Events

Ride the Cyclone

Runs Jul 16 – Aug 23, 2026

Book, music and lyrics by:Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell

Directed by:Kimberly Ridgeway

Supported by:Producers Christy Martin & Cindy Melter, and Producer Charlie McCollum

[image: People riding a roller coaster at a dramatic downward-sloping angle, against an artificially purple sky]

When a roller-coaster accident claims the lives of a choir group, the teens end up in a truly bizarre purgatory. A mechanical fortune teller says that only one of them can be brought back to life. To win the prize, they must prove who deserves it the most…by telling their story through song. Full of edgy comedy and music ranging from dance pop to vaudeville, this Off-Broadway musical has also gone viral on TikTok.

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors

Runs Sep 25 – Oct 19, 2025

Written by:Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen

Directed by:Caitlin Lawrence Papp

Supported by:Producers Marv & Bonnie Bamburg, and Producer Dan Hill

[image: Harvest moon, full and slightly yellow, with a bay silhouetted against it and comic-book blood dripping down from above]

Take Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire story and mix it up in the style of Mel Brooks and Monty Python. Then enjoy a lightning-fast, gender-bending comedy featuring lots of wordplay and six actors playing over a dozen roles.

An afternoon of modern jazz

You know our intimate stage is a great place to experience jazz. On Sunday, April 13, at 4 p.m., delve into the myriad sounds of modern jazz with both veteran and emerging musicians: Nineteen, San Jose’s professional Big Band; and the San Jose Youth Symphony Jazz Ensemble.

4:00PM, Sunday, April 13, 2025

Mrs. Winchester, or, A Gun in the First Act

Guns. Grief. Ghosts. The stories of San Jose’s Winchester Mystery House come to life again in this compelling one-artist show presented by actor Lisa Morse and playwright Joe Christiano.

7:00PM, Sunday, March 23, 2025

Case Closed!

Join director Doll Piccotto and cast members for a lively, free Zoom talkback as we unravel the mystery behind “The Mousetrap” and explore the art of bringing this classic whodunit to life.

7:00PM, Tuesday, April 1, 2025

I Heart City Lights: A benefit concert with Nineteen

We had so much fun that we’re doing it again! Nineteen, San Jose’s professional Big Band, is back to perform another benefit concert for the theater, with your favorite City Lights actors singing love songs. Warm up your Friday night and show your love for City Lights.

8:00PM, Friday, February 14, 2025

In Love and Zoomcraft

Join director Kimberly Ridgeway and the In Love and Warcraft team for a lively Zoom talkback exploring the intersection of online gaming, digital personas, and romantic storytelling.

7:00PM, Monday, February 3, 2025

Nineteen: A Big Band Holiday Revue

City Lights actors sing holiday carols with Nineteen, San Jose’s professional Big Band! This concert is a fundraiser for the theater and a great way to see some of your favorite artists from “Kinky Boots,” “Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show” and more.

7:30PM, Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Backstage at “Truce”: a Zoom talkback

Want to live longer in the world of the historic 1914 Christmas truce? Join “Truce: A Christmas Wish from the Great War” director Angie Higgins and members of the cast for a behind-the-scenes chat.

7:00PM, Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Tenth Annual Ren’s Winter Wonderland

Come get in the spirit of the season with jazz-blues-country singer Ren Geisick and her band. We’re thrilled to present the 10th annual Ren’s Winter Wonderland concerts!

7:00PM, Sunday, December 8, 2024

7:00PM, Sunday, December 15, 2024