Arts Listings

"CIRQUE DU SOLEIL'S OVO," -- Nov. 27 through Jan. 24. A lively rush into a world of insects and acrobatics. Written and directed by Deborah Colker. See website for times, dates and complete details. Performances take place under the "Grand Chapiteau'' at AT&T Park. 

$38-$250.www.cirquedusoleil.com.< 

AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER  

"Marcus; Or The Secret of Sweet," by Tarell Alvin McCraney, through Nov. 21, 8 p.m. Tue.-Sat.; 2 p.m. Wed., Sat.-Sun. A play focusing on a young black man seeking out his personal identity in the days before Hurricane Katrina strikes. Directed by Mark Rucker. $10 and up.  

Geary Theater, 415 Geary St., San Francisco. (415) 749-2228, www.actsf. org.< 

BAYANIHAN COMMUNITY CENTER  

"A History of The Body," Nov. 20 and Nov. 21, 8 p.m. Sat.; 6 p.m. Sun. A play looking at how images in the media affect perceptions of immigrant women. Written by Aimee Suzara, choreographed by Frances Sedayao. $10-$15. (415) 239-0249. 

1010 Mission Street at Sixth, San Francisco. (415) 348-8042.< 

BEACH BLANKET BABYLON This long-running musical follows Snow White as she sings and dances her way around the world in search of her prince. Along the way she encounters many of the personalities in today's headlines, including Nancy Pelosi, Condoleezza Rice, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harry Potter, Tiger Woods, Oprah Winfrey, Britney Spears, Dianne Feinstein, Barbara Boxer, Hillary Clinton, George and Laura Bush, Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart, Tom Cruise, Angelina, characters from Brokeback Mountain and Paris Hilton. Persons under 21 are not admitted to evening performances, but are welcome to Sunday matinees. 

"Steve Silver's Beach Blanket Babylon," ongoing. 8 p.m. Wed. - Thurs.; 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Fri. - Sat.; 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sun.  

$25-$134. Club Fugazi, 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. (formerly Green Street), San Francisco. (415) 421-4222, www.beachblanketbabylon.com.< 

BILL GRAHAM CIVIC AUDITORIUM  

"Yo Gabba Gabba Live!" Nov. 20 and Nov. 21, 2 and 5 p.m. The children's show comes to life live on stage. $35.50-$45.50.  

99 Grove St., San Francisco. (415) 421-TIXS, www.bgp.com or www.ticketmaster.com.< 

CHANCELLOR HOTEL UNION SQUARE  

"Eccentrics of San Francisco's Barbary Coast," ongoing. 8 p.m. Fri. -Sat. Audiences gather for a 90-minute show abounding with local anecdotes and lore presented by captivating and consummate conjurers and taletellers. $30.  

433 Powell St., San Francisco. (877) 784-6835, www.chancellorhotel.com.< 

CLIMATE THEATRE  

"The Clown Cabaret at the Climate," ongoing. 7 and 9 p.m. First Monday of the month. Hailed as San Francisco's hottest ticket in clowning, this show blends rising stars with seasoned professionals on the Climate Theater's intimate stage. $10-$15.  

285 Ninth St., Second Floor, San Francisco. www.climatetheater.com.< 

COW PALACE  

"The 32nd Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair," Nov. 26 through Dec. 19, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat.-Sun. This annual Bay Area favorite sends visitors back to Victorian London and into the living pages of some of Dickens' greatest books with costumed actors, music halls, shops and pubs designed to recreate the feel and look of 19th century England. People can buy gifts and goodies from "street vendors'' and shops, enjoy a traditional tea and British pub meal, or have a pint at "Mad Sal's Dockside Alehouse.'' $12-$25; $60 for season pass. (800) 510-1558, www.dickensfair.com. 

Geneva Avenue and Santos Street, San Francisco. (415) 404-4111, www.cowpalace.com.< 

CUTTING BALL THEATER  

"The Tempest," by William Shakespeare, through Nov. 28, 8 p.m. Thu.-Sat.; 5 p.m. Sun. No performance Nov. 25. This uniquely San Franciscan version of the Shakespeare classic promises to give an up close look at the monsters lurking inside all of us. $15-$50. (800) 838-3006. 

The EXIT, 277 Taylor St., San Francisco. (415) 419-3584, www.cuttingball.com.< 

DNA LOUNGE  

Hubba Hubba Revue: Secret Agents, Nov. 19, 9 p.m. $10-$15. 

