Sam Spade's San Francisco

Theatre Rhino, as it is known among San Franciscans, is the oldest continuously operating queer theatre company in the United States and quite likely on the entire planet. It was founded in San Francisco in August 1977, by the late Allan B. Estes, Jr.

Rhino's first play, The West Street Gang by Doric Wilson, was staged in a South of Market leather bar, The Black and Blue. Read Rhino's full history here.

Today Theatre Rhino is under the artistic direction of John Fisher, Ph.D., who is also a very talented actor and playwright. If you have not seen John perform or are not familiar with Theatre Rhino, then please browse these offerings for the coming season.

Here is the 2010-11 season of San Francisco's own Theatre Rhinoceros:

The Picture of Dorian Gray
By Oscar Wilde
Adapted for the stage by John Fisher
August 26 – September 19, 2010

At the Eureka Theatre (215 Jackson Street, between Front and Battery)
The electrifying novel comes to the stage in this dynamic World Premiere adaptation. In this version Gray becomes a terrifying and riotous blend of comedy, drama, sex, and horror.

The 2010 Marga Gomez New Year’s Eve Spectacular
Starring Marga Gomez
Featuring Natasha Muse and DJ O’DJ
December 31, 2010
Two Shows Only! 7 pm and 9 pm

At the Victoria Theatre (2960 16th Street, at Mission)
Her Royal Dykeness returns to rock Rhino's New Year One Last Time. For Marga's lucky seventh NYE Spectacular she will pull out all the stops before passing her party hat on to the future Rhino host. Join Marga and her special guests for the wildest night and biggest balloon drop ever!!

Marry Me a Little
A musical by Stephen Sondheim (Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George)
February 9 – 20, 2011

At the Eureka Theatre (215 Jackson Street, between Front and Battery)
Sondheim’s musical makes its San Francisco Debut as an all-male production. With the composer’s approval, two men will play the leads in this landmark same-sex marriage staging.

Suzanne Westenhoefer: The Totally Inappropriate Tour
April 8 - 9, 2011
Two Shows Only!

At the Victoria Theatre (2960 16th Street, at Mission)
She’s back and she’s been with us before. Those are all the hints we can give you except to say she’s completely fabulous. Join us for some spring hi-jinx with one of the funniest. Subscribers get preferred seating.

Fighting Mac!
Written and Directed by John Fisher
June 2 – 26, 2011

At Thick House (1695 18th Street, at Arkansas)
A World Premiere. The amazing true story of England’s greatest general who was also queer. A rip-roaring adventure in the spirit of Lawrence of Arabia.