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Porchlight Music Theatre Presents PORCHLIGHT REVISITS THE APPLE TREE

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 22:59:33 +0000

Porchlight Music Theater began its ninth season of Chicago’s “lost” musicals series with Porchlight Revisites The Apple Tree, book and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, book and music by Jerry Bock with additional material by James Coopersmith.

Each of the three musical stories in The Apple Tree is directed by a different person, Frankie Leo Bennett+ (The Diary of Adam and Eve), Jamal Howard+ (The Lady or the Tiger?), and Laura Savage* (Passionella) with musical direction by David Fiorello+.

Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree was presented for three performances only Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 pm and Thursday, Dec. 8 at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Street. Three-show discounted Porchlight Revisits subscriptions are available and single tickets to Porchlight Revisits

Chicago’s finest music theater talents dust off these treasures and escort audiences into the world of the art of music theater’s past for a limited run. In addition to productions from days gone by, each Porchlight Revisits includes the Behind the Show Backstory, an entertaining and informative multimedia presentation, created and hosted by Artistic Director Michael Weber+, introducing the evening’s production including the show’s creative history, juicy backstage stories and much more.

The 2022 – 2023 Porchlight Revisits season begins with The Apple Tree from the songwriting team behind Fiddler on the Roof and She Loves Me. This witty, tuneful and charming piece that was Tony nominated for Best Musical is made up of three miniatures: The Diary of Adam and Eve, a quirky, touching spin on the tale of the world’s first couple, adapted from Mark Twain’s short stories; The Lady or the Tiger?, a 1960’s rock and roll fable set in a mythical kingdom, which explores the fickleness of love and Passionella based on Jules Feiffer’s offbeat Cinderella story about a chimney sweep who dreams of being a “glamorous movie star.”

Additional Porchlight Revisits in the 2023 – 2023 season includes Porchlight Revisits I am a Camera, Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 pm and Thursday, Feb. 9 at 1:30 , a complement to Porchlight’s Mainstage Cabaret, this special event production is a rare opportunity to experience the remarkable 1951 play that became the inspiration for the musical Cabaret and Porchlight Revisits Two by Two, Wednesday, May 24 at 7:30 pm and Thursday, May 25 at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm, with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Martin Charnin and book by Peter Stone based The Flowering Peach by Clifford Odets. Porchlight Revisits Two by Two tells the story of Noah, the flood and its aftermath with touches of modern themes including the environment and the differences from generation to generation.

The cast of Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree includes Jonah Cochin+ (Adam/ensemble); Maddison Denault* (Princess Barbara/ensemble); Susan Hofflander* (Snake/ensemble); Shea Hopkins+ (Flip/The Prince/ensemble); Ruchir Khazanchi+ (Captain Sanjar/ensemble); Michael Mejia^ (balladeer/ensemble); Leah Morrow* (Ella/Passionella/Ensemble); Emma Rosenthal* (Narrator/ensemble) and Ciarra Stroud* (Eve/ensemble).

The Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree creative team includes Frankie Leo Bennett+ (director, The Diary of Adam and Eve), Jamal Howard+ (director/choreographer, The Lady or the Tiger?), and Laura Savage* (director, choreographer, Passionella); David Fiorello+ (music director), Rachel Sypniewski* (costume designer); Rachel West* (lighting designer), Matthew R. Chase+ (sound designer); Alden Vasquez+ (stage manager); Emily Marrazzo+ (assistant stage manager); Kevin Vilchez* (assistant stage manager); Majel Cuza* (production manager) and Michael Weber+ (artistic director).

Photo Credit: Oni Wright

Ruchir Khazanchi, Maddison Denault and Michael Mejia

Ciarra Stroud, Jonah Cochin and Susan Hofflander

Shea Hopkins, Leah Morrow, and Emma Rosenthal

The cast of PORCHLIGHT REVISITS THE APPLE TREE

Director and Choreographer Jamal Howard, THE LADY OR THE TIGER?, Director Frankie Leo Bennett, THE DIARY OF ADAM AND EVE and Porchlight Artistic Director Michael Weber

David Fiorello, Justin Akira Kono, Cara Strauss, Greg Strauss

David Sabbagh, Emily Marrazzo, Alden Vasquez, Jordan Large and Abbey Nettleton

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Porchlight Revisits THE APPLE TREE

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 00:55:09 +0000

Porchlight Music Theater invited audiences to take another bite of musical theater history with Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick’s THE APPLE TREE. The musical, composed of three one-acts centered on the theme of temptation, was the season opener for the Porchlight Revisits series. As usual, Porchight Artistic Director Michael Weber introduced the show with a brief educational talk on THE APPLE TREE’s history.

THE APPLE TREE features a deft ensemble of nine actors, all who play various roles in each of the show’s three acts. While the original production featured the same leads across all three pieces, Porchlight’s production puts different actors (and directors) front and center for each. It’s a concept that works well, allowing the actors to take the lead in the roles most suited to their talents. Frankie Leo Bennett directs THE DIARY OF ADAM AND EVE; while it’s no fault of Benett’s, this is the most unoriginal and creaky of the three acts in THE APPLE TREE. It’s a rather traditional play on the origin story of Adam and Eve, and of course, the infamous Snake that tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. While Jonah Cochin, Ciarra Stroud, and Susan Hofflander bring out the quirks in Bock and Harnick’s particular versions of Adam, Eve, and Snake, THE DIARY OF ADAM AND EVE meanders. It’s also hard not to look at the gender roles in this one act as mostly dated and uninteresting. In some moments, the one act seems ahead of its time, as when Stroud’s Eve is forced to laugh when Cochin’s Adam claims he has invented humor and tells her an extremely unfunny joke-ah, the origins of women laughing at men’s jokes just to get through the day. Outside of moments like that, though, Bock and Harnick present a rather tired portrait of Adam as strong and adventurous, while Eve is a mother figure and caretaker. The music for this act is pretty, and Stroud has a lovely, soaring tone, but it’s also not as distinctive as the score for the other two acts.

