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Organization
City Lights Theater Company
City Lights Theater Company, a nonprofit organization, produces a season of six plays per year in its intimate 108-seat venue. It is committed to presenting exhilarating, thought-provoking plays that speak strongly to its audiences. It actively develops and produces new plays through its New Play Readers Series, some of which become produced as part of a regular season.
City Lights encourages the growth of smaller theatre companies through its Spotlight Series, in which a diverse group of performing artists are hosted in the City Lights theatre and provided with publicity and box office services for their productions. The company also offers a Youth and Education Program which offers ticket discounts, free study guides and other opportunities. In addition, City Lights is widely regarded as a nurturing space in which many up-and-coming actors, directors, designers and technicians are given an opportunity to develop their theatre skills alongside seasoned professionals.
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Contact Info
City Lights Theater Company
529 S. 2nd Street
San Jose, CA 95112Phone: 408-295-4200
Fax: 408-295-8318
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Video & Image Gallery
Video | Images
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Upcoming Events
07/16/09-
08/23/09The Who's Tommy
City Lights Theater09/17/09-
10/18/09The Last Days of Judas Iscariot
City Lights Theater11/19/09-
12/20/09Another Night Before Christmas
City Lights Theater03/18/10-
04/18/10Cyrano de Bergerac
City Lights Theater05/20/10-
06/20/10Second Weekend in September
City Lights Theater07/22/10-
08/29/10Rent
City Lights Theater -
Member Reviews
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Event Name: Stop Kiss
"A Slice of Life"
Comment posted by: Sarah G. from Menlo Park, CA, Jun 01, 2009
I felt like the actors gave me a wonderful gift in this show; everyone was present, honest, and listened to each other on stage. The actress playing Sarah was absolutely amazing, and really had the... Expand
I felt like the actors gave me a wonderful gift in this show; everyone was present, honest, and listened to each other on stage. The actress playing Sarah was absolutely amazing, and really had the audience in the palm of her hand. Her sunny, quirky character was absolutely spot on, and every movement she made was specific and just...completely REAL. Callie was outstanding as well. The contrast of the two ladies was very apparent and effective. It was wonderful to watch Callie take the journey of falling in love with Sarah. Once again, the actress was specific and in the moment constantly! WOW! George(Alex Hero) was charming, funny, and sweet. I enjoyed watching the interaction between him and Callie.The actors playing Peter and the Detective were fantastic, and Mrs. Winsley(Linda P.) was amazing as usual. An overall fantastic production. These actors did an amazing job. Go see it!! Collapse
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Event Name: Stop Kiss
"Excellent play!!!"
Review posted by: A Sunnyvale theater goer. from Sunnyvale, CA, May 23, 2009
This well written play directed by Alicia Davidovich centers on two women who have to deal with their growing emotions and a gay bashing incident. Michelle Beyda plays Callie, a jaded New Yorker, and... Expand
This well written play directed by Alicia Davidovich centers on two women who have to deal with their growing emotions and a gay bashing incident. Michelle Beyda plays Callie, a jaded New Yorker, and Veronika Olah plays Sara, an adventurous midwesterner. These two are simply excellent in portraying the lead characters. K. Michael Riley and Linda Piccone do a fine job in supporting roles. This is definitely a play worth seeing. I highly recommend it. Collapse
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Event Name: The Three Musketeers
"Swashbuckling action galore!"
