San Diego's Top Weekend Events: All About Musicals ... And Blues

This is KPBS Midday Edition. I am Maureen Cavanaugh . If musical theater is your thing, you may have a busy week ahead. San Diego is showcasing three award-winning musicals. One is a movie at another, the first Broadway musical from Hamilton. You if you missed the show, you may sing the blues. That is not a bad thing. We are talking about a blues festival also. Joining me is Nina Garin. Welcome. Hello. We begin with a show that finished the run on Broadway, "An American in Paris". Is this the same "An American in Paris" is the Gene Kelly film ? It is. It was inspired by that film. It has a similar store. The focus is very heavy on Dan's Dance is so important to this story. I understand this was corrected -- directed from someone from the ballet will. Yes. Christopher Weldon. This was his first time directing something for Broadway. He adapted it. He brought in one of his dancers, Robbie Fairchild to play the lead. You saw "An American in Paris". What did you think ? I loved it so much. I can see it every day. [ laughter ] I really love musicals and ballet and this was such a perfect blend of both. At the end, you get this 17-minute ballet that comes straight on the LA stage. I really loved it. The music in "An American in Paris" is special. Yes. It is George and Ira Gershwin. You get I got wear them and the audience has handholding and they are looking into each other's eyes. Let's hear a tune from Chris Jennewein. This is from the 1951 film. [ MUSIC ] It reminds me that the movie was good to. "An American in Paris" runs through Saturday. The curator may be more famous than the show. Tell us about "In the Heights" . This was the first musical. It is a story that takes place over three days in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York. It is all the changes that is happening in that community. This may not be as popular as Hamilton but this was successful on its own, wasn't it ? It was nominated for 13 Tony's in it one four, including best musical. It has toured all of the world. People do love this show. We all say Hamilton is groundbreaking for the inclusive casting but it started with this show in the Heights, didn't ? Glenn said he wrote this musical because he wanted to have a vehicle for himself. He is a Latin men and there were not a lot a rolls. This has a very diverse cast and Hispanic speaking -- there is different styles of music. It is kind of the precursor to Hamilton. Let's listen to music from "In the Heights" . [ MUSIC ] Who is putting this on in San Diego ? This is filmed in Vista. They are putting on a great show. People are in for a treat. "In the Heights" opens Wednesday . We move on to a bloodsucking plant in the "Little Shop of Horrors". Tell us about that. Coronado do is and a fun version of the show. There are adults and kids and I am looking forward to it. This is about a killer plant and it trends -- transplant a new duty employee into a hero. It is narrated by singers. It is based on the "Little Shop of Horrors". I understand one of our TV personalities is in the show. BJ Robinson is the host a spectrum. He is the voice of Audrey. It is great. He has a wonderful and powerful voice and he brings a lot to the show. The Little shop of horrors opens. And if theater is not your thing, you have a blues festival to tell us about. This is the blues best. It is popular. It is held at the waterfront and it is an afternoon with food and music and art. Who can we expect to see ? Mavis Staples is headlining. And you can also see Joe Louis Walker and some up and coming talent, the California -- California honey box. You bought a clip. MUSIC ] That is Mavis Staples. She will headline at the blues festival. This is a family event. Is a great thing that Childress -- children are let in for free. It is a mellow atmosphere and people love coming to this. The blues festival happens Saturday at the Marina Park North. I have been speaking with Nina Garin. Thank you. Thank you and have a good weekend. KPBS Midday Edition is produced by Marissa Cabrera, Michael Lipkin, and Brooke Ruth. Midday addition senior producers, Megan Burke and our executive producer is Natalie Walsh. I am Maureen Cavanaugh. Have a great weekend .