After departing the Garden of Eden, we arrive at THE LADY OR THE TIGER?, directed and choreographed by Jamal Howard. Musically, Bock and Harnick have given THE LADY OR THE TIGER? a more specific style-musical theater aficionados will recognize the narrative stylings of Balladeer (Michael Mejia), who brings audiences into the show at the act’s start. He queues up the story of the mighty King Arik (Hofflander, again displaying her comedic chops), who finds it just to have prisoners stand trial by standing before two doors. Behind one door, there’s a tiger, who will devour the prisoner. Behind the other, there’s a maiden from among the populace in the royal court-the prisoner will be freed but must marry her immediately. Of course, Princess Barbara has fallen for a commoner, Captain Sanjar (Ruchir Khazanchi). When King Arik discovers their forbidden love, he makes Sanjar stand the ultimate test. Wanting to save her lover’s life, Princess Barbara finds out which door will be which at Sanjar’s trial. But when she learns that a beautiful woman in court will stand behind one of the doors, she must decide if she wants to be selfish or selfless for her love.

THE LADY OR THE TIGER? is a fantastic comedic vehicle for Maddison Denault as Princess Barbara. She delivers the act’s comedic power ballads with verve. While Khazanchi’s presence isn’t quite as formidable, he’s a great scene partner for Denault. This is also a much more concise and lively one act as written than the previous one, and Howard’s direction and choreography keep it moving along at a brisk pace.

THE APPLE TREE concludes with PASSIONELLA, a riff on the classic Cinderella story centered on Ella-a poor chimney sweep who dreams of becoming a Hollywood movie star. Directed and choreographed by Laura Savage, THE APPLE TREE saves the best for last. PASSIONELLA is a delightful and exaggerated satire with jazz influences in the score. And in Leah Morrow, Porchlight has cast a total star in the dual roles of Ella/Passionella. Morrow seems born to play this part; she’s an outsized comedic actor who also maintains the absolute truth of her character-and she’s also one of the strongest singers in the ensemble. Morrow also plays terrifically off Emma Rosenthal in the role of the Narrator and Fairy Godmother. Rosenthal taps into the Narrator’s dry sense of humor, and her more understated presence is a great contrast to Morrow’s overly dramatic Ella. Of the three acts in THE APPLE TREE, PASSIONELLA as written has the strongest sense of style, place, and narrative; it’s fitting that Bock and Harnick would end with the act tied most specifically to the moment in which they wrote the show.

Because certain elements are dated and others are tied specifically to the 1960s, it makes complete sense that Porchlight Revisits would showcase THE APPLE TREE-it’s not a musical that’s likely to be revived any time soon. It displays Bock and Harnick’s talents as a composer/lyricist team, though, and the intelligence of using the theme of temptation-and the powerful notion that getting everything you ever wanted rarely looks like how you think it will-into each of the three acts .

While I didn’t care much for the material in THE DIARY OF ADAM AND EVE, I also deeply appreciate that Bock and Harnick pulled temptation and longing into the other acts as the narrative thread-rather than making this a musical all about Bible stories. That’s a much more interesting, universal, and human idea, and it justifies THE APPLE TREE’s spot in the Porchlight Revisits series.

Visit PorchlightMusicTheatre.org to learn about the remaining productions in the 2022/2023 season.

Photo Credit: Oni Wright

Review by Rachel Weinberg

The post Porchlight Revisits THE APPLE TREE appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

San Francisco Bay Space Degree 5 storm dwell updates: Toddler dies after falling tree hits Sonoma County residence

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 08:52:37 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — An extremely dangerous atmospheric river has moved into the San Francisco Bay Area and the first round of rain is already causing flooding on roadways and highways around the region.

However, ABC7 Meteorologist Drew Tuma says that the first wave won’t be the worst of it. The second round which arrives anywhere between 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. will slowly crawl over us with heavy rain which will make our flooding threat high.

TIMELINE: Wednesday’s very strong storm upgraded to Level 5; NWS says could cause ‘loss of life’

This storm is ranking a Level 5 on the exclusive ABC7 Storm Impact Scale. This is the first level 5 storm in the history of the scale.

Jan. 4, 2023

10:46 p.m.
Evacuation warnings in Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County has issued evacuation warnings to community members residing in the watershed areas of the Uvas Reservoir and Pacheco Pass River Basin due to weather conditions and risks to the general public and property. For more details, visit the county website here.

10:35 p.m.
Infant dies in Sonoma County home hit by falling tree

An infant has died after a tree fell onto a home in Occidental Wednesday night, fire officials said. The toddler aged 1 or 2 was home with their mom and dad when it happened.

Firefighters performed CPR while waiting for medics to arrive but the infant did not make it.

9:00 p.m.
Dam failure prompts Flash Flood Warning in San Benito Co.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for a dam floodgate release in northwestern San Benito County.

Dam operators reported the spillway of the North Fork Dam being compromised just after 6 p.m. and predict that water will overtop the spillway by tomorrow morning. This will impact areas, including Lovers Lane, Pacheco Creek and Santa Ana Creek.

Flooding is already being reported along the Pacheco Pass Reservoir.

NWS says residents who are in low lying areas below the North Fork Dam are urged to move to higher ground immediately.

7:25 p.m.
Wind gusts knock over gas station canopy in Daly City

This video of wind gusts so strong they knocked over the canopy of a gas station came in just minutes ago. This happened a short time ago in Daly City. At this time, we’re not hearing of any reports of injuries, but you can see the gas pump was crushed by the fallen canopy.

