We love musicals and have seen many on Broadway over the years…read more This musical is a wonderful production for a small theatre. We liked it so much more than some of the duds we've seen over the years. We didn't like "Matilda" - small, singing British voices rendered the entire musical practically non-discernible; "Spamalot", "Something Rotten" just to name a few. We both agreed that this musical deserves to go to Broadway and I hope it makes it. Amelie is played by Samantha Banks, who starred as Eponine in the movie musical, Les Miserables with Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman has demonstrated her vocal chops in other film credits and on stage. And Adam Chanler-Berat, also with TV and Broadway credits (Peter in Peter and the Starcatcher) had one scene where he held a singing note for so long it reminded me of when we saw Kenny G hold a note on his sax for multiple minutes (his record is over 45 minutes!). I remember seen Adam on the TV show, "The Good Wife". The show is adorably funny at times (If you like "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, you will like this too), great music and lyrics, contemporary, good singing and performances and the 9 yr. old NYC performer, Savvy Crawford is a much better singer and performer than the one who played "Matilda" in NYC, in my opinion. Her diction while singing is so much clearer and her voice carries enough that I didn't have to strain to hear the words or ask, "Does anyone have hearing aids I can borrow?" The show is extended to 10/18. I hope it extends further as I told my niece to go get tickets to see it if she can. I'd see this show again and if it makes it to Broadway where more money will be dumped into costumes and stage props, I'd like to see it again. Unfortunately, there are no CDs for this production, yet. We plan on getting that (the music/lyrics are that good) when a CD becomes available when it gets to Broadway. After the show, we started watching the 2001 Amelie movie. We saw it years ago but couldn't remember it. I would recommend you NOT watch the movie if you're going to see the musical. See it AFTER you see the musical. You will enjoy the musical much more.

I really had no idea there was a theater here even though I've walked by the building often. It's…read moreno bigger than a junior high school auditorium, but it definitely worked for the Theater Rhinoceros production of "Marry Me a Little". Sondheim aficionados will recognize the title as the song that was cut from the original production of "Company" but put back into the revival four years ago as the Act I closer. Loved the song when Raul Esparza sang it in the Broadway revival as an anthem of emotional liberation. Loved the song when the avuncular Bill Fahrner sang it almost matter-of-factly in this intimate staging. Intimate is the key word as there was only one other performer, Caleb Haven Draper, and a talented pianist, Dave Dubrosky. No dialogue, just a series of Sondheim trunk songs (i.e., songs that were dropped from shows before they made it to Broadway) that form a simple storyline of a couple going through the full arc of a relationship. Only this time it's a same-sex couple in the throes of Prop 8. It barely works, but the Sondheim touch really lends wit and gravitas to a show that lasts only 70 minutes. If you're a fan of his music, try to catch it before it leaves. If not, there are upcoming shows that fit the dimensions of this small venue. It's good to know local theater is still alive and breathing in San Francisco.

Apparently, not too many people know about this venue.That may be a reason why it is called Eureka…read moreTheatre Company...Once you see a show at this theatre - you might be tempted to say" Eureka!"... I had a free ticket for "A Very Happy Fella" and I really enjoyed the musical. There is only one deficiency - their seats are beyond uncomfortable, especially if you are tall... There is plenty of street parking around the venue. Overall, it was a good experience...

