Thu, Nov 13
Rossum’s Universal Robots—Foothill Theatre Arts is mounting the West Coast premiere of Rossum’s Universal Robots (R.U.R.), running through Nov. 23. The 1921 play, which introduced the word “robot” to the English language, has received an update by adaptor Bo List to address one of today’s most pressing questions: What can happen if A.I. goes rogue? $15-$28. Nov 13 & 20, 7:30pm; Nov 14-15 & Nov 21-27, 8pm; Nov 16 & 23, 2pm. Loham Theatre, Foothill College,12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. foothill.edu/theatre.
Fri, Nov 14
Fiddler on the Roof—Children’s Musical Theater San Jose’s Rising Stars present the story of Tevye and his five daughters, and the traditions of the village of Anatevka, featuring local performers ages 11-15. $30. Nov 14-23. Montgomery Theater, 271 S Market St, San Jose. cmtsj.org
A Twig in the Thief’s Beard—This South Asian company adapts Nikolai Gogol’s The Government Inspector—first published in 1836 and staged in countless adaptations and styles. Here, corrupt local officials in a Gujarati town are abuzz because Inspector Sahib is on his way to check on them. $25-$65. Nov 14-23. Cubberley Theatre, 4120 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto. naatak.org
Sat, Nov 15
Songs on Saturday—This week’s live music offering features Young Hoff, fresh off his solo set and collab performance with LaRussell at Music in the Park; songstress Kira Hooks; and local singer-songwriters Mark Hattori, Drew Storey and Mardi Morillo. Free. Nov 15, 11am. Voyager Craft Coffee 111 W St John St, San Jose. Insta: @songsonsaturday.
Vicky Nguyen The NBC News Daily anchor and chief consumer investigative correspondent appears at the San José Public Library’s Signature Author Event, joined in conversation by Supervisor Betty Duong, followed by an audience Q&A. Nguyen will share the inspiration behind Boat Baby, her memoir of her family’s escape from Vietnam and her journey from refugee to Today Show reporter. $100+. Nov 15, 1-3pm. Blanco, 12 N San Pedro St, San Jose. sjplf.org
Fall Orchestra & Wind Ensemble—A performance of classic and contemporary works by Arturo Márquez, David Maslanka, Corelli, Grieg, Chen Yi and Dvořák. $18-$22; SCU students free. Nov 15-16, 7:30pm. Mission Santa Clara, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. scupresents.org
Fall Open Studios—Visit 25 artists, see where they work, and shop the new art they’ve created. Live music will be presented by the Cambrian Symphony. Free. Nov 15-16, 11am-5pm. The Alameda Artworks, 1068 The Alameda, San Jose. thealamedaartworks.org
Sun, Nov 16
Madama Butterfly—Puccini’s opera classic reveals the story of a young Japanese woman who sacrifices everything for a faithless American naval officer. César Delgado plays the officer; Emily Michiko Jensen is Cio-Cio-San. $61.50-$221.50. Nov 16-30. California Theatre, 345 S First St, San Jose. operasj.org
An Evening of Persian Delights—Under the baton of Barbara Day Turner, San Jose Chamber Orchestra presents an evening with composer/pianist Faranak Shahroozi, who will perform five of her own pieces. $20-$85. Nov 16, 7pm. St. Francis Episcopal Church, 1205 Pine Ave, San Jose. 408.295.4416 sjco.org
Wed, Nov 19
Fall Jazz Band & Combos Festival—Listen to Santa Clara University’s talented Jazz Band explore time-honored jazz standards and new compositions. $18-22; SCU students free. Nov 18-19, 7pm. Music Recital Hall, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara. scupresents.org
Set the Sun: In Conversation with Electronics and Other Instruments—Composer Sam Pluta shares excerpts from his new work, Set the Sun, and joins Sinatra Chair Teresa McCollough for a conversation about composing for instruments and electronics. Free. Nov 19, noon. Music Recital Hall, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara. scupresents.org
Continuing
A Driving Beat—TheatreWorks Silicon Valley debuts Jordan Ramirez Puckett’s play, involving a cross-country road trip during which a brown son and his white mother seek common ground. Directed by Jeffrey Lo, A Driving Beat runs through Nov 23. $49-$79. Shows this week: Nov 13, 7:30pm; Nov 14, 8pm; Nov 15, 2 & 8pm; Nov 16, 2 & 7pm; Nov 18, 7:30pm; Nov 19, 2 & 7:30pm. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts SecondStage, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. 877-662-8978. theatreworks.org
The Odd Couple—Neil Simon’s famed play about two opposites—a neatnik and a slob—who try to coexist as roommates is presented in two versions, with both male and female protagonists in the lead roles. $16-$25. Male version: Nov 14-15, 8pm; female version: Nov 13, 8pm; Nov 15-16, 2pm. Louis B. Mayer Theatre, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara. scupresents.org
Newsies—Playful People Productions presents the Tony Award-winning musical based on the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899, in which a charismatic newsboy rallies newsies from across the city to unite. $22-$30. Nov 13-14, 7pm; Nov 15, 1 & 7pm; Nov 16, 1pm. Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Ave, San Jose. 408.878.5362. playfulpeople.org.
Zoppé Family Circus—Zoppé Family Circus, visiting from Italy, returns to Redwood City for the 18th time, its one-ring circus driven by a central story augmented by acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, clowning and audience participation. $12-$35. Shows through Nov 30. redwoodcity.org/zoppe
