thursday, jan. 2
The San Diego International Auto Show
The San Diego International Auto Show features both new car and truck models from more than 30 manufacturers. Additionally, the Auto Show highlights what may become the cars and trucks of tomorrow with displays of concept vehicles from a number of manufacturers. The show runs through Sunday, Jan. 5.
San Diego Convention Center, 111 West Harbor Drive in San Diego, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., adult tickets $12, sdautoshow.com
friday, jan. 3
First Friday Films: So Proudly We Hail
In the midst of World War II, Hollywood cranked out a number of films meant to depict the events overseas and stir up patriotism at home. Director Mark Sandrich’s So Proudly We Hail more specifically focused on the experience of women in the war effort of the Pacific theater. Featuring a formidable cast that includes Paulette Goddard, Veronica Lake, Claudette Colbert, Sonny Tufts and George Reeves, this film serves as an example of the ways in which women were portrayed during the war.
The San Diego Museum of Art, James S. Copley Auditorium, 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park, 7 p.m. pre-film lecture, 8 p.m. film, charcuterie and a movie package for two $60, 619-696-1935, sdmart.org
saturday, jan. 4
A Culture Shock Nutcracker
Culture Shock’s modern re-interpretation of the Nutcracker stays true to E.T.A. Hoffman’s story and honors the brilliance and beauty of Tchaikovsky’s score. Set in the present amidst a fusion of contemporary music and fashion with old-world magic, Culture Shock’s Nutcracker will entertain and delight audiences young and old.
Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave. in San Diego, 2:30 and 7 p.m., tickets from $15, 619-239-8836, cultureshockdance.org
sunday, jan. 5
The Cat in the Hat
From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that the Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they’ve ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he is certainly fun to play with, and he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But what will mom find when she gets home?
Casa del Prado Theatre, 1800 El Prado at Village Place in Balboa Park, 2 p.m., tickets from $10, 619-239-8355, juniortheatre.com
monday, jan. 6
Maya: Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth
The ancient Maya left behind evidence of a sophisticated and complex culture. Using cycles of the moon, sun and planets, they were able to develop accurate calendar systems. More than a thousand years ago, they used unique hieroglyphic writing to carve important dates, names of their rulers and ceremonial events on stone monuments in southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. The current exhibition includes archaeological discoveries highlighting the creativity and beliefs of the ancient Maya. Also on display is a 42-foot-wide mural of a rainforest set in the time after the Maya Classic Period (250–900 CE), after which the great ceremonial centers became overgrown by the jungle.
San Diego Museum of Man, 1350 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., adult admission $12.50, 619-239-2001, museumofman.org
tuesday, jan. 7
Disney’s Beauty and The Beast
Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s Beauty and The Beast is an eye-popping spectacle that has won the hearts of more than 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song.
San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 3rd Ave. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets $34, 619-564-3000, broadwaysd.com
wednesday, jan. 8
In the Time of Butterflies
In the Dominican Republic in the mid-20th century, Generalisimo Rafael Trujillo (El Jefe) ruled his tiny but strategic country with the brutal extravagance of a modern day Napoleon. Nothing threatened his fantasy of unlimited power – nothing except a secret underground movement, at the center of which were four sisters known by the code name butterflies.
San Diego Repertory Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $33, 619-544-1000, sdrep.org
