Curtain call
Broadway/San Diego's The Lion King and the rest of the local theater offerings
It’s tough to reconcile Broadway/San Diego’s claim that The Lion King is back by popular demand—it was here a lengthy four years ago, and “popular demand” usually takes a lot less time to eventuate into what’s demanded. In any case, Simba’s at the Civic, fighting the good fight amid his claim to a Serengeti kingdom. A few things have changed since 2005: Timothy Carter’s Scar is more ironical and thus better, while Andre Jackson tends to overplay Simba. But, as you’re well aware, the spectacle is what carries the show, and the masks, props, costumes and glorious music are on display across the savannah. And persnickety shaman Rafiki (Phindile Mkheze) is a national treasure. Beautiful piece. It runs through Nov. 8 at the Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., Downtown. $26.50-$76.50. www.broadwaysd.com.
Now playing
* Man from Nebraska: A luxury sedan, a church pew and visits to a nursing home form Ken Carpenter’s daily life—a life he’s beginning to hate. Produced by Cygnet Theatre Company, it runs through Nov. 1 at the Old Town Theatre, 4848 Twiggs St. in Old Town. $17-$42. www.cygnettheatre.com.
North Park Playwright Festival: Seven short new plays are on tap each weekend through Oct. 25 at The North Park Vaudeville and Candy Shoppe, 2031 El Cajon Blvd. in North Park .$14. www.northparkvaudeville.com.
Sammy: Sammy Davis Jr. didn’t just sing, dance and act; he defined an entertainment era. Through Nov. 8 at The Old Globe Theatre mainstage, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. $68-$78. www.oldglobe.org.
* The Savannah Disputation: Mary hatches a plan to bring fellow Catholic Margaret back into the fold by enlisting the aid of their unsuspecting parish priest. Through Nov. 1 at The Old Globe Theatre Arena Stage, 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park. $29-$68.50. www.oldglobe.org.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?: A jaded, faded older couple set a terrible example for two younger new friends. Through Oct. 24 at Compass Theatre, 3704 Sixth Ave. in Hillcrest. $15-$23. www.compasstheatre.com.
* Joyful Noise: You wouldn’t believe the trouble George Frederick Handel had in getting out his Messiah. Produced by Lamb’s Players Theatre, it runs through Nov. 22 at the Paul and Ione Harter Stage, 1142 Orange Ave. in Coronado. $22-$58. 619-437-0600, www.lambsplayers.org.* Dog Act: Rozetta Stone fights to protect the art of storytelling in post-Apocalyptic America. Produced by MOXIE Theatre, it runs through Nov. 22 at the Rolando Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd. in the College Area. $20-$25. www.moxietheatre.com.
