THE GRAND RITZ THEATER

by Ron Bierman - February 20, 2026

Rossini’s Barber of Seville is a top ten opera in performances. Donors love it for its vocal gymnastics, memorable arias and sparkling melodies. Receptive newcomers like it because of its delightful bubbling overture, the familiar Figaro aria that soon follows, and its simple fast-moving sitcom-li...

by ErinMarie Reiter - February 13, 2026

“Hedda Gabler” by Henrik Ibsen, now given a taut new version by Erin Cressida Wilson and directed with precision by Barry Edelstein at The Old Globe, stars Katie Holmes in the title role through March 15th....

by ErinMarie Reiter - February 10, 2026

“How to Succeed…” remains a slick, silly, and sharply performed romp—one that knows exactly what kind of absurd world it’s skewering, and does so with a grin....

by Ron Bierman - February 05, 2026

Jaha Ling led the San Diego Symphony’s first performance of Mahler’s seventh symphony in 2014, more than a century after the orchestra was founded. He called it “the most modern of all Mahler symphonies.” Many critics have made similar judgements, the more conservative among them meant it a...

by ErinMarie Reiter - February 02, 2026

I’ve watched (and loved) enough sci-fi movies to know that any animals kept in a lab eventually come for the humans. Monkeys. Sharks. Dinosaurs. So you can’t blame me for being deeply suspicious of the bees in the lab in 'The Apiary” now playing at New Village Arts through February 22, 2026....

by ErinMarie Reiter - January 30, 2026

“Audition Sides” At Riot Productions understands a specific kind of theatrical purgatory: the audition room, and then raises the stakes even more in this one act....

by Ron Bierman - January 18, 2026

Art of Elan launched the Sounds and Swells series several years ago. Artistic Director Eric Starr describes its unusual programs as “a curated pairing of surfing footage and classical music.” The music and footage vary from one performance to another, but always include one or more California co...

by ErinMarie Reiter - December 31, 2025

“SIX” feels like a New Year’s resolution set to a killer beat: ditch the old hierarchies, turn up the volume, and let the queens run the show. All hail, indeed....

by ErinMarie Reiter - December 16, 2025

Cygnet Theatre’s “A Magical Holiday: Christmas at The Joan” is precisely what its title promises: a bright, polished, joy-forward holiday revue that knows its job is to lift spirits, sparkle confidently, and send you back into December humming. ...

by ErinMarie Reiter - December 16, 2025

New Village Arts’ production of 'Rent' understands the heart of the piece, even if some of the sharpest edges are softened....