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Annie has been beloved by millions of people around the world. It was first premiered on Broadway in 1977 winning seven Tony Awards. In 1982, it was made into a movie starring the adorable and talented Aileen Queen along with legendary Carol Burnett and Broadway superstar Bernadette Peters (among many others!). Later, in 2014, the movie was remade featuring a star-studded cast with Quvenzhané Wallis (who was the first black Annie) and Jamie Fox, Rihanna, Cameron Diaz, etc. Now, it will be presented via live television for the first time on NBC on December 2nd, 2021 @ 8/7c.

Scroll below to see a sneak peek of the musical and find out the 5 Need-To-Know Facts you need to know before tuning in…

5 Need-to-Know Facts About Annie Live! on NBC

1) In 2013, NBC presented its first live musical, Sound of Music starring Carrie Underwood with the hopes of giving viewers from all over the world the experience of seeing a musical performed live in the comfort of their homes. The results? 18.62 million viewers tuned in bring the network its highest Thursday night viewership for an entertainment program since the series finale of Frasier in 2004. After such a success, they thought, hey, we should make this a “thing”!

2) The original 1977 Broadway Annie (AKA: Andrea McArdle) will be making a cameo in this year’s Annie Live! on NBC as the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. Broadway.com shared that “McArdle, who earned a Tony nomination for her turn in Annie, has also been seen on Broadway in Les Misérables, Starlight Express, Beauty and the Beast and State Fair. This is not the first time McArdle has returned to Annie.”

3) Celina Smith will be starring as Annie in NBC’s Annie Live! 12-years old, Celina has already had quite the career. She played Rebeca on Nickelodeon’s “Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan ” and played Young Nala in the touring company of “The Lion King.” If you want to hear her sing, check out her cover of Billie Eilish’s – My Future on her Youtube channel!

4) Annie LIVE! will be broadcasted live from the Gold Coast Studios in New York City. Other shows that have been filmed in this studio include, America’s Got Talent, Spider-man 3, Ocean’s 8, John Wick 2, Pan Am, among many more!

5) Emmy winner, Neil Meron, producer of every musical that has aired on NBC since The Sound of Music Live! premiered in 2013, will executive produce the event with Robert Greenblatt. Neil was also the producer of the 2002 film Chicago and the 2007 film Hairspray and Robert developed the 2009 musical stage adaptation of 9 to 5 and was nominated for four Tony Awards. So get ready for an amazing show!!

Make sure to grab your popcorn and your loved ones for this special premiere of Annie Live! on NBC @ 8/7c. One of our favorite aspects of the show is that nothing has been pre-shot! It’s entirely live so that both the audience and cast experience the same rush that you would get at a in-person Broadway theater. We can’t wait to hear what you think about the show!

To find out more about the other exciting premiere coming up (WEST SIDE STORY!), click HERE!

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We have always been a huge fan of Steven Spielberg’s films, but we became an even bigger fan when he announced his new remake of West Side Story. To get the inside scoop about the new film, we sat down with Ilda Mason (AKA: Luz, Anita’s friend in Spielberg’s West Side Story) to find out more about her career on stage and on Broadway and get an inside scoop about the upcoming premiere of West Side Story!

Scroll below to watch our special insider episode!

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GANG OF NEW YORK In the 1961 film West Side Story, members of the Sharks gang—played by Jay Norman, George Chakiris, and Eddie Verso—take to the streets.© UNITED ARTISTS/PHOTOFEST.

The original West Side Story, starring the amazing Natalie Wood, George Chakiris, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno (among many others!) hit the box office in 1961 winning the musical 10 Oscars and over 23 other Nominations. It was such a success! The musical not only did well in Hollywood, it was a smash in the performing arts world with hit after hit songs composed by the incredible Leonard Bernstein and brilliantly choreographed dancing created by Jerome Robbins. What also made this such a success was that West Side Story wasn’t like any of the other musicals that were being produced at that time…

The writers turned the iconic tale of Romeo and Juliet into a modern-day story that is laced with the truth and tragedy of racism and violence. Let’s just put it this way… the ending doesn’t include wedding bells and a happy finale song. This was new and different. Instead of just a “girl meets boy” story, this musical shined light on topics that weren’t often discussed publicly and provoked much needed discussion around the importance of equality.

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20TH CENTURY STUDIOS / Via newsweek.com

Now, Steven Spielberg will be shining a bright light on this still very relevant topic by creating his new remake of West Side Story that will be premiering in December 2021. Not just any director could do this remake, but given Spielberg’s amazing track record for films, we think he’s the best suited for the job!

Right off the bat, the casting selections have been fantastic. Keep in mind, many of the “Sharks” in the original film were not even Latino. Just one example of that is Natalie Wood (AKA: Maria) was from San Francisco who was born to Russian immigrant parents. (Sigh) So seeing amazing Latinas take on these roles is just one of the ways that Spielberg has already corrected the wrongs that were done in the original.

We wanted to learn more about some of the other differences that will be seen in the film and hear more about how these iconic scenes will be reimagined with a new cast in a new era. So, we sat down with talented Ilda Mason who plays Anita’s best friend, Luz in the film and was also in the most recent production of West Side Story on Broadway.

A native of Panamá, Ilda Mason is a performer and actress currently based in New York City. Her acting career began in Panamá on in theatre productions such as Peter Pan, A Chorus Line and Hello Dolly among many others. Her all-time favorite musical is West Side Story and she has been in four productions of the show. And this December, she will make her feature film debut in Steven Spielberg’s remake.

One of the new additions to West Side Story that is set to premiere in December, is Ilda’s character, Luz! Luz is best friends with Anita and friends with Maria. She is a combination of a few characters from the original film who is a supporter of both the Sharks and the Jets. She wants Maria to find love but at the same time, she doesn’t want her to get hurt. “The world of West Side Story has been expanded in this new film,” says Ilda. “Tony Kushner gave a voice to Latinas and also everyone in the film. It’s a reflection of what the life of these people would be in that time. I hope that this movie is just… everywhere!”

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Written by Kari Lincks Coomans, Founder of Red Curtain Addict

Tucked away in the trendy Mission District of San Francisco, is an intimate and innovative theater (called ODC Theater) that presents cherished and new works throughout the year. On November 19th-21st, they will be lifting their curtain to present Ars Minerva’s Messalina, an opera that has only been performed once since its 17th-century premiere. Ars Minerva has dusted off this treasured opera that has been hidden for centuries to revive it for a modern-day audience and to make history.

Click below to read more about this buried treasure and to find out three reasons why (among many more!) this opera should be on your November bucket list…

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Before we dive into the scandalous yet powerful operatic story of Messalina, we want to highlight Ars Minerva, a fairly new performing arts organization that is producing this upcoming opera. Ars Minerva was created to bring new audiences to opera by reviving long-forgotten operas, in collaboration with San Francisco Bay Area artists.

Since they were founded in 2015, the company has presented five modern world premieres in San Francisco. Now, they are excited to embark on their first post-covid performance with their modern-day interpretation of Messalina.

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“Messalina is very representative of the 17th century Venetian style”, says Céline Ricci, Ars Minerva Founder & Artistic Executive Director. “It shows how opera was conceived at its early stage. Also, this opera has a very modern plot.

What is interesting in Messalina, is to see a woman who behaves so freely without any constraint in 1680. It’s a perfect testimony of the modernity of that time in the Republic of Venice. We like to show operas where women are in action instead of waiting for things to happen.”

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About the Venetian Opera, Messalina

The Plot: Messalina is an opera based on a real Roman Empress (Messalina) who was a powerful and influential woman, however, she was also called one of “the most promiscuous women in Rome”. The story of Messalina harkens back to ancient times, when the corrupt Roman court was witness to numerous manipulative schemes making it hard to survive within and outside the walls of the palace.

As a teen, Messalina became the third wife of Emperor Claudius who was nearly fifty years old (nearly 3x her age). Yikes! Throughout her marriage, she was very unhappy and had many affairs but to be fair, so did Emperor Claudius. But of course, it wasn’t okay for her to have lovers because she was the Empress, not the Emperor.

The plot involves twists and turns of disguises and tricks from one to the other for the ultimate battle to see who has the upper-hand. In the end, Messalina perhaps suggests that the pain, suffering, and disappointment in love might not be so great if we were only able to exert self-control over our passions.

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The History: This opera has only been performed once since its 1679 premiere that was made at the Teatro San Salvatore (one of the leading Venetian opera houses of its time). Like most operas in this period, it ran for only one season.

“Venetian opera gave audiences a space in which they could momentarily suspend their use of reason – while indulging their imaginations as everything from erotic trysts to gravity-defying stage mechanisms reigned supreme and I believe it can still be that for today’s audiences today, “says Céline.

“Our view of reality is so easily warped by what we experience in digital space that we may not be able to tell right from wrong. When the final curtain comes down on the opera and we applaud the players (now removed from the roles they have embodied), we are reminded that a world of reality still exists outside of the theater that swirls continually in the airwaves all around us.”

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3 Reasons Why Messalina Should be on Your November Bucket List

1) The November 19th-21st performances of Messalina at the ODC Theater will be a performance of celebration because it is the North American Premiere! Like we mentioned before, Messalina has only been performed one time since its original opening that was on December 30,1679. So don’t miss out on this cherished historic opera that will be making history once more!

2) The entire production embodies women empowerment. From shining a light on an ancient story about Messalina who fought for equal rights, to Céline being a female-founder of Ars Minerva, going after her dream of presenting forgotten operas to a modern-day audience. This is also something to celebrate!

3) Ars Minerva only presents about one opera per year. So if you miss this, you won’t be able to see one of their productions until much later 2022! And let’s just pause to talk about how cool it is that this small but mighty organization is based right here in San Francisco that also shines a spotlight on some of the best artists in the Bay Area! Come on, that’s pretty awesome and organizations like this are what makes San Francisco so unique and special.

*BONUS!* The arts are finally open again! Let’s not forget that not too long ago, we were forced to sit in front of our TVs for entertainment because that was the only option we had. Now, with safety precautions in place, we can experience LIVE arts again! You have that choice to shake off those “couch blues” and be inspired and enlightened by live performances again!

So what are you waiting for?! Grab your ticket before these performances sell out and –the these– three dates pass you by. And as an extra perk, we are excited to offer for you to save 10% off your purchase of their Silver and Gold tickets (AKA: great seats!). Simply use the code ‘CLAUDIO’ at the check out. And don’t forget to tag us at your experience with @RedCurtainAddict and #RedCurtainAddict for a chance to be featured on our page! Enjoy!

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

(and unlock your special offer!)

Sources – https://juliaherdman.com/2017/06/24/messalina-promiscuous-women-rome/

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About Red Curtain Addict’s New Platform

We are so excited to launch our new platform to enhance audiences’ ability to discover, learn, and go to the performing arts in their city and online! Our new tool enables users to search performances across genre and generate a curated list of arts experiences based on their personal interests.

We believe that culture is the heartbeat of a city, and in a world that is continually being globalized, the performing arts are one of the few things that makes a city truly unique. It is our mission to make these unique digital or live experiences accessible to new and diverse audiences around the world.

Click below to watch our launch video to find out more!

With event listings from eight cities currently available on the platform (more coming soon!) and in-depth, vibrant editorial content, Red Curtain Addict is uniquely positioned to link audiences with the arts they love in a user-friendly, engaging way. Anyone who signs up for a free account will receive personalized recommendations, event updates, and access to exclusive content and features.

At Red Curtain Addict we’re community first, not transaction first. Many companies try to sell audiences tickets based on what they have to offer instead of getting to know the audience first, to understand what they are even looking for in the first place. Audiences are inundated with so much “push content” and offerings, making it difficult to make sense of it all and inevitably challenging to make a decision. We’re here to turn that process around. The first thing we do is to get to know the audience and then to suggest events based on their preferences while also making it easy to search experiences across multiple genres. We want to help curate their experience from the very beginning, so that their next arts outing is easy.

Our platform is free for everyone to use, including audiences, arts organizations, and artists. Our goal is to eliminate any friction points from listing events to finding events, both locally and globally. So what are you waiting for?! Go to RedCurtainAddict.com, create a profile, and experience the arts your way!

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Founded by Kari Lincks Coomans and Parker Coomans in 2017, Red Curtain Addict began as a blog highlighting regional events and hosting interviews featuring individual artists, to promote performances to in-person and online audiences.

The following year, RCA expanded its coverage to media outlets in and around San Francisco, including KPIX CBS and local radio stations, and later launched in-person events and bespoke collaborations with arts organizations.

And now, with this new platform, they are excited to globalize local arts so audiences can enjoy the best experiences locally, online, and when they travel, while connecting with a community of arts enthusiasts around the world.

About the Founders

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Kari Lincks Coomans founded Red Curtain Addict with her husband Parker Coomans as a way to make the arts more accessible and welcoming to music and theater lovers, and also to future fans who are interested in attending events but may not know where to begin. By lifting the curtain on art forms like jazz, theater, dance, and classical music, it’s their goal to bring the joy, beauty, and fun of the arts to as many people as possible!

“Our Arts Recommendation Platform will give audiences the ability to go behind the curtain of the arts, find what they love, and encourage them to go with ease! If we can help them get there and experience the impact that the arts can have (on them individually and on those around them), chances are their addiction to the arts will kick in, the value will be recognized, and the sustainability of the arts will endure,” says Kari.

Over the last decade, Kari has been building authentic communities through influencer marketing and social media for companies such as Samsung, L’Oreal, A&E Networks, Pinterest, Williams-Sonoma, and BET. Her experience in digital media and brand marketing gives her the ability to create cutting-edge strategies to ensure that notable companies stay relevant and accessible to new and diverse audiences. Kari is also a classically trained oboist and jazz singer, and has worked for some of the leading arts organizations like the SF Symphony, SF Ballet, and was the Vice President of Bravo at SF Opera, which also gives her a deep understanding of what the arts organizations want and need from a robust tool like Red Curtain Addict.

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Parker Coomans is no stranger to the world of start-ups. Over the past fifteen-years, he has helped to start and run several technology companies in the consumer internet, event, media, and enterprise software segments. Parker’s passion is to enable companies to grow through creative strategies and innovative technologies that truly empower and enrich the global community. He sees Red Curtain Addict as a way to lead the charge and to make a change in a world that needs innovation – both on and off the stage – in the performing arts.

Parker has had the privilege of working for some innovative b2b and b2c marketplace companies including; GetGlobal – The premier event and media platform for international business expansion and LivingSocial where he successfully led and managed sales teams from coast-to-coast, during their hyper-growth stage. Parker’s most recent venture is with a leading Fintech company called Rewards Network in the travel and hospitality sector working with major brands like Marriott, Hilton, Jetblue, American Airlines, United Airlines and more.

“I will give all I have to help artists willing to live their dreams to the fullest, help audiences discover arts that create moments of impact, and help an industry catch up to the 21st century of technology and innovation. That is why Red Curtain Addict exists, to help bridge the gap between the arts and the world. It is up to us to use it, evolve it, grow it, embrace it and use it as a way to drive this industry forward to new heights.” – Parker Coomans, co-founder

To find out more about our new platform, click HERE!

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The holidays definitely look and feel different this year but we have done things around the house to try and “normalize” the season as much as possible; setting up our nostalgic holiday decor, making festive treats, face timing our family, and wrapping up presents. Another tradition that we’re excited about is watching the Nutcracker! No, it won’t be live… BUT there is a silver lining.

This year, ballet companies around the world will be sharing and streaming their performances of this magical production (in some cases, for the first time!), giving audiences the opportunity to experience and watch different versions of the Nutcracker from around the world! The question is, which one should you choose??

Scroll below to find out what Nutcracker performances are on our holiday list and why…!

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker: (The O.G. of O.G’s!) Where the Nutcracker First Premiered

Nutcracker was first performed a week before Christmas by the Moscow Ballet in 1892 that was set to music by Tchaikovsky and originally choreographed by Marius Petipa. We owe it all to the director of Moscow’s Imperial Theatres, Ivan Vsevolozhsky, who commissioned this great work!

Definitely put this on your list if you want to celebrate the original performance of The Nutcracker! Plus, you’ll get to take a trip backstage with the cameras for a look at how the magic is made and learn fun insight about the performance and its history from world-class artists, designers, and the creators of this cherished production. Pssstt!! You can even purchase a package that includes an Intimate Artist Meet and Greet over Zoom!

The live stream will be on December 19, 2020 8:00 PM – December 29, 2020 12:00 AM. Click HERE for tickets!

San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker: The First American Ballet Company to Perform Nutcracker in the United States

On Christmas Eve, 1944, San Francisco debuted the Nutcracker to American Audiences. After the enormous success of this production, Nutcracker instantly became a holiday tradition that spread across the country to New York City and beyond! Another thing that makes this production unique from other versions, is that it’s set in San Francisco. If you look carefully, at the very beginning of the Nutcracker, you’ll see Victorian homes similar to those that you’ll see on Divisadero street in San Francisco, CA.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH OUR EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES INTERVIEW!

During this stream, you and your family will have access to the HD production, tour the virtual opera house full of fun activities, send downloadable holiday snaps to your friends and family, enjoy historical highlights of San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker, AND learn steps from the choreography.

You can stream San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker at your own convenience anytime between November 27 – December 31. Click HERE for tickets!

Birmingham Royal Ballet The Nutcracker: Live (Not Pre-Recorded) from Birmingham Repertory Theatre

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Like many arts organizations, the Birmingham Royal Ballet had to shut their doors to hosting audiences in their theater for the holiday season. BUT, unlike many ballet companies, they will be streaming a LIVE performance of their Nutcracker (not a pre-recorded version)! Since this is a live performance, go all out! Get dressed up as if you’re going to the theater. You could even give your family DIY tickets with assigned seating (who gets which couch cushion or the recliner) and host a fun intermission with bubbles or sparkling grape juice!

Viewers will have the opportunity to experience the production as close to watching it live in the theatre as is possible on Friday 18 December at 7:30pm GMT (11:30am PST/2:30pm ET). Click HERE for tickets!

New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker: Choreographer George Balanchine’s Version

Why is George Balanchine’s version worth seeing? Because it is the most famous stage production of the ballet performed in the U.S. that premiered on February 2, 1954, in New York. Now, many other productions throughout the United States either imitate it or directly use the Balanchine staging. This will be a great performance to celebrate the origination with the most famous New York ballet company and one of the most famous ballet companies in the world!

It has been said that ”after it was choreographed by another Russian immigrant to the New World, George Balanchine, the ballet began to thrive and variegate…” The Nutcracker became “ a way for Americans to tell a story about their communal values and themselves” Nutcracker Nation: How an Old World Ballet Became a Christmas Tradition in the New World.

Although this will not be a live stream production, it was just filmed last year during the New York City Ballet’s 2019 season. Click HERE for tickets!

Oregon Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker: Special Perks to Round Out the Experience

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If you’re looking for a unique experience that goes beyond the screen, we highly recommend checking out Oregon’s Ballet Theater’s production of The Nutcracker! From four-course dinner options (that’s delivered to your home!) to exclusive party items for your home celebration to holiday beverages and deserts along with Nutcracker memorabilia, you’ll have everything you’ll need for the ultimate Nutcracker experience at home.

This event is not an archival viewing of a Nutcracker production. Instead, they will be streaming nostalgic and lighthearted ~20-minute romp through Nutcracker memories from years past to enjoy with your family while munching on holiday treats. This is the ideal option for families with kiddos that might not have the attention span watch to the entire The Nutcracker performance. It’s a great way to start introducing them to ballet and maybe afterward, you can watch The Nutcracker and the Four Realms!

We hope that this list sparked some fun ideas for your holiday celebrations at home! Not only will these streamings bring a sense of “normalcy” for you and your family but they also support the immediate future of local and global stages. It’s a WIN-WIN!

Comment below to let us know which Nutcracker performance you’ll be tuning in for and share how you’ll be celebrating the holidays at home!

Merry Christmas from all of us at Red Curtain Addict!

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The way that we experienced the arts just two months ago has completely changed. We used to only get to see the arts that were located in our neighborhoods or cities because they primarily took place in theaters — but now, that’s a different story. Although Covid-19 has kept us indoors to keep our fellow Arts Addicts safe, it has also advanced and changed the way we experience the arts.

Instead of heading to the theaters to see a performance, we can now open up our laptops and immediately be digitally “teleported” to venues that we’ve never seen, concerts that we couldn’t attend, rehearsals that weren’t accessible and so much more! Although nothing can replace a live musical experience, we are stepping into a whole new world of digital arts.

Now, hundreds of thousands of concerts are being streamed each month across all genres on countless social pages, websites, platforms — you name it! Although it’s incredible to have SO many opportunities, it can also be really overwhelming to have so many options. Who knew — although most of our favorite places are closed, our “social calendar” just got busier than EVER. Who else can relate??

To help you navigate this new world of digital arts, we will be curating weekly lists of must-see virtual experiences; from jazz to classical, to Broadway to at-home concerts and more. Scroll below to see what’s on our radar for this week (May 19th – 24th):

Tuesday, May 19th – A Night with Alanis Morissette and Jagged Little Pill

“Thank U,” Alanis! Producers of Jagged Little Pill have partnered with American Express to live-stream the production, featuring seven-time Grammy Award winner Alanis Morissette!

Addict Insider: Jagged Little Pill (the production) is set to the 1995 album that had all of us rocking out to the top of our lungs with passion… while we were wearing our 90’s baggy jeans, tattoo chokers, and fanny packs. Ah, the good old days. However, this story is not about Alanis Morissette. Instead, it’s centered around a suburban family (the Healy’s), whose serene Connecticut lives collide head-on with some of the most burning issues of today. The result is an electric, fearless look at what it means to be alive in 21st century America and an urgent call for us to come together even as the world pushes us apart.

The event will benefit the COVID-19 emergency relief efforts of The Actors Fund and will take place on Tuesday, May 19 at 8pm (ET) on Jagged Little Pill’s Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

Wednesday, May 20th – From the Vault: Full Concerts at Jazz at Lincoln Center

Jazz at Lincoln Center has created an online portal offering an array of full-length concerts pulled up ‘From the Vault’ that are released weekly on Wednesdays on their YouTube!

