thursday, june 20
Les Misérables
Based on Victor Hugo’s timeless novel, this epic musical stirs the heart and invigorates the soul with its moving storyline and unforgettable score. The story is set in 19th Century France where Jean Valjean, released on parole after 19 years on the chain gang, breaks parole and tries to begin his life anew while eluding the relentless pursuit of the obsessed Inspector Javert. His journey builds into a stunning plot of love versus hate, and forgiveness versus condemnation.
The Lyceum Stage, Horton Plaza in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $28, 619-544-1000, lyceumevents.org
friday, june 21
Joan Rivers
After more than sixty years in show business, comedian, best-selling author, Tony-nominated actress, playwright, screenwriter, motion picture director, columnist, lecturer, syndicated radio host, Emmy award-winning television talk-show host, jewelry designer, red-carpet fashion laureate, businesswoman and mother and grandmother, Joan Rivers is known as one of the hardest working celebrities in the world. Don’t miss out on your chance to experience this living legend live and on stage with her signature uproarious routines.
Humphreys Concerts by the bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $55, 800-745-3000, humphreysconcerts.com
saturday, june 22
La Jolla Festival of the Arts
Meet nearly 200 artists in an intimate setting of original fine art, entertainment and delicious cuisines complemented with fine wine and craft beer as you stroll the turf of UCSD Warren Field. This is not a street fair but an elegant, high quality showcase.
UC San Diego Warren Field, 3453 Voigt Drive in San Diego, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., tickets advance online $12 on-the-door $14, 760-753-1670, lajollaartfestival.org
sunday, june 23
Godspell
The musical started as a college project performed by students at Carnegie Mellon University and moved to La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in Greenwich Village. It was then re-scored for an off-Broadway production which became a long-running success. The structure of the musical is that of a series of parables, based on the Gospel of Matthew (though three of the parables featured are recorded only in the Gospel of Luke). These are then interspersed with a variety of modern music set primarily to lyrics from traditional hymns, with the passion of Christ treated briefly near the end of the performance.
Ocean Beach Playhouse, 4944 Newport Ave. in San Diego, 2 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-222-0836, oceanbeachplayhouse.com
monday, june 24
International Summer Organ Festival
Internationally celebrated organists play free concerts each Monday evening from June 24 through Aug. 26 under the stars at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. This Sunday, Carol Williams, civic organist.
Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 1549 El Prado in Balboa Park, free, 7:30 p.m., 619-702-8138, sosorgan.org
tuesday, june 25
The Merchant of Venice
Shakespeare’s unforgettable tale of mercy, justice, generosity and greed. After years of persecution for his religious faith, Shylock finally gets his chance for revenge. The merchant Antonio cannot pay his debt, and Shylock demands his due: a pound of flesh. To save Antonio’s life, the resourceful Portia must triumph in the courtroom – but at what cost? The Merchant of Venice weaves together humor and pathos in a spellbinding, suspenseful drama.
Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, 8 p.m., tickets from $29, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org
wednesday, june 26
Tribes
From rising British playwright Nina Raine, this contemporary new play is a savage, funny look at family dynamics and the challenges of communication. As the only deaf member of his sharp-tongued family, Billy has spent much of his life feeling out of place. But when he finds a new family in the deaf community, tensions reach an all-time high. A provocative and touching play about membership in your tribe – and hearing what isn’t said. Contains strong language and adult content.
La Jolla Playhouse, Mandell Weiss Forum, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive in La Jolla, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $15, 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org