Review posted by: Dexter from Santa Clara, CA, Mar 31, 2009
This is the first time I attended a City Lights Theater production and being a fan of swashbuckling films and of The Three Musketeers I had high hopes for this production. At the end of the show I... Expand
This is the first time I attended a City Lights Theater production and being a fan of swashbuckling films and of The Three Musketeers I had high hopes for this production. At the end of the show I came out thoroughly entertained! There's plenty of swordplay, romance, humor, and intrigue to appeal to everyone. It was a really interesting setting and a great way to break out of the box to have the cast members move around the theater and surround the audience. Those sitting close to the stage will have to be aware of their proximity to all the sword-fighting. I got a kick out of one of the characters swinging from the rafters a la Errol Flynn! Awesome! That being said, the twist in this tale which is a "play-within-a-play" can sometimes be hard to follow as the lines between the Dumas tale and the "play" can get somewhat blurred after having committed to the classic Dumas tale. I feel that even if the production decided to do without the concept of the stagehand filling in for the D'Artagnan role, they still would have done an excellent job in my opinion! While the other performers get to help and remind the "stagehand" with his role and the story and thereby reminding the audience about the "play-within-the-play-dynamic," I feel that it would help ground that idea better if there were other "stagehands and production staff" in the audience or behind the scenes helping as well (as one might expect in reality). All in all it was a great effort and kudos go to Kit Wilder (as Athos and fight director), Thomas Gorrebeeck (as D'Artagnan), and Vera Sloan (as Milady De Winter) for holding up this production as well as the rest of the supporting cast. I would recommend seeing this. All for one and one for all, indeed! Collapse
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Event Name: The Three Musketeers
"Not So Impressed"
Review posted by: Princess from San Jose, CA, Mar 24, 2009
I saw this show last weekend & I wasn't impressed. I've seen many productions there in the past & have enjoyed myself thoroughly. This time however I walked away feeling dissatisfied with the quality... Expand
I saw this show last weekend & I wasn't impressed. I've seen many productions there in the past & have enjoyed myself thoroughly. This time however I walked away feeling dissatisfied with the quality of the show. That being said I did enjoy most of the characters & language of the play. I couldn't always follow along with the story or action, but the sword fighting was interesting. Got a bit dicey for a few audience members at times, but some didn't seem to mind. In my opinion this wasn't City Lights at it's best. Collapse
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Event Name: First Person Shooter
"Over Indulgent"
Review posted by: South Bay Critic from Bay Area, CA, Feb 18, 2009
Overall my interest was held and the scenes with the family struggling over their son's death were excellent. The actors handled them with great understanding and sensitivity. But, unfortunately half... Expand
Overall my interest was held and the scenes with the family struggling over their son's death were excellent. The actors handled them with great understanding and sensitivity. But, unfortunately half the play takes place in the office of the game company. The actors portrayed these characters as mean spirited, garbaged mouthed bullies. It was just ridiculous. The characters were totally unlikable. It was almost as if the director wanted us to believe that they were unethical and insensitive human beings. It's similar to the mistake of playing Iago as a villain in Othello. It's insulting to the intelligence of the audience. The premise of the play is excellent and the main conflict is captivating. I just wish it wasn't directed in such a heavy handed way. Collapse
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Event Name: First Person Shooter
"Provocative"
Review posted by: Susannah from San Jose, CA, Jan 30, 2009
This show is what I think personally City Lights does best. A show that might bring up a lot of strong feelings and has you questioning and reevaluating the gray areas that you previously might have... Expand
This show is what I think personally City Lights does best. A show that might bring up a lot of strong feelings and has you questioning and reevaluating the gray areas that you previously might have thought were black and white. The wonderful vernacular of this play is delivered believably and the use of video and fluid use of multimedia was a great addition (not a distratction as substandard tech can often detract). I'm rarely made uncomfortable by theatre, but the imagery and topics of this are intelligent and...a bit disturbing. Just when you think you are desensitized by violent film and let's face it reality, you find yourself having some strong emotions to the topics and presentation of this play. Good and worth it, but be aware you won't just be sitting back and relaxing. This play makes you think and react, take sides, judge, and examine. Good Job City Lights. More of this please. Collapse
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Event Name: First Person Shooter
"The kind of theatre there should be more of in San Jose."
