thursday, feb. 18
Guards at the Taj
At morning’s first light, a new edifice representing the soaring power of the empire will be unveiled, the glorious Taj Mahal. But for the two hapless guards assigned to protect the palace, morning will set the wheels in motion for a ghoulishly funny existential crisis that will shake their faith in God, the empire and each other. Guards at the Taj is a black comedy about two average men swept up by the beauty, carnage and injustice surrounding one of the most famous wonders of the world.
La Jolla Playhouse, PotikerTheatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr. in La Jolla, 8 p.m., tickets from $20, 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org
friday, feb. 19
Jessimae Peluso
With roots in Syracuse, Jessimae Peluso sought comedic pastures first in Boston where she performed improv with “The Tribe,” laying the sod for what would become a burgeoning spontaneous brand of original comedy. Since then, Jessimae has leapt onto the small screen as a cast member for MTV’s Girl Code and Failosophy, including appearances on TBS’ Deal With It, NBC’s Last Call With Carson Daly Spotlight, Comedy Central’s @Midnight and E!’s Chelsea Lately.
The American Comedy Company, 818B Sixth Ave. in San Diego, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., tickets $18, 619-795-3858, americancomedyco.com
saturday, feb. 20
Now or Later
In a hotel penthouse on election night 2008, the returns are delivering good news for the Democratic presidential candidate and his family. Sequestered in a downstairs room, the soon-to-be president’s son watches as controversial photos of himself at a college party explode over the Internet, potentially sparking an international incident. This incisive and politically provocative new play takes on religion, freedom of expression and the dangers of an increasingly interconnected global community.
Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $36, 619-220-0097, diversionary.org
sunday, feb. 21
The Band of the Royal Marines and the Pipes, Drums and Highland Dancers of the Scots Guards
In the Royal Marines, lively airs and the beat of the drum enable columns of marching men to keep a regular step. Today all Royal Marines Bands are required to provide every imaginable musical ensemble including orchestras and dance bands. To achieve this, most musicians, except solo specialists, are required to attain an acceptable standard on both a string and a wind instrument.
Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org
monday, feb. 22
The Mercedes Moore Band
The Mercedes Moore Band is made up of Scot Smart, (guitar) John Simons, (bass) Kurt Kalker, (drums) and Mercedes Moore (vocals). 2012 San Diego Music Awards Nominee for Best Blues, the music of the Mercedes Moore Band is reminiscent of the ‘50s and the ‘60s, and is based on a harmonious combination of soul, blues and R&B .
Humphreys Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Dr. in San Diego, 10 a.m., 619-224-3577, humphreysbackstagelive.com
tuesday, feb. 23
The Last Match
The U.S. Open tennis semifinals are underway. As Russian phenom Sergei Sergeyev and American superstar Tim Porter do battle under the lights on center court, Galina and Mallory, the funny and complicated women who share their lives, watch anxiously from the sidelines. But as the back-and-forth action unfolds, we journey into the minds of the players and the lives of the two couples.
Sheryl & Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, 7 p.m., tickets from $29, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org
wednesday, feb. 24
Now You See It
The U.S. premiere of an outrageously funny farce by the French master of the form, Georges Feydeau, in a brilliant translation by British playwright Kenneth McLeish. Now You See It takes audiences on a dizzying escapade fueled by jealousy bordering on paranoia, a philandering husband, hypnotism, a spurned lover and a scandalous discovery.
North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach, 8 p.m., tickets $39, 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org