Arts Addict Insider: Jazz at Lincoln Center recently re-launched JAZZ.ORG, an entirely new website designed for people around the world to easily access some of their archival concerts, among other things like educational resources, interviews, and more. These resources will be shared for free throughout the entirety of the pandemic with Jazz at Lincoln Center’s growing global community of 2 million people! As part of the launch, they are unlocking their vault of concerts that have not been seen since the live performance! They will feature commentary from a member of the orchestra who played on that show.

Concerts will be streamed every Wednesday at 8:30pm (ET) on Lincoln Center’s YouTube Page

Thursday, May 21st – Behind the Curtain with Ronny Michael Greenberg

Every week we’ll be going behind the curtain to meet amazing artists, experience exclusive concerts, and connect to a community of arts enthusiasts!

Arts Addict Insider: Over the past 5 weeks, we’ve had the opportunity to catch up with some fantastic artists and now I’m excited to go further behind the curtain to talk to artists that don’t always take center stage but there wouldn’t even be a center stage without them. I’m talking about choreographers, costume designers, voice coaches, and more. So I’m excited to kick this next chapter off with my dear friend and talented pianist and opera coach, Ronny Michael Greenberg!

Ronny is an amazing pianist and has played in some of the most noteworthy music destinations around the world as a soloist and an accompanist for several incredible singers, he has played on stage during one of San Francisco Ballet’s opening night galas and he is currently a member of San Francisco Opera’s Music Staff as an opera coach, which I’m excited to learn more about with you!

Catch our Behind the Curtain virtual experiences every Thursday @ 5:30 p.m. PST on our Facebook Page!

Thursday, May 21th – National Theatre at Home: A Streetcar Named Desire

At a time when many theatre fans around the world aren’t able to visit National Theatre Live venues or local theatres, they have recently launched National Theatre at Home.

Arts Addict Insider: Who else has been re-watching The Crown and is looking for the next drama to tune into? Watch a special performance of Vanessa Kirby (AKA: Princess Margaret in The Crown) in A Streetcar Named Desire as Stella. This star-studded cast also includes Gillian Anderson (All About Eve, The X-Files, The Fall, Sex Education) as Blanche and Ben Foster (Lone Survivor, Kill Your Darlings) as Stanley.

In case you aren’t familiar with the story, A Streetcar Named Desire, it’s a drama that follows a troubled former schoolteacher Blanche as she leaves small-town Mississippi and moves in with her sister, Stella, and her husband, Stanley in New Orleans. Blanche’s flirtatious Southern-belle presence causes problems for Stella and Stanley, who already have a volatile relationship, leading to even greater conflict in the Kowalski household. Drama! Drama! Drama!

You can watch National Theatre’s A Streetcar Named Desire from Thursday 21 May @ 7 p.m. BST (2 p.m. ET) on their YouTube channel until Thursday 28 May @ 7 p.m. BST (2 p.m. ET).

Thursday, May 21th – LA Phil’s ‘At Home With…’ pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet

This new online and on-the-air program features the LA Phil’s closest friends and collaborators sharing recordings, personal stories, and insight into the music.

Arts Addict Insider: If you have watched Pride & Prejudice and/or Atonement featuring Kiera Knightly, you have already heard Jean-Yves play! He’s the incredible pianist that you hear throughout the film (click above to listen!). He has been hailed as “one of the best pianists in the world,” that has continued to captivate audiences around the world for his poetic musicality and ability to instantly unlock your imagination through music. (Oh, the stories that he can tell without saying one word! It’s seriously amazing.) Speaking of which, when was the last time that you used your imagination? If the answer has been “too long to mention”, then you should tune-in! It’s time!

Tune in on Thursday, May 21st and Friday, May 22nd, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. PDT on Classical KUSC 91.5 FM or online. (This is a podcast vs. a video series, so it’s the perfect segment to tune into while you’re cooking or just want to close your eyes and escape)

Friday, May 22nd – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘The Show Must Go On’

Andrew Lloyd Webber has created a new series called ‘The Show Must Go On’ giving us free access to his full-length, smash-hit musicals once a week (starting on Fridays) for 48 hrs!

Arts Addict Insider: Since this series launched in early April, Andrew Lloyd Webber has streamed shows like Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, CATS and more. We don’t know what is coming for this week but we thought we’d put this on your radar! Make sure to check back with us to find out what show is next…!

The next ‘The Show Must Go On’ show will be available on their YouTube page for 48 hours starting on Friday’s @ at 2 p.m. ET.

Friday, May 22nd – SFJAZZ’s Fridays at Five, featuring Wayne Shorter Celebration

Fridays at Five is a new series of weekly pre-recorded concerts that aspire to connect you to music, musicians and live music at the SFJAZZ Center.

Arts Addict Insider: Legendary saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter is an 11-time GRAMMY winner, 1998 NEA Jazz Master, and Kennedy Center Honoree! He had been scheduled to perform with his quartet over four nights at SFJAZZ in January of 2019, but an illness that precluded travel prevented Wayne from appearing that week. As a tribute to Wayne, an all-star roster of jazz greats assembled over those four nights to perform classic material written by the. Tune-in to experience this special performance — perfect for an evening at home with a nice glass of wine. For this special broadcast, 100% of tip jar proceeds will go directly to Wayne Shorter for his ongoing medical needs.

For just $5 a month ($60 annually), you can become a Digital Member and tune in each Friday at 5 p.m. PST for the latest concert. You can subscribe HERE!

Friday, May 22nd – Carousel (A Dance) performed with NYC Ballet

New York City Ballet is currently streaming two ballets a week, along with a full slate of other online programming, including new podcast episodes and live-streamed movement classes for all ages!

Arts Addict Insider: In 2002, New York City Ballet devoted its opening night performance to the music of Richard Rodgers, to honor the composer’s centennial. For his contribution to the program, Christopher Wheeldon used an arrangement of Rodgers’ “The Carousel Waltz” and “If I Loved You” from the 1945 musical Carousel. This beautiful ballet celebrates the romantic story of Carousel and reflects the “dream ballets” found in many musicals of that era (including Rodger and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!). What is one of your favorite musicals of theirs?

Every Tuesday and Friday at 8 PM EDT, catch works from the NYCB repertory for 72 hours on NYCB’s YouTube channel, Facebook page, and homepage at nycballet.com.

Saturday, May 23rd – One Earth Live Festival

One Earth Live is a 2-day online “festival” where several artists will unite together from the safety of their homes to celebrate global unity, community, and will share a powerful message of hope and resilience — perfectly suited for our time!

Arts Addict Insider: The reason this is on our top pick lists is this is like the ultimate stay-cation featuring amazing artists and leaders to help us rejuvenate our sense of self while supporting a great cause! All donations will go to artists to help combat on-the-ground relief efforts with things like delivering soap to “at risk” communities, meals for the front line healthcare workers, clean water, and more! Tune in to experience 9 different stages from music to yoga, to enlightening conversations this isn’t something you want to miss.

Donations of any amount appreciated! Give what you can and spread the word! You can donate HERE!

Sunday, May 24th – PBS’s National Memorial Day Concert

The 2020 National Memorial Day Concert is a tribute to the front line men and women who are doing so much for all of us in the current fight against COVID-19, and to honor and remember our troops, veterans, wounded warriors, all those who have given their lives for freedom, and their families.

Arts Addict Insider: This Sunday’s concert celebrates the 31st anniversary of the National Memorial Day Concert to honor our veterans and their families and will feature Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise. What is normally a live concert at the Nation’s Capitol, will be live-streamed on PBS.org, YouTube, and Facebook.

Want to see more suggestions each week of what to stream across genre? Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and community for top picks, exclusive access, and more! https://redcurtainaddict.com/register

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For the past 25 years, Micheal Tilson Thomas has been leading the San Francisco Symphony through music and events that has touched hundreds of thousands of people. Last year it was announced that he would conclude his distinguished tenure. “Looking back over these decades I am filled with gratitude for the extraordinary artistic partnership I have had with the members of the Orchestra and for the warm and generous style of music making we have shared with all of our audiences,” said Michael Tilson Thomas.

Since the announcement, we’ve been wondering who will be stepping up to the podium as the 12th Music Director… Today, we are so excited to announce that it will be ESA-PEKKA SALONEN!

Esa-Pekka Salonen is a revered favorite of orchestral audiences and has a special place in the hearts of any Los Angeles Philharmonic fan since his appointment as Music Director with the philharmonic from 1992-2009. He was instrumental in opening the Gehry-designed Walt Disney Hall and brought the philharmonic international success by championing new music and programming concerts that engaged the community.

He is also a composer (among many talents)! Watch the video above to find out his inspiration behind “Wing on Wing” that was created to celebrate the Walt Disney Hall…

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According the the San Francisco Symphony, Salonen will lead the SFS January 18–20, 2019 in a program featuring the SFS premiere of Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir’s Metacosmos, R. Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra, and Sibelius’Four Legends from the Kalevala. He will return as Music Director Designate in the 2019–20 season to conduct at least two weeks of programs.

In September 2020, Salonen begins his tenure as Music Director with an initial five-year contract, conducting the SFS in six subscription weeks and on a tour of Asia. Beginning in the 2021–22 season, Salonen will conduct 12 to 14 weeks each season. He will conclude his tenure as Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor for London’s Philharmonia Orchestra in 2021.

Tonight we will be going to the Davies Symphony Hall to meet Salonen and get the inside scoop on his thoughts about his new position with the San Francisco Symphony! More to come…

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Although August is a “summer break” month for a lot of San Francisco Arts Organizations (like the SF Ballet, SF Opera and SF Symphony, etc.), there is still a TON to do! If you have guests coming in town and you’re looking for something fun to show them or you’re just simply wanting to get away from Karl the fog, we have a great list of concerts that are guaranteed to up your summer game.

Scroll below to browse our top concert picks for August!

August 4-19: West Edge Opera Festival

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West Edge Opera challenges every type of perception around opera. Since the 1980’s, this organization has been presenting edgy and modernized concert experiences in innovative venues while reviving operas and re-imagining them for current audiences. Can we get an amen?!

This year’s festival will be held at the Craneway Pavilion that was originally a Ford Motor Assembly plant built in the 1930’s. The festival includes three operas to choose from on different dates:

August 4, 12 & 17: Pelléas et Mélisande was Claude Debussy‘s only complete opera that is about a love triangle with a deep and dark core of jealousy.

August 5,10 & 18: Mata Hari is about a Dutch exotic dancer named Margaretha Geertruida “Margreet” MacLeod. She was convicted of being a spy for Germany during World War and executed by firing squad in France 101 years ago. This opera premiered last year in New York!

August 11, 16 & 19: Quartett is a seductive opera about two people who have renounced all sense of love but play mind games and take on scandalous roles as lovers, hence the name ‘Quartett’ (AKA: four). The storyline seems a bit complex but the following words by the composer fill us with curiosity… “Don’t dare to come if you can’t accept that you need to analyze what you do and who you are. This piece is violent, it’s sex, it’s blasphemy, it’s the absence of mercy.”

August 8-26: LES MISÉRABLES, SHN

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After four years of anticipation, Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Les Misérables is BACK and is on tour in the US with brand new staging and re-imagined sets! Along with the Oscar-winning movie version, it has now been seen by more than 70 million people in 44 countries and in 22 languages around the globe. Even after 32 years, Les Misérables is still the world’s most popular musical, breaking box office records everywhere.

In case you haven’t seen the musical, it’s based on the novel Les Misérables by French poet and novelist Victor Hugo. Set in France during the early 19th century, the story follows Jean Valjean’s quest for redemption after serving nineteen years in jail for having stolen a loaf of bread for his sister’s starving child. After an amazing act of mercy from a bishop, Jean Valjean is inspired to choose a promising destiny but he is relentlessly tracked down by a police inspector named Javert. Will he ever escape? You’ll have to see it for yourself to find out…!

August 9-11: Zoë Keating in Concert, SFJAZZ

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With a background as a professional cellist and data analyst, Zoë combined her love of music and technology by using a computer to live-layer her cello to play her own compositions. She is truly a one-woman orchestra! She has self-released multiple albums that have reached #1 several times on the iTunes classical chart and has composed music for ballet, theater, film and radio.

At SFJAZZ, Zoë will be playing a selection of pieces from her newest EP called “Snowmelt” that was released in June 2018 and top-hits from her previous albums. Every time that we’ve met her and have seen her perform, we’ve left her concerts feeling inspired and enlightened. This concert will definitely fill the soul!

August 18: Grande Finale Concert, Merola

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Merola is one of the leading opera programs for artists training to become professional opera singers/directors. Click here to get our fun article to learn more! Out of hundreds of young artists that audition from all over the world, around twenty-three singers, five apprentice coaches (AKA: vocal coaches in training) and one apprentice stage director are chosen to participate in this extensive summer program.

Merola’s Grand Finale is a celebration concert marking the end of their intensive 12-week program. Throughout the performance, you’ll get the chance to see each artist sing selections from a variety of operas, including Rossini’s Otello, Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), Massenet’s Thaïs, Puccini’s La rondine and more! Afterward, you can join them at The Green Room in the Veterans Building for a special reception with wine + bites. (Reception tickets are sold separately) We’ve been several times and it’s a lot of fun!

Ongoing: Beach Blanket Babylon

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Photo by Rick Markovich

If you’re looking for a good laugh or a true “San Franciscan” experience to share with your out-of-town guest(s), Beach Blanket Babylon should definitely be on your list! Celebrating over 16,000 performances, this iconic show will make you hoot and holler over hilarious costumes, musical spoofs and out-of-this-world hats that will make your eyes pop with “WOW!”.

Although this is a major tourist attraction, it’s great to see it as a local too! Beach Blanket Babylon is the world’s longest-running musical revue because they are always changing it and making it relevant right down to the day. The Director is even known to have breaking news spoofs on the day it happened! We recently went for the second time and laughed just as hard. Make sure to get there early if you get general admission tickets – seats are first come, first serve!

Gala Season!

Within one week, the San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Opera will be kicking off their 2018-2019 season with an opening night gala celebration! Although they aren’t until next month (September 5th & 9th), make sure to grab your tickets because they will be sold out by the end of the month, if not sooner.

Click here to see last year’s highlights from the San Francisco Symphony Gala!

Click here to see last year’s highlights from the San Francisco Opera Gala!

And there you have it! There are so many events and concerts happening this month. Make sure to get out and support your local arts scene and share your experience using #RedCurtainAddict for a chance to be featured on our site!

Click to WATCH our latest Red Curtain Addict Episodes

Click to READ more Red Curtain Addict Blog Posts.

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Tuesday, May 19th – A Night with Alanis Morissette and Jagged Little Pill

“Thank U,” Alanis! Producers of Jagged Little Pill have partnered with American Express to live-stream the production, featuring seven-time Grammy Award winner Alanis Morissette!

The event will benefit the COVID-19 emergency relief efforts of The Actors Fund and will take place on Tuesday, May 19 at 8pm (ET) on Jagged Little Pill’s Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

Wednesday, May 20th – From the Vault: Full Concerts at Jazz at Lincoln Center

Jazz at Lincoln Center has created an online portal offering an array of full-length concerts pulled up ‘From the Vault’ that are released weekly on Wednesdays on their YouTube!

Concerts will be streamed every Wednesday at 8:30pm (ET) on Lincoln Center’s YouTube Page

Thursday, May 21st – Behind the Curtain with Ronny Michael Greenberg

Every week we’ll be going behind the curtain to meet amazing artists, experience exclusive concerts, and connect to a community of arts enthusiasts!

Catch our Behind the Curtain virtual experiences every Thursday @ 5:30 p.m. PST on our Facebook Page!

Thursday, May 21th – National Theatre at Home: A Streetcar Named Desire

At a time when many theatre fans around the world aren’t able to visit National Theatre Live venues or local theatres, they have recently launched National Theatre at Home.

You can watch National Theatre’s A Streetcar Named Desire from Thursday 21 May @ 7 p.m. BST (2 p.m. ET) on their YouTube channel until Thursday 28 May @ 7 p.m. BST (2 p.m. ET).

Thursday, May 21th – LA Phil’s ‘At Home With…’ pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet

This new online and on-the-air program features the LA Phil’s closest friends and collaborators sharing recordings, personal stories, and insight into the music.

Friday, May 22nd – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘The Show Must Go On’

Andrew Lloyd Webber has created a new series called ‘The Show Must Go On’ giving us free access to his full-length, smash-hit musicals once a week (starting on Fridays) for 48 hrs!

The next ‘The Show Must Go On’ show will be available on their YouTube page for 48 hours starting on Friday’s @ at 2 p.m. ET.

Friday, May 22nd – SFJAZZ’s Fridays at Five, featuring Wayne Shorter Celebration

Fridays at Five is a new series of weekly pre-recorded concerts that aspire to connect you to music, musicians and live music at the SFJAZZ Center.

For just $5 a month ($60 annually), you can become a Digital Member and tune in each Friday at 5 p.m. PST for the latest concert. You can subscribe HERE!

Friday, May 22nd – Carousel (A Dance) performed with NYC Ballet

New York City Ballet is currently streaming two ballets a week, along with a full slate of other online programming, including new podcast episodes and live-streamed movement classes for all ages!

Every Tuesday and Friday at 8 PM EDT, catch works from the NYCB repertory for 72 hours on NYCB’s YouTube channel, Facebook page, and homepage at nycballet.com.

Saturday, May 23rd – One Earth Live Festival

Donations of any amount appreciated! Give what you can and spread the word! You can donate HERE!

Sunday, May 24th – PBS’s National Memorial Day Concert

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The Phantom of the Opera has been celebrated as one of the best musicals for the last 3 decades and it continues to be one of the longest-running shows on Broadway. One of the reasons that the show has been so successful is because of the amazing cast that has continued to share the timeless love story of the Phantom and Christine Daaé. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Meghan Picerno, who recently made her Broadway debut as Christine Daaé, to find out more about how she trained for the role and what it’s like playing one of the most iconic Broadway roles in history.

Scroll below to find out more about Meghan’s aspiring career and get a peek at our backstage tour of the show…!

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Although this was Meghan’s first time playing Christine Daaé on Broadway, this was not her first time performing the role. In fact, I met Meghan in 2018 when she originated the role of Christine in the North American premiere of Love Never Dies (the sequel to the Phantom of the Opera – yes, there’s a sequel! Click here to check out our interview together). Afterward, she went on tour to perform the role of Christine in the world tour of Phantom of the Opera for eight months. She then started rehearsals for her Broadway debut only one month after the world tour ended and is already getting tons of buzz around her incredible performance!

What was it like to step on the stage that first night as Christine Daae in the Majestic Theater on Broadway?

It was epic! It was literally every color of the rainbow that you could possibly expect. There are things in the Broadway world that I had never experienced before and one of them was that I would have a “put-in”. Addict Insider: A “put-in” is where the new member of an established cast does a run-through rehearsal of the entire show in their costumes so they can get a sense of bearings on all aspects of the role (entrances, costume changes, interactions with props/other characters, etc).

But actually, the first time I did the full-on performance, in this particular version, WAS my debut! Yes, I did the world tour version for 8-months but this is its own special version. So for example, the opening night was the first time it was full-on dark and I was climbing the ladder and going up and down the stairs in costume. I had a few weeks of practice but it covered certain scenes of the show. So to be honest, it was a beautiful and crazy blur. I was full of bliss and gratitude.

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After reminiscing about her debut, I learned that not every Phantom of the Opera show is the same! Meaning, what you see on the national tour vs. the global tour vs. what you see in London vs. what is performed on Broadway is all different. Different in the sense of choreography, the cast-to cast-interactions, sets, costumes, etc. However, the music and the storyline that we all love and cherish remains the same.

I’m still having to undo muscle memory from the global tour because I did it more than 5x a week for almost a year! But something that I didn’t expect is that it’s made me completely rediscover the role because the relationships are ever so slightly different, the logistics of the stage is different and the acoustics of the Majestic Theater is different because I sing with the largest orchestra on Broadway (which is around 27 people!).

Click the video above to watch our exclusive backstage tour with Meghan!

What have you loved about being on Broadway and what do you miss about being on tour?

I love New York. It’s my home. It makes a huge difference when your support team is physically within your vicinity as appose to a Skype call away. And plus, I’m on Broadway!! Everything about it is grand, just like New York. Phantom is New York and New York is Phantom. They go hand in hand! You can’t have one without the other. You just can’t go to New York City without seeing Phantom! It’s one of the ultimate bucket-list things to do. You just have to see it…

For those that haven’t seen Phantom of the Opera yet, why should this be on their New York City Bucket-list? What makes it so iconic?

Coming from the opera world, it’s quite operatic in the sense that there is so much tradition and legacy. Musical theater is quintessentially American just like opera is to Italy. And Broadway’s Phantom of the Opera has been passed down through GENERATIONS and what other show has that right now? At this point, there isn’t any. t’s so amazing how many incredible actors and singers have gone through the Phantom family… gotten their start here, have returned, etc.

Now, the piece itself is epic! It’s hard to put it into words because it’s timeless. There is no detail that has not been completely thought through – there is no mistake to it.

What do you think Christine Daae be like if she was alive today?

She’d be fierce! Although rights were different for a woman in her time period, she is still intelligent, inquisitive, and powerful in her own way. Throughout the storyline of Phantom of the Opera, you’ll see her as a girl evolving into a strong and confident woman.

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Was it difficult to go backward in the storyline after performing Love Never Dies?

We actually had a very long discussion about this during my rehearsal process for the world tour. Love Never Dies shows us her truth and her future and a 10-year backstory of why things happened the way they did. On the one hand, I know who she becomes but I have to forget it all because she doesn’t know that. For instance, all that strength that she has in Love Never Dies, she doesn’t have yet and hasn’t yet blossomed into the opera diva that she becomes.

I’m the only person who has performed Love Never Dies as a principal Christine and have then gone backward into Phantom of the Opera. There are only a few of us who have done both. As an actor, it has given me a full 360 experience because I now understand all of her psyche. For instance, in the Phantom, I don’t think she is possessed by him. I think she has a strong sense of curiosity and imagination and makes the choice to walk through that mirror.

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Why is the Phantom of the Opera considered a musical vs an opera, even though you sing opera in the show?

There are things that are very similar! However, for me, the way we sing and project is what makes it different from an opera. Instead of thinking technically of how to reach the person in the back row without a mic, I have a mic and it helps me be able to express emotions differently and softer.

