Check out our roundup of top plays and performances in San Diego this May.
Edited by Lisa Kelley
The Boy Who Danced on Air
May 5-June 12. Diversionary Theatre presents the world premiere musical The Boy Who Danced on Air. The compelling musical reveals the clandestine yet persistent tradition in Afghanistan of Bacha Bazi, where wealthy men purchase boys from poor families, train them as dancers and parade them at parties as their property. Paxman and Feda have spent their young lives confined within this tradition. But when they meet by chance and develop feelings for one another, they embark on a journey towards a new life in uncharted territory. 4545 Park Blvd., University Heights, 619.220.0097. diversionary.org
Romeo and Juliet
May 6-8. City Ballet performs the timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet complete with elaborate costumes, scenery, lighting and backdrop. City Ballet Orchestra accompanies with Sergei Prokofiev’s timeless score. Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway #600, downtown, 619.235.9500. cityballet.org
Hollywood
May 10-June 12. Based on the true story of famed director William Desmond Taylor’s unsolved murder, this world-premiere play is a noir thriller set in the Golden Age of movies. Mandela Weiss Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org
Camp David
May 13-June 19. Based on the historic Camp David Accords signed between Israel and Egypt in 1978, this new play by Pulitzer Prize-winner Lawrence Wright is a riveting and moving story about peace in the Middle East—filled with humor, insight and surprises that are relevant nearly 40 years later. Shirley Stage at the Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Stupid F**king Bird
May 19-June 19. This irreverent, contemporary and funny remix of Chekhov’s The Seagull wages a timeless battle between you and old, past and present, in search of the true meaning of it all. Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.337.1525. cygnettheatre.com
They Don’t Talk Back
May 26-June 5. In this new play, a troubled teen from a broken home receives the culture shock of a lifetime when he is sent to live and work with his grandparents in a Tlingit fishing village in Alaska. This funny, heartfelt exploration of the meaning of family and life emerges in a contemporary coming-of-age story. La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org
Tokyo Fish Story
May 28-June 26. Master sushi chef Koji built his successful career on respect-for tradition, fine ingredients, and the legends who came before him. But now his restaurant, considered on of the greatest in Tokyo, is losing its customers to newer and flashier places. It’s time for a new generation to take over. Koji’s brilliant protege Takashi might know how to save the restaurant, if only he could find a way to tell his mentor. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre at The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.1941. theoldglobe.org
