Cute little theatre. Not a bad seat in the house!…read more Enjoyed the show and a glass of wine for $5. They were also selling other drinks and cookies. Would come again!

A tiny little playhouse situated within a church, I expected a lot more out of the production and…read morevenue itself when I attended a performance there recently. You enter through a metal side gate and open a large door, and you find yourself in the "lobby," which consists of a tiny room with a counter that doubles are the box office and concessions stand. If you're early, you need to awkwardly wait until they open the large doors to the theatre space. Once inside, you'll find that it's a *tiny* one-room theatre with seating literally feet away from the actors. Hey, don't get me wrong. I've been in tiny one-room theatres before, but nothing to this extent. The seats were 2/3 full, so that should have been my first clue about the performance : ( It was dismal, and I couldn't wait to get out of there! I'll see a small production any day, just not here.

I'm sure Mrs M is not the only one out there who happens to be a big Jane Austen/Pride &…read morePrejudice/Bridget Jones Diary/Colin Firth fan AND a Twilight/Buffy/David Boreanaz fan (and no, I am not using "Mrs M" as a euphemism for my own feminine side--*I* prefer Nathan Fillion as my hunky Joss Whedon hero of choice, thank you very much). If so, I implore you to put down Breaking Dawn for a few hours and go see Pride & Succubus, playing through Saturday at Thunderbird Theatre's current home in deep SOMA. Even if you have only a passing familiarity with Mademoiselles Austen and Gellar, you'll be hard-pressed not to fall in love with this marvel of witty writing (I'd mention a brilliant topical joke or two, but I don't want to spoil it), exuberant acting, and all-around grassroots gumption--in short, indie theater at its liveliest and most accessible (seriously, the staff here will charm you instantly, not weird you out or make you feel uncool). Not to mention the finest concession stand prices in the Bay Area ($2 for a shot of Tequila, and they even provide the salt and lime). But do dress in layers; the barebones venue gets quite hot, even with the nice hand-fans they provide.

The Thunderbird Theatre Company has got to be the coolest, quirkiest, most talented little theatre…read morecompany out there in the Bay Area. The performances are unbelievable and packed with punch. I've never laughed so hard nor was so surprised at how ingenius the productions the Thunderbird Theatre Company are. The actors are amazing. They don outrageous costumes, sing ridiculous tunes, and deliver punchlines better than most comedians on Comedy Central. The Las Vega-Nauts was a cross between super heroes, swiss chalets, and the biggest sin city of the world. What they did with the stage and how the story unfolded was just amazing. And yes, there really was a story there. During intermission, they rallied up the crowd and had a raffle. Guess who won? My future roomie. He was handed a Toblerone. Guess who won the grand prize? Moi!! Guess what I won- a shot of tequila! And yes I downed that puppy in front of the audience. I also got to take a picture with my favorite cast member, our friend, Max Bernstein, Lou Agoni, Waiter and Innocent Victim. We took a picture in front of Paris!Paris! He looked a little like the Mask all green in a tuxedo. My night with the Thunderbird Theatre Company was unforgettable. It also turned out to be themed complete with dinner at Fondue Freds and speaking Swedish!

Crowded Fire consistently raises the bar with their bold, imaginative, powerful productions, e.g…read more Anna, Bella, Eema; Slow Falling Bird; and Wreckage. One of the few theatres in the Bay Area that regularly produces new and exciting work by contemporary playwrights, CF isn't afraid to take risks. If you're wondering what's the difference between television/film and theatre, go see a Crowded Fire show. I'm a big fan of their work, of the company members, and can't wait to see what they produce next.

I once to Marissa Wolfe ( former Artistic Director) that Crowded Fire was "tiny, by mighty". I…read morestand by my statement. They do quirky, thought-provoking work that often explores big ideas. I don't always love everything, but definitely appreciate it. They have consistently good production values and the actors are evenly balanced. For a small company, probably working on a shoestring, that's saying something. If you are in the mood for some good theatre and finding new playwrights to follow, give them a go. Recommended.

Great little venue. I saw the Tiny Dance Film Festival here, and it was just big enough to not feel…read morelike you're watching movies in someone's living room, but still cozy enough for that indie theatre feel. The lobby area was perfect for some post-film boozin'! Conveniently by the MUNI underground and Market as well.

This is a great venue…read more Just as other reviews have stated, Ninth Street is non-profit owner and operated. Everyone who you come into contact with who works here loves there job and truly wants to make your experience at the Ninth Street screening rooms as pleasant as possible. And what's not to like? Very competitive prices for screening rooms, down right cheap if you ask me. The screening room fits about 75 or so. And along with the screening room space there it also a small lounge area in front where people sometimes have wine or small appetizers for their guests at screening. Justin does a great job of keeping the riff raff out. They have remote entry, so not everyone can get in to your oh-so-exculsive screening (what else would an up and coming film director/producer expect? :)) Whenever I hear anyone say they need a screening space, I always reccommend Ninth Street. And I have no intention of stopping.