Review posted by: Lila B. from San Jose, CA, Jan 28, 2009
I really loved this show. There was so much more to the story than I was expecting, and the production was fantastic. George Psarras gave a particularly amazing performance. This is exactly the type... Expand
I really loved this show. There was so much more to the story than I was expecting, and the production was fantastic. George Psarras gave a particularly amazing performance. This is exactly the type of production that I wish I could see every time I go to local theatre: risky, thought-provoking, original, and wonderfully directed, acted and produced by local talent. If, like me, you want to see more work like this produced, go see it while you can and prove that there is an audience for good theatre in the South Bay. Collapse
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Event Name: First Person Shooter
"Amazing show!"
Review posted by: lwilkinson from San Jose, CA, Jan 26, 2009
From the subject matter, one would think this was much of a 'downer' story line. What a surprise we had! It is a very thought provoking, amazing show that allows you to see the story unfold from many... Expand
From the subject matter, one would think this was much of a 'downer' story line. What a surprise we had! It is a very thought provoking, amazing show that allows you to see the story unfold from many angles.... Casting was superb as well. Another winner City Lights! Don't miss this show! Collapse
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Event Name: Rapunzel or Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow & Holiday Vaudeville Revue
"Giggles and warm fuzzies"
Review posted by: Noel from Los Altos, Dec 18, 2008
If you're a fan of opera, then this show is for you. If you like the classic holiday songs (e.g. Carol of the Bells, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?), then... Expand
If you're a fan of opera, then this show is for you. If you like the classic holiday songs (e.g. Carol of the Bells, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?), then this show is for you. If your holiday season in incomplete without Dickensian carolers , this show is for you. Walk, don't run to see Rapunzel/Holiday Musical Revue. The cast is topnotch, featuring some outstanding voices capable of mastering both classical and contemporary songs. I laughed, I cried, I celebrated the yuletide... Collapse
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Event Name: Rapunzel or Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow & Holiday Vaudeville Revue
"Music Talent even the tone deaf can appreciate"
Review posted by: Susannah from San Jose, CA, Dec 08, 2008
This first part of this show is indeed silly and the puns almost whiz past you it's so fast, but the second part of this production was really surprising. I don't consider myself at all to be the... Expand
This first part of this show is indeed silly and the puns almost whiz past you it's so fast, but the second part of this production was really surprising. I don't consider myself at all to be the "musical revue" target audience but the harmonies and humor in the variety show were excellent. No mics, one piano and a fun variety of funny and touching songs makes this evening of under 2 hours with intermission a nice time. Some really excellent voices here once you get past a bit of the corny and the cheesy. I found myself plesantly relaxed afterward and definately in the holiday spirit. Collapse
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Past Events
05/14/09-
06/14/09Stop Kiss
City Lights Theater04/24/09 Spring Fundraiser
City Lights Theater03/25/09 From Page to Stage: An Evening with Actor & Playwright Kit Wilder
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library03/19/09-
04/19/09The Three Musketeers
City Lights Theater02/10/09 Inner Monkey - New Play Series
City Lights Theater01/22/09-
02/22/09First Person Shooter
City Lights Theater12/15/08-
