thursday, nov. 1
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Based on the true story of a legendary Texas brothel known as the Chicken Ranch, which operated from the 1840s to 1973. Protected by a friendly sheriff and frequented by politicians, football teams and others, the Chicken Ranch thrived in the small town of Gilbert, Texas. However, a crusading do-gooder Houston radio commentator and his conservative audience expose the Chicken Ranch forcing it to shut its doors forever.
Coronado Playhouse, 1835 Strand Way in Coronado, 8 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-435-4856, coronadoplayhouse.com
friday, nov. 2
Old Town San Diego’s Día de los Muertos
Colorful altars and other traditional celebrations of Día de los Muertos, one of Mexico’s most revered and festive holidays, return to Old Town San Diego. Presented by Save Our Heritage Organization, this community-wide commemoration, honors ancestors and other deceased loved ones with special menus, music, dancing and craft activities.
Old Town San Diego’s Día de los Muertos celebration, in Old Town, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., free, 619-297-9327, sddayofthedead.org
saturday, nov. 3
Buster Keaton’s The General
Take a break from politics for a classic American experience: Buster Keaton’s The General. This masterpiece silent movie is accompanied by Russ Peck on the Wonder Morton Organ. The General (1926) is on many critics’ lists of the greatest movies ever made. It’s a showcase of Keaton’s masterful physical comedy as well as his low-affect style that earned him the nickname “the great stone face.”
Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. in San Diego, 4 p.m., tickets $24, 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org
sunday, nov. 4
Spider Baby : the musical
Spider Baby: the musical will be returning to the 10th Ave. Arts Centre for a limited six show engagement. It’s the horror rock musical for the whole family. If you have that kind of family.
10th Ave Arts Center, 930 10th Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $15, 619-920-8503, 10thavenuetheatre.com
monday, nov. 5
The San Diego Italian Film Festival: Piano, solo
This perceptive new film from award-winning director Riccardo Milani follows Luca (Kim Rossi Stuart) from his boyhood in Africa to his years playing with such greats as Chet Baker and Dave Holland. But sadly, as he develops his prodigious, spellbinding talent at music school in Florence and discovers jazz, his loved ones watch helplessly as he retreats further and further into his personal darkness.
Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado in Balboa Park, 7 p.m., suggested donation $5, 619-238-7559, sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com
tuesday, nov. 6
Fiber Dialogues
Expanding on the conversation between artists working in the shared medium of quilting, Fiber Dialogues presents a group of Southern California artists interested in responding to works in the Quilt National exhibition concurrently on view at OMA through Feb. 10, 2013. Featured artists include Jane LaFazio and Sheila Frampton-Cooper, among others.
Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way in Oceanside, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., admission $8, 760-435-3720, oma-online.org
wednesday, nov. 7
A Hammer, A Bell, And A Song To Sing
Back by popular demand is the production that had San Diego singing in three-part harmony and provoked standing ovations at every one of its workshop production performances. San Diego REP will present an expanded and fully developed production of last season’s runaway hit.
San Diego Repertory Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $38, 619-544-1000, sdrep.org