From updated classics to sensational singers, check out the top performances and plays in San Diego this August.
Edited by Eva Scattergood.
“Barefoot in the Park”
July 28-Sept. 2. Fresh off a honeymoon at the Plaza Hotel, free-spirited Corie and her buttoned-down husband Paul find themselves struggling to adjust to married life in their run-down New York walk-up in this fresh and hilarious new look at Neil Simon’s classic comedy. See website for show times. $30+. The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
“On Your Feet!”
July 31-Aug. 5. This feel-good musical takes you behind the music and inside the true-life story of pop music sensations Emilio and Gloria Estefan—the record-making and groundbreaking couple who overcame tragedy and found a way to land on their feet. See website for show times. $22.50+. Broadway/San Diego, Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown, 619.570.1100. broadwaysd.com
Burt Bacharach
Aug. 3. Welcome back the one and only Burt Bacharach, a San Diego Symphony summer concerts favorite of many years. Burt brings his treasure trove of pop hits that became the soundtrack of an era, created anew by his sensational company of singers and the orchestra. 7:30 p.m. $33+. Embarcadero Marina Park South, 200 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero, 619.235.0804. sandiegosymphony.org
Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen
Aug. 7-8. Broadway legend and Tony Award-winning actor Ben Vereen brings his popular stage show to San Diego. Enjoy this evening of song and dance mixed with stories of his life, seasoned with insight and humor, as he performs signature numbers such as “Defying Gravity,” “Mr. Bojangles,” “Magic To Do” and “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries.” Doors 6 p.m., show 8 p.m. $35-$40. Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.400.4500. ma4sd.com
“Much Ado About Nothing”
Aug. 12-Sept. 16. Everyone can see that confirmed bachelor Benedick and headstrong Beatrice are meant for each other—except for Benedick and Beatrice themselves—in Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy featuring colorful characters, passionate poetry and witty wordplay. See website for show times. $30+. The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”
Through Aug. 19. Stephen Sondheim’s timeless musical comedy delivers sheer joy and classic songs such as “Comedy Tonight,” “Lovely” and “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid.” See website for show times. $45+. North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987-D Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org
“Seize the King”
Aug. 21-Sept. 16. Playwright Will Power’s world-premiere play is a five-person, full-throttle reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s Richard III. See website for show times. $41+. La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org
Gavin DeGraw and Phillip Phillips
Aug. 22. See multi-platinum selling singer, performer and songwriter Gavin DeGraw take the stage. He will be joined by Phillip Phillips who has released two chart-topping albums and now brings his brand of earthy, guitar-fueled rock to Humphreys Concerts by the Bay. 7 p.m. $58+. 2241 Shelter Island Dr., Shelter Island, 800.745.3000. humphreysconcerts.com
“The Phantom of the Opera”
Aug. 23-Sept. 2. Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical has been hailed by critics as “bigger and better than ever before,” featuring new special effects, scenic and lighting designs, staging and choreography. See website for show times. $27.50+. Broadway/San Diego, Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown, 619.570.1100. broadwaysd.com
“An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life”
Aug 25. Steve Martin and Martin Short bring their show, featuring the Steep Canyon Rangers and Jeff Babko, to the Pechanga this summer. In this special performance, Martin and Short will present new material in a variety of musical sketches and conversations on their iconic careers, most memorable encounters, and of course, their legendary lives in show-business and stand-up. 8 p.m. $89+. Pechanga Summit, 45000 Pechanga Pkwy., Temecula, 888.810.8871. pechanga.com
“The Phantom of the Opera” photo by Matthew Murphy. Burt Bacharach photo courtesy of San Diego Symphony. “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” photo courtesy of North Coast Rep.
