This is the appeal of the high-energy musical, Respect: A Musical Journey of Women, currently enjoying a run at the Lyceum Theatre in downtown San Diego.  Its concept is simple, yet powerful:  the history of women in the 20^th Century is brought to life through the popular songs representing each era.  Excerpts from some 60 songs spanning the decades, combined with a masterful script, tell the story of the tumultuous journey of woman as they struggle to gain their rights and personal freedom.

Any production, no matter how well-written, is only as successful as its cast, and this is where the San Diego production shines. An incredibly talented cast of four San Diego performers (Leigh Scarritt, Nancy Snow Carr, Lisa H. Payton and Kelsey Venter) backed by an equally stellar 5-piece band, brought this musical to life from the moment they stepped on stage.

The vocalists not only performed with style and energy during their solo numbers, but joined in masterful harmony on several songs throughout the evening. Their perfectly-executed rendition of George Gershwin’s classic, Someone to Watch Over Me, at the onset of the show promised musical excellence ahead. Not once during the two hour run time (and one hundred musical years) the production covered, did this exceptional cast disappoint.

The audience was propelled through a variety of emotions throughout the evening as the script and song selection went from the frivolous (a Betty Boop version of I Wanna Be Loved By You portraying the ‘20s), to the comedic (It’s Howdy Doody Time and Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend in a humorous look back on the ‘50s), to the historic (Over There and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy in a ‘40s WWII salute), to the painful (God Bless the Child and Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around in a soul-stirring commentary on the struggle for civil rights in the ‘50s and 60s).

Women’s dependence upon men through the decades was brought to light with songs such as As Long as He Needs Me and I Will Follow Him.

Not only did the cast’s vocal talents hit perfection, their acting and comedic abilities made for some unforgettable moments throughout the evening.  Kelsey Venter had the audience in stitches with her rendition of the classic Vicky Carr tune, “It Must Be Him.”  Poised in front of a giant red telephone, Kelsey portrays the anguish of a young woman in the ‘60s who (without the aid of modern conveniences such as cell phone, voice mail and text messaging) awaits a call from “him” --that never comes.  In another side-splitting routine, Kelsey belts out the Nancy Sinatra classic, These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ , as white boots fall out of the sky to be donned by the rest of the cast as they  join her in a poetic “stomp” on male dominance.

The production culminates in a rousing version of I Will Survive, a celebration of the resilience of womanhood in overcoming the trials and tribulations of a century—a rendition which brought the entire audience to their feet in joyous applause and a standing ovation.  

This evocative musical is the brainchild of Columbia University professor Dr. Dorothy Marcic, who spent years researching the Top-40 songs of each decade since 1900 in her quest to tell the whole story of women in the 20^th century. The show was developed into a full-scale musical theatre production in 2004 and has since played in major venues across the nation and internationally.

The outstanding San Diego production has certainly garnered this reviewer’s R.E.S.P.E.C.T!

For more information, visit respectamusicaljourney.com

Our destination was the quaint and picturesque Salerno Harbor and the Pirates Cove Resort & Marina, a 51-room property that exuded Southern hospitality from the moment we stepped onto the flowering vine-shaded veranda that surrounds the lobby. Situated directly on the waterfront, the hotel boasts spacious rooms, large balconies, an on-site restaurant and above all, a casual and laid-back atmosphere that invites total relaxation.

 Evening view on harbor from Pirates Cove Resort balcony ©Joanne DiBonaWelcoming and unpretentious, this is a place where everyday stress and cares are quickly forgotten. We sipped drinks at the colorful Tiki Bar on the wharf and soaked in the maritime ambiance while we watched pelicans soar in the air above us. We chatted with the friendly sports fisherman on the dock who were eager to tell us some colorful “fish tales.” Lovely tropical flowers and plants can be admired throughout the resort grounds. © Joanne DiBona Fishing boats of all shapes and sizes line the wharf at Pirates Cove. © Joanne DiBonaWe learned from Captain Wayne of Reel Busy Charters that sailfish excursions are a favorite catch and release sport among visitors, and that Stuart Florida is the sailfishing capital of the world. Sport fishing is also a favorite activity here, and visitors can take their pick from a variety of companies that offer everything from half and full-day trips to overnight and multi-day excursions.

