and, SEEN!

las vegas the musical (The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S Thompson Musical, La Jolla Playhouse)

Who was Hunter S. Thompson? He changed journalism. He defined counterculture. Equal parts philosopher, clown and genius, he was armed and dangerous with a typewriter as his preferred weapon. Careening from the 1940s to his death in 2005, this gonzo musical blasts into the life of one of America’s most influential and destructive icons. In relentless pursuit of the meaning of the American Dream during an era of political and social upheaval, Hunter S. Thompson cultivated a new form of journalism that ― for better or worse ― injected his subjective view into the heart of the story. Now, in another, even more severe moment of fake news, propaganda and polarization, Hunter’s story helps explore how we got here, and how to keep fighting. Set to Joe Iconis’ anarchic and tuneful score, this musical is a rock ‘n’ roll thrill-ride into the life of an artist seeking greatness and coming to terms with his own legacy. It’s a heartfelt trumpet call to the moral idealists, the outraged, the outlaws and the outsiders.

the turntable has turned (Merry Wives of Windsor, Old Globe)

By William Shakespeare Directed by James Vásquez Shakespeare meets “I Love Lucy” in this 1950s spin on one of the Bard’s wildest and most appealing comedies. The notorious John Falstaff, larger-than-life in every way, leaves the big city to work his charms on the suburban inhabitants of Windsor. Always hustling for his next buck, he sets his sights on two of Windsor’s ladies-who-lunch, but when they figure out Falstaff’s game, they decide to teach him a lesson he won’t forget. Under the direction of Globe Resident Artist James Vásquez, mistaken identities, romance, and an unforgettable gallery of Shakespeare’s most vivid characters fill the stage for a theatrical rollercoaster ride that’s raucous, kooky, and entirely bewitching.

dead horses and bad jokes (Crime and Punishment, a Comedy - The Old Globe)

Globe-commissioned world premiere By Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen Directed by Gordon Greenberg Dostoevsky’s turn-of-the-century masterpiece is reimagined as a 90-minute romp of a morality tale, performed by five ridiculously talented actors who play over 50 zany characters, riffing on the famous novel—and all of Russian literature. The brilliant comic team of Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen (Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show) brings to 1860s Russia the same whacked-out sensibility they gave to Dickens in this world-premiere, Globe-commissioned comedy. This classic story follows Raskolnikov, an impoverished student who becomes a murderer in order to save his family. Based on the book you didn’t actually read in high school, this is literature retold like you’ve never seen it before.

flanged and ratcheted (Passengers by Seven Fingers, Old Globe)

A production by The 7 Fingers Conceived and directed by Shana Carroll “We all have somewhere to go.” Experience a train trip like never before with Montreal-based contemporary physical theatre troupe The 7 Fingers. This innovative show blends acrobatics, theatre, music, and dance in a truly magical performance about strangers in transit. Rather than sit in silence, the passengers on this train express their dreams and visions through the exuberance of their bodies, telling human stories with superhuman skills. “This train is bound for glory,” cheered The Boston Globe, and it’s one ride you won’t want to miss!

just a fuckade (Play That Goes Wrong, Kennedy Center)

The Play That Goes Wrong EISENHOWER THEATER Called “the funniest play Broadway has ever seen” (Huffington Post), this classic murder mystery by award-winning Mischief is chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania! Welcome to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), it’s “comic gold” (Variety) sure to bring down the house.

it’s wednesday (Is It Thursday Yet? La Jolla Playhouse)

Jul 11 - Aug 6 Mandell Weiss Forum Created, choreographed and performed by Jenn Freeman Created, choreographed and directed by Sonya Tayeh Composed and performed by Holland Andrews A Dance of Discovery. A Brain in Motion. A Life on the Spectrum. Dancer and choreographer Jenn Freeman was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2021 at age 33, and since then she has navigated an endless sea of epiphanies. Inspired by a deep curiosity to examine her childhood memories through this new lens, Jenn found a way to illuminate her story using the language she knows best: Dance. Is It Thursday Yet? invites you into the unique complexities of Jenn’s neurodivergent brain through a stunning tapestry of dance, live music and home video footage. Original live music from renowned musician Holland Andrews is woven with audio narrations from Jenn’s therapist, vocals, clarinet, drums and electronic music. Scenic design by Tony Award-winner Rachel Hauck is inspired by Jenn’s sensory sensitivities to texture, color, light and sound. This uplifting, thought-provoking new work is co-created and directed by the electrifying choreographer Sonya Tayeh (Tony Award-winner for Moulin Rouge).

scene changes galore (Love All, La Jolla Playhouse)

The extraordinary life of the champion Billie Jean King Love All is the triumphant story of the rise of sports icon and social justice pioneer Billie Jean King. The trailblazer for equality faced tough competition on the court and adversity in the world, all against a backdrop of the massive social changes of the 1960s and 70s.

queef jokes are funny (Twelfth Night, Old Globe)

By William Shakespeare Directed by Kathleen Marshall One of Shakespeare’s most perfect plays—romance, music, poetry, comedy, swordplay, and more! Shipwrecked and alone in foreign Illyria, young Viola masquerades as her lost twin brother and becomes the go-between for the lovesick Duke Orsino and the beautiful Countess Olivia. Soon Viola finds herself in the middle of a topsy-turvy love triangle with lunacy and laughs on every side. Three-time Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall (Globe’s Much Ado About Nothing, Love’s Labor’s Lost) directs Twelfth Night, one of the Bard’s true comic masterpieces—and the perfect San Diego night under the stars.

100 miles of latin heat (Destiny of Desire, Old Globe)

A Telenovela for the Stage By Karen Zacarías Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson The joys, tribulations, and plot twists of epic love are bursting onstage in this brilliantly funny homage to the telenovela by Karen Zacarías (Native Gardens). On a stormy night in Bellarica, Mexico, two babies are born—one into a life of outlandish wealth, and one into a life of poverty. When the newborns are swapped by a ruthless ex–beauty queen, the stage is set for two outrageous misfortunes to grow into an extraordinary destiny. Directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (August Wilson’s Jitney) and filled with vibrant choreography and live music, Destiny of Desire explores the emotional rollercoaster and social commentary that make the telenovela the most popular form of storytelling on the planet. Destiny of Desire contains mature themes, violence, strong language, and the use of haze. Please note: this production is in English, with songs in both English and Spanish. Total running time: Two hours and 40 minutes (two acts with one intermission).

more violence, please (Hangmen, Gaiety Theatre, Dublin, Ireland)

Gaiety Productions in association with Decadent Theatre Company proudly presents the IRISH PREMIERE of Hangmen by Martin McDonagh from 11 March – 8 April 2023. In his small pub in Oldham, Harry is something of a local celebrity. But what’s the second-best hangman in England to do on the day they’ve abolished hanging? Amongst the local reporters and sycophantic pub regulars, dying to hear Harry’s reaction to the news, a peculiar stranger lurks, with a very different motive for his visit… This major new production comes hot off the heels of the release of McDonagh’s new award-winning feature film, The Banshees of Inisherin. The creative team is led by director Andrew Flynn who has a long association with McDonagh’s work. This darkly comic tale follows the success of recent Gaiety Productions including The Cripple of Inishmaan, The Lieutenant of Inishmore and The Lonesome West. Funded by the Arts Council | An Chomhairle Ealaíon This production contains strong depictions of violence. Recommended for ages 14+