When: Friday, Sept. 2, 8 p.m., through Oct. 30
Where: , 2025 Addison St., Berkeley
Why go: The Oscar/Emmy/Grammy/Tony-winning entertainer has played many tough women, starting with West Side Story's Anita, but in her world premiere solo autobiography takes on her toughest role — herself.
When: Opening Friday, Sept. 2, 7 p.m.; Tuesdays-Sundays through Oct. 9
Where: , 2081 Addison St., Berkeley
Why go: Edward Albee's Pulitzer-winning probe of midcentury upper-middle-class manners and morals is a reunion of sorts for the Aurora crew, now marking their 20th anniversary; co-founder Ken Grantham and first leading lady Kimberly King are among the cast. Director Tom Ross hosts a free Sept. 13 at the .
When: Friday, Sept. 2-Thursday, Sept. 8; multiple showtimes
Where: Shattuck Cinemas, 2230 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
Why go: Steve James (Hoop Dreams) and Alex Kotlowitz (There Are No Children Here) follow real-life "violence interrupters" whose astonishing jobs befit a superhero comic: Trained in crisis intervention and schooled in the mean Chicago streets, Ameena, Cobe and Eddie treat violence like infectious disease by locating and neutralizing it at its source.
When: Saturday, Sept. 3, 8:30 p.m.
Where: , 2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, $55/45 members for five classes
Why go: It's not fall yet, but sooner or later you'll have to take your exercise indoors. Try one of several classes that are among the Y's ongoing and diverse offerings. Wait, you thought we said "ballet dance"? The Y has , as well as , Bollywood, yoga, and dozens of other fitness classes seven days a week. Guys welcome.
When: Saturday, Sept. 3, 8 p.m.
Where: , 2020 Addison St., Berkeley, $20
Why go: The name, plus Doris' pluck as a cancer survivor, plus they're just what the Mamas and Papas would have sounded like if they hadn't taken themselves so excruciatingly seriously.
When: Sunday, Sept. 4, 11 a.m.
Where: , 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley, $11
Why go: Through the magic of improvisational theater, kids 8-13 can travel to a distant planet, do battle with a space monster, match wits with a three-headed wizard, defeat the villain and save the world.
When: Saturday, Sept. 4, 2 p.m.
Where: , 1 Central Park Drive, Berkeley, FREE
Why go: Ever wonder how maps came about or what they tell you? Learn all about cartography, and draw a map of your own neighborhood or favorite place. For kids 7 years and older.
When: Sunday, Sept. 4, 9 a.m.
Where: 1977 El Dorado Ave., Berkeley, cheap to free
Why go: The folks on El Dorado (near The Alameda, Sutter and Hopkins and the Solano Avenue tunnel) pool their offloads every year for a block-party good time. Some items will be offered for free.
When: Sunday, Sept. 4, 12:15 p.m.
Where: , 2619 Dwight Way, Berkeley, FREE
Why go: Winston Churchill said that we become what we build. Everybody in town knows this most iconic of Berkeley buildings, but how many have been inside?
When: Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: 1911 Russell St, Berkeley, $1-$7
Why go: Equally representative of Berkeleyness in its own way, this massive weekly food fest benefiting temple projects drew aggressive support from First Amendment lawyers when its residential neighbors complained of noise and traffic. The ire has stilled, but behave nicely.
When: Monday, Sept. 5, 11 a.m.
Where: , 1 Central Park Drive, Berkeley, FREE
Why go: Crafts, games, farm activities, and more from the Tilden crew will work up the family’s picnic appetite in this low-key holiday celebration.
When: Monday, Sept. 5, 6 p.m.
Where: 123 University Ave., Berkeley, FREE
Why go: The folks at the Berkeley Racing Canoe Center are so sure you'll be hooked on these 48-foot boats' speed and power that they offer the first three classes for free. Best of all, "kids, dogs and nonpaddling passengers can usually be accommodated."
When: Monday, Sept. 5, noon-5 p.m.
Where: , 1100 Eastshore Hwy., Albany, $4
Why go: It's shaping up to be a great weekend to be outside. Multitask by sipping a Bloody Mary and watching the ponies.
When: Mondays, 8 p.m.
Where: , 2299 Piedmont Ave., Berkeley, $10
Why go: This dance class, not just for students or I-House members, is entering its 20th year. A range of abilities is accommodated; no partner needed.