I won tickets through BARTable to see the Smuin Ballet perform at the YBCA Theater a while back. I…read moreended up taking my brother's partner since he didn't want to go. The performance we saw was unusual. Part of it was short numbers performed by two, three, or four dancers at a time; part of it was a slightly longer work that involved most (all?) of the ensemble; part of it was these duet snippets almost previewing parts of a larger upcoming performance. The dancers were amazing. They were really skilled, and it was neat during the intermission to read their bios. It also felt kind of uncanny, because they had recently moved into the regular-person dance studio that I had passed on the bus for years, so I won this random contest to see a ballet company that I had never heard of but whose future rehearsal space I knew well. When I was in college, a good friend of mine was a dance major, so I used to go to all of her shows, and I sometimes spent time with her in the studio while she practiced. I got to know some of her classmates and actually learned quite a bit about dance and choreography just by spending time with her. All of that experience from years before was helpful, because I don't think I would have enjoyed this particular show as much as I did if I hadn't seen all kinds of dance, not just the most traditional, well known forms. If, unlike me, you're paying for your tickets, be sure to find out what actual show you're seeing. Again, some people only seem to enjoy the most traditional forms of dance, including ballet. Based on the show and what I read afterward, Smuin incorporates all kinds of styles. If you're happy with The Nutcracker that you've watched every year since the '80s, this might not be the ballet troupe for you. I'm crossing my fingers that San Francisco can continue to support multiple ballet ensembles. The rich techies in our midst have more money than they know what to do with, yet the arts can't get the funding they need. It's really sad, and proof that taxes are way too low.

This was my first time attending The Smuin's Christmas Ballet on December 8, 2024. I was amazed at…read morethe performance and selection of holiday songs. There were two acts, and this performance in Mountain View was their last one and their next stop is San Francisco. The two acts were 40 minutes with one twenty minute intermission. The first act was more traditional with classical music, and dance/music from different cultures: Spanish, French, Czech, and Jewish. Act 2 was more contemporary, modern songs and the second half started with the song "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" by the Jackson 5, children's art work projecting on the closed curtains on stage, and lastly, a reading of A Night Before Christmas. This was a nice touch to start act 2. During the last song of the performance, snow fell to the stage and in the middle section of the audience. A winter wonderland! The only thing during the falling snow was the noise of the contraption that the employee was pulling it was loud and distracting. This holiday ballet performance got me in a festive mood from the holiday classics of "Santa Baby", to "Last Christmas" by Wham. The performances were magical, a delight to watch. The dancers were enthusiastic, the stage was festive, and both acts went by quickly. I wanted the performance to go on forever. I was pleasantly surprised since I had no idea of what I would be seeing and this was my first time hearing about the Smuin Ballet. I will definitely come back next year. The Smuin Ballet will be performing in San Francisco till Christmas Eve, "2024".

It's too bad the pet event closed down early and disappointed a patron, but we attended the kids'…read moreevent the next day and had a great time. It was well-organized. There was a puppet show, then a storyteller, then another puppet show. In between shows, the kids could choose between three tables with fun, tidy appropriate crafts. My kids stitched felt puppets with plastic blunted needles. The clear plastic tent was warm and cozy inside, and it was wonderful to see the rain dripping down outside. Wish I had been able to make the Big Sandy show on Sunday night, and look forward to the other events. The calendar is nicely balanced with family and adult events.

I go to LEVY every Thursday from Pittsburg for their Thursday evening KPop class and it is WORTH…read more tl;dr: The studio is a great space with everything dancers need and the K-Pop-Up SF class is fun and totally worth a 45min to 1 hour drive every week. CLASS & TIME: The class is $7 and hosted by K-Pop-Up SF every Thursday evening at 7:30pm-8:30pm. Perfect timing coming from the East Bay because toll goes down to $4 after 7:00 and I drive there. I have been on one exhibition hip hop team, one hip hop competition team, one KPop competition team, and one KPop exhibition team prior to taking these classes. None of those teams or their classes have been as welcoming and friendly as K-Pop-Up SF has been when I went to my first class. There is a safety waiver, but the classes arent dangerous and they dont force you outside your comfort level, so it's perfect for all levels and ages (there is a second waiver for minors that requires an adult to sign as well). The teachers rotate each week and each of them teach a little differently and handle different types of songs, but all of them are kind and help with questions when needed. Rock M. Sakura teaches JPop choreography every first Thursday (their J-Pop-Up night) and these classes are always upbeat and fun and usually have slightly easier choreography that is fast and gets you sweating! Mindy teaches boy group choreography every third and fifth Thursday and these tend to be a bit harder in their details and quick, small movements and footwork. Despite that, Mindy makes each dance fun and easy to learn and answers questions really well. Francesca and Cash Monet take turns teaching girl groups on second and fourth Thursdays. Both of them teach well and add sass to the dances. My favorite part of their classes is when they tell you where you can add your own flair and encourage expressing yourself. They helped make dance fun again for me, to be completely honest. LOCATION: Coming off of the Bay Bridge I take the Civic Center and 9th exit and I'm basically there. The parking isnt super great, but there is plenty of nearby street parking. The studio itself is easy to find as Heron is just a small alley, which might look intimidating at first but my friends and I have never had a safety issue here and there are so many people a few feet away on 8th Street. It's really nice inside, the studio has a waiting room, two gender neutral bathrooms, some moveable seating, and so much space. There is air conditioning if the room gets really hot and crowded, so it's never uncomfortable in the studio.

