Arts & Events

With Halloween just a week away, you'd be wise to stock up on candy to hand out to those little Trick or Treaters when they come knocking at your door. You may not know that Pope Gregory III designated Nov. 1 as a time to honor saints and martyrs. The evening before was known as Halloween's Eve and then later Halloween. Obviously this holiday has little religious meaning today. 

If you're of a cowardly nature, you may prefer to turn off your porch lights and sit in the dark, in which case you can study and choose among the many events shown below. 

"4 Lads from Liverpool: A Tribute to the Beattles." John, George, Paul and Ringo return to S.F. Oct. 28 - 31, Marine's Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter Street. (415) 771-6900 

West Edge Opera, Strauss' s "Ariadne", Oct. 30, Nov. 4 and 6, El Cerrito Performing Arts Theatre, 540 Ashby Ave., El Cerrito. (510) 841-1903. 

"Hair". "Thrilling, intense, unadulterated joy" (New York Times). Through Nov. 20. Golden Gate Theatre, (888) 746-1799. 

"Pissaro's People), a new exhibit including nearly 100 pieces of the master's works. S.F. Legion of Honor, Admission $10 - 15. Http:legionofhonor.famsf.org. 

"Dia de los Muertas," Gourmet Ghetto, Shattuck between Rose and Vine. Community affair, Mariachis,Aztec dancers, Wed. Nov. 2. www.gourmetghetto.org. 

"Cirque du Solelil, Totem", March 2, 2012, Taylor Street Bridge in San Jose, (cirdulsolelil.com). 

"Race," David Mamet's shock drama of sex, race, loyalty and betrayal. American Conservatory Theatre (415) 749-2228. 

Golden Gate Theatre of Dublin, Samuel Beckett's "Endgame and Watt" Zellerbach Playhouse, Nov. 17 - 2 0. (510) 642-9988. 

33rd Annual Celebration of Craftswomen, Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion, S.F. Nov. 11, 12 and 13. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Oakland East Bay Symphony, Michael Morgan, Conductor, Opening Night, Friday, Nov. 4 8 p.m. (800) 745-3000. 

San Francisco's Jewish Theatre, closing its doors after 34 years, Thursday - Sundays, through Nov. 13 at the Jewish Theatre, 470 Florida Street, S.F. $15 - 35. www.tjt-sf.org. 

The Official Blues Brothers Revue, Firehouse Art Center, 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton. Nov. 3, 4 and 5. (925) 931-4848. 

"Masters of Venice: Renaissance Painters of passion and Power," M. H. de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, $10 - 20. (415) 750-3660. 

Well, you can't say that this will be a dull Halloween! For the above information, I think I deserve a candy bar!