It’s almost a waste to time to review “Fiddler On The Roof,” because I’ve never seen a bad production of it. How can you go wrong with story inspired by Sholem Aleichem, a book by Joseph Stein, Jerry Bock’s unforgettable music and Sheldon Harnick’s wonderful lyrics? You can’t, and Welk Resorts Theatre is proving that once again with a lovely production headed by Rudy Martinez…
An all-star lineup of prominent community and business leaders will slip on their dancing shoes and compete as part of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido’s “Dancing With Our Stars” Gala Fundraiser on Saturday, April 2. Gala proceeds will benefit the Center’s education and community outreach programs, which serve over 75,000 people each year. Community stars will include former Escondido Mayor Lori Holt-Pfeiler and…
Whoever said love can shatter like glass hasn’t visited Escondido’s Stone & Glass where love and glass mix quite nicely, thank you. Glass art meets form and function in a industrial section of town, Simpson Way, where James Stone plies his craft for commissions large and small, the cause of ocean conservation, and home decor while also holding workshops, events and studio tours. “I’m the…
Modern society meets barbershop quartets in the new Patio Playhouse Community theater presentation of The Fabulous Lipitones playing through March 13. The rollicking musical has generated great reviews since its 2013 premiere. “This a cappella musical works just fine without much glitter or glamour,” New York Times theater reviewer Ken Jaworski said. “It’s greatest pleasures spring from the simplest of intentions.” The barbershop quartet of…
At the height of the roaring Twenties Ray Henderson’s “The Best Things in Life are Free” was a popular song. The sentiment applies to the California Center for the Arts, Escondido’s (CCAE) presentation of Highland Way, highlighting Celtic music from Scotland and Ireland, and the occasional cover. Highland Way is highly free at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 2 shows at CCAE. Tickets,…
Welcome to “underground” Escondido. The future starts now. Rapper Self Provoked was in the HypeFright house. His teenaged admirers snaked around the long building, spilling across the 239 E Valley Parkway parking lot into a well-mannered, yet energetic, line for a very special meet and greet opportunity. They were maybe 30 yards away from a staid Second Saturday Art Walk crowd trudging around the Escondido…
Iconic, entertaining and legendary, The Chieftains traditional Irish band roars into California Center for the Arts, Escondido Concert Hall on Thursday, Feb. 25. Considered one of the world’s most memorable musical ensembles, The Chieftains transcend musical boundaries by blending tradition with modern music. They’ve been at it for half-a-century, believe it or not, yet always sound fresh and relevant. You can thank Paddy Moloney for…
Chinese culture wars came to the California Center for the Arts, Escondido (CCAE) last week. Shen Yun, the New York-based performing arts company affiliated with the Falun Gong spiritual movementm was at the Center for a series of performances from Jan. 26-28. Falun Gong was founded in Northeast China in 1992, emphasizing Buddhist and Taoist tradition. While the Chinese Communist Party initially supported the movement,…
Lights, camera. Action? What the heck was going on Saturday in the alley behind the 100 block of E Grand Avenue? A white mini-van was there. People were milling around. Sometimes the mini-van was moving, and people were running around. Weird. While word on the street is “alley-way-cul-ture” is a secret Escondido happening, this was unusual even for that. Turns out this was the master…
You don’t have to ask Ukulele Ray where the hot ukulele action is this season. Simply head over to the California Center for the Arts, Escondido (CCAE). World-renowned, The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra takes center stage at the 1,523-seat main concert hall on Tuesday, Feb. 2. The New Zealand entertainment powerhouse’s repertoire consists of “ukulelefied” versions of many contemporary pop classics by Justin Timberlake, Dolly…