximum fun is part of what lures actors to Theater Pub. “The point is to be as diverse as possible and also to be as inclusive as possible, so that we’re a true Theater Pub working for the community.” Many cast members of Bousel’s ambitious, off-book Measure are not just Theater Pub regulars, but real movers and shakers in the SF indie theater scene, including Julie Heitner, Kristen Broadbear, and Neil Higgins.

- Nicole Gluckstern

16 I I AUGUST 2012

graphic design

publishing

415.552.8040

www.viamedia.neta division of Caselli Partners LLC

DAILY

13 I TOMMY IGOE BIG BANDRrazz Room I SF$25 I 800.380.3095therrazzroom.com15 member band, including members of Tower of Power, Santana and The Doobie Brothers . (Ends 8/27)

14 I ERIC VAUGHN qUARTETYoshi’s I Oakland$15-$20 I 510.238.9200yoshis.comFeaturing Eric Vaughn, Bob Kenmotsu, John Wiitala and Kent Bryson.

14 I MEASURE FOR MEASURECafé Royale I SFFREE I No Number Availablesftheaterpub.wordpress.comSF Theater Pub’s 2012 Shakespeare production of the Bard’s fast-paced romp. (Ends 8/27)

14 I SARA GAZAREKYoshi’s I SF$16 I 415.655.5600yoshis.comAward-winning jazz vocalist.

14 I SCOTT CAPURROPunch Line San Francisco I SF$17.50 I 415.397.7573punchlinecomedyclub.comPresenting his live comedy chat show Scott Capurro’s Position.

14 I WEIRD AL YANKOVICMountain Winery I Saratoga$35-$65 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comThe Alpocalypse Tour.

15 I DIANA KRALL Wente Vineyards I Livermore$89-$289 I 800.745.3000wentevineyards.comconcertsSummer Nights US Tour.

15 I GIPSY KINGSMountain Winery I Saratoga$55-$149.50 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comSpanish instrumentalists.

15 I IAN EDWARDS Punch Line San Francisco I SF$15 I 415.397.7573punchlinecomedyclub.comSketch-writer and comedian brings his stand-up to San Francisco. (Ends 8/18)

15 I MARLOW ROSADOYoshi’s I SF$22 I 415.655.5600yoshis.comWith his twelve-piece band La Riquena playing “salsa dura.”

15 I DRAGONSHP Pavilion I San Jose$105 I 800.745.3000ringling.comThe latest circus from Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey. (Ends 8/19)

15 I WILL DURSTYoshi’s I Oakland$20 I 510.238.9200yoshis.comPolitical comedy.

15 I ZZ TOPWells Fargo Center I Santa Rosa$69-$129 I 707.546.3600wellsfargocenterarts.orgKings of red-hot Texas boogie and blues.

16 I ALEjANDRO ESCOVEDOBimbo’s 365 Club I SF$25 I 877.435.9849bimbos365club.comWith Jesse Malin.

16 I CHERRY POPPIN’ DADDIESYoshi’s I SF$22 I 415.655.5600yoshis.comOregon swing band.

16 I DIANA KRALLMountain Winery I Saratoga$59.50-$129.50 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comWith Denzal Sinclaire.

16 I DR. jOHN & LOWER 911Independent I SF$39.50 I 415.771.1421theindependentsf.comFeaturing Jon Cleary. (Ends 8/17)

16 I OUR COUNTRY’S GOODRedwood Amphitheatre I Ross$15-$30 I 415.251.1027porchlight.netRoyal Marines and convicts come together through theater. (Ends 9/27)

16 I BENNY GREEN TRIOYoshi’s I Oakland$18 I 510.238.9200yoshis.comHard-bop pianist.

16 I THE MIKADOYBCA - Novellus Theater I SF$15-$59 I 415.978.2787lamplighters.orgLive orchestra, gorgeous sets and costumes, and the amazing voices of the Lamplighters! (Ends 8/18)

16 I WILLIE & THE LOCOS142 Throckmorton I Mill Valley$18-$30 I 415.383.9600142throckmortontheatre.orgWillie Royal of Willie and Lobo.

AUGUST 2012 I I 17 AUGUST 2012 I I 17

An awkward spinster on a drought-ridden farm and the charming con man who promises her a downpour for $100 were the characters invented by N. Richard Nash for his play The Rainmaker, which opened on Broadway in 1954 with Geraldine Page and Darren McGavin, and was filmed two years later with Burt Lancaster and Katharine Hepburn. Then as now, plays that begat movies often begat musicals. Rechristened 110 in the Shade, Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt of The Fantasticks made their Broadway debut in 1963 with Inga Swenson and Robert Horton as the singing Lizzie Curry and Bill Starbuck.

The show bows this month at the North Bay’s Cinnabar Theatre in Petaluma and opera-trained Kelly Britt, fresh from playing Maria in West Side Story at Contra Costra Civic Theatre, stars as Lizzie. At 25, Britt seems too young to be cast as a spinster, but director Elly Lichenstein helps put the term in context. “In the ‘30s, at the time of the show, a 25-year-old woman in a small town would be pretty nervous about her single-hood,” she says, “so age isn’t much of an issue in my mind. Lizzie has been sold a bill of goods about her looks. She believes herself to be plain, because her family sees her that way. When her inner beauty is discovered, her outer beauty will shine. The great thing about Kelly is that she also has no idea how beautiful she is. Perfect casting, if you ask me!”

