Kevin Spacey is Richard III

Ordinarily, I'm kind of a musical comedy girl, but occasionally a full Shakespearean history play is in order.  The version of
Richard III that will include the Curran Theatre in San Francisco on it's worldwide tour comes complete with one of the most venerable actors of our time, Kevin Spacey.  Scheduled for twelve performances only from October 19th-29th - the show is enjoying very brisk ticket sales.  San Francisco is one of only 11 cities worldwide to get a glimpse of the classic story of the Machiavellian rise to power and short reign of Richard III of England.

Add to that:
Kevin Spacey, who is the artistic director of the Old Vic in London will star as Richard III will be directed by Sam Mendes.
The pair have been together before, with great success in the film American Beauty.  We have here the potential of magic in the making, and I wouldn't miss it if I were you!

Billy Elliot: Dancing into town next week!

Since Wicked left San Francisco, few shows have sparked as much excitement as Billy Elliot.  The blockbuster West End and Broadway musical who's score was penned by non other than Elton John arrives at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco next week!

For those who aren't familiar with the story, Billy Elliot is about a young boy growing up in an all male household in working class England.  He is enrolled with the other boys in boxing class, however he is intrigued with the dance class held next door.  It is a touching story of struggles with stereotypes, class distinction, dreams and realities.  Moving, energetic and poignant and perfect for the whole family!

San Francisco only has Billy for about three months - short for a show of this stature.   It opens June 27th and will run only through September 17th.  Great seats are available for most weekend performances starting July 2nd at Peninsula Box Office at http://www.primeseats.com/.

Buy Me some Peanuts and Garlic Fries

I'm a football fan, mainly because I am an adreneline junkie.     I have to admit though, that the San Francisco Giants have captured my attention.    I know, I know, I can hear all of you accusing me of being a "bandwagon fan".  Not guilty.  I grew up in the Bay Area and my Dad has ALWAYS been a Giants fan.  Summer wasn't summer unless the game was on the radio and Lon Simmon's voice was echoing through the house.  See.....I know who Lon Simmons is, so I am legit.   Let's face it, up until last year until around August, there wasn't much to be excited about.  Not since the summer of Barry Bonds and the home run record race.  Prior to that was the opening of the new ballpark in China Basin and the heartbreaking World Series loss in Game 7 in Anaheim.   But honestly, most of the time I think baseball is kind of a yawn - time to catch up on some well needed sleep.   I woke up as did most folks in the Bay Area, simply because we all love an underdog.  It was a bit like the Bad News Bears.  Okay, now I am dating myself....but seriously, queue it up on Netflix and tell me I'm wrong.  What you had was a group full of misfits who came together against all odds and prove all of the naysayers wrong.  Guys that couldn't get a job with any other team, babyfaced no names, a "freak", and a guy who sports an Abe Lincoln beard as their closer.    AT&T Park is a fantastic place where great things happen.  They have garlic fries, awesome sightlines and a fantasic view of the San Francisco Bay.  They also have something that all other Major League Baseball cities don't have.....The 2010 World Champion San Francisco Giants!

A Little Something Blue

A trio of bald blue clowns with vibrant paint.   I have to say this intrigues me and I'm not sure if it's the blue part or the clown part or the vibrant paint part.  The Blue Man Group has been around for a long time and have enjoyed tremendous success in Las Vegas and New York.  They have even done Intel commercials!  Now THAT my friends, is broadness in range.   Finally, they are bringing their brand of modern performance art to San Francisco.  Think of them as kind of a mix between Gallagher's comedic watermelon smashing and Mummenschanz 's erie and eclectic use of visuals to transfix an audience.  Yeah...kinda like that, only blue.  This one will appeal to pre-teens, teens, 20 somethings, 30 somethings, 40 somethings, 50 somethings and all those really hip 60 somethings you know.  They blend comedy, music and multimedia
into a theatre blitz you won't soon forget.   BLUE MAN GROUP will be appearing at the Golden Gate Theatre May 24th through June 19th.  If you miss them, you will have to find an excuse to go to Vegas!

Getting to know Hugh, Getting to know all about Hugh!

He's a hunk AND he can sing and dance!  Hugh Jackman is going to be at the intimate Curran Theatre in San Francisco for two short weeks - May 3rd through the 15th, 2011.

Backed by a 17 piece orchestra, the undeniably sexy Mr. Jackman will treat his audience to a repertoire of his favorite Broadway and Hollywood numbers.  Eye candy and ear candy....what more could anyone wish for?

His most notable roles and accolades include his portrayal of Peter Allen in "The Boy from Oz" for which he won both a Tony Award for Best Actor in a musical as well as a Drama Desk award.  Film fans will remember him from the X-Men franchise as Wolverine, The Prestige, Swordfish, and Kate and Leopold.

So check out Mr. Dreamy...errr Mr. Jackman at the Curran!  Sounds wonderful to me!

You Can Go, Even if you are Allergic!

I promise, these cats are allergen free!  I love cats, so the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical which bears their name is always a welcome addition to any Best of Broadway season in the San Francisco Bay Area.  When I first started  in the ticket business back in 1985, I recall Cats being the biggest show to come from Broadway EVER.  It still ranks as a big show, even after all of these years, because it provides us who love the theatre the opportunity to pass that love on to the next generation.  From the oversized garbage heap on stage to the attention to detail relating to the mannerisms of our feline friends, I never get tired of the musical that started mega musicals.  Let's face it, Grisabella belting out "Memory" is worth the price of admission.....every time!

So, take someone who hasn't seen it.  Create new memories with someone you love, and venture back into your own memory and remember what it is that makes you love live theatre the most.

Mamma Mia for Dudes!

Set to open at the Curran Theatre on March 8th, Rock of Ages- The Musical, looks to be one of the Best of Broadway sleepers of the year.   At the risk of dating myself, I look back upon the 80's with affection.  I miss the days of big hair, bands in small clubs and wearing underwear as outerwear.  Adding to the show's appeal is the fact that it is also a love story between a small town girl and a rock and roll star, and who among us hasn't had that fantasy!  Set to the music of Journey, Whitesnake and Styx (among others) and starring Constantine Maroulis (you remember, the long haired dude from American Idol ), the show resurrects 80's power ballads - much like Mamma Mia exhumed the music of ABBA -and turns them into a boy meets girl fun fest. Somehow, hearing the music of an era transports one back to that era, and anyone who was coming of age in the 80's, looks back on that decade with fondness.  I plan on checking the show out, not just because it was nominated for a Tony and a Golden Mullet Award, but simply because - for just one night- I want to be 21 again!