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    Great Star Theater

    4.2 (111 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM

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    Community Service/Non-Profit

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    Marlon T.

    Caught a show here called Au Room by Pink Puma. The performance itself was alright, but what really stood out was the theater. It's definitely on the simpler side--nothing flashy or modern, and a bit worn in--but in a way, that gave it some character. It felt like the kind of spot that's been part of Chinatown forever, which added to the experience. That said, I probably wouldn't go out of my way to come back just for the venue itself. It worked for the night, but it's more of a "see it once if you're already in the neighborhood" kind of place.

    Helen L.

    I admired the couple who refurbished this old theater and really put a lot of heart and soul into this theater. Went to see a Bruce Lee movie, Enter The Dragon. It's been ages since I saw it and I had no idea how the story line went. It was a great movie. A little gory but less compared to the John Wick movie. So sad that Bruce Lee died so young and it was great that he brought Kung Fu to the screen. He used to live in the alley next to the theater. This movie showed the old Hong Kong. Before the show, they had a short documentary about the theater. The women's restroom is downstairs. Handicap on the ground floor. They sell wine and snacks.

    is this photography
    Denise C.

    Thank u to the Republic of China for chasing Bruce Lee's ghost around Chinatown im now 40 and u could live in China but they don't either and waste our time eating calculators to not major in math blech

    Rhett B.

    Attended Pink Puma's "Au Room" at Great Star Theater and was reminded why community theaters are so vital to a neighborhood's soul. This intimate 410-seat venue creates the perfect atmosphere where you feel genuinely connected to both the performers and fellow audience members. The theater has such character and warmth. The staff care about making everyone feel welcome, watching "Au Room" here felt like being invited into something special. Chinatown is lucky to have this gem. Support your local theaters.

    Xmas Burlesque Show
    Paul D.

    Place was cool the cabaret wasn't so good... interesting theme for Xmas.... This was not for the crowd we attended with.... But some impressive performances by the rope climber and dancer....

    The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody
    Lisa X.

    With a reservation for a show coming up, we didn't stay too long in the Marina Green. We hopped into another Uber that took us back to her hotel for a quick refresh and hopped back into another Uber that took us into Chinatown's Great Star Theater on Jackson Street. I'm familiar with the Great Star Theater in name only because my dad's office was in C-Town and he used to take me out to eat and visit places quite often before he passed, but I have never been inside this theater, so this is a new to me experience. My friend brought us two tickets for the Empire Strips Back burlesque parody show. OMG! So good and so funny! The energy was electric and the M.C. who hail from Oakland (forgot his name) was hilarious and was so good at keeping the crowd entertained through the acts. The lighting, stage costumes, and the acts were amazing! We were so impressed. There were quite a lot of Star Wars aficionados there but even if you aren't one (like us), you will still enjoy the experience. My only concern was that I had some anxiety sitting with so many people for 2 hours, but in the end, I was fine and worked through it and enjoyed myself. I didn't know being in the dark side could be so entertaining. Only thing missing, cookies.

    Lai L.

    We came here for The Empire Strips Back show. I had my reservations, but hubby is a huge Star Wars fan, so I came for the support. It is a cozy theatre -- a little on the older side, but I like the vintage feel of it. When we walked in, there is a lobby where they sell merchandise and bars on both ends. They only serve. beer and wine, which was fine. We reserved the VIP tables, so we sat front row and it was amazing as we got to interact with the performers. It was nice to be so close to the stage. The lighting was perfect and sound was not as bad as I thought it would be. Surprisingly, I had a lot of fun and it was a great show. The theatre was comfortable and seats were amazing (probably because we were up front). I also appreciate that there were so many restaurants and bars around the area, so we were able to eat before the show and go to a bar afterwards. Overall, great experience. The staff was also good.

    Jenny X.

    Came here for SF sketchfest and the place is a chill place! Super easy get in and out, the place is small. The place also has free water and doesn't check bags so you can bring in your water bottle. The place has good acoustics and it was very easy to find our seats. It was a really fun place to watch improv and I think the experience was just so easy logistically and the show was quite good. A little expensive but it was about right, not too expensive.

