From contemporary plays to classic operas, the San Francisco Bay Area features a busy cultural schedule this spring and summer, with designers from across the country and around the world contributing to the aesthetic of a myriad of performances. Here are a few highlights:
War Music, on the main stage at A.C.T. (American Conservatory Theatre) runs through April 26, with sets by Daniel Ostling, costumes by Beaver Bauer, lighting by Russell H. Champa, and sound by Jeff Mockus; next up at A.C.T. is Boleros for the Disenchanted, May 7-13, features designers Ralph Funicello—sets, Nancy Schertler—lighting, and Sandra Woodall—costumes, creating both 1950s Puerto Rico and the United States in the 1990s.
The San Francisco Opera has announced its 2009 summer season at the War Memorial Opera House, opening with Tosca (June 2, 22, 14, 20, 23) with sets and costumes designed by Thierry Bosquet; Porgy and Bess (June 21, 24, 27) with sets by Peter J. Davison, costumes by Paul Tazewell; and La Traviata (June 13, 16, 19, 25, 28, 29, July 1, 2, 5) directed and designed by Marta Domingo.
Berkeley Rep presents the world premiere production of You, Nero (co-produced with South Coast Rep), May 15-June 28, with sets by Erik Flatmo, costumes by Paloma H. Young, lighting by Peter Maradudin, and original music and sound design by Stephen LeGrand and Eric Drew Feldman.
Through April 25, the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre presents the West Coast premiere of The Story, a co-production with the SF Playhouse, with set design by Lisa Clark, costume design by Valera Coble, lighting design by Cy. K. Eaton, and sound design by Will McCandless.
At San Francisco Ballet, a mixed program that runs through May 8 features Fusion with scenic design by Benjamin Pierce, costumes by Sandra Woodall, and lighting by James F. Ingalls; Russian Seasons with costumes by Galina Solovyeva and lighting design by Mark Stanley; and Double Evil, with costumes by Holly Hynes and lighting by James F. Ingalls.