What’s been fun about the role is finding when Christine’s role is “speaking” to a friend through singing, when is she is reflecting and when is she “performing in a show”. All of those different types of situations call for different styles of singing. And because of my operatic training, I’m able to access a broad range of colors of my voice for each type of scene.

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What is your all-time favorite Phantom of the Opera song and why?

Final Lair: there is so much emotion. It’s a very empowering and heartbreaking scene for her. (Although I really love Past the Point of No Return- it’s very sexy!)

Getting a significant role like this on Broadway doesn’t happen just overnight. It takes a ton of work, passion, and dedication. What do you advise those that are dreaming to be a star on Broadway or those that are looking to achieve their ultimate career goals?

Always stay true to yourself. I don’t try to be someone else. Like, “Hey, I’m going to be the next Kristin Chenoweth.” No, although that would be awesome because she’s amazing but she’s her own. Patty Lupone, her own. Sarah Brightman, her own. I want to be the first Meghan Picerno because I’m the only Meghan Picerno! You have love yourself and believe in yourself.

Meghan is such an inspiration and we can all take a piece of that advice no matter if your goals live on or off stage. If you are headed to New York City, definitely put this show on your list. Meghan is absolutely incredible to see live and there is nothing like seeing the Phantom of the Opera in the exact theater where the show opened on Broadway over 30 years ago.

Click here to find out more about the show and read about my backstage tour!

Written by Kari Lincks Coomans

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Scroll below to find out more about Meghan’s aspiring career and get a peek at our backstage tour of the show…!

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What was it like to step on the stage that first night as Christine Daae in the Majestic Theater on Broadway?

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Click the video above to watch our exclusive backstage tour with Meghan!

What have you loved about being on Broadway and what do you miss about being on tour?

For those that haven’t seen Phantom of the Opera yet, why should this be on their New York City Bucket-list? What makes it so iconic?

Now, the piece itself is epic! It’s hard to put it into words because it’s timeless. There is no detail that has not been completely thought through – there is no mistake to it.

What do you think Christine Daae be like if she was alive today?

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Was it difficult to go backward in the storyline after performing Love Never Dies?

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Why is the Phantom of the Opera considered a musical vs an opera, even though you sing opera in the show?

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What is your all-time favorite Phantom of the Opera song and why?

Final Lair: there is so much emotion. It’s a very empowering and heartbreaking scene for her. (Although I really love Past the Point of No Return- it’s very sexy!)

Click here to find out more about the show and read about my backstage tour!

Written by Kari Lincks Coomans

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We can hardly believe that fall is officially here! October is one of our favorite months in San Francisco because the weather is JUST riiiight and the music scene is packed with so many new concerts to discover. From world premieres to spooky Halloween events, we think you’re going to like what we’ve selected in our Top Concert Picks for October. Scroll below to see more…!

October 3rd – 30th: Tosca, San Francisco Opera

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Since its world premiere in 1900, Tosca continues to be one of the famous operas around the world. But why? Among many reasons, this opera’s popularity has been driven by the operatic divas that played the leading role of Floria Tosca. From Hariclea Darcleé (the famous soprano that debut the role) to Maria Jeritza (that famously sang one the iconic arias while lying on the floor after falling on stage – click here to read more) to Maria Callas (that was pretty much the opera QUEEN of the 20th century), these iconic women (along with a ton of others!) have influenced audiences to see the opera countless times.

But this time, the spotlight is shining on another leading lady that stands behind the curtain. The San Francisco Opera is presenting a new production of Tosca that has been spearheaded by the amazing female Director, Shawna Lucey! Even in 2018, a female Director is very uncommon so it’s gratifying to see San Francisco Opera equalize the leadership opportunities and empower those with talent, regardless of their gender.

Click HERE to read our Addict Insider Article about the opera!

October 5th – 14th: World Premiere with Kronos Quartet, Alonzo King Lines Ballet

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To celebrate LINES’s 35th Anniversary and Kronos’s 45th Anniversary, the two groups have paired up (for the first time!) to produce a World Premiere performance that will forever change the way you perceive and experience ballet and classical music while adding a local flair!

Since 1983, LINES performances are always doing a collaboration with noted composers, musicians, and visual artists from around the world. Alonzo King takes one type of art and combines it with another—creating an experience that forever changes our perception of each type of artwork.

This performance will open your mind to something entirely different. Something beyond beauty —that which reaches a level beyond emotions and reason. Alonzo King likes to say that the goal of ballet isn’t to look pretty but to reach for transcendence.

To get the inside scoop about why this is a MUST SEE – CLICK HERE!

October 9 – November 4th: Miss Saigon, SHN

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Miss Saigon is a love story about “the ultimate sacrifice” – Where a mother has to say goodbye to her child as the child boardes a plane in Vietnam to head to America for a chance at a better life. The musical was inspired by a photograph, which Schönberg found inadvertently in a magazine. It showed a Vietnamese mother leaving her child at a departure gate to board an airplane headed for the United States where her father, an ex-GI, would be in a position to provide a much better life for the child.

Although the musical premiered in 1989 the new production now touring to San Francisco speaks directly to the current times and will leave you in complete awe!

October 27th: Hunchback of Notre Dame at Grace Cathedral, SFJAZZ

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Grace Cathedral is a hotspot for cultural events and performances. In fact, they do all kinds of gatherings, from yoga on Tuesday nights, to once in a lifetime experiences like Hunchback of Notre Dame.

On Sat Oct 27th when everyone is out to celebrate Halloween, this sacred space of Grace Cathedral will transform into a grand movie palace for a special screening of director Wallace Worsley’s immortal 1923 silent film adaptation of Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Immerse yourself into the hallowed halls of Grace Cathedral with this unforgettable event featuring a live score performed on Grace’s famous pipe organ by renowned organist and composer Dorothy Papadakos, accompanied by percussionist Elizabeth Hall.

October 28th: Chamber Music Concert at the Legion and Honor Museum, SF Symphony

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What’s better than seeing music surrounded by art?

The Legion of Honor is a Bay Area staple experience, housing artwork that spans over four Millenia, pair that with members of the San Francisco Symphony and you are in for a treat! On Oct 28th they will be opening their doors for a unique concert experience featuring musicians from the San Francisco Symphony who will play three works by Beethoven, including:

Violin Sonata No. 3, Opus 12, No. 3 (featuring the concertmaster, Alexander Barantschik)

Sonata No. 4 in C major for Cello and Piano, Op. 102 No. 1 (featuring Associate Principal Cellist, Peter Wyrick)

Piano Trio No. 2, Opus 70 (Pianist, Anton Nel)

Tickets include admission to the entire museum so you can check out some of their current exhibits before or after the concert!

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The Curran has been a monumental theater for premiering new theater productions that have taken over Broadway on many occasions. In fact, did you know the first production of WICKED was performed at the Curran in 2003?

Now, after a beautiful building renovation (trust us, it’s incredible!), the company is getting ready to present a laugh-out-loud world premiere musical called Head Over Heels featuring a top-notch cast, crew, and creators.

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“Head Over Heels” at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. (Photo: Jenny Graham, Oregon Shakespeare Festival)

The musical was based on a long-form poem/play by Sir Philip Sidney called ‘The Arcadia’ in the 16th century. However, this rendition exists in a fantasy time period where you’ll see themes from the past and present making it feel rather current.

The story follows a royal family that must prevent an oracle’s prophecy of doom and it’s all set to the tunes of the 1980’s all-female rock band, The Go-Go’s.

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In between rehearsals and costume fittings, we were lucky enough to grab some time with the amazing Jeremy Kushnier. You might know him from his show-stopping performances in Footloose (as the original Ren!), Rent (as Roger) Jersey Boys (as Tommy DeVito) or maybe by his catchy solos in Jesus Christ Superstar (as James the Lesser, Priest).

In Head Over Heels, he will be taking on the role of Basilius, the King of Arcadia who must protect his land and kingdom after receiving some threatening news from an Oracle about his land. Scroll below to find out why he is excited about this world premiere and how this is unique from the other productions that he has performed in.

Addict Insider: The Oracle is played by PEPPERMINT, the first trans woman to originate a principal role on Broadway – EVER!

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Can you tell us about your character, King Basilius?

King Basilius is definitely a fun character to play. As the story picks up, he has been in his position of rank for some time and at one point he probably had a great drive as a leader. But now, he’s sort of relaxed and in the trappings of what it means to be a King. Let’s just say, he’s not really being the best that he could be. In a lot of ways, he’s kind of like your quintessential white guy driving down the highway who refuses to ask for directions or help. He has the best intentions but we know what they say about those problems. He definitely has room for improvement and hopefully, by the end you see him veering towards that.

I also have an AMAZING costume costumes (created by Arianne Phillips, see some her sketches above!)! Although they are sometimes quite heavy, they are gorgeous. I can’t wait for people to see them! Their minds are going to be blown. You honestly could do a full Vogue photo shoot just on the costumes…

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What drew you to being a part of Head Over Heels?

It’s so exciting to be a part of a new work and getting the chance to work with Michael Mayer (best known for his creation of Spring Awakening , American Idiot, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch) This group is truly a dream team.

The cast is so tremendous and everyone comes from all different walks of life which makes it fun. They’ve really become like a wonderful jewel box of a family to me. And the dancers and ensembles are some of the strongest that I’ve EVER worked with. It’s so much fun coming into the theater every day to work with them.

Can you tell us more about the music?

When I first read the breakdown of this musical, I was thinking “how is this going to work; mixing Go-Go’s music with this Shakesperian style dialog?” But amazingly enough, it works perfectly! They’ve masterfully woven their music into this story seamlessly. In case you aren’t familiar with the Go-Go’s, they were an all-female rock band from the 80’s that wrote/produced their own music, played their own instruments and were one of the first groups to break gender barriers in the rock ‘n roll space.

This story deals with a lot of things that we’re dealing with our society today; social politics, sexual politics and sexual identity.The heart of the Go-Go’s really lends itself to the themes of this show. And I feel like the Go-Go’s were far ahead of their time for some of these things.

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What is your favorite part of the musical?

There are a lot of favorites but one of my top highlights is the dancing that the ensemble does in between numbers. It’s incredible! I also love the music. As a child of the 80’s, I grew up with the music of the Go-Go’s and they were definitely part of my life/movie soundtrack.

However, there is a song that I had never heard of before by them called ‘This Old Feeling’. Our Music Supervisor, Tom Kit (who also wrote Next to Normal ), had the genius idea to turn into a type of “waltzy rock song” and it’s one of my favorite songs to sing! It’s a duet with Rachel York (the Queen) and it’s SO fun!

How is this production unique and different from the other productions that you’ve done in the past?

I’ve got a real love for Shakespear. To get to do a blank verse on stage is so fun and exciting! Of course, it’s not Shakespear but James Magruder (the musical’s Adapter and Writer) has done an amazing job of giving us a lot of beautiful verses. And that for me is the most fun. It’s definitely something that people haven’t seen me do before. The music is right in my wheelhouse, being sung in rock ‘n roll, but getting to see this Shakesperian King come out of me is something I most excited about doing.

The logo of the musical is perfect because Head Over Heels is really turning this genre on its head (like the upside-down crown) and there’s this giant beating heart that’s within the storyline that will definitely make you cry at the end. It’s just so good!

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What’s next for you on the horizon?

After this fun of performances in San Francisco, we’re headed to New York to perform Head Over Heels on Broadway! We’re all hoping that we are there for awhile and have very high hopes that it will.

I’ve also been working on our first feature film with my brother called ‘The Idea of Manhood’ that’s hitting the festival circuit now! He’s also written a play that I’m directing and working on, so there’s a lot of fun projects that I’m working on.

Head Over Heels tickets are available now and the show opens on April 10 – May 6, 2018. Make sure to go check out to get the exclusive showing before it heads to Broadway!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

WATCH our Red Curtain Addict episodes by subscribing to our Youtube Channel.

FIND OUT MORE about reading some of our latest articles.

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Scroll below to browse our top concert picks for August!

August 4-19: West Edge Opera Festival

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August 4, 12 & 17: Pelléas et Mélisande was Claude Debussy‘s only complete opera that is about a love triangle with a deep and dark core of jealousy.

August 8-26: LES MISÉRABLES, SHN

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August 9-11: Zoë Keating in Concert, SFJAZZ

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August 18: Grande Finale Concert, Merola

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Ongoing: Beach Blanket Babylon

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Photo by Rick Markovich

Gala Season!

Click here to see last year’s highlights from the San Francisco Symphony Gala!

Click here to see last year’s highlights from the San Francisco Opera Gala!

Click to WATCH our latest Red Curtain Addict Episodes

Click to READ more Red Curtain Addict Blog Posts.

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The holidays are just around the corner and so are some fun and festive experiences! Scroll down to find some unique ideas on ways to celebrate the season with family or traveling guests, we’ve curated a list of must-see holiday experiences right here in the Bay Area.

1. Midtown Men at the San Francisco Symphony

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The San Francisco Symphony is great at presenting a variety of seasonal concerts that are always fun for all ages. This year they will be mixing it up a bit by presenting a fun holiday pops concert featuring the original cast of Jersey Boys! It’s hard to believe that is has almost been 15 years since the Jersey Boys made its world debut. The four guys are coming back together to sing variations from the Beatles, Motown, The Four Season, and of course, some holiday favorites!

Tickets start at $20.00

2. San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker

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Next on our list is the San Francisco Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker that is always so magical. This has been a Bay Area tradition for decades, in fact the San Francisco Ballet was the first American ballet company to perform the Nutcracker in the United States on Christmas Eve in 1944 and they’ve been performing it ever since! One of our favorite parts is when the Sugar Plum fairies dance in the snow. Fun fact, over 600 pounds of snow falls during EVERY performance!

Click here to find about 7 Facts That You Didn’t Know About San Francisco Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’.

Tickets start around $50.00

3. A.C.T’s A Christmas Carol

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The cast of A Christmas Carol at A.C.T.’s Geary Theater now through December 24, 2016. Photo by Kevin Berne.

A.C.T. (American Conservatory Theater) has started the run of their production of A Christmas Carol and it will be running through the end of the year. They have performed this in San Francisco over 12,000 times during the last 42 years. And what we love about the cast is that it’s made up of talented actors (of course) and several A.C.T. Young Conservatory students and students from the A.C.T. Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) Program. It’s so great to see how our Bay Area community performers (of all ages) come together to celebrate a classic story about Mr. Scrooge.

Tickets start at $20

4. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

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And if you want to take your love for A Christmas Carol one step further, another activity that’s great for out of town guests or families with kids is The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in Daly City at the Cow Palace! This is an immersive holiday experience where you can come dressed up in Victorian costumes and step inside the world of Charles Dickens and the streets of Victorian London circa Christmas 1860. There are several theatrical performances, music, dancing, arts and crafts and more!

Tickets start at $30 and kids are half off.

5. SFJAZZ’s New Years Eve Celebration

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There are so many amazing New Years Eve parties in this city but I’ll tell ya, SFJAZZ knows how to do it right! This year they will be ringing in the New Year with the king of funky saxophone, Maceo Parker who use to perform with the soul legend James Brown. And opening the show will be vocalist and songwriter Deva Mahal singing groovy heavy R&B. There will be a balloon drop at midnight with complimentary champagne, a giant disco ball and party favors! It will be a good time and a fun way to bring in the New Year with music!

Become a member to attend.

Make sure to share your holiday experiences on social using #RedCurtainAddict! We hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Spring is just around the corner and so are some amazing concert performances and exciting premieres! There were so many experiences to choose from this month but we narrowed it down to five that are must-see performances. We start the month with a world premiere performed by San Francisco’s internationally acclaimed contemporary dance company, ODC and we’ll close out the month an extravagant 360° staging transformation of the Curran theater for a West Coast premiere of THE JUNGLE.

Scroll below to see our must-see performances this month…!

ODC, World’s On Fire: March 7 – 10

Not only is this month the beginning of spring, but it’s also Women’s History Month! ODC is excited to present World’s On Fire that is Co-Directed by two women, Kate Weare (New York-based Resident Choreographer) and Brenda Way (ODC Founder and Artistic Director). World’s on Fire is s work that tackles issues of kinship, belief, suffering, love and the will to survive. The dancing is set to music performed by The Crooked Jades who are known for their rare and obscure repertoire and have revived the dark and hypnotic sounds of pre-radio music. With this old-time foundation of music mixed with this new work wrapped with themes of love and endurance, we can hardly wait to see it!

We are huge fans of ODC because they are consistently supporting artists, presenting new works and are one of the most active centers for contemporary dance on the West Coast! On top of that, if you are wanting to dabble in dancing yourself, check out their awesome classes and workshops. They offer over 200 classes a week that covers over 20 disciplines of dance. With ODC, you just can’t go wrong!

San Francisco Ballet, Sleeping Beauty: March 9 – 17

Sleeping Beauty first premiered in 1890 and has since then it has been one of the most famous ballets in history. Why? Because of its ultimate fairytale love story, the music is dreamy and bewitching and it is one of the hardest ballet’s to perform that requires top-notch endurance and strength from anyone that plays Princess Aurora. And last but not least, the costumes are the ultimate! Last year, the San Francisco Ballet debuted their new costumes that were previously worn by the Royal Danish Ballet and they are absolutely exquisite!

(Click to read our article, ‘Sneak Peek: SF Ballet’s NEW Costumes for The Sleeping Beauty‘)’

This ballet is perfect for a date night, a friends’ night out or if you’re not quite sure if you’re a ballet fan, this is a great production to start with.

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Photo by Glenn Meyer

San Francisco Symphony, Chamber Music at the Gunn Theater at the Palace of Legion of Honor: Saturday, March 10th

Celebrate the long summer days (Sunday is Daylight Savings – make sure to move your clocks backward!) with an afternoon of art and music! This is a great way to enjoy an intimate concert performed by members of the San Francisco Symphony while being surrounded by art created by some of the greatest painters such as Monet, Gauguin, Rubens and more. Each year thousands of people visit The Legion of Honor to see their impressive collection of 4,000 years of ancient and European art and Auguste Rodin’s iconic statue, The Thinker.

The concert will include music by Mozart, Schubert and Smetana which will be performed by San Francisco’s Symphony’s Concertmaster Alexander Barantschik, cellist Peter Wyrick and pianist Anton Nel. We’ve attended a few of these concert experiences at the Legion of Honor and have absolutely loved it. We highly recommend this experience!

SFJAZZ, Max Raabe & Palast Orchestrer: Dream A Little Dream: Tuesday, March 12th

If you’re a fan of the 1920s – 1930s music (think Great Gatsby or the ultimate speakeasy!), this concert will be right down your alley. Max Raabe and his orchestra will be taking over the Davies Symphony Hall for a one-night concert present by SFJAZZ. The group originally came together in the mid-’90s to celebrate their shared passion for the timeless melodies and orchestrations that originated during the Golden Period of dance music. Since then, this German-based orchestra has been touring the world and winning the hearts of fans both young and old.

For this one-night-only concert, they will be performing 1920s standards and songs from their newest album, Eine Nacht in Berlin (AKA: One Night in Berlin). Make sure to pre-order champagne for intermission to top off the night with a little blubbly of fun!

Curran, THE JUNGLE, March 26 – May 19

We’re ending the month with a West Coast premiere that holds a message that needs to be heard about freedom of expression, creativity, and dignity for everyone. THE JUNGLE is a story of refugees fleeing from war and persecution in Calais, France. “By putting such a heartbreakingly human face on a story too often told through statistics, THE JUNGLE manages to provide us with both an incredible evening of theater and a moral imperative for our times,” said Carole Shorenstein Hays. “It is precisely the show America needs right now, as we struggle mightily to harness the collective strength of our better selves. Let the dialogue begin, Bay Area”.

Not only are we excited to catch the show but we’re also excited to see the transformation of the Curran that will undergo in order to house THE JUNGLE’s 360° staging and set! Today, the theater houses 1,600 seats but after this alteration, there will only be 600 seats that will make the overall experience intimate and very unique. Better yet, the majority of the New York cast will transfer with the production, including actors from refugee backgrounds, some of whom came through the Jungle. This is definitely a show that should be on your list to see!

Like we mentioned, there are so many amazing performances happening this month and it’s definitely hard to choose which one to see, so why not see them all?! 🙂 What performance are you most excited about seeing? Leave us a note in the comments.

Click to WATCH our latest Red Curtain Addict Episodes

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You know me, I’m always on the hunt for the best concerts and live arts experiences around the Bay Area. And I just struck GOLD! This special nugget is called The Speakeasy, the ultimate immersive theater experience that unravels a series of adventures and a whole lot of fun. If you love the flare of the 1920’s and you’re looking for a fresh and new venture to explore (and a reason to dress in dazzling Gatsby attire!), this underground theatrical fantasy is worth every penny!

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We recently went to The Speakeasy with some friends and I’m here to say that it exceeded my expectations tenfold! The night was filled with music, dancing, comedy acts and drama while we rolled our dice in an underground casino. We even got to explore secret passages, hidden rooms and was pulled into a few of the scenes with the cast!

Recently, I went back and had the opportunity to sat down with some of The Speakeasy’s Creators and Producers Geoffrey Libby (below center) and Nick Olivero (below far right) to get the inside scoop on how it all started. Scroll down to find out what inspired the creation of The Speakeasy, see my top ten tips and facts to know before you go, learn about the fun stories behind their modernized-prohibition cocktails and find out more about our upcoming all-inclusive Red Curtain Addict VIP Event on June 1st!

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How did it all start?

The Speakeasy is produced via the Boxcar Theatre, a Bay Area local theater company started by Nick Olivero in 2005. Nick founded the company with only $800 that quickly turned into a $100K company that has now blossomed into a $1M company because of the amazing success of The Speakeasy.

“I was really drawn into the hidden passages, lies, and secrecies of an underground theater experience, which led to the idea of creating a speakeasy story,” said Nick. “And stories set around a speakeasy seemed to be best explored through immersive theater, so that’s how we kind of arrived here.” Nick has directed and produced all kinds of theater (including 60-70 productions just at The Box Car Theater alone!). “I’m a storyteller. I’ll tell any story if it’s good. The medium in which you choose to tell the story is really there to act as a service to the story and we love how this turned out.”

