July’s Must-See Shows

ALL ABOARD FOR a one-of-a-kind train trip at The Old Globe, which presents Passengers, July 1-30. This spellbinding show by The 7 Fingers—a physical theater troupe based in Montreal—centers on strangers in transit, who share their stories and dreams via physical expression, combining theater, dance, music and acrobatics. theoldglobe.org La Jolla Playhouse brings us the world premiere of Is It Thursday Yet?, July 11-Aug. 6. We meet Jenn Freeman, a dancer and choreographer diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at age 33. Through dance, original live music and home video footage, we get a peek inside her neurodivergent mind. Freeman, who stars as herself, also co-created and co-choreographed the production with Sonya Tayeh; with music by Holland Andrews. lajollaplayhouse.org The musical Pippin plays at North Coast Rep, July 19-Aug. 13; with music and lyrics by Stephan Schwartz. northcoastrep.org

Rock’s Inspiring Icon

KNOWN AS THE “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Tina Turner was a legend in a league of her own. First rising to prominence as the lead singer of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue before launching her career as a solo performer, Turner went on to win 12 Grammy Awards and sold more concert tickets than any other solo artist in history. On the heels of her passing in late May, Broadway San Diego’s presentation of Tina –The Tina Turner Musical is a bittersweet one. The inspiring musical—written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by Phyllida Lloyd—tells Turner’s powerful comeback story of triumph and rise to superstardom. Expect some of her many popular songs, including No. 1 hit “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” “(Simply) the Best,” and “We Don’t Need Another Hero.” The musical runs July 25-30 at the San Diego Civic Theatre. 1100 Third Ave., downtown, broadwaysd.com

Alfresco Concerts

MUSIC IS IN the air this summer at two of our favorite outdoor venues. Balboa Park Twilight Concerts comprise free concerts at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion— Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. The performance lineup includes the American Flyboys on July 11, the Bayou Brothers on July 19, The New Catillacs on July 26, Rockin’ Jazz Band on July 27, Summer Winds Orchestra on Aug. 1, and the Stoney B Blues Band on Aug. 17. At The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, July is packed with phenomenal concerts. One that has us particularly excited: Cypress Hill, performing Black Sunday—the iconic album celebrates its 30th anniversary —with the San Diego Symphony on July 25. theshell.org