THEATRE news, REVIEWs,
& interviews
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Power, sex, consent, double standards in leadership -all the themes are as current now as ever in The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley's Graduate Theatre Program's production of MEASURE FOR MEASURE by William Shakespeare. Directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, the cast talks about their experience working on the play, which is playing through November 20th.
MÍA: ALL MINE
MÍA: ALL MINE makes its US premiere with a powerful and thoughtful play for theatre audiences of all ages. Presented by Bocón, a theatre company that has dedicated itself to creating art for audiences of all ages, director Daniel Jáquez talks about working on this show and directing it for English and Spanish performances through November 20th.
SCOTT ROBBINS AND THE TRAVELING SHOW
Playwright and composer Tyler Tafolla brings his new musical comedy SCOTT ROBBINS AND THE TRAVELING SHOW as a guest production at Diversionary Theatre Friday, November 11th, and Saturday, November 12th only. Tafolla talks about creating the piece, his inspiration , and the hope that this new musical promises to bring a sense of wonder and inspire performers and audience members alike to believe in the magic of theatre.
Interview: Playwright Nathan Englander
It would be easy to wonder about the person who can write a show as funny, heartfelt, insightful, and contemplative as WHAT WE TALK ABOUT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT ANNE FRANK. Yet when speaking with playwright Nathan Englander it becomes clear that the humor, the nimble turn of phrase and topic, and then somehow turning back to come together at the end is exactly how his mind works. Englander talks about his process of turning his short story of the same name into the quick-witted comedy now playing at The Old Globe through October 23rd.
ALWAYS A BANANA, NEVER THE BRIDE
You may watch a show and root for the leads to get their heart's desire, but the audience always walks away laughing at the memorable supporting characters. Taking this as inspiration Alyssa Anne Austin created her one-woman show ALWAYS A BANANA, NEVER THE BRIDE: AN ODE TO BROADWAY'S: "LESSER LADIES" which is playing at the OB Playhouse from October 22 - 24th.
Director Vanessa Dinning on DIDO AND AENEAS
Stage Director Vanessa Dinning talks about bringing DIDO AND AENEAS to life for three performances only on September 23rd, 24th, and 25th from Bodhi Tree Concerts.
Tony Freeman talks about 22 years of iconic characters in THE LION KING
Tony Freeman, who has performed in various roles in THE LION KING for 22 years talks about bringing Timon to life on the national tour now playing at Broadway San Diego through September 11th.
Nathan Darrow talks about DIAL M M FOR MURDER
Nathan Darrow stars as Tony Wendice, the married man who is convinced that his wife had an affair, and as his jealousy and obsession escalate so does the danger in The Old Globe's world premiere adaption of DIAL M FOR MURDER - playing through August 28th.
Olivia Valli on PRETTY WOMAN the musical
PRETTY WOMAN the musical brings the beloved rom-com to the stage with some updates and a musical twist, and a lot of love. Olivia Valli, talks about being able to bring the role of Vivian Ward and this show to the San Diego stage. PRETTY WOMAN is playing July 26th - 31st from Broadway San Diego at the San Diego Civic Theatre.
Director David Ellenstein on THE REMARKABLE MISTER HOLMES
THE REMARKABLE MISTER HOLMES director and co-writer David Ellenstein talks about working with his talented co-creators Omri Schein and Daniel Lincoln, and why they knew audiences would love a musical comedy about the world's greatest detective -playing July 20th - August 21st.
Interview with the creative team of WITNESSES
CCAE Theatricals brings the world premiere of their first original musical with WITNESSES to the California Center for the Arts, Escondido from July 15 - July 30th. The musical brings the voices of five Jewish teen diarists during the Holocaust to the stage to allow their stories to be told. Conceived by Jordan Beck, the Managing Producer of Theatrical Productions for CCAE, along with the show Director and CCAE's Artistic Director J. Scott Lapp talk about the process of bringing this piece to the stage, and what they hope audiences take away from WITNESSES.
Karson St. John and Megan Carmitchel welcome you to CABARET
Cygnet Theatre says "Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome!" to CABARET playing from July 13th - September 4th. Leading ladies Karson St. John and Megan Carmitchel took time away from the stage to talk about approaching their roles, some of their favorite moments, and why they think the show is still as relevant as ever.
ON BECKETT
“The ON BECKETT evening, at least if I’m doing my job, is full of laughter.” Bill Irwin, who is not only a two-time Tony Award winner but also a master clown is sure to bring a uniquely funny experience in his solo piece ON BECKETT playing at The Old Globe July 14 -17th.
HARTER CLINGMAN brings COME FROM AWAY back to San Diego
Interview with Harter Clingman, who plays police officer Oz Fudge in COME FROM AWAY. He talks about what it’s like to perform this show, the real-life people they portray on stage, and bringing the show back to San Diego. COME FROM AWAY is playing at the San Diego Civic Theatre from Broadway San Diego from May 17th- to May 22nd.
Jonathan Sangster talks about writing "boy: a new musical"
Jonathan Sangster talks about writing "boy: a new musical" & the upcoming concert fundraiser happening this Monday, May 16th! This fundraiser will support this show's journey to NY & offers performances from some of their favorite San Diego and Broadway performers as well.
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.