Bohème Out of the Box

San Francisco Opera´s traveling, condensed version of Puccini´s <i>La Bohème</i> will be on the move again starting next Saturday. The company still hasn´t managed to perform in Oakland. I would not be at all surprised if the dysfunctional city government is the reason.

If youŕe not able to get to one of these, remember, SFO is performing the full opera June 3-21 with two excellent casts.

BOHÈME OUT OF THE BOX

APRIL–JUNE 2025

 

BOHÈME OUT OF THE BOX runs approximately 60 minutes with no intermission and features piano accompaniment. Performed by San Francisco Opera Adler Fellows and guest artists in Italian. Live English supertitles will be available via personal mobile devices.

 

FIRST ACT WORKSHOPS:  Families with young children are invited to participate in free First Act Workshops 30 minutes before showtime at all Bohème Out of the Box performances.

 

REGISTRATION:  Bohème Out of the Box is a free event. Registration at sfopera.com/box is now available and encouraged but not required, except for Hidden Villa/Los Alto Hills (where advance registration is required if driving your own car to the Los Altos Hills venue).

 

ADMISSION/SEATING is on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

FOOD AND BEVERAGES will be available for purchase at many of the locations or nearby, and audiences are welcome to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy during the shows.

 

In the event of inclement weather, these outdoor performances may be cancelled or delayed. Register at sfopera.com/box to receive updates or follow @sfopera on Instagram and Facebook. Casting and schedule subject to change. For more information, visit sfopera.com/box.

 

SAUSALITO

Saturday, April 26 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m.

 

Parking Lot #2, next to the Sausalito Center for the Arts
50 Humboldt Avenue
Sausalito, CA 94965

 

Steps from the picturesque waterfront, Bohème Out of the Box comes to Bridgeway in iconic downtown Sausalito. Presented in partnership with the Sausalito Parks & Recreation Department and the Sausalito Center for the Arts, performances will be held in the parking lot next to the Sausalito Center for the Arts, where guests can visit the gallery space showcasing the work of over 250 artists from the Marin Open Studios. The venue is a short walk from the Sausalito Ferry Terminal, with service to/from San Francisco offered by Blue & Gold Fleet and Golden Gate Ferry. Paid public parking lots border the venue, and a dedicated ride share/taxi drop off area is located on Anchor Street. Guests can pack a picnic or purchase food from nearby restaurants.

 

Chairs will be provided at the parking lot performance location (available on a first-come, first-served basis), and audiences are encouraged to bring their own seating.

 

SAN RAMON

Thursday, May 1 at 12:30 p.m.

Alexander Square at City Center, Bishop Ranch
6000 Bollinger Canyon Road
San Ramon, CA 94583

Experience the magic of Bohème Out of the Box at City Center Bishop Ranch, presented in partnership with the City of San Ramon. Set in the square of this modern shopping and dining destination, the lunchtime performance offers the perfect setting for families and professionals, surrounded by stylish shops, diverse dining and open-air seating. Ample parking is available, and audiences can purchase food and beverages from one of the numerous eateries onsite.

Bring a picnic blanket to enjoy the performance on the shaded artificial lawn area or use the provided folding chairs (camp chairs and other outside seating are not allowed).

 

LOS ALTOS HILLS

 

Saturday, May 3 at 2 p.m. (arrive by 1:30 p.m. if driving own car)
Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. (arrive by 1:30 p.m. if driving own car)

 

Due to parking logistics, registration, parking fee and early arrival are required (for this venue only) if driving own car. For more information and to register, visit sfopera.com/box.

 

Hidden Villa
26870 Moody Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

 

Hidden Villa is a scenic working farm and wilderness preserve dedicated to environmental education, social justice and sustainability. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills, organic gardens and peaceful trails, the venue offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the performance in a beautiful, rustic setting. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to explore the property, attend the family workshop and enjoy a picnic.

 

Hidden Villa is most easily accessible by car and event parking is only available on the property itself. As parking capacity is limited, guests are required to register and pay a $10 parking fee in advance of arrival, unless arriving by bike, hike or rideshare. A limited number of nearby parking spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for those needing accommodations due to mobility issues. Please note cell phone service is limited or unavailable in various parts of the property.

 

The performance will take place on the field next to the Dana Center. Guests should bring their own picnic blankets or camp chairs; a few picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

HAYWARD

Saturday, June 28 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, June 29 at 2 p.m.

Heritage Plaza 
835 C Street
Hayward, CA 94541

Presented in partnership with the Hayward Public Library, Bohème Out of the Box travels to Heritage Plaza, a vibrant community gathering space surrounded by greenery and downtown amenities in the heart of downtown Hayward. This outdoor performance offers an accessible and engaging cultural experience for all ages that can be combined with a visit to the Saturday Farmers Market, exploring the Hayward Public Library or enjoying a day out with family.

 

The venue is a short walk from the Hayward BART station and AC Transit routes stopping at Mission Blvd and C Street (10, 28, 60, 93, 95, 99 and 801).

Seating will be on a grassy lawn and guests should bring picnic blankets or their own seating.