San Diego Unseen: An Urban Portrait
Cygnet Theatre soundman Scott Paulson toots his own horn.
- Photo by Daren Scott
You’ll be tempted to close your eyes and let your imagination take in Paulson’s audial wizardry, but don’t overdo it—you’ll miss the full effect of director Sean Murray’s set design and Tom Andrew’s spot-on body language as suicidal George, who gets a firsthand look at what his little hometown of Bedford Falls would have been like without him.
Andrew’s facial affectations and vocal inflections, in fact, are scarily similar to Stewart’s—so good that they sometimes vaguely diminish the show’s live feel. But this ding is of no lasting consequence amid the spirited dialogue and the assured performances all the way around (and just see if Paulson doesn’t get the biggest applause at the end). I’ve seen this piece twice before, and that’s enough to persuade me that I can recommend this year’s installment sight unseen. Karolyn Grimes, who played little Zuzu Bailey in the movie, will be on hand for autographs and a talk on Dec. 30.
Through Dec. 31 at The Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town. $24-$29. cygnettheatre.com
Now playing
Christmas falls on a Saturday this year, and that may affect weekend showtimes. It’s recommended you visit the theater’s website before firming up your plans.
Shotgun Wedding Anniversary: What happens after 25 years in a less-than-blissful marriage? For Basil and Petals, it can mean murder. Through Dec. 24 at Mystery Cafe, in the Imperial House restaurant in Bankers Hill. $59.50, including dinner. mysterycafe.net
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!: The asshole is at it again this year, making life miserable for the residents of Whoville until the spirit of the season hits him. Through Dec. 26 at The Old Globe Theatre mainstage in Balboa Park. $20-$77. oldglobe.org
Plaid Tidings: This is a holiday treatment of Forever Plaid, wherein a quartet with aspirations of stardom is killed before they get a chance to prove themselves on Earth. Produced by The Old Globe Theatre, it runs through Dec. 26 at the Globe’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre in Balboa Park. $33- $67. oldglobe.org
It’s Christmas and It’s Live: A singing quartet is set to audition for a TV show when a blizzard shuts down New York in the 1950s. Produced by Lamb’s Players Theatre, it runs through Dec. 29 at the Ione and Paul Harter Stage in Coronado. lambsplayers.org
miXtape: The music of Generation X was just getting started in an explosive world. Produced by Lamb’s Players Theatre, it runs through Jan. 27 at The Horton Grand Theatre, Downtown. $28- $58. lambsplayers.org
