THEATRE news, REVIEWs,
& interviews
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.
LEMPICKA
LEMPICKA, the musical about artist Tamara de Lempicka is bold, dynamic, contemporary, and offers a compelling look at a unique artist as she learns about herself, art, and love. LEMPICKA is playing through July 24th at the La Jolla Playhouse.
FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME
FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME brings fast-paced, creative, and fun improv raps and songs to The Old Globe stage through July 10th.
THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA
THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA by CCAE Theatricals is a gorgeous trip to 1950s Florence, Italy that should not be missed. Full of soaring vocals, beautiful costumes and sets, and absolutely lush orchestrations played by a live orchestra this is a show that is fantastic from start to finish. THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA through June 25 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
Can one tame the untamable? That is the question The Old Globe and Director Shana Cooper tried to answer with the current production of TAMING OF THE SHREW, now playing under the stars in the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre through July 10th. Starring Deborah Ann Woll and James Udom as the headstrong pair Petruchio and Katherine, a lovely set, and a sense of playful fun, the show is successfully turned into a fun romantic comedy, though never fully overcomes the questionable behavior built into the script.
COME FROM AWAY
iego Civic Theatre through Broadway San Diego this show offers irresistible Celtic-inspired music, a strong ensemble playing multiple roles, and a reminder that even in the darkest of moments light can be found. COME FROM AWAY is playing through May 22nd.
"boy: a new musical" premieres with a concert fundraiser
“boy: a new musical” made it's stage debut in a concert fundraiser at SDMT stage on Monday, May 16th. “boy: a new musical” is still in the development stage, and the concert was a fundraiser to help them continue to work on the show and present it to industry professionals in New York.
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.
MALA
The act of playwriting is an intimate and vulnerable act, and the art of acting is another intimate and vulnerable act. MALA written and performed by Melinda Lopez is a beautiful and personal memory play about her journey as her parent's caretaker and brings beauty, empathy, and humor to an intensely difficult period. MALA is playing through June 12th.
MOTHER OF THE MAID
MOTHER OF THE MAID, now playing at MOXIE Theatre offers powerful performances on parenting, faith, and how to help your child live their life on their terms. Even if those terms challenge your ability to keep them safe, and could potentially be deadly. MOTHER OF THE MAID is playing through May 22nd.
ONCE
CCAE Theatricals invites you to come to see ONCE, and experience some great music and storytelling. Set in and around a pub, this show features a very talented cast who sing, dance, and play multiple instruments to bring this story to life. ONCE is playing through May 7th at the California Center for the Arts.
Bob Fosse's DANCIN'
ob Fosse's DANCIN' originally came to the New York stage in 1978, and, now, you can see the world premiere revival at The Old Globe through May 29th. This dance show is full of stunning dancers, and the work they bring to life is gorgeous, engaging, athletic, and sexy. Run, walk, or dance your way to the theatre - but you won't want to miss this show.
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.
BLUE/ORANGE from Fenix Theatre Collaborative
enix Theatre Collaborative makes its theatrical debut with BLUE/ORANGE at the Tenth Avenue Arts Center. The intense dramatic comedy may have been written in 2000, but this compelling production shows just how relevant the issues it tackles still are today. BLUE/ORANGE is playing through Saturday, April 16th.
TOOTSIE The Musical
TOOTSIE the musical brings an old-fashioned musical to life based on the movie of the same name from 1982. The show offers up a talented cast, physical comedy, and some updates to the story, but can't fully disguise a problematic premise under comedy, costumes, and choreography. TOOTSIE is playing at the San Diego Civic Theatre through Sunday, April 17th.
THE BAND'S VISIT
THE BAND'S VISIT is a musical that delivers an impactful musical with gorgeous music and finds humor and enchantment in the ennui of a small desert town. THE BAND'S VISIT is playing through March 6th at Broadway San Diego.