“I love her,” says Britt of the character. “I love that she’s a very straightforward and honest character. She says what’s on her mind without thinking it through sometimes, and that’s what gets her in trouble. She really has this beautiful quality. She’s very, very insecure, so she’s very exposed at times and she’s very vulnerable. It’s this whole process of discovery, of her finding her own beauty, and of Starbuck helping her discover that.”

110 IN THE SHADEAugust 17 to September 2Cinnabar Theater3333 Petaluma Boulevard North, Petaluma$25 to $35 I 707.763.8920cinnabartheater.org

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BAY AREA VENUES

Sally Struthers appears at Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton. (8/18)

142 THROCKMORTONMill Valley142throckmortontheatre.org I 415.383.9600

CAL PERFORMANCESBerkeleycalperfs.berkeley.edu I 510.642.9988

EL CAMPANIL THEATREAntiochelcampaniltheatre.com I 408.864.8816

FIREHOUSE ARTS CENTERPleasantonfirehousearts.org I 925.931.4848

FLINT CENTERCupertinoflintcenter.com I 408.864.8816

FOx THEATRERedwood Cityfoxrwc.com I 650-369-7770

LESHER CENTERWalnut Creeklesherartscenter.org I 925.943.7469

MARIN CENTERSan Rafaelmarincenter.org I 415.473.6800

MOUNTAIN VIEW CENTERMountain Viewmvcpa.com I 650.903.6000

PARAMOUNT THEATREOaklandparamounttheatre.com I 800.745.3000

SAN jOSE CENTERSan Josesanjose.org I 408.792.4111

SPRECKELS ARTS CENTERRohnert Parkspreckelsonline.com I 707.588.3400

STANFORD LIVELY ARTSPalo Altolivelyarts.stanford.edu I 650.725.2787

WELLS FARGO CENTERSanta Rosawellsfargocenterarts.org I 707.546.3600

18 I I AUGUST 2012

image: courtesy photo (believers - m

aria giere marquis))

DAILY

17 I 110 IN THE SHADECinnabar Theater I Petaluma$25-$35 I 707.763.8920cinnabartheater.orgMusical version of The Rainmaker about a charismatic rainmaker’s visit to a drought stricken town. (Ends 9/2)

17 I 6RMS RIV VUDiablo Actors’ Ensemble I WC$25 I 866.811.4111diabloactors.comDAE presents this urban romantic comedy about two strangers locked in an apartment overnight. (Ends 9/1)

17 I CARMINA BURANADavies Symphony Hall I SF$28-$34 I 415.392.4400sfchoral.orgSF Choral Society presents a semi-staged production of Carl Orff’s erotic classic, with a twist. (Ends 8/18)

17 I DAROL ANGER & FURIESFreight & Salvage I Berkeley$22.50-$24.50 I 510.644.2020thefreight.orgAll-star string extravaganza.

17 I HIROSHIMAYoshi’s I Oakland$28 I 510.238.9200yoshis.com/oaklandStill producing beautiful music after 30 years. (Ends 8/19)

17 I jAZZ CRUSADERSYoshi’s I SF$30-$40 I 415.655.5600yoshis.com/sanfranciscoJoe Sample, Wayne Henderson and Wilton Felder perform their hits from the 60s and 70s. (Ends 8/19)

17 I jERRY jEFF WALKERBankhead Theater I Livermore$27-$47 I 925.373.6800mylvpac.comCountry singer/songwriter is know for writing the hit song “Mr. Bojangles.”

17 I MANHATTAN TRANSFERUptown Theatre I Napa$50 I 707.259.0123uptowntheatrenapa.comWith guests the Kellie Fuller Trio.

17 I RIGHTS OF PASSAGENew Conservatory Theatre I SF$25-$36 I 415.861.8972nctcsf.orgA new play focused on a gay Hindu from Bali woven with stories from around the world about dignity. (Ends 9/16)

17 I SON jAROCHO FESTIVALBrava Theatre I SF$15-$30 I 800.380.3095brava.orgBands from Veracruz, Mexico, join US bands. Benefit for Brava. (Ends 8/18)

17 I SFSOUNDORCHESTRAOld First Church I SF$17 I 415.474.1608oldfirstconcerts.orgCelebrating the music of John Cage.

17 I SUNK IN SLEEPCounterPulse I SF$20 I No Number Availablecounterpulse.orgKinetic dance production by Bianca Cabrera’s Blind Tiger Society, presented by CounterPulse. (Ends 8/19)

17 I SUPER DIAMONDBimbo’s 365 Club I SF$22 I 877.435.9849bimbos365club.comNeil Diamond cover band, with Duran Duran Duran. (Ends 8/18)

17 I THE LIARForest Meadows Amphitheatre I SR$20-$35 I 415.499.4488marinshakespeare.orgWest Coast premiere of The Liar, a new comedy set in the decadent and flamboyant cavalier period. (Ends 9/23)

17 I THE WIZARD OF OZSpreckels Center I Rohnert Park$20-$26 I 707.588.3400spreckelsonline.comBefore Wicked there was The Wizard of Oz and the MGM motion picture score! (Ends 8/26)

17 I TWIN SHADOWGreat American Music Hall I SF$21 I 415.255.0333slimspresents.comWith Poolside.

17 I URINETOWNVillage Theatre I Danville$18-$22 I 925.314.3466musicboxtheatreco.comCorruption, police brutality, environmental meltdown and love. (Ends 8/19)

17 I WARMountain Winery I Saratoga$35-$65 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comSpecial Guest Average White Band.

