Based on a Totally True Story

Subscribe now for our 2026-27 season to get the best savings and best seats! Single tickets go on sale June 1.

Why you should see Based on a Totally True Story

Because this fast-paced contemporary comedy will charm you in a flash.
Because you’ll root for Ethan and Michael to be a totally true love story.
Because it might inspire you to become a superhero in your own life.

Synopsis

Meet Ethan Keene, a struggling young playwright whose day job is writing The Flash for DC Comics. Then his world flips upside down when a Hollywood producer wants to turn one of his plays into a big-budget horror movie. With that tasty carrot clouding his vision, Ethan struggles to be a loving, supportive partner to his boyfriend Michael. Meanwhile, Ethan’s dad announces that he’s leaving Ethan’s mom for a married woman — and can he stay with Ethan and Michael until he finds a new place to live? Hearts are broken, lessons learned, and dreams deferred in this offbeat romantic comedy of manners.

Details and special events

Based on a Totally True Story previews Jan. 21 and 22, 2027, and runs through Feb. 14. (No show on Jan. 24.) Subscribe now to get the best savings and best seats! Single tickets go on sale June 1.

Don’t be scared off by the seats labeled “Slightly obstructed.” They have a narrow wooden post partially in view from the seat. Most folks say the experience in our intimate theater is just fine! Bring a group of 10 or more and get 25% off the face value of each ticket. Contact the box office to discuss details. If you are an employee of a fellow theater company seeking industry comps, please email us at least 48 hours in advance. Subject to availability.

Health & safety:
If you are feeling unwell, please stay home, and don’t worry about your tickets. We’ll be happy to exchange them for another performance, free of charge. Learn more about our health & safety protocols.

Special events:
“What’s a preview performance?”
Thursday, Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m.: Pay What You Can Preview Night. (Call the box office at 408-295-4200 to name your own price.)
Friday, Jan. 22, 8 p.m.: Preview Night.
Saturday, Jan. 23, 8 p.m.: Opening Night performance and post-show party.

Parking and other info

Should you require accessible parking, email us or add a note to your order to reserve a spot in front of the glass doors. We will accommodate as many as possible. The theater is wheelchair-accessible; book the accessible & companion seats when buying tickets.

For everyone else, there are many lots downtown (street parking can be hard to find). Most ParkSJ garages offer 90 minutes of free parking, and the website ParkSJ.org is a great resource providing real-time parking availability, maps and more.

The closest city lot is the First Street and I-280 Lot, under the freeway. Parking there is limited, but free on weekends and after 6 p.m. on weekdays.

Learn more about accessibility and public transit in the area.

Due to the intimate size of our theater, we unfortunately are not able to seat late patrons. Thank you for your understanding.