This is a nice, spacious studio space that I take hoop classes in. There are large mirrors along…read moretwo walls as well as big couches at the back of the room; there's even a small waiting room that's sort of half hidden from the class area. There's also two restrooms for your convenience My classes are at night, so the one thing I really don't like about this studio is the location. It's down a side street near 8th and harrison, and even though the street is lit, it feels a bit sketch at night. A few times i've seen people sleeping along the sidewalk. They mostly mind their own business, but as a woman walking solo at night, it made me a bit on edge.

Came here to watch "Schick Machine", a musical and theatrical performance by percussionist Steven…read moreSchick, composed by Paul Dresher. The show was interesting and unique, and impressive with its use and interpretation of sound. And with this show being all about sound, the sound quality at Z Space lived up to the task. The arts studio is a quite beautiful community space and theater for a range of artists. The inside of the auditorium wasn't the most updated (seating, flooring, etc), but it had a bit of character, and it worked for the event we attended. There are nice touches throughout the venue, such as stained glass windows, and the lobby is seemingly more modern and inviting, especially before or after a show. Free parking was available a block away on a Sunday afternoon. And the staff was friendly and helpful, at the ticket counter, bar, and inside the auditorium for the event I attended.

When I bring my friends to Z Space, I know for certain that we'll all have a great experience. It…read moredoesn't matter what we see there--whether it's music, dance, a straight up play or anything in-between. It's always intelligent, thought-provoking, funny and way worth the price of admission. Great vibe, great bar, great funky cool space. GO TO Z! you won't regret it.

I came on a Friday night show to support my friend, Chi Chi Kago, playing as Alban, the main…read morecharacter of La Cage aux Folles. Last night's performance of La Cage aux Folles at Theater Rhinoceros was absolutely fabulous. Every cast member delivered such wonderful acting, and may I say, the blending and harmony of everyone's voices was truly beautiful. The energy, talent, and chemistry on stage made for an unforgettable show.it was a fabulous acting from everyone. and may I say, blending of everyone's voices was great. Vibe was great. Audience was engaged. I loved that the cast had interacted with the audience. Space is tiny! If they will expand in the future, a bugger stage would be great so first row won't get on their way. Parking is street parking and limited. This theater is tucked in the center if Castro, so give yourself time to hunt for parking.

Saw a local production of Cabaret and I was so impressed by the entire cast, especially the emcee!…read moreOne of the one cast members got injured halfway through the show and ended up hurting her leg, but still committed to finishing her performance before leaving. I mean talk about commitment! I'm glad I got to see this production and participate in the fun! I was very entertained and had a lot of fun. Come out to support them! Can't wait to see what they come out with next.

This guy is an incredible athelete AND a riveting performer! I saw him perform at the Sunnyvale…read morepublic library in January, and it was amazing. Even my 5-year-old was totally glued to the whole show. On top of his spectacular feats of balance and juggling and contortion, he's got a fabulous stage presence. And he took photos with all the kids at the end, too!

I saw Wayne Huey performing at a Lunar New Year event at ScuttleBugs Child Development Center in…read moreSan Jose. He was a show stopper! Kids and adults alike were mesmerized. His Chinese Barrel contortionist act was surely impossible but there he was somehow squeezing through a tiny barrel. He juggled, did balancing acts and all the while kept everyone with their mouths open! Very professional and I highly recommend.