18 I BAY AREA TAP FESTIVALHerbst Theatre I SF$18 I 415.392.4400stepology.com10th Anniversary Celebration.

SAN FRANCISCO VENUES

Maria Giere Marquis in Believers at Stage Werx Theatre (8/2-25)

ALCOVE THEATREUnion Squarethealcovetheater.com I 415.383.9600

BILL GRAHAM AUDITORIUMCivic Centerapeconcerts.com I No Number Available

CASTRO THEATRECastrocastrotheatre.com I 415.621.6120

ExIT THEATRETenderlointheexit.org I 415.673.3847

FORT MASON CENTERMarinafortmason.org I 415.345.7500

HERBST THEATRECivic Centersfwmpac.org I 415.392.4400

LOUISE M. DAVIES HALLCivic Centersfsymphony.org I 415.864.6000

MARINES’ MEMORIALUnion Squaremarinesmemorialtheatre.org I 415.771.6900

MASONIC AUDITORIUMNob Hillmasonicauditorium.com I 800.745.3000

ODC THEATREMissionodctheater.org I 415.978.2787

PALACE OF FINE ARTSMarinapalaceoffinearts.org I 415.567.6642

SHELTON THEATREUnion Squaresheltontheater.org I 415.882.9100

STAGE WERxMissionstagewerx.org I No Number Available

VICTORIA THEATREMissionvictoriatheatre.org I 415.863.7576

WAR MEMORIAL OPERACivic Centersfwmpac.org I 415.392.4400

YERBA BUENA CENTERSoMaybca.org I 415.978.2787

AUGUST 2012 I I 19

Save your tragedy for tomorrow, because Woodminster Summer Musicals has decided it’s time for “Comedy Tonight” with A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Based on the plays of Plautus, the 1962 show marked the debut of Stephen Sondheim as a Broadway composer after his acclaimed lyric writing for West Side Story and Gypsy. The jokes were supplied by Burt Shevelove and M*A*S*H creator Larry Gelbart and the show won the Tony for Best Musical.

The plot centers around Pseudolus, a conniving slave trying to win his freedom. Drawn into his plottings are his young master, Hero; Domina and Senex, Hero’s parents; Hysterium, slave to Domina; Erronious, their doddering neighbor; Marcus Lycus, the town procurer; the courtesan Philia, the object of Hero’s first love, whom Lycus has sold to Miles Gloriosus, a Roman general; and various soldiers, courtesans and proteans.

It’s low farce, filled with slamming doors, convoluted story twists and many mistaken identities. ”We did it back in I think 1982,” says director Joel Schlader.

“I remember how funny it was, even as an eight year old. So, we’ve always wanted to do it again. It’s a great show because it’s a small cast, pretty much one setting, so we don’t have a lot of scene changes or anything like that.”

Simplicity is a benefit for Woodminster’s family-friendly amphitheatre setting. “When you hit a night that’s really nice weather, it is absolutely beautiful up there. I grew up in the theatre and it always amazes me when we hit a good night and you can look out and see the city.“

“People come up even if they have crying kids. They sit in the back, nobody hears them. We have low concessions prices. You can bring in your own food. You can bring in your own wine. So there’s a lot of things that you can do at Woodminster that you can’t do at other theatres, which is kind of nice.”

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUMAugust 10 to 19Woodminster Amphitheater3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland$27-$56 I 510.531.9597woodminster.com

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20 I I AUGUST 2012

image: courtesy photo (dl hughley)

DAILY

18 I BENNY GREENNapa Valley Opera House I Napa$20-$25 I 707.226.7372nvoh.orgJazz pianist with his trio.

18 I COMEDY AT CAMPBELLCampbell Theatre I Martinez$20 I 925.798.1300willowstheatre.comDavid Studebaker and Ellis Rodriguez, presented by Willows Theatre.

18 I COUNTY LINE TRIOMildred Owen Hall I Pacifica$20 I 650.355.1882pacificaperformances.orgPacifica Performances presents this Kingston Trio tribute band.

18 I DAROL ANGERDance Palace I Point Reyes Station$22 I 415.663.1075dancepalace.orgRenowned fiddler and his Republic of Strings.

18 I MEROLA GRAND FINALEWar Memorial Opera House I SF$25-$45 I 415.864.3330sfopera.comThe final performance from this year’s class of SF Opera’s Merola Program.

18 I PRECIOUS LITTLEAshby Stage I Berkeley$18-$25 I 510.841.6500shotgunplayers.orgPlay where best & worst of human nature collide. (Ends 9/9)

18 I ROY ZIMMERMANGlaser Center I Santa Rosa$18-$22 I 707.568.5381glasercenter.comZimmerman shows off his razor-sharp songwriting ability and stage presence.

18 I SALLY STRUTHERSFirehouse Arts Center I Pleasanton$28-$38 I 925.931.4848firehousearts.orgAn evening with one of America’s most loveable actors.

18 I STAGE FLIGHTO’Hanlan Center I Mill Valley$12-$15 I 415.388.4331ohanloncenter.orgFour funny and engaging female solo theater artists read and perform their compelling new works.