7:10 p.m.
Shelter-in-place in order lifted in San Rafael

The earlier Shelter in Place from Canal to mid-block Novato St due to multiple blown transformers and downed live wires has been lifted, according to San Rafael officials. Roadways have re-opened, however the power line had to be cut by PG&E and power is now out in the area, possibly expected to be out until tomorrow.

6:04 p.m.
Shelter-in-place in order in San Rafael

Officials issued a shelter-in-place order from Canal to mid-block Novato Street in San Rafael due to multiple blown transformers and live high voltage wires down. No vehicle or pedestrian traffic is allowed. For more information, visit here.

5:56 p.m.
Lanes blocked on I-280 in San Bruno

The southbound lanes of I-280 just north of Skyline Blvd in San Bruno is blocked due to multiple downed trees, CHP said.

Only one of the far left lane is open. CHP are asking drivers to avoid the area.

5:40 p.m.
Evacuation warnings for Russian River area

Officials issued an evacuation warning for residents living near the Russian River and its surrounding areas from Healdsburg to Jenner amid flooding threat. For the full list of evacuation warning zones, visit here.

Oakland, Milpitas declare State of Emergencies

The cities of Oakland and Milpitas declared local state of emergencies amid the powerful Level 5 storm. The declaration of the emergencies will enable cities to utilize all resources necessary to prepare and respond to the storm.

5:15 p.m.
San Francisco officials urge residents to stay off roads, limit 911 calls

Mayor London Breed joined city leaders to urge residents to stay off the roads as the storm intensifies Wednesday night. Officials are asking residents to limit 911 calls except for in emergency situations, as all crews are on hands-on-deck responding to weather-related incidents. For all non-emergency calls, you can dial 311.

4:30 p.m.
Mandatory evacuations ordered for multiple areas in Santa Cruz County

Evacuation orders for multiple areas of Santa Cruz County were issued Wednesday afternoon as more rainfall hit the county, bringing higher flood risks.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for unincorporated areas including the Paradise Park area in zone CRZ-E081 and the Felton Grove neighborhood in zones FEL-E008 and FEL-E012.

The following evacuation zones are also under an immediate evacuation order: CTL-E010, CTL-E014, CTL-E015, CTL-E018, and CTL-E019 zones in the Soquel area north of state Highway 1, the CTL-E050, CTL-E051 zones in the La Selva Beach area, PAJ-E015, PAJ-E024, PAJ-E026, PAJ-E027, PAJ-E028, PAJ-E029 zones near Pajaro, and WTS-E017, WTS-E018, WTS-E019 zones in Watsonville.

Evacuation zone CRZ-E001-C near Whitehouse Canyon Road has also been ordered to evacuate.

Evacuation orders in those areas are mandatory and the areas are closed to public access.

In addition, areas around Capitola Village and Felton are under evacuation warnings, as are areas of Boulder Creek, the area around Last Chance Trail and the Lompico and Zayante areas. Those who require additional time to evacuate and people who have pets and livestock should evacuate now, per the Capitola Police Department and Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.

For a complete list of evacuation zones, visit https://aware.zonehaven.com/search.

3:30 p.m.
Evacuations urged for parts of Alameda County

Residents of Kilkare, Palomares and Niles Canyon roads in Alameda County are urged to evacuate because of the storm, saturated soils and runoff, county officials said on Twitter at 2:31 p.m. Wednesday.

Rain is expected to become heavy Wednesday afternoon and stretch into Thursday. A wind warning is in effect until 10 a.m. Thursday.

3 p.m.
NOAA sending hurricane hunters into storm

ABC7 Meteorologist Drew Tuma says NOAA is sending their hurricane hunters into our atmospheric river right now to gather data on the storm’s strength.

2:30 p.m.
Departure, Arrival flights grounded at SFO

Departures and arrivals at San Francisco International Airport are grounded due to wind until at least 3 p.m., according to a representative.

2:15 p.m.
Several Bay Area counties under State of Emergency due to storm

Sonoma, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties have all declared an emergency. In Contra Costa County, the city of Danville is under a state of emergency. The city of Watsonville in Santa Cruz County has also declared a state of emergency.

11:15 a.m.
Newsom declares State of Emergency to support storm response, recovery efforts

Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued a State of Emergency for California to help with the response and recovery efforts to the large winter storm moving through the state. This will allow California to respond quickly to support local governments, authorities in their ongoing response.

11:10 a.m.
CHP issues high wind advisory for Golden Gate Bridge

The California Highway Patrol has issued a High Wind Advisory for the Golden Gate Bridge.

10:55 a.m.
CA officials give update on Level 5 storm

State officials will provide update on the state’s response to the impacts to California communities following a strong winter storm. Officials will also discuss the continued efforts the state is making to keep Californians safe.

10 a.m.
Several Bay Area schools announce closures for Wednesday, Thursday

Several schools across the Bay Area have announced they will be closed either Wednesday or Thursday due to the severe storm moving through the area. Here’s a look at the closures so far:

Horicon School in Annapolis in Sonoma county – closed today Wednesday 1/4
The South San Francisco Unified School District – closed Thursday 1/5 – (Classes will resume on Friday, Jan. 6)
San Mateo Foster City School District – closed Thursday 1/5 – (Classes will resume on Friday, January 6)
Pacifica School District closed Thursday 1/5 (Classes will resume on Friday, Jan. 6)
Portola Valley School District – all schools will be closed Thursday 1/5 – (Classes will resume on Friday, Jan. 6)

9:45 a.m.
Crow Canyon Road in San Ramon closed, open to residents only, police say

San Ramon police say Crow Canyon Road is closed to traffic in both directions between San Ramon and Castro Valley. There is limited access for residents only.