The Venue

Ticket holders don’t know exactly where the 10,000 square foot underground venue is until 24 hours before the show. You are told to find someone wearing a certain article of clothing on a certain cross street in San Francisco. After you tell them a secret phrase (that is messaged to you from The Speakeasy), they lead you to one of the entrances. My favorite is the “clock shop” where you get toenter the theater through a grandfather clock. I’m not even kidding!! It’s amazing.

“We built everything that you see,” said Geoffery Libby, Producer and Scenic Designer. “This space used to be a one-screen movie theater with 460 seats. There were no alternate levels to it. We built the mezzanine and every room.” There are over seven rooms to explore, including the main bar, the casino, the cabaret theater (my personal favorite!), Sal’s office and more. “We went back and forth about the design and orientation to make everything fit so it met the criteria that we needed.”

The cast and script

There are 35 actors, 29 storylines and over 1500 pages of script! Unlike any other theater experience, the actors are really never “off stage” and there is never a break in the intensity. There are even scenes in the bathroom! “We wrote in when the characters use the restroom because they really can’t “leave” the show and break character since the audience is always moving around them,” said Nick. “You really never know when something is going to happen!”

The creation of the script started in 2013 on a writing retreat where Nick asked his fellow creators “who would be in a speakeasy and why would they be there.” They wrote out all their ideas on big white sheets of paper that were propped on the walls and the stories and characters began to evolve.

“One of my favorite characters is Dorothy (a crowd favorite), that is a school teacher during the day but likes to let loose at night,” said Nick. “However, she’s very lonely. There were a lot of rules for teachers back in that time around what they could and could not do and where they could and could not go. So it really deals with women’s rights in that time and Dorothy choosing her own life underground at the Speakeasy.”

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10 Tips and Facts to Know Before Seeing the Show

When I went the first time with friends, my eyes were wide open because there were so many things to explore and see. However, I found out afterward that I had missed really unique parts in the show and must-see rooms. So I thought I’d share a few things I wish I had known before the who and my top tips for getting the most out of your experience…

Before the Show

Don’t drink a ton before going to The Speakeasy because there are a lot of unique and hidden bars to explore. Plus, their signature drinks are worth waiting for – trust me!
Wear shoes that are easy to walk in and don’t hurt your feet from standing
You can “purchase a character” if you’re looking to really be involved in the show. You even get a costume fitting!
Phones are not allowed at any time during your experience (which is really refreshing!) so grab your group photos before the event
This experience is a lot of fun with a bunch of friends! Click HERE to join our group on Friday, June 1st and receive VIP

During the Show

A great place to start is the Cabaret Theather where you’ll see comedy skits and musical performances. But don’t wait for someone to come and lead you into the next room. I suggest getting some champagne and caviar and once you’re done, move on to the Gas Lamp Lounge for more cocktails and drama.
Don’t just watch the people on “stage” in the Cabaret Theater. If you look around you, you’ll find a lot of cast in character that has their own stories happening
Find a character you like and follow them around for a bit. You really get to see their journey and get to know more about their storyline
Definitely try to swing by the dressing room area. It’s a bit hidden but it’s fun to find
Be in the moment and choose your own kind of night! What’s great about this experience and that you can make it whatever you want it to be. Have fun!!

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The Inspiration Behind the Cocktails

One of the many things I love about The Speakeasy is their eclectic selection of cocktails. They even serve original drinks from the prohibition era (right down to the original ingredients!), “This is a really exciting time to be into bartending right now because there’s a lot of passion behind some of the old and classic cocktails and spins on classic cocktails,” said Geoffery. “You weren’t able to access some of these global ingredients back in the 90’s but they’re now available again because of this renewed interest in these drinks.”

Geoffery has been “behind the stick” for around eighteen years and was one of the masterminds behind a lot of their signature cocktail menu. After doing a lot of studying and taste-testing, he developed a mixture of blends that are dangerously delicious! “I arrived at a list of cocktails that are great representations of the era but exciting to a modern pallet as well,” said Geoffery.

Scroll below to find out what inspired the names of some of his favorite cocktails…

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“The naming of the cocktails is one of my favorite things to do!” said Geoffery. “A really good cocktail name should give you a sense of what’s happening in the ingredient and it should capture the essence of the experience too.”

Doctor’s Orders

The name of the “Doctor’s Orders” cocktail came from the fact that Old Forester was available as a medicinal liquor during prohibition. So taking that idea of “whiskey” is just what the doctor ordered is how the name came to be. Within the first sip, you’ll taste a mix of gentian amaro, a bright floralness and somewhat of a medicinal quality from chartreuse. Fun Fact: Old Forester is the oldest and longest running whiskey distillery in the United States.

The Velvet Sea

The name comes from one of the major ingredients, velvet falernum (a very sweet liquor used in a lot of rum cocktails). Traditionally when you think of what people drank at sea, they drank rum. So the idea behind “The Velvet Sea” is that it incorporates those two things where you get a sense of the ingredients (rum) and a hint to its tropical flavors.

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Geoffery showed me how to make a few of his drinks and I was more than impressed with how precise everything step was. “I’ve worked really hard to standardize our cocktails down to a quarter ounce or less,” said Geoffery.

My personal favorite is their Uptown Royale that has Ford’s gin, grapefruit, lemon, champagne, Luxardo and black lemon bitters. I learned that name was given by one of their investors that lives in the upper east side (hence the reference to uptown) and that when you see the word “royale” in a drink, it means there is champagne in the ingredients – who knew??

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Red Curtain Addict VIP Event on Friday, June 1, 2018

Now it’s YOUR turn to come experience The Speakeasy for yourself, sip on some of their tasty drinks and meet the cast and crew! On Friday, June 1st we are thrilled to be hosting a Red Curtain Addict Exclusive VIP Event that includes…

Full access to The Speakeasy (plus a 30% discount!)
Premium seats
Complimentary “casino chips” to use at the gambling tables
A complimentary cocktails
Access to our exclusive after-party\n
- Mix and mingle with the creators of The Speakeasy and the cast and crew
- Enjoy a dram of scotch (sponsored by Glennfidich!) and bites
- Take fun photos at our photobooth sponsored by Snap Fiesta
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CLICK HERE TO GRAB YOUR TICKETS!!

(original photos by Trisha Leeper)

WATCH our Red Curtain Addict episodes by subscribing to our Youtube Channel.

FIND OUT MORE about reading some of our latest articles.

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For all those Phantom of the Opera fans out there, did you know that Andrew Lloyd Webber created a sequel to his masterpiece? It’s called Love Never Dies. After Phantom of the Opera swept across the world as one of the best Broadway shows in history, Webber knew that a sequel was the next best move. But it wasn’t until 2010 that it premiered in London. I’m here to tell you that it was worth the wait!

I saw it for the first time in the movie theater back in my hometown (Tulsa, Oklahoma) around 2012. When the end credits started rolling I was in TEARS! Not only because it was so good but because I was sad that it was over.

Why am I so excited? ⬆️ WATCH to find out! ⬆️

I simply couldn’t get enough of it so I immediately searched it online and bought the CD and DVD! My friends and I couldn’t stop talking about it and I have been waiting and waiting for it to see it live. Well, it has FINALLY arrived and it’s coming to Broadway San Jose on March 13-18th. I am SO excited!!!!

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Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies was some of my experiences witnessing “opera” (even though it’s not technically opera, but close!). It was so grand, so beautiful and so impactful. I loved how their voices soared and how it completely took over my senses. I was completely absorbed by its beauty and the music left me in such a magical state. I was transfixed! Because of that, I actually started going to see operas in my city.

The more and more I heard this type of music, the more and more I fell in love. I then moved to San Francisco and have served as the Vice President of the San Francisco Opera BRAVO! Club, which is their young professional group. My hope is that more and more people will give opera a chance and experience a live production in their city.

If I could sit down with Andrew Lloyd Webber for lunch, I would buy him champagne and thank him for making such a meaningful impact in my life.

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You can bet your bottom dollar that I’ll be at Broadway San Jose’s Opening Night on March 13th. Want to join me? Click here to get your tickets! This show is great for all ages and is a MUST if you are a Phantom of the Opera fan like me.

A few of my favorite tunes from the show are Beneath a Moonlit Sky, Once Upon Another Time, Devil Take the Hindmost and of course, Love Never Dies. If you’ve seen it already, what are some of your favorites? Leave me a comment below!

WATCH our Red Curtain Addict episodes by subscribing to our Youtube Channel.

FIND OUT MORE about reading some of our latest articles.

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Phantom of the Opera has been an iconic Broadway show for decades and a Broadway favorite. So we decided to curate an unforgettable experience for Phantom “Phan’s” to celebrate the Music of the Night! Scroll down to see our favorite moments.

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Guest enjoying bites by ALX Gastropub

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Beer Can Chicken

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Sticky Ribs

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Peanut Butter Cookies

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ALX Gastropub – Sous Chef

The night kicked off with a pre-concert mixer at the Blue Room in Orpheum Theater where we enjoyed delicious bites from the newly opened ALX Gastropub who featured their “Beer Can” chicken, their stick to your bones finger licking good Sticky ribs, and their amazingly sweet peanut butter cookies!

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Bartender getting Sandeman Porto drinks prepared

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Founder’s Reserve Ruby Porto

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Sandeman Ambassador – Anna Budarina

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Red Curtain Addict Guests

The bites perfectly paired with the complimentary cocktails from Sandeman Porto who poured their delicious Founder’s Reserve Ruby Porto on the rocks with a garnish slice of orange and fresh mint.

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SnapFiesta Proprietor – Gene Kosoy, Oliver, Hellen Porro

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Red Curtain Addict Guests

The night was celebrated in true Phantom style with a PHANTOM THEMED photobooth from SnapFiesta. Creating the perfect #instamoment! Check out all of the fun photos from SnapFiesta by clicking HERE!

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After the pre-mixer, the show began and the production was THRILLING, to say the least. From the fire on the stage to the gunshots as they tried to capture and kill the mysterious Phantom. The new North American tour is unforgettable. The stagecraft, the costumes, and the way the cast members artfully tell the Phantom story is something worth checking out.

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(Left to Right) Constantine Pappas, David Foley, Jr., Adam Bashian

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Part of the Red Curtain Addict Group!

After the show, we were lucky to have cast members join us for a private Q/A for Red Curtain Addict guests only! The crew, who have performed in almost every state in the U.S. joined Red Curtain Addict to tell us all about the deepest darkest Phantom ghost stories that happen on and off the stage. However, they wouldn’t reveal how the Phantom disappears which is still a mystery…

If you want to be invited to the next exclusive VIP experience with Red Curtain Addict, subscribe HERE. It is our priority to keep you up-to-date on the best arts experiences happening in the Bay Area. Giving you a chance to see behind-the-curtain! Click HERE to see more photos on our Facebook album.

For those of you who came with us, we hope you enjoyed our VIP Phantom Night Out! For those of you who didn’t get the chance, make sure to check out this tour, share your favorite moments with us on social media by using #redcurtainaddict. You can stay connected with us by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Thank you to all of our partners for your support to help us make this night possible, including Montgomery Pacific, LLP, BDO, Sandeman Porto, ALX Gastropub, SnapFiesta, SHN and of course Adam Bashian, Constantine Pappas, and David Foley, Jr. for meeting with our crew!

We’d love her hear from you! Send us a note about your thoughts on performance at i nfo@redcurtainaddict.com!

Photography by Trisha Leeper

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Red Curtain Addict’s Top Concert Picks

This month is all about love! We’ve listed out our top-pick concerts in the Bay Area that are a MUST SEE in February celebrating the love and passion for a special someone, personal beliefs, kids, culture and community. From Broadway musicals to kids concerts, to a romantic date night experiences to cultural celebrations, we think you’re going to like what you find…

February 6 – March 4: The Book of Mormon, SHN

Nine-time Tony Award®-winning Best Musical, The Book of Mormon follows the hilarious journey of a mismatched pair of Mormon missionaries as they embark their mission from Salt Lake City to Northan Uganda. After a few difficulties and some setbacks, one of them starts to lose faith in their religion. But instead of abandoning his religion, Elder Price holds on and decides to go all in by reaffirming everything that a Mormon believes. The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” and Entertainment Weekly says it’s, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.”

Parental Warning: Contains explicit language.

Red Curtain Addict Tip: 2.5 hours before the show, head to the theater to enter the lottery for a chance to WIN up to two $25 tickets! We did it the last time SHN presented this show and the seats were GREAT!

Red Curtain Addict Insider: Click to listen to KFOG’s Podcast to hear more with Mike “No Name” Nelson and Kari from Red Curtain Addict.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

February 10: The Art of Listening, The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra

Since 1953, the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra has presented an annual season of admission-free concerts featuring their ensemble that’s made up of the Bay Area’s top professional musicians. On February 10th, they will present their Art of Listening program that was designed for toddlers and kids. These fun 20-minute programs are a perfect way to introduce classical music to little ones.

Throughout the performance, they will be able to wiggle and dance, participate in hands-on activities and see instruments up close with meet-and-greet opportunities with the artists.

Red Curtain Addict Insider: Click to listen to KFOG’s Podcast to hear more with Mike “No Name” Nelson and Kari from Red Curtain Addict.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE! (ADMISSION- FREE)

February 14 – 18: World Premiere Trouble in Tahiti, SF Jazz and Opera Paralléle

In celebration of Leonard Bernstein’s centennial, SFJAZZ and Opera Parallèle have created an experiential concert that combines both old and new music with a multi-media flare. They will be combining local Composer Jake Heggie’s At the Statue of Venus with a classic by Leonard Bernstein, Trouble in Tahiti.

As you enter the hall you might spot a wondering live-statue that has been covered from head-to-toe with body paint. Soon enough, that statue will be captured by members of the cast that will bring her to up to the set in that’s transformed into a museum. There will be a cast, a full orchestra, projections, a moving stage AND dancers. It’s an all in one kind of night that you can share with one another and create lasting memories!

Click to enter our GIVEAWAY!

One lucky couple will WIN two tickets to the premiere at SFJAZZ (On February 14th) and a $100 gift card to Alexander’s Steakhouse.

February 15 –25: Distinctly SF Ballet

All three works that will be featured in this program were created distinctly for the San Francisco Ballet company (hense the program’s name). In fact, one of them was even choreographed by one of San Francisco Ballet’s own dancers, Myles Thatcher. Every year, the San Francisco ballet has a training program with a choreography workshop and Helgi Tomasson (SF Ballet’s Artistic Director/Principal Choreographer) saw something special in Myle’s work.

Ever since then, Myles has been doing more and more choreography and premiered Ghost in the Machine last year. It was so well received that that company has brought it back by popular demand. He named it this based on the book Ghost in the Machine by Arthur Koestler, a philosophical book is about how an individual’s action can alter the energy of another person or the overall dynamic of a larger group. Like a ghost, you can’t see this chain reaction but the transformation is apparent in the outcome.Through his series of dances, he wanted to show how this ghost-like effect (both negative and positive) can happen in relationships, communities and within an individual. It’s very reflecting and very moving. I encourage EVERYONE to see it!

To read our exclusive interview with Myles Thatcher, click here!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

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February 23-25: Serenade, The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra

Masterpieces by two great Romantics, Antonín Dvořák and Johannes Brahms, share the stage in a concert which focusses almost exclusively on our fabulous woodwinds. An homage to Mozart, Dvořák’s Serenade in D minor is filled with Slavonic rhythms and displays the composer’s gift for graceful melodies. Brahms’s Serenade No. 2 in A Major, written for an orchestra without violins, is a warm, gracious work colored by the darker hues of our lower strings and woodwinds. In contrast, Heitor Villa-Lobos’s Bachianas Brasileiras No.5 is scored for eight cellos and soprano, whose lush wordless vocals float hauntingly over our cello choir.

Performance Dates and Locations;

Friday, February 23, 2018, 7:30 pm San Francisco

Saturday, February 24, 2018, 7:30 pm Palo Alto

Sunday, February 25, 2018, 3:00 pm Berkeley

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE! (ADMISSION- FREE)

Feb 24 – Chinese New Year Concert, San Francisco Symphony

Celebrate Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dog with the San Francisco Symphony at this family event that draws on both ancient and contemporary traditions. The concert will open with the popular neon dragon dance and features a combination of traditional music, alongside orchestral works by Asian and European composers. Concert highlights include Zhang Zuo performing Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with the San Francisco Symphony, as well as a performance of Tan Dun’s TheTriple Resurrection in which she is joined by SFS violinist Yun Chu and cellist Amos Yang.

Red Curtain Addict Insider: Arrive at 2 pm for the activity-filled Festival Reception with Chinese instruments, lion dancing, “lucky” red envelopes, entertainment, tea bars, sweet and savory bites, and more.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

We hope this quick rundown of our Top Performing Concert Picks for February was helpful! Let us know your thoughts by leaving a note in the comments! Also, feel free to add any performance suggestions and/or questions for February.

Click to WATCH our latest Red Curtain Addict Episodes

Click to READ more Red Curtain Addict Blog Posts.

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It’s the month of LOVE and we’re so excited to share our top picks that are perfect for a memorable date night! Going to a concert is a great way for you and your special someone to be still, be present, and be in the moment together. So make a night out of it – get dressed up, put the cell phones away, go out for a romantic dinner, and experience live arts together! Scroll below to find some fun concert ideas that we know you both will love…

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SFJAZZ, LILAN KANE in Concert, February 14 – 17

Oakland based soul singer, Lilan Kane is coming to the SFJAZZ Center to sing and celebrate classic love songs that are sure to turn up the romance on Valentine’s Day! She’s been on our go-to playlist for the past few months and we can’t wait to see her live! Her voice is soothing and simply as smooth as butter. And if you’re a fan of Etta James, you’re in luck because she will perform a tribute to Etta on February 15th!

If you want to grab a bite before the show, make sure to check out their restaurant inside the SFJAZZ Center called B-Side! You can find their menu here. We’re big fans of their Crispy Brussel Sprouts!

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SHN, Hello Dolly – February 19 – March 17

“Just leave everything to meeeeeeee…!!!” Hello Dolly posses some of our favorite music of all time that we honestly never stop singing. Miss Dolly Levi is the the epitome of #bossgirl. She knows what she wants, she’s an entrepreneur at heart and she’s head over heels for Horace Vandergelder (a fellow business owner). This funny love story will have both you and your date rolling and smiling until the curtain falls.

Dolly will be played by the amazing Tony Award winner Betty Buckley (who was also in the original Broadway production of Cats) and The Washington Post has raved that “It delivers on exactly what’s craved by lovers of old-school musicals from the era when giants like Merman roamed the earth. ‘Hello, Dolly!’ is making people crazy happy”.

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Cal Performances, Joyce DiDonato in Concert, Feb. 20

Looking for a lavish date night? Head over to Cal Performances to hear Multi Grammy Award winner Joyce DiDonato who has entranced audiences across the globe. With a voice “nothing less than 24-carat gold” according to the Times, Joyce has soared to the top of the industry both as a performer and a fierce advocate for the arts.

If you’re not a complete opera buff, not to worry! This concert will not be heavy and complex. Instead, it will be lighthearted with a variety of jazz ballads, songs from the Great American Songbook and romantic Italian Baroque arias. Better yet, tickets start at $50!

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A Night of Schumann with the San Francisco Symphony, February 22-24

Known as a romantic hero, Schumann has been regarded as one of the greatest composers that emphasized emotions through his enamoring and lyrical music. Have you heard about his bitter sweet relationship with his wife, Clara? Oh, if you haven’t, you have to read this! The man truly had a knack for writing not only beautiful music but passionate love letters (take notes gentlemen!).

The San Francisco Symphony is going to play entire evening of his beautiful pieces, including Overture to Genoveva, Symphony No. 2 and Piano Concerto (featuring Lars Vogt). If you’re wanting to do a little something extra, make sure to pre-arrange champagne or wine for intermission – your date will definitely be impressed!

$\"\"$ SF Ballet, Sensorium: February 26th

And if the list couldn’t get any better, we’re going to end it with a BOOM!!!! Sensorium is one of our most favorite events of the year at the San Francisco Ballet! Why? Because they transform the entire War Memorial Opera House into a total sensory experience that only happens once a year. Trust us, you and your date will definitely want to make this event.

The night will start with front-of-house arts installations and activities paired with bites and drinks. You’ll enter the exquisite theater for an energetic performance by the San Francisco Ballet and then head down to the basement for an afterparty with dancing and more drinks! (You might even spot a few San Francisco Ballet dancers on the dance floor.)

And there you have it. We hope you enjoyed our list of top concerts to see during the month of February. Do you have any additional suggestions on an epic date night out? Make sure to leave us a note in the comments below!

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October 3rd – 30th: Tosca, San Francisco Opera

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Click HERE to read our Addict Insider Article about the opera!

October 5th – 14th: World Premiere with Kronos Quartet, Alonzo King Lines Ballet

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To get the inside scoop about why this is a MUST SEE – CLICK HERE!

October 9 – November 4th: Miss Saigon, SHN

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Although the musical premiered in 1989 the new production now touring to San Francisco speaks directly to the current times and will leave you in complete awe!

October 27th: Hunchback of Notre Dame at Grace Cathedral, SFJAZZ

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October 28th: Chamber Music Concert at the Legion and Honor Museum, SF Symphony

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What’s better than seeing music surrounded by art?

Violin Sonata No. 3, Opus 12, No. 3 (featuring the concertmaster, Alexander Barantschik)

Sonata No. 4 in C major for Cello and Piano, Op. 102 No. 1 (featuring Associate Principal Cellist, Peter Wyrick)

Piano Trio No. 2, Opus 70 (Pianist, Anton Nel)

Tickets include admission to the entire museum so you can check out some of their current exhibits before or after the concert!

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“Head Over Heels” at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. (Photo: Jenny Graham, Oregon Shakespeare Festival)

The story follows a royal family that must prevent an oracle’s prophecy of doom and it’s all set to the tunes of the 1980’s all-female rock band, The Go-Go’s.

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Addict Insider: The Oracle is played by PEPPERMINT, the first trans woman to originate a principal role on Broadway – EVER!

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Can you tell us about your character, King Basilius?

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What drew you to being a part of Head Over Heels?

Can you tell us more about the music?

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What is your favorite part of the musical?

How is this production unique and different from the other productions that you’ve done in the past?

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What’s next for you on the horizon?

Head Over Heels tickets are available now and the show opens on April 10 – May 6, 2018. Make sure to go check out to get the exclusive showing before it heads to Broadway!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

WATCH our Red Curtain Addict episodes by subscribing to our Youtube Channel.

