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The Old Globe
The Old Globe will launch its 2017 season on Feb. 4 with “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” a clever new comedy penned by Steve Martin and directed by Barry Edelstein. This is the legendary superstar’s third creative relationship with the Globe, and it sounds like another winner. The story revolves around a hang-out for struggling artists, circa 1904. Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein hold court there with other interesting characters. You can catch this fascinating new work on the Main Stage through March 12. The Globe’s White Theatre will feature a world premiere Feb. 23 through March 26. Titled “The Blameless,” this outgrowth of the Globe’s 2016 New Voices Festival, is a compassionate and moving examination of the power of familial bonds in the most extraordinary circumstances.
San Diego Repertory Theatre
San Diego Repertory Theatre has another gift from local favorite, Hershey Felder. “Our Great Tchaikovsky” – which will be ensconced at the Rep’s downtown home through Feb. 12 – uses Felder’s brilliant storytelling and musical stylings to offer insights into the composer’s genius. Don’t miss this one!
North Coast Repertory Theatre
North Coast Repertory Theatre is delivering the San Diego premiere of “Marjorie Prime.” This Pulitzer Prize-finalist is set in the near future, when artificial intelligence has come of age and life-like robots provide companionship for the lonely. This thought-provoking new play is closing on Feb. 5. Next on tap at NCR is Tony Kushner’s “The Illusion,” which begins on Feb. 22. This contemporary work, directed by North Coast Rep’s David Ellenstein, is an inventive tour de force illustrating the magical nature of theater. You can fall into its spell through March 19.
PHOTO BY JOHN HOWARD
PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS
Erika Beth Philips and Ross Hellwig star in “Beau Jest” until Feb. 12.
“Matilda” plays at the Civic Theatre until Feb. 5.
Broadway-San Diego
Broadway-San Diego’s “Matilda the Musical,” winner of four Tony Awards, is winding down its stay at the Civic Theatre on Feb. 5, so take the kids and enjoy!
Cygnet Theatre
Lamb’s Players Theatre
Cygnet Theatre is offering “Bad Jews,” a savage comedy about family, faith and legacy, written by Joshua Harmon. This San Diego premiere involves a verbal battle over an heirloom, after the death of the family patriarch. Despite its serious theme, it has been lauded as the funniest play of the year – and it should be a must-see. The show will dominate the Old Town Theatre through Feb. 12.
The Lamb’s Players continues its revival of “Beau Jest,” the sly comedy by James Sherman. The play will run through Feb. 12 at the Lamb’s Coronado home. On Feb. 24, the Lamb’s will showcase two of its brightest stars – Robert Smyth and Deborah Gilmour Smyth – in “Shadowlands.” The play recounts the story of C.S. Lewis and the Jewish woman who stole his heart. “Shadowlands” will stay on through April 9.
La Jolla Playhouse
Moxie Theatre
La Jolla Playhouse has a new musical on the boards at the Weiss Theatre. “Freaky Friday” is a comedy about an overworked mother and her teenage daughter, who magically swap bodies. This contemporary update of an American classic promises a lot of laughs – and you have until March 5 to check it out. 60 SDJewishJournal.com l February 2017
Moxie Theatre is staging “Blue Door” at its El Cajon Blvd. home through Feb. 26. The show – a Pulitzer Prize-nominated play – revolves around a couple living with (and trying to escape from) the past.