Best Bets

I for an Eye
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Museum of Photographic Art by viewing its collection through the perspective of the late John Szarkowski, whose book, The Photographer’s Eye, influenced the way photographers take pictures and, ultimately, the way we look at photos. “The Photographer’s Eye: Ways of Seeing the Permanent Collection” is on view through April 20. 619-238-7559; mopa.org.

Medieval Night, Mary Days
Composer Richard Wagner’s Tannhäuser transports audiences to a spectacular fantasy world, as San Diego Opera opens its season in the Civic Theatre January 26 through February 3. Later in the month, Gaetano Donizetti’s Mary, Queen of Scots reigns on stage, February 16-24. 619-533-7000; sdopera.com.

String Me Along, then Bring Me Home
Michele Lowe’s String of Pearls loops the fate of a piece of jewelry through the dozens of lives it connects, as four actresses play 27 characters at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach through February 10. Sisters are reunited after war-torn years in Barbara Lebow’s multifaceted A Shayna Maidel, exploring family, battle scars and survival, February 20–March 23. 858-481-1055; northcoastrep.org.

Tent Time in Del Mar
It’s a show to die for: Cirque du Soleil raises its big top at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for Corteo, a clown’s imagined funeral cortege, featuring the troupe’s trademark amazing acrobatics and haunting music. The show goes on through February 17. 858-755-1161; cirquedusoleil.com.

Museum Musings
During February, more than 30 museums around the county offer half-price admission in recognition of Museum Month, organized by the San Diego Museum Council. Pick up a pass (good for up to four people) at any San Diego County Macy’s. For store locations and a list of participating museums, visit sandiegomuseumcouncil.org or call 619-276-0101.

Portal to Pompei
Opening February 15 at the San Diego Natural History Museum, “A Day in Pompei” features more than 250 artifacts unearthed from 30 feet of volcanic material in the once-thriving city of the ancient Roman Empire. Also included are casts of human bodies——victims of Mount Vesuvius in their final moments. 619-232-3821; sdnhm.org.

Show Me Your Beads
Celebrate Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Quarter this Fat Tuesday, February 5, from 6 p.m. to midnight. Festivities for the 21-and-older crowd include two parades down Fifth Avenue between E and K streets (at 7 and 10), live music on several stages, Cajun eats, frosty hurricanes and, of course, plenty of bead action. Entry cost is $15 through February 4; $20 on event day. 619-233-5227; gaslamp.org.

Under African Skies
Commemorate African-American History Month at Kuumba Fest, hosted by Urban Warriors and the San Diego Repertory Theatre at the Lyceum Theatre, February 23-26. Highlights include theatrical performances, an African marketplace, art exhibits, music, a health fair, educational workshops, dance competition, food samplings and spiritual celebrations. Don’t miss the February 26 finale, a gospel celebration. 619-544-1000; sandiegorep.com.

Naval Tale for a Navy Town
Gilbert and Sullivan made a big splash with H.M.S. Pinafore, or The Lass that Loved a Sailor, satirizing the Royal Navy, Parliament and love between the classes. Lyric Opera San Diego sets sail with the comic favorite February 8-24 in the Stephen & Mary Birch North Park Theatre. 619-231-5714; lyricoperasandiego.org.

Patients, Please
The Old Globe rolls out two premieres, both through February 10, then adds another to round out the month. The West Coast debut of Howard Korder’s Sea of Tranquility hits the main stage with the tale of a relocated psychologist attempting to heal. Steven Drukman’s insightful In This Corner, making its world premiere, reunites German Max Schmeling and American Joe Louis decades after their famed bouts. The Cassius Carter Centre Stage hosts the fighters, who find themselves together in a psychiatric ward. Richard Greenberg’s The American Plan then has its first West Coast appearance February 23 at the Carter. 619-234-5623; theoldglobe.org.

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