Best Upcoming Theater Productions In San Francisco

What's this? Dame Edna Everage, aka Barry Humphries, is bowing out at the top of his/her triumphant 50-year game. Following rave reviews from Australia and London, San Francisco audiences breathe a sigh of relief to be included on the six-city North American finale tour of the world's beloved international drag diva queen. The New York Times called the show "the most purely enjoyable night of the year." Put on your pink and lilac wig and heels and be there, with spectacles sparkling.

(credit: sfplayhouse.org)

'Promises, Promises'
San Francisco Playhouse
450 Post St. 2nd Fl.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 677-9596
www.sfplayhouse.org
Dates: Now through Jan. 10, 2015

With a run through mid-January, it's not too late to catch this musical revival flashback to the 60s from the pens of the top team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. With hit songs such as "I'll Never Fall in Love Again," propelling Dionne Warwick to the top of the charts, the David Merrick-produced musical earned a double Tony Award in 1968. Based on the Neil Simon book and Billy Wilder screenplay, "The Apartment," the show is presented in an intimate theater space by this top-quality non-profit theater organization.

(credit: act-sf.org)

'Indian Ink'
American Conservatory Theater
405 Geary St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 749-2228
www.act-sf.org
Dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 8, 2015

Three words usually stop avid theater-goers in their tracks: Sir Tom Stoppard. Knighted in 1997 for service to the British Empire, the 77-year-old Czech-born playwright's works are among the world's most widely performed. Set in 1930s Jammapur, "Indian Ink" is a romantic story of two worlds colliding, offering insight into post-colonial India. Once again directed by Carey Perloff, the play's American premiere was at A.C.T. in 1999, when Jean Stapleton played the role of Eleanor.

Angela Lansbury (credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)

'Blithe Spirit'
SHN Golden Gate Theatre
1 Taylor St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(888) 746-1799 
www.shnsf.com
Dates: Jan. 20 - Feb. 1, 2015

Dame Angela Lansbury, the unstoppable 89-year-old, British-born, five-time Tony Award winner stars live onstage in San Francisco during the second stop on a four-city North American tour of Noël Coward's famous production. Lansbury's much-anticipated appearance as Madame Arcati in the hit comedy revival directed by Miahael Blackmore promises to be a highlight of the 2015 theatrical season. In addition to five Tonys, the actress has received six Golden Globes and an Honorary Oscar in recognition of 70 years in the motion picture industry.

(credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

'The Book of Mormon'
SHN Orpheum Theatre
1192 Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(988) 746-1799
www.shnsf.com
Dates: April 15 - June 7, 2015

Back by popular demand, "The Book of Mormon" requires an early save-the-date notation in the calendar to score seats this time around. A quick look at the reviews confirms why. Having scooped up nine Tony Awards including 2011's best musical, this production has been called "the funniest musical of all time" by Vogue. From the creators of "South Park" and "Avenue Q," big Broadway musical numbers combine with religious satire to produce something that's "So good it makes me angry," according to comedian Jon Stewart.