Marin’s Cultural Calendar: A San Jose Spotlight on New Voices Worth Your Drive
For those of us who call Marin County home—maybe Mill Valley’s rolling hills, Sausalito’s postcard streets, Novato’s lively neighborhoods, or the wild coast near Muir Beach—keeping a finger on the Bay Area’s arts pulse just feels natural. This June, there’s a tempting reason to head south to San Jose.
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The City Lights Theater Company is hosting its annual new-works festival, “Lights Up!” It’s shaping up to be an afternoon and early evening packed with fresh staged readings, local makers, and a chance to support a good cause.
A Double Dose of Dramatic Discovery
This year’s “Lights Up!” festival brings two new plays to the stage, each with its own flavor. You’ll get a first look at original stories that could be the next big thing.
It’s proof that a short drive to San Jose can surprise you, just like crossing the Golden Gate shakes up your perspective.
Unraveling Secrets in “Breadcrumbs, Honey, & Bone”
Lauren Doyle’s *Breadcrumbs, Honey, & Bone* dives into a world of mystery and family secrets. Picture a secluded New England house, a woman inheriting its mysteries, and a disappearance that drags her into the town’s hidden drama.
Directed by Erin Southard, this play keeps the audience guessing. It’s got the same unpredictable vibe as the fog rolling over Tiburon.
A Fresh Take on a Literary Classic: “The Great Gatsby”
Kit Wilder, a director and playwright with a solid track record at City Lights, is tackling F. Scott Fitzgerald’s *The Great Gatsby* with a bold, language-driven adaptation. Instead of leaning on glitz and spectacle, Wilder’s approach digs into complex characters and that aching sense of longing.
Mark Anderson Phillips directs this one—he also led the standout 2024 production of *An Inspector Calls*. There’s genuine anticipation to see how this team brings Gatsby’s world to life.
More Than Just a Day of Theater: A Community Celebration
“Lights Up!” isn’t only about staged readings. It’s a full-on celebration of creativity and community, echoing Marin’s own lively spirit.
The festivities start with a Maker Fair at 1 p.m. Expect a spread of handcrafted goods and lots of mingling.
Discover Local Artisans and Delicious Bites
You can browse unique finds from vendors like Julie Nuñez of Yulita Studio and Arturo Montes, who’s bringing his matcha cart. It’s the kind of place where you might stumble on a perfect gift or a treat for yourself after a long week.
Executive Artistic Director Lisa Mallette will be there, too, showing off her hand-painted hostess gifts. That personal touch makes the whole event feel a bit more special.
Support a Worthy Cause with Farm-Fresh Delights
Rancho Roben Rescues will be on site, selling farm-fresh eggs to support their animal sanctuary. There’s something genuinely heartwarming about blending art, local business, and compassion this way.
It’s the sort of connection that feels right at home for folks from Marin.
An Accessible Day of Artistic Immersion
The day’s schedule looks thoughtfully arranged, letting attendees really soak in everything “Lights Up!” brings to the table. The Maker Fair kicks things off at 1 p.m.
At 2 p.m., there’s a staged reading of *Breadcrumbs, Honey, & Bone*. Afterward, you can dig into a comforting spaghetti feed—never a bad idea—before the Maker Fair opens its doors again.
Later, the much-anticipated reading of *The Great Gatsby* starts at 5:30 p.m. Each reading wraps up with an audience talkback session, so you get a real chance to chat with the artists and maybe even share your favorite moments—possibly while heading back to Belvedere or Tiburon.
Tickets for the full day are just $20, and students get in for $10. Everything happens at the City Lights Theater, 529 S. Second St. in San Jose.
You can find more details and grab tickets at cltc.org/lights-up-2026. For folks from Marin, this feels like a golden opportunity to catch some of the Bay Area’s freshest theater and support local arts—sometimes the best finds are closer than you think.
Here is the source article for this story: City Lights’ new works festival features familiar faces
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