From Brian Copeland to Cirque du Soleil, there are many excellent shows, recitals, and concerts in the Bay Area to see this weekend and beyond. Here’s a partial overview.
Iconic Copeland show reaches a milestone
It was 20 years ago that actor, comedian, and playwright Brian Copeland first presented his solo stage show “Not a Genuine Black Man” at The Marsh in San Francisco, and it’s fair to say it has had a significant impact on the Bay Area theater scene.
With elements of humor, emotion, surprise, and even tension, “Black Man” tells the story of Copeland and his family’s life in San Leandro, which in the 1970s was labeled a “racist stronghold of white supremacy” by a national housing agency. Fundamental to its success is the fact that Copeland — as he has shown in various shows over the years — is a natural and skilled storyteller who, naturally, makes it appear effortless.
In an area where solo stage shows are performed regularly, “Black Man” is the production against which all others must be compared. It’s that excellent, and that deeply entrenched in the theater scene.
Now the show is returning to The Marsh for a special run that includes “Black Man’s” 1,000th performance on Saturday. If you haven’t seen it yet, this is a perfect time to become familiar with a classic. Unfortunately, it is just as pertinent as ever.
Details: Through May 4. The Marsh, San Francisco; $25-$100; themarsh.org.
— Randy McMullen, Staff
Cirque comes back to San Jose
“Kooza” is coming to the South Bay.
After finishing its extensive stay in San Francisco, the lively Cirque du Soleil big-top spectacle opens for a several-week run, today through May 26, at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds in San Jose.
It marks the first time that the iconic Cirque du Soleil big-top tent has visited the Bay Area’s most populous city since 2019. And it was certainly no small feat to set up — reportedly requiring more than 80 crew members and 70 local stagehands to raise the tent earlier this month.
Now, it’s time for Silicon Valley Cirque du Soleil fans to start enjoying the many wonders of “Kooza,” which offers up the Montreal-based company’s signature mix of amazing acrobatics and feats of skill, puzzling characters, beautiful costumes, memorable music, and plenty of both touching and humorous moments.
Certainly, some still recall “Kooza” from its previous trip through the Bay Area, which took place back in 2007 in San Francisco. And those same individuals would likely concur that this is one show that is certainly worth seeing twice.
Details: Tickets and more information available at cirquedusoleil.com/kooza.
— Jim Harrington, Staff
Greek Theatre begins summer season
The Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley is set to commence its 2024 concert season with two compelling upcoming shows.
The first takes place on April 21 and is a 60th birthday celebration for Maynard James Keenan, who is best known for his work with the Grammy-winning L.A. rock act Tool. The singer-songwriter will appear at the event, dubbed Sessanta, performing with his two other acclaimed bands — A Perfect Circle and Puscifer.
Also scheduled to perform at that April 21 show is the band Primus, from the Bay Area and fronted by Les Claypool. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets cost $49.50-$159.50.
Next, the country music icon Willie Nelson is coming to Berkeley on April 24. It should be a special experience to see the legendary singer-songwriter-guitarist, who will be turning 91 just five days after his performance at the Greek Theatre, singing classic songs such as “Funny How Time Slips Away,” “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” and “You Were Always on My Mind.” Asleep at the Wheel is the opening act. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets cost $49.95-$149.95.
Other upcoming shows at the Greek Theatre include performances by Sarah McLachlan (May 30), Tedeschi Trucks Band (May 31-June 1) and Bill Burr (June 8).
Details: To purchase tickets or find more details, visit apeconcerts.com.
— Jim Harrington, Staff
Classical picks: In praise of Piaf; SF Opera stars
A celebration of Edith Piaf, a two-day festival dedicated to Schoenberg's work, and a concert featuring two rapidly rising opera stars. Music enthusiasts have appealing options in this week’s schedule.
Racette returns: We have witnessed her exceptional talent on the opera stage. Now Patricia Racette is coming back to San Francisco for “Patricia Sings Piaf.” Teaming up with pianist Craig Terry, the Grammy Award-winning soprano pays homage to the French singer in what is expected to be a remarkable event. “I want to embody Piaf without ever attempting to mimic her,” Racette explains. “I aim to create a unique experience.” Anticipate nothing less from this artist.
Details: The performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the Presidio Theatre, San Francisco; tickets are priced at $50-$75; www.presidiotheatre.org.
“Pierrot Lunaire” revisited: The San Francisco Contemporary Music Players are organizing a two-day festival cent