Thursday 1/16/03
Tired of shelling out a huge wad of cash to go to a Broadway show only to get bad seats or be disappointed? Well now it’s payback time. The California Center for the Arts in Escondido brings “”Forbidden Broadway”” to theatergoers just like you. The show is a parody of not just one, but five Broadway hits: “”The Producers,”” “”Chicago,”” “”The Full Monty,”” “”Cabaret”” and “”Oklahoma!”” This hilarious show will leave your sides smarting, but it will only be running until Feb. 2. Tickets start at $28 — for more information call (800) 988-4253.
Friday 1/17/03
Many of you may remember a group known as Tha Alcoholiks from days gone by, and you may be surprised that they are still around. Actually, they never left. Now known simply as Tha Liks, the hip-hop group is made up of E-Swift, J-Ro and Tash. Awaiting the release of their next album, “”X.O.,”” in May, they will be playing at Canes Bar and Grill at 9 p.m. With $20 and a pint of beer, you’ll be ready for an evening of entertaining rap songs by the beach.
Poetry isn’t just dead words lying in unread books; it can be pretty entertaining and competitive, too. Every month at Urban Grind in Hillcrest, there are two Poetry Slams where poets duke it out in two rounds while they read their original poetry. There is a three-minute maximum for each poem, and three to five judges will rate each reading. By the end of the evening, cash prizes are awarded to the first- and second-place winners. The event is free and open to all. Sign-ups start at 7 p.m. and the readings start at 7:30 p.m. For information call (619) 294-2920.
Saturday 1/18/03
Big-band swing in your very own Indian casino. The Big Bad Voodoo Daddys, known especially for their appearance in the indie flick “”Swingers,”” will perform at Viejas at 9 p.m. The impressive band will dish out their ever-delicious and upbeat songs, as well as melodies that will have you up and swinging like a pro, or wishing you could. Either way, they promise an infectious show with hip music. Tickets are $25. For more information call (619) 445-5400.
This is your last chance to see one of Lamb’s Players Theatre’s most popular productions! “”Boomers,”” a musical about the baby-boomers, salutes a generation with sound bites and music clips that will be both nostalgic and educational. With the original creators and producers behind the production, you can be sure that you will see it the way it was meant to be seen. Tickets start at $20 and go up to $40. For tickets and pricing, call the Lamb’s Players box office at (619) 437-0600.
Sunday 1/19/03
Opening up this weekend at the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla is an exhibit featuring the works of influential postwar abstract American artist Ellsworth Kelly. With an exciting use of vivid colors and clear shapes, her pieces can evoke strong emotion and deep contemplation. A contemporary of Henri Matisse, Jean Aro and Alexander Calder, Kelly’s works embody much of the feeling of post-war artists who rebelled against the conservative dominant culture. For a truly enlightening experience, visit the Ellsworth Kelly: Red Green Blue exhibit at the MCASD. The exhibit runs through April 13. Tickets are $6. For information call (858) 454-3541.
Skimpy costumes, beautiful people and cold air. That’s right, Smucker’s Stars on Ice will be bringing you the best in first-class ice skating. Perfect if you have children, this show will be fun and awe-inspiring when these athletes and artists glide into the San Diego Sports Arena. Tickets range from $37 to $82.
Tuesday 1/21/03
Well-known comic sweetheart Billy Crystal, who has been in such blockbuster hits as “”When Harry Met Sally”” and “”Analyze This,”” will be performing at our very own La Jolla Playhouse tonight and tomorrow. Crystal, who has been a friend to the playhouse’s artistic director, Des McAnuff, for years, will be raising money for the New Play Development Program. Performing with Crystal will be comedian David Steinberg. Ticket packages for the show range from $100 to $1,000. The $1,000 package includes stellar seats, a pre-show reception and a backstage pass for a post-show production. For information call (858) 550-1010 or visit http://www.lajollaplayhouse.com.
For those true music fans who want to show support for their favorite indie artist, Arie Hest will be playing at the lovely bohemian coffee house Twiggs’ Coffee &Tea in North Park. To check out the devilishly handsome young man with a killer smile, you’ll have to be there at 8:30 p.m. Oh, and he plays the guitar and sings, too. Tickets are $8 advanced sale and $10 at the door.