Magic Theatre hosts SF BATCO’s production of Cuckoo Edible Magic by Reed Flores at Fort Mason Center For Arts & Culture. According to Flores, his play is about: “Best friends, Ren and Mai, set out on a journey to get a rice cooker — unbeknownst to them, they’ve set out on a journey of chaotic self-discovery, intense BART rides, and demon cuckoos. Oh, and there’s some Queer love and healing in there too.”

When otaku-besties Ren and Mai step outside to discover an anime-blue sky, their first thought is, “Damn, this edible is strong.” But they quickly discover something more sinister afoot. A Sailor Moon-esque adventure through the San Francisco Bay Area pits the nunchuk-armed heroes against one villain after the next — from a maniacal rice cooker to evil BART contortionists to demonic Tai-Chi-practicing elders. These unlikely heroes must save the Bay Area, but they can’t do it alone: they’ll need help from Mai’s tough-love parents, Ren’s over-involved sister, and maybe even a cute corner store employee.

The two friends’ quest is as wacky as it is poignant. Chamoru playwright Reed Flores explores themes of Bay Area AAPI life, Queer love, and complex family dynamics — both “born” and “chosen.” Developed through SF BATCO’s Creators Lab and New Roots Theatre Festival, this world premiere promises to evoke laughter, tears, and a craving for some ha gao shrimp dumplings.

Directed by Michelle Talgarow, Cuckoo Edible Magic plays February 13, 2025 through March 8, 2025; with pay-what-you-can previews February 13 and 14, Thursday and Friday, 7:30 p.m. Opening night is Saturday, February 15, 2025, 7:30 p.m. For Sunday, February 16 to March 2, 2025, and Saturday, February 22 and March 1, 2025, Cuckoo shows are at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, February 19 to March 7, 2025, shows happen at 7:30 p.m. The Tuesday, March 4, 2025 show is also at 7:30 p.m. For closing day, Saturday, March 8, 2025, shows take place at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $20 to $55.

See SF BATCO’s graphical calendar below for performance dates, times, and ticket prices.

Click or tap for a .PDF file of the above calendar, courtesy of SF BATCO.