Live, Work & Play in Escondido

Arts Off Broadway

Arts Off Broadway is an Escondido-based youth theater company that regularly performs at the Maxine Theater in Valley Center; California Center for the Arts, Escondido; and the Poway Performing Arts Center. Upcoming performance: “The Princess and the Pea” at the Poway Performing Arts Center March 28-30, 2008.

If you thought you knew the story of "The Princess and The Pea," you may be in for a walloping surprise! Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winnifred actually swam the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab? Or that Lady Larken's love for Sir Harry provided a rather compelling reason that she reach the bridal altar post haste? Or that, in fact, it wasn't the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night?

Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance provides side-splitting shenanigans. Chances are you'll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again.

For more information call: Marie Verger at (760) 445-7217 or see www.artsoffbroadway.org. E-mail address: vergerdairy@aol.com.

Patio Playhouse

Patio Playhouse, located at 201 East Grand Avenue in Escondido. Upcoming productions include:

• "Dear Liar" February 8-16th, a staged reading of Jerome Kilty's play about George Bernard Shaw's romance with an acclaimed actress. Special Valentine's Day performance on Thursday 2/14.

• "The Long Night of Medea Dupree" March 28th - April 6th, an updated version of Euripides' Medea set in New Orleans.

• “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” by Alan Ball - April 18th-May 18th, directed by Jim Clevenger.

• “Bang, Bang, You're Dead” May 23rd-May25th. This powerful play by William Mastrosimone deals with the timely issues of teen violence.

For further information: (760)746-6669 Website: patioplayhouse.com. e-mail:patioplayhouse@sbcglobal.net.

Center Stage Productions

Upcoming productions include Disney’s “Aida.” With an incredible contemporary pop-rock score by Elton John and Tim Rice, “Aida” tells a classic tale of love between a soldier and an enslaved princess. It’s a modern crowd-pleaser with stirring ballads and rousing choral numbers. The cast is comprised of 50 of the most talented North County members (ages 5 to 17). Show times are 7:30pm Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27, and 2:00pm Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28, held at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido.

Check Center Stage Production’s website at www.CenterStageSD.Com or call (858) 486-1517 for more information.

California Center for the Arts Escondido

Located at 340 N. Escondido Blvd. will be showing:

• Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 8 p.m.

The world’s foremost all-male ballet company, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, hilariously brings ballet alive in an all-new way. Tickets range from $34 to $49 depending on proximity to the performers’ absurdity.

•  The Ten Tenors

Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 7 p.m.

Leaping to international attention at Germany’s Eurovision Grand Prix de la Chanson, the attractive Australian Ten Tenors have captured fans worldwide with their clever, virtuosic and humorous lyrics. Tickets range between $40 and $55.

• Gypsy

Saturday, February 16, 2008 at 2 and 8 p.m.

Gypsy is a big, brassy, heart-touching and funny musical giant. Tickets range: $22 to $37.

• Moiseyev Dance Company

Sunday, February 17, 2008 at 7 p.m.

The Moiseyev Dance Company performs the most spectacular, theatrical, athletic folk-dances from around the world. Tickets range between $40 and $55.

•  First Person – Stories from the Edge of the World Friday, February 29, 2008 at 8 p.m.

This critically-acclaimed show marries the haunting music of Druid Ireland to  enchanting “National Geographic” images that will make you gasp in awe.  Tickets are $37.

• Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

Saturday, March 1, 2008 at 8 p.m.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is among the most original forces in contemporary dance – imaginatively using pop dance, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, funk and creating dance moves that don’t yet have names. Tickets are $24 to $49.

Call (800) 988-4253 or go online to

www.artcenter.org for any further information. EM

Comment on this article

home | about us | latest issue | advertising | contact us

where to find us | list of advertisers | media kit [PDF] | events calendar

"Hedda Gabler" at Patio Playhouse. Foreground: Courtney Potter and Kenn Burnett  Rear: Kelli Harless