Oh, glorious March, Tomatoes. Spring is really here, and the happenings are abundant. So, break out those spring clothes that have been lurking in the back of your closet gathering dust, get dressed up and head out to the theatre. So many great productions all over the bay. Or grab a pal and test your wizarding skills at a themed mini golf course. Fine jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels transformed the center court at Valley Fair and Janelle Monae will be sharing her new book via City Arts and Lectures. And join me  at the Renewal Summit on May 13^th, in NYC.

 Now-April 30. Wizarding Mini Golf

If you are like me, and still love the magic of wizards and wands, this is your chance to test your wizarding skills on a crazy golf course, inspired by famous fantasy and fiction wizards. Embark on 9 wand-erful holes of magic and encounter smoking cauldrons, tasty potions and magical portals along the way.

You may even be required to cast a few spells in order to excel and complete the mystical challenge. Wizard golf costs just $15 per person and includes 9 holes of magical golf. Plenty of tasty refreshments will also be available to purchase at the mystical and magical venue. Grab your fellow wizarding fans and hop on your broomsticks to see who will be crowned the putt-putt winner. SVN WEST, South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco. Get the details.

GET THE DETAILS

Rent and Tootsie at San Jose Center

San Jose Center for the Performing arts is THE venue for Broadway touring companies and wow some great ones are on deck this spring. The Farewell tour of RENT is coming next month, so it’s a must see if you have not experienced this cultural phenomenon. For a quarter of a century, RENT has inspired us to choose love over fear and to live without regret. This Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning phenomenon has become more than a musical – it’s a cultural touchstone and a source of joy and strength for millions. April 8 – 10

Also coming is Tootsie. Rolling Stone called it “musical comedy heaven”,” the most uproarious new musical in years!” (The Hollywood Reporter). This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. April 19-24^th.

Both of these award winning productions are at Broadway San Jose. Get the details.

March 30-April 24. August Osage County at The Stage

This Pulitzer Prize-winning play erupts with biting wit. After the disappearance of their alcoholic patriarch, three sisters along with their partners, reunite in AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY to console their razor-tongued, drug-addled mother Violet. As the family careens toward near-apocalyptic meltdown; old grievances are aired, family secrets unearthed, and new wounds are sowed. This provocative, multi-award-winning play unflinchingly-and uproariously-explores the challenge of escaping the inescapable. Thestage.org

Now – April 10. You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown at the Landmark

You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown brings those Peanuts characters we have loved for decades, to life.  Good ol’ Charlie Brown, the kid who never gives up (eve n though he almost never wins), is joined by his little sister Sally, Charlie’s principal nemesis Lucy Van Pelt, her blanket-loving brother Linus, young pianist Schroeder, and Charlie’s favorite dog Snoopy for a delightful evening of songs and scenes depicting a typical day in the life of Charlie Brown. You will surely sing along to  Sally’s “New Philosophy” and Schroeder’s “Beethoven Day” along with “Suppertime”, “Baseball Game” and “Happiness.” Landmarkmusicals.com

Flora And Fauna Inspired Gems and Timepieces

Apparently, trendy immersive experiences aren’t just for famous dead artists and ice cream.  Fine jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels recently transformed the center court of Silicon Valley’s Westfield Valley Fair into a floral sketchbook. The installation will be in bloom through the last day of March. Alexandre Benjamin Navet has created a colorful universe.

The multidisciplinary artist is known for various techniques a la Japanese watercolor and pencil, as well as his use of bright colors, objects, and architectural forms that allow him to tell stories in a simple and playful language. They’re all at work here—bringing the vitality of nature to life. Of course, the dreamy exhibit includes plenty of sparkle and shine—showcasing VC&A’s flora- and fauna-inspired gems and timepieces. Best part? You get to try on select pieces as part of the experience. Special orders of your favorites are available, too. 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd. (Santa Clara), vancleefarpels.com

A Conversation with Janelle Monáe

From groundbreaking musician, actor, fashion icon and futurist JANELLE MONÁE and an outstanding group of collaborators comes THE MEMORY LIBRARIAN, a collection of short fiction, bringing to the written page the rebellious and Afrofuturistic world of Monáe’s critically acclaimed album Dirty Computer. In this moving, triumphant collection, singer Monáe returns to the dystopian world of her Dirty Computer concept album and short film.

All tickets include a copy of THE MEMORY LIBRARIAN.  At 62 years, Marcus Books is the oldest Black bookstore in the country. Located in Oakland, it is a literary and cultural landmark, providing the community with a wide selection of books by and about Black people and other People of Color. https://www.cityarts.net/