Chicago’s famous sketch comedy troupe The Second City is currently performing a San Diego-themed show at the La Jolla Playhouse. It’s called The Good, the Bad, and the I-5.
In our annual list of the Best of San Diego, we cited this production as “the Best Show to Laugh at Ourselves.” And it definitely lives up to the hype.
There’s Filner fodder a plenty, plus jokes about East County, the La Jolla seals, Shamu, and so much more. No zip code or zoo animal is safe.
Warning: Audience participation is a big part of the show. And if you’re seated in the first few rows, you might get pulled on stage or interviewed during one of the question and answer sketches. The cast members are masters of improvisation, which makes for lots of laughs. But if this is the kind of thing that makes you anxious, request seats in the back.
The Second City is well known as a training ground for Saturday Night Live, and has jump-started the careers of superstars like Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, and John Belushi.
Back in May, we met with two Second City writers who were in town doing research for the show. We were happy to lend our expertise on all things San Diego. (Read more about that encounter here.)
The Good, the Bad, and the I-5 runs through September 1 at the La Jolla Playhouse. Don’t miss your chance to see it. It is absolutely hysterical. I laughed so hard I cried!
And who knows? You might catch a glimpse of the next Tina Fey in the making. We think Frank Caeti has superstar written all over him. He is so funny that I laughed even when he was just standing there doing nothing.
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'
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.
Renewable energy companies building hundreds of power plants. Biotech startups using artificial intelligence to create personalized medicine for children with rare diseases. Hospitality companies quietly powering thousands of local events. Consumer brands growing from beach-town startups into national businesses. These are the kinds of companies driving San Diego’s economy today, and the businesses recognized at this year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards offer a snapshot of where the region is headed.
Hosted July 23 by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards event honored four local companies for innovation, growth, and economic impact. More than 100 nominations from San Diego’s middle-market businesses were reviewed by a 10-person judging committee, with winners selected across four categories: startup, early-stage innovator, rising star, and established heavyweight.
Two-time honoree Jimbo Someck, founder of Jimbo’s organic grocery stores, also joined the event for a fireside chat on buying local, supporting emerging brands, and giving back to the community.
“San Diego’s strength comes from its makers and builders—the resilient people who endure great risks and overcome obstacles to build and scale a company,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager and Middle Market Banking at JPMorganChase & Co. “These awards aren’t just recognition; they spotlight the talent, grit, and innovation shaping our region’s future. By celebrating those who create and build, we foster connections and fuel the growth that keeps San Diego thriving.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Building the Infrastructure Behind Clean Energy
Heavyweight honoree SOLV Energy has grown alongside the country’s rapid investment in renewable power. “It’s an exciting time for SOLV Energy as we are experiencing significant growth,” says CEO George Hershman. “The business has doubled over the last year and has almost double-digit growth since its inception.”
The Rancho Bernardo-based company designs, builds, operates, and maintains utility-scale solar and energy storage facilities. Since its founding in 2008, SOLV Energy has built more than 500 power plants.
Growth has translated directly into hiring. About 200 employees work from the company’s local headquarters, including roughly 20 interns. “Our intern program is a big part of the way that we grow our workforce,” Hershman says. “Last year, 43 percent of our interns became full-time employees. We believe San Diego is a great community to build and grow a high-tech infrastructure and technology company because of the incredible workforce—the ability to attract top talent and draw from world-class universities.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Developing Medicine One Patient at a Time
Startup honoree La Jolla Labs is tackling one of medicine’s biggest challenges by developing personalized RNA therapeutics for patients with rare diseases—many of them children with neurological disorders like ALS. Using proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, the biotech company develops treatments tailored to each patient’s specific genetic mutation.
CEO Tamar Grossman says the recognition reflects how far the company has come despite limited resources. “We’re honored to be recognized for our ability to change and save patients’ lives and turn our lean startup into a clinical company with very minimal resources,” she says.
Grossman credits San Diego’s concentration of research institutions—including UC San Diego, the Salk Institute, and Scripps Research—with creating a pipeline of talent and collaboration. “San Diego is one of the world-leading centers for technology, genomics, and RNA therapeutics,” she says. “We have over 30 RNA therapeutics companies here, and we support each other and help with anything related to drug discovery.”
She says that collaborative spirit extends beyond formal partnerships. “You can walk around Torrey Pines, go into a café, and find colleagues from the industry and have an ad hoc conversation,” Grossman says. “That’s something very unique to San Diego.”
While Snake Oil Venue Company may not be a household name, chances are many San Diegans have attended one of its events. The early-stage innovator honoree has expanded from beverage catering and mixology consulting into venue management, operating Julep Venue in Mission Hills, Bramble Bay Venue in Imperial Beach, Vesper Venue, the Chapel at Liberty Station, and five outdoor venues throughout Liberty Station—more than 500,000 square feet of event space altogether.
“We do a lot of launch parties for corporations and new products,” says CEO Mike Esposito. “I really like working on the entrepreneur side of things, where new businesses are entering the San Diego market and looking to make a splash.”
