Opera doesn’t get much more Italian than Verdi, and Verdi doesn’t get any better than A Masked Ball (Un ballo in maschera), opening at San Diego Opera on March 8. Based on the true story of the assassination of King Gustav III of Sweden in 1792, it’s got everything—fortunetelling, a love triangle, political intrigue, and the murder of a king, along with a really great costume party. SDO’s production includes the hot Polish lyric tenor Piotr Beczala, Bulgarian soprano Krassimira Stoyanova, and American mezzo Stephanie Blythe. There’ll be eye-popping costumes on stage, but you can decide whether to dress up or just wear jeans (yes, even at the opera). March 8, 11, 14, and 16, Civic Theatre, sdopera.com
Meet the young talents now starring in ‘Disney's Mary Poppins' at Moonlight Amphitheater
By Kimberly Cunningham
A Spoonful of Sugar
Name: Abby DeSpain
Age: 10
Role: Jane Banks
Favorite snack? Probably… pretzels and M & M’s.
Must-have gadget? My iPod so I can listen to music.
What’s kind of music do you listen to? I just like just the Broadway soundtracks. I listen to those a lot.
Favorite Broadway musical? That is a hard one. I really like Wicked.
Do you have a favorite scene in Mary Poppins? I really like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” because that is the funnest number I get to do. It’s fast, and it’s just a lot of fun.
Do you do anything special to get ready before each show? Well… I like to be really early for the show. I like to have everything on, my wig on, my makeup on, so 10 minutes before the show, I am totally ready, so I have lots of time to chill.
How do you unwind afterward? After I get all my costumes off, and my wig off, and go say hi to my mom and everyone else that is there… it’s usually a pretty late night, and by the time I’m home, I’m usually half asleep. So I just get in bed, and after a few minutes, I’m out.
What do you want to be when you grow up? That’s a tricky question. There’s a lot of things I want to be when I grow up. An actress is definitely one of them. But I also really love to write, and want to be an author. And another thing I want to be is a marine biologist. I really love animals. And I love the water.
Secret to success? I would say to start at the beginning and follow your instincts. Always work hard. Do your best. And you’ll get there if you work hard. And it has to be fun!
A Spoonful of Sugar
Nate Carman and Abby DeSpain in Mary Poppins (photos by Ken Jacques)
Name:Nate Carman
Age: 10
Role: Michael Banks
Favorite snack? I’d have to say I love nachos.
Must-have gadget? I’d have to say my iPad because I can read books on it and play games on it. I like Floppy Bird. (laughs)
What’s the coolest part about being in the show? It’s so cool hanging out with all the other people, and I think it’s really fun to go up the chimney. That’s kind of a new experience. I’ve never done that before. It’s a really cool thing, they have this elevator inside, but it’s not really an elevator. It’s a weight system, like a seesaw with pulleys.
Were you scared the first time you tried it? I was pretty scared, because if you’re standing in the wrong place, you could hit your head on one of the bars. But afterwards it got pretty fun.
Do you have a favorite moment in the show? My favorite moments is when Mr. Banks produces the kite, and then I run over to him and hug him. I just like it cause it’s kind of a heartwarming scene.
Do you do anything special to get ready before each show? Um. Not really. Sometimes I just play with friends or sit at home and rest.
How do you unwind afterward? I go home, sit on the couch, and sometimes my mom makes me popcorn.
What do you want to be when you grow up? Um… I think want to be an electrical engineer.
Do you know what an electrical engineer does? Yeah, they help fix problems in circuitry, like if a wire is out of place, they go and fix it on the circuit board and make sure everything’s running smoothly.
Secret to success? I don’t really know. I mean, what I like to do in rehearsal is I don’t just work on the things I’m doing right, I work on the things I’m doing wrong, and then, I like to look back at the things I’m doing right and put it all together.
Disney’s Mary Poppinsruns through August 2 at Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista. For tickets, visit moonlightstage.com.
Meet the young talents now starring in ‘Disney's Mary Poppins' at Moonlight Amphitheater
By Kimberly Cunningham
A Spoonful of Sugar
Name: Abby DeSpain
Age: 10
Role: Jane Banks
Favorite snack? Probably… pretzels and M & M’s.
Must-have gadget? My iPod so I can listen to music.
What’s kind of music do you listen to? I just like just the Broadway soundtracks. I listen to those a lot.
Favorite Broadway musical? That is a hard one. I really like Wicked.
Do you have a favorite scene in Mary Poppins? I really like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” because that is the funnest number I get to do. It’s fast, and it’s just a lot of fun.
Do you do anything special to get ready before each show? Well… I like to be really early for the show. I like to have everything on, my wig on, my makeup on, so 10 minutes before the show, I am totally ready, so I have lots of time to chill.
How do you unwind afterward? After I get all my costumes off, and my wig off, and go say hi to my mom and everyone else that is there… it’s usually a pretty late night, and by the time I’m home, I’m usually half asleep. So I just get in bed, and after a few minutes, I’m out.
