Theater Talk

It’s a star-studded performance by the charismatic Chester Gregory. Who? You ask?

If talent alone were reason to shine, Gregory’s star would be a supernova. He is not only handsome, and oh, so charming, he radiates sexuality and magnetism.

For the past 20 years, Broadway has kept him a secret. First appearing in “Hairspray” followed by “Dreamgirls” then “The Musical: Motown,” and the “Jackie Wilson Story,” Gregory is an undiscovered musical legend. His talent belongs to the world. With a voice blessed by the angels, his musical stylings and stage presence are “jaw-dropping;” he is the whole package.

Gregory’s performance is the reason one attends the theater. Always in hopes of catching that moment when the magic happens onstage.

In 90-minutes, Gregory pays homage to James Brown, Sam Cook, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, The Flamingos and Otis Redding. Every song is interpreted with the support of four gifted musicians and two backup singers.

For the best entertainment experience of 2021, now showing in your living room, do not miss “Higher and Higher” streaming through April 18 thanks to the San Diego Rep. For the price of a bad haircut, enjoy this colossal performance. Chester Gregory is the heart of rock and soul.

Get tickets today at http://www.SDRep.org or call 619-544-1000 daily from noon to 6 p.m. Rated 10++

Now playing at The Cygnet Theatre in Old Town San Diego is a sparkling online adult comedy called “Dixie’s Happy Hour.” It is bright, clever and joyful.

This show evolved from Dixie’s online bartending classes. Filled with Alabama-southern charm, Dixie shares stories about her four basic food groups: vodka, gin, rum and tequila. She promotes starting each day being happy so why wait until 5 p.m. for happy hour?

Her fast-paced patter rambles through her online purchase of her first Bedazzler to her caring for her Mema. That’s southern speak for grandmother.

Without a conscious breath, Dixie’s free-flowing chatter meanders through her youth and the family’s hardships while reminding us, “We were poor, not hillbillies.”

Each performance, like live theater, is at a specific time. It means you can invite friends to join the fun at a specific date and time, as long as they can figure out their time zone, and y’all can enjoy “Dixie’s Happy Hour” together. It is raucous and hilariously grown up while imparting wisdom like, “you are better than you think you are.”

Here are the ingredients needed to follow her mixology instructions: ice, tequila, lime and Cointreau; vodka, bottled lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda; rum and a bottle of Coca-Cola and gin. Well, I cannot remember what she put in the gin; I was too happy by then.

When buying tickets pick an exact show date and time. “Dixie’s Happy Hour” only runs until April 18 at http://www/thecygnettheatre.com. The box office opens from noon to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Call 619-337-1525 for tickets. Don’t be late, if you sign in after 7:30 p.m., the show will already have started. Rated 9 out of 10.

Roustabout Theatre is streaming Katori Hall’s “The Mountain Top” on these dates, starting April 24 and 25; May 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16. Check the exact date and time when purchasing tickets.

It is a fictional story about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last night before his assassination. Presented in affiliation with The American History Theater, The Roustabouts Theatre and Teenage Youth Performing Arts Company. Visit http://wwwtheroustabouts.org for details and tickets.

New Village Arts in Carlsbad is performing at the Carlsbad Flower Fields until October. The small venue will be home to upcoming performances until further notice. Their first performance was earlier this month, April 8-11, but it missed press time. Keep in mind, the ticket for each performance will also include the entrance fee to the flower fields. Stay in the loop at http://www.newvillagearts.org.

Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal can be reached at [email protected].