Get your tickets now! These local productions are well worth your time and money this month.
Luna Gale
Playwright Rebecca Gilman is known for masterfully tackling social issues with arresting, conversation-starting dramas (Spinning into Butter, The Glory of Living). Her latest play is a haunting production that asks the question: Who decides what’s best for a child?
◊ The Aurora Theater, 2081 Addison St, Berkeley (510-843-4822, auroratheatre.org). Sept 1–Oct 1: Tue, Wed at 7pm; Thu–Sat at 8pm; Sun at 2, 7pm.
An American in Paris
Acclaimed director, choreographer and Tony winner Christopher Wheeldon brings the magic and romance of Paris to downtown SF with unforgettable songs from George and Ira Gershwin.
◊ SHN Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St (888-746-1799, shnsf.com). Sept 12–Oct 8.
Measure for Measure
Shakespeare’s scandalous play about Christian justice and the law (as told through the Duke of Vienna) touches on the themes of sin, virtue and morality—and you get to bring your own wine to drink as it all plays out.
◊ California Shakespeare Theater, Bruns Amphitheater, 100 California Shakespeare Theater Way, Orinda (510-548-9666, calshakes.org). Sept 13–Oct 8: Tue–Thu at 7:30pm; Fri at 8pm; Sat at 2, 8pm; Sun at 4pm. $38–$89.
Transform
One of YBCA’s most ambitious dance productions ever, this two-week showcase presents newly commissioned works from nine prolific Bay Area companies and choreographers. The theme is “Why Citizenship?”
◊ Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St (415-978-2700, ybca.org). Sept 14–16, 21–23: Thu–Sat at 8pm; $25.
A 24-Decade History of Popular Music
Taylor Mac’s musical extravaganza melds 246 songs (some original, many popular hits from 1776 to the present) with 13 hours of original text. The 24-hour work is presented over four six-hour concerts performed solo by the playwright, actor and performance artist.
◊ The Curran Theater, 445 Geary St (415-358-1220, sfcurran.com). Sept 15–24.
Moses(es)
Inspired by Zora Neale Hurston’s vernacular retelling of the biblical Moses story, award-winning choreographer Reggie Wilson combines his experiences traveling to North Africa with extensive research into black culture, movement and spiritual traditions during this powerful dance performance.
◊ Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley (510-642-9988, calperformances.org). Sept 23 at 8pm, Sept 24 at 3pm; $30–$174.