9:30 a.m.
CHP issues High wind advisories for Bay Bridge, San Mateo Bridge and Dumbarton Bridge

The California Highway Patrol has issued high wind advisories issued for three Bay Area bridges: Bay Bridge, San Mateo Bridge and Dumbarton Bridge.

8:50 a.m.
BART warns up to 20-minute systemwide delay due to wet weather

BART is warning riders there may be up to 20-minute delays systemwide due to wet weather conditions.

8:30 a.m.
East Bay Regional Parks District closed through Thursday

The largest regional park system in the country is closing down because of the strong storm hitting the Bay Area. East Bay Regional Parks District has closed down all parks from today through tomorrow. Residents are advised by the park district to not enter the parks.

Parks are expected to reopen on Friday after officials asses the weather conditions. For reopenings and more information on east bay regional parks you can head to their website.

8 a.m.
SF out of sandbags, hope to have more later Wednesday

The San Francisco Department of Public Works said Wednesday morning that no more sandbags are currently available for residents and businesses seeking them to prevent flooding from an atmospheric river hitting the city this week.

Public Works officials said more sandbags are expected to be available at the operations yard later Wednesday, but the exact time was to be determined.

7 a.m.
Marin County activates emergency shelter for unhoused residents

Marin County activated its severe weather emergency shelter starting Wednesday for people experiencing homelessness in anticipation of more heavy rain hitting the Bay Area this week.

The overnight warming shelter is located at the Marin County Health and Wellness campus located at 3240 Kerner Blvd., in San Rafael. It will be open from 5 p.m. Wednesday to 6:30 a.m. Thursday. Individuals are encouraged to sign in by 8 p.m. Wednesday.

The nearest public transportation to the campus, according to Google Maps, is the bus stop at Bellam Boulevard and Lisbon Street, which is served by Marin Transit’s 580 and 23 routes. It is also near the stop at Kerner Boulevard and Larkspur Street served by Marin’s 23, 29, 35, 36 and 645 routes.

VIDEO: Marin Co. announces emergency shelter for unhoused community

6:30 a.m.
Danville declares local emergency through Jan. 10

The Town of Danville has proclaimed a local emergency in response to the ugly storms expected to start Wednesday, while the city is still cleaning up after last weekend’s wet weather that included flooding and mudslides.

Acting as the city’s director of emergency services, Town Manager Joe Calabrigo signed the proclamation just before noon Tuesday, according to a statement from city officials. The proclamation will remain in effect until noon on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

The declaration allows Danville greater flexibility to contract for and obtain supplies for more expedient disaster response.

Residents can contact the police department for safety concerns at (925) 820-2144. To request non-urgent assistance for clean-up or other concerns, call Danville Maintenance Services at (925) 314-3450 or go to www.danville.ca.gov/danvilleconnect.

For assistance with county-maintained or privately-maintained creeks, call county public works at (925) 313-7000 or email admin@pw.ccounty.us. For power outage information, go to www.pge.com/outagealerts. Weather can be monitored at www.weather.gov/mtr.

Jan. 3, 2023

7:18 p.m.
Evacuation orders for unhoused living near creeks

San Jose has issued a mandatory evacuation order for unhoused people living in creek areas, police tweeted. SJPD says officers are responding to creek areas and making announcements to evacuate. Shelters will be provided.

7 p.m.
An area of Santa Cruz Co. being evacuated ahead of storm

An area near Whitehouse Canyon Road in Santa Cruz County is being evacuated due to concerns with a culvert, the sheriff’s office announced on Tuesday evening.

A culvert under Whitehouse Canyon Road became undermined during the last storm and that caused a part of the roadway to fail. The sheriff’s office anticipates that the upcoming rains pose a “significant concern” that the entire culvert could completely fail, making the roadway impassable for medical and law enforcement resources.

The zone being evacuated is CRZ-E001-C. To pinpoint its location, go to https://aware.zonehaven.com/search.

Road closures can be monitored at https://sccroadclosure.org.

6:50 p.m.
San Jose announces State of Emergency before historic storm

On Tuesday, the City of San Jose proclaimed a State of Emergency ahead of the atmospheric river weather event. The proclamation provides emergency powers to the city needed to respond to the storm events, and simultaneously issues an evacuation order to people living within or along waterways for their safety.

“We want to make sure all residents are informed and prepared to stay safe, and that city staff has the ability to move quickly to relocate encampments that are in harm’s way,” San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said.

5:50 p.m.
Mandatory evacuation orders issued for parts of Watsonville in Santa Cruz Co. at high risk of flooding

The City of Watsonville issued mandatory evacuation orders Tuesday evening for neighborhoods with a high risk of flooding ahead of Wednesday’s storm.

The city tweeted a map highlighting the areas ordered to evacuate in Santa Cruz County.

“If your residence is located within this map’s blue-shaded area, you’re asked to evacuate NOW or as soon as possible to safely get ahead of the storm’s flooding,” the tweet wrote.

An overnight shelter opened at Cesar Chavez Middle School (440 Arthur Rd.). This site will serve as the central location to accommodate residents. Shelter space will be limited, so pets must be dropped off at the Animal Shelter (580 Airport Blvd.) before the storm or make arrangements with friends or family.

Ramsay Park (1301 Main St.) is also now open and serves as a place for residents to meet up with family members and get information on available services. There will be limited onsite services.

For those who need transportation services, Lift Line will be available to assist. Please call 831-688-9663.

5:10 p.m.
SF Bay Ferry suspending service for 2 routes affecting Alameda, Oakland on Wednesday, agency says

The San Francisco Bay Ferry will be suspending service to two routes affecting Alameda and Oakland on Wednesday due to the storm forecast, the agency said on Tuesday.