    Janice J.

    Date night for the bf and I. We had tickets for a previous date but were unable to attend and we were able to repurchase for different night via email with our credit. Keep in mind if this does happen, your booking fee will not be refunded. We came here on a Friday night and it was an easy process and we were able to beat the line. The seats are first come first served and there were ushers directing us to our rows. We had section A where we claimed our seats and we went to use the bathrooms and get drinks. The seats don't have cup holders and our seats were definitely not spacious or comfortable but we made do. The bathrooms are single stall but there's one on the main floor and then one with multiple downstairs. The Empire Strips back was great with a nice music selection and the performers were great! Our MC was engaging and full of personality. Time flew by with each musical number. After the performance was over we wanted to get merchandise but when the time came we were not allowed to buy due to the next show that was performing that night which was a bummer and confused as to why there would be a cutout time when we knew what we wanted to buy. A performance that every one should see at least once!

    Stage/screen (SF Sketchfest's Puddles Pity Party)
    Annabelle R.

    Attended SF Sketchfest's Puddles Pity Party this past weekend, featuring Michael Greier, the multi-talented and musically entertaining goofy clown. He was HILARIOUS, bringing the perfect combination of comedy and music through unique and interactive performances on stage and clips on the big screen. Yes, the outside of the venue has little appeal, hidden in the middle of Chinatown, but the simple interior of the theater and auditorium was ideal for Puddles to make his way through the aisles and engage with audience members throughout the event. And with stadium seating, every seat had a good view of the stage and screen (no balcony seating). Also, concession stands were located at the rear corners of the auditorium (not in a separate lobby), so no need to miss the show while in line for snacks and drinks. In fact, there were barely any lines, so getting an ice cold soda, some candy, or a glass of wine was easy here, with such friendly staff too. Again, this is a simple theater, nothing fancy or remarkable about the design or decor, and the sound quality could definitely be better (luckily Puddles' incredible vocal talent masked its shortcomings during our recent visit). But for SF Sketchfest events, it's more than sufficient. Beware that parking is difficult in the area though (AirGarage at 555 Jackson was affordable on a Sunday, compared to other parking options).

    Inside
    Yee W.

    Came here to watch THE EMPIRE STRIPS BACK on Saturday night and it was amazing. The show was fantastic! Hilarious and entertaining, a must see even if you're not a Star Wars fan. About the theater, this place was very cute and small, but spacious. The chairs were comfortable. The stage was huge. The bathrooms were clean and unique. The vibe was very chill and cool. Right in Chinatown, nice location. With stores and restaurants all around. Wouldn't mind coming here again for another show in the future!

    Al L.

    The Great Star Theater was founded in 1924 by and for the Chinese Opera Community. I remember my mom bringing me here when I was a kid so she could watch the Opera. But the theater closed in 1998 but has since reopened in 2021 as a nonprofit community venue to serve as a theater, cabaret, variety and Chinese opera. Recently, I came to the theater to watch the premiere of Hemmings "The Motor Underground: Chinatown Confidential", a documentary on the legendary stories of San Francisco's Chinatown and its street racing history where host Dan Stoner was on a quest to uncover the truth about a mythical dragster, "The Underdog" and the Chinese-American community's history. It was great to watch this four part doc series here and to set foot in it after all these years. I grew up at the tail end of the Chinatown's hot rod era so it was a very informative and enlightening to watch this. What a perfect venue in Chinatown to host this showing of the documentary. Hope to be able to come again to this restored heater.

    The great star theatre
    Vrushali N.

    Attended the Global desi comedy fest here last night and loved the experience this theatre provided. You can tell just by walking in that this place has some history. We were in the second row and were sitting in folding chairs so can't comment on the actual seats in this place. The stage and the theatre itself are beautiful, and the restrooms are clean and well appointed even though they seem dated.The sound system also seemed adequate but since it was a standup show I don't know how it would sound for a play or dance performance. Philip the guy working the ticket counter was super nice and accommodating. Since we were buying tickets at the venue, he really helped us with the process. His can-do attitude and helpfulness really made me wonder how rare that is these days! Considering my whole positive experience here, and also the dining options in Chinatown afterward, I'm definitely gonna keep an eye on what other events come to this venue.