375 11th St., San Francisco. (415) 626-1409, www.dnalounge.com.< 

EUREKA THEATRE  

"Murder For Two: A Killer Musical," through Nov. 21, 7 p.m. Wed.; 8 p.m. Thu.-Fri.; 6 p.m. Sat.; 3 p.m. Sun. "42nd Street Moon'' presents a mix of mystery and old-fashioned musical comedy. Book by Kellen Blair and Joe Kinosian. $24-$44.  

215 Jackson St., San Francisco. (415) 255-8207, (415) 978-2787, www.42ndstmoon.org or www.ticketweb.com.< 

HERBST THEATRE  

"Oy Vey In A Manger," Nov. 26, 8 p.m. The Kinsey Sicks, self-proclaimed "dragapella beautyshop quartet,'' present their over-the-top holiday show, with songs such as "Tis The Season To Drink Stoli.'' $25-$35.  

401 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. (415) 392-4400, www.cityboxoffice.com.< 

KIMO'S BAR  

"Fauxgirls," ongoing. 10 p.m. Every third Saturday. Drag cabaret revue features San Francisco's finest female impersonators. Free. (415) 695-1239, www.fauxgirls.com. 

1351 Polk St., San Francisco. (415) 885-4535, www.kimosbarsf.com.< 

MAGIC THEATRE  

"Or," by Liz Duffy Adams, through Dec. 5, 7 p.m. Tue.; 8 p.m. Wed.-Sat.; 2:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun. A comedic play about a spy trying to get into showbiz. $30-$60.  

Building D, Fort Mason Center, Buchanan Street and Marina Boulevard, San Francisco. (415) 441-8822, www.magictheatre.org.< 

THE MARSH  

"The Mock Cafe," ongoing. 10 p.m. Saturdays. Stand-up comedy performances. $7.  

"The Monday Night Marsh," ongoing. 8 p.m. Mondays. An ongoing series of works-in-progress. $7.  

"It's All The Rage," by Marilyn Pittman, through Dec. 5, 8:30 p.m. Sat.; 7 p.m. Sun. A new solo show that deals with the murder-suicide of Pittman's parents, looking at their history, and dealing with the tragedy in a way that is heartbreakingly sad, but manages to be funny as well. $20-$50.  

1062 Valencia St., San Francisco. (415) 826-5750, www.themarsh.org.< 

ORPHEUM THEATRE  

"West Side Story," through Nov. 28. The legendary show, with standards such as "Tonight,'' "America,'' and "Maria,'' is considered one of the best ever written. Book by Arthur Laurents; music and lyrics by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. $30-$99.  

1192 Market St., San Francisco. (415) 512-7770, www.shnsf.com.< 

PHOENIX THEATRE  

"The Tender King," by Ian Walker, Nov. 20 through Dec. 11, 8 p.m. Thu.-Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun. A gripping portrayal of presidential decisions surrounding the end of World War II, focusing on Harry Truman's time at the Potsdam Conference. $20-$25. www.secondwind.8m.com. 

414 Mason St., Sixth Floor, San Francisco. (800) 838-3006, www.offbroadwaywest.org.< 

PIER 29 SPIEGELTENT  

"Teatro Zinzanni," through March 6, 6 p.m. Wed.-Sat.; 5 p.m. Sun. Teatro Zinzanni presents a new production, "License To Kiss II, A Sweet Conspiracy,'' offering a blend of European cabaret, circus arts, music, comedy and more. $117-$145.  

Embarcadero at Battery Street, San Francisco. (415) 438-2668, www.zinzanni.org.< 

PIER 39 A pier filled with shops, restaurants, theaters and entertainment of all sorts from sea lions to street performers.  

"SAN FRANCISCO CAROUSEL" -- The Pier's two-tiered, San Francisco-themed carousel with hand-crafted ponies that rock and move up and down and tubs that spin. In addition, carousel has hand-painted pictures of San Francisco scenes like the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown and Coit Tower. $3 per ride. "FREQUENT FLYERS'' -- A bungee trampoline where people can safely jump and flip over 20 feet in the air thanks to the help of bungee cords and a harness. Jumpers must weigh at least 30 pounds and not more than 230 pounds. $10 per session. (415) 981-6300.  

"RIPTIDE ARCADE" -- A 6,000-square-foot, surfer-themed arcade offering the Bay area's only 10-gun, Old West-style shooting gallery and 100 cuttingedge video games, virtual reality units and popular novelty games. Included are the "Dance Dance Revolution'' game, driving and roller coaster simulators, the "Global VR Vortex'' virtual reality machine, "Star Wars Trilogy,'' "Jurassic Park,'' "Rush 2049,'' and classics such as "Pac Man'' and "Galaga.'' Games are operated by 25-cent tokens and range in price from 25 cents to $1.50. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; through Feb. 26: Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (415) 981-6300.  

