Check out our roundup of top performances and plays in San Diego this September.
Edited by Lisa Kelley
Sweet Charity
Sept. 2-Nov. 20. In this new musical by Cy Coleman, Charity wants something so badly that she tries too hard to get it. She wants to be loved so much that she has lost sight of who she is. Charity sings, dances, laughs and cries her way through romances with the “animal magnetism” hero, the “ultrachic continental” hero and the “impossible-to believe-but-he’s-better-than-nothing” hero. 8860 Lawrence Welk Dr., Escondido, 888.802.7469. welkresorts.com
Tiger Style
Sept. 6-Oct. 2. As they struggle with adulthood, siblings Albert and Jennifer Chen go on a journey from California to China in this cheeky new comedy. Potiker Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org
The Cocktail Hour
Sept. 7-Oct. 2. Mix two upper-class New Englanders, their over-privileged adult children and endless cocktails for an intoxicating evening of comedy. North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987-D Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org
Disney’s The Lion King
Sept. 7-Oct. 2. The popular musical spectacular features stunning visuals, dazzling choreography and hit Broadway music, crafted by Elton John and Tim Rice. Broadway/San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown, 619.570.1100. sandiegotheatres.org
October Sky
Sept. 10-Oct. 23. Based on the beloved film, this uplifting musical portrait of small-town Americana is packed with youthful exuberance and a sweeping, unforgettable new score. Shirley Stage at the Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
The Addams Family
Sept. 14-Oct. 1. They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky. Yes, they’re the Addams family coming to life in a new macabre musical comedy. Join Gomez and Morticia Addams for a morbid family gathering when daughter Wednesday brings home her “normal” boyfriend and his uptight parents. Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1200 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista, 760.724.2110. moonlightstage.com
Manifest Destinitis
Sept. 15-Oct. 9. A modern adaptation of Moliere’s The Imaginary Invalid, this world-premiere comedy mixes political satire, romantic triangles, double entendres and mistaken identities. San Diego Rep, Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, downtown, 619.544.1000. sdrep.org
Seven Guitars
Sept. 28-Nov. 6. Part bawdy comedy, part dark elegy and part mystery, this lyrical play is the fifth in August Wilson’s 10-play cycle that charts the African-American experience through each decade of the 20th century. Cygnet Theatre in Old Town, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.337.1525. cygnettheatre.com
King Hedley II
Sept. 29-Nov. 6. August Wilson’s ninth play in his 10-play cycle examining the African-American experience tells the story of King, a man recently released from prison, who attempts to rebuild his life amid changing times. Cygnet Theatre in Old Town, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.337.1525. cygnettheatre.com
Lizard Boy
Sept. 29-Oct. 30. This indi-folk-rock-concert-coming-of-age-love-story about the power of individuality challenges the notion of what a musical can be. Unlikely hero, Trevor, embarks on a crazy adventurous night and is challenged to transform from freak to hero. Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., #101, University Heights, 619. 220.0097. diversionary.org
The Lion
Sept. 29-Oct. 30. Benjamin Schemer uses his guitar—actually six guitars—in this original musical experience that tells one man’s gripping coming-of-age story and his discovery of the redemptive power of music. White Theatre at the Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
