Hershey's kiss

The buzz has it that crusty ol’ Ludwig van Beethoven didn’t go out of his way to make friends and influence people. He did let in a chosen few every now and again, including Gerhard von Breuning, who knew the composer up close and peresonal during the latter’s last two years. Acclaimed pianist-actor Hershey Felder (George Gershwin Alone, Monsieur Chopin) wants you to know about this relationship, which he explores in his one-man Beethoven, As I Knew Him—once this Old Globe Theatre piece touches you, you may never look at the Ludmeister the same way again. Felder is exceptional in his pianism and in his portrayals of both men, with director Joel Zwick taking exhaustive care to separate their temperaments without separating them. The audience is no slouch, either—it remains deadly quiet during every second of the 105-minute entry, as Felder’s gained its undying respect on the strength of his other two pieces, performed here last year. Beethoven, As I Knew Him runs through June 8 at The Globe’s Don and Darlene Shiley Stage, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. $57-$62. 619-23-GLOBE or www.oldglobe.org.

Opening

A Number: A look at the relationship between fathers and sons unfolds around the topic of human cloning. Opens in previews May 22 at Cygnet Theatre’s Rolando venue, 6663 El Cajon Blvd. 619-337-1525 or www.cygnettheatre.com. $22-$29.  

Happy Songs About the War: The idea here is that Americans are thoroughly capable of communcation without resorting to dumb-ass behavior. Opens May 25 at Compass Theatre, 3704 Sixth Ave. in Hillcrest. 619-417-4337 or www.happysongsaboutthewar.com. $18.

Request Programme: An evening in the life of a woman takes center stage—it’s a very quiet evening, as the play is performed without dialogue. Opens May 24 at The Lab, Academy of Performing Arts, 4580-B Alvarado Canyon Road in Mission Valley. 619-374-6894 or www.iontheatre.com. $23-50-$27.50, $35 opening night.

Now playing

Corpus Christi: Here’s a look at what Jesus’ life might have been like if he were gay and growing up in 1950s Texas. Through June 1 at Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. in University Heights. 619-220-0097 or www.diversionary.org. $20-$33.

*Holy Ghosts: The circumstances and the stories of members of the Southern Pentecostal Sect culminate in a snake-handling scene. Produced by Sullivan Players, the show runs through May 25 at Swedenborg Hall, 1531 Tyler Ave. in University Heights. 858-274-1731. $12-$15.

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. 619-561-8673. $16-$29.50.

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. 800-944-5639. $49.50.

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 Café Dinner Theater at Imperial House Restaurant, 505 Kalmia St. in Bankers Hill. 619-544-1600. $54.50-$59.50.

To submit your theater listing, please e-mail event details and contact info to marty@sdcitybeat.com. The deadline is Thursday, 5 p.m. the week prior to publication on Wednesday. Please include street address, neighborhood and phone number for events. No phone calls, please.