18 I SWINGABILLY BASHUptown Theatre I Napa$35 I 707.259.0123uptowntheatrenapa.comCherry Poppin’ Daddies and Deke Dickerson, with Kit & the Branded Men.

18 I TEENS ON THE GREENMitchell Park I Palo AltoFREE I No Number Availablecityofpaloalto.orgPalo Alto’s 2012 Twilight Concert Series.

18 I ZZ TOPMountain Winery I Saratoga$59.50-$155 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comEverybody’s favorite beard band.

19 I BRAIDSlim’s I SF$20 I 415.255.0333slimspresents.comWith Owen, TS & The Past Haunts.

19 I CHIDDY BANGIndependent I SF$20 I 877.435.9849theindependentsf.comAlternative Philly hip-hop duo.

19 I KEITH SNELLOld First Church I SF$17 I 415.474.1608oldfirstconcerts.orgGifted pianist returns to Old First.

19 I OPERA @ STERN GROVEStern Grove I SFFREE I No Number Availablesterngrove.orgFeaturing soprano Leah Crocetto and tenor Michael Fabiano.

20 I SATISFACTIONYoshi’s I SF$20 I 415.655.5600yoshis.comRolling Stones tribute band.

21 I BARBARA COOKRrazz Room I SF$55-$75 I 800.380.3095therrazzroom.comBroadway legend in her show Let’s Fall In Love. (Ends 8/26)

21 I KEVIN SHEAPunch Line San Francisco I SF$15 I 415.397.7573punchlinecomedyclub.comKorean-born, American-raised comic. (Ends 8/22)

21 I MICHAEL PEDICIN qUINTETYoshi’s I SF$16 I 415.655.5600yoshis.comJazz tenor sax player and his band.

21 I RADIOSTAR IMPROV & HUGEEureka Theatre I SF$15 I 800.838.3006sfimprovfestival.comPart of the 2012 San Francisco Improv Festival.

COMEDY & IMPROV

DL Hughley plays Tommy T’s Showroom. (8/10-12)

BATS IMPROVMarina, SFimprov.org I 415.474.6776

BLUE BLANKET IMPROVHalf Moon Bayblueblanketimprov.com I 650.726.0770

BUNjO’S COMEDY LOUNGEDublinbunjoscomedy.com I 925.264.4413

COBB’S COMEDY CLUBNorth Beach, SFcobbscomedyclub.com I 415.928.4320

COMEDY OFF BROADWAYOaklandcoboak.com I 510.214.2626

COMEDYSPORTZSan Josecomedysportzsanjose.com

DARK ROOMMission, SFdarkroomsf.com I 415.401.7987

ENDGAMES IMPROVUnion Square, SFendgamesimprov.com

ENSOHalf Moon Bayensohmb.com I 650.726.1409

IMPROVSan Joseimprov.com I 408.280.7475

MADE UP THEATREFremontmadeuptheatre.com I 510.573.3633

PUNCH LINEEmbarcadero, SFpunchlinecomedyclub.com I 415.397.7573

ROOSTER T. FEATHERSSunnyvaleroostertfeathers.com I 408.736.0921

SAN FRANCISCO COMEDY CELLARUnion Square, SFsfcomedycellar.jigsy.com I 415.345.8222

SECRET IMPROV SOCIETYUnion Square, SFimprovsociety.com

STONE SOUP IMPROVBerkeleystonesoupimprov.com I 510.380.6808

TOMMY T’S SHOWROOMDowntown, SFtommyts.com I 415.346.5597

AUGUST 2012 I I 21 AUGUST 2012 I I 21

“Dance performance that’s like watching a movie brought to life onstage” is the way NewGround Theatre Dance Company describes AXIOM, their newest story-based production. The company uses a fusion of art forms to bring the unspoken script to life – every story repeats itself...until we are changed by a force that is stronger – a story about one man repeating his story as he faces his inner demons, shifting back and forth between the real world and the surreal, or AXIOM world, until he learns new ways to approach and change his outcome.

“Dance can ignite so much within the whole person,” says Colleen Lorenz, founder and director of New Ground Theatre Dance Company, now in its third year. “You’re seeing it, you’re feeling it, you’re almost moving with the dancers onstage.” Lorenz draws from her background as a movement therapist when creating new work. She states, “Choreography presents an opportunity to create new and contemporary design to reach people in a way they haven’t been reached before… I want to connect with the audience… awaken their thought process, to dive in a little deeper.”

The original idea for AXIOM came from a dream about seven dancers, who represent the seven energies, or chakras in the body. Collectively the dancers have an extremely diverse background, ranging from ballet to hip-hop and ballroom. Lorenz discovered the original music through personal connections and was particularly drawn to David Sheffield’s work (which comprises the majority of the score). “There is such an emotional pull and so much variation is his work,” she says.

The company’s mission to awaken and inspire individuals through their dance theatre productions is taken a step further through workshops put on by New Ground’s sponsor, Arts Unity Movement, which draws material from the performances for their curriculum. “Today we are so mentally and digitally obsessed,” explains Lorenz. “Art can bypass all that… strip away the layers so you can be touched. We are so much more than our physical bodies. There’s a whole inner life to us that can really change things.”

