Kaki King and The String Revolution: A Night of Strings, Stories and Sonic Alchemy
Celebrated guitarist and composer Kaki King brings her innovative style and heartfelt performance to Southern California. by Scott Leonard When you think of a guitar concert, you might picture a spotlight, a stool, and a single musician pouring out songs one chord at a time. But when Kaki King takes the stage, that image explodes […]
From Idol to Icon: The Evolution of Jim Verraros
Jim Verraros broke barriers on American Idol, found his voice in queer pop and film, and now returns with his boldest work yet. by Tony Reverditto When American Idol premiered in 2002, millions of people tuned in to watch everyday dreamers sing their way to stardom. Among them was a 19-year-old Jim Verraros, who would […]
Margaret Cho: Forty Years of Filthy, Fearless and Fabulous
The comedy icon drops The Margaret Cho Collection and Best in Cho, reflecting on her legacy while gearing up for what’s next. by scott leonard For more than four decades, Margaret Cho has been a comedic force—fearless, filthy, political, and always ahead of her time. Now, the comedy icon is celebrating her storied career with […]
EXES AND OHS – Tuc Watkins Stars in ‘Exit Interviews’
A Hilariously Honest Post-Mortem on Gay Love, Loss and Lessons Not Quite Learned by chris carpenter FilmOut San Diego will host the world premiere of the gay-themed drama Exit Interviews during the 25th annual LGBTQ Film Festival on Friday, August 22 at 7 p.m. at Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park. Writer-director Garrett Abdo […]
Staged Reading Festival at CCAE Theatricals: A Bold Celebration of Inclusive, Community-Driven Theatre
Discover how Artistic Director DeAndre Simmons is redefining the stage with raw stories, emerging voices, and a sense of belonging. by scott leonard A Theatre Experience That Strips It Down to the Essentials At the heart of Escondido’s vibrant arts scene, the Staged Reading Festival at CCAE Theatricals is proving that you don’t need […]
“Shucked” Sorytellers Are Serving Corn, Camp and Chemistry in Tony-Winning Musical
by andrew j stillman When Shucked hits the stage, the first thing audiences see isn’t a cornfield or a kickline—it’s two storytellers ready to break the fourth wall and bring the audience along for the ride. Storytellers 1 and 2, played by Maya Lagerstam and Tyler Joseph Ellis, aren’t just narrators in this original musical […]
Geno Carr Brings Heart and Humor to Matilda the Musical at SDMT
by scott leonard When it comes to stories that leave a lasting impression, Matilda the Musical stands out as a vibrant tale of resilience, wit, and the power of imagination. Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved novel, the Tony Award-winning musical adaptation has found a home this summer at San Diego Musical Theatre (SDMT), under the […]
Noises Off Serves Up Physical Comedy, Backstage Sparks and Laugh-Out-Loud Fun at The Old Globe
by tony reverditto The Old Globe is one of the country’s leading professional nonprofit regional theaters, and was the recipient of a regional Tony Award in 1984. Now in its 90th year, The Globe is San Diego’s flagship performing arts institution, serving a vibrant community by creating theater that lives beyond the stage. More than […]
Kesha Drops New Album (PERIOD) With a Bang—and Total Creative Freedom
by scott leonard On July 4, Kesha declared her independence—in glitter, grit, and full-volume pop. The global superstar has released her long-awaited new album, . (PERIOD), the first project she’s written, recorded, and released entirely on her own terms. Out now via her own label, Kesha Records, the album arrives not just as a celebration […]
Overcompensating and Overflowing: Benito Skinner’s Boldest Role Yet
THE INTERNET SENSATION BARES ALL — LITERALLY AND EMOTIONALLY — IN HIS DEEPLY PERSONAL, LAUGH-OUT-LOUD PRIME VIDEO DEBUT, “OVERCOMPENSATING” by chris carpenter Out comedian, actor, and online celebrity Benito Skinner may be best known for his online persona, Benny Drama. But, it’s time to ditch the personal “Benny” as Skinner debuts his new Prime Video […]