What’s Goin On, November
by Eileen Sondak October 24, 2016
San Diego Symphony
The San Diego Symphony will continue its fall season Nov. 11-13 with conductor Johannes Debus leading the orchestra for a concert dubbed “Rachmaninoff and Mozart.” Pianist Joyce Yang will perform Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The program will include a Mozart Symphony and a work by Charles Griffes.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will perform Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 9 from the New World” on Nov. 18, led by Maestro Cristian Macelaru. “Diego el Cigala, Master of Flamenco,” is headed to Symphony Hall on Nov. 19. The man known as the “Sinatra of Flamenco” will show off the Argentine tango tradition. Jazz aficionados will want to catch “Count Basie Orchestra: Sinatra’s Jazz” at Symphony Hall on Nov. 26.
San Diego Opera
The San Diego Opera Company will put on “Soldier Songs,” a gripping and realistic multi-media work that follows the perception of war from childhood to senior citizenship. “Soldier Songs,” adapted from interviews with veterans of five wars, will be performed at the Balboa Theater Nov. 11-13. Steven Schick will conduct this West Coast premiere, starring David Adam Moore. The production is the first in the company’s Detour Series, exploring smaller-scaled and lesser-known operas.
The Old Globe
The Old Globe’s regular season is over, but it’s time for Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” to return to the Main Stage for its 19th year. The musical will run from Nov. 5 through Dec. 26 and it’s always a hit with the families from across the county.
La Jolla Playhouse
The La Jolla Playhouse’s highly anticipated world premiere of “Miss You Like Hell,” an effervescent new musical, runs at the Weiss Theatre until Dec. 4. The story takes audiences along on a road trip with a free-spirited Latina mother and daughter.
Cygnet Theatre
Cygnet’s pair of San Diego premieres by August Wilson – performed in rotating repertory – will end their run at the Old Town Theatre on Nov. 6. “Seven Guitars” takes place in 1948 in the backyard of a Pittsburgh tenement. “King Hedley II” – another important play by this acclaimed African-American writer – is a dramatic piece set in a world of gangs and broken families.
Cygnet will continue its annual holiday tradition with a production of “A Christmas Carol” Nov. 22-Dec. 24. Sean Murray adapted and directs this Dickens classic.
Broadway-San Diego
Broadway-San Diego is bringing Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” to the Civic Theatre Nov. 15-20. San Diego favorite Jack O’Brien directs this touring production of the classic musical for its 40th anniversary run. Following on Nov. 29, is “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” a landmark American musical that was described as “groundbreaking and ahead of its time.” The popular rock musical will continue on the Civic Theatre stage through Dec. 4
San Diego Musical Theatre
San Diego Musical Theatre’s annual production of “White Christmas” will make its welcome return – this time on the stage of the Spreckels Theatre. You can enjoy the holiday bonbon Nov. 25-Dec. 4.
San Diego Repertory Theatre
San Diego Repertory Theatre will continue its run of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Disgraced,” through Nov. 13. “Disgraced” is about a Muslim who abandons his heritage in a quest for the American dream.
Following on its heels, is a world premiere written and directed by the San Diego Rep’s own Todd Salovey – with original music by Yale Strom. “The Dybbuk for Hannah and Sam’s Wedding.” This tour de force, one-man show is based on the most celebrated play in Yiddish literature, S. Ansky’s “The Dybbuk” and will inhabit the Rep’s Lyceum home Nov. 23-Dec. 18. Ron Campbell stars in this new show (described as “mystically romantic”), and it sounds like a must-see. Read Pat Launers theater feature on “The Dybbuk for Hannah and Sam’s Wedding” on pg. 52 of this magazine.
North Coast Repertory Theatre
North Coast Repertory Theatre’s staging of Neil Simon’s “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” will continue to make audiences laugh in Solana Beach through Nov. 20. This delightful comedy, from one of America’s most gifted playwrights, is a love letter to Simon’s early days as a writer for the Sid Caesar tv megahit, “Your Show of Shows,” and it abounds with the funny man’s side-splitting humor. Read an interview with David Ellenstein, the Rep’s artistic director who stars in the production, on pg. 55 of this magazine.
Lamb’s Players Theatre
The Lamb’s concludes its season with a production of “Equivocation.” The show – described as funny, moving, and highly theatrical – will remain at the Lamb’s Coronado home through Nov. 20. Robert Smyth is part of the crackerjack ensemble cast.
Moxie Theatre
Moxie Theatre is ready to open “The Kid Thing,” by Sarah Gubins. The show – which revolves around two lesbian couples at a dinner party – is funny and clever. It will be performed at Moxie’s El Cajon Blvd. home Nov. 13-19.
Malashock Dance Company
Malashock Dance will perform “Signatures II” Nov. 3-13 at the company’s studio. The program will feature the world premiere of Malashock’s “yKnot” – a twisting journey through a wide-ranging musical and emotional landscape. Also on the program is a trademark favorite, “Shadow of Mercy,” with choreography by Malashock and lyrical imagery by Leonard Cohen. Modern dance buffs will not want to miss this thrilling concert!
City Ballet
City Ballet will unveil two world premieres during its upcoming concert at the Spreckels Theatre Nov. 4-6. “Bowed Piano” is a contemporary piece by Elizabeth Wistrich, and “Treatment” is an intimate examination of troubled minds. They will join “Esmeralda and the Hunchback” (choreographed by Mark Schneider and inspired by the Victor Hugo novel) and “Raymonda Variations,” a classical ballet that showcases the artistry of the ensemble.
San Diego Ballet
San Diego Ballet will perform “Joplin and Firebird” at the Lyceum Theater Nov. 18-20. “Firebird” is an ancient tale of a magical bird, but it has a contemporary twist in this dance, and “Joplinesque” features the syncopated sounds of hip-hop.
San Diego Museum of Art
The San Diego Museum of Art is highlighting two interesting exhibitions through Dec. 31. “German Expressionism” – featuring paintings, drawings, and prints by leading 20th century avant-garde artists (including Max Pechstein), is on view along with “Art of the 20th Century” – showcasing works from the museum collection.
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art features “Papel ‘Chicano Dos Works on Paper from the Collection of Cheech Marin” at the downtown facility through Nov. 27, along with “For DeLIMITations: A Survey of the 1821 U.S.-Mexico Border,” Ruben Ochoa: Watching, Waiting, Commiserating,” and “Moris: Beautiful Landscape 7.”
Fleet Science Center
The Fleet is showcasing “The Art of the Brick.” This popular exhibition just opened in San Diego and features artistic creations made of LEGO pieces, and will stay put until Jan. 30, 2017.
The Fleet Science Center will add “Extreme Weather” to is IMAX film roster, showing in rotation among existing favorites “A Beautiful Planet,” “National Parks Adventure,” and “Jerusalem” which explores one of the world’s oldest and most beloved cities – and it should be a must see. Benedict Cumberbatch narrates.
Timken Museum of Art
The Timken Museum of Art will celebrate the San Diego Zoo’s Centennial Anniversary with an animal-themed exhibition. “Blessed Beasts and Curious Creatures” will be on view through Dec. 11.