Top Theater Picks in San Diego For New Year

Columnist - Theresa Layne

Anyone have a New Year's resolution to go to the theater more often? Whether you consider it for the entire family, for a date night or a fun event with your pals, you do not have to break the bank while you catch some great entertainment!

Here are my faves:

Swingtime Canteen is playing at the Jan. 28 – Feb. 21 in Vista on Main Street. This cute little indoor theater, The AVO Playhouse, used to be a movie house back in the 1950’s and has been converted into a theater playhouse for Moonlight Stage Productions as well as many other theater companies. Cost for this show is $29.00.

An even better bargain for a night at the theater is the little known gem found at MiraCosta College. You do not want to miss their next production. For $15.00 you can attend a preview performance of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest starring Jonathan McMurtry (if you have not seen this man’s work onstage, you are missing out, truly, he is one of San Diego’s finest actors). Not only is it starring Mr. McMurtry, but many more local professional actors who are teaming up with the student actors to put on this magnificent piece of theatre. The production will be directed by North Coast Repertory Theater’s Artistic Director, David Ellenstein. What an incredible collaboration this will be. Do not be intimidated by Shakespeare; do what I do and read the plot summary and character relationships before attending the show and you will have no problem following the action. If you can’t make the preview, you can always volunteer usher, pay full price…$25.00! This show runs from Feb. 26 – Mar 14! The discounted preview is on Feb. 25th.

To find out more about my background, visit theresalayne.com