Hats Off to Love
A&E FEATURE - December 2013
By KC Badela, Avani Bahl, Pierce Freeman, Matt Geffen, John Hassen, Jeremy Ivory-Chambers, Sara Kashani, Christine Watridge and Ellie Wynne; from Branson, Katherine Delmar Burke, Lycee Francais International de San Francisco, Marin Academy, San Domenico, Sir Francis Drake High and Saint Ignatius College Preparatory Schools
A staple of San Francisco culture? A “need to see” in most city guidebooks? As locals, we tend to overlook attractions that draw visitors to our area from around the world. Today we headed out to see this world-wide attraction — Beach Blanket Babylon, a theatrical show that blends music, humor, and political commentary in our favorite city, San Francisco.
As we walked up to the flamboyant and lavishly lit Club Fugazi, we were courteously escorted to the producer’s row, where waiters served us drinks and pretzels. The theater was not at all what we had expected— it had a very club-like, cozy feel with rich deep-red velvet curtains. Waiters skillfully maneuvered about the room filling snack and drink orders before the show commenced, adding to the theatre vibe. On the walls hung shimmering gold silhouette cutouts matted on black of the permanent portions of the show – a poodle and a dancing peanut were two of the more famous examples. Our row was practically close enough to touch the actors and was where Prince William sat when he watched the show a couple of years ago. Soon, the trumpets sounded and the curtains drew, as some festive musicians danced their way to their seats; the show had begun.