Beach Blanket Babylon’s New Year’s Eve in San Francisco 

December 31 at 7 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.

Steve Silver’s Beach Blanket Babylon, a hilarious pop culture musical revue, rings in the New Year with your date with Snow White as she invites you on a fast-paced journey around the world in search of her Prince Charming. Along the way she encounters a star-studded, ever-changing line-up of famous (or is it infamous?) characters including Donald and Melania Trump, Kim Jong-un, Vladimir Putin, Lady Gaga, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Ivanka Trump, Serena Williams, Michelle and Barak Obama, Beyonce, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Prince Harry and Meghan, and the local favorite Golden State Warriors, just to name a few. Behave and beware – as you may also end up among these entertaining people. It is always the funniest and the most fun show playing almost every night in San Francisco. This show, the longest-running in the United States, changes its characters as the news of the world changes.

Tickets and Information
Prices range from $65 to $210
415-421-4222
beachblanketbabylon.com
678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. in San Francisco
Photo by Rick Markovich

Star Trek’s William Shatner Lands in Cupertino 

January 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Set your phasers to stun! Prepare to be beamed up for an unforgettable night with William Shatner, live on stage following the screening of the classic film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan at the Flint Center. Following the movie presentation, William Shatner, one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors, will take to the stage to share fascinating and humorous behind-the-scenes stories from portraying the original Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek television series and movies, as well as to reminisce about his career spanning over 50 years as an award-winning actor, producer, director, and writer. Fans will also have a chance to ask William Shatner their questions during the audience-led Q&A. You may consider wearing one of your favorite Star Trek costumes, but remember there is only one star to shine this evening and that’s William Shatner!

Tickets and Information
Prices range from $39 to $69
$150 VIP ticket will offer a premium seating and a photo-op with Mr. Shatner. No autographs please.
408-864-8820
tickemaster.com
Flint Center for Performing Arts (FCFPA)
21250 Stevens Creek Blvd. in Cupertino

Photo courtesy of FCFPA

An Old Japanese Tradition Rings a Bell at the Asian Art Museum 

December 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Samsung Hall

Get your muscles in shape for taking a swing at a 21,000 pound, 16th century Japanese temple bell in time to ring in the New Year at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Led by Reverend Gengo Akiba, this inspiring ceremony will include a purification ritual and chanting of the Buddhist Heart Sutra. Reverend Akiba will begin the bell-ringing, and participants may then take turns ringing the bell to leave behind any unfortunate experiences, regrettable deeds, or ill luck from the previous year. Simply start a new year on a happy note. The bell will be struck 108 times to usher in the New Year and curb the 108 mortal desires (bonno) that, according to Buddhist belief, torment humankind. While you wait your turn, fold paper cranes for luck and prosperity in the new year. It’s always fascinating to observe and participate in the colorful traditions of the Bay Area’s rich ethnic cultures. Need more exercise? Stroll to the City Hall’s new ice skating park for some fabulous and fun outdoor activity for the entire family. I wonder if they serve hot chocolate. Let me know. Happy New Year!

Tickets and Information
The ringing of the bell is included in the price of admission.
Members only: 9:30 – 11:30 AM (doors open at 9 AM)
General admission: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
415-581-3500
asianart.org
Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin Street in San Francisco

Photo courtesy of the Asian Art Museum

Alice’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve

December 31 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Kids are people too and they are invited to join the party of the year. Bring the entire family for a very special—and very family-friendly New Year’s celebration! Kick off the evening at 6:00 p.m. with scrumptious skewers and hearty hors d’oeuvres. Adults will enjoy wine and kid-friendly beverages will be served along with face painting and festive frivolity activities in the lobby. More fun with the Bay Area Children’s Theatre’s (BACT) special performance of Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure. After the show, check out the yummy dessert bar and rock out with Alice, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, and the Red Queen as all dance away the old year, culminating in a bubbly champagne and cider special “East Coast Toast” at 9:00 p.m. A perfect opportunity to not worry about the babysitters. The kids are with you and it is truly a family festivity.  Sorry, but your pooch must stay home this time. Proceeds support free tickets for underserved children to attend weekday student matinees at BACT.

Tickets and Information
Adults: $120; Kids: $60
510-296-4433
BACT Berkeley Center
2055 Center Street in Berkeley

Photo courtesy of BACT

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.