Our picks of the best comedy, concerts, and theatre in San Francisco this month!

Best of theatre

Mamma Mia!
Orpheum Theatre
April 30 - May 11

My my, how can we resist it?
It's time to break out the platform shoes and feather boas - Mamma Mia is BACK! It has been 25 years since this sunshine-filled show redefined the concept of the jukebox musical for the new century. It's a bittersweet yet hilarious story of single mother Donna, struggling to cope with her young daughter's impending marriage on a picturesque Greek island. Throw into the mix three lovers from her past, any of whom could be the father of her daughter. Sparks are sure to fly!
BOOK HERE

Parade
Curran Theatre
May 13 - June 8

The Tony-winning revival is more vital than ever.
Following a limited run at New York City Center, the Broadway revival of Jason Robert Brown and Alfred Uhry's Tony-winning 1998 musical, based on the true story of Leo Frank, a wrongly convicted Georgia factory owner who was subjected to a fate born out of hatred, hearsay, and hysteria.
BOOK HERE

The Comedy of Errors
Toni Rembe Theatre
Now showing through May 3

Slapstick Shakespeare
A firm favorite of Shakespeare's oeuvre, The Comedy of Errors is a colorful confection of chaos full of witty wordplay, frothy farce, and irresistible anarchy. This bubbly comedy will whisk you to a faraway land where the fortunes of two sets of identical twins opens up a world of romance, seductions, brushes with the law and of course, plenty of instances of mistaken identity! Tony-nominee Christina Anderson's update refreshes the jokes while keeping all the timeless charm and is not to be missed!
BOOK HERE

Dance highlight

San Francisco Ballet - Frankenstein
War Memorial Opera House
Now showing through May 4

Horror at the ballet
The original story of Frankenstein has mostly been forgotten with the advent of Hammer Horror movies, and now the Creature is a staple of pop culture, even laughable with his flat top haircut and neck bolts. However, Liam Scarlett's rich and evocative production turns down the horror angle, and transforms it into a Gothic love story with a tragic end worthy of opera, with an emphasis on exploring what it means to be human.
BOOK HERE

Get the giggles with these stand-up heroes

Jimmy Carr
Masonic Auditorium
May 30
Laughs Funny tour
Known for his beaming smile and slightly odd laugh, Jimmy Carr is one of the best British comedians on the circuit today. And as if constantly touring through the UK and the rest of the world doesn't keep him busy enough, Carr is also a constant sight on late night tv as he hosts and is a regular participant in some of Britain's favorite comedy game shows. His clean-cut appearance contrasts strongly with his deadpan, dark comedy, and if you haven't seen him perform live yet, you're in for a real treat.
BOOK HERE

Matt Friend
Cobbs Comedy Club
May 16 - 17

From TikTok to the stage!
26-year-old comedian Matt Friend is perhaps best known for his jaw-dropping impersonations. He takes on the voices and mannerisms of celebrities, leaving audiences in both wonderment and stitches.

As an impersonator, Matt Friend is highly influenced by Mike Myers. His playful persona is evident in Friend's own style. Just recently, a clip of the comedian imitating Trump went viral on social media, the likeness frankly rib-tickling.
BOOK HERE

Fern Brady
Bimbos 365 Club
May 9

Drink your milk with Fern
Scotland's queen of comedy Fern Brady is back to ask the question "What happens when you get everything you want and it's not enough?" on her I Gave You Milk To Drink Tour! A regular on U.K. panel shows and fresh off the success of her Sunday Times Bestselling memoir, Strong Female Character, and her new Netflix special Autistic Bikini Queen - catch Fern in a city near you, finding humor in everything from autism to bisexuality!
BOOK HERE

Best in Concerts

Alison Moyet
The Fillmore
May 16

Celebrating 40 years on stage
Synth-pop icon Alison Moyet is back with a new album and a new tour to go with it! Her tenth studio album, Key, was released in October 2024 and is in many ways a celebration of her long and varied solo career. Featuring reworks of 16 songs from across her back catalog, the album marks her 40th anniversary as a solo artist and is her fifth album to chart in the UK top 10.
BOOK HERE

Jon Batiste
Davies Symphony Hall
May 18

Maestro tour
The socially conscious, eclectic artist, pianist, singer, and composer, is stepping into the spotlight on his intimate 2025 Maestro Tour. The recipient of a breathtaking 11 2022 Grammy Award nominations and four wins, including Album of the Year, and four more noms for 2023, Jon Batiste is one incredible musician. You might recognize him from his tenure as Stephen Colbert's magnanimous bandleader or have heard his Oscar-winning score for Pixar's Soul (with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross), or even with one of his genre-straddling collaborations with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Prince, Willy Nelson and more.
BOOK HERE

Dionne Warwick
Calvin Summons Theatre
May 31

Don't walk on by Ms. Dionne!
One of the greatest singers of 20th Century, Dionne Warwick had a string of huge hit singles throughout the 1960s, and was the singer of choice for songwriting giants Burt Bacharach and Hal David. While many other American artists found themselves sidelined by the British invasion, Warwick continued to see success with iconic tracks like 'Walk on By', 'Alfie', 'I Say a Little Prayer for You', 'Do You Know the Way to Jan Jose' and 'This Girl's in Love with You'.
BOOK HERE

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
May 14

Back on the road with a new album!
Don't miss the welcome return of Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, when they head out on a new tour in support of their newest record Wild God in 2024. The weird and wonderful alternative Aussie rocker's live show has been described by Pitchfork as 'consistently exhilarating' as the ultimate, audience-loving frontman brings the snake-hipped charm and manages to deliver intimate performances to sell out arenas.
BOOK HERE