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    8 months ago

    Is there no air conditioning in this place? It is incredibly hot in here with all the people crowded in. Not a fun place to sit

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    6 months ago

    Extremely impressed. Show quality for Pirates was something I would expect in Vegas. Highly recommend!

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    8 months ago

    Such creative shows. Always worth checking out General seating makes it a great place to meet up with friends.

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    Ask the Community - Great Star Theater

    What time do the doors open for the Star Wars Burlesque shows that start at 8pm on weekdays?

    The line was long when we arrived at about 7:15 for the 8pm show. They came through the line first to check IDs for drinks and then once the doors opened a little after 7:30ish there were multiple lines to check tickets. There are doors on both… Read more

    What's the security here like, any metal detectors?

    We do not have metal detectors.

    Is outside food allowed inside?

    Has the Great Star closed? I was last there for the Peewee show (Dec'17).

    I'm curious too. This article says it has most recently been "shuttered" (in Jan 2018) because of landlord-tenant disputes:… Read more

    Is it 18+?

    We don't have any age restrictions. But some of the shows here may occasionally have some adult content, so it's best to check the details for the production you are interested in if you are concerned about appropriateness for children.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Great Star Theater

    If you are visiting, check out the show; they're playing The Empire Strips Back right now.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    The Speakeasy - Lounge

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    $$$

    North Beach/Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill

    Hidden two floors below China Live Restaurant on Broadway Street is an entertainment space called…read moreThe Speakeasy (also the Palace Theater). I went to see a show " Italiani Veri "  last night. Fabulous cabaret-type show with performer Arianna. She's a true (veri) Italian from Milan who sang, danced and explained Italian culture as part of the entertainment. She has an amazing voice! She could have been a finalist at the San Remo Music Festival - the most famous singing festival in Italy. She fessed up saying she had been an Italian Mouseketeer! The venue has a bar/lounge to enjoy cocktails then a few steps down further is the theater. You need to be mobile since there are a lot of steps. Seating is first come-first serve. I have to admit that seating is quite tight. You are shoulder to shoulder with your neighbors. Get cozy folks. They typically have magic shows here! If you want to see a historic night club, this would be the venue to come to and enjoy a show. Italiani Veri show was a real treat! Highly recommend it!

    My hubby and I had an amazing time!…read more We attended the 8P show for: We Call It Jazz, A Journey to The Heart of New Orleans. I bought our tickets through FEVER and got the rail seating. Very good view From entering to sitting down, we were well taken care of I had bought two tickets online but when checking in, it only showed one- I pulled up my ticket and the usher at the front quickly apologized and got us situated I really appreciate the quickness Everyone was super friendly We stopped by the bar before the show started and got some drinks Music was spectacular One of the best live shows I've got to experienced Definitely made me want to check out their other events 10/10 phenomenal!

    Boxcar Theatre - Jeff Garrett in EQUUS

    Boxcar Theatre

    (75 reviews)

    North Beach/Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill

    Went to the popup Nightmare on Franklin St. (wrote a separate review just for the popup). Please…read moresee my review NightmareSF- also on yelp. Rather than duplicate that I will summarize- Not One Person who attend from my group enjoyed it and would not return again to another performance.