FIND OUT MORE about reading some of our latest articles.

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Scroll below to find out more about Meghan’s aspiring career and get a peek at our backstage tour of the show…!

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What was it like to step on the stage that first night as Christine Daae in the Majestic Theater on Broadway?

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Click the video above to watch our exclusive backstage tour with Meghan!

What have you loved about being on Broadway and what do you miss about being on tour?

For those that haven’t seen Phantom of the Opera yet, why should this be on their New York City Bucket-list? What makes it so iconic?

Now, the piece itself is epic! It’s hard to put it into words because it’s timeless. There is no detail that has not been completely thought through – there is no mistake to it.

What do you think Christine Daae be like if she was alive today?

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Was it difficult to go backward in the storyline after performing Love Never Dies?

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Why is the Phantom of the Opera considered a musical vs an opera, even though you sing opera in the show?

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What is your all-time favorite Phantom of the Opera song and why?

Final Lair: there is so much emotion. It’s a very empowering and heartbreaking scene for her. (Although I really love Past the Point of No Return- it’s very sexy!)

Click here to find out more about the show and read about my backstage tour!

Written by Kari Lincks Coomans

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Scroll below to browse our top concert picks for August!

August 4-19: West Edge Opera Festival

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August 4, 12 & 17: Pelléas et Mélisande was Claude Debussy‘s only complete opera that is about a love triangle with a deep and dark core of jealousy.

August 8-26: LES MISÉRABLES, SHN

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August 9-11: Zoë Keating in Concert, SFJAZZ

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August 18: Grande Finale Concert, Merola

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Ongoing: Beach Blanket Babylon

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Photo by Rick Markovich

Gala Season!

Click here to see last year’s highlights from the San Francisco Symphony Gala!

Click here to see last year’s highlights from the San Francisco Opera Gala!

Click to WATCH our latest Red Curtain Addict Episodes

Click to READ more Red Curtain Addict Blog Posts.

1. Midtown Men at the San Francisco Symphony

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Tickets start at $20.00

2. San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker

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Click here to find about 7 Facts That You Didn’t Know About San Francisco Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’.

Tickets start around $50.00

3. A.C.T’s A Christmas Carol

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The cast of A Christmas Carol at A.C.T.’s Geary Theater now through December 24, 2016. Photo by Kevin Berne.

Tickets start at $20

4. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

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Tickets start at $30 and kids are half off.

5. SFJAZZ’s New Years Eve Celebration

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Become a member to attend.

Make sure to share your holiday experiences on social using #RedCurtainAddict! We hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Scroll below to see our must-see performances this month…!

ODC, World’s On Fire: March 7 – 10

San Francisco Ballet, Sleeping Beauty: March 9 – 17

(Click to read our article, ‘Sneak Peek: SF Ballet’s NEW Costumes for The Sleeping Beauty‘)’

This ballet is perfect for a date night, a friends’ night out or if you’re not quite sure if you’re a ballet fan, this is a great production to start with.

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Photo by Glenn Meyer

San Francisco Symphony, Chamber Music at the Gunn Theater at the Palace of Legion of Honor: Saturday, March 10th

SFJAZZ, Max Raabe & Palast Orchestrer: Dream A Little Dream: Tuesday, March 12th

Curran, THE JUNGLE, March 26 – May 19

Click to WATCH our latest Red Curtain Addict Episodes

Click to READ more Red Curtain Addict Blog Posts.

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How did it all start?

The Venue

The cast and script

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10 Tips and Facts to Know Before Seeing the Show

Before the Show

Don’t drink a ton before going to The Speakeasy because there are a lot of unique and hidden bars to explore. Plus, their signature drinks are worth waiting for – trust me!
Wear shoes that are easy to walk in and don’t hurt your feet from standing
You can “purchase a character” if you’re looking to really be involved in the show. You even get a costume fitting!
Phones are not allowed at any time during your experience (which is really refreshing!) so grab your group photos before the event
This experience is a lot of fun with a bunch of friends! Click HERE to join our group on Friday, June 1st and receive VIP

During the Show

A great place to start is the Cabaret Theather where you’ll see comedy skits and musical performances. But don’t wait for someone to come and lead you into the next room. I suggest getting some champagne and caviar and once you’re done, move on to the Gas Lamp Lounge for more cocktails and drama.
Don’t just watch the people on “stage” in the Cabaret Theater. If you look around you, you’ll find a lot of cast in character that has their own stories happening
Find a character you like and follow them around for a bit. You really get to see their journey and get to know more about their storyline
Definitely try to swing by the dressing room area. It’s a bit hidden but it’s fun to find
Be in the moment and choose your own kind of night! What’s great about this experience and that you can make it whatever you want it to be. Have fun!!

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The Inspiration Behind the Cocktails

Scroll below to find out what inspired the names of some of his favorite cocktails…

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Doctor’s Orders

The Velvet Sea

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Red Curtain Addict VIP Event on Friday, June 1, 2018

Full access to The Speakeasy (plus a 30% discount!)
Premium seats
Complimentary “casino chips” to use at the gambling tables
A complimentary cocktails
Access to our exclusive after-party\n
- Mix and mingle with the creators of The Speakeasy and the cast and crew
- Enjoy a dram of scotch (sponsored by Glennfidich!) and bites
- Take fun photos at our photobooth sponsored by Snap Fiesta
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CLICK HERE TO GRAB YOUR TICKETS!!

(original photos by Trisha Leeper)

WATCH our Red Curtain Addict episodes by subscribing to our Youtube Channel.

FIND OUT MORE about reading some of our latest articles.

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Why am I so excited? ⬆️ WATCH to find out! ⬆️

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If I could sit down with Andrew Lloyd Webber for lunch, I would buy him champagne and thank him for making such a meaningful impact in my life.

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WATCH our Red Curtain Addict episodes by subscribing to our Youtube Channel.

FIND OUT MORE about reading some of our latest articles.

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Guest enjoying bites by ALX Gastropub

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Beer Can Chicken

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Sticky Ribs

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Peanut Butter Cookies

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ALX Gastropub – Sous Chef

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Bartender getting Sandeman Porto drinks prepared

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Founder’s Reserve Ruby Porto

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Sandeman Ambassador – Anna Budarina

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Red Curtain Addict Guests

The bites perfectly paired with the complimentary cocktails from Sandeman Porto who poured their delicious Founder’s Reserve Ruby Porto on the rocks with a garnish slice of orange and fresh mint.

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SnapFiesta Proprietor – Gene Kosoy, Oliver, Hellen Porro

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Red Curtain Addict Guests

The night was celebrated in true Phantom style with a PHANTOM THEMED photobooth from SnapFiesta. Creating the perfect #instamoment! Check out all of the fun photos from SnapFiesta by clicking HERE!

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(Left to Right) Constantine Pappas, David Foley, Jr., Adam Bashian

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Part of the Red Curtain Addict Group!

We’d love her hear from you! Send us a note about your thoughts on performance at i nfo@redcurtainaddict.com!

Photography by Trisha Leeper

Red Curtain Addict’s Top Concert Picks

February 6 – March 4: The Book of Mormon, SHN

Parental Warning: Contains explicit language.

Red Curtain Addict Insider: Click to listen to KFOG’s Podcast to hear more with Mike “No Name” Nelson and Kari from Red Curtain Addict.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

February 10: The Art of Listening, The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra

Throughout the performance, they will be able to wiggle and dance, participate in hands-on activities and see instruments up close with meet-and-greet opportunities with the artists.

Red Curtain Addict Insider: Click to listen to KFOG’s Podcast to hear more with Mike “No Name” Nelson and Kari from Red Curtain Addict.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE! (ADMISSION- FREE)

February 14 – 18: World Premiere Trouble in Tahiti, SF Jazz and Opera Paralléle

Click to enter our GIVEAWAY!

One lucky couple will WIN two tickets to the premiere at SFJAZZ (On February 14th) and a $100 gift card to Alexander’s Steakhouse.

February 15 –25: Distinctly SF Ballet

To read our exclusive interview with Myles Thatcher, click here!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

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February 23-25: Serenade, The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra

Performance Dates and Locations;

Friday, February 23, 2018, 7:30 pm San Francisco

Saturday, February 24, 2018, 7:30 pm Palo Alto

Sunday, February 25, 2018, 3:00 pm Berkeley

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE! (ADMISSION- FREE)

Feb 24 – Chinese New Year Concert, San Francisco Symphony

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

Click to WATCH our latest Red Curtain Addict Episodes

Click to READ more Red Curtain Addict Blog Posts.

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SFJAZZ, LILAN KANE in Concert, February 14 – 17

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SHN, Hello Dolly – February 19 – March 17

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Cal Performances, Joyce DiDonato in Concert, Feb. 20

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A Night of Schumann with the San Francisco Symphony, February 22-24

$\"\"$ SF Ballet, Sensorium: February 26th

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Mothers hold a special place in our hearts. One of hope. One of peace. And one of love. Abraham Lincoln once said, “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” And when asked how she would describe her mother, Maya Angelou replied, “To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power.”

So with all the powerful love our mothers hold in our hearts, the question remains “What on earth do we give them on Mother’s Day?” There’re the usual gifts of flowers and maybe taking your mother out for brunch. But we encourage you to go beyond the ordinary Mother’s Day gift and give the gift of a memorable experience. Scroll below for three ideas for Mom that she is going to love!

3 Memorable Mother’s Day Gifts for a Mom to Enjoy

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1. For the Passionate Mom that Loves Grand Experiences

Our moms are there for all our ups and downs – the pure joy and our intense struggles. Take Mom out for an evening at the San Francisco Symphony where you can both get all dressed up, enjoy a glass of bubbly, and listen to a rousing performance of J.S. Bach’s ebullient E major Violin Concerto and Shostakovich’s larger-than-life Eighth Symphony.

Want to take it one step further? Come to our Concertmaster and Cocktails event on Saturday, June 1st to experience the concert like a VIP. All Red Curtain Addict ticket buyers will have the opportunity to meet the concertmaster Alexander Barantschik, experience an amazing performing featuring works by J.S. Bach and Shostakovich and enjoy exclusive access to a private lounge to enjoy complimentary bites and drinks before the show and during intermission!

Click here to grab your tickets!

Listen in Spotify: Shostakovich’s 8th Symphony and Bach Violin Concerto No. 2.

2. For the Soulful Mom: A Night of Blues with Marcus Shelby

Get your soulful groove on with Mom by going out for a special evening at SF Jazz with to see Marcus Shelby Orchestra and Daniel Handler. You can catch this group several nights in May but for their final performance on May 26th, Marcus will lead his 22-piece orchestra as they honor the swinging, blues-heavy legacy of jazz’s greatest composer, Duke Ellington.

The night will also feature vocalists Kenny Washington (one of our ultimate favorite jazz singers!) and the Dynamic Miss Faye Carol in addition to GRAMMY winner and former Turtle Island Quartet violinist Mads Tolling. Marcus is an Ellington expert, and he will share Ellington stories throughout the show.

Grab your tickets here!

3. For a Mom that Loves 70’s Music

Does your Mom always come when you call out her name? You too! Then, you both will be singing along with Carole King’s hit song, “You’ve Got a Friend”, during the Tony Award-winning musical, Beautiful.

This musical follows the true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, writing the soundtrack to a generation. It will be the ultimate night out with Mom!

Red Curtain Addict Insider: This popular show originated at SHN but then took on Broadway and has been playing ever since!

Grab your tickets here!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!

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Red Curtain Addict Contributor: Amy Higgins

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Since 2015, Hamilton has been one of the most celebrated Broadway shows around the world. It has won countless awards, pushed boundaries on the traditional Broadway show format and the soundtrack was the first-ever cast album to top Billboard’s Top Rap Albums chart. Want to know more about this the show’s origin and how it became so successful?

Read below for more fun facts and helpful insight before seeing the show for yourself …

1. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton was inspired by Ron Chernow’s biography about Alexander Hamilton.

While Lin-Manuel was on a vacation, he picked up an on-the-whim ‘light-read’ an autobiography about Alexander’s life called Alexander Hamilton. He was impressed by Alexander’s ability to write his way out of circumstances and writing the future he wanted to see for himself,”. He then realized that this was very similar to the narratives of hip-hop music and immediately googled if Hamilton’s story had been told through music. Lucky for him, it hadn’t. He saw the opportunity and seized the moment because… he was not going throw away his shot!

2. Hamilton is one of the most award-winning musicals in history.

Hamilton has won eleven Tony’s along with many other prestigious awards, including Best Musical, and was also the recipient of the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The only musical that has won more Tony’s than Hamilton was The Producers in 2001 that won twelve. Hundreds of thousands of people have swarmed to the theaters to see this show from all over the world and according to the New York Times, Hamilton is on “the path to be a billion-dollar Broadway show.

3. It took six years for Lin-Manuel Miranda to create Hamilton!

This was not an overnight concept. In fact, it took Lin-Manuel Miranda over a year to create the first song “Alexander Hamilton” and another year to create the second song, “My Shot”. Over the next 6 years, Lin worked closely with Ron Chernow (author of the biography of Alexander Hamilton) to reflect as much accuracy from Alexander’s life into a rap Broadway musical.

Click the video above to watch Lin-Manuel Miranda perform “Alexander Hamilton” 10 years ago at the White House for President Barack Obama. While you’re watching the video, notice the passion and fire that Lin has in his eyes. The relentless drive that Lin loved about Alexander Hamilton’s character was exactly what it took for Lin-Manuel’s vision to turn into a Tony/Grammy Award-Winning Broadway success. It’s wonderfully ironic.

In an interview with Vogue, Lin-Manual said, “You go through the I’m a Fraud phase. You go through the I’ll Never Finish phase. And every once in a while you think, What if I actually have created what I set out to create, and it’s received as such? With this show, the real world has surpassed my fantasy life to an absurd degree.” #grit

4. The majority of the musical is rapped in Hamilton.

The majority of the lyrics are rapped and performed by a multi-cultural cast. In a Vogue interview, Jonathan Groff said, ” Lin’s telling America’s origin story with people and music that look and sound like what America looks and sounds like today. It’s a game-changing piece of theater.”

If this is your first time seeing the musical, we definitely recommend prepping beforehand by listening to the soundtrack (which is a triple platinum record) a couple of times before seeing the show. There is so much said within one song! In fact, according to Factinate, there are over 20,000 words sung or rapped throughout the performance. “If Hamilton were to be performed at the pace of a typical Broadway show, it would be about 4-6 hours long”. So trust us, it will really help you grasp what you’ll be seeing on stage and get a better understanding of the depth of the story. (Click above to get started!)

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5. Before coming to San Francisco, the cast of Hamilton toured to Puerto Rico with Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The cast that we will be seeing at SHN is called the “and Peggy” cast, which is one of the multiple groups touring Hamilton across the world. Before coming to San Francisco, they spent three weeks in Puerto Rico performing with Lin-Manuel Miranda as Hamilton (wouldn’t that be a sight!). During that time, Julius Thomas III (who is playing Alexander Hamilton at the Orpheum) worked with Lin-Manuel to learn this meaty role while adding his personal flair to the character. This cast is loaded with so many talented people including Bay Area Natives Brenden Chan and Camden Gonzales who also go to work with Lin-Manuel.

Hamilton will be on stage at SHN until September and we HIGHLY recommend the show for anyone that loves history, rap, hip-hop and a great time. Trust us, you will be on your feet by the end of the show! Comment below with more fun facts about Hamilton and share your favorite Hamilton song.

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October 3rd – 30th: Tosca, San Francisco Opera

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Click HERE to read our Addict Insider Article about the opera!

October 5th – 14th: World Premiere with Kronos Quartet, Alonzo King Lines Ballet

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To get the inside scoop about why this is a MUST SEE – CLICK HERE!

October 9 – November 4th: Miss Saigon, SHN

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Although the musical premiered in 1989 the new production now touring to San Francisco speaks directly to the current times and will leave you in complete awe!

October 27th: Hunchback of Notre Dame at Grace Cathedral, SFJAZZ

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October 28th: Chamber Music Concert at the Legion and Honor Museum, SF Symphony

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What’s better than seeing music surrounded by art?

Violin Sonata No. 3, Opus 12, No. 3 (featuring the concertmaster, Alexander Barantschik)

Sonata No. 4 in C major for Cello and Piano, Op. 102 No. 1 (featuring Associate Principal Cellist, Peter Wyrick)

Piano Trio No. 2, Opus 70 (Pianist, Anton Nel)

Tickets include admission to the entire museum so you can check out some of their current exhibits before or after the concert!

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It’s officially May and we are excited to share our must-see performances in the Bay Area. We are so lucky to have such a rich music community making it hard to choose! From Broadway, music festivals, classical music and dance, we think you’re going to like what you find. Scroll below to see our top picks for May…

May 1 – 27: SHN, The Color Purple

In 1986 Academy Award-nominated feature film, The Color Purple
The original Broadway production ran from 2005 to 2008
In 2006, it earned eleven Tony Award nominations
In 2016, it won the TONY AWARD® FOR BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL

This Pulitzer Prize-winning story is about a young woman’s journey to love and triumph set in Georgia in 1910 – 1940. It’s filled with jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues and I promise that by the end of the show this musical will have made you laugh a ton, cry, feel inspired and have you boogieing out the door. Trust me, it’s quite the experience. I wouldn’t necessarily suggest taking the kiddos to this one because it deals with some pretty rough situations but it’s great to go with a group of friends, date or by yourself.

Addict Tip: A limited number of $40 rush tickets will be available for every performance beginning 2 hours prior to curtain at the SHN Orpheum Theater Box Office. Tickets are subject to availability. Cash only! 2 per person.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

May 5 – 6: ODC, ‘Uncertain Weather’

This work follows 3 young people (and a live dog) on a seamless journey through unpredictable weather – rainstorms and squalls, earthquakes, tsunamis, white-hot deserts, heat waves, fog, and sunny beach days – and the consequences of climate change.

The “canine companion” mentioned is a key performer and will be played by Bernardo, a 75 lb. Labradoodle. When he’s not performing on the scene with some of the Bay Area’s most talented young dancers, Bernardo works as a service dog, supporting individuals at hospitals, hospices and airports. The cast includes almost 60 young people between the ages of 8 to 19 years-old and they have spent a full school year rehearsing with ODC’s professional choreographers.

Addict Insider: ODC School offers training in a wide range of dance forms to all ages and abilities in an effort to nurture creative artists, appreciative audiences and a healthy generative community. You can not only come and watch dance but you can learn dance yourself!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

May 10 – 12: SF Symphony, Respighi’s Pines of Rome

The San Francisco Symphony will be playing Pines of Rome (one of my personal favorites) this month! I think the best way to describe this piece is to compare it to Disney’s Fantasia 2000! Why? Because it’s featured in the film! So, if you love all the magical music from that movie – you will LOVE this! It was written by Respighi in 1924 as a tribute to his country’s capital (Rome) featuring different scenes, settings and moments that were significant to the history of the Roman Empire.

The performance will also include Saint-Saëns’ First Cello Concerto played by the amazing Gautier Capuçon. Saint-Saëns’ music is known for being very lyrical (meaning it’s easy to follow) with lots of emotion that will suck you in every time. This concert is great for a date night or a relaxing night out with your friends.

Addict Insider: Want to find out more about the piece from a member of the San Francisco Symphony? Click HERE to listen in to our KFOG podcast with Mike “No Name” Nelson and Nick Platoff!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

May 17 – 20, SF JAZZ, Amendola Vs. Blades + Two

Berkeley-based drummer, composer and bandleader Scott Amendola showcases his longstanding partnership with Bay Area Hammond B-3 organ star Wil Blades for an evening of greasy grooves and head-spinning musical telepathy, joined for this exclusive run by Tortoise guitarist Jeff Parker and Brazilian percussion genius Cyro Baptista.

I’m a huge fan of Wil Blades who plays the Hammond Organ. It’s an instrument that was created by Bill Hammond. It’s a small organ that was originally made for small churches that weren’t able to afford the big pipe organs. I love how Will has re-invented it by infusing it was jazz! It’s sound that is fresh, hip and easy to groove to.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

May to August (some in September – October): Yerba Buena Gardens Festival

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is kicking off their season this month! This festival is a local non-profit that will be presenting 6 months of admission-free performances reflecting the rich cultures and creativity of the Bay Area. All the concerts are outdoors and family-friendly. We like to pack a picnic, grab some wine and bask in the sun while watching the best of the bay!

All programs take place at the Yerba Buena Gardens, off Mission Street between 3rdand 4th Streets, San Francisco.

Want to see what’s playing this weekend? CLICK HERE!

We hope this quick rundown of our Top Performing Concert Picks for May was helpful! Let us know your thoughts by leaving a note in the comments! Also, feel free to add any performance suggestions and/or questions for May.

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Can you believe that 2019 is already here? A New Year marks exciting and fresh beginnings and fun resolutions to try something new. This year, we are challenge you to attend musical experiences that push your boundaries and challenges your perceptions. You never know, you might find a new ” arts addition” that you never knew you had! 😉From large productions to intimate nights out, our January list of five must-see Bay Area performances have been hand selected to to get you started.

1) Chris Botti performs at SFJAZZ: January 8-13

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Grammy Award Winner Chris Botti is the world’s biggest-selling jazz instrumentalist of our time who plays both pop and jazz. He has played his trumpet with a ton of amazing artists, including Michael Bublé, Buddy Rich, Paul Simon Joni Mitchell, and Sting. A few other names you might know are Yo-Yo Ma, John Mayer, and Steven Tyler along with so many more…

He is considered today’s Miles Davis! He has been to the Bay Area a few times but this month, he’ll be performing a snazzy program at SF Jazz.

Addict Insider: Chris started playing the trumpet at age 12 and was highly influenced by the great Miles Davis. Early in Chris’s career, it was clear that his playing was Special. In fact, one of Chris’s first professional gigs with Frank Sinatra!

2) Duo Ladino at the Painted Ladies: January 18

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Have you ever wondered what the inside of one of the iconic Painted Ladies houses looked like? We certainly have. This year this is you chance to do just that while listening to a live and intimate concert performed by pianist Ronny Michael Greenberg and violinist Elizabeth Maria! The concert will feature music by Gershwin, Prokofiev, Debussy, and Bartok + a complimentary tasting of wines by La Mesa Vineyards.