AxIOMAugust 10 to 19Notre Dame de Namur University Theater1500 Ralston Avenue, Belmont$20 to $25 I artsunitymovement.com

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SPOTLIGHT

DIANA KRALL August 15 I 8:15 pmWente Vineyards5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore$89 to $289 I 925.456.2400wentevineyards.com

August 16 I 7:30 pmMountain Winery14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga$59.50 to $129.50 I 408.741.2822mountainwinery.com

August 19 I 8:00 pmDavies Symphony Hall201 Van Ness Avenue, SF$69.50 to $125 I 800.745.3000ticketmaster.com

Jazz musician Diana Krall is making three stops in the Bay Area this month. Two are luxury-level outdoor concerts at wineries in Saratoga and Livermore, where the upper-tier tickets include dinner. The third is a more traditional concert hall setting in San Francisco.

Born in Nanaimo, Canada, to a musical family - her father is a stride–style pianist and serious record collector - Krall grew up absorbing music that guided her future growth.

She attended Berklee School of Music in the early ‘80s, then moved to Los Angeles where she continued her studies with bassists Ray Brown and John Clayton, drummer Jeff Hamilton and pianist Jimmy Rowles. Rowles convinced the young pianist to focus on her singing as well. By 1990, Krall relocated to New York City and began performing with a trio, and in 1993, she released her debut album on a small Canadian independent label.

22 I I AUGUST 2012

image: stephanie bassos (m

atthew santos)

DAILY

22 I COLBIE CAILLATMountain Winery I Saratoga$49.50-$79.50 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comAnd Gavin DeGraw.

22 I ERIC jOHNSON BANDYoshi’s I Oakland$30 I 510.238.9200yoshis.com/oaklandRock guitarist and his band. (Ends 8/23)

22 I KENNY NEALYoshi’s I SF$12-$15 I 415.655.5600yoshis.com/sanfranciscoModern swamp-blues musician.

22 I TIME STANDS STILLMountain View Center I MV$42-$73 I 650.463.1960theatreworks.orgA war photographer and her correspondent lover return home. (Ends 9/16)

23 I BRANDI CARLILEMountain Winery I Saratoga$35-$59.50 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comWith The Barr Brothers.

23 I HAPANapa Valley Opera House I Napa$30-$35 I 707.226.7372nvoh.orgHawaiian band.

23 I jAMIE KENNEDYCobb’s Comedy Club I SF$25 I 415.928.4320cobbscomedyclub.comActor and comedian started out in stand-up. (Ends 8/25)

23 I jOHN HEFFRONPunch Line San Francisco I SF$18.50 I 415.397.7573punchlinecomedyclub.comSeason two winner of NBC’s hit series Last Comic Standing. (Ends 8/25)

23 I LYDIA PENSEYoshi’s I SF$16-$20 I 415.655.5600yoshis.comAnd her funk/soul band Cold Blood.

24 I CINDERELLACastro Valley Center I Castro Valley$15-$25 I 510.889.8961curtaincallperformingarts.orgThis steampunk’d take on the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic! (Ends 8/31)

24 I ESPERANZA SPALDINGWells Fargo Center I Santa Rosa$35-$65 I 707.546.3600wellsfargocenterarts.orgWith her band Radio Music Society.

24 I GEORGE BENSONNapa Valley Opera House I Napa$120-$135 I 707.226.7372nvoh.orgLegendary jazz guitarist and vocalist.

24 I HANK 3Regency Ballroom I SF$26-$28 I 888.929.7849theregencyballroom.comWith Hellbilly, Attention Deficit Domination, and 3 Bar Ranch.

24 I HAPA142 Throckmorton I Mill Valley$25-$35 I 415.383.9600142throckmortontheatre.orgPan-Polynesian music by Hawaiian musicians.

24 I jOEY DEFRANCESCOYoshi’s I Oakland$20-$25 I 510.238.9200yoshis.com/oaklandOrganist with Jimmy Cobb on drums and Larry Coryell on guitar. (Ends 8/26)

24 I RICKIE LEE jONESMountain Winery I Saratoga$35-$75 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comAnd Madeleine Peyroux

24 I RORY BLOCKFreight & Salvage I Berkeley$22.50-$24.50 I 510.644.2020thefreight.orgDelta blues artist.

24 I 7 BRIDES FOR 7 BROTHERS6th Street Playhouse I Santa Rosa$26-$38 I 707.523.41856thstreetplayhouse.comHarkens back to the glory days of the movie musical. (Ends 9/16)

24 I CHAD DEITYAurora Theatre I Berkeley$32-$50 I 510.843.4822auroratheatre.orgA look at American culture via a pair of professional wrestlers. (Ends 9/30)

24 I VERONICA KLAUSRrazz Room I SF$30 I 800.380.3095therrazzroom.comAcclaimed tribute to Peggy Lee, with the Tammy Hall Trio. (Ends 8/25)

25 I CABARET GONE CHORALFirehouse Arts Center I Pleasanton$10-$20 I 925.931.4848firehousearts.orgBroadway Chorus and Tri Valley Rep in an evening of Broadway hits. (Ends 8/26)

JUST THE TICKET!

Matthew Santos tix for Hotel Utah on 8/15 are available at Ticketfly.