Eager to learn more about the fascinating nature and wildlife that surrounded us, we booked a 2-hour nature boat tour with Sunshine Wildlife Eco Tours. Led by Captain Nancy, whose knowledge and love of the waterways knows no bounds, we glided through the Indian River lagoon admiring the vast variety of plant and bird species. The highlight of the tour came when a manatee surfaced in the distance and we were able to catch a short glimpse of the gentle giant.

Evenings are magical at Pirates Cove Resort.

The rest of our time was spent in blissful relaxation. We enjoyed a savory meal at the Pirate’s Cove restaurant, took at dip in the hotel pool, and sat for hours on end watching the fishing boats glide in and out of the harbor. Each morning we enjoyed an ample complimentary breakfast on the veranda , enjoying the presence of the hotel’s three house cats who watched us wide-eyed as we dined. Pirate’s Cove is a pet-friendly hotel, and visitors are welcome to vacation with Fido or Fluffy for a small additional fee.

While our travels brought us to more excitement and adventure in Orlando, we look back with nostalgia on the few peaceful days at Pirates Cove Resort & Marina, where we discovered the gracious Florida of yesteryear.

Total relaxation is part of the charm of a visit to Pirates Cove Resort.

For more information:  http://www.piratescoveresort.com

Papa Joe was not only an accomplished musician and dancer, he was also (as most Italians) one who appreciated beauty in any form. He would have certainly gotten an eyeful during the ever upbeat and entertaining, 3-hour long Follies production. And he would have shaken his head in disbelief to learn that the incredible talents he admired on stage ranged in age from 58-78.

Non è possibile, he would have claimed. But possible it is, thanks to the direction and vision of impresario Riff Markowitz, founder of the Follies, now in its 21^st season at the historic Plaza Theatre in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.

Tony and I really didn’t know what to expect in this year’s production, which boasted the title: Hot, Hot, Hot. Musicians ourselves, our expectations are always high where theatrical productions are concerned. It didn’t take but 10 minutes into the show, however, before we realized that this lively cast of “seniors” gave the 20-something performers we’ve seen recently a run for their money.  They were not only hot, hot, hot--they were on fire!

It isn’t easy to capture the attention of any audience, young or old, for a full three hours, but Tony and I agreed that we were not bored for a second during this Follies performance.

As soon as you enter the historic theatre, the surprises begin. The lavish costumes and set décor are something one would expect on Broadway or in Vegas. Riff Markowitz opens the show and is the consummate comedian and impresario, leading you through the various acts with charm and classic humor.  His improvisational comedic dialogue as he interacts with audience members in the first row of the theatre is witty and spontaneous and had the audience laughing uproariously as a result.

The various acts are peppered with lusty and lively performances such as that of Brad Cummings, a ventriloquist who positively delighted the audience with his irresistible humor and song. He and his wisecrack, prehistoric sidekick “Rex”--a baby dinosaur perched in a huge egg cradled in Brad’s arm-- have enjoyed an illustrious career over the decades. Smithsonian Magazine recently dubbed him “one of today’s top ventriloquists,” an accolade with which we definitely concur.

The troupe of singers and dancers—resplendent in a wide variety of dazzling costumes to match each set-- never fails  to impress. In addition to several well-executed holiday song and dance routines, the troupe closes the production with a rousing and touching musical salute to veterans of all branches of the military.

The highlight of the evening arrived when John Davidson, the charming and handsome entertainer with a long career in nightclubs, film, television and Broadway, took the stage.  Best known for his appearances in the 1980s on several television programs and as host of the immensely popular Hollywood Squares game show, his infectious charisma captivated the audience the moment he stepped into the lights. Not only did he provide hearty laughs with his “I’m turning 70” antics, but his vivacious “Happy Holidays” vocal, together with his dramatic presentation of the ballad “IF,” melted the audience’s  heart. The icing on the cake was his scintillating banjo medley that included some of the popular songs from the roaring 20s era, all performed with an amazing dexterity on the strings.

Tony and I left the theatre that night with nothing but “wow” on our lips. The Follies is a superb theatrical experience, but when one considers the age of the cast, it becomes a true inspiration for anyone who feels they are “too old” for any adventure. Had my Papa Joe been alive to enjoy this incredible production, he would have put on his dancing shoes and asked Riff Markowitz for an audition!

Tickets to the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies can be obtained by calling the box office at 760.327.0225 or by logging onto the web site at www.psfollies.com.

©Joanne DiBona

In fact, San Diego is home to such a plethora of exciting things to see and do for persons of every age and budget, it can be overwhelming for a potential visitor to choose from such a wealth of options. To put some fun and ease into the planning process, check out some sample itineraries and enjoy my recommendations for a fun-filled day or two (or more!) in beautiful San Diego.

