San Rafael
What’s Up, ‘Buttercup?’
Marin Shakespeare Company is mounting Buttercup, a new play by J.D. Murphy, inspired by Guy de Maupassant’s 1880 short story, Boule de Suif. This irreverent and absurd reimagining follows Buttercup, a runaway nun-turned-courtesan, as she navigates a caravan of refugees during the Franco-Prussian War. Mixing satire and heart, the play explores class tensions with humor and humanity. Performances run April 3-13 at Marin Shakespeare Company’s indoor venue in downtown San Rafael. A post-show discussion follows select performances.
7:30pm, Thursday-Saturday; 2pm, Sundays, April 3-13, at Marin Shakespeare Company, 514 Fourth St., San Rafael. Tickets $35; $20 for ages under 25. More at buttercupstage.com.
Sebastopol
Parkinson’s Play
The Parkinson’s Support Group of Sonoma County presents What I Didn’t Say: A Journey Through Parkinson’s on Sunday, April 13, at Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. This 50-minute play, performed by Matthew Moore and Krista Stauffer, offers a poignant and intimate portrayal of one couple’s experience with Parkinson’s disease. Following the performance, a Q&A invites further reflection and connection. Seating is first-come, first-served. Donations and ticket proceeds directly benefit the Parkinson’s Support Group of Sonoma County through Zeffy’s no-fee fundraising platform. 2:15pm, Sunday, April 13, at Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St. Reservations and details at bit.ly/parkinsons-play.
Sebastopol
Showstoppers in SebTown
A new community gallery opens its doors in Sebastopol on April Fool’s Day with the launch of Showstoppers Artist Collective. Founded by local filmmaker and artist C.M. Conway, the space inside Co-Create will feature handcrafted art, workshops, open studio time and a welcoming crafts table for all ages. Visitors in playful attire or with a good joke on April 1 will receive a whimsical souvenir in the spirit of the day. The official Grand Opening event follows on Saturday, April 5, with interactive activities, games and opportunities to meet local artists. The collective includes Susan Bradford, Sige Weisman, Elizabeth Gomes and more, with new artists invited to apply. 11am-5pm, Saturday, April 5, at Showstoppers Artist Collective, 186 N. Main St., Ste. 110, Sebastopol. Details at supershowstoppers.com.
St. Helena
Cabernet Cookoff
Now in its 16th year, the Cabernet Cookoff returns Saturday, April 12, to HALL St. Helena. This food and wine pairing competition features 15 culinary teams crafting dishes to pair with HALL’s Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon, with all proceeds supporting nonprofit organizations chosen by the chefs. Guests can vote for People’s Choice winners while a panel of judges selects Judges’ Choice awards. The event also marks the release of the 2022 vintage of Jack’s Masterpiece. Two ticket options are available: VIP ($300) includes a vertical tasting from 11am-12pm, VIP Lounge access and entry to the main event; general admission ($150) includes event access from 12-2:30pm, Saturday, April 12, at HALL St. Helena, 401 St. Helena Hwy. S. Tickets at hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff.
