LOVE IS IN THE AIR

By Bob Morey

Ahhhhhh… It’s February and love is in the air. We go through pains to plan that special romantic night out, exchange trinkets that proclaim our affections for one another, you’ll go out to dinner at ‘your’ restaurant. And then what? Most of the time it’s too early to go home, but not for a show.

If you haven’t thought that far ahead. Let me lend you a hand here. Now if I were taking a special someone out for a special evening, here are some of the shows I would consider.

If you are around Balboa Park, The Old Globe is the ticket for you. The Globe is currently staging The Notebooks Of Leonardo de Vinci, A look into the brilliant mind of the artist, scientist, inventor, philosopher, and genius Leonardo da Vinci. Playing through the 26th. The Globe is warming up preseason for us with Under A Baseball Sky. When troublemaker Teo is put to work cleaning up a vacant lot belonging to his elderly neighbor, this unlikely pair forms a bond forged in history and America’s pastime. Inspired by San Diego’s Logan Heights neighborhood, this beguiling world premiere celebrates communities and individuals coming together to find hope, healing, love, and the occasional home run. Playing through March 12th. Down in Old Town at The Cygnet is El Huracán. An epic hurricane threatens Miami. A mother and daughter ready themselves for the storm as Abuela takes shelter in a world of memory, music, and magic. A powerful tale of family and forgiveness, El Huracán reveals what can be rebuilt in the aftermath of life’s most devastating tempests––and what can never be replaced. For you to enjoy through the 19th.

Up the coast a bit, The La Jolla Playhouse brings us The Outsiders starting on the 19th. The story that defined a generation has been reimagined as a groundbreaking musical. Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1967, the hardened hearts and aching souls of Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade, and their chosen family of ‘outsiders’ are in a fight for survival and a quest for purpose in a world that may never accept them. A story of the bonds that brothers share and the hopes we all hold on to, this gripping new musical reinvigorates the timeless tale of ‘haves and have-nots’, of protecting what’s yours and fighting for what could be.

Across the bay, The Lamb’s Players are showcasing a very special Lamb’s Valentine’s Day

Cabernet on the 13th & 14th. Some of the region’s best singers present a delightful evening filled with songs of Love & Laughter. Held over until March 26th is The Amazing Women Of The 60’S. A celebration of the music of Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, Dionne Warwick, Janis Joplin, the Supremes & many, many more!

If you are still one of those ‘Children of all ages!’ Circus Vargas is in town. In the all-new 2023 production, Circus Vargas channels the “City of Lights” in their latest, greatest production, Bonjour Paris! What can I say -- Circus Vargas… c’est magnifique!

So even if you pick a show that’s not on that special Valentine’s Day date, all you have to do is look across the table and say “Honey, I also got us tickets for that show you really wanted to see, except in on (fill in the date), so why don’t we go home and light the scented candles?” That way you get two special nights out with that special someone, and that’s why love is in the air. If you plan your show right, you might get to light the candles twice! I’ll give you another hand with that, I’ll light the Black Flame Candle for you, but you must do the magic. A Happy Valentine’s Day to you, and may you get your trinkets right.