12/31/08City Lights City Passport
City Lights Theater11/20/08-
12/21/08Rapunzel or Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow & Holiday Vaudeville Revue
City Lights Theater10/14/08 Leaden Skies
City Lights Theater09/28/08 The Jazz Showcase
City Lights Theater09/25/08-
10/19/08Noises Off
City Lights Theater07/17/08-
08/31/08Hair
City Lights Theater06/18/08-
06/22/08Shakespod
City Lights Theater05/15/08-
06/15/08A Few Good Men
City Lights Theater03/20/08-
04/20/08Lysistrata
City Lights Theater01/17/08-
02/17/08Boy Gets Girl
City Lights Theater11/15/07-
12/23/07Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol
City Lights Theater09/20/07-
10/21/07Angels In America - Part Two, Perestroika
City Lights Theater09/19/07 Fashion Extravaganza
07/19/07-
08/26/07The Full Monty
City Lights Theater05/18/07-
06/10/07Thunderbabe
Theatre on San Pedro Square05/17/07-
06/17/07The Goat or, Who is Sylvia
City Lights Theater03/22/07-
04/15/07Voluntary Amnesia
City Lights Theater02/06/07 New Play Readers Series - The Moon Sees Me
City Lights Theater01/25/07-
02/25/07Fat Pig
City Lights Theater11/16/06-
12/22/06A Christmas Twist
City Lights Theater10/03/06-
10/03/05The Migratory Patterns of Boys
City Lights Theater09/14/06-
10/15/06Angels in America Part One: Millennium Approaches
City Lights Theater07/13/06-
08/20/06Jesus Christ Superstar
City Lights Theater05/18/06-
06/18/06String of Pearls
City Lights Theater04/10/06 New Play Readers Series - An Evening of Short New Plays
City Lights Theater03/23/06-
04/23/06The Nerd
City Lights Theater02/23/06-
03/05/06Birth
City Lights Theater02/06/06 New Play Readers Series - The Onslow Project
City Lights Theater01/19/06-
02/19/06Visiting Mr. Green
City Lights Theater12/05/05 New Play Readers Series - Strange Bedfellows
City Lights Theater11/17/05-
12/18/05Wise Women
City Lights Theater11/06/05 New Play Readers Series - Mothers to the Struggle
City Lights Theater11/05/05 New Play Readers Series - Black Lies
City Lights Theater11/01/05 New Play Readers Series - The Creature
City Lights Theater09/22/05-
10/23/05Proof
City Lights Theater09/16/05-
09/22/05Seven Guitars
Louis B. Mayer Theatre - Santa Clara University08/31/05-
09/10/05Seven Guitars
City Lights Theater07/28/05-
08/20/05The Pavillion
City Lights Theater06/02/05 City Lights Theatre Company Summer Fundraiser
05/19/05-
06/26/05A...My Name is Alice
City Lights Theater05/04/05-
05/08/05Breast Entanglements
City Lights Theater04/18/05 New Play Reader’s Series - Black Lies
City Lights Theater03/24/05-
04/23/05What the Butler Saw
City Lights Theater01/27/05-
02/26/05The Waiting Room
City Lights Theater11/18/04-
12/19/04Heroes
City Lights Theater10/20/04-
10/23/04A Most Notorious Woman
City Lights Theater09/16/04-
10/16/04Clouds Hill
City Lights Theater08/05/04-
08/21/04Iphigeneia at Aulis
City Lights Theater05/20/04-
06/26/04Assassins
City Lights Theater03/11/04-
04/10/04Wonder of the World
City Lights Theater01/22/04-
02/21/04A Shayna Maidel
City Lights Theater12/08/03 New Play Readers Series: Transition, Transition
City Lights Theater11/20/03-
12/27/03The Bible: The Complete Word of God (Abridged)
City Lights Theater11/08/03 KILL VITO: A Diabolical Fundraiser
10/27/03 The Creature
City Lights Theater10/23/03-
10/25/03Clitoris Celebration: Thinking Out of the Box
City Lights Theater09/18/03-
10/18/03Don Juan in Chicago
City Lights Theater08/16/03 City Lights Casino Night
City Lights Theater06/09/03-
06/17/03Butt-Naked in Tinseltown- Inside the Actor's Mind
City Lights Theater05/15/03-
07/26/03Rocky Horror Show
City Lights Theater03/16/03 Annual Follies and Silent Auction Fundraiser
City Lights Theater03/13/03-
04/05/03Five Women Wearing the Same Dress
01/23/03-
02/22/03Sylvia
11/21/02-
12/21/02The Santaland Diaries
09/19/02-
10/19/02Comic Potential
11/15/01-
12/22/01The Miser
12/31/69 Celebrate Me Home: A Cabaret Fundraiser for City Lights Theater Company
City Lights Theater
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