The story goes that director Harold Ramis wanted Tom Hanks to play the lead in his 1993 comedy “Groundhog Day.” But in the end, Ramis decided that Hanks was too nice a guy to play the obnoxious weatherman Phil Connors, and the part went to Bill Murray.
I can testify to Hanks being a nice guy. At the world premiere of Nora Ephron’s “Imaginary Friends” at the Old Globe in 2002, I witnessed him rescuing an elderly woman from falling on her way out of the theater at intermission. Come on, can you picture Bill Murray doing that?
But Murray it turned out was perfect as the cynical egoist who winds up reliving the same day over and over in “Groundhog Day.” The film was a hit and Murray garnered mostly rave reviews — he actually called it “one of the greatest scripts ever written.” Personally speaking I didn’t find it all that funny or engrossing, but what do I know? I actually liked “What About Bob?”
More than 30 years later, “Groundhog Day” is still a popular picture, if not a classic.
Sunday is Groundhog Day, a lighthearted Feb. 2 tradition where if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, winter will last six more weeks. Appropriately, La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas is screening “Groundhog Day,” which co-starred Andie MacDowell, at 5 p.m. and again at 7:15. If you really want to get into the spirit of the story, you should probably see it at 5 p.m. and then see it again two hours later.
Footnote: “Groundhog Day” was not filmed in Punxsutawney, Pa., where the annual Groundhog Day celebration is held, but in little Woodstock, Ill., about 50 miles from Chicago.
Virtual film screening
More than 850 Black women, who as a battalion played an important role during World War II, are celebrated in James William Theres’ documentary “The Six Triple Eight.” Known as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, it was their job to clear for dispersal backlogged mail for the troops and at the same time making a sacrifice for their country.
In honor of Black History Month, the Foundation for Women Warriors is hosting a free virtual screening of “The Six Triple Eight” on Wednesday at 4 p.m. https://foundationforwomenwarriors.org/event/black-history-month-documentary-screening-the-six-triple-eight/ I saw the film when I wrote about it a couple of years ago. It’s a compelling story.
More film
One of San Diego’s most inspired and talented filmmakers is Zeinabu Irene Davis, who’s also a professor in UCSD’s Department of Communication. Among her most important films is 1999’s “Compensation,” a tale of deaf African Americans striving for inclusion and for love.
On Friday at 6 p.m., MOPA@SDMA is hosting a screening of “Compensation” in Balboa Park. It will be followed by a question-and-answer session with Davis moderated by UCSD Assistant Professor of urban studies Dr. Caroline Collins. The event is free with your RSVP on the website.
Theater
The great Mexican painter Diego Rivera’s personal life and activism have been studied almost as much as his work, establishing him as a towering figure in his nation’s art history and cultural zeitgeist. He’s also been the subject of books (do read Barbara Kingsolver’s “The Lacuna”), films and television series.
Now comes “The Many Sins of Diego Rivera,” a theatrical work co-written by Culture Clash theater troupe co-founder Herbert Siguenza and playwright Carlos Morton. A staged reading from Carlsbad Playreaders is taking place at 7 p.m. Monday at New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad. The cast includes Siguenza, Rick Najera as Diego Rivera and Maya Sofia as Frida Khalo and others. Details at carlsbadplayreaders.com/the-many-sins-of-diego-rivera.
A mere $5 donation is suggested.
More theater
The return on Wednesday of the ultra-popular stage musical “Wicked” to the Civic Theatre, presented by Broadway San Diego, opens the door for me to say what I’ve wanted to say for a couple of months now. The Jon M. Chu movie spectacular starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande has everything but what is the heart of the original stage show: the depth and nuance of the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda.
I enjoyed the overlong film, but it seemed like “Wicked” trying to be a “Harry Potter” movie, coming at you fast and frenetically with none of its relationships feeling genuine or unchoreographed. I’ve seen “Wicked” on the stage three or four times and it’s true to that famous and intimate poster created for the show.
I don’t know if I’ll go see “Wicked” again — it runs through March 2 — but once was enough with the movie adaptation. Its Part 2, titled “Wicked: For Good,” arrives in November. I’ll wait.
Here are the deets on the Broadway San Diego engagement: broadwaysd.com/-events/wicked-2025/.
U-T arts stories you may have missed this week
- Analysis: Will Grammy Awards strike right or wrong note in fire-wracked Los Angeles?
- Museum Month is here: These are just 10 of the interesting exhibits you can visit
- Fresh from Broadway, Tony-winning play ‘Appropriate’ arrives in San Diego
- San Diego Black Film Festival opens Thursday with more than 100 entries
- Locally raised costume designer talks about San Diego-bound ‘Some Like It Hot’ musical
- Simple Minds’ tour is San Diego-bound, 40 years after ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’
- New Village Arts to explore the private life of famed scientist Marie Curie in new play
- Longtime San Diego chef to represent U.S. at world’s biggest cooking contest
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:
“’New Beginnings’: La Jolla Symphony & Chorus”
The La Jolla Symphony and Chorus presents “New Beginnings,” conducted by Sameer Patel, an inspiring program exploring themes of renewal and transformation. Gabriela Ortiz’s “Kauyumari” opens the evening with vibrant energy, weaving together Mexican traditions and contemporary soundscapes. Igor Stravinsky’s “Symphony of Psalms,” a choral masterpiece, blends ancient psalms with striking modernist harmonies. Kaija Saariaho’s “Ciel d’hiver (Winter Sky),” a serene orchestral work, evokes the vastness and stillness of the cosmos. The program concludes with Jean Sibelius’s “Symphony No. 3,” a work celebrated for its clarity and elegant structure, marking a pivotal shift in his compositional style. “New Beginnings” offers a journey through diverse musical voices, celebrating the power of creativity and change.
“Reinventing Lifelong Learning”
Edward Abeyta, Ph.D., associate dean for Education and Community Outreach at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, shares his inspiring vision for lifelong learning and educational innovation. Reflecting on his personal journey and commitment to accessibility, Abeyta emphasizes the transformative power of education for individuals and communities. He discusses his book, “Reinventing Lifelong Learning: The Coming Renaissance of Continuing Education and Community Outreach,” offering valuable insights for educators and policymakers aiming to foster positive change. Abeyta highlights UC San Diego’s unique efforts to learners at every stage of life—from youth to retirement — underscoring the critical role of education in creating opportunity and driving community growth.
“Stem Cells and the Human Brain”
Frank Furnari, Ph.D., and Alexander Khalessi, M.D., M.B.A., explore groundbreaking advancements in brain cancer research, focusing on glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and complex tumors. They discuss how specific genetic mutations fuel tumor growth and the potential for targeted therapies to transform treatment. Among the innovative approaches highlighted are light-activated drugs designed to combat cancer and the use of single-cell genetic sequencing and lab-grown tumor models to better understand tumor behavior. Despite the challenges posed by glioblastoma’s evolving nature, these technological breakthroughs are offering hope for more personalized and effective treatment strategies in the future.
And finally, top things to do this weekend
The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: Jan. 31 to Feb. 2