ONLINE/PHONE SALES

BROWN PAPER TICKETSbrownpapertickets.com I 800.838.3006

CITY BOx OFFICEcityboxoffice.com I 415.392.4400

EVENTBRITEeventbrite.com I 888.541.9753

INTICKETINGinticketing.com I 866.558.4253

SjTIxsjtix.com I 408.792.4111

STUBHUBstubhub.com I 415.222.8400

TICKETFLYticketfly.com I 877.435.9849

TICKETMASTERticketmaster.com I 800.745.3000

TICKETWEBticketweb.com I 866.468.3399

DISCOUNT SALES

TIxBAYAREA.COMOnline full- and half-price tickets. Walk-up ticket concierge services also available at:

UNION SQUARE 350 Powell Street Tuesday to Saturday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

FISHERMAN’S WHARF 2800 Leavenworth Street Thursday to Saturday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

GOLDSTAR.COMFree and discounted performance and event tickets. Registration required...............................................The vendors listed are legitimate, licensed ticket sellers. Please exercise caution when purchasing tickets from second-hand vendors.

AUGUST 2012 I I 23

When Cheryl Bentyne steps onto Napa’s Uptown Theatre’s stage this month with Janis Siegel, Alan Paul and Tim Hauser, it will be her first stateside concert with the long-running group, better known as The Manhattan Transfer, since her cancer diagnosis in 2011. It was Hodgkins Lymphoma and the operative word is “was” since Bentyne is in good enough health after a round of chemotherapy to get back to work.

“I’ve been off the road for the last seven months,” she says. “I came off a tour last November - we were in Europe - and I was just feeling like shit. I was sick and had no energy. I was losing weight. I couldn’t eat. I thought, oh God, I have the flu.” She saw her doctor. “I spent six hours getting blood tests and I get home that night and the doctor calls me at home and he goes, ‘You’ve gotta get to the emergency room right now.’ I had to have a splenectomy the next day, and then I was laid up and was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.”

The chemotherapy delivered one of its expected side effects. “I’ve got wigs,” she says. “I’ve worn

scarves, I don’t quite have any hair yet, but

that’s the least

of it. I feel great.” Other than needing to get back in shape, she says there was no impact on her voice. “It’s so amazing to talk about this now, because it just seems like it never happened.”

In addition to being back in the Transfer groove, Bentyne has been working on some solo projects, which all members of the group do regularly. “I think that’s part of the key of why it works,” she says. “We do have those needs, and we support each other.” She’s got a new CD of Cole Porter tunes releasing this month and she returns to San Francisco on September 18 for a solo show with her trio at The Rrazz Room. She’s extremely sanguine about her experience with cancer. “You go through it thinking you’re never gonna feel better,” she says, “and then when it’s over it’s like you never remember how bad you felt.”

THE MANHATTAN TRANSFERAugust 17Uptown Theatre1350 Third Street, Napa$50 I 707.259.0123uptowntheatrenapa.com

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by robert sokolbentyne is back in the boop-bop

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images: thais harris (our country’s good - nick sholley, natalie palan w

alker, dorian lockett), courtesy photo (keiko matsui)

DAILY

25 I BRANDI CARLILEWells Fargo Center I Santa Rosa$36-$46 I 707.546.3600wellsfargocenterarts.orgSinger/songwriter makes her Santa Rosa debut.

25 I MOCHRIE & SHERWOODNapa Valley Opera House I Napa$50-$60 I 707.226.7372nvoh.orgStars of Whose Line is it Anyway? with an evening of improv.

25 I DREW HARRISONCampbell Theatre I Martinez$20 I 925.798.1300willowstheatre.comA tribute to the life and music of John Lennon.

25 I ESPERANZA SPALDINGParamount Theatre I Oakland$30-$75 I 866.920.5299sfjazz.orgAnd her Radio Music Society band. SF Jazz.

25 I FOREVERLANDBimbo’s 365 Club I SF$22 I 877.435.9849bimbos365club.comMichael Jackson tribute band performing ‘Bad’ in its entirety.

25 I GRUPO FALSO BAIANOMildred Owen Hall I Pacifica$20 I 650.355.1882pacificaperformances.orgBay Area native band specializing in Brazillian Choro music.

25 I ROSANNE CASHUptown Theatre I Napa$50-$60 I 707.259.0123uptowntheatrenapa.comWith Shawn Mullins.

25 I STOMPY jONESEl Campanil Theatre I Antioch$22 I 925.757.9500elcampaniltheatre.comVintage jump style R&B.

25 I THE MIKADOBankhead Theater I Livermore$22-$46 I 925.373.6800lamplighters.orgLive orchestra, gorgeous sets & costumes, and the Lamplighters! (Ends 8/26)

25 I TICK TOCK BOOM CLAPFairfield Center for Creative Arts$5-$8 I 707.422.1598ticktockboomclap.comPremiere of romantic comedy about aging, grief & musical theater.

26 I ALEx CUBAYoshi’s I SF$15-$18 I 415.655.5600yoshis.comLatin soul artist.

26 I CMASHOld First Church I SF$17 I 415.474.1608oldfirstconcerts.orgNew Music repertory group.

26 I CYRUS CHESTNUT qUARTETFiloli I Woodside$60 I 650.364.8300filoli.orgAcclaimed pianist and his band.

26 I GIGANTES TOURHP Pavilion I San Jose$197.50-$248 I 800.745.3000hppavilion.comMarc Anthony, Chayanne & Marco Solis.

26 I MY GRANDMOTHER142 Throckmorton I Mill Valley$15-$18 I 415.383.9600142throckmortontheatre.orgThe Beth Custer Ensemble accompanies the screening of this 1929 silent film.

