The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco Announces The Arts & Ideas 2013-2014 Season

The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF) takes pride in announcing the 2013-14 Arts and Ideas Season: an exciting line-up of today's acclaimed writers, renowned scientists and thinkers, and fascinating entertainers. Theatrical and musical highlights include popular actor John Goodman talking about his career, the world premiere of Brenda Wong Aoki's MU, soprano Patricia Racette with her program Diva on Detour,and Isabella Rosellini live on stage with Green Porn.

Thursday, Sept. 12, 7 pm
An Evening with John Goodman with Barbara Lane
The season begins with one of America's favorite film and television actors speaking about his amazing career. FromRoseanne to A Streetcar Named Desire, from The Big Lebowski to Argo and Monsters, Inc., John Goodman's repertoire spans across genres. Tkts: $38 - $48 (With pre-event reception: $100)

Saturday, Sept. 21, 8 pm
San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy Competition: Preliminary Round
This prestigious annual competition has showcased comedians who have gone on to become household names including W. Kamau Bell, Louis C.K., Dana Carvey, Ellen Degeneres, Patton Oswalt and Robin Williams. In 2011, Sean Kent and Alex Koll placed first and second. Sean is now starring in A&E's Dad Club, and Alex appeared on Conan. Tkts: $25 - $35

Friday & Saturday, Sept. 27 & 28, 8 pm; Sunday, Sept. 29, 2 pm
MU
Based on a Japanese folk legend, MU is the creation of acclaimed performer/playwright Brenda Wong Aoki, with Emmy Award winning composer Mark Izu and noted choreographer Kimi Okada. A modern-day young man rescues a mermaid and travels to the ancient Land of the Dragon Queen at the bottom of the sea, where he learns that all of life both above and below the water is connected. Told through music, story and dance, MU features five musicians and four dancers, who join Aoki and Izu to present an ancient story with 21st century sensibility. Tkts: $25

Friday, Oct. 4, 8 pm
Patricia Racette Diva on Detour
Fresh from her San Francisco Opera performances in Mephistopheles, multi-faceted superstar soprano Patricia Racette turns her attention to the Great American Songbook as she graces the Kanbar Hall stage for an evening of Gershwin, Sondheim and Porter. TheatreMania described Diva on Detour as "a demonstration of artistic brilliance." Presented in partnership with San Francisco Opera. Tkts: $55 - $65

Oct. 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 (Various times - visit www.jccsf.org/arts)
Garrett + Moulton Productions presents A Show of Hands
A free performance in the Pottruck Family Atrium
Choreographers Janice Garrett and Charles Moulton bring a dazzling combination of dance, music and imagery to their new work, A Show of Hands, which explores touch, gesture and the expressiveness of the human hand. Exhilarating, tender and humorous moments of human interaction unfold against a stunning backdrop of one hundred drawings of human hands created by Moulton. Original music by Dan Becker, performed by the Friction Quartet. FREE, open to the public.

Sunday, Oct. 27
SFJFF PRESENTS New Israeli TV
In Hebrew, with English subtitles.
From In Treatment to Homeland, some of America's smartest TV series have been based on Israeli shows. This will be an opportunity to see new programs from Israel before they come to American small screens.
Yom Ha'Em (Mother's Day) 1 pm
A successful comics columnist, Ella is happily married and has three beautiful kids. But to successfully navigate her various roles, Ella constantly has to lie her way into and out of situations. This lighthearted comedy is being adapted into an American series starring Debra Messing.
The Gordin Cell (M.I.C.E.) 2:30 pm
A knock at the door suddenly turns Michael and Diana Gordin's lives upside-down. It's Jacob Londin, an agent handler for the Russian intelligence who manipulated the Gordins' lives for years, before they emigrated from the former USSR to Israel in the early '90s. This series is currently being remade for American television.
Kathmandu 4 pm
A newly-married Chabad couple is all set to begin their shlichut (emissary period) in Brussels when a last-minute change of plans lands them in Kathmandu, just days before Passover, and they must organize a mass Seder for the scores of Israelis who will be trekking through Nepal. This series stars Michael Moshonov (Mabul).
Tkts: $12 for each TV series; $25 for an all-day pass

Thursday, Oct. 31, 7 pm
An Evening with HAl Holbrook
In this intimate evening, actor HAl Holbrook discusses his memoir, Harold: The Boy Who Became Mark Twain, which recounts his troubled boyhood, World War II and how he found refuge onstage, eventually winning a Tony Award for his role as Mark Twain, with whom his career would forever be associated. Holbrook also starred in All the President's Men, Wall Street and The Firm. Tkts: $25 - $35

Friday, Nov. 1, 8 pm
What's So Funny? Tig Notaro on the Power of Humor with SF Sketchfest's Janet Varney
Initially known for her wry observational humor, comedian Tig Notaro turned her breast cancer diagnosis into fodder for her live act. That set became instantly legendary and garnered Notaro a cult following. This candid conversation reveals her surprising sources of strength. Presented in association with SF Sketchfest. Tkts: $25 - $35

Sunday, Nov. 3, 7 pm
Isabella Rossellini: Green Porno -- Live on Stage
Iconic actress and model Isabella Rossellini brings her provocative, acclaimed short film series Green Porno to the stage. Dressed in colorful costumes, she acts out the reproductive habits of marine animals and insects. Green Porno,originally seen on The Sundance Channel, reveals the animal kingdom as never seen before. Tkts: $50 - $60 Performance followed by an exclusive reception with Ms. Rossellini. $100 for both event ticket and reception.