The Harbor Bay and South San Francisco routes will not be sailing in either direction.

“Big southerly winds have outsized impacts at Harbor Bay and SSF terminals,” said the agency on Twitter.

All other routes will operate as scheduled, the agency said.

RELATED: Here’s how Bay Area is preparing for dangerous Level 5 storm taking aim at region

5 p.m.
Flood Warning issued for the Russian River in the North Bay

A Flood Warning has been issued on the Russian River near Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville, according to Meteorologist Drew Tuma. River forecast to crest at 35.4 feet Thursday evening causing moderate flooding.

4 p.m.
Pleasant Hill announces several sandbag locations ahead of storm

Pleasant Hill officials said Tuesday that city sandbag locations have been refilled and asked residents to respect the city’s 10-bag limit per household ahead of Wednesday’s storm.

Sandbags are located at City Hall at 100 Gregory Lane, the community center at 320 Civic Drive, and on Hawthorne Drive near Pleasant Oaks Park.

Pleasant Hill experienced flooding during last weekend’s storm and is expected to have similar issues once the next storm hits Wednesday. City officials asked people to not drive through flooded areas and around roadway closure signs and barricades.

3 p.m.
Orinda residents can fill sandbags at 2 locations

The city of Orinda has sand and empty sandbags available Tuesday at Moraga-Orinda Fire District Fire Station No. 43 at 20 Via Las Cruces, and at Fire Station No. 44 at 295 Orchard Road ahead of Wednesday’s storm.

Residents should bring their own shovels.

2:30 p.m.
Sandbags available at 2 San Ramon locations for residents

San Ramon police said sandbags are available Tuesday at two locations in the city ahead of another large storm forecast in the area.

The sandbags are available at Central Park at 12501 Alcosta Blvd. and at Athan Downs Park at 2975 Montevideo Drive.

2 p.m.
Santa Clara Co. offering free sandbags are several locations

Santa Clara County residents can get free filled sandbags from sandbag sites operated by the Santa Clara Valley Water District ahead of more heavy rainfall expected this week.

At the five Valley Water sandbag sites scattered throughout the county, residents can pick up free filled sandbags or fill their own with bags and sand the district has provided.

There are also 20 city and county public works yards with bags and sand that residents can fill themselves. A shovel and someone to help lift the sandbags is recommended since they are heavy.

Some sites may require proof of residency. More information and site locations can be found at https://www.valleywater.org/flooding-safety/flood-ready/sandbags.

12:45 p.m.
SF leaders give update on how city is preparing for storm

San Francisco leaders provided an update on how the city is preparing for the incoming atmospheric river. This comes after the city saw more than 5 inches of rainfall on New Year’s Eve causing widespread flooding making it the second wettest day in recorded history in San Francisco. Mayor London Breed says Wednesday’s storm will be significant. She is urging people to limit travel if possible. She warns of localized flooding. The mayor also says to use 911 for life-threatening emergencies, and 311 for reports of flooding in one’s home or business.

SF Department of Emergency and Management Mary Ellen Carroll says the National Weather Service has upgraded the wind gusts for Wednesday to 60 to 70 mph. There will be a Flood Watch from Wednesday at 4 a.m. to Thursday at 4 p.m. This could mean power outages and falling trees.

Officials are also recommending people to stock up on batteries and flashlights.

12:30 p.m.
SF warns sandbags are running low

SF Public Works says it is running low on sandbags. Residents asked to only get them if you really need them, limit of five per address.

“We have a limited supply of sandbags available for San Francisco residents whose properties are prone to flooding. Limit 5 per address. Pick up at our Operations Yard, Marin and Kansas streets gate. We’ll stay open until 8 p.m. Please only get sandbags if you really need them.”

Sandbags are available for residents and business owners. More details are available through “SF72” here.

8:30 a.m.

Most of Bay Area under moderate risk of flooding

The National Weather Service has placed most of the Bay Area under a moderate risk of flooding tomorrow for excessive rainfall. ABC7 Meteorologist Drew Tuma says given our wet soil conditions produced by recent heavy rains, flooding is likely.

Jan. 2, 2023

3 p.m.
NWS says powerful storm could cause ‘loss of life’

The National Weather Service said Monday that this upcoming storm will likely be “the most impactful system on a widespread scale that this meteorologist has seen in a long time.”

NWS officials say not only will this storm bring flooding, power outages and “disruption to commerce,” it will also most likely cause loss of human life. They say this system will be brutal and needs to be taken seriously.

Watch the latest AccuWeather forecast and take a look at recent weather stories and videos.

If you’re on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live

The post San Francisco Bay Space Degree 5 storm dwell updates: Toddler dies after falling tree hits Sonoma County residence appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Bock & Harnick’s THE APPLE TREE to Open at Ghostlight Gamers This Week

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 19:21:22 +0000

Ghostlight Players will present “The Apple Tree,” a musical from the creators of “Fiddler on the Roof” and “She Loves Me,” from October 13 – 16 at Hemsley Hall.

“The Apple Tree” features a book and score by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, with additional material by Jerome Coopersmith.

“The Apple Tree” is three one-act musical playlets: “The Diary of Adam and Eve” a quirky, touching spin on the tale of the world’s first couple, adapted from Mark Twain’s Extracts from Adam’s Diary; “The Lady or the Tiger?” is a rock and roll fable set in a mythical barbarian kingdom, which explores the fickleness of love; “Passionella” is based on Jules Feiffer’s offbeat Cinderella story about a chimney sweep whose dreams of being a “glamorous movie star” nearly sabotage her one chance for true love.

