Weekend Roundup

Find the best San Diego things to do this weekend

THEATRE
Legally Blonde: The Musical 
Through Jan. 22. Oh, my gosh you guys… America’s favorite blonde is not stuck on the silver screen any longer – Elle Woods and her pink wardrobe are coming to the Young Actors Theatre. Laugh yourself silly watching this exploits of the unlikely law student as she pursues not only her law degree but also her true love, Warner Huntington III. As she explores the exclusive club of Harvard Law she might just end up teaching the high and mighty scholars a thing or two about life. Encore Theatre, 9620 Campo Road, 
Spring Valley. 619.670.1627. www.yatsandiego.org

A Hammer, A Bell and A Song to Sing

Through Jan. 29. Inspired by the work of Pete Seeger and his grandson, A Hammer, A Bell, and A Song to Sing celebrates the history of change in America through song, story and spoken word. Sing along with the performers to more than 25 songs that call for peace, justice, freedom and change from some of our country’s most memorable songwriters. Rediscover the inspiring words from past presidents and founding fathers, poets such as Allen Ginsberg and Henry David Thoreau, and activists like César Chávez and Dr. Martin Luther King and marvel at the stunning visuals in a multimedia slide show that accompanies the music and text. Lyceum Stage, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego. 619.544.1000. www.sdrep.org

DANCE

Ballroom with a Twist
Jan. 20-21. Tango, Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Jive… and then some. Ballroom with a Twist is an evening of grace, athleticism and passion covering all genres of ballroom dance. Conceived and choreographed by Dancing with the Stars’ Louis van Amstel, the show is rounded out with a cast of international dancers and several American Idol finalists. Get swept away by the sights and sounds as some of music’s most classic songs like “I Got Rhythm,” “You Can’t Stop the Beat” and “Walkin’ in Memphis” come to life in a new way as part of the Winter Pops series. Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street, San Diego. 619.235.0804. www.sandiegosymphony.org

EVENTS

Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour

Jan. 21-22. A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael Jackson’s creative world, The Immortal World Tour literally turns his signature moves upside down in true Cirque du Soleil style. Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour unfolds Jackson’s artistry and captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop. The show celebrates the legacy of the late pop icon including works by choreographers who worked alongside Jackson during the height of his career. Valley View Casino Center 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. 619.224.4171. valleyviewcasinocenter.com

San Diego Whale Festival

Jan. 21. The San Diego Whale Festival is a free community event with a wide array of interactive displays meant to spark the imagination and educate about gray whale ecology. Enjoy live sea creatures, free face painting, a kids art mural project, a festival train ride, a bounce house and even a walk-through gray whale along with live music and performances. Port Pavilion on the Broadway Pier. www.whaledays.com

FOOD + DRINK
Albert’s Brewmaster Dinner


Jan. 21. Taste a selection of unique and hard-to-find Sierra Nevada libations while learning about a 30-year commitment to sustainable brewing using only the finest of the four major brewing ingredients; whole hops, barley malt, yeast and water. The Winter Brewmaster Dinner pairs a Sierra Nevada beverage with each course of food from Albert’s Restaurant. Reception with an animal presentation in Treetops Banquet Room begins at 6 p.m.
Dinner in Albert’s Restaurant follows at 6:45 p.m. Albert’s Restaurant, San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego. 619.231.1515. events.sandiegozoo.org/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=3979

Taste of Opera

Jan. 20. The San Diego Opera’s creative series that pairs delectable cuisine with exciting opera discussion is back including a new partnership with Great News Cooking School. Joining the dinner series is a tantalizing cooking class with an opera theme, The Barber of Seville. As Seville’s “King of Lather and Foam,” Figaro serves as a barber by day and matchmaker by night, putting his wiles to work to aid the Count in wooing the beautiful Rosina even though she is kept under lock and key by her sleazy guardian. Rosina’s cunning and Figaro’s trickery make this opera a riotous musical comedy. San Diego Opera’s Dr. Nicolas Reveles shares the inside story and musical detail, while Chef Katherine prepares the traditional cuisine of Spain. Great News Cooking School, 1788 Garnet Ave, San Diego. 888.478.2433. www.sdopera.com/Experience/TasteOfOpera

Restaurant Week

Through Jan. 20. Restaurant Week is a great way to try a new spot you might not typically visit, or save at old favorites. Experience cuisine that delights the palate and defines the art of dining in San Diego. Held twice annually, this beloved culinary tradition features discounted prix fixe dinner menus for $20, $30 or $40 from more than 180 of San Diego’s best restaurants. Two-course lunch options are also available for $10, $15 or $20. Reservations are highly recommended. www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com

EXHIBITS
All That Glitters

Through Feb. 8. Witness a stunning selection of spectacular natural mineral crystals and exquisite jewelry, including items on display for the first time ever. Discover valuables found right here in California: benitoite, gold, kunzite and morganite, and view stunning objects on loan from private collectors and major U.S. institutions including the American Museum of Natural History, Gemological Institute of America, Harvard University Mineralogical Museum and Smithsonian Institution. 1788 El Prado Balboa Park San Diego. 619.232.3821. www.sdnhm.org