Mrs. Doubtfire comes home to San Francisco
Despite the potential cringe, this gender-swapping divorce-custody farce still has heart. The musical brings new life to a classic story.
The touring production of the musical version of Mrs. Doubtfire arrived in San Francisco this week for a July run at the Orpheum Theatre — and we had our doubts. This is, after all, the same musical that closed on Broadway after only 126 previews and performances, barely lasting four months.
The entire premise was already ridiculous, and now that we live in a time of culture conversations about transphobic tropes in media and men with Peter Pan syndrome, why make a musical version about a duplicitous man-child in drag today? In a word: Nostalgia.
Read the latest by Adriana Roberts
First Thursdays SF: Clear skies finally for July 4th
Sure it was a little hazy, but our usual thick blanket of fog took the night off July 4th, giving us clear skies and a great view of the fireworks at First Thursdays, a new-ish series that transforms downtown streets into a celebration of music, fashion, and fun.
We danced under a chilly sky to beats from DJs MOM and Coco & Breezy, enjoyed live music, and witnessed, erm, a hot dog eating contest? How American, and hosted by one Ms. Peaches Christ who appeared to really run with it.
See the latest photos by Courtney Muro
Alora: New waterfront dining on the Embarcadero
San Francisco has no shortage of waterfront restaurants, but Alora’s menu is a game-changer. Here we have modern Mediterranean fare open six days a week, mixing in quality cocktails and wine. Alora fits the bill with surprising affordability compared to the average downtown newcomer; It’s only been around since late January this year.
Read the latest by Virginia Miller
What we’re doing this week
San Francisco Free Folk Festival
Music, workshops, and community are all coming to the 48th Annual San Francisco Free Folk Festival in Golden Gate Park on Saturday, July 13, 2024. Founded in 1948, the San Francisco Folk Music Club has been the driving force behind this festival, ensuring that it remains accessible for everyone.
WHEN: July 13, 2024
WHERE: Golden Gate Park Music Concourse, between the De Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences
The Commodores at Stern Grove Festival
The Commodores, celebrated for their R&B classics such as "Just to Be Close to You," "Easy," and "Brickhouse," will perform at Stern Grove Festival on July 14. Nestled in the scenic Stern Grove, this festival has been enchanting audiences since 1938 with its mix of world-class music, dance performances, and cultural events. Picture a lush, eucalyptus-filled amphitheater where you can enjoy everything from symphony orchestras and opera to indie bands and global music.
WHEN: July 14 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Sigmund Stern Grove at the Corner of 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard in San Francisco, CA 94132
Skate Week with Church of 8 Wheels
They’re going to put a rink near Golden Gate Bridge for the 45th anniversary of Church of 8 Wheels. This event celebrates 45 years since the birth of the Golden Gate Park Skate Patrol, which was formed to keep roller skating from being banned in Golden Gate Park. They are inviting skaters to experience their fun, unique skating culture that sets the trends that others around the world are following today.
WHEN: July 16-21
WHERE: They’re creating a rink over at Fort Mason for the week — 937 Mason St.
What’s on our mind
We keep content mostly fun and light at The Bold Italic, but the future of the Bay Area interests us, too. Here’s what we are thinking about in local news. Brought to you by GrowSF.
California diners to see surcharges remain on bills
Gov. Gavin Newsom just signed a law that lets restaurants and bars keep those extra surcharges on your bill. Customers did not always know about extra charges upfront, but SB 1524 says they now must be clearly displayed at restaurants before a bill arrives.
"I see both sides [of the issue], but I really value transparency,” Kenneth Lim, who owns The Hobnob in Alameda, told KTVU. “I'd rather raise my prices and put it on the menu so guests know what they're paying upfront, not at the end."
While there’s been some support, some diners feel these surcharges just add to the high cost of dining out in California. The law went into effect on July 1.
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