"TURBO RIDE" -- Three simulated rides where the hydraulic seats move in synchronization with events on a giant screen are available at the Turbo Ride complex. The 12-minute-long rides in 3-D and 4-D are: "Dino Island II''; "Haunted Mine Ride,'' and "Extreme Log Ride.'' $12 general for one ride; $8 seniors and children ages 3 to 12 for one ride; $15 general for two rides; $11 seniors and children ages 3 to 12 for two rides; $18 general for multi-rides; $14 seniors and children ages 3 to 12 for multi-rides. (415) 392-8872.  

STUDIO 39 MAGIC CARPET RIDES -- A comedy action adventure utilizing special effects to created a personalized movie with visitors as the "stars'' flying above San Francisco. The Magic Carpet Ride is free. No reservations required. Ride is approximately five minutes. Personalized videos will be available for $30 for one: $10 for each additional tape. (415) 397-3939. SEA LIONS -- California sea lions, nicknamed "Sea Lebrities,'' "hauled out'' on Pier 39's K-Dock shortly after the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake and by January of 1990 had taken over the docks. Due to a plentiful supply of herring and a protected environment, the population has grown and now reaches as many as 900 during the winter months. Weather permitting, free educational talks are provided by Marine Mammal Center volunteers on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Free. (415) 705-5500. 

"Tony n' Tina's Wedding," ongoing. The original interactive comedy hit where audience members play the roles of "invited guests'' at a fun-filled wedding ceremony. The popular dinner comedy performs at Swiss Louis Italian Restaurant. Thursday-Saturday, 7 p.m.; Matinees: Thursday and Saturday, noon. $88.50-$115.50. (888) 775-6777, www.pier39shows.com. 

Free. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; certain attractions and shops have differing hours. The Embarcadero and Beach Street, San Francisco. (415) 623-5300, (800) SEADIVE, www.pier39.com.< 

SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY, MAIN BRANCH  

"Creating Coraline: The Making of a New Musical," Nov. 28, 3-4:30 p.m. Join SF Playhouse's Artistic Director Bill English and special guests as they talk about what it has taken to bring the new musical "Coraline" to the stage. Attendees have a chance to win free tickets to the show. Event takes place in the Koret Auditorium. Free.  

Free. Monday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, noon-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 100 Larkin St., San Francisco. (415) 557-4400, www.sfpl.org.< 

SF PLAYHOUSE  

"Coraline," through Jan. 15, 7 p.m. Tue.-Wed.; 8 p.m. Thu.-Sat.; 3 p.m. Sat. Neil Gaiman's children's book is brought to life on the stage with music by Stephen Merritt of the Magnetic Fields. $30-$50.  

533 Sutter St., San Francisco. (415) 677-9596, www.sfplayhouse.org.< 

SHELTON THEATER  

"Shopping! The Musical," by Morris Bobrow, ongoing. A quick-paced musical about those obsessed with buying things. Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m. $27-$29. (800) 838-3006, www.shoppingthemusical.com. 

Big City Improv, ongoing. 10 p.m. Fridays.  

$20. (510) 595-5597, www.bigcityimprov.com. 

533 Sutter St., San Francisco. (415) 433-1227, www.sheltontheater.com or www.sheltontheater.com.< 

THRILLPEDDLERS HYPNODROME  

"Pearls Over Shanghai," ongoing. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat.; 7 p.m. Sun. See San Francisco's longest running Cockettes musical, running through Dec. 19. $30-$35.  

575 10th Street, San Francisco. www.thrillpeddlers.com/.< 

YERBA BUENA CENTER FOR THE ARTS THEATER  

"ODC/Dance: The Velveteen Rabbit," Nov. 26 through Dec. 12. The beloved holiday production returns for its 24th season. Directed by KT Nelson. Times vary throughout run; see website for full details. $15-$45. www.ybca.org. 

700 Howard St., San Francisco. (415) 978-2787, www.ybca.org.< 

ZEUM Zeum is a technology and arts museum for children and families featuring exhibits and workshops that cover a variety of fascinating subjects. 

"Mark Foehringer Dance Project presents Nutcracker at Zeum," Nov. 27 through Dec. 19, 11 a.m., 2 and 4 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sun. A unique version of the holiday classic "Nutcracker.'' $25.  

$8-$10. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday. 221 Fourth St., San Francisco. (415) 820-3220, www.zeum.org.<