The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe is only on for 4 more performances- SEE…read moreIT! STREAM IT!! Marga Gomez is utterly astonishing in her talent performing this brilliant & iconic (Lily Tomlin) monologue of the 80s/90s (written by her wife Jane Wagner). It's a MUST SEE in the absolutely charming downtown Berkeley arts district theatre!

the SEARCH for SIGNS of INTELLIGENT LIFE in the UNIVERSE is fabulous. Marga Gomez does a fantastic…read morejob. It is on until August 10th. Don't miss it.

Eagerly looking forward to an entertaining evening of "The Witching Hour (and a half)" by the…read moremasterly band of chic freaks and geeks I scurried up the wooden stairs of the quaint and charming theatre that is the "Climate Theatre" a good 30 minutes before the published show time. The show was an intimate affair between performers and audience as they practically rubbed shoulders over the course of the show in the charming & cozy ambiance of the auditorium. Without giving away the story or any of the non-too-infrequent risqué humor, I will attempt to describe the evening of melodious tunes, mesmerizing voices, heart stopping performances, and smouldering beauties. As we all know, the story is predicated on a young naïve girl who stumbles upon a family of other-worldy beings on her way to a party. Talula (Alissa), the matron of the freaks, endearingly labeled as one that shares an acronym with a Mommy In Love (with) Falafels, took the stage with a seasoned vocal that manifested itself from the get go that screamed "I am the first lady here". The songstress's vibrato was impeccable and seemed to suggest years and years of operatic singing (not that I am an expert in such matters). The buxom Madame Laveaux, played by the bodacious beauty Nicole, is a captivating presence that cannot easily be ignored (nay, make that "never"). And Lordy, when she accentuates those God-given bountiful curves wrapped by a diaphanous viel that do nothing to hide those lovely limbs, clean thoughts are the last thing on my mind (Lord, forgive me my trespasses!). As with most singers, the high vocal note is expected and delivered but Nicole's low in the second half that plumbed the depths of the frequency range was eye-brow raising impressive. And of course, we now have the bumbling and innocent Ann, the *ahem* Virgin, whose merry naïve ways happens to be the raison d'être of this tale. Played by the versatile Alison, it was indeed an eyeopener as she went from a naïve waif to a red-hot vivacious vixen that makes one wonder if she was indeed the same giggling girl at the start of the story. Our very own Luke the gay cannibal playing himself, save for the cannibalism, wowed the crowed with an inspiring, rib-tickling performance ably backed by his powerful vocal chords that filled the room from wall to wall. His odd humanitarianism and zig-zag attributes that disallow him from eating kitty-cats can only be understood from watching the show. (Now pardon me for this is the part where I get a little sketchy as I was busy ...ummm... critiquing the luscious ladies of the stage that my memory doesn't serve me quite as well) The schizophrenic psychopathic Jekyll&Hyde, played by Sam, was a study in contradiction, switching between amiable party host to not-so-amiable personalities. In one of his many avatars was an oblique humorous reference to Mikado that, I am afraid, escaped a majority of the audience. The imposing Edward ("Cullens"?) literally stood above the rest of the cast with his imposing stature helped in no small part by the ridiculously pale visage as befits any self-respecting, luxury-coffin-dwelling vampire. After the highly entertaining performance, I had a little chit-chat with Sean, the Musical-Director, who revealed that the script was somewhat close to it's final form only about 3 weeks before the premiere! I guess the old habits of cramming for the exams in the last minute never really dies --- they merely resurface in various forms that can leave even Jekyll & Hyde scratching their bi-polar heads in absolute bewilderment. In conclusion, I admit my 5-star rating may have been slightly biased by the fact that I know the Composer. For the complete stranger, you might want to expect a 4-star performance as nothing is worse than arriving with an unrealistic sky-high expectation that leaves you wanting for more. Now Hurry along and catch it before it's limited run ends October 31st.

My Valentine surprised me with tickets to see the production Nightmare Before Valentine's Day: A…read moreMassacre You'll Love to Hate playing at the Climate Theatre in the SF SoMa district. At first the venue seemed suspect, as we walked right past the entrance while looking for it, but never judge a book by its cover. This place is like a hidden gem! I've been to many performances, from mainstream to smaller shows, and there is no lack of lack of talent here. Though I was not expecting my hubby to take me here after our French V-day dinner, I thoroughly enjoyed this show. The theatre is a smaller venue, with maybe 50 seats, but this gave us a chance to feel the intensity and passion of each performer's work. They kept us engaged and entertained, as they sing about all the quirks of dating, love, and lust in a very San Francisco-themed fashion. Our tickets came with two drink tickets, and there was also some yummy-looking desserts being sold during intermission. This show would be a lot of fun with a group of friends making a fun night in town, or with a hubby. Bravo Miscreant's! Keep up the awesome performances!