Directed by Charlie Siedenburg with music direction by Donna D’Ermilio, the cast features Gary Bradley (Adam/Ensemble/Flip), Danielle Oliveira (Eve/Ensemble), Gavin Matthias (The Snake/Balladeer/Narrator), Courtney Lee (Princess Barbara /ensemble), James McKeon (Capt. Sanjar/ensemble), Rich Ryan (King Arik/ensemble), Rachel Sievers (Ella/Passionella), Meredith Sladek (ensemble), Joyce Gordon (ensemble), Lloyd Lerner (ensemble), Eve Steinmetz (ensemble) and Charles Sullivan (Voice of God).

The orchestra features Donna D’Ermilio (piano/conductor), Glenn Kaiser (keyboard 2), Matthew Sommerfield (bass), Amy Beshara (violin) and Joe Piazza (percussion).

The production is designed by Charlie Siedenburg and Craig Kwasnicki, costume design by Adrienne Ferretti and Charles Sullivan, lighting and sound design by Nick Diaz. Stephanie Kwasnicki scenic artist. Michael Whelan is assistant director.

Songs include “Here in Eden,” “Eve,” “Go to Sleep Whatever You Are,” “What Makes Me Love Him,” “I’ll Tell You A Truth,” “I’ve Got What You Want,” ” Tiger, Tiger,” “Oh, to Be a Movie Star,” “Gorgeous,” “(Who, Who, Who, Who) Who Is She?,” “Wealth,” and “You Are Not Real.”

The musical, which featured a Tony-winning performance by Barbara Harris, also starred Alan Alda and Larry Blyden, opened at Broadway’s Shubert Theater in October 1966, playing 463 performances. Directed by Mike Nichols, “The Apple Tree” was nominated for seven Tony Awards including Best Musical. Jerome Coopersmith provided additional material.

Performances for “The Apple Tree” are October 13-16 (Thursday-Saturday at 8:00pm and Sunday at 3:00pm) at Hemsley Hall (4 Arthur Kill Road). Tickets for “The Apple Tree” are $25 adults and $20 seniors/students and available for purchase online at www.our.show/apple.

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Forged and Inventive Workforce Introduced For Porchlight Music Theatre’s THE APPLE TREE

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 09:06:17 +0000

Porchlight Music Theater begins its ninth season of Chicago’s “lost” musicals series with Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree, book and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, book and music by Jerry Bock with additional material by James Coopersmith.

Each of the three musical stories in The Apple Tree is directed by a different person, Frankie Leo Bennett (The Diary of Adam and Eve), Jamal Howard (The Lady or the Tiger?), and Laura Savage (Passionella) with musical direction by David Fiorello. Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree is presented for three performances only Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 pm and Thursday, Dec. 8 at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Street.

Three-show discounted Porchlight Revisits subscriptions are available and single tickets to Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree are $52 at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org or by calling the Porchlight Music Theater box office at 773.777.9884.

Now in its ninth season, Porchlight Revisits celebrates the rarely seen musical gems of Broadway, off-Broadway and beyond and is the ticket to go behind the scenes with an introduction to the luminaries who created the greatest musicals of all time and an opportunity to discover a new ‘old’ favorite all in one big show. Chicago’s finest music theater talents dust off these treasures and escort audiences into the world of the art of music theater’s past for a limited run. In addition to productions from days gone by, each Porchlight Revisits includes the Behind the Show Backstory, an entertaining and informative multimedia presentation, created and hosted by Artistic Director Michael Weber, introducing the evening’s production including the show’s creative history, juicy backstage stories and much more.

The cast of Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree includes Jonah Cochin (Adam/ensemble); Maddison Denault (Princess Barbara/ensemble); Susan Hofflander (Snake/ensemble); Shea Hopkins (Flip/The Prince/ensemble); Ruchir Khazanchi (Captain Sanjar/ensemble); Michael Mejia (balladeer/ensemble); Leah Morrow (Ella/Passionella/Ensemble); Emma Rosenthal (Narrator/ensemble) and Ciarra Stroud (Eve/ensemble).

The Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree creative team includes Frankie Leo Bennett (director, The Diary of Adam and Eve), Jamal Howard (director/choreographer, The Lady or the Tiger?), and Laura Savage (director, choreographer, Passionella); David Fiorello (music director), Rachel Sypniewski (costume designer); Rachel West (lighting designer), Matthew R. Chase (sound designer); Alden Vasquez (stage manager); Emily Marrazzo (assistant stage manager); Kevin Vilchez (assistant stage manager); Majel Cuza (production manager) and Michael Weber (artistic director).

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Wayward San Francisco mountain lion captured after being present in tree

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 03:14:56 +0000

A mountain lion was caught Wednesday night in San Francisco and is in the care of the Oakland Zoo.

California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife said data collected from the puma’s radio collar showed it was the same animal sighted on the streets of the city for the past two days.

The mountain lion was found in a tree on Santa Marina and Mission streets on the west side of Bernal Heights, about two blocks from Holly Park, according to San Francisco Animal Care and Control.

A wayward mountain lion spotted in a tree on Santa Marina Street near Mission Street in San Francisco was captured on May 19, 2021.

Ken Regal

Animal Care and Control was there first and posted a picture of the animal in the tree on social media. Captain Amy Corso has coordinated with the San Francisco Police to establish a secure perimeter.

Fish and Wildlife officials came next and shot the animal in the hindquarters with a sedative.

Mountain lion safely removed. @nbcbayarea pic.twitter.com/TmOXSQcmbk

– Jean Elle (@nbcjeanelle) May 20, 2021

KCBS reported that the lion was dazed and fell asleep on the porch of a nearby house before officers tagged and imprisoned him.

San Francisco-based Ken Shelf was out walking with his wife in the neighborhood when he noticed the Animal Care and Control van and police cars.