    CLUE Jan 12 thru Feb 2011 - THE BOXCAR winter 11 show…read more CLUE: Directors Peter Matthews & Nick A. Olivero have a brilliant show - sure to sell out - so buy up all these goldstar seats if you can find any.. this is truly a charm to sit above the amazing wiz of a CLUE GAME Board designed by co director Olivero . his vision of hosting the game watcher above the set is epic .. as if we are part of a Harry Potter broom fight ,, we are instead a sit a top of a game of CLUE. The adapted script moves fast and is very fun mixing in many of the key lines from the film and more. A great cast of SF locals better players all move at the speed of this game plan - The Butler brilliantly played by Brian Martin - holds the game board together with the most script tied to his role. Sarah Savage, Linnea George-Kupferand, Justin Liszanke keep the game rolling with some very funny comic timing linked to the many roles that Adam Simpson is cast as his every role true to the game and killings. J. Conrad Frank the queen on he board spins his skirt as the dice is tossed and is hilarious as the bodies fly. Besides the dead dummies as they pile up, the true star of this play is the set. The audience is lifted above the game board to see the whole 90 min event unfold - its a great night of Black box theatre in SF - not to be missed and is most likely sold out ,, I hope you get to see it. CLUE is the best .. V

    Twisted Cabaret - Last night 10/29 i went to watched the show, it is good! All hardwork and funnyman shows. Thank you.

    Twisted Cabaret

    (15 reviews)

    Chinatown

    Malady: Somber existence…read more Rx: Take two - three alcoholic drinks approximately 60 minutes before showtime. Possible Side Effects: * Hooting, hollering, and cheering at the onstage performance; * Riotous guffaws; * Both hands peeking out through shielded eyeballs during disturbing balloon-dental floss act; and * Amused laughter 24 hours post-show when recalling the tongue act. In a perfect mash-up of event and venue, Twisted Cabaret is currently being staged at Chinatown's long-shuttered, seedily hip, one-time airer of un-subtitled Bruce Lee films, the Great Star Theatre. Best ticket deals are through Goldstar.com where, for $16 apiece (including Goldstar fees), a laissez faire seating policy allows one to "sit anywhere except the first 4 rows". Watch the show and breathe a sigh of relief; seating within the first four rows might land you onstage, an unwitting participant in some humbling (and hysterical) part of the stage show. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase in the theatre as is popcorn and cotton candy with a glow-stick center. The show is adult oriented but there's nothing there that wouldn't slay a teen or make you too uncomfortable if you were were sitting beside your own teenage offspring. Laughter is indeed the best medicine and laugh you will. The alcohol greases the wheels, so to speak. As a friend put it "I'm not sure I would've liked it as well without having drank first". So party on. Still not convinced? There's a tongue act. I rest my case.

    A combination of circus, magic show, standup comedy and few other genres for which no name yet…read moreexists. Amazingly multi-talented performer! The jokes are somewhat crude, at times somewhat gross, yet really funny. I laughed to tears. Certainly recommend it!

    Bohemian Club - Beautiful building, club full of wealth & mystery

    Bohemian Club

    (24 reviews)

    $$$$

    Lower Nob Hill, Union Square

    I know more members than you'd think (one came to my wedding and is a well-known political…read morecommentator, no names) and hear stories from The Grove. I can't say anymore, it's all in the vault. The club is beautiful.

    "Conspiracy Theorists, come not here". A club shrouded in secrecy and mystery, they are owners of…read moreBohemian Grove the location where Alex Jones and other conspiracy theorists claim Moloch worship, children sacrifice, and Illuminati-level new world order planning among elites. The truth, while mundane, is probably much more interesting. Started by newspapermen and artists at the turn of the century, a going-away party turned into an artsy parody of secret societies that eventually became a "secret society". Their exclusivity eventually attracted the Rich which the Artists needed to fund their ideas and experiences. Their quote about weaving spiders is from Shakespeare, their owl statue is the Owl of Bohemia and not some satanic god. You can easily find accounts of the Bohemian Grove from "inside-scoops" from service people who have worked there, you can look through the pictures here and read the reviews to find out more about the club. Located on Post street, its a beautiful old red-brick building covered in vines, many people walk right past it because nothing about it sticks out. You cannot get in unless you are a member or a guest so it's a quick 5 minute stop for the curious. There is a mysterious black and white owl tile wall with owl statues right on the corner of Post across from this building, not sure if its also part of the Bohemian-club.

    Great Star Theater - theater - Updated May 2026

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