The Little Mermaid returns to San Francisco
April 19–28

Created for The Royal Danish Ballet in 2005 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Andersen’s birth, The Little Mermaid is returning to San Francisco. The dark tale of love and loss directed and choreographed by John Neumeier will mesmerize audiences with its provocative adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale. Like Andersen’s original story, Neumeier’s ballet narrates the journey of a young woman who sacrifices everything—companionship, physical ability, and identity—to pursue the one she loves. Neumeier’s own production elements result in a striking display of underwater and terrestrial worlds; Japan’s historic Noh theater inspired Neumeier’s painted, mask-like faces, and the Mermaid’s tail “swims” with help from flanks of silk draped around the ballerina’s legs—a reference to the wide-legged trousers of medieval Japan. Russian-American composer Lera Auerbach’s original score gives “voice” to the Mermaid by way of the electronic theremin. Definitely a ballet to see, be awestruck by and experience.

Tickets and Information
Prices start at $40
Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more
415-865-2000
sfballet.org
War Memorial Opera House
301 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco

Photos courtesy of Erik Tomasson

The Trashion Fashion Runway Show and Dogs on the Catwalk 2019
April 6 through April 12

Celebrating its 9th year, The Trashion Fashion Show is a showcase for outrageous, beautiful, theatrical, and humorous fashions created by artists, ecologists, and dumpster divas from recycled materials. This is where art, fashion, and ecology come together and put on a great show! This year, the annual runway show is just the beginning of a week of waste awareness events including everyone’s favorite Saturday, April 6: Trashion Fashion Runway Show at 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm. and on Sunday, April 7: Dogs on the Catwalk- Trashion Show for Dogs at 11:00 am, both taking place at the Sonoma Community Center. Each Trashion Runway ticket is a ticket to the “Wrap-Up” Party on Friday, April 12th where the runway awards will be announced, outfits will be available to view close-up, food and drink will be provided, and recycled crafts and art will be available for sale! Make it a weekend getaway to the beautiful Sonoma County, only an hour drive from San Francisco.

Tickets and Information
April 6 Runway show costs $55 per person
April 7 Dogs on the Cat Walk offers free admission
707-938-4626
sonomacommunitycenter.org
Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall
126 1st St. West in Sonoma

Photos courtesy of Sonoma Community Center

Fun Fondue for Two

The Left Bank Brasseries in San Jose and Menlo Park now offer Fondue for Two daily during dinner service thus affording guests the opportunity to enjoy a pot of rich fondue for two for just $22.00 per couple, a price that includes two glasses of sparkling wine but not tax and gratuity. Left Bank’s blend of fondue aux fromages is made with brie, blue and goat cheese, and comes with all the dipping fixings. The restaurants’ regular a la carte lunch and dinner menus will continue to be available, but be adventurous and romantic and go for the fondue.

Information:
Left Bank Brasserie Santana Row
408-984-3500
LeftBank.com
377 Santana Row in San Jose.
Left Bank Brasserie Menlo Park
650-473-6543
LeftBank.com
635 Santa Cruz Avenue in Menlo Park

Photo courtesy of Left Bank

Opera San José Presents Pucinni’s Madama Butterfly
April 13 through April 28

Two legends on one stage: Madama Butterfly and Opera San José . This is Puccini’s heartbreaking love story of betrayal about an American naval officer who marries a young Japanese girl out of convenience only to leave her as she faithfully awaits his return. Set in 1890’s Japan, this is Puccini’s devastating saga of devotion, tradition, and sacrifice, and one of the most beloved operas of all time. May I suggest you bring a hankie? Opera San José is dedicated to maintaining a resident company of opera singers with whom they present compelling, professional opera performances, while creating and providing cultural and educational programs that both enrich the opera-going experience and encourage future generations of artists and audiences. Founded in 1984, Opera San José is unique in that it is the only year-long resident opera company in the nation. Members of the resident company form the core of the artistic staff for main-stage productions as well as educational programs. Arrive early to view the architecturally stunning California Theater and the magnificent organ situated in the theater’s beautiful lobby.

Tickets and Information
Prices start at $55
408-437-4450
operasj.org
California Theater
345 South First Street in San Jose

Photo courtesy of Opera SJ

Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England, she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, with no borsch or piroshky on her home cooking menu. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out, mostly sushi.