Red Curtain Addict Insider: We partnered with Ronny and Elizabeth in 2018 for a fun Taste of Talents concert. Click HERE to get a peak into what to expect at this special event in January!

3) Red Curtain Addict Night Out to Cirque du Soleil’s VOLTA: January 19th!

Energetic, urban and contemporary, VOLTA is a captivating voyage of discovery that showcases never-before-seen under the Big Top acrobatics in a visually striking world. Driven by a stirring melodic score and inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA is about finding yourself and unveiling your personal powers.

In addition, we are so excited to host a Red Curtain Addict Night Out to VOLTA to give you access to a VIP lounge with bites and open bar along with great seats and a backstage tour with some of the cast. Want to get a look at what that will look like? Click the video above to watch Co-Founders Kari and Parker’s backstage tour + jumping challenge to determine who is most likely to be casted in Volta! CLICK HERE TO GRAB YOUR TICKETS!!

4) Esa-Pekka Salonen Conducts the San Francisco Symphony: January 20th

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Last month, the San Francisco Symphony announced that their Music Director Designate Esa-Pekka Salonen! Be the first to experience the much-anticipated creative partnership as he takes the podium to conducted a unique program that speaks to his extraordinary “pictorial impulse” (San Francisco Chronicle). Salonen’s vision for the San Francisco Symphony is awesome – “It’s not only about being the orchestra of the future, it’s about being about the orchestra of the NOW.”

Red Curtain Addict Insider: Over the course of San Francisco Symphony’s 107 year history, there has only been ELEVEN Music Directors! Esa-Pekka Salonen will be the 12th. (Each one of them must have really liked it here… 😉)

SF Ballet Opening Night Gala: January 23rd

SF Ballet’s annual Opening Night Gala, will take place on Thursday, January 24th and includes cocktails, a lavish dinner, a special performance at the Opera House and the Bay Area’s best After Party in San Francisco’s beautiful City Hall.

This is one of our favorite galas in the Bay Area because it’s not a full production or a one-off performance like the SF Opera or the SF Symphony. Instead, the SF Ballet dancers perform a series of previews from the 2018 season. So you’ll see a scene from a story ballet (like their upcoming performance of Little Mermaid and ) and shorter repertoire like a few of their modern ballets along with classical favorites.

Addict Insider: The After Party celebration is held at the City Hall and is always decorated lavishly! Click the video above to WATCH our favorite moments from last year’s gala to get a sneak peek on what to expect. We can’t wait to see you there!

We hope this quick rundown of our Top Performing Concert Picks for January was helpful! Let us know your thoughts by leaving a note in the comments! Also, feel free to add any performance suggestions and/or questions for January.

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Scroll below to browse our top concert picks for August!

August 4-19: West Edge Opera Festival

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August 4, 12 & 17: Pelléas et Mélisande was Claude Debussy‘s only complete opera that is about a love triangle with a deep and dark core of jealousy.

August 8-26: LES MISÉRABLES, SHN

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August 9-11: Zoë Keating in Concert, SFJAZZ

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August 18: Grande Finale Concert, Merola

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Ongoing: Beach Blanket Babylon

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Photo by Rick Markovich

Gala Season!

Click here to see last year’s highlights from the San Francisco Symphony Gala!

Click here to see last year’s highlights from the San Francisco Opera Gala!

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It’s the month of March Musical Madness! There are so many great concerts happening this month. To keep the search easy, we’ve listed out our top-pick concerts in the Bay Area that are a MUST SEE in March. From immersive experiences to Broadway, to jazz nights to musical film festivals, we think you’re going to like what you find…

**March 8 – 10: Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, San Francisco Symphony**

Rhapsody in Blue was composed by George Gershwin in only 5 weeks and was premiered in an afternoon concert on Tuesday, February 12, 1924 where John Philip Sousa and Sergei Rachmaninoff were present (no pressure!). By the end of 1927, Whiteman’s band had played the Rhapsody eighty-four times, and its recording had already sold over a million copies.We love this piece because he combined elements of classical music with jazz-influenced effects. Rhapsody in Blue really established Gershwin’s reputation as a serious composer and has since become one of the most popular of all American concert works.

After watching this special video featuring Leonard Bernstein as the pianist and conductor, head to The San Francisco Symphony to see if LIVE featuring the incredible pianist Simon Trpčeski followed by music by Rachmaninoff called Symphonic Dances and more!

Click here for tickets!

Opened 10 nights this month!: The Speakeasy

Step back in time to 1923 (one year before Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue) as 35 characters lead you on a “choose your own adventure” into the depths of the Prohibition Era. Song and dance, comedy and drama, casino-style gaming and killer cocktails are among the many delights you will encounter as you explore the secret passages and hidden rooms of The Palace Theater. We recently went for the first time last weekend and had a BLAST!!

If you’re looking for an experience that will impress your out-of-town guests, a date or yourself! head over to The Speakeasy to be completely immersed in an iconic theatrical and memorable night. Not only will you catch fun acts on the stage but you’ll see them in bars, gambling halls and even at the table right next to you! This is not an event to just sit and drink – you’ll be moving from room to room finding new stories, mysteries and fun. Oh – and you’re never going to believe how you enter the theater… you’ll just have to go to find out!

Click here for tickets!

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March 10 – Opera in an Hour Film Festival, San Francisco Opera

If you’re not always up for watching three-hour operas, this event is for you! San Francisco Opera will be presenting three operas (via film) that are condensed into one-hour versions. And the best part, it’s FREE! The three featured operas will be The Magic Flute, The Barber of Seville and Cinderella.

Within these opera films, there will be an Exploration Workshop that is designed for families with children (ages 6 and up), though anyone with an interest is welcome to attend. Alyssa Stone (San Francisco Opera Education Department) and soprano Svetlana Nikitenko (who sings the Queen of the NiNight in the Magic Flute film) will direct the workshop and teach participants songs from the three operas, integrate some choreography to the singing, and also lead theater games.

Click here for tickets!

March 13 – 18 – Love Never Dies, Broadway San Jose

Click here for tickets!

March 27 – Tommy Igoe Big Band, Yoshi’s in Oakland

We first heard Tommy’s band around 4 years ago at Yoshi’s in San Francisco. We’re big fans of Big Band and when we heard this group, we were absolutely blown away by their sound. What makes them unique is that it’s ran by a drummer, Tommy Igoe and they hardly play the big band “standards”. They make their own arrangements and create new pieces. Tommy said, “I wanted to reinvent what big band represented in our era and give it new flare so that Big Band isn’t always referred to the music of your grandparents.”

Tommy is an incredible drummer, he even wrote the drumset book for Disney’s epic Broadway production of the “The Lion King” where he served as principal drummer and associate conductor.The group just went on tour across the country to perform their Art of Jazz series that pairs the group with an artist that create work of art while they are painting. You’ll definitely have to check them out, they have players from the Boz Scaggs group, Steely Dan Band and the Doobie Brothers along with Tower of Power and the Pacific Mambo Orchestra!

Click here for tickets!

March 29 – April 1 – Mary Stallings, SFJAZZ

The SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Director program was established to give today’s most innovative and influential musicians the chance to curate exclusive programming at the SFJAZZ Center, often featuring collaborations between world-renowned artists. This year, Mary Stallings is the featured Resident Artist for SFJAZZ and we are so excited! Check out the line up below:

Thursday, March 29 – Mary Stallings starts her residency with an evening of duets and trios with jazz guitarist (that has played with Harry Connick Jr, and Diana Krall) Russell Malone and vibraphonist Warren Wolf (who is part of the Jazz Collective that I’ll touch on in a bit).

Friday, March 30 – Mary Stallings will be joined by the Bill Charlap trio, led by GRAMMY-nominated pianist Bill Charlap, that played in a recent album with Tony Bennett, performing the music of Jerome Kern.

Sat (March 31) and Sun. (April 1) – Mary Stallings’ final two nights as Resident Artistic Director pairs the singer with SFJAZZ’s resident super-band, the SFJAZZ Collective. It’s a rare opportunity to hear Stallings perform with a larger ensemble, and to hear the Collective work with an outside artist on material outside their repertoire

Click here for tickets!

We hope this quick rundown of our Top Performing Concert Picks for March was helpful! Let us know your thoughts by leaving a note in the comments! Also, feel free to add any performance suggestions and/or questions for March.

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Scroll below to see our must-see performances this month…!

ODC, World’s On Fire: March 7 – 10

San Francisco Ballet, Sleeping Beauty: March 9 – 17

(Click to read our article, ‘Sneak Peek: SF Ballet’s NEW Costumes for The Sleeping Beauty‘)’

This ballet is perfect for a date night, a friends’ night out or if you’re not quite sure if you’re a ballet fan, this is a great production to start with.

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Photo by Glenn Meyer

San Francisco Symphony, Chamber Music at the Gunn Theater at the Palace of Legion of Honor: Saturday, March 10th

SFJAZZ, Max Raabe & Palast Orchestrer: Dream A Little Dream: Tuesday, March 12th

Curran, THE JUNGLE, March 26 – May 19

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Red Curtain Addict Top Holiday Picks: December 2017

It’s officially December! We can hardly believe how quick this year has gone by. And now, it’s already time to celebrate the holidays! To make your event calendar-planning easy, I’ve made a list of the top seven must-see holiday performances in San Francisco. From family concerts to romantic dates nights, I think you’re going to like what I’ve found. Scroll below to see my top holiday picks…

1. San Francisco Symphony – Cirque de la Symphonie: December 6-7 @ 7:30pm

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The San Francisco Symphony is bringing the incredible Cirque de la Symphony back to the Davis Symphony Hall to perform their festive performance! This is a “WOW!” concert for all ages that pairs seasonal music with amazing acts by aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, and more. Last year when we went, we were blown away by one of their aerial artists that even played the violin while being twisted in ribbons and hung upside down above the symphony. Talk about talent!

These amazing veterans of exceptional cirque programs are from different countries from around the world and their performance is not to be missed.

Tickets start at $35

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

2. San Francisco Opera – Adler Fellows Concert: December 8 @ 7:30pm

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The San Francisco Opera is featuring their Resident Artists, the 2017 Adler Fellows, in their final performance of the year. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know each one of these amazing artists personally and I honestly can’t say enough positive things about this talented group. This concert is an opportunity for you to hear their vocal fireworks and see them perform some of the most demanding repertoires the opera world has to offer.

Addict Insider: The Adler Fellows are made up of nine singers, two pianists, and one stage director. These individuals are selected out of over a thousand applicants from all over the world to receive focused training and on-stage opportunities to hone their craft and develop their operatic careers.

Tickets start at $30

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

3. San Francisco Symphony – SoundBox: February 9-10 (Tickets go on Sale, December 11 @ 10am)

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The SoundBox experience is the most sought-after concert series in the Bay Area. In fact, their last concert sold-out in only six minutes! Why? The San Francisco Symphony transformed one of their backstage rehearsal spaces into a club-like setting to showcase new and multisensory performances, like shifting stage settings, art installations, projection screens, and unexpected elements.

These concerts highlight everything from classical music to folk music to heavy metal. There is a full bar serving specialty cocktails and gourmet bar bites for enjoyment during the performances.

The next SoundBox concerts will be on February 9-10, 2018 but the tickets will go on sale on December 11th @ 10am. So set your reminder and be ready to buy!

Addict Insider: SoundBox uses the Meyer Sound Constellation system that enables their musicians to custom-program the acoustic settings that they desire. The use of this system provides ultimate versatility and accommodates a variety of musical environments. One minute you’ll feel like you’re sitting in an amphitheater and the next, it sounds like you’re in an echo chamber – all within a flip of a switch.

Addict Tip: Get their EARLY because it’s general admission. Seats are first-come, first-served!

General admission is $45

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE!

4. San Francisco Ballet – The Nutcracker: December 13 – 30th

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The San Francisco Ballet is presenting their magical Nutcracker, which has become a holiday tradition for families from all over the world. Set in San Francisco during the 1915 World’s Fair, Clara’s dreamlike journey takes place amidst colorful, larger-than-life scenery, more than 200 dazzling costumed characters and, of course, Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score performed live by the world-class San Francisco Ballet Orchestra. Their Director and Principal Choreographer Helgi Tomasson will be honoring their 73rd anniversary by using the City by the Bay as their backdrop.

Addict Insider: On Christmas Eve 1944, San Francisco Ballet was the FIRST American ballet company to perform Nutcracker, which instantly became a holiday tradition that spread across the country. You should definitely put this on your bucket list as a San Francisco MUST-SEE!

Addict Tip: If you have kids, make sure to look for the Family Performances! The first 500 children to arrive (ages 4-12) receive a special gift and everyone enjoys complimentary beverages and treats at intermission.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

**5. San Francisco Symphony – Handel’s Messiah: December 14-15 @ 8pm**

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You’ve probably heard bits and pieces from this work in several holiday movies, including Christmas Vacation. Remember when Chevy Chase plugs in his crazy Christmas lights and the “Hallelujah” Chorus comes on? That song is from Handel’s great masterpiece, Messiah which tells the story of Jesus Christ from birth to resurrection.

Handel’s Messiah was performed for the first time 275 years in Dublin and it was originally meant as an Easter performance. However, by the 19th-century, public performances of this great masterwork became a rite of Christmas, especially in the United States. The Grammy Award-winning San Francisco Symphony 100-voice Chorus will continue their tradition of performing this great work with the San Francisco Symphony for two immense concerts.

Addict Insider: Handel wrote Messiah’s 260-page score in only 24 days! It’s estimated to roughly have a quarter of a million notes. NPR music commentator Miles Hoffman says, “that means Handel would have had to keep a continuous pace writing 15 notes a minute.”!

Tickets start at $45

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

6. SFJazz – ADAM SHULMAN: Vince Guaraldi’s A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, 17 @ 2 pm

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We don’t know about you, but it’s not Christmas without watching Charles Schulz’s Charlie Brown’s Christmas! To take this holiday tradition to the next level, I recommend seeing Adam Shulman at SF Jazz, who will be playing his tribute of Vince Guaraldi’s music throughout his holiday concert.

Addict Tip: We suggest sitting in the last row of the balcony because you get the best blend of sound with a great view and it gives you the freedom to move around a bit (including getting up-and-down for a cocktail throughout the performance!). It may seem like forever away but there are only around 13 rows in the theater. There’s truly not one bad seat in the house!

Addict Insider: On Dec. 9, 1965, a television classic was born. The very first A Charlie Brown Christmas aired at 7:30 p.m. on the CBS Network and its affiliates. … While Charles Schulz’s Peanuts characters were well known as a newspaper comic strip, there were fears the characters would not translate to television. We’re so glad they did!

Tickets start at $35

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

7. San Francisco Symphony – NYE Concert with Seth Macfarlane: December 31 @ 8pm

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Looking for a fun and unique way to spend New Year’s Eve? Head over to celebrate with the San Francisco Symphony and Seth MacFarlane (AKA: the creator of Family Guy and American Dad!) for a one-of-a-kind concert filled with finger-snapping jazz standards, holiday favorites and lots of humor!
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\nSeth is best known for his acting, filming, and comedy shows but he’s also an amazing singer that would make Frank Sinatra proud. The performance will end around 10 pm so you’ll have plenty of time to still meet up with friends and count down the new year at one of your favorite local hotspots.
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\nAddict Insider: Each premium seat in the Side Boxes will receive sparkling wine and chocolates upon arrival before the concert begins!

Tickets start at $89

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

I hope this quick rundown of my Top Performing Arts Picks for December was helpful! Let me know your thoughts by leaving a note in the comments! Also, feel free to add any performance suggestions and/or questions for December.

Click to WATCH our latest Red Curtain Addict Episode about the FIRST-EVER virtual reality opera, The Parksville Murders.

Click to READ more Red Curtain Addict Blog Posts.

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We’re excited to announce our new monthly series – Red Curtain Addict Top Picks! Looking for something to do in San Francisco can be a challenge. Not because there’s nothing to do, but because there is SO MUCH to do!

Instead of you looking through countless ticketing sites and trying to find the best performing arts event in the city, we did it for you! Scroll down to see what we’ve chosen for November…

Broadway at SHN – Aladdin: November 1 – Jan. 7, 2017

\nSHN is presenting ALADDIN that features all your favorite songs from the Disney film as well as new music specifically written for this production by Tony® and Academy Award® winner Alan Menken. And YES, there is going to be a magic carpet ride! Aladdin and Jasmin will be flying across the stage while singing A Whole New World. This performance is definitely kid-friendly and is a great outing for a group of friends or a fun and unique date night out!

Addict Insider: Want to know how the magic carpet works?? It’s flown by drones! Now if this doesn’t persuade you to see this Broadway production, we don’t know what will. (Click HERE to listen in on our insider talk with Mike “No Name” Nelson from KFOG.)

Addict Tip: A limited number of $40 Rush tickets will be available for every performance beginning 2 hours prior to curtain at the SHN Orpheum Theatre Box Office. Make sure you bring cash because they do not take cards for payment and they are limited to 2 per person.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

SFJazz – Hiromi in Concert: Nov. 16 – 19

Hiromi has gone VIRAL on social media because people just can’t get enough of her. She’s taken jazz to a whole new level and her stage presence has no match. She’s young and plays the piano with so much energy that even if you’re not a huge jazz fan, you can’t help but be overwhelmed by her talent.

Seriously, just check it out yourself by watching the video above! Have you ever seen fingers move so quickly? We’re also a huge fan of her jazzy hairdo. ? All Music Guide calls her “one of the most remarkable pianists of the past half-century.”

Addict Insider: Listen in on our Insider Chat about this concert with Mike “No Name” Nelson by clicking HERE!

CLICK FOR TICKETS!

San Francisco Symphony – Concert with the Youth Orchestra: November 19^th

This concert is great if you have kids or teens who are interested in music! The San Francisco Symphony’s Youth Orchestra is made up of teens from ages 13 – 23 who are from the Bay Area. It’s really unique to have so many talented teens on one stage who are fully supported by one of the best symphonies in the country. They’ll be playing Rachmaninoff’s beautiful Piano Concerto No. 2 and Edward Elgar’s enchanting Enigma Variations.

We recently got to spend the day with this group at a rehearsal getting ready for their concert! Click HERE to find out why this youth orchestra is one of the best in the world!

Addict Insider: Listen in on our Insider Chat about this concert with Mike “No Name” Nelson by clicking HERE!

CLICK FOR TICKETS!

San Francisco Opera – WORLD PREMIERE of Girls of the Golden West: Nov. 21 – Dec. 10 (Only 8 performances)

San Francisco Opera is presenting their World Premiere of Girls of the Golden West featuring music by John Adams (who is local to the Bay Area). This production has been in the making for over four years and the curtain is about to open!

The story follows young people from all over the world who flock to California hoping to strike it rich in the 1850’s but are quickly caught up in their greed and prejudices of a rapidly changing world. The opera features many real-life characters, including Louise Clappe who took on the pen of Dame Shirley and wrote her widely known Dame Shirley Letters. It’s a great way to learn about the amazing culture and history of California.

Addict Insider: The Costume Designers is Rita Ryack who well known for her brilliant designs in How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey, Casino with Robert Dinero and Michael Jackson’s music video Bad! The Set Designer is David Gropman who was the Production Designer of Life of Pi, Hairspray and recently Fences, along with a lot more!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

San Francisco Symphony – Concert with Seal: November 30^th

Talk about DATE NIGHT! Seal is going to be singing a tribute to legendary artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole from his upcoming jazz album, Standards, along with a festive selection of holiday tunes. “This is the album I always wanted to make. I grew up listening to music from the Rat Pack era, so recording these timeless songs was a lifelong dream.” —Seal

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

San Francisco Opera – SOL3 MIO : Dec. 1st

Celebrate the holidays with multi-platinum New Zealand trio Sol3 Mio, who are making their Bay Area debut at the War Memorial Opera House. They’ll be singing a mix of holiday favorites, operatic works, crossover hits and songs from the South Pacific.

This group is breaking the perceptions of opera by bridging the gap between classical music and contemporary music while infusing more than a dash of uncontainable Samoan humor! We love them because they truly appeal to a wide audience who wouldn’t normally be found anywhere near an aria. Click above to watch their mini-documentary and get a taste of their style and contagious personalities.

Addict Insider: The group is made up of two tenor brothers, Pene and Amitai Pati from Mangere, and their North Shore baritone cousin Moses Mackay!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

San Francisco Ballet – Nutcracker: December 13-30th (Grab your tickets now!)

We know this is a November write-up but we wanted to let you know that the San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker ticket prices increase by demand. So if you are thinking about bringing your kids or your family that is visiting the city, the best time to grab your tickets is NOW!

Addict Insider: Did you know that the San Francisco Ballet was the first ballet company to premier Nutcracker in America on Christmas Eve in 1944?? You should definitely put this on your bucket list and see it live in San Francisco!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

We hope this quick rundown of our Top Performing Arts Picks for November was helpful! Let us know what you think by leaving a note in the comments! Also, feel free to add any performance suggestions and/or questions for November.

Click to WATCH our latest Red Curtain Addict Episode about the FIRST-EVER virtual reality opera, The Parksville Murders.

Click to READ more Red Curtain Addict Blog Posts.

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Red Curtain Addict’s Top Concert Picks

February 6 – March 4: The Book of Mormon, SHN

Parental Warning: Contains explicit language.

Red Curtain Addict Insider: Click to listen to KFOG’s Podcast to hear more with Mike “No Name” Nelson and Kari from Red Curtain Addict.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

February 10: The Art of Listening, The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra

Throughout the performance, they will be able to wiggle and dance, participate in hands-on activities and see instruments up close with meet-and-greet opportunities with the artists.

Red Curtain Addict Insider: Click to listen to KFOG’s Podcast to hear more with Mike “No Name” Nelson and Kari from Red Curtain Addict.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE! (ADMISSION- FREE)

February 14 – 18: World Premiere Trouble in Tahiti, SF Jazz and Opera Paralléle

Click to enter our GIVEAWAY!

One lucky couple will WIN two tickets to the premiere at SFJAZZ (On February 14th) and a $100 gift card to Alexander’s Steakhouse.