What do you want to be when you grow up? That’s a tricky question. There’s a lot of things I want to be when I grow up. An actress is definitely one of them. But I also really love to write, and want to be an author. And another thing I want to be is a marine biologist. I really love animals. And I love the water.
Secret to success? I would say to start at the beginning and follow your instincts. Always work hard. Do your best. And you’ll get there if you work hard. And it has to be fun!
A Spoonful of Sugar
Nate Carman and Abby DeSpain in Mary Poppins (photos by Ken Jacques)
Name:Nate Carman
Age: 10
Role: Michael Banks
Favorite snack? I’d have to say I love nachos.
Must-have gadget? I’d have to say my iPad because I can read books on it and play games on it. I like Floppy Bird. (laughs)
What’s the coolest part about being in the show? It’s so cool hanging out with all the other people, and I think it’s really fun to go up the chimney. That’s kind of a new experience. I’ve never done that before. It’s a really cool thing, they have this elevator inside, but it’s not really an elevator. It’s a weight system, like a seesaw with pulleys.
Were you scared the first time you tried it? I was pretty scared, because if you’re standing in the wrong place, you could hit your head on one of the bars. But afterwards it got pretty fun.
Do you have a favorite moment in the show? My favorite moments is when Mr. Banks produces the kite, and then I run over to him and hug him. I just like it cause it’s kind of a heartwarming scene.
Do you do anything special to get ready before each show? Um. Not really. Sometimes I just play with friends or sit at home and rest.
How do you unwind afterward? I go home, sit on the couch, and sometimes my mom makes me popcorn.
What do you want to be when you grow up? Um… I think want to be an electrical engineer.
Do you know what an electrical engineer does? Yeah, they help fix problems in circuitry, like if a wire is out of place, they go and fix it on the circuit board and make sure everything’s running smoothly.
Secret to success? I don’t really know. I mean, what I like to do in rehearsal is I don’t just work on the things I’m doing right, I work on the things I’m doing wrong, and then, I like to look back at the things I’m doing right and put it all together.
Disney’s Mary Poppinsruns through August 2 at Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista. For tickets, visit moonlightstage.com.
The Old Globe's Shakespeare in the Park summer series kicks off with a traditional production of ‘Othello'
By Rebecca Wilson
‘Othello’ Enchants at The Old Globe
Jim Cox
From the first puff of smoke from Iago’s cigarette, which opens the play, to the entrance of the valiant Othello, the audience is swept away to the world of a classic Shakespearian tragedy. The play is performed in The Old Globe’s Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, an open-air space in the likes of which Othello would have first been seen by audiences in the early 17th century.
Blair Underwood stars as Othello, a Christian Moor and Venetian general, who has just won the heart of the young, fair Desdemona, played by Kristen Connolly. Emmy Award winner Richard Thomas intrigues as Iago, who narrates the audience through his plot to unhinge Othello.
‘Othello’ Enchants at The Old Globe
Jim Cox
Honest Iago, to which he is referred, is truly honest with the audience members as he elaborates his scheme to them each step of the way. Though the words are by Shakespeare, the play just as much belongs to Iago, who uses the characters as pawns to do his own will as he “pours pestilence” into the Moor’s ear.
Othello is directed by The Old Globe’s Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, who is recognized as a Shakespeare scholar and has directed almost half the plays from Shakespeare’s 37-play repertoire.
This traditional production of Othello can be seen at The Old Globe through July 27. For more information and tickets, visit theoldglobe.com.
Meet ArtsConnect, UC San Diego’s Invitation to SoCal Arts Lovers
ArtsConnect brings those experiences into view, helping residents discover what they can see, hear and create at UC San Diego while experiencing the campus in a new way.
Ask most people what UC San Diego is known for, and the arts may not be the first answer. Yet this fall, San Diegans can watch Ghostbusters with a live orchestra, try their hand at glassmaking and wander among more than 20 works of public art woven throughout the university’s La Jolla campus.
ArtsConnect brings those experiences into view, helping residents discover what they can see, hear and create at UC San Diego while experiencing the campus in a new way.
Courtesy of UC San Diego | Photo Cred: Erik Jensen
“The arts are at the heart of UC San Diego’s student-centered mission and vision,” says Alysson Satterlund, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life. “Whether creating, participating in, or experiencing performances, the arts are essential to a healthy and truly fun Triton student experience.”
That invitation often begins where the arts intersect with other fields.
“Some of the most innovative work and discovery happen where disciplines don’t usually share a stage,” says Cristina Della Coletta, Dean of the UC San Diego School of Arts and Humanities. “So through our unique intersection of the arts with science, technology, and medicine, we are improving lives, physically and emotionally.
Take The Inaudible Ocean, a collaboration between Department of Music Professor Lei Liang and Scripps Institution of Oceanography Assistant Project Scientist Josh Jones. Over eight years, the pair recorded earthquakes, ship noise, whale songs and other sounds in remote underwater locations. They transformed those recordings into a live music experience that allowed audiences to hear the ocean in an entirely new way. The work premiered on campus in May and continues to evolve.
