Cirque du Soleil Premieres “Amaluna” in San Francisco
November 3, 2019 – January 12, 2020

The Cirque is back in town! With exciting performances at the Big Top at Oracle Park, “Amaluna” will shine and thrill awestruck audiences with its new magnificent production. Written and directed by Tony Award-winning director Diane Paulus, Cirque du Soleil’s 33rd production is a celebration of love and a tribute to the work and voice of women, featuring a cast that comprises mostly women with an all-female band. The show’s title is a fusion of the word ama which refers to “mother” in many languages, and luna, which means “moon,” a symbol of femininity that evokes both the mother-daughter relationship and the idea of a goddess and protector of the planet. Amaluna is also the name of the mysterious island where this magical story unfolds. Follow “Amaluna” in San Francisco and learn about the rest of the story…

The magic continues on January 22—February 23, 2020 under the Big Top at Raley Field in Sacramento. Originally composed of 20 street performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group completely reinvented circus arts and went on to become a world leader in live entertainment. Established in Montreal, the Canadian organization has brought wonder and delight to over 200 million spectators with productions presented in close to 450 cities in 60 countries. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group currently has over 4,500 employees, including 1,400 artists, from nearly 70 countries.

Tickets and Information
Prices start at $54
1-877-924-7783
1-866-753-9874
cirquedusoleil.com/amaluna
Oracle Park in San Francisco

Photos courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

The Safeway Ice Rink – San Francisco’s favorite holiday tradition returns to Union Square
November 6, 2019 – January 20, 2020

The 12th season of this iconic holiday tradition kicks off Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. The festive event will feature greetings and remarks from Assemblymember David Chiu, legendary drag queen Donna Sachet and Safeway District Manager Elena Arroyo. Entertainment will be provided by cast members of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” performing at San Francisco’s Curran; U.S. National Pair and Olympic Champions Alexa and Chris Knierim; Cornell Freeney, dazzling the crowd with a “German Wheel Act;” and “Drag Queens On Ice” star Paju Munro.

Don’t miss the many fabulous special events for the season: “Learn to Skate,” “Flashback Fridays,” “10th Annual Drag Queens On Ice,” “Silent Skate Party,” and my favorite “Polar Bear Skate” – taking place on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at 2–3:30 p.m. as The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square welcomes skaters of all ages to San Francisco’s take on the popular Canadian tradition. In this version, ice skaters are encouraged to put on their bathing suit, grab their shades, and “take the plunge” in the ice rink for this New Year’s Day Union Square tradition. All skaters are invited to kick-off the New Year in their chicest, wildest, and most inventive beach attire in hopes of walking away with prizes awarded on theme, originality, and overall appearance. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. through January 20, 2020, with the exception of closing at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2019. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen lotion as you ice skate California-style under the sun!

Tickets and Information
Ticket prices for regular admission are $18 and $13 for children eight years old and under
Figure skate or hockey skate rental included in the cost of admission
unionsquareicerink.com
Union Square Park
333 Post Street in San Francisco

Photos courtesy of Union Square Ice Rink

Jerry Rice: “America’s Game – The NFL at 100”
November 12 at 7 p.m.

Curious minds want to know… and so do I! Join me for an enjoyable and informative evening at one of The Commonwealth Club’s most fascinating interviews as it presents Super Bowl Champion Jerry Rice in Conversation with NBC TV Anchor Raj Mathai. Football legend Jerry Rice is regarded as one of the best wide receivers ever to play in the NFL. He is a three-time Super Bowl champion and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In his new book “America’s Game – The NFL at 100,” Rice celebrates some of the most memorable moments in NFL history and reflects on his own love of the game. He offers a comprehensive look at the players and coaches that helped define and transform football to the cultural phenomenon it is today. The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation’s oldest and largest public affairs forum.

Tickets and Information
Admission is $35
The $65 ticket includes priority seating and a copy of Jerry’s book, “America’s Game – The NFL at 100”
415-597-6700
commonwealthclub.org
Villa Ragusa
35 South 2nd Street in Campbell

Photo courtesy of Daymion Mardel

Stunt Dog Show & Experience
November 23 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The amazing “Stunt Dog Experience” features rescue dogs who perform tricks, comedy antics, athletic feats, dancing, and much more. Director Chris Perondi has produced over 9,000 shows in his career, entertaining audiences of all ages. It is truly the most entertaining show of its kind. You will meet a cast of professional performers along with over a dozen talented pound pups. The show is one-of-a-kind and brings forth pet adoption awareness. All the dogs have been rescued from pounds and shelters from across the country. The mission is to promote animal rescue, pet adoption, encourage spaying and neutering, and encourage people to spend more time with their pets. Every show also includes interactive crowd participation. It’s not just a show, it’s an experience! These stars have been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, David Letterman, The Tonight Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Queen Latifah Show, Animal Planet’s Pet Stars, worldwide during the annual Rose Parade, and the CBS Early Show among others.

Tickets and Information
Admission: $35 Kids | $45 Adults
650-223-8678
paloaltojcc.org
Oshman Family JCC
3921 Fabian Way in Palo Alto

Photo courtesy of Chris Perondi

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.