SAN FRANCISCO YOUTH THEATRE presents….
Mark Twain’s
The Mysterious Stranger
PREVIEW: February 19th
PERFORMANCES: FEBRUARY 20-MARCH 1, 2026
7:30 pm Thus-Sat; 3 pm Sundays
80 Turk St. 94102@ COUNTERPULSE
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! PURCHASE HERE
Special Gala Performance! February 26
6 pm reception; 7 pm show
Purchase Gala Performance tickets here
Mark Twain's The Mysterious Stranger exposes the hypocritical rules of society, or what Twain calls “the moral sense.” Set in 1590s village Austria, the story follows three teenagers encountering a stranger from the 20th century named Traum, who reveals to them how their idyllic village is fractured by gossip, greed, religion, and most brutally, witch hunts. Using magic, illusion, and Twain’s trademark humor, Traum challenges the teens to find their own moral compass amidst the hypocrisy justified by their elders as “moral”.
This is a world premiere theatre production that uses music, shadow puppetry, projections, and storytelling.
Written & Directed by Cliff Mayotte
Songs and Lyrics by Emily Klion
Puppetry by Dyana Díaz
Live Original Music by Sam Reider
Vocal Direction by Queen Michelle Jordan
Choreography by Kim Epifano
Costumes by Jeanette Au
Sets by Thad Hallstein, Dykes with Drills & John Ramirez
Lisa Quoresimo, Dramaturge
Sarina Temple, Stage Manager
