Comedy, One-Man SHYLOCK, RAMONA QUIMBY and More Set for JCCSF, Feb-April 2013

Several theatrical performances will be presented in 2013 at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF). The roster includes comedy, special events for kids, and a powerful one-man performance: Guy Masterson in Shylock.

Sat Feb. 2, 11 am & 2 pm
ERTH's Dinosaur Petting Zoo
Direct from Australia! Created and performed by ERTH - Visual & Physical Inc.
Life-like puppets, from cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing tyrannosaurs, come to life in an eye-popping performance. This interactive event allows audiences to travel back to prehistoric times with ERTH performers and even feed, water and care for these marvelous creatures, the meganuera, dwarf allosaur and leallynasaura! Tkts: $14 - $18

Thurs, Feb. 7, 8 pm
SF Sketchfest presents
Jeff Garlin'S COMBO PLATTER
With special guests Rob Corddry and Jenny Slate
Jeff Garlin's talent encompasses writing, producing, directing, acting and stand-up comedy. Garlin executive produces and co-stars as Larry David's loyal manager Jeff Greene on the HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm. In Combo Platter, Jeff and his immensely talented guests present a hilarious night of improvisational stories and monologues. Tkts: $25 & $30

Sun, Feb. 10, 11 am
SF Sketchfest presents
Don't Let The Comedians Do Story Time!
Mo Willems' Picture Books become Sketch Comedy
A Comedy Show For Kids of All Ages!
Mo Willems' work in children's books, animation, television, theater, and bubble gum card painting has garnered him 3 Caldecott Honors, 2 Geisel Medals, 6 Emmy Awards, 2 Geisel Honors and multiple bubble gum cards. He is best know for his characters Knuffle Bunny, The Pigeon, and Elephant and Piggie. For this unique show for young kids and families, Mo will be joined by an all-star troupe of his comedy friends who will act out his most famous stories! Special guest performers include Michael Ian Black, Rachel Dratch, Janeane Garofalo, Joe Lo Truglio, Ken Marino, Laraine Newman, Patton Oswalt, Andy Richter, Maya Rudolph and David Wain. Also, kids will be able to participate in a live drawing demo with Mo and meet him after the show. Tkts: $15- $18

Fri, March 8, 8 pm
Robert Friedman presents SHYLOCK starring Guy Masterson
Shylock, the Jewish moneylender in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, has always been a controversial character. In this powerful yet humorous solo performance by award-winning Welsh actor Guy Masterson, Shylock is explained by his friend Tubal via a series of clever impersonations, ranging from Pontius Pilate to Dracula to Hitler. This tour de force performance, a celebration of the beauty of language, offers a deeper understanding of the history of anti-Semitism. Tkts: $32 - $45

Mon, March 18, 7 pm
Magic Theatre's Virgin Play Reading Series
Pen/Man/Ship by Christina Anderson
In 1896, two Black American business partners, father and son, board a ship for Africa. In tow is the son's most recent companion, a Black southern woman, eager to cut her American ties. An unexpected detour resurrects family secrets and reveals true intentions. Suggested for mature audiences only. FREE. Registration required. Call 415/292-1233 or visit www.jccsf.org/arts

Sun March 24, 11 am & 2 pm
Two Bean's Production of Beverly Cleary's Ramona Quimby
Ramona's life is a mess! Her older sister Beezus is a pain, her Aunt Bea might marry a dork and her Dad just lost his job. If that isn't enough, Ramona thinks her teacher hates her. Life is no picnic, but with the help of her loving and patient family and friends, Ramona faces her challenges head-on. This rollicking play is suited for kids age five and up. Tkts: $15 - $20

Mon April 1, 7 pm
Word for Word Off the Page Series
Directed by Aaron Davidman, former artistic director of The Jewish Theatre San Francisco Bay Area favorite Word for Word stages a reading of one of Nathan Englander's most charged stories, What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank. Inspired by Raymond Carver's masterpiece, What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, the story is a provocative portrait of two marriages in which the Holocaust is played out as a devastating parlor game. Tkts: $10 - $15

Performances take place in Kanbar Hall, JCCSF, 3200 California St. at Presidio. Box Office: 415/292-1233 or www.jccsf.org/arts.

Photo Credit: Brigitta Scholz