I write to praise We Players. I am just an audience member, neither performer nor professional…read morecritic. I have taken in probably 150 theatrical productions in a lifetime, including a few other site specific works (Everyman in a shopping center in Los Angeles back in 1995, with the woman I was dating, who turned me onto this cultural activity). I have seen We Players put on Macbeth at Fort Point. I've seen Macbeth multiple times, including the Verdi opera and the Penn & Teller version (that might have been only Teller). The We Players staging was the best. Fort Point is an eerie place to begin with. It was perfect for this purpose. I cannot recall now which of two castings it was with, but they did one with both an older Lady Macbeth to a younger Macbeth and vice versa. The performers were excellent. What I mean is the company is more than the gimmick of a location. They are professionals, who would be fine on stage in a more conventional setting. But the atmosphere added quite a bit. The only reason you might hesitate is the walking. That also is in the dark. So if you are not fully ambulatory or fear falling, you should avoid We Players. That is the only issue.

What a terrific,"very Sf " experience. Be open to an outdoor immersive, somewhat participatory…read moreexperience. This year it's a guided journey through McClaren Park. Journey takes about 90 minutes. It requires significant walking and there are a couple of steep hills so unfortunately would be difficult for those with mobility issues to partake, although I suspect the organization tries to help. You're guided through a meticulously organized nature walk by a number of "gods" called psychopomps. They all have different personas and suggestions for taking in the beautiful scenery. Trees in McClarnen were particularly beautiful and I would have missed a lot without the guides. They all impart advice, my favorite was "your fears are tired. Put them to rest". Cell phones are forbidden and it's wonderful. It's just the digital break we all need. Go with an open mind yo experience something different and truly remarkable.

My wife and I have seen a dozen plays at the Magic Theatre over the years. I probably have seen…read moreanother half dozen on my own or with others. We have enjoyed everything. To be honest, I'm not sure why given their association with the late Sam Shepard they are not more significant; I offer that as a compliment rather than a criticism. The Shepard they have put on, we always buy tickets for. I saw his True West on Broadway with Ethan Hawke and Paul Dano, and while it is always wonderful to see movie stars on stage I was more than satisfied with Magic productions of Buried Child and Fool for Love. (I do not love every show. My wife and I have walked out of a couple, such as Tennessee Williams Camino Real; or maybe we stayed to the end, but were disappointed.) Since Yelp is what it is, and I am not a theatre critic, I will add a bit of background. Magic is in the Fort Mason complex. It is near Greens, a great restaurant, though we have never put together an evening of dinner and a show -- that is just a matter of poor planning on our part, and I intend to remedy it and without having done it myself recommend it (we dine at Greens at least once a year, probably twice, so that would mean two dozen dinners). You also can stop into the Flax art shop, which is open on weekends as well. Others have pointed out the annoyance of no restrooms on the floor; they are a level down. But they have elevators for handicapped access. Shows I have especially liked include the Tarell Alvin McCraney trilogy, presented with Marin Theatre and ACT; Terminus, which was just enthralling; Bad Jews, which I probably didn't understand as thoroughly as members of the audience who identify as Jewish; and the Chinese Lady, which despite being so didactic achieved its purpose. Their staging tends to be more minimal than maximal. The last show we saw, Richard II in the Play On series of modern "translations" of Shakespeare (edition is a better term) was terrific. I'm a completist. My wife and I saw a traditional Richard II at the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C., and while it was good, it was staid. This interpretation was brisk, with tasteful video projections, and a predominantly female cast. It should win over skeptics of this effort (they preserve the famous lines; here in the soliloquy about time, "doth" becomes "does"). It also would appeal to those who have no idea what iambic pentameter is. That is what prompts me to post. I hope they do all of these -- I saw Edward III when the Classical Stage Company traversed the canon before the pandemic, and that allowed me to proclaim I was done (well, I then tacked on Double Falsehood, which continues to be a disputed title). I have a friend who doesn't like plays. I don't understand that. Live theatre is what they say here: magic. I encourage people with any interest at all in the art form to check out Magic Theatre.

A nice, tight little theatrical venue…read more Old fashioned tiered seating is comfortable and made for viewing from each and every seat. The theater is great for getting into the production you've come to experience. Clean. Welcoming. Friendly staff. All of it makes this a place to be enjoyed in every way. The ONLY downside is the lack of restrooms on the theater level; one must travel two flights down for gender specific facilities or just one flight down for the co-ed version (I'm sorry; I have boys (3) and they just can't or won't aim ... I go all the way down to the ground level for my potty call cuz boys drool, girls RULE!)