WHAT LOOKS to be a terrific solo show gets a single performance on Saturday as Sheryl Lee Ralph stars in Sometimes I Cry. Ralph, who appeared in the Broadway production of Dreamgirls, sings and acts out the stories of women with AIDS. Not only does Ralph inhabit several characters, she also wrote the play.

Sometimes I Cry is presented by Tabia African American Theatre Ensemble, the San Jose Multicultural Artists Guild and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women—Silicon Valley Chapter. Tickets are $35/$40 for the show, which takes place at 8pm on Feb. 21 at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose. Call 408.272.9924 for ticket info.

Fresh off the success of the breezy deco comedy Twentieth Century, TheatreWorks doubles the stakes with a party to celebrate its 40th birthday. The full day of events includes live music, kids activities, costume displays—all leading up to an evening announcement of the 2000–2010 season hosted by Robert Kelley, the company's director. The affair winds up with champagne and sweets. The party starts at noon on Wednesday (Feb. 18) and runs to 9pm at and around the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. Call 650.463.7116 for details.

Speaking of numbers, Northside Theatre Company of San Jose is in the midst of its 30th season. The current production, The Unexpected Guest, is a clever Agatha Christie mystery about a seemingly unsolvable murder. It is expertly designed to overwhelm audiences with red herrings right up until the final revelation. The show plays Thursday–Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm through March 8 at 848 E. William St., San Jose. Tickets are $15/$20; the info number is 408.288.7820.

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