San Francisco Theatre
 

My husband and I will be in San Francisco the end of June and we'd like to see a couple of shows. We plan on staying downtown somewhere. I've researched shows and found a few we might like but wonder where they are in reference to downtown. We're thinking about:

"Wicked" at the Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St.
"Are We Almost There Yet" at Shelton Theatre, 533 Sutter
"The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron" at the Marines Memorial Theatre
BATS Improv at Bayfront Theatre, Fort Mason Center

We don't want to rent a car so thinking about taxi or public transit. Is this practical? Has anyone heard reviews of any of these shows?

The Curran, Shelton and Marines Memorial are all in the downtown area and would be a short taxi ride from any downtown hotel or walk depending on where you stay. The Bayfront is in Fort Mason which is not downtown but in the Marina area. If you take a quick look at a map of SF you will be able to see the location fairly easily.

Have you seen "Beach Blanklet Babylon"? If you have not seen it ,you might enjoy it. It has been playing in San Francisco for 30 years. Check out their website . It is a fun musical review. The theater is located in the North Beach area.

Thanks for the help, SAB. Looks like we'll leave Fort Mason for another time and try for the other three.
Sabrina, we saw Beach Blanket Babylon last year. Really enjoyed it but thought we'd try something different this time.

Hi, you may already have this information, but don't forget about the half-Pirce ticket booth in Union Square. You may want to get tickets for your "must sees" ahead of time, and then try to pick up some discount tickets when you get there. Here is the website if you need more information: http://www.theatrebayarea.org/tix/tix.shtml Have a great time!

Thanks, Margie. I've been to San Francisco a few times but I did not know about the Tickets Booth. I've been to the one in New York and there's usually a long line up if you don't get there early. But it's well worth the wait. I think I'll give it a try.

I am seeing Wicked tomorrow. Apparently, they are prepping the show for Broadway. Read the book a few years ago and LOVED it so, I am looking forward to the show...it is an interesting twist on the Wizard of Oz--the Wicked Witch of the West is just a misunderstood person--and the Oz is evil.

Chucklesbythebay: Thanks for the info on "Wicked". Let me know if you liked it. I find when I read the book first quite often the show doesn't live up to my expectations. I think I'll try to book tickets in advance for this, and maybe go to the 1/2 price ticket booth for the others. I've heard there's good hotel prices to be had on Hotwire and Priceline so with the money we save on hotel we can spring for full-price on the "Wicked" tickets!

Chucklesbythebay: How was the show yesterday? Is it worth paying full price or should I wait for the 1/2 price Tickets Booth?

"almost there" is very funny and all about travel - I recommend to see it, but there is no need to pay full price. We don't usually have lines for 1/2 price.

Got the Westin St. Francis on Priceline today. Is this hotel near the theatres and/or the 1/2 price tickets booth? Anyone have any restaurant recommendations in the area (say around $35-50 for dinner for two)?

ttt

The Westin St. Francis is on one side of Union Square and the half-price booth is on the other side. You are as close to is as possible. You are close to the Curran and the Marines Memorial.

Thanks, Kikahead. Looks like Priceline came through for us. We don't have long in San Francisco so we thought we'd see some shows.

You'll love the St. Francis--be sure to take the glass elevators as it is one of the best views of downtown San Francisco.

anlori,

You should read this article before your stay in Unioon Square. I thought it was shocking what happened there.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl.../23/MN2041.DTL

I survived NY so I think I'll be able to take Union Square.