BALBOA PARK BLISS

©Joanne DiBona

Delight your senses with a tour of Balboa Park, located just a mile from Downtown San Diego. Photograph the unique architecture and fauna; explore its many museums; hear a free organ concert; watch a fascinating IMAX film; take a stroll in the Japanese Friendship Garden; attend a performance at the historic Old Globe Theatre; meander through miles of hiking trails.

DISCOVER THE SEA

©Joanne DiBonaWalk along ocean tide pools and discover fascinating sea creatures; rent a kayak and explore La Jolla’s shoreline and caves: take a scuba diving lesson; don a snorkel and discover the colorful world beneath the waves; stay dry and explore the fabulous underwater world at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

DESERT DELIGHTS

© Joanne DiBonaHike the palm canyon in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park; discover the badlands in a customized jeep tour; play a round of golf surrounded by majestic mountains; horseback ride through the canyons; stroll through the magnificent desert flower fields in spring; bike along scenic roads and trails.

PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ

© Joanne DiBona

Party the night away in a Gaslamp Quarter club; fine dine at an elegant restaurant; enjoy an exciting Broadway show ; hear your favorite band at the House of Blues; sip an after-dinner drink on a rooftop bar with a view over the sparkling San Diego skyline; while away the afternoon at an urban wine-tasting bar; sit back and relax to the smooth sounds of live jazz in a cozy nightclub; spend the night in a hip downtown boutique hotel.

FESTIVAL FUN

Experience one of San Diego’s 300 annual festivals and holiday celebrations; watch the world’s largest balloon parade in December; dance in the streets of Little Italy at the Italian festivals in May and October; enjoy special events and farmers markets held year-round in San Diego’s charming neighborhoods.

HIKE AND BIKE DELIGHT

©Karyl CarmignaniHike the ocean view paths of the Torrey Pines State Reserve; ride your mountain bike down the face of Mt. Palomar; view the vistas of San Diego’s East County from Cowles Mountain; eat famous apple pie in the mountain town of Julian after a hike in the mountains; bike endlessly around Mission Bay; hike the ocean trails of North County’s rugged beaches or backpack through Mission Trails Regional Park, a mere 8 miles from downtown San Diego.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN HISTORY

©Joanne DiBona

Visit an 18th Century mission; go back in time in San Diego’s colorful Old Town; learn about San Diego’s first settlers at the Serra Museum at the Presidio; admire the historical architecture of the Gaslamp Quarter; visit a 19th century gold mine in the Cuyamaca Mountains; view the sweeping view of San Diego city and bay from the Cabrillo National Monument , where San Diego was discovered; visit several of the old Spanish Missions that will take you back three hundred years in time.

LIFE'S A BEACH

© Joanne DiBona

Work on your tan on one of many glorious beaches; rent a kayak and paddle into the blue Pacific; take a surfing lesson; bike along the Mission Beach boardwalk; snorkel through blue waters; lay back in your beach chair and sip a drink while watching a glorious San Diego sunset.

LIONS & DOLPHINS & BEARS, OH MY!

© Joanne DiBonaDine with Shamu behind the scenes at SeaWorld San Diego;  soar like an eagle on a flight line safari high above the San Diego Zoo Safari Park; spend the night at the San Diego Zoo and listen to the calls of the wild as you drift off to sleep; stroll and sail through the miniature world of LEGOLAND California.

MILITARY MAGIC

© Joanne DiBona

Go back in time onboard the USS Midway Museum; soar above the clouds in a WWII aircraft; attend the boot camp graduation ceremony at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot; view San Diego’s active naval fleet from the deck of a harbor cruise boat.

LOCAL EATS

© Joanne DiBona

 Snack on guacamole and chips; order lime with your beer; devour fish tacos by the beach; savor seared ahi fresh from the sea; peel a just-picked orange or grapefruit; dive into a juicy burger at Hodad's famous burger joint in Ocean Beach; sample seasonal favorites at farmers markets through the San Diego community.

MUSEUM MEDLEY

© Joanne DiBonaImmerse yourself at one of San Diego’s many museums; enjoy antiquities or contemporary art; study vintage planes, model trains and flashy automobiles from yesteryear; learn about the history of music; admire the work of famous photographers; take the kids to the downtown Children’s Museum for an interactive adventure.

