THEATRE news, REVIEWs,
& interviews
Amy Ashton talks about producing the WOW Festival
he sun is shining and it's the perfect time to go outdoors and see some theatre! The La Jolla Playhouse WOW Festival is back April 21- 24th at the Arts District in Liberty Station. WOW Festival producer Amy Ashton talks about the festival, what to expect from this year's shows, and what she hopes it inspires in people for the future.
Music Director Tim Weil on 25 years of RENT
he beginning, and he talks about what it's been like working on this show, working with the national tours, and that iconic RENT sound.
The Frontera Project
The last time I spoke with THE FRONTERA PROJECT was during the pandemic, and they were just about to launch a tour of theatres and universities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Now this interactive, bilingual theater piece which is a collaboration between Mexican company Tijuana Hace Teatro and American company New Feet Productions will have its West Coast premiere on April 23 and 24 as part of La Jolla Playhouse WOW Festival at the Arts District in Liberty Station.
Tony Meneses on writing EL BORRACHO
EL BORRACHO written by playwright Tony Meneses comes to life on The Old Globe stage, after having been developed as a part of the Globes 2020 Powers New Voices Festival. Tony Meneses talks about creating this play, the excellent cast, and why he loves working with The Old Globe. EL BORRACHO is playing through March 20th at The Old Globe.
Jahlil Burke talks about THE CHOIR OF MAN
Jahlil Burke and THE CHOIR OF MAN want to welcome you to The Jungle. That's the name of the on-stage pub the show is set in with nine men all eager to have a pint and sing a song. Jahlil talks about the camaraderie of being on the road, the music mix that's sure to have you singing along, and how the show makes it ok to be vulnerable. THE CHOIR OF MAN is playing at the Balboa Theatre on February 24th at 7:30pm.
Patrice Amon on creating ON HER SHOULDERS WE STAND
Writer and director Patrica Amon talks about creating the work, the importance of the audience connection, and her personal inspiration for the show ON HER SHOULDERS WE STAND from TuYou Theatre and Turnkey Theatre - playing at the Bread & Salt Gallery from February 11th - 26th.
BROADWAY & BEYOND: ACCESS FOR STAGE MANAGERS OF COLOR
The Old Globe and La Jolla Playhouse are excited to be a part of the networking event BROADWAY & BEYOND: ACCESS FOR STAGE MANAGERS OF COLOR. This event is continuing the mission of Broadway and Beyond to provide opportunity, education, and vital industry connections for stage managers of color. If you are a stage manager, know a stage manager, or are interested in stage management, then it's something you won’t want to miss.
Elijah Rock talks about DESPERATE MEASURES
North Coast Rep brings together Shakespeare and the wild, witty west in their production of DESPERATE MEASURES. No wild west story is complete without someone to bring law and order and Elijah Rock is happy to bring that role to life. A classically trained singer, Rock talks about helping bring this musical comedy to life through February 12th.
Broadway San Diego Awards Nominations open
One of San Diego’s favorite theatre events is coming up, but it can’t happen without your help! The Broadway San Diego Awards are nothing without their talented performers who are nominated by their theatre educators and nominations are open through Friday, January 14, 2022.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Mannheim Steamroller is such an indelible part of the winter and holiday season that I bet one of their songs is running through your heard right now, just from reading their name. This group's iconic sound, energetic performances, and passionate fan base mean that seeing them live is something you will never forget. Lead musician Roxanne Layton talks about the joy of touring, her favorite parts of performing, and bringing Mannheim Steamroller Christmas to San Diego for a performance on December 30th at the San Diego Civic Theatre.
John Bell brings the music of MY FAIR LADY to San Diego
MY FAIR LADY has one of the most iconic scores in musical theatre. When it comes to bringing that score to life, John Bell the musical director for the national tour is the man in charge of making sure that lush, gorgeous music sounds vibrant and expressive in every city they perform in. John Bell talks about what exactly his job entails, the magic of an orchestra, and his favorite musical moments of the show. MY FAIR LADY is playing at the San Diego Civic Theatre from November 30 -December 5th.
Bill Buell on EBENEZER SCROOGE'S BIG SAN DIEGO CHRISTMAS SHOW
EBENEZER SCROOGE’S BIG SAN DIEGO CHRISTMAS SHOW is back in town bringing a fast-paced, fun, and infused with local inspiration version of Dicken’s holiday tale to life. Bill Buell who plays Scrooge talks about his history with the story, and the fun of bringing this reimagined story to the stage of The Old Globe through December 26th.
Toneisha Harris in HAIRSPRAY
le cast including Toneisha Harris from NBC's "The Voice" as Motormouth Maybelle, and Andrew Levitt aka Nina West as Edna Turnblad. Toneisha talks about how excited she is to play this role, why this show is still so relevant, and what it's like working with this amazing cast.
Marilu Henner on MUSIC AND MEMORIES
mazing the full force of that energy and focus will be on November 15th and16th when she's doing her show MUSIC AND MEMORIES at North Coast Repertory Theatre.
David Ellenstein talks about history and humor in BEN BUTLER
Interview with Director David Ellenstein on how humor can be found in even the most serious of events, and BEN BUTLER, now playing at North Coast Repertory Theatre through November 21st finds the humanity and comedy during a pivotal moment of the Civil War.
Andrew Polec on winning the 23rd Annual Lotte Lenya Competition
October 3rd. He also is this year's winner of The Kurt Weill Foundation for Music's 23rd Annual Lotte Lenya Competition. Polec talks about the competition, how he composed his pieces, and what he loves about performing HAIR.
Making IRIS & THE AXE
Turnkey Theatre's newest production is " a gothic choose-your-own-adventure play" called IRIS & THE AXE . Running from Oct 1 - 31st is a perfect Halloween season show. Director and writer Katie Turner, actress Marisa Taylor Scott, and sound designer Andrew Gutierrez all talk about how they went about creating this show.
Andréa Burns on THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA
Interview with Andréa Burns on her role in the world premiere musical THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA and working with the director and choreographer Graciela Daniele at The Old Globe through October 17th.
Tom MacRae on writing EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE
EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE quickly became one of the most successful new musicals in years conquering the hearts of West End theatre-goers. Now the film adaption of the musical will be premiering on Friday, September 17th on Amazon Prime Video. Writer Tom MacRae talks about what it was like to create the show and then go back to adapt it to film, and what audiences can expect from this amazing new cast and soundtrack.
James P. Darvas talks THE DROWNING GIRLS
hat has opened to great reviews for cast and crew. Director James P. Darvas talks about how he came to choose this show, the creative joys, and the challenges of a show with subject matter fit for Halloween where the performers emerge from bathtubs and stay soaking wet for the entire show.