Snake Oil has executed more than 16,000 events, employed more than 1,000 people, and partnered with more than 900 local vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, entertainers, and other hospitality businesses. The company also works with many of San Diego’s nonprofits, museums, and cultural institutions. “We get to celebrate people’s most important moments,” Esposito says. “Whether that’s a wedding, celebration of life, or quinceañera, we’re fortunate to be involved in the community in so many different ways.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Growing a Beach-Town Brand into a National Business
Rising star honoree ALOHA Collection is proof that a simple idea can grow into a thriving company. Founded by two roommates who wanted a better way to carry wet swimsuits after a day at the beach, the lifestyle brand has grown into a business while maintaining strong year-over-year growth.
Now headquartered in Carlsbad, ALOHA Collection employs more than 100 people and operates its California flagship store in Encinitas, which is slated for a remodel. With roots in Hawaii, the company is known for its lightweight, splash-proof travel bags that have become a familiar sight on beaches in San Diego and beyond.
“‘Aloha’ is part of our name, but it’s also how we move through the world,” says CEO Lynna Barnard. “It’s how we show up for people, the way we travel, the way we give back.” Since day one, the company has maintained a 5 percent giveback to Hawaii conservation efforts, contributing millions of dollars over the years.
“I think what’s so inspiring about ALOHA Collection, and the founders in particular, is when you dream big, those dreams can come true when you work hard and trust in the universe,” Barnard says. “It’s inspiring to be a role model for other people wanting to start businesses from humble beginnings. Start small and watch it grow.”
Together, businesses like these form a cornerstone of San Diego’s economy—not only through the jobs and revenue they generate—but through the local workers they hire, vendors they support, and investments they make in the region. Their growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it ripples outward, strengthening the broader business community and the people who call San Diego home.
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.
Find out at Broadway San Diego's production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,' now playing at the Civic Theatre
Courtesy of Broadway San Diego
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.
From advancements in cellular biology and molecular research to innovations that deepen our understanding of complex biological systems, biotechnology continues to influence how researchers explore some of science’s most important questions.
While major discoveries often capture headlines, the process behind those breakthroughs receives far less attention. Scientific progress depends on a vast network of researchers, laboratories, manufacturers, and specialized organizations working together to support ongoing investigation and discovery.
The Growing Importance of Biotechnology
In recent years, biotechnology has moved beyond the walls of research institutions and into mainstream conversation. Increased access to scientific information, educational content, and expert commentary has sparked growing public interest in the biological sciences.
Topics once discussed primarily within academic circles are now reaching broader audiences through podcasts, documentaries, digital media, and online communities. As a result, more people are developing an appreciation for the research, experimentation, and innovation that drive scientific advancement.
This growing visibility has transformed biotechnology from a largely specialized field into a subject of interest for educators, innovators, investors, and curious observers alike.
The Hidden Infrastructure Behind Discovery
Scientific breakthroughs often capture public attention, but the infrastructure that makes those breakthroughs possible rarely receives the same recognition. Behind every new discovery are years of investigation, testing, analysis, and refinement.
Behind nearly every research project is a network of laboratories, suppliers, technical specialists, and research-focused organizations working together to support scientific exploration. Laboratory infrastructure, specialized materials, quality standards, and reliable methodologies all contribute to the integrity of the research process.
When these foundational elements are in place, researchers can focus on generating insights, exploring new ideas, and building upon existing knowledge. Although much of this work occurs behind the scenes, it plays a critical role in helping science move forward.
Why Discovery Depends on More Than Researchers Alone
As biotechnology continues to evolve, research-focused organizations have become increasingly important contributors to the broader scientific ecosystem.
Among them is NewBioRx, a company operating within the biotechnology and life sciences sector. Like many organizations operating within the broader research ecosystem, NewBioRx contributes to the network of suppliers, laboratories, and scientific stakeholders that help support ongoing research efforts.
As scientific research becomes increasingly sophisticated, organizations that help support the research environment contribute to a culture where innovation can continue to thrive. Their work may not always be visible to the public, but it forms part of the foundation that enables scientific progress.
Why Science Is Reaching Wider Audiences
One of the most notable developments in recent years has been the growing public fascination with science and human biology.
Scientific concepts that were once primarily discussed within research settings are now reaching wider audiences through educational content, podcasts, digital media, and online communities. People are becoming increasingly interested not only in scientific outcomes, but also in the process of discovery itself.
The growing visibility of science has also created new connections between scientific communities and broader audiences. Individuals who operate across multiple worlds—including fitness, media, and life sciences—have helped introduce scientific topics to audiences that may not have engaged with them previously.
One example is Sam Sulek, co-founder of NewBioRx, whose involvement across fitness culture and the life sciences sector reflects the growing intersection between public curiosity and scientific exploration.
As co-founder of NewBioRx, he has helped champion a research-focused approach to scientific inquiry while supporting broader conversations around scientific literacy and discovery.
As scientific discovery becomes increasingly collaborative, public attention is beginning to extend beyond individual breakthroughs and toward the broader ecosystem that makes those breakthroughs possible. From researchers and laboratories to the organizations that support them, scientific progress remains a collective effort built on curiosity, expertise, and long-term commitment.
