Controlled chaos
A funny one-act and the rest of this week's theater listings
Nemesis, Mike Sears and Phil Johnson’s funny stream-of-consciousness one-act, may seem like sloppy physical theater to some—arms and legs and bodies and tests of wills fly all over the place as two mortal enemies stage a fight to the finish that takes them around the globe. But the stuff that looks under-rehearsed is really just an extension of the silly premise, founded in the pair’s frustrations with their jobs (they’re gluers at a pretzel factory).
The Cynthia Stokes-directed piece won’t stick with you, but it has its cute side, and I suppose the world is full of a lot worse things. Nemesis runs through Aug. 24 at Compass Theatre (formerly 6th@Penn Theatre), 3704 Sixth Ave. in Hillcrest. $19 suggested donation. 858-539-6251 or www.voxnovatheatrecompany.com.
Opening
A Chorus Line: The casting of a Broadway musical is almost complete—and for 17 dancers, the show represents the chance of a lifetime. Produced by Broadway/San Diego, the show opens Aug. 13 at the Civic Theatre, 202 B St., Downtown. $17.50-$66.50. 619-570-1100 or www.broadwaysd.com.
Spring Awakening: Melchior embarks on a journey from adolescence to adulthood in the Germany of 1891, when the old people hold all the cards. Produced by Broadway/San Diego, the show opens Aug. 15 at the Balboa Theatre, 858 Fourth Ave., Downtown. $12.50-$45.50. 619-570-1000 or www.broadwaysd.com.
The Joy Luck Club: A group of Chinese-American immigrant families feast on food and retell the stories that shaped their mother-daughter relationships. Produced by the Asian-American Repertory Theatre, the show opens Aug. 15 at The Lab, Academy for the Performing Arts, 4580-B Alvarado Canyon Rd. in Mission Valley. $15-$20, $30 opening night. 888-568-2678.
Now playing
* All’s Well That Ends Well: Helena jumps through a bunch of hoops to land her man, and she finds that this marriage thing isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Through Sept. 27 at The Old Globe’s Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. $56-$64. 619-23-GLOBE or www.oldglobe.org.
* Pretty Fire: Actor Charlayne Woodard’s biography touches on racism, family and growing up. Produced by Lamb’s Players Theatre, it runs through Sept. 7 at the Paul and Ione Harter Stage, 1142 Orange Ave. in Coronado. $20-$52. 619-437-0600 or www.lambsplayers.org.
Romeo and Juliet: Two crazy kids from Italy fall in love, only to die amid a pointless family feud. Through Sept. 26 at The Old Globe’s Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. $56-$64. 619-23-GLOBE or www.oldglobe.org.
* Sailor’s Song: Two men confront each other’s feelings for women (and each other) amid the death of a loved one. Through Aug. 24 at New Village Arts Theatre, 2787-B State St. in Carlsbad. $22-$26. 760-433-3245 or www.newvillagearts.org.
The Merry Wives of Windsor: John Falstaff uses his celebrity to hit on two married women. Through Sept. 28 at The Old Globe’s Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. $56-$64. 619-23-GLOBE or www.oldglobe.org.
*Yank!: This musical is the inside story of how some servicemen grew a lot closer during World War II. Through Aug. 17 at Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. in University Heights. $20-$35. 619-220-0097 or www.diversionary.org.
Dinner theater
Chalk it Up to Murder: HIT Productions features a cavalcade of new clues for a terrible crime. Fireside Steakhouse, 439 W. Washington Blvd. in Escondido. $16-$29.50. 619-561-8673.
Joey & Maria’s Comedy Italian Wedding: The fortunes and foibles at the heart of an Italian wedding are laid on the table. Holiday Inn on the Bay, 1355 N. Harbor Drive. $49.50. 800-944-5639.
Where There’s a Will... There’s a Wake: Gangland figure Sonny Shoehorn is heir to the family fortune unless his siblings have their way. Presented by Mystery Cafe Dinner Theater at Imperial House Restaurant, 505 Kalmia St. in Bankers Hill. 619-544-1600.
Published: 08/12/2008
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