NURTURE YOUR NATURE

© Joanne DiBonaRejuvenate at a luxurious spa; indulge in an herbal wrap; make your skin glow with an instant tan; refresh your smile with a relaxing facial; unwind with a full body massage right on the beach.

SAIL AWAY FOR THE DAY

© Joanne DiBonaGrab the rudder, take a sailing lesson and steer a straight course to aquatic fun on San Diego Bay; be part of the crew on an authentic America’s Cup racing yacht; thrill to close encounters with California grey whales on a RIB boat or whale-watching cruise; race across the water in a sailboat or catamaran; go on an exciting sport fishing trip; savor a gourmet dinner on a harbor tour yacht while watching the sun set over the horizon.

SHOP THE WORLD

© Joanne DiBonaFind colorful Mexican treasures in Old Town; stroll through the unique and colorful retail shops of Horton Plaza; discover Italian art in the shops of Little Italy; revel in the high-end designer shops of La Jolla; go bargain hunting in local retail outlet stores; enjoy the souvenir shops of Seaport Village; uncover the many shopping venues in San Diego’s Mission Valley.

SWING IT

© Joanne DiBonaPlay a round of golf at Torrey Pines, high on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific; swing a tennis racket in a picturesque court; hit volleyball barefoot in the sand; play another round of golf at spectacular locations throughout San Diego County.

TRAIN ADVENTURE

© Joanne DiBona

Ride the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to North County and beyond for breath-taking views of the coastline; rent bikes to take on the train and stop at will for a ride through the neighborhoods; marvel at the intricate setups at the model railroad museum in Balboa Park.

TOURING THE TOWN

© Joanne DiBonaTour San Diego’s major attractions in a trolley or a double-decker bus; take a walking tour of Balboa Park; make a splash on a land/sea amphibious tour; discover the ghosts of San Diego’s past on a “frightseeing” tour; cruise through San Diego’s neighborhoods in a Go Car.

WIND, WINE, UNWIND

© Joanne DiBonaGlide through the air over the Pacific in a colorful hot air balloon; sail off the cliffs of La Jolla in a hang glider for the ride of your life;  enjoy an exhilarating skydive over San Diego’s picturesque terrain; taste the wines at sunset at several North County wineries; tour the chateaus and vineyards of the neighboring Temecula wine country.

In addition to its standard menu, Il Fornaio offers the Festa Regionale, a unique monthly culinary expedition through the various regions of Italy. As part of this culinary tour, one of the chefs--often a native of the particular region--will craft a menu spotlighting the bread, wine, and culinary specialties prevalent in the area.

Now through September 18, the cuisine of Sicily will be featured at the restaurant, highlighted by a variety of regional specialties expertly prepared by Il Fornaio chef and Sicilian son Luigi Mavica.

Since Sicilian cuisine ranks among our family’s favorite, my husband Tony and I immediately took advantage of the opportunity to revisit the culinary delights of Sicilia without having to travel further than the shores of Coronado.

Our Sicilian food adventure began with a bowl of bruchivia, a hearty soup prepared with fava, garbanzo, pinto beans, lentils, peas and farro. The result of the pairing of these various legumes resulted in a creamy blend that easily could serve as a main course when coupled with a chunk of the restaurant’s crusty home-made artisan bread. However, we resisted the temptation of ordering a second bowl of this superb soup, since we knew a variety of tasty dishes awaited us.

We were delighted to see one of Sicily’s specialties, arancini al sugo, on the menu. These fried rice balls are filled with meat ragu, peas, hardboiled egg and caciocavallo cheese, and topped with a light tomato coulis sauce. One taste brought us back to Tony’s parents’ birthplace near Palermo, where we last enjoyed these delicacies in a little restaurant overlooking the harbor.
   

Although the various pastas offered as part of the first course looked tempting, we opted instead for the Risotto o Casteddu, as it is a dish we don’t often see on restaurant menus. How delighted we were with our choice, as this creamy rice dish, which featured a mixture of shrimp, crab, dill, smoked salmon oil, and parmesan cheese, was cooked to perfection!

Our main course selection was another “must have”—pisci spada, Sicily’s famous swordfish. Caught in the clear waters of the Southern Mediterranean, this meaty fish can be prepared in a variety of ways, depending on the culinary customs of the region. We’ve enjoyed it breaded or fried in butter while visiting family in Palermo.