February 15 –25: Distinctly SF Ballet

To read our exclusive interview with Myles Thatcher, click here!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

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February 23-25: Serenade, The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra

Performance Dates and Locations;

Friday, February 23, 2018, 7:30 pm San Francisco

Saturday, February 24, 2018, 7:30 pm Palo Alto

Sunday, February 25, 2018, 3:00 pm Berkeley

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE! (ADMISSION- FREE)

Feb 24 – Chinese New Year Concert, San Francisco Symphony

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

Click to WATCH our latest Red Curtain Addict Episodes

Click to READ more Red Curtain Addict Blog Posts.

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SFJAZZ, LILAN KANE in Concert, February 14 – 17

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SHN, Hello Dolly – February 19 – March 17

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Cal Performances, Joyce DiDonato in Concert, Feb. 20

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A Night of Schumann with the San Francisco Symphony, February 22-24

$\"\"$ SF Ballet, Sensorium: February 26th

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October 3rd – 30th: Tosca, San Francisco Opera

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Click HERE to read our Addict Insider Article about the opera!

October 5th – 14th: World Premiere with Kronos Quartet, Alonzo King Lines Ballet

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To get the inside scoop about why this is a MUST SEE – CLICK HERE!

October 9 – November 4th: Miss Saigon, SHN

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Although the musical premiered in 1989 the new production now touring to San Francisco speaks directly to the current times and will leave you in complete awe!

October 27th: Hunchback of Notre Dame at Grace Cathedral, SFJAZZ

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October 28th: Chamber Music Concert at the Legion and Honor Museum, SF Symphony

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What’s better than seeing music surrounded by art?

Violin Sonata No. 3, Opus 12, No. 3 (featuring the concertmaster, Alexander Barantschik)

Sonata No. 4 in C major for Cello and Piano, Op. 102 No. 1 (featuring Associate Principal Cellist, Peter Wyrick)

Piano Trio No. 2, Opus 70 (Pianist, Anton Nel)

Tickets include admission to the entire museum so you can check out some of their current exhibits before or after the concert!

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“Head Over Heels” at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. (Photo: Jenny Graham, Oregon Shakespeare Festival)

The story follows a royal family that must prevent an oracle’s prophecy of doom and it’s all set to the tunes of the 1980’s all-female rock band, The Go-Go’s.

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Addict Insider: The Oracle is played by PEPPERMINT, the first trans woman to originate a principal role on Broadway – EVER!

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Can you tell us about your character, King Basilius?

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What drew you to being a part of Head Over Heels?

Can you tell us more about the music?

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What is your favorite part of the musical?

How is this production unique and different from the other productions that you’ve done in the past?

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What’s next for you on the horizon?

Head Over Heels tickets are available now and the show opens on April 10 – May 6, 2018. Make sure to go check out to get the exclusive showing before it heads to Broadway!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

WATCH our Red Curtain Addict episodes by subscribing to our Youtube Channel.

FIND OUT MORE about reading some of our latest articles.

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Scroll below to find out more about Meghan’s aspiring career and get a peek at our backstage tour of the show…!

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What was it like to step on the stage that first night as Christine Daae in the Majestic Theater on Broadway?

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Click the video above to watch our exclusive backstage tour with Meghan!

What have you loved about being on Broadway and what do you miss about being on tour?

For those that haven’t seen Phantom of the Opera yet, why should this be on their New York City Bucket-list? What makes it so iconic?

Now, the piece itself is epic! It’s hard to put it into words because it’s timeless. There is no detail that has not been completely thought through – there is no mistake to it.

What do you think Christine Daae be like if she was alive today?

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Was it difficult to go backward in the storyline after performing Love Never Dies?

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Why is the Phantom of the Opera considered a musical vs an opera, even though you sing opera in the show?

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What is your all-time favorite Phantom of the Opera song and why?

Final Lair: there is so much emotion. It’s a very empowering and heartbreaking scene for her. (Although I really love Past the Point of No Return- it’s very sexy!)

Click here to find out more about the show and read about my backstage tour!

Written by Kari Lincks Coomans

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It’s hard to believe that the Phantom of the Opera first opened on Broadway over 30 years ago! It has remained the most famous Broadway show for decades and has been seen by millions from all over the world. But why? To find out, I met up with Meghan Picerno, who recently made her Broadway debut as Christine Daaé.

Scroll below to watch our backstage tour of Phantom of the Opera on Broadway and find out why this show should be on your “New York City Bucket List”…

One of my favorite parts about the tour was going into the costume room to see Meghan’s dresses! Lucky for her, the entire wardrobe was specially made for her vs. wearing older costumes from previous cast members. They were absolutely stunning… and heavy! For instance, her “wedding dress” bustle weighs over 30lbs! Can you imagine having to wear that and run around the stage while singing high notes? Me either. But Meghan does this flawlessly 6x a week! Incredible!

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Click here find out more about Meghan’s career and her Broadway debut!

After Meghan showed me more of her favorite costumes, it was time for her to over to her make-up call. She mentioned, that “it takes her about 2hrs to do her make-up, dressed in her first costume and warmed up before the curtain rises”. She then introduced me to Michael Borowski (who has been the Press Agent for Phantom of the Opera for over 20 years) to continue our tour! All media that comes that is produced by the Phantom of the Opera show on Broadway has to be approved by him. He knows EVERYTHING there is to know about the show and is the biggest “phan” that I’ve met.

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Michael took me on the magical Majestic Theatre stage to see what it’s like to stand where the cast performs and to get a closer look at the legendary chandelier. I found out that the chandelier weighs over a ton and it’s decorated with 6,000 beads!

It was honestly a dream come true to see it up close. Afterward, he took me backstage to see where they store some of the other iconic props. I was surprised to discover that a lot of them are stored above the stage, including the giant stairway that’s used during the masquerade performance.

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Michael then surprised me with a tour that not many get to take… a tour below the stage! He said that if the Phantom was real, this is where he would have been lurking in-between performances. He said there have even been a few accounts of ghosts that have appeared in this darky and spooky part of the theater.

Around the catwalk (that is used by the cast to quickly cross the stage for an upcoming scene) were tons of ropes with pullies to pull up the candelabra that come up from the ground when the Phantom and Christine float down to his lair (seen above). So much goes into keeping this show so iconic and fresh for every person that visits the Majestic Theatre to see the show. In fact, Michael told me that there are over 150 people on stage and off stage that come together to make this performance happen. WOW! For that alone, it’s definitely something that’s worth seeing.

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If you haven’t yet, watch the video above to see why Meghan Picerno and Michael Borowski say this show should be on your New York City Buckelist… 🔝For me, it’s a must-see and something you can watch over and over again because of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s timeless music, the captivating love story and the mystery behind the mask.

It was an absolute dream come true to go behind the scenes of the Phantom of the Opera set for our exclusive backstage tour and I hope you enjoyed getting of peek of it too.

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Did you know that there is a sequel to the Phantom of the Opera??? There is! Click HERE to find out more about it via my interview with Meghan a few years back when she was Christine Daaé in Love Never Dies!

What do you love most about the Phantom of the Opera? Leave us a comment below!

Written by Kari Lincks Coomans

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1. Midtown Men at the San Francisco Symphony

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Tickets start at $20.00

2. San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker

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Click here to find about 7 Facts That You Didn’t Know About San Francisco Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’.

Tickets start around $50.00

3. A.C.T’s A Christmas Carol

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The cast of A Christmas Carol at A.C.T.’s Geary Theater now through December 24, 2016. Photo by Kevin Berne.

Tickets start at $20

4. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

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Tickets start at $30 and kids are half off.

5. SFJAZZ’s New Years Eve Celebration

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Become a member to attend.

Make sure to share your holiday experiences on social using #RedCurtainAddict! We hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Scroll below to see our must-see performances this month…!

ODC, World’s On Fire: March 7 – 10

San Francisco Ballet, Sleeping Beauty: March 9 – 17

(Click to read our article, ‘Sneak Peek: SF Ballet’s NEW Costumes for The Sleeping Beauty‘)’

This ballet is perfect for a date night, a friends’ night out or if you’re not quite sure if you’re a ballet fan, this is a great production to start with.

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Photo by Glenn Meyer

San Francisco Symphony, Chamber Music at the Gunn Theater at the Palace of Legion of Honor: Saturday, March 10th

SFJAZZ, Max Raabe & Palast Orchestrer: Dream A Little Dream: Tuesday, March 12th

Curran, THE JUNGLE, March 26 – May 19

Click to WATCH our latest Red Curtain Addict Episodes

Click to READ more Red Curtain Addict Blog Posts.

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How did it all start?

The Venue

The cast and script

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10 Tips and Facts to Know Before Seeing the Show

Before the Show

Don’t drink a ton before going to The Speakeasy because there are a lot of unique and hidden bars to explore. Plus, their signature drinks are worth waiting for – trust me!
Wear shoes that are easy to walk in and don’t hurt your feet from standing
You can “purchase a character” if you’re looking to really be involved in the show. You even get a costume fitting!
Phones are not allowed at any time during your experience (which is really refreshing!) so grab your group photos before the event
This experience is a lot of fun with a bunch of friends! Click HERE to join our group on Friday, June 1st and receive VIP

During the Show

A great place to start is the Cabaret Theather where you’ll see comedy skits and musical performances. But don’t wait for someone to come and lead you into the next room. I suggest getting some champagne and caviar and once you’re done, move on to the Gas Lamp Lounge for more cocktails and drama.
Don’t just watch the people on “stage” in the Cabaret Theater. If you look around you, you’ll find a lot of cast in character that has their own stories happening
Find a character you like and follow them around for a bit. You really get to see their journey and get to know more about their storyline
Definitely try to swing by the dressing room area. It’s a bit hidden but it’s fun to find
Be in the moment and choose your own kind of night! What’s great about this experience and that you can make it whatever you want it to be. Have fun!!

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The Inspiration Behind the Cocktails

Scroll below to find out what inspired the names of some of his favorite cocktails…

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Doctor’s Orders

The Velvet Sea

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Red Curtain Addict VIP Event on Friday, June 1, 2018

Full access to The Speakeasy (plus a 30% discount!)
Premium seats
Complimentary “casino chips” to use at the gambling tables
A complimentary cocktails
Access to our exclusive after-party\n
- Mix and mingle with the creators of The Speakeasy and the cast and crew
- Enjoy a dram of scotch (sponsored by Glennfidich!) and bites
- Take fun photos at our photobooth sponsored by Snap Fiesta
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CLICK HERE TO GRAB YOUR TICKETS!!

(original photos by Trisha Leeper)

WATCH our Red Curtain Addict episodes by subscribing to our Youtube Channel.

FIND OUT MORE about reading some of our latest articles.

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Why am I so excited? ⬆️ WATCH to find out! ⬆️

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If I could sit down with Andrew Lloyd Webber for lunch, I would buy him champagne and thank him for making such a meaningful impact in my life.

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WATCH our Red Curtain Addict episodes by subscribing to our Youtube Channel.

FIND OUT MORE about reading some of our latest articles.

\n","title":"Love Never Dies - A Broadway Show NOT to Miss!","date":"2018-02-23T22:29:10+00:00"}},{"__typename":"article_tags","id":48,"article":{"__typename":"articles","id":51,"slug":"the-phantom-of-the-opera-vip-experience-at-shn","image_path":null,"default_image":"https://red-curtain-addict.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0946-768x511.jpg","content":"

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Guest enjoying bites by ALX Gastropub

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Beer Can Chicken

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Sticky Ribs

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Peanut Butter Cookies

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ALX Gastropub – Sous Chef

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Bartender getting Sandeman Porto drinks prepared

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Founder’s Reserve Ruby Porto

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Sandeman Ambassador – Anna Budarina

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Red Curtain Addict Guests

The bites perfectly paired with the complimentary cocktails from Sandeman Porto who poured their delicious Founder’s Reserve Ruby Porto on the rocks with a garnish slice of orange and fresh mint.

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SnapFiesta Proprietor – Gene Kosoy, Oliver, Hellen Porro

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Red Curtain Addict Guests

The night was celebrated in true Phantom style with a PHANTOM THEMED photobooth from SnapFiesta. Creating the perfect #instamoment! Check out all of the fun photos from SnapFiesta by clicking HERE!

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(Left to Right) Constantine Pappas, David Foley, Jr., Adam Bashian

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Part of the Red Curtain Addict Group!

We’d love her hear from you! Send us a note about your thoughts on performance at i nfo@redcurtainaddict.com!

Photography by Trisha Leeper

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Red Curtain Addict’s Top Concert Picks

February 6 – March 4: The Book of Mormon, SHN

Parental Warning: Contains explicit language.

Red Curtain Addict Insider: Click to listen to KFOG’s Podcast to hear more with Mike “No Name” Nelson and Kari from Red Curtain Addict.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

February 10: The Art of Listening, The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra

Throughout the performance, they will be able to wiggle and dance, participate in hands-on activities and see instruments up close with meet-and-greet opportunities with the artists.

Red Curtain Addict Insider: Click to listen to KFOG’s Podcast to hear more with Mike “No Name” Nelson and Kari from Red Curtain Addict.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE! (ADMISSION- FREE)

February 14 – 18: World Premiere Trouble in Tahiti, SF Jazz and Opera Paralléle

Click to enter our GIVEAWAY!

One lucky couple will WIN two tickets to the premiere at SFJAZZ (On February 14th) and a $100 gift card to Alexander’s Steakhouse.

February 15 –25: Distinctly SF Ballet

To read our exclusive interview with Myles Thatcher, click here!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

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February 23-25: Serenade, The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra

Performance Dates and Locations;

Friday, February 23, 2018, 7:30 pm San Francisco

Saturday, February 24, 2018, 7:30 pm Palo Alto

Sunday, February 25, 2018, 3:00 pm Berkeley

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE! (ADMISSION- FREE)

Feb 24 – Chinese New Year Concert, San Francisco Symphony

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

Click to WATCH our latest Red Curtain Addict Episodes

Click to READ more Red Curtain Addict Blog Posts.

\n","title":"Red Curtain Addict Top Picks – February 2018","date":"2018-02-06T20:44:59+00:00"}},{"__typename":"article_tags","id":209,"article":{"__typename":"articles","id":64,"slug":"red-curtain-addict-top-concert-picks-february-2019","image_path":null,"default_image":"https://red-curtain-addict.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Screen-Shot-2019-02-03-at-9.59.16-PM-768x469.png","content":"

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SFJAZZ, LILAN KANE in Concert, February 14 – 17

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SHN, Hello Dolly – February 19 – March 17

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Cal Performances, Joyce DiDonato in Concert, Feb. 20

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A Night of Schumann with the San Francisco Symphony, February 22-24

$\"\"$ SF Ballet, Sensorium: February 26th

\n","title":"Red Curtain Addict Top Concert Picks: February 2019","date":"2019-02-03T23:07:14+00:00"}},{"__typename":"article_tags","id":148,"article":{"__typename":"articles","id":65,"slug":"rca-top-picks-january-2018","image_path":null,"default_image":"https://red-curtain-addict.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/SF-Ballet-Gala-1-768x512.jpg","content":"

We can hardly believe that 2018 is here! To get your year started on the right foot, we’ve listed out our top pick concerts in the Bay Area that are a MUST SEE in January! From galas to experiential dance performances, we think you’re going to like what we found. Scroll down to see more!

1. SF Jazz – Chris Botti in Concert: January 9-12

He is considered today’s Miles Davis! He has been to the Bay Area a few times but this month, he’ll be performing a snazzy program at SF Jazz.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

2. LIEDER ALIVE! – Neue Lieder, Neues Jahr! (New Songs, New Year!): January 14

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LIEDER ALIVE! is dedicated to keeping Lied repertoire thriving in our era. In case you aren’t familiar with this term, “lieder” or “lied”, they are German art songs from the Romantic period (roughly the 19th century) that are very expressive with strong lyrical melodies and rich harmonies. Composers such as Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms used this art form a lot.

The programming of this concert will feature new works by outstanding composers of our time, including Kurt Erickson, Mark Carlson and Luna Pearl Woolf that will be performed by soprano Heidi Moss Erickson and mezzo-soprano Kindra Scharich, accompanied by pianist Ronny Greenberg.

This is a really great way to discover brand new music by composer and musicians of our time.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

3.San Francisco Ballet’s Opening Night Gala: January 18

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Photo by Nikki Ritcher

SF Ballet’s annual Opening Night Gala (this year’s theme is Celestial), will take place on Thursday, January 18 and includes cocktails, a lavish dinner, a one-night-only performance at the Opera House, and the Bay Area’s best After Party in San Francisco’s beautiful Beaux-Arts City Hall.

This is one of our favorite galas in the Bay Area because it’s not a full production or a one-off performance like the SF Opera or the SF Symphony. Instead, the SF Ballet dancers perform a series of previews from the 2018 season. So you’ll see a scene from a story ballet (like Sleeping Beauty or Frankenstein) and shorter repertoire like a few of their modern ballets along with classical favorites.

Addict Insider: The After Party celebration is held at the City Hall and is always decored lavishly! Make sure to check out all of the party rooms. One wing usually has a live party band and the other has a dance-centric DJ. Ladies, bring some fold-up flats to the after-party because your feet might hurt after all the dancing and standing. There isn’t a ton of seating at the After Party but it’s always a good time!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

4. San Francisco Movement Arts Festival: January 19

This is the “farmers market for the arts”! Using local Dance, Theater, Music & Visual Arts, SFMAF (with 200+ local artists) will be turning Grace Cathedral into a stage and celebrating the strong and diverse San Francisco Bay Area local art scene. You’ll be able to see works performed on the main church floors, hallways, stairways, entryways and attached chapels. The actual performances will be going on, simultaneously, throughout the grand cathedral.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

5. San Francisco Ballet – Sleeping Beauty: January 23 – February 4

This classic story of a sleeping princess, a handsome prince, and the triumph of true love’s kiss will sweep you off your feet. With spectacular sets, lavish tutus, and Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, Helgi Tomasson’s production of The Sleeping Beauty highlights our dancers’ classical virtuosity, casting its spell over a fairytale ballet of romance and wonder.

The music is going to be dreamy, the dancing is going to be hypnotizing but what puts the cherry on top are the opulent costumes! I got the opportunity to see them first hand back in November at a special event. Click here to get a sneak peek!

Addict Insider: Did you know that when you listen to Disney Princess Aurora (or Lana Del Rey!) sing “Once Upon a Dream”, you are actually listening to a piece based on one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous waltzes composed for a three-act ballet?

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

6. San Francisco Symphony – West Side Story – Feature Film with Live Orchestra: February 1-3

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Looking for the ultimate movie night? San Francisco Symphony is celebrating the iconic movie and music of West Side Story by projecting the film in Davis Symphony Hall. What makes this event extra special is the live music. The film’s music has been stripped from the movie and the San Francisco Symphony plays all of the songs live, even while Natalie Wood sings!

This year would have been the 100th birthday of West Side Story’s Composer Leonard Bernstein and this concert is only a part of San Francisco Symphony’s tribute to his career as one of the greatest composers, conductors, and educators of the 20th century. Click here to see a list of their Centinal Leonard Bernstein Concert List.

Addict Insider: In 2014, San Francisco Symphony was nominated for Best Musical Theater Grammy Award for their West Side Story Album.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

7. SF Jazz 2018 Gala Honoring Preservation Hall Jazz Band: February 1

Now in its 54th year, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band is a rotating group of master musicians that have held the torch of New Orleans music. SFJAZZ Center will be honoring their legacy and preservation of New Orleans music and culture with the SFJAZZ Lifetime Achievement Award! Gala-goers and After-partiers will be spoiled with an array of New Orleans’ finest cuisine and drinks throughout the evening, with late-night fare from some favorite neighborhood spots.

This group has a lot of ties and history with San Francisco’s community. “From day one, San Francisco has been the second home for Preservation Hall – from Frost Amphitheater to the Fillmore to annual shows in Marin, Napa, at Stern Grove and the Fairmont Hotel,” says Ben Jaffe, Creative Director, Preservation Hall and Bass/Tuba player, Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Addict Insider: SFJAZZ’s work in education will be on display throughout the Gala. More than 23,000 students in 70 schools will benefit from the expansion, which includes school day concerts, standards-based classroom learning residencies, and support of school music ensembles.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

Click to WATCH our latest Red Curtain Addict Episodes

Click to READ more Red Curtain Addict Blog Posts.

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3 Memorable Mother’s Day Gifts for a Mom to Enjoy

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1. For the Passionate Mom that Loves Grand Experiences

Click here to grab your tickets!

Listen in Spotify: Shostakovich’s 8th Symphony and Bach Violin Concerto No. 2.

2. For the Soulful Mom: A Night of Blues with Marcus Shelby

Grab your tickets here!

3. For a Mom that Loves 70’s Music

Red Curtain Addict Insider: This popular show originated at SHN but then took on Broadway and has been playing ever since!

Grab your tickets here!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!

Click to WATCH our latest Red Curtain Addict Episodes

Click to READ more Red Curtain Addict Blog Posts.

Red Curtain Addict Contributor: Amy Higgins

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October 3rd – 30th: Tosca, San Francisco Opera

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Click HERE to read our Addict Insider Article about the opera!

October 5th – 14th: World Premiere with Kronos Quartet, Alonzo King Lines Ballet

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To get the inside scoop about why this is a MUST SEE – CLICK HERE!

October 9 – November 4th: Miss Saigon, SHN

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Although the musical premiered in 1989 the new production now touring to San Francisco speaks directly to the current times and will leave you in complete awe!

October 27th: Hunchback of Notre Dame at Grace Cathedral, SFJAZZ

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October 28th: Chamber Music Concert at the Legion and Honor Museum, SF Symphony

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What’s better than seeing music surrounded by art?

Violin Sonata No. 3, Opus 12, No. 3 (featuring the concertmaster, Alexander Barantschik)

Sonata No. 4 in C major for Cello and Piano, Op. 102 No. 1 (featuring Associate Principal Cellist, Peter Wyrick)

Piano Trio No. 2, Opus 70 (Pianist, Anton Nel)

Tickets include admission to the entire museum so you can check out some of their current exhibits before or after the concert!

