On November 2, 2004, America voted. It is official that President Bush will have four more years in The White House. So, what can disheartened, defeated Democrats do to lick their wounds? One outlet that will have you laughing hysterically takes place eight times a week in San Francisco. The place is called Club Fugazi. And the outlet is called "Beach Blanket Babylon."
Whether you're a tourist visiting San Francisco or a resident of the city, Steve Silver's Production, now in its 30th year, is as strong as it was on December 31st, 1986, the first time I saw the longest-running hit musical revue in theater history.
November 11th 2004's performance was as good as 1986's, and probably as good as 1974's performance when Silver first launched his production.
The signature, offbeat hats and costumes alone are worth the price of admission ($25-$75). The 33-foot-tall San Francisco skyline headdress has become world-renowned.
The political humor, especially for despairing Democrats, won't change history. But if laughter is the best medicine, there's no better place to lick your wounds than by watching and listening to Matt Alber, Curt Branom, Val Diamond, Renee Lubin, Doug Magpiong, Stirland Martin, Kenny Mazlow, Christy McIntosh, Tim McManus, Jennifer Moore, Jenny Moore, Phillip Percy Williams and The Beach Blanket Babylon Band.
Steve Silver, the zany, creative genius behind Beach Blanket Babylon passed away in 1995. However, his wife Jo Schuman Silver has masterfully taken over the production reins. She has kept her husband's legacy not only alive and well, Silver must be having a field day in Heaven watching his creation evolve as the political, cultural and counterculture climates shift from issue-to-issue, celebrity-to-celebrity.
Schuman Silver is devoted to Steve's memory, she says. She is as obsessed with pop culture and detail as he was. For nearly ten years, she has retained final say on everything related to the show.
"It's like having a painter and a curator,'' said longtime friend Stanlee Gatti, event planner for the society set and president of the San Francisco Arts Commission. "Steve was an incredible artist. ... Jo understands what inspired and possessed Steve to do what he did. She takes that, and works through it -- she channels Steve. And because she is so inspired by the work, she became a protege who could carry on the work.''
Creative productions run in the family. Jo's cousin is music mogel, Clive Davis.
Schuman Silver watches as Doug Magpiong rehearses his role as
The Governator
Snow White, Blow, Cone's Quest for Love
The production Steve Silver originally conceived, wrote, produced & directed remains a global quest for Snow White to find love. However, the rest of the ninety minute show is an ever-changing "top-heavy," hilarious parody and satire of American society and San Francisco culture.
Producer, Jo Schuman Silver and Director, Kenny Mazlow do an incredible job keeping the content fresh and politically incorrect.
Based on Thursday's show, one might think the content was even customized for each audience. One of the two gentlemen sitting next to me, Lloyd Lorenzsonn was visiting from Venezuela. Lorenzsonn happens to be the Assistant Brand Manager of Oil of Olay in Latin America. He and his partner, Enrique Guinand laughed hysterically when the Hot Latin Lover in the show came out sporting a five foot tall bottle of Oil of Olay on his head.
After the show, Lorenzsonn said:
Seeing so many elements of ever day life, such as Olay, in this play/musical is one of the many things that made for such an incredibly fun night. Beach Blanket Babylon was definitely a highlight of our trip. I would recommend the show to anyone who is visiting San Francisco, no matter where they come from, geographically or politically.
A Paradise of Political Parodies
Characters portrayed in the Beach Blanket Babylon November 11, 2004 performances included:
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom in song
Chris Cobb as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger -- © SSPI 2004 -- Photos: David Allen
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger aka "The Governator"
Matt Alber as President George W. Bush and Curt Branom as Vice President Dick Cheney -- © SSPI 2004 -- Photos: David Allen
President George "Big Ears" Bush
"V.P." Dick Cheney
Skye Miles as National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, Curt Branom as Vice President Dick Cheney, and Matt Alber as President George W. Bush -- © SSPI 2004 -- Photos: David Allen
Condolezza Rice - a - Roni
Hilary Clinton as The Statue of Liberty singing New York, New York
Bill Clinton promoting his book, his successful bypass and his bygone cheatin' ways
Rappin' Teresa Heinz Kerry
Senator John Kerry, albeit he was a bit stiff
Twelve singers, dancers and actors act out at least a dozen characters apiece from the political characters above to Paris "sleep-in-as-many-hotel-rooms-as-she-wants" Hilton, to Tina "twist-her-hair" Turner, James "amazingly articulate" Brown, Donald "you're fired" Trump to one of the 2 million "Nuts" in San Francisco wearing an iPod.
Club Fugazi is located in the heart of North Beach, right around the corner from another great establishment, Bimbo's 365 Club.
If you're considering attending the New Year's eve performance, as my family and I did nearly twenty years ago as part of my sister's wedding celebration, buy your tickets now. Club Fugazi began selling tickets on Monday, November 1st, and they are going fast.
The 10:15 show will include a one-night-only pastiche of the characters and events of the last year in singular Beach Blanket Babylon style. This section of the show will close the evening's traditional holiday performance.
The 10:15 show ends at the stroke of midnight and includes dancing until about 1:30 am.
Champagne, chocolate truffles, and party favors are served along with a festive performance of their traditional holiday show.
The cost of tickets for this once a year performance range from $80 - $180, depending upon the section of the theater that you are seated. Only VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted.
Because they serve alcohol at the New Year's Eve shows guests at Club Fugazi must be over 21 and have a valid government issued photo ID to attend the show.
On Thursday, I bought tickets for myself and two family friends visiting from Sweden. However, because one of them forgot to bring her Passport to the theater, we were not only turned away, unless we could sell our tickets on the street, I would have been out $140. Fortunately, my guests were gracious in suggesting I attend the show solo, since I had already invested two hours preparing to write this story. One of two couples on the street hoping to see that night's performance were quick to buy two of my three tickets at face value.
Performances the rest of the year include:
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 pm
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 pm & 10:00 pm
Sundays at 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Prices: $25-$75
Separate from the New Year's Eve performances are the show's traditional Holiday productions which begin November 17th. These performances are in addition to the regularly scheduled shows.
Beach Blanket Babylon's Box Office phone lines are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday from Noon to 6pm.
Most show are typically sold out two weeks in advance.
Don't forget to bring your identification, your sense of humor, an open mind and cash for drinks and truffles.
For Club Fugazi details go to:
SF.RuggedElegance.com/ClubFugazi
For a list of Rugged Elegance Recommended Restaurants & Shops in North Beach near the theater, go to:
SF.RuggedElegance.com/North Beach
Inspire & Be Inspired (R).
Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful and "being able to laugh at ourselves" living!
~ Jennifer Carolyn King
Enter your e-mail address to receive a compendium of the week's top inspirational stories:
fresh content posted
