Stage Fog: On the Ones
This week we've got a couple of one-night only gigs to pimp, plus an opening by a company near and dear to our heart. Theatergoers are about as forward-planning as public radio pledgers, often waiting until the last weekend to see something (yeah, we're guilty of that, too). So don't be fooled into thinking you've got time to figure out your schedule, as two of these items are happening just once, and then they're gone. The other you'll probably have to see two or three times before you really get it (though you'll likely enjoy yourself each time), so really, make your plans now.
On to the events:
The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant at Last Planet Theatre
Seeing something at Last Planet, which we've featured before, is like being forced to eat vegetables you hate, only to realize you're eating them at, say, Boulevard, and you discover that you never knew those vegetables could be so damned interesting, not to mention delicious. From Last Planet's website: "Petra, a mother, divorcee and widow whose unprecedented success in the world of fashion depends upon her mute maid, Marlene, falls obsessively in love with Karin—an alluring young woman without money, education or sense. Family and friends do not approve. Petra persists. Bitter tears follow. Emotions have never been so lush." Written by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, who also wrote and directed a 1971 movie version. Champagne opening next week. Through March 6.
Anne Frank Superstar at the Marsh
One of the most oddly funny things we have ever seen is Betsy Salkind as a squirrel eating matzah. We saw her do it at one of those Kung Pao Kosher Comedy events at Traveling Jewish Theater some years back, and, well, it's been stuck in our head ever since. Though her website chides us that she's "more than the squirrel," sue us, at least we remember her name, unlike... oh, you know who we're talking about. Anyway, she has a one-night-only show at the Marsh, Anne Frank Superstar. If anyone can tweak the Anne Frank industry, it's Betsy Salkind.
Attaboy and Burke's Surreal Medicine Show at the Odeon
Damn, this looks like fun. The first Saturday of each month, Attaboy and Burke host a variety show. This week features Jascha, the derelict doctor; Tully, with stupid stilted stunts; and Krob, vintage video eviscerator. How cool is that? Tomorrow night only.
For more stage options, check out the listings at the Guardian, the Express, the SF Weekly, and the calendar on Theatre Bay Area's website.