Curtain call

Rightful home: Your last and only memory of the Broadway sensation Rent may be the 2005 movie, which deservedly landed on its ass about 10 minutes before its release—the late Jonathan Larson’s Tony-winning musical about New York’s bohemian arts community makes a terrible flick, because its creators expended absolutely no effort in rethinking it for the cinema. Please don’t let that inexplicable carelessness deter you from Broadway / San Diego’s great current entry, wherein the life of aspiring filmmaker Mark (Anthony Rapp) is changed forever amid the inestimable bond between his friends. Marlies Yearby’s choreography is first-rate, and “Your Eyes,” the finale, is worth the price of a ticket alone. The show, same as the one I saw in L.A. Sunday, March 8, is running through March 15 at The Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., Downtown. $15.50-$81.50. 619-570-1000.

Opening

Working: This musical adaptation of Studs Terkel’s book examines the way Americans from all walks of life view work. Now in previews, it opens March 12 at The Old Globe Theatre mainstage, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. $45-$79. 619-23-GLOBE, www.oldglobe.org.

Now playing

Acts of Faith: A second-generation Americanized Jew struggles to define her identity amid late 20th-century sexual and political power. Produced by Laterthanever Productions, it runs through March 29 at the Tenth Avenue Theatre, 930 Tenth Ave., Downtown. $20. (619) 235-9353, www.laterthanever.org.

Room Service: Book a theater; start rehearsals; put the cast up at a hotel; figure out how to pay for it later. Produced by Lamb’s Players Theatre. Through March 29 at the Ione and Paul Harter Stage, 1142 Orange Ave. in Coronado. $30-$46. 619-437-0600, www.lambsplayers.org.

Shipwrecked!: Flying wombats and a monstrous sea turtle mark the seductive power of the tall tale and its teller. Through March 15 at North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987-D Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach. $17.50-$35. 858-481-1055, www.northcoastrep.org.

The History Boys: Eight British boarding-school seniors dwell on their plans for college and the pasts that got them that far. Through March 29 at Cygnet Theatre Company’s Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town. $17-$27. 619-337-1525, www.cygnettheatre.com. See our review.

The Threepenny Opera: Peachum’s been caught with his hand in the capitalist cookie jar, but his accusers go easy on him in the benevolent spirit of socialism. Produced by San Diego Repertory Theatre, it runs through March 29 at The Lyceum, 79 Horton Plaza, Downtown. 619-544-1000, www.sandiegorep.com.