“And Now for Something Completely Different …”
If you’re a Monty Python fan you’ve probably watched — more than once — the British comedy troupe’s 1971 film by that name. You’ve probably also committed to memory the less than 50 episodes of “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” that were produced between 1969 and 1974.
San Diego’s Trinity Theatre Company has a new year’s treat for you. “Monty Python’s Edukational Show” is an authorized, 80-minute live stage show of popular Python songs and sketches performed just as they were created by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin.
“These are some of my favorite ‘Flying Circus’ skits,” said Trinity Artistic Director Sean Boyd. “There’s something so smart about the Monty Python humor. They can quickly integrate physical comedy and clever word play. It’s the best of all worlds.”
The Trinity cast will be directed by Abi Hood, whom Boyd says “has a great passion for working with the cast. She’s very physical herself in terms of jumping up and playing with the actors.”
Performances, which begin Friday, will include Python favorites like “Lumberjack Song,” “Dead Parrot” and “Gumby Flower Arranging.”
“Monty Python was edgy and provocative at the time they came out,” Boyd said. “They pushed the boundaries. They asked ‘What is socially acceptable?’ Yet they were still classy.”
Tickets for performances of “Monty Python’s Edukational Show” at Trinity Theatre’s Mission Valley space are $30 at trinityttc.org.
Jay Pharoah on the red carpet at the 2019 NBA Awards at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica on Monday, June 24, 2019. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Standup comedy
In the six years that Jay Pharoah spent as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live,” he was best known for his slew of celebrity impressions. I was reminded of this last summer when, sitting down with Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show” he showed off in just two minutes his Mike Tyson, his Steve Harvey, his Donald Trump, his Arnold Schwarzenegger and four more.
Pharoah’s in town Saturday for a standup gig at Sycuan Casino and it won’t come as a surprise if he springs some of his impressions on the audience. A man of many voices, his repertoire includes characters on “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy,” “BoJack Horseman” and others. Tickets at sycuan.com/events/live-and-up-close-events.
Leroy “Lonnie” Jordan, founding member and lead singer of War, will perform with the band in an appearance at Magnolia Theatre on Saturday. (TNS)
Pop music
If the name Leroy “Lonnie” Jordan doesn’t ring a bell, it should. The San Diego-born Jordan, now 77, is an original member of the Creators, a band that eventually would morph into War. That’s right, the War of “Low Rider,” “The Cisco Kid” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”
Aside from Jordan, many musicians in War have come and gone over the years, but this funk/rock outfit that released its first album (after a split with Eric Burdon) in 1971 endures. Jordan and his current band mates will be at El Cajon’s Magnolia Theatre on Saturday night. There’s plenty of parking for your lowrider cars. Tickets at magnoliasandiego.com/shows.
Festivals
Borrego Springs is largely known as an outdoor destination, but visitors to this desert resort less than 90 miles from downtown San Diego could be headed indoors starting Wednesday when the 13th annual Borrego Springs Film Festival gets under way.
Screenings of a variety of film genres will be held at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center, along with others at the Borrego Springs Public Library, through Jan. 18. Like bigger, better known film festivals Borrego Springs’ includes an opening night gala, panel discussions, filmmaker appearances and an awards ceremony at the end.
Here’s the 2026 festival schedule: borregospringsfilmfestival.org/26-film-sched.
James Stewart and Grace Kelly in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 thriller “Rear Window.” PARAMOUNT PICTURES
Movies
One of the advantages of being a devotee of Alfred Hitchcock’s films, which I am, is that in addition to being regularly available for streaming or turning up on Turner Classic Movies they’re often shown in cities’ movie theaters on the big screen. Which brings me to the 1954 classic “Rear Window” starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly and Raymond Burr as the film’s heavy.
Hitchcock’s stylish mystery mixing romance, murder and voyeurism will be screened next Thursday at Media Arts Center San Diego’s Digital Gym Cinema downtown. Almost as well-known for this film as Stewart and Kelly is the massive set designed by art director Joseph MacMillan Johnson that depicted the various apartments that Stewart’s character, laid up with a broken leg, watches from his window. What he sees is variously funny, sad, sexy and deadly. Details at digitalgym.org.
UCTV
University of California Television invites you to enjoy this special selection of programs from throughout the University of California. Descriptions courtesy of and text written by UCTV staff:
“Resilience and Healthy Longevity”
What helps some people age more successfully than others? Anthony Molina, Ph.D., studies biological resilience — the ability to resist, adapt to and recover from age-related stressors. He defines three key domains of resilience and explores them using the Rancho Bernardo Study, a long-term research project tracking aging since 1972. His team analyzes decades of cognitive, sensory and physical health data, along with thousands of blood-based molecular markers, to identify traits linked to exceptional resilience. In the lab, they connect molecular signatures to mitochondrial function and energy production. Through clinical studies, they test behavioral and nutritional strategies, combining biomarkers with performance and well-being to develop personalized approaches that support healthy aging.
“Stem Cells and Clinical Trials”
Clinical trials turn scientific discoveries into real care options while protecting participants through strict ethical oversight. Sheldon Morris, M.D., M.P.H., explains how review boards, phased studies and participant rights ensure safety and transparency. Sandip Patel, M.D., F.A.S.C.O., highlights how trials provide access to promising therapies —like cell and gene treatments — while balancing risk and benefit. Robert A.J. Signer, Ph.D., stresses that participation, including sample and data sharing, advances disease understanding and future treatments. The panel offers tips on finding trials through registries, understanding what costs are covered, and asking informed questions. They also warn against unproven “stem cell tourism” and emphasize the importance of evidence-based decision-making when considering trial enrollment.
“Addressing Antisemitism, Islamophobia and Religious Intolerance”
What are organizations doing to confront religious intolerance — and how can their work be applied locally? This collaborative project explores responses to antisemitism and Islamophobia across individual, community, and structural levels. Drawing from surveys, interviews and existing research, it maps an ecosystem of practices that includes education, skills training, and support for healing and wellbeing. Additional strategies include civic engagement, safer online spaces, interfaith and cross-community coalitions, legal and policy advocacy, and storytelling that builds empathy while countering hate. Research and evaluation tools help communities measure impact and adapt successful models. By highlighting practical, evidence-based approaches, the project aims to support more inclusive, accountable environments — on campuses, in neighborhoods, and across regions.