Stephen Sondheim helped me get through the endless early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In those first few months after the shelter-in-place order began in March 2020, I, like so many, was starved for distraction, to say nothing of inspiration. Then, seeking both online I discovered “Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration.”
The two-hour streaming program featured Broadway stars like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sutton Foster and Bernadette Peters singing from their homes so many of the tunes from shows Sondheim had made immortal.
In the midst of lockdown, I found some comfort and joy.
More than four years later, the lockdown is behind us but COVID is not. And Stephen Sondheim, who ed in 2021 at age 91, is gone.
But the comfort and joy remains. Earlier this year I reveled in “Into the Woods” onstage at Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista, and “Sweeney Todd” opens in September at San Diego Musical Theatre and in October at Coronado Playhouse.
Then there’s tomorrow night: “Sondheim Tonight! A Celebration of Genius.” will be presented under the stars at the Rady Shell on San Diego Bay. Rob Fisher leads the San Diego Symphony in an evening of Sondheim that features five vocalists, including Broadway legend Len Cariou, the original Sweeney Todd.
Still more comfort and joy.
Hip-Hop
I like to reference artists who are of the EGOT Club — those who’ve won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony. There are only 19 of them and there’s no rap artist yet in the hip.
This could change someday if the multitalented music artist Common wins a Tony Award. He’s got an Oscar for co-writing (with John Legend) the song “Glory” from the film “Selma,” three Grammys (including one also for “Glory”) and an Emmy for composing the music and lyrics for the documentary “13th.”
In the meantime, let’s not forget he’s a dynamic rapper. Common brings his “Auditorium Tour” with Pete Rock to The Sound in Del Mar on Wednesday night. Should be an uncommon show.
Film festival
Everybody’s got a film festival, so why not kids, too?
Oh, right. They do. The San Diego International Kids Film Festival returns this weekend with screenings and related events at two North County venues: the Senior Center in Carlsbad and MiraCosta Concert Hall in Oceanside.
Films and projects from over 30 countries will be featured at this, the 21st edition of the festival. They include features, documentary, animation, children’s films and shorts — more than 100 entries.
The festival runs Friday through Sunday. Screening es range from $5 (for kids) to $25. For details, visit sdkidsfilms.org.
More film
All right, cat lovers. This is for you. Media Arts Center San Diego’s Digital Gym Cinema, notable for its wide and diverse range of programming, goes full feline Sunday morning at 11 with a CatVideoFest.
As described on the Digital Gym Cinema website, this event includes submitted animation films, music videos and more, 73 minutes’ worth of meow movie stuff.
Best of all, proceeds from this screening go to the Community Cat Foundation and Los Gatos de Barrio Logan. Dog owners are welcome.
Side note: If the festival inspires you, try re-watching the classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” on Prime Video. Besides Audrey Hepburn, the 1961 film directed by Blake Edwards co-stars Orangey, a red shorthair tabby who enjoyed a lengthy film and TV career. For info, visit digitalgym.org/movies/catvideofest-2024/.
Standup comedy
You’ve heard it said that somebody is so funny he or she is a scream. Actor/standup comedian Jamie Kennedy can back that up. Horror film fans know that Kennedy portrayed Randy Meeks and provided the comic relief in the “Scream” movies. The Philadelphia-born Kennedy also enjoyed a run a long time ago in the WB sketch comedy show “The Jamie Kennedy Experiment.”
He’s winding up an engagement at The Comedy Store in La Jolla this weekend, with standup performances on Friday and Saturday night. Keep in mind these are 21-and-up shows. For tickets, visit thecomedystore.com/la-jolla.
UCTV
University of California Television invites you to enjoy this special selection of programs from throughout the University of California. Descriptions courtesy of and text written by UCTV staff:
How did the discovery of Lucy change our understanding of human evolution? Ian Tattersall explores this pivotal moment in paleoanthropology, highlighting how Lucy, a fossil unearthed in the 1970s, transformed the field by challenging the traditional view that human ancestors were merely rough guides. Lucy, as Australopithecus afarensis, emphasized the importance of defining species clearly. Tattersall delves into the 1981 debate between Richard Leakey and Donald Johanson, where Leakey’s reluctance to propose an alternative underscored the flaws in old interpretations. Through Tattersall’s insights, we see how Lucy’s discovery sparked a significant shift towards a more nuanced understanding of human origins and the diversity of our ancestral lineage.
“How the Humanities Shape Our World”
Prominent leaders in the humanities gather to celebrate the legacy of Walter H. Capps, a distinguished professor whose contributions have significantly shaped the field. Hosted by Greg Johnson, director of the Walter H. Capps Center for the Study of Ethics, Religion and Public Life at UCSB, the ists reflect on Capps’ profound influence on religious studies and his broader impact on the humanities. Their discussion emphasizes the enduring relevance of disciplines such as history, art, philosophy, language and religion in fostering ethical reflection, critical thinking and cultural understanding in today’s world. This gathering not only honors Capps’ remarkable legacy but also underscores the humanities’ vital role in navigating the complexities of modern society.
Pedro Manrique explores the future of work, emphasizing the growing importance of asynchronous collaboration across time zones and the integration of AI to boost productivity. He advocates for embracing technological disruption while keeping a human-centered approach at the core of this evolution. Manrique envisions a future where the concept of traditional retirement gives way to dynamic career paths and diversified income streams. He encourages seeing jobs as portfolios of opportunities, highlighting the need for continuous learning, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness. Through his insights, Manrique provides a forward-thinking roap for adapting to the changing landscape of work with resilience and innovation.
And finally, top weekend events
The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: Aug. 23-25.