Thursday, Nov. 7, 7 pm
Garrison Keillor O, What a Luxury
Garrison Keillor (A Prairie Home Companion, Lake Wobegon Days) is recognized as one of America's most beloved radio hosts and humorists. A longtime poetry advocate who presents a daily poem on The Writer's Almanac on public radio, Keillor's first poetry collection, O, What A Luxury: Verses Lyrical, Vulgar, Pathetic and Profound, contains his characteristic humor and insights. Tkts: $25 - $45 (Premium ticket includes O What a Luxury: Verses Lyrical, Vulgar, Pathetic and Profound)

Sunday, Nov. 10, 11 am & 2 pm
Family Performance: Lightwire Theater & Corbian Visual Arts and Dance present
The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise and the Hare
Two classic fairy tales come to colorful life via electroluminescent puppetry, moving sculpture and dance, geared for children ages four and up and their families. In Hans Christian Andersen's classic, the ugly duckling exemplifying resilience and heroism, becomes a beautiful swan. Aesop's fable The Tortoise and the Hare, now more than 2,500 years old, continues to drive home the adage, "Slow and steady wins the race." Tkts: $15 - $20

Monday, Nov. 11, 8 pm
Cabinet of Wonders Curated & Hosted by Wesley Stace (aka John Wesley Harding)
Featuring comedian Eugene Mirman and Special Guests
This one-of-a-kind variety show with celebrated musicians, writers and comedians is a little bit vaudeville, a little bit literary and a lot of rock n' roll. Guests will be revealed soon at www.jccsf.org/arts. Previous guests have included Nick Hornby, John Hodgman, Sarah Vowell, Rosanne Cash, members of The Decemberists, Patton Oswalt and Carrie Brownstein. Cash bar. Presented in partnership with Noise Pop Tkts: $30 - $40
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Friday, Nov 22 & Saturday, Nov. 23, 8 pm
14th Annual San Francisco World Music Festival
The War Project: Propaganda, Protest & Prayer
Featuring world-renowned master musicians plus Festival Youth Orchestra
From China's revolutionary operas to India's devotional songs, from Azerbaijan's national music to the rhythmic fireworks of Basque txalaparta, music is at the center of conflicts and power struggles, used as tools of propaganda, social protest or collective prayer. Music masters and youths unravel and reimagine music designed to elicit unswerving devotion from the masses. Tkts: $20 - $30 Festival Pass: $55 - $65 Free to seniors and children under 12. Advance registration required.
Visit sfworldmusicfestival.org for program details.

Thursday, Dec. 5, 8 pm
10th Anniversary Great Broadway Sing-Along
Broadway Melody of 2013 features music from the greats: the Gershwins, Kander and Ebb, Sondheim, Bernstein and more. The selection of songs will come from Broadway's best musicals including Chicago, A Chorus Line, LES MISERABLESand The Lion King. Lyrics are provided, and all ages are welcome. Tkts: $30

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7 pm
The Slate Political Gabfest Live
Slate is bringing its award-winning Political Gabfest to the JCCSF for a live show. Acclaimed as "the best political podcast" in America, the Slate Political Gabfest is an irreverent, witty, no-holds-barred discussion of the week's political and current events. Hosted by Slate senior editor Emily Bazelon, chief political correspondent John Dickerson and editor David Plotz, the show reaches an audience of almost 250,000 people every month. Tkts: $25 - $35

Coming in 2014:
Jan. 4 - 12 Josh Kornbluth's Sea of Reeds
Wednesday, Jan. 15: Gary Shteyngart
Tuesday, Jan. 21: Max Tegmark: Our Mathematical Universe
Saturday, Jan. 25: Mark Cantor's Giants of Jazz on Film: Treasures from the Archives
Sunday, Jan 26: Circus Bella
Thursday, Feb. 13: Bettye Lavette in Concert
Friday, Feb. 14: Originals: A Steven Schick Recital
Saturday, Feb. 22 & Sunday, Feb 23: Says You!
Tuesday, Feb. 25: Cowgirl Creamery: A Conversation & Cheese Tasting
Saturday, March 15: Grease Sing-Along
Saturday, March 22: Mark Cantor's Giants of Jazz on Film - Showtime at the Apollo
Sunday, March 23: The Maccabeats
Sunday, March 30: Jewish Cult Classics Marathon
Fri. & Sat. April 11 & 12: Paul Simon's Graceland
Saturday, May 3: Mark Cantor's Giants of Jazz on Film: Broadway to Hollywood
Saturday, May 3: ODC/Dance - Family Performance
Tuesday, May 13: Caitlin O'Connell: The Secret Lives of Elephants

The JCCSF is located at 3200 California Street at Presidio. For subscriptions as well as information regarding single tickets including discounts for JCCSF members, please call the Box Office at 415/292-1233 or visit www.jccsf.org/arts.