The arts also connect the campus to the global art world and diverse perspectives. Chief Campus Curator Jessica Berlanga Taylor recently curated the Mexico Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale, featuring RojoNegro, the collective formed by Noé Martínez and María Sosa. The collective will unveil a compelling new permanent installation for UC San Diego’s celebrated Stuart Collection later this fall.
ArtPower offers another easy entry point, bringing touring performers to venues including the outdoor Epstein Family Amphitheater and the intimate Loft. The nearly three dozen performances featured through its 2026-2027 season span music, dance, film, theater and conversation.
Among the fall highlights is Ghostbusters in Concert on Sept. 25, pairing the beloved 1984 film with a live performance of Elmer Bernstein’s score. Tickets start at $35, and the amphitheater is located next to the UC San Diego Blue Line trolley station.
“Every member of our community should have access to world-class art, so we work hard to remove the barriers that stand in the way,” says Colleen Kollar Smith, executive artistic director of the Campus Performances and Events Office. “That means affordable ticket prices, and performances, voices and experiences where people see themselves reflected on stage and know they belong.”
The arts at UC San Diego are not only something to watch. The Craft Center offers public classes and workshops in ceramics, jewelry, woodworking, culinary arts and even surfboard shaping. At the new Glass Center, beginners and experienced makers can explore glassmaking through classes, demonstrations and studio experiences.
Whether you want to attend a performance, make something yourself or spend an afternoon exploring public art, there is an easy way in. And the invitation extends well beyond students and alumni.
Kollar Smith says it best: “Visit, participate, spectate or create. You’re invited, and we hope you’ll connect with us soon.”
The Old Globe's Shakespeare in the Park summer series kicks off with a traditional production of ‘Othello'
Jim Cox
By Rebecca Wilson
‘Othello’ Enchants at The Old Globe
Jim Cox
From the first puff of smoke from Iago’s cigarette, which opens the play, to the entrance of the valiant Othello, the audience is swept away to the world of a classic Shakespearian tragedy. The play is performed in The Old Globe’s Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, an open-air space in the likes of which Othello would have first been seen by audiences in the early 17th century.
Blair Underwood stars as Othello, a Christian Moor and Venetian general, who has just won the heart of the young, fair Desdemona, played by Kristen Connolly. Emmy Award winner Richard Thomas intrigues as Iago, who narrates the audience through his plot to unhinge Othello.
‘Othello’ Enchants at The Old Globe
Jim Cox
Honest Iago, to which he is referred, is truly honest with the audience members as he elaborates his scheme to them each step of the way. Though the words are by Shakespeare, the play just as much belongs to Iago, who uses the characters as pawns to do his own will as he “pours pestilence” into the Moor’s ear.
Othello is directed by The Old Globe’s Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, who is recognized as a Shakespeare scholar and has directed almost half the plays from Shakespeare’s 37-play repertoire.
This traditional production of Othello can be seen at The Old Globe through July 27. For more information and tickets, visit theoldglobe.com.
Find out at Broadway San Diego's production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,' now playing at the Civic Theatre
By Kimberly Cunningham
In one of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’s most energetic moments, the cast sings a song about the many colors in this very special coat and the show’s namesake.
There are 29 colors to be exact. As the lyrics go, “It was red and yellow and green and brown and scarlett and black and ochre and peach and ruby and olive and violet and fawn and lilac and gold and choc’late and mauve and cream and crimson and silver and rose and azure and lemon and russet and grey and purple and white and pink and orange and blue!”
This is just one of many great numbers in this beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, with lyrics by Tim Rice—a score that many theater lovers, including San Diego Magazine staffers, know by heart. (Note: These songs are so catchy; we guarantee you’ll be singing them all the way home.)
The story of Joseph and his magical coat is based on a Biblical fable. It’s great for families with children, offering life lessons about honesty and honor and faith.
The current production, now playing at the San Diego Civic Theatre, stars former American Idol contestants (and married couple) Ace Young as Joseph and Diana DeGarmo as the narrator. We can’t wait to “Go, Go, Go” and see their real-life chemistry on stage.
Here’s to life in Technicolor—and all the dreamers out there!
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoatruns through June 29. For tickets visit,broadwaysd.com.
Growing up, Laika Nur, MD, Scripps Clinic sports medicine specialist, loved watching beach volleyball when the Association of Volleyball Professionals tour came to her hometown of Chicago. A talented volleyball player herself, she remembers sitting in the stands all day, and once, even got a couple autographs. Years later, Dr. Nur was attending a professional event focused on women’s sports, and the discussion turned to a new professional women’s volleyball league. The general manager and coaching staff for San Diego’s team, the Mojo, happened to be in attendance, and Dr. Nur took the opportunity to ask them if they needed a team doctor. Flash forward to the Mojo’s inaugural 2024 season, when Dr. Nur officially became the team physician. Click here to read more about Dr. Nur and how she incorporates lessons she learned on the court into her practice.
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