It was a delightful surprise to sample Chef Luigi’s version, which was grilled and topped with chopped tomato, cucumber, lemon and herb sauce and served with grilled eggplant and couscous.  (Brought to Sicily from Northern Africa centuries ago, couscous is another very popular dish, especially in the southwest region of the island, and even merits its own annual Festival).

Whenever we visit Sicily, we delight in the wide variety of delicious wines produced in the sun-soaked vineyards of the central and coastal regions. The Festa Regionale features four distinctive Sicilian wines that pair perfectly with the menu options. They are available by the glass and bottle, or the diner can choose the “Sicilia Wine Flight” that offers any three half-glasses of the featured wine for $12.99.

No Sicilian meal can end without Dolci (sweets). Furthermore, how could we fail to nibble on Sicily’s most famous dessert, cannoli?  Our dessert plate arrived not only with the requisite cannolis, but also profiterole (the Sicilian equivalent of a cream puff), hazelnut gelato, whipped fresh cream and chocolate sauce, and almond cookies!  A steamy expresso café capped this culinary adventure through the best of Sicily’s multi-faceted and always succulent cuisine.

In addition to the à la carte menu items, Il Fornaio also offers a three-course tasting menu for $29.99, which allows the diner to choose one item per course for their own personalized culinary adventure.

Upcoming culinary tours at Il Fornaio in Coronado will feature the culinary specialties of other regions of Italy such as Piedmonte, Emiglia-Romagna and Lombardia. For more information, log on to www.ilfornaio.com and make your plans to feast as you would in Italy right on the shores of San Diego Bay. Buon appetito! 

Il Fornaio is located at 1333 First Street in Coronado, CA 92118. For reservations, dial 1.888.ITALIAN.

Our departure to London from San Diego's Lindbergh Field on June 3 had to be one of the most pleasant flying experiences we've ever encountered. Since our flight was scheduled for 8:15 pm, we had the entire day to take care of the odds and ends one needs to attend to before leaving home for a two-week vacation. How we appreciated not having to get up in the wee hours of the morning to catch our flight, which always resulted in our feeling exhausted even before the long journey began!

British Airways Lands in San Diego

Our shuttle picked us up late afternoon and deposited us directly in front of the British Airways terminal. Our immediate impression was one of calm, enhanced by the personal attention afforded us by attentive British Airways personnel. As we approached the ticket counter, we were greeted by the smiling face of a British Airways representative who was just checking in on whether all was well and asked if we needed any assistance.

Thankfully, we did not. The otherwise hectic ordeal of being processed through security seemed very easy and almost even pleasant this time around. There were no long lines and in a few minutes, we found ourselves comfortably seated in the quaint rocking chairs that lined the windows in the British Airways passenger waiting area. Since Lindbergh Field offers free wi-fi, I was able to read and respond to emails and surf the net as we waited for our flight to board.

Boarding was a breeze, and we soon found ourselves nestled in our seats in the sleek Boeing 777-200 which would be our home for the next nine hours. The San Diego-London route offers three classes: Club World (business), World Traveler Plus (enhanced coach), and World Traveler (coach). The World Traveler seats are more spacious than standard, so even travelers on a budget can be assured of a more comfortable voyage than usual, with World Traveler Plus offering even wider seating. British Airways World Traveler Coach

Business travelers will more than welcome the comfort of Club World, which boasts an environment that will ensure a pleasant night's rest upon arrival in London. Spacious cubicles offer a wide variety of media and audio entertainment in a living room-type environment. Food and beverage service is exceptional, featuring gourmet dinner entrees accompanied by fine wines and spirits. Of course, the conversion of seats into full beds is the ultimate in business class luxury, and British Airways again excels in creating the ultimate sleeping environment for the business traveler.

Club World Business Class

We observed that service in all sections was top-notch, with gracious flight personnel attending to the passengers' every need.

Gourmet Dining in Club World

Furthermore, it was immediately evident upon take-off that this new Boeing 777 was one of the most quiet, yet powerful, jets we had ever experienced, and we learned that this particular aircraft can definitely be categorized as "green" for its fuel consumption and earth-friendly, limited emissions.

We landed in London's Heathrow on time and made our way through security without much fuss, though the lines were definitely longer than in San Diego. We found our connecting flight to Munich quite easily and in 90-minutes, arrived at our destination in truly "record" time.

View from London's Heathrow Airport

Tony and I are convinced. Save yourself time, stress and hassle, and book British Airways from San Diego for your next flight to London and destinations beyond.

Photos © Joanne DiBona