This weekend brings a musical about pie, a neighborhood chili battle with live music, and Shakespeare-style plays made up on the spot.
"Waitress"
Theater
Broadway San Diego presents "Waitress," a musical based on Adrienne Shelly's 2007 film.
The story is about Jenna, an expert pie-baker who uses her skills as a way to cope with her bad marriage. Together with a collection of small town characters, she finds an unexpected path to a new life.
The musical features songs by Sara Bareilles. It had a successful Broadway run and will open in London's West End in 2019.
Details: 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday. Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $26.50 to $126.50; find tickets to "Waitress."
SoNo Fest and Chili Cook-Off
Music, Visual Arts, Food
The SoNo Fest and Chili Cook-Off is an arts-oriented holiday festival that showcases music, food and artists from North Park and South Park.
Now in its ninth year, the festival features three stages of local music, including the Creepy Creeps, The Downs family, School of Rock and more. It also has a holiday market featuring art and gifts made by local artisans.
The main draw is the chili contest that sees popular restaurants like Blind Lady Ale House, City Tacos and Starlite battle for top honors. The chili is served in handmade ceramic bowls made by San Diego Ceramic Connection.
Details:11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 32nd and Thorn Streets, North Park. Free to $20; find tickets to SoNo Fest.
Improvised Shakespeare Company
Comedy, Theater
The Improvised Shakespeare Company is an improv troupe that blends spontaneity with Shakespeare.
The Chicago-based troupe creates a fully improvised Shakespearean show on the spot. Nothing has been planned or written, but much of the stories follow classic plots including battles and mistaken identities.
This acclaimed group has a rotating cast that sometimes includes Thomas Middleditch from HBO's "Silicon Valley."
Details: 8 p.m. Saturday. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice, 5998 Alcala Park, University of San Diego. $5 to $30; find tickets to Improvised Shakespeare Company.
