11 shows to see this spring and summer

See the classic story of "Mrs. Doubtfire" at Orpheum Theater this Summer. Photo courtesy of BroadwaySF.

The Bay Area theater calendar is bustling this spring and summer. Whether you're in the mood for musicals, comedies, dramas, Broadway hits, or modern revivals of old classics, you'll find top-notch performances in unique theaters. Fancy seeing a show? We've compiled a list of 11 of the Bay Area's must-see shows below, and fortunately, these live acts all unfold near BART. Book tickets now, and don’t forget your Clipper card!

Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.
 

Photo courtesy of Shotgun Players.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" at The Ashby Stage, Mar. 16-April 14 | Ashby

This classic and comedic love story written by William Shakespeare is the perfect spring event to share with loved ones. Director William Hodgson's take on this classic tale will likely unveil the story's passion and adventure in surprising ways. Take BART to Ashby to see a reimagining of a classic work 0.1 miles away at 1901 Ashby Ave.

Photo courtesy of Aurora Theater.

"Blue Door" at the Aurora Theatre Company, April 19-May 12 | Downtown Berkeley

This two-man play showcases over a century of history in a very personal way. The story follows Lewis, a Black mathematics professor. During a night of sleepless delusion, he meets three generations of Black ancestors who lived during times of enslavement, Jim Crow and Black Power. Lewis's journey is full of joy, pain, resiliency and music. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley to see Lewis travel through the past to determine his future 0.3 miles away at 2081 Addison St.

Photo courtesy of BroadwaySF.

"Funny Girl" at the Orpheum Theatre, April 30-May 26 | Civic Center/UN Plaza

BroadwaySF presents this semi-biographical story about Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreams of a life on the stage. While everyone tells her she'll never make it, she most certainly does! The story is as classic as its songs, like "Don't Rain On My Parade," "I'm the Greatest Star" and "People." Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza to see this bittersweet comedy 79 feet away at 1192 Market St.

Photo courtesy of Berkeley Repertory Theater.

"Galileo" at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, May 5-June 16 | Downtown Berkeley

The world premiere of "Galileo" tells the story of scientist Galileo Galilei and his celestial observations that challenge humanity's understanding of the universe. Galileo is called to Rome to defend his discoveries before the Catholic Church. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley to be the first to see this story of science, faith, truth and power 0.2 miles away at 2025 Addison St.

Photo courtesy of the African American Shakespeare Company.

"Taming of the Shrew" at Marines' Memorial Theatre, May 11-26 | Powell St

The African-American Shakespeare Company presents "Taming of the Shrew" at the historic Marines' Memorial Theater. The plot follows Katherine, a woman who isn't afraid to say what's on her mind, and Petruchio, a man who tries to "tame" her to win a bet. Set in San Francisco in the 1970s, this modern take on a 434-year-old play is full of unexpected twists and turns. Take BART to Powell St to witness this modern classic tale 0.4 miles away at 609 Sutter St.

Photo courtesy of Orpheum Theater.

"Company" at the Orpheum Theatre, June 5-29 | Civic Center/UN Plaza

Don't miss BroadwaySF's hilarious play about Bobbie, a single girl approaching her 35th birthday who is ambivalent about marriage. Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza to see this Broadway musical 79 feet away at 1192 Market St.

Photo courtesy of Berkeley Repertory Theater.

"Mother Road" at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, June 14-21 | Downtown Berkeley

Octavio Solis wrote "Mother Road," a 21st-century story inspired by John Steinback's "The Grapes of Wrath." Witness the unlikely bond between Tom Joad and Martin Jodes as they drive from migrant farm camps in California to Oklahoma. Their trip down the “Mother Road” allows them to reckon with their past while showcasing a story of people, culture and migration. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley to witness this inspiring story set in the American West 0.2 miles away at 2025 Addison St.

Photo courtesy of Aurora Theater.

"The Lifespan of a Fact" at the Aurora Theatre Company, June 21–July 21 | Downtown Berkeley

This intriguing play follows an intern at a magazine who gets a dream assignment, or so they thought. The intern must fact-check a brilliant piece by a legendary writer. A battle between facts and truth ensues. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley to witness this Broadway hit 0.1 miles away at 2081 Addison St.

Photo courtesy of Orpheum Theatre Memphis.

"Mrs. Doubtfire" at the Orpheum Theatre, July 2-28 | Civic Center/UN Plaza

Based on the beloved film, everyone remembers the hilarious and heartfelt story about the father who will do just about anything for his kids, including dressing up as a Scottish nanny. BroadwaySF's Rob McClure will repeat his Tony-nominated performance as Mrs. Doubtfire along with co-star and real wife, Maggie Lakis. Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza to laugh your socks off 79 feet away at 1192 Market St.

Photo courtesy of Broadway SF.

"Girl from the North Country" at Golden Gate Theatre, July 30-Aug. 18 | Powell St

If you're a fan of Bob Dylan, you'll like "Girl from the North Country." Set in 1934 in Duluth, Minnesota, this beautiful production lets theatergoers meet a group of travelers whose lives intertwine in a house filled with life, hope, and music. Take BART to Powell St to see this Tony Award-winning new musical 0.2 miles away at 1 Taylor St.

What BARTable shows are you looking forward to this spring?

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