\n","title":"Red Curtain Addict Top Concert Picks: October 2018","date":"2018-10-01T19:24:48+00:00"}},{"__typename":"article_tags","id":237,"article":{"__typename":"articles","id":21,"slug":"transcend-modern-ballet-lines-kronos","image_path":null,"default_image":"https://red-curtain-addict.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/42987135_2281127385234788_6306963773991157760_o-768x402.jpg","content":"

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By Amy Higgins

Last night marked the opening of the world premiere of the Alonzo King LINES Ballet’s collaboration with Kronos Quartet. As two of the most innovative San Francisco native performance art companies, this collaboration was long overdue. But why might you ask?

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Many San Franciscans have never heard of the Alonzo King LINES Ballet (LINES for short) because they only perform twice a year in their hometown. LINES is actually better known in Europe since they tour all around the world when they are not performing in SF. LINES has been featured at venues such as the Venice Biennale, Monaco Dance Forum, Maison de la Dance de Lyon, the Edinburgh International Festival, Montpellier Danse, the Wolfsburg Festival, the Holland Dance Festival, and most recently the Théâtre National de ChaillIot in Paris.

My first experience with LINES was back in 2008 when LINES did a partnership with the Shaolin monks called “Long River High Sky“. That performance has forever left an impression on me and changed how I enjoy and experience dance. I continue to go back season after season just to see how King can combine art forms to create an entirely new experience.

I grew up seeing grandiose, traditional ballets like “The Nutcracker” since I was a little girl. Ballet was always filled with beautiful, flowing lines and women dressed in sparkle and glitter tutus like fairy princesses with imaginary wings. LINES opened my mind that ballet can be something entirely different. Something beyond beauty—that which reaches a level beyond emotions and reason. Alonzo King likes to say that the goal of ballet isn’t to look pretty but to reach for transcendence.

And this week’s performance did not disappoint.

Why this world premiere of a modern ballet so important?

To celebrate LINES’s 35th Anniversary and Kronos’s 45th Anniversary, the two groups have paired up (for the first time!) to produce an extraordinary piece that will forever change the way you perceive and experience ballet and classical music while adding a local flair.

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Since 1973, Kronos Quartet, David Harrington (violin), John Sherba (violin), Hank Dutt (viola), and Sunny Yang (cello), has been helping listeners reimagine how they experience music, much like how LINES changes the perception of ballet. The company has also collaborated with many of the world’s most intriguing and accomplished composers and performers and commissioning more than 950 works and arrangements for string quartets.

For this performance, Kronos used music composed for their Fifty for the Future project where they commission ten new works a year from five women and five men. Through the project, Kronos is working together with noted composers and those who are just beginning to ignite their flame to produce a string quartet repertoire that will help educate future generations to the most contemporary and provoking pieces to play. And best of all, full digital versions of the scores and parts, recordings, and other pedagogical materials for each work can be accessed here on Kronos’ website free of charge.

Listen to the first twenty-five here:

What to expect at performance – without any spoilers!

Drawing on Karl the Fog, this world premiere performance has an air of mystery and intrigue—one that can only be found in San Francisco, especially on cool autumn evenings.

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Adji Cissoko, Shuaib Elhassan and Kronos Quartet I Alonzo King LINES Ballet I photo by Chris Hardy.

Right before the piece begins, a movie is played featuring a worm’s eye view of Sutro Baths, looking out at the bay at Seal Rock. As it plays, you watch it waiting…waiting…waiting for something to happen. It’s as if we are waiting, like in life, for the next thing, instead of just enjoying the moment. My advice, learn to enjoy the moment. Let it all in. Breathe. Relax. And in that very second, you do, it’s as if all the worries of the day go away.

As the screen flows up, you’ll find yourself in a foggy San Francisco dream state, watching beauty transcend before your very eyes. Ok…no spoiler alerts. Now go see it!

Oct. 5 -14 atYBCA Theater, 700 Howard St., S.F. 415-978-2787.

Prices range from $35-$100

Click HERE to grab your tickets!

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Photo by Corey Weaver

This season, the San Francisco Opera is presenting Tosca for the 39th time since they were founded in 1923! Although this sounds like a lot, they aren’t the only opera company that has performed it countless times. Tosca continues to be one of the most famous operas known around the world. But why? Among many reasons such as the music, the dramatic/rollercoaster storyline and its historical origin, this opera’s popularity has been ultimately driven and influenced by the multiple operatic divas that have played the leading role both on and off the stage.

Scroll below to see who they are…

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Photo by Victor Santiago

The Music

When Puccini sat down to write his opera, he had a special person in mind, Hariclea Darcleé. Hariclea was the most famous sopranos of her time whose career spanned over three decades. She was best known for her ability to handle challenging roles and Puccini knew it – hence the intensity of the arias.

Since then, the role has matured and evolved as other divas played the character. Over time, this elevated the role into an aspirational level of achievement for sopranos. If you are asked to take on the role as Tosca, there is almost a sense of “I made it” in the opera world. Throughout the century, audiences have been drawn in to see who does it next and how will it be performed differently. Some of the major sopranos that have brought in the biggest crowds and buzz around Tosca was/is Claudia Muzio, Maria Callas, Maria Guleghina and Carmen Giannattasio (seen above, who SF Chronicle calls, “The Lady Gaga of Opera”).

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Click HERE to watch!

The Staging

Soprano Maria Jeritza was known as Puccini’s favorite Tosca. In 1914, Maria stumbled upon this fame (quite literally) when she mistakenly fell right before her cue to sing the famous aria, “Vissi d’arte”. Not able to get up, she sang it while lying on the ground!

The audience was astonished by her ability to sing from an unprecedented position and the critics raved about her ability to continue on. Coincidently enough, Puccini was in the audience when it happened and fell in love with this impromptu and dramatic feat. Ever since sopranos have been singing the aria in the same way – lying down or slouched over – and audiences are continuously amazed! Can you sing at you the top of your lungs and project to a giant hall while lying down? Go ahead, give it a try…

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The Directing!

From October 3-30, 2018, San Francisco Opera is presenting a new production of Tosca that has been spearheaded by the amazing female Director, Shawna Lucey! Even in 2018, a female Director is very uncommon so it’s gratifying to see San Francisco Opera equalize the leadership opportunities and empower those with talent, regardless of their gender.

Shawna has been tasked with reinventing the stagecraft, costume designs, acting, etc. to refresh this 118-year-old opera for current audiences. So essentially, she has to put herself in Puccini’s shoes and think about how he would have portrayed this opera today while respecting the historical elements and storyline. Talk about a task and talk about influence! “Tosca is a piece for today like almost never before,” says Shawna. We can’t wait to see her “take” on the opera and root her on for pioneering and achieving such an undertaking!

Click HERE to grab your tickets and see it for yourself!

Click to WATCH our latest Red Curtain Addict Episodes

Click to READ more Red Curtain Addict Blog Posts.

Article References: Vashon Opera, SFOpera, Wikipedia

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1. Midtown Men at the San Francisco Symphony

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Tickets start at $20.00

2. San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker

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Click here to find about 7 Facts That You Didn’t Know About San Francisco Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’.

Tickets start around $50.00

3. A.C.T’s A Christmas Carol

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The cast of A Christmas Carol at A.C.T.’s Geary Theater now through December 24, 2016. Photo by Kevin Berne.

Tickets start at $20

4. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

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Tickets start at $30 and kids are half off.

5. SFJAZZ’s New Years Eve Celebration

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Become a member to attend.

Make sure to share your holiday experiences on social using #RedCurtainAddict! We hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

\n","title":"5 Holiday Experiences That You Don't Want To Miss in the Bay Area","date":"2018-12-21T09:26:09+00:00"}},{"__typename":"article_tags","id":290,"article":{"__typename":"articles","id":47,"slug":"5-ways-merola-is-advancing-opera-artists-of-tomorrow","image_path":null,"default_image":"https://red-curtain-addict.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Schwabacher-Summer-Concert_2167_Kristen-Loken_website-768x434.jpg","content":"

Behind every successful artist, you’ll find a story of grit, perseverance, sacrifice and a group of people that supported them through it all. Recently, I discovered the ultimate support program for young opera artists called Merola. Although it is new to me (mostly because I’m not an opera singer by trade), this incredible organization has been around since 1957 and has launched the careers of many successful opera singers. What made my ears perk up about this program is that Merola is one of the BEST opera training programs in the world and it happens to be located right in the heart of San Francisco! But what makes it the best? Scroll below to find out…

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1. The Program

Merola is based on talent rather than financial ability; Merola pays all tuition, housing and travel expenses for each of its participants and also grants them a living stipend during their intensive training in San Francisco. Out of hundreds of young artists that audition from all over the world, around twenty-three singers, five apprentice coaches (AKA: vocal coaches in training) and one apprentice stage director are chosen to participate in this extensive summer program.

Over a course of eleven to twelve weeks, the selected artists receive extensive lessons, opportunities to perform major roles on stage and support even after the program has ended. “For me, the most exciting thing about each season is to hear how much the artists progress throughout the course of their training,” says Merola’s Executive Director, Jean Kellogg. “It’s incredible to see how much they evolve!”

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2. The Training

Each day the artists attend classes and training to prepare for Merola performances. The courses include deep-dive lessons on music, diction, language, combat, staging, acting and even the art of moving in a costume! It’s pretty much like an “opera boot camp” taught by some of the best opera instructors in the world that cover every topic imaginable for the stage. Merola has a reputation for embellishing elements of opera training that are often overlooked at conservatories with additional one-on-one coachings, specialized lessons and unique masterclasses with guest artists.

What also makes Merola unique is the placement of their artists while the Merolini (AKA: Merola artists) are going through their courses. Most training programs place artists-in-training within the chorus of an opera company but Merola gives them leading or major supporting roles! It’s almost like being a Commis Chef and getting the chance to step into the role of Head Chef or Sous Chef. Talk about jumping in with both feet!

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3. The Opportunity

Merola artists get the opportunity to perform in three productions and a Grand Finale performance that showcases each artist’s progress since they started the program. This year the three productions are the Schwabacher Summer Concert (July 5 & 7), Il re pastore (July 19 & 21) and Rake’s Progress (August 2 & 4) and the Grand Finale will be held on August 18. Click the links to grab your tickets!

** We are so excited to partner with Merola and the Asian Art Museum for a special concert event on August 9th! The Merolini will sing excerpts from some of the most famous operas that evoke the underworld, plus we’ll have drinks and bites for you to enjoy. Click HERE to grab your seats and use MerolaRed to receive a special Red Curtain Addict rate.

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4. The Artists

Most Merolni are between ages 22 – 35 and they’re from different countries around the world! I had the chance to meet each artist last month and I was inspired by their unique and individual stories and I was impressed by the diversity within the group. They are all fueled by the passion to be an artist and to take opera into the next century. I couldn’t have been more impressed.

After each performance, you’ll have the chance to meet the artists yourself! Trust me, it’s worth sticking around for. You’ll walk away being amazed by their talent and motivated by their ambition.

5. The Future

Merola helps artists apply for grants to advance their career for up to five years after their time within their program. “We don’t just let them go after our program and say, You’re on your own – have a good life!“, says Jean. “We help them apply for career grants to use for upcoming auditions, to travel overseas for language studies in Europe, to build a website, to hire a team to create them professional videos, to buy a piano or additional formal wear for auditions, to purchase scores and the list goes on”.

Many have even ended up having careers in Europe because they provided the funds for them to go over and audition where they got hired and they never left. It’s so exciting to know that this type of program exists and that it is right here in San Francisco. Yes, this city is well known for the advancement of tech but it’s important to note that it is widely known for the acceleration of music, thanks to Merola!

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Now that you know all about Merola, GO AND SEE THE ARTISTS!! The current Merolini will only be in San Francisco for a few more weeks. Going to their performances is an amazing way to support the future of the opera. We also hope to also see you at our event, An Evening with the Merola Opera on August 9th!

WATCH our Red Curtain Addict episodes by subscribing to our Youtube Channel.

FIND OUT MORE about reading some of our latest articles.

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Fashion doesn’t just live in the stores. It exists on the stage! One of the many reasons I love going to the opera is living vicariously through the characters and admiring the costumes that depict the fashion of various time periods. This week I joined San Francisco Opera for an exclusive Facebook Live tour with the talented Assistant Costume Director, Christopher Verdosci!

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The San Francisco Opera is celebrating their 50th Anniversary for the U.S. Premiere of The Makropolous Case. This erotic drama is about the alluring prima donna, Emilia Marty that is played by the beautiful Nadja Michael. Her character wears stunning dresses and gowns throughout the entire performance. My eye was drawn to a vintage gown she wears in Act Il.

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Seeing the costume up close with Christopher was a moment I’ll never forget because he revealed the inspiration of the design from the archives! This French painting of a pierrot gave Emilia Marty’s emotions a whole new meaning to me. The Director gave her this costume to represent a sad metaphor of her feelings that made me want to break out singing, Send in the Clowns. She was just going through the motions as an avatar, trying to find her purpose after living so many lifetimes, aging at 337 years old (think The Picture of Dorian Gray!).

For quick changes, the costume has snaps behind the decorative handmade buttons and the ruffles are tailored with multiple layers to give it that poof at the ends. I was amused to find out that her fabulous sparkling hat was actually made from the whimsy designer Betsy Johnson!

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In the performance she wears a selection of shoes and because I am such a shoe lover, I had to find out more about these stunning pumps. In the 1950’s, ultra thin heels that were 4 inch high was all the rage. These white satin pumps were designed by Badgley Mishka who has been hailed by Vogue as one of the “Top 10 American Designers”!

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The jewelry was treated to look like recreations of Cartier because it was customary to have inherited jewels reset into a fashionable piece for the new decade. Who knew!

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It was such a treat to spend the afternoon with Christopher in the costume shop. Christopher has worked at the San Francisco Opera for sixteen years. Christopher earned his degree in Design at International Fine Arts College in Miami. His incredible work has been seen in many theaters throughout San Francisco, including The Brava, Intersection for the Arts, Theater Artaud, The Victoria and ODC.

To find out more about Emilia Marty’s timeless attire, click here. Now that you know all about the costumes, it’s time to head to the San Francisco Opera to see The Makropolous Case! Click here for tickets.

Photography by Trisha Leeper

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Do you know what an OOVE is? We didn’t either. That is until we met with composer Nathaniel Stookey who told us about this brand new instrument that inspired his new piece called YTTE (Yield To Total Elation). The OOVE was made by a friend of his, Oliver DiCicco who has a workshop in San Francisco. Oliver specializes in kinetic sound sculptures that create a mixture of unique tones and vibrations. Lucky for us, we got to visit his local studio and see his other creations like these “Sirens” that create such an eerie sound but are so mesmerizing to watch.

(Click to PLAY the video and see for yourself!)

\n Shortly after Nathaniel saw Oliver’s instruments, the San Francisco Symphony commissioned him to write a new piece for their SoundBox series (which I HIGHLY recommend). He immediately knew this was going to be something extraordinary.

The OOVE makes a low vibration sound which he used as the foundation of YTTE. The piece opens with a low hummmm and slowly an evolution of sound is created as the strings and the winds join in. Your mind is taken on a beautiful journey filled with emotion and movement throughout the entire piece. It’s calming and mysterious and then you suddenly feel like you’ve arrived into a grand galaxy that’s driven by brass, the bass drum, and pulses from the winds. Nathaniel said, “…for me, yielding to total elation during a piece of music is the ideal. It’s why I do what I do.”

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To play the OOVE, the instrument is not bowed or plucked. In fact, it’s hardly ever touched! You approach it with an electromagnet. As the electromagnet gets closer to the field created by the nodes, it reacts by vibrating the strings. The vibrations get larger and larger the closer the node gets to the magnet while also creating additional layers of frequencies.

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After hearing Nathaniel’s YTTE at the San Francisco Symphony’s groundbreaking Soundbox, Donato Cabrera and the Las Vegas Philharmonic commissioned a full orchestra version, which premiered earlier this year. If you didn’t get to see either of these amazing performances, you’re in luck! On September 24th YTTE for full orchestra is making its West Coast debut at California Symphony’s Season Opener.

\nCheck out our exclusive interview with both Donato and Nathaniel about the OOVE, their road trip from San Francisco to Las Vegas and more about their story behind their West Coast Premiere… with a surprise at the end!!
\n

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel for more behind-the-red-curtain interviews.

You can purchase tickets to see this modern-day masterpiece by clicking HERE!
\nClick here to see more Red Curtain Addict backstage stories.

\n","title":"The OOVE: A Brand New Instrument","date":"2017-09-05T18:25:11+00:00"}},{"__typename":"article_tags","id":185,"article":{"__typename":"articles","id":61,"slug":"5-reasons-why-the-sf-opera-lab-should-be-on-your-spring-bucket-list","image_path":null,"default_image":"https://red-curtain-addict.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/16754766_10102561966335927_896695228_n-768x369.jpg","content":"

Last year, the San Francisco Opera started a new series called SF Opera Lab. Why is it called “Lab”? Because the Taube Atrium Theater (in the Veterans building) was created to experiment and make new music in unique and innovative ways. If you went last year, you probably fell in love with its intimate setting, outstanding acoustics, new operatic works and cup holders for your favorite glass of wine or cocktail! This casual environment makes it fun for a newcomer and fresh for a regular opera-goer.

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Recently I had the opportunity to take an exclusive tour of the venue with Sean Waugh, the Artistic Planning Manager who helps oversee this exciting new series. During our walk-through, I discovered hidden gems around the venue and got the inside scoop on the second season of concerts. Scroll below to see five reasons why you should put this unique experience on your Bucket List this spring.

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1) The SF Opera Lab Stage is ever-changing. This theater is truly unique because the audience is placed in different configurations that are built around each experiential performance. One night there will be risers that will look down on the stage and the next there will be chairs (and even tables!) around a circular stage that’s placed in the middle of the room. No experience is the same!

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2) This theater has historical landmarks at every turn. In 1935, SFMoma began its legacy in this great space where they housed the first west coast collection that was solely made up of modern and contemporary art. This room use to be SFMoma’s Sculpture Garden and if you look around the rim of the theater, you’ll see the original engravings of artists’ names in every corner. There are also other historical landmarks that are found around the building. Like the murals on the second floor that were brought from the Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915.

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3) The four gray walls of the theater turn into vibrant projection screens. One of my favorite concerts last year was watching the Academy Award-nominated film, Les Triplets de Belleville. The music was stripped away and a live ensemble (with singers!) performed along to the animations that were projected in front of us. These visual highlights bring movement to every piece and the audience is taken on a musical journey through color and an array of settings.

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4) An archives gallery surrounds the theater. On the outside walls of the venue there is a photo gallery of San Francisco Opera’s most memorable moments. My favorite is a snapshot of their first performance that dates back to 1923. In October I had the honor of touring this gallery with Christopher Verdosci who worked with the company for fifteen years as their Assistant Costume Director. Click here to see more!

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5) This experience even pops up outside of the theater and around the city! The SF Opera Lab Pop-Ups happen in places (AKA: bars and clubs) where you would never expect to see opera. Last year they held performances at Public Works SF, The Chapel, and even Oasis! From incredible arias to duets and love songs, these casually dressed performers sang passionately with one hand while holding a cocktail in the other. Click here to read more.

The SF Opera Lab series is made up of 4 different concerts and will run from February 24 – April 27th. Personally, I’m excited for the ChamberWorks Concert that will feature the musicians of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and

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About Red Curtain Addict’s New Platform

About the Founders

Tuesday, May 19th – A Night with Alanis Morissette and Jagged Little Pill

Wednesday, May 20th – From the Vault: Full Concerts at Jazz at Lincoln Center

Thursday, May 21st – Behind the Curtain with Ronny Michael Greenberg

Thursday, May 21th – National Theatre at Home: A Streetcar Named Desire

Thursday, May 21th – LA Phil’s ‘At Home With…’ pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet

Friday, May 22nd – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘The Show Must Go On’

Friday, May 22nd – SFJAZZ’s Fridays at Five, featuring Wayne Shorter Celebration

Friday, May 22nd – Carousel (A Dance) performed with NYC Ballet

Saturday, May 23rd – One Earth Live Festival

Sunday, May 24th – PBS’s National Memorial Day Concert

Gala Season!

Tuesday, May 19th – A Night with Alanis Morissette and Jagged Little Pill

Wednesday, May 20th – From the Vault: Full Concerts at Jazz at Lincoln Center

Thursday, May 21st – Behind the Curtain with Ronny Michael Greenberg

Thursday, May 21th – National Theatre at Home: A Streetcar Named Desire

Thursday, May 21th – LA Phil’s ‘At Home With…’ pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet

Friday, May 22nd – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘The Show Must Go On’

Friday, May 22nd – SFJAZZ’s Fridays at Five, featuring Wayne Shorter Celebration

Friday, May 22nd – Carousel (A Dance) performed with NYC Ballet

Saturday, May 23rd – One Earth Live Festival

Sunday, May 24th – PBS’s National Memorial Day Concert

Can you tell us about your character, King Basilius?

What drew you to being a part of Head Over Heels?

Can you tell us more about the music?

What is your favorite part of the musical?

How is this production unique and different from the other productions that you’ve done in the past?

What’s next for you on the horizon?

Gala Season!

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How did it all start?

The Venue

The cast and script

10 Tips and Facts to Know Before Seeing the Show

Why am I so excited? ⬆️ WATCH to find out! ⬆️

Red Curtain Addict’s Top Concert Picks

February 6 – March 4: The Book of Mormon, SHN

February 10: The Art of Listening, The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra

February 14 – 18: World Premiere Trouble in Tahiti, SF Jazz and Opera Paralléle

February 15 –25: Distinctly SF Ballet

February 23-25: Serenade, The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra

Feb 24 – Chinese New Year Concert, San Francisco Symphony

Can you tell us about your character, King Basilius?

What drew you to being a part of Head Over Heels?

Can you tell us more about the music?

What is your favorite part of the musical?

How is this production unique and different from the other productions that you’ve done in the past?

What’s next for you on the horizon?

Gala Season!

<span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">﻿</span>

<span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">﻿</span>

How did it all start?

The Venue

The cast and script

10 Tips and Facts to Know Before Seeing the Show

Why am I so excited? ⬆️ WATCH to find out! ⬆️

Red Curtain Addict’s Top Concert Picks

February 6 – March 4: The Book of Mormon, SHN

February 10: The Art of Listening, The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra

February 14 – 18: World Premiere Trouble in Tahiti, SF Jazz and Opera Paralléle

February 15 –25: Distinctly SF Ballet

February 23-25: Serenade, The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra

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