26 I OK GOStern Grove I SFFREE I No Number Availablesterngrove.orgClosing the Stern Grove Festival, with The Family Crest.

26 I SHAWN MULLINSFreight & Salvage I Berkeley$22.50-$24.50 I 510.644.2020thefreight.orgGrammy nominated singer-songwriter.

26 I STEVE MARTINMountain Winery I Saratoga$45-$99.50 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.comWith The Steep Canyon Rangers. An evening of Bluegrass and comedy.

27 I MUZIKI ROBERSONYoshi’s I Oakland$15 I 510.238.9200yoshis.comJazz pianist and composer with his ensemble.

28 I BERES HAMMONDIndependent I SF$30 I 877.435.9849theindependentsf.comWith 9Tomorrows.

28 I DIANA KRALLWells Fargo Center I Santa Rosa$69.75-$89.75 I 707.546.3600wellsfargocenterarts.orgWith special guest Denzal Sinclaire.

SPOTLIGHT

OUR COUNTRY’S GOODAugust 17 to September 8Redwood Amphitheatre30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross$15 to $25 I 415.251.1027porchlight.net

Journey to a 1780s penal colony in New South Wales where a group of Royal Marines and convicts put on a production of The Recruiting Officer in this award-winning play by Timberlake Wertenbaker adapted from the Thomas Keneally novel The Playmaker. Porchlight Theatre Company presents the play outdoors at the Redwood Amphitheatre located at the Marin Art & Garden Center in Ross. Picnics welcome.

KEIKO MATSUI August 17 I 7:00 & 9:00 pmGeorge’s Nightclub842 4th Street, SR$35 to $50 I 415.226.0262georgesnightclub.com

Keiko Matsui is a Japanese producer, contemporary jazz pianist and composer whose career spans three decades, during which time she has released twenty CDs and has received international acclaim. Matsui grew up in Tokyo and took her first piano lesson at the age of five. Influenced by Stevie Wonder and Rachmaninov as well as early fusion masters Maurice Jarre and Chick Corea, Matsui began composing while in junior high.

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28 I UNDER PARIS SKIESYoshi’s I Oakland$20 I 510.238.9200yoshis.comTwo Parisian-inspired bands: The Baguette Quartette and Eurocana.

29 I BéLA FLECKYoshi’s I SF$26-$40 I 415.655.5600yoshis.com/sanfranciscoWith the Marcus Roberts Trio, Jason Marsalis and Rodney Jordan. (Ends 9/1)

29 I CIVIL TWILIGHTIndependent I SF$12-$14 I 877.435.9849theindependentsf.comWith Morning Parade, Vanaprasta.

29 I DAN CUMMINSPunch Line San Francisco I SF$15 I 415.397.7573punchlinecomedyclub.comComedy Central favorite. (Ends 8/31)

29 I DESAPARECIDOSRegency Ballroom I SF$25 I 888.929.7849theregencyballroom.comWith The Velvet Teen.

29 I MEN OF WORTHCinnabar Theater I Petaluma$20-$25 I 707.763.8920cinnabartheater.orgTraditional & original tunes about their homelands of Scotland and Ireland.

29 I NICOLE HENRYRrazz Room I SF$35 I 800.380.3095therrazzroom.comInternational jazz and American songbook recording artist. (Ends 8/30)

29 I STEVE MARTINWente Vineyards I Livermore$89-$289 I 800.745.3000wentevineyards.comconcertsPlus Steep Canyon Rangers presenting an evening of bluegrass & comedy.

30 I jANIVA MAGNESSYoshi’s I Oakland$16 I 510.238.9200yoshis.comAward-winning blues and soul vocalist.

30 I BIG, BAD & SExYImprov I SJ$12 I 408. 280.7475improv.comHosted by Herman “Big Worm” Romero.

31 I HUEY LEWIS & NEWSMountain Winery I Saratoga$45-$99.50 I 888.929.7849mountainwinery.com

31 I KARRIN ALLYSONRrazz Room I SF$35 I 800.380.3095therrazzroom.com3-time Grammy nominated jazz vocalist brings her polished and versatile repertoire to the Rrazz Room (Ends 9/2)

31 I LUCKY STIFFLesher Center I Walnut Creek$38-$47 I 925.943.7469centerrep.orgA zany, offbeat and very funny and romantic murder mystery farce! (Ends 10/7)

31 I MARK NADLERRrazz Room I SF$35 I 800.380.3095therrazzroom.comAccomplished cabaret artist direct from his sold out NYC engagement with his show Crazy 1961. (Ends 9/1)

31 I THE MUSICAL LINEOld First Church I SF$17 I 415.474.1608oldfirstconcerts.orgThe Monteverdi Brass and a quartet.

31 I YELLOWjACKETSYoshi’s I Oakland$20-$25 I 510.238.9200yoshis.com/oaklandAcclaimed jazz quartet. (Ends 9/2)

31 I THE VASELINESThe Independent I SF$22 I 415.771.1421yoshis.com/oaklandTwenty years in the making, the second Vaselines album is here!

31 I REFUSEDFox Theater I Oakland$35 I 800.745.3000thefoxoakland.comSwedish hardcore punk band from Umea.

31 I DEANNA BOGARTBiscuits & Blues I SF$20 I 415.292.2583biscuitsandblues.comCombines the best of boogie-woogie, contemporary blues, country and jazz.

