Stage Fog: You Voted, Now Go to the Theater
What do these shows have to do with the special election? Absolutely nothing. But this weekend you'll either want to reward yourself for being in the 42%, or you'll need some escapism. Local theater is happy to accommodate both.
Crumble (Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake) at La Val's Subterranean Theater
OK, before we get into explaining the crazy title of this play, the disclaimers: SFist editor at large Cheshire Dave is involved with producing company Impact Theatre, and the director, Desdemona Chiang, works at our day job. It's a small world after all. Anyway, what's with Impact Theatre and celebrities? First it was the Hilton sisters in Nicky Goes Goth, and now it's the Mouseketeer-turned-lame-pop-star. Actually, Justin only makes a guest appearance (that's why he's in parentheses). This play by up-and-coming playwright Sheila Callaghan really centers on Janice, who, along with her mother, can't get over her father's death. It's Christmas, and the ghosts of holidays past haunt mother, daughter and their deteriorating apartment. But Janice, helped along by her fantasies, has a plan.
Through December 10
Corteo at SBC Park
As much as we like to bag on Cirque du Soleil for its commercialism, we still get excited when the yellow and blue tent takes over the parking lots at SBC Park. So, what are those French-Canadians up to this time? Trying to describe the "plot" of a Cirque du Soleil show is like trying to describe the dream you had last night to a friend: it all makes perfect sense in your head until you start talking about it. Let's just say it's something about a some clown leading a procession, but sort of imagining his own funeral, but it's a carnival. Yeah, whatever, we know you all go for the cut trapeze artists half-clad in spandex. But for all its commercialism, Cirque du Soleil knows how to deliver a beautifully designed show with some of the best circus artists in the world. If you don't mind dropping up to $85 for a good seat (one not behind a post), go for it.
Playing November 11-January 8
Banyan at New Langton Arts
Asian American Theater Company presents the world premiere of Jeannie Barroga's play that somewhere between the Philippines and the Wizard of Oz. Tired of the corruption of corporate America, a woman tries to find her cultural roots in the Philippines, but soon finds hostages, spells and terrorists. There's no place like home, indeed!
Through November 20
Fury Factory at A Traveling Jewish Theatre
This festival is probably the best-kept secret this month--and it shouldn't be. FoolsFury has collected some of San Francisco and New York's finest cutting-edge ensemble companies to romp on the boards of A Traveling Jewish Theatre. What exactly is cutting-edge theater? It's when the companies' descriptions of their shows sound like postmodern poetry. "A tiny village with three inhabitants. All the children are dead. An acid plant in a barn. A triangular shaped love tryst." That's Banana Bag and Bodice's The Sewers. "Constance and Paul aren't doing so great. A homeless woman is dragging the desert through their living room. The bride's getaway car is lodged in their icebox." That's Mugwumpin's Symphony of Frogs, which won best play at the 2004 SF Fringe Festival. You can catch these companies and much more, including dance, solo performance and puppetry, performing in repertory this month.
Through November 20
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.
Photo: Arielle Paul in Crumble (Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake) at Impact Theatre. Photo by Cheshire Dave.