“We stopped and asked them jokingly if they were looking for the lion and they told us he was currently in the tree,” said Shelf, who took the photo of the cougar in the tree that was shared by the agency social media. “I was scared but also a little dizzy when the worlds collided this way, such a beautiful animal that lives in the wild and roams the city at night, looking for something to do and possibly a bite to eat – just like the rest of us. “

A mountain lion was caught in San Francisco on May 19, 2021.

Quinn Klaiman

“The sedated lion was taken to the Oakland Zoo for examination and will likely be released later in a more convenient location,” said Deb Campbell, a spokeswoman for Animal Care and Control.

The Oakland Zoo added in a statement that the mountain lion is a large, healthy male of around 100 pounds. The animal was picked up by staff at Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital around 1 a.m. on Thursday.

A mountain lion has been sighted in Bernal Heights and the Portola District in the past two days. Earlier this week, a resident of the Portola district took pictures of the animal with a home surveillance camera.

Pumas in search of new habitat and hunting ground occasionally migrate from San Mateo County to San Francisco. There have been occasional sightings over the years, usually around Lake Merced, but the animals usually quickly realize they don’t want to be in town and return south.

A young puma was caught in the neighborhood of SoMa in June last year.

Fish and Wildlife estimates that 4,000 to 6,000 mountain lions live in California.

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San Francisco Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ is shining star atop this season’s Christmas tree

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 09:45:55 +0000

With its fantastic atmosphere and adventurous film music, “Nutcracker” conjures up the magic of Christmas and enchants the audience with its enchanting magic. For many, the beloved ballet represents an essential cultural totem that heralds the merry Christmas. This year the “Nutcracker” is of particular importance as it heralds the return of the San Francisco Ballet to the stage of the War Memorial Opera House after a 21-month absence.

Choreographer Helgi Tomasson fills “Nutcracker” with a glowing imagination that makes the well-known story appear both new and nostalgic. The venue itself seemed to shimmer golden and embellished the aristocratic ambience of the opening party scene. The set is a triumph, complete with a soft glowing fireplace, a towering Christmas tree and a “Cinderella” -style staircase.

Visually impressive, the villa feels like home due to the characters who inhabit it. Glittering ball gowns swirl around the exquisite set and the children are a charming mob of ribbons, bows, mittens and ringlets. Uncle Drosselmeyer (Tiit Helimets) storms into the air with ease, and Clara and Fritz – played by the cute Abby Cannon and the hilarious Kai Hannigan – are lovely to look at.

Tchaikovsky, the composer of the original ballet, folded new and original melodies into the score with the enthusiasm of the cheerful Nicholas who hopped over the roofs. In this performance, conductor Martin West approaches each motif with intent and care, as if each song were a miraculous gift under a Christmas tree. The orchestra gives each atmosphere its own character – the romantic “Grand Pas de Deux”, the proud “Trepak”, the comical “Mother Ginger and the Polichinelles”. The dancers and the musicians blossom in harmonious marriage and take the audience into the fantastic worlds of a young girl’s imagination.

The story dissolves into Clara’s brilliant and fantastic daydreams, and the characters of her dreams move with ethereal grace. Tomasson’s choreography is an ode to the human body and its potential. The body becomes papyrus for poetic expression while the characters flaunt exquisite expansions and sleek jumps. Cannon is popular as Clara, and her older co-stars are generous dance partners. Above all, Joseph Walsh shines as the handsome nutcracker prince, all with charming heroism and dramatic flair.

The Snow Queen and the Snow King (Yuan Yuan Tan and Henry Sidford) pose like glass figures, but move with the smooth, liquid grace of running water. The accompanying snowflakes are an ethereal sight, wearing tulle skirts that move like jellyfish. The Sugar Fairy (Nikisha Fogo) turns and jumps through the air with inexhaustible, tireless buoyancy that leaves the audience breathless.

The set transformation itself swells into an amazing magical work. The first act culminates in a deeply moving sequence in which snowflakes fall from above. The show’s dynamism builds in its more episodic second act as Clara and the Nutcracker Prince travel the world in search of candy. The vignettes conjure up different national characters, but some numbers inherit outdated stereotypes about non-European countries. Despite the unchanged material, the dancers shine as captivating portraits of technique and skill.

The grandiose spectacle of “Nutcracker” – of glittering costumes, elaborate staging, incredibly difficult, but effortlessly executed movements – arouses a rare pathos. One that lingers long after the break and settles down on the drive along the Bay Bridge.

The “Nutcracker” of the San Francisco Ballet feels like a reunion – an event that always brings a special intimacy with it during the holidays. It is a catharsis to dissolve alienation, to thaw what was frozen in time. The pain of a 21 month absence is eased by the show’s warm embrace and everything is happy and bright again at the War Memorial Opera House. To see “Nutcracker” means to experience a homecoming – the kind that is bursting with magic and elicits enough indescribable joy to float into the new year.

Maya Thompson is an arts and entertainment editor. Contact them at [email protected].

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Macy’s Christmas tree lighting in San Francisco held every week early

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 11:00:06 +0000

Macy’s Christmas tree lights in San Francisco took place a week earlier

Union Square was lit up with Macy’s annual Christmas tree lights on Thursday. KTVU’s Jana Katsuyama reports that the event was held a week early to encourage sales in the collapsing retail corridor.

SAN FRANCISCO – A holiday tradition returned to Union Square in San Francisco on Thursday night when city officials gathered to light the Macy’s Christmas tree.

Seamus Stannard, 9, from San Francisco, was the star of the evening who was honored to push the giant button to light the tree through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Stannard then posed for photos with the city police and fire department and was given a shopping spree at Macy’s.

“It felt amazing,” said Seamus, “I’ll probably go shopping and see Santa Claus.”

