The Fillmore Eclipse - An Immersive Story of BeBop
The Eclipse was the spot for deep BeBop in the mid-1950s. But redevelopment of "Harlem of the West" threatens the club and its patrons.
Location
Honey Art Studio
1981 Sutter Street San Francisco, CA 94115Refund Policy
About this event
The Fillmore Eclipse is an immersive theater project that is set in the Fillmore Jazz scene of the 1950s. The show explores the uncertain fate of a club and a community in a time when Bebop was the rage and Urban Renewal was sold by city governments as a "cure-all" for America's slums. The Eclipse is a Fillmore club modeled after Bop City, an after-hours jazz joint where Bebop would roar from the house band and special session guests like John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, and Charlie Parker would show up unannounced. It was a confluence point for San Francisco’s thriving African American community and Japanese Americans rebuilding their lives after internment.
Step into the Fillmore Eclipse and enjoy the stylings of the house band, led by musical director Kelyn Crapp, and sip a cocktail or two from our full bar. Follow characters throughout the club as the regulars of the Eclipse offer their perspectives on the plans for the "New City" and what really needs fixing. This will be an intimate experience for a small audience in a crafted 1950's club environment. We only have 11 performances planned, so get your tickets soon!
The show is appropriate for audiences 9 years and older and buy-outs are available for schools and organizations. Contact jax@walkingcinema.org for more info on custom performances.
The Fillmore Eclipse is directed by Michael French (dir. The Speakeasy,) written by Cleavon Smith, and production managed by Jax Blaska.
Walking Cinema is an innovative storytelling studio working on experimental audio and theatrical projects. We focus on immersive stories related to urban history, social justice, and the humanities. Michael Epstein is the Artistic Director, and Walking Cinema is fiscally sponsored by Z-Space.
This production is underwritten by grants from the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, Zellerbach Family Foundation, The Creative Work Fund, and the California Arts Council.
Frequently asked questions
The show welcomes all audiences. Children, accompanied by guardians, are welcome, but we recommend they be 9 or older to follow the themes of the show. We welcome schools groups who want to learn more about San Francisco jazz and housing history. Inquiries can be made to jax@walkingcinema.org
Breaking with the tradition of Bop starting as late as possible, the management asks that you arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled showtime. Any unclaimed tickets may be released 10 minutes before the start of the performance.
It's an elegant evening at the Eclipse. 1950's suits and dress encouraged, but feel free to dress as you like. The website has some pics you can use to plan your outfit. Note: you will be standing and walking for stretches during the show. We recommend you wear shoes that will work for that.
The Eclipse isn't a great place to leave large bags, but your coats will have a hook or a chair for them.
Masks are not required, but please bring your own if you like. Performers will be unmasked.
Disrespectful, lewd behavior, or any form of harassment towards performers, crew or other audience members will not be permitted and will result in the guest’s immediate removal from the premises.
Honey Art Studio is served by the following MUNI lines: 2, 5, 22, 31, and 38.
The Kabuki Theater's parking lot is a block away and street parking is available around the venue.
Refunds can not be guaranteed for The Fillmore Eclipse, however we will do our best to accommodate ticket exchange requests. For ticket exchange requests, please contact us at jax@walkingcinema.org.
The Eclipse is wheelchair accessible except for one area of the venue's back yard. You can email jax@walkingcinema.org to learn more and help us prepare for any accessibility requests you have.
The Eclipse is usually packed when Sonny's band is on the stage. If you arrive early you're likely to get seating. Later arrivals may have to stand at the bar. The club is intimate, everyone will have a good view and a chance to get in on the action.
Organized by
Walking Cinema is an immersive media production studio based in San Francisco. We specialize in media that gets audiences physically involved in history, current issues, and culture.