31 I jAMES COTTONNapa Valley Opera House I Napa$24-$28 I 707.226.7372nvoh.orgGrammy Award-winning blues harmonica master has recorded 30 solo albums.

WHO’S ON (THE) FIRST?

Madeleine Peyroux sings at Napa Valley Opera House

BAND OF HEATHENSCafé Du Nord I SF$12.00-$15.00 I 415.383.9600cafedunord.comAustin-based band shares the stage with The Trishas.

BROWN BIRDThe Independent I SF$12-$14 I 415.771.1421theindependentsf.comWith These United States.

EVOLFO DOOFEHT142 Throckmorton I Mill Valley$15-$18 I 415.383.9600142throckmortontheatre.orgAnd Project Blue Book. Funk, gypsy and soul music.

RAMANA VIEIRA & ENSEMBLEFreight & Salvage I Berkeley$20.50-$22.50 I 510.644.2020thefreight.orgFadista pulls traditional Portuguese folk music into the 21st century.

RUCKATANFirehouse Arts Center I Pleasanton$15-$20 I 925.931.4848firehousearts.orgLatin, reggae, world-rock band.

THE SOCK HOPPalace of Fine Arts I SF$25-$100 I 800.838.3006funkanometry.orgFunkanometry SF Dance Company’s annual dance showcase and fundraiser.

YEASAYERFox Theater I Oakland$25 I 800.745.3000thefoxoakland.comWith guest Daughn Gibson.

MADELEINE PEYROUxNapa Valley Opera House I Napa$40-$45 I 707.226.7372nvoh.orgKnown for intimately arranged covers of the early American blues and jazz.

RECORDING

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG2012 Concert CastThe City Center Encores cast on two full discs. (psclassics.com)

GODSPELL2011 Broadway Revival CastIncludes bonus track by John Ondrasik. (sh-k-boom.com)

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN2012 London CastRecent West End edition of the film & stage hit. (firstnightrecords.com)

jOSH YOUNGStill Dreaming of ParadiseTony nominee sings new & classic showtunes. (josh-young.com)

26 I I AUGUST 2012

Visit us at one of our three locations:

TIX Booth @Union Square350 Powell St San Francisco

City Sightseeing @Fishermans Wharf2800 Leavenworth St, San Francisco

California Welcome Center @Pier 39Building B, Level 2San Francisco

Your destination for tickets to

Live & Cultural Eventsin the San Francisco Bay Area

FOLLIESOriginal Cast (Reissue)Limited edition, remastered from the source tapes. (kritzerland.com)

qUEEN OF THE MISTOriginal CastMoving new score by John Michael LaChiusa. (ghostlightrecords.com)

TOP HATOriginal London CastStage adaptation of the Astaire & Rogers film. (firstnightrecords.com)

ANDREA MARCOVICCISmileCabaret star’s newst collection, from Chaplin to Pink. (marcovicci.com)

Members of the cast of Chicago at City Lights Theatre Company in San Jose

Alex Kirchner, Katherine Cooper & Alex Rodriguez attend Sweeney Todd at the Eureka Theatre

Brandon Callender, Margo Hall & L. Peter Callender at Spunk at Cal Shakes

Megan Briggs & Molly Holcomb of The Merchant of Venice at Custom Made

Andrea Marcovicci at the Rrazz Room

Charles Dean of My Fair Lady at SF Playhouse

Adrienne Walters, Ashley Rae Little, Kristin Schmitz & Amie Shapiro of The Marvelous Wonderettes at Broadway By the Bay

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Michael Feinstein at Davies Symphony Hall

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The cast of D’Arcy Drollinger’s Project: Lohan at The Costume Shop

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Trini Lopez at the Rrazz Room

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Linsay Rousseau, Velia Amarasingham & Maria Mikheyenko of Her Rebel Highness at Harlot

The cast of Spring Awakening at Altarena Playhouse in Alameda

Cindy Goldfield and Rachel Harker of Bill W. & Dr. Bob at San Jose Rep

Zac Schuman, Sally Hogarty & Johnny Lew of Vaudeville at the Campbell Theatre

Carlos Barrera of Marat/Sade at Brava Theatre Center

Daniel Fabricant, Emily Bergl & G. Scott Lacy at the Rrazz Room

The cast and band of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson at The Stage in San Jose

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Bobby Bryce of Sweeney Todd at Coastal Rep

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The cast and director of Lips Together, Teeth Apart at New Conservatory

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Velina Brown of San Francisco Mime Troupe

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“90 MINUTES OF NONSTOP HILARITY”San Francisco Chronicle

“PISONI’S PERFORMANCE IS BREATHTAKING.”

The New York Times

“SURPRISING, FUNNY, AND ENTIRELY THEATRICAL”

Variety

GROUPS OF 15+, call 415.439.2473.

ACT-SF.ORG | 415.749.2228

Created by

LORENZO PISONI and ERICA SCHMIDTDirected by

ERICA SCHMIDT

THE SOLD-OUT HIT RETURNS!

BEGINSAUG 3

205929

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Ringling.com Scan here for sneak peek!

Come 90 minutes before showtime to see our Asian elephants at the Animal Open HouseSM. Then, come meet the stars an hour before the show at the interactive All Access Pre-show – FREE ADMISSION with your ticket!

Tickets Start At $15!Additional fees may apply.

AUG. 8 - 12

AUG.15 - 19

1-800-745-3000