“It feels very emotional,” said Sarah Bennett, Seamus’ mother. so it feels wonderful. “

The glow of the lights lifted the mood of many people.

“They are very beautiful. I like them because walking through them makes me feel like I’m in a fairy tale,” said Taia Ishchenko, a second grader from San Francisco who carried a bag with a newly purchased backpack. She was out shopping in Union Square with her sister, mother, and grandmother.

“We are all vaccinated and I hope this holiday will be more active. We’re going to go shopping now, we’re going to Apple to get a present for my eldest daughter, ”said Maria Ishchenko, Taia’s mother.

In-store decorations reflected a slow return to personal shopping.

“Every year it’s so beautiful. It’s a perfect time to cheer up after all this pandemic,” said Amanda Garcia from South San Francisco, who celebrated her birthday with tea at the Rotunda restaurant and some Christmas shopping.

Union Square is a vacation tradition for her, Amanda Barba and Sonia Flores, all of whom were from South San Francisco.

“We have been doing this for 14 years,” said Flores.

There were some differences this year, however.

“It seems to be a little quieter, not so alive,” said Barba. “It feels different, but I’m thankful it’s back. I mean, I’m thankful that I could come out and enjoy it a bit can .”

“I immediately noticed how empty it is,” said Flores, adding that the people they met were friendly. “The staff was very grateful to the people who were there that afternoon. We drove to four stops. “

The pandemic has taken its toll. Lease signs for vacant stores lined many of the blocks after H&M and other major retailers like Uniqlo and DSW closed their doors.

Many of the remaining stores will advertise Black Friday sales earlier this year, which coincide with the early tree lighting.

“Trying to start the holidays early, given some delays in various deliveries and the like, and just get out of COVID for some joy and mood early,” said Marisa Rodriguez, executive director of the Union Square Alliance.

The San Francisco police chief and mayor said they are planning additional patrols along with an ambassador program to increase security and welcome shoppers back.

“We have already started an increased effort in the Union Square Area and other parts, but during the holiday season,” said Police Chief William Scott. “The ambassador program we retired San Francisco cops stopped. Now we have 23. They also work in the area.”

“Nothing says Christmas like people having fun and shopping,” said Mayor of London Breed. “We’re doing everything we can to make sure this neighborhood, Union Square, is safe.”

Along with the Christmas tree, Union Square will also bring back the lights on the menorah on November 28 to celebrate Hannukah.

Left:

UNION SQUARE SHOPPING AND MACY’S TREE LIGHTING
UNION SQUARE WEBSITE
SF POLICE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Jana Katsuyama is a reporter for KTVU. Email Jana at jana.katsuyama@fox.com and follow her on Twitter @JanaKTVU or Facebook @NewsJana or ktvu.com.

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Meals Lures Black Bear Out Of Petaluma Yard Redwood Tree – CBS San Francisco

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 14:46:02 +0000

PETALUMA (KPIX) – A headstrong 500-pound black bear safely descended from a Petaluma backyard sequoia tree Sunday night, lured out of its sky-high hideout with the help of fish and other food, and ended a day-long stalemate with wildlife officials.

The bear walked down the sidewalk and eventually back into the nearby open space.

“We see a lot of deer walking up and down the street, but no bears,” said Petaluma’s Charlie Llorence.

“We really hope he is fine and I know that I trust all the people who try to help him,” added Jerri Llorence.

The Llorences live within walking distance of where the bear landed in Raymond Heights.

“We had our binoculars and we could only see them from the back and it was really cool,” said Charlie.

For most of the day, the bear was the star of the show, mesmerizing the neighbors as it sought refuge.

At 2:30 am, Ralph Haney’s dog started barking, so he went outside and found that his fence had been torn open.

“We have a few possums nearby, an occasional skunk,” Haney said. “There was no way a small rodent did that. Something broke that fence. That took some strength. “

Sheila Katz saw what it was doing when she got home early in the morning.

“I got out of my car and looked down the driveway and saw a bear running slowly past and said, ‘Oh my god, that’s a bear!’ It’s a bear! It’s a bear! ‘”, Remembers Katz.

A neighbor snapped a photo of the bear as it rushed through backyards trying to escape a growing number of police and animal control officers. The frightened bear, looking for the only safety he could find, climbed 25 meters on a sequoia tree.

Mark Scott, Executive Director of North Bay Animal Services, was there and witnessed the event.

“He did that in about, I don’t know, about six seconds? So he’s a big boy – it was amazing to see, ”said Scott.

The animal stayed there for the rest of the day, hiding behind the foliage as best it could, when dozens of people came to enjoy the unusual sight.

“It’s alive! It’s something we don’t normally see and I think it’s just all the mystique of what a bear is, ”said Aubrey McMillon.

“It’s one thing to get a mountain lion, but you don’t usually hear anything from a bear,” says Eliza Fischer.

At some point a flock of crows started circling the tree and made a terrible noise when they discovered what was inside.

Doris Duncan, executive director of Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue, said she understood the fascination of seeing something this unusual, but hoped people would understand how terrified the bear was in its predicament.

“He got stuck and everyone here scared him up the tree and he doesn’t feel safe coming down yet,” she said. “Besides, it’s daylight. He knows that he will have some problems if he starts roaming these streets. “

She said it appeared to be a very healthy male black bear that weighed maybe 500 pounds. It was too high to use a calming arrow safely, so the plan was to just wait for dark and let it come down on its own.

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Black Bear Wandering Petaluma Takes Refuge in Redwood Tree – CBS San Francisco

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 06:39:17 +0000

PETALUMA (KPIX) – It’s not uncommon to see wildlife in urban areas these days, but a visitor to a neighborhood in Petaluma became the talk of the town on Sunday.