August may be a slow or even dark month at some theatres, but not San Francisco's historic Alcazar Theatre. In the final summer month, Catskills on Broadway, The First Family of Cool featuring John and Bucky Pizzarelli and ...And Then There's Bea, Bea Arthur's solo show, arrive for one-week stands in the Bay Area.

It's been ten years since Catskills on Broadway was on Broadway, and in honor of the anniversary, the comedy revue is traveling around the country once again with original stars Freddie Roman, Mal Z. Lawrence and Dick Capri reprising their Broadway roles. Roman, recently made president of the New York Friars Club, leads this nostalgic look back at the comedy that filled the working class and Jewish resorts in upstate New York.

Catskills on Broadway runs at the Alcazar Aug. 7-12. Following Aug. 15-19 will be a swinging visit from the First Family of Cool, Dream co-stars and spouses John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey and his father, legendary guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli.

...And Then There's Bea, With Her Friend Billy Goldenberg at the Piano, playing Aug. 22-26, charts Arthur's theatre and TV career through songs and anecdotes, with composer Goldenberg ("The Last of Sheila," "Play It Again, Sam") serving as her accompanist.

Arthur got her start in the original production of The Threepenny Opera in 1954 and was the original Yente the Matchmaker in Fiddler on the Roof. Her work as Vera Charles in Mame led to a Tony Award, while her work in "Maude" led to a 1977 Emmy. Arthur's last Broadway show was Woody Allen's The Floating Lightbulb. Single tickets to each event are $45-$55. The Alcazar Theatre is located at 650 Geary Street. For reservations, call (415) 441-4042.

— By Christine Ehren
and David Lefkowitz