Head Over Heels

Please note that this production contains strobe-light effects.

Why you should see Head Over Heels

Because Entertainment Weekly calls it “a giddy neon anthem of acceptance.”  This show proudly offers a wealth of LGBTQ+ representation, and we’re hosting Pride events at the theater on Aug. 2 and 16! Scroll down for details.
Because the first version debuted at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, so you know this musical is fun and vibrant and has bona fide theater roots.
Because you got the beat.

Synopsis

This laugh-out-loud love story is set to the infectious music of the ’80s all-female rock band The Go-Go’s, featuring such hit songs as “Vacation” and “Our Lips Are Sealed.” In a tale inspired by the Elizabethan romance The Arcadia, the royal family definitely has the beat. Then a seductive, snakelike oracle named Pythio tells them that their kingdom of Arcadia is in danger — if four mysterious prophecies come true. Through a wild adventure of mistaken identities and forbidden romance, the family learns that the key to their realm’s survival lies in their own hearts. A rollercoaster ride of fun, pride, and love in all its forms.

Cast

Basilius: Dylan Bagwell
Gynecia: Caitlin Lawrence Papp
Philoclea: Lauren Berling
Pamela: Catherine Traceski
Dametas: Dave Leon
Mopsa: Gwynnevere Cristobal
Musidorus: Ryan Liu
Pythio: Chloë Angst
Ensemble: Clayton Baldwin, Wes Barker, Astraea Brown, Francesca Cipponeri, Arin Joseph Coleman, Eva Huertas Colliou, Dane Lentz and Kaylie Moniz

Resources

High-res publicity photos
Press release
Show program
Highlights dramaturgy guide

Details and special events

Head Over Heels previews July 17 and 18, and runs through Aug. 24. (No show on July 20.) Showtimes are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $31-$75 now with no fees. The show runs about two hours, plus one 15-minute intermission. We would rate this production PG-13 for some mature content.

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. The discount is automatically applied when 10 or more tickets are in the cart. (Contact the box office if group members are paying separately.) 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.

Covid protocols:
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. Masks are recommended indoors, except for select dates (details coming soon). Learn more about our Covid-19 protocols.

Special events:
Thursday, July 17, 7:30 p.m.: Pay What You Can Preview Night. (Call the box office at 408-295-4200 to name your own price.)
Friday, July 18, 8 p.m.: Preview Night.
Saturday, July 19, 8 p.m.: Opening Night.
Sunday, July 27: Stay after the 2 p.m. matinee for an in-person talkback with director Jeffrey Bracco and the cast!
Sunday, Aug. 3, 2 p.m.: Mask-required performance.
Tuesday, Aug. 5, 7 p.m.: Join us for a free Zoom talkback about all things Head Over Heels! Sign up by “buying” a free ticket.
Friday, Aug. 8, 8 p.m.: Meet our nonprofit partner The ICA San José! Executive Director James Leventhal will give a pre-show welcome, and you can meet James and his team at the post-show party.
Sunday, Aug. 23, 2 p.m.: ASL interpreters will be provided at this matinee performance. We have set aside a block of audience seats with the best view of the interpreters; please email the box office to purchase.

We also have two special Pride events planned at Head Over Heels performances!

On Saturday, Aug. 2, at 8 p.m., join our other nonprofit partner, Fishnets & Film, for a great Pride Night of community including a pre-show reception.
On Saturday, Aug. 16, at 8 p.m., join the SV/SF Pride Alliance for camaraderie and community at the show. Welcome!

More about our nonprofit partners

City Lights is proud to support two nonprofit partners during this production: Fishnets & Film, and the Institute of Contemporary Arts San José.

Fishnets & Film has a clear mission to foster and celebrate both the Queer Performance Art and Queer Cinema communities through the production of film festivals, special events, and films. It also vows to remind and enlighten our mainstream community how our LGBTQ+ community members are essential and valuable members of our society.

The ICA San José is committed to serving San José and the greater Bay Area by providing a free, safe and welcoming place for all and supporting artists as valued thinkers, storytellers and creators. “We believe art makes life meaningful and connects people and communities.”

Parking and other info

Should you require ADA 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. For everyone else, there’s free parking a short walk away. Most ParkSJ garages offer 90 minutes of free parking, and the parking 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 free on weekends and after 6 p.m. on weekdays. 

The theater is wheelchair-accessible; book the ADA & Companion seats when buying tickets.

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