THEATRE news, REVIEWs,
& interviews
Lauren Nicole Chapman brings Arendelle to the San Diego Civic Theatre in FROZEN
Lauren Nicole Chapman plays Princess Anna, who is arguably one of the most popular royals ever, so, of course, we took a moment to chat with her - because no one turns down the chance to interview a Disney princess. Chapman and the entire talented cast bring Arendelle and FROZEN to the San Diego Civic Theatre through Broadway San Diego January 18th - 29th.
ROMANCE OF THE WESTERN CHAMBER
ROMANCE OF THE WESTERN CHAMBER is a lovely and lyrical operetta telling ”A modern love story from long ago.” With only two performances this weekend, through January 8th, this show is making its West Coast Premiere at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts.
AIN'T TOO PROUD - THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS
It seems appropriate that the musical AIN’T TOO PROUD - THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, like the band its story tells, is consistently entertaining, and full of impressive musical performances. Playing through January 8th at the San Diego Civic Theatre by Broadway San Diego.
Favorite theatre experiecnces 2022
Here is a list of some of my favorite theatre experiences in San Diego in 2022! This is by no means a complete list of everything that was excellent in this past year, but now we get to turn towards 2023 and all of the fantastic theatre that is sure to come our way.
From Shelter To Star - an interview with animal trainer Bill Berlonion finding Sandy
Bill Berloni, the animal trainer to Broadway and beyond and who helped train the original Sandy talks about finding and training the dogs for performances, and their connection with the human cast. Playing at the San Diego Civic Theatre through Broadway San Diego, Annie is running from December 27th through January 1st.
The Who’s who of the Who’s in Whoville
It's not the holidays at The Old Globe Theatre without those adorable Who's down in Whoville and the green meanie Grinch plotting in DR. SEUSS'S HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! Now it's time to meet the young performers of the show and learn who's who in Whoville!
2 pianos, 4hands
2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS is a love letter to classical music, the work it takes to dream of a life in music, and to the piano itself. With two talented and entertaining performers, the show is funny, bittersweet, and music to your ears. 2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS is playing at North Coast Repertory Theatre through January 1, 2023.
THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP
THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP playing at Diversionary Theatre through December 24th provides a lot of laughter in this zany, fast-paced comedy. A send-up of Victorian Gothic literary tropes, Sci-fi B movies, and more this two-person farce offers queer, high-camp humor making this a great show option for anyone looking for a holiday-themed show alternative.
PLAID TIDINGS
If you’re looking for a holiday season show that is as cuddly as a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly night, then you can’t get more festive than PLAID TIDINGS from San Diego Musical Theatre playing through December 24th on the SDMT stage.
THE OCTOBER NIGHT OF JOHNNY ZERO
THE OCTOBER NIGHT OF JOHNNY ZERO at Backyard Renaissance is a play that has a lot of mystery and secrets woven into the plot - which makes it difficult to write about without spoiling. Playing through December 10th at 10th Avenue Theatre.
AS YOU LIKE IT
The talented cast of AS YOU LIKE IT, now playing at La Jolla Playhouse through December 11th proves how false it is when other places say that casting in a representative way is too difficult to do. With lively performances and songs, along with gorgeous costumes, and scenery, there is much to love in this romantic comedy.
THE CHILDREN
THE CHILDREN, a play by Lucy Kirkwood now playing at MOXIE Theatre through December 4th is a funny, and thought-provoking play brought to life through strong direction and excellent performances. Set in a world after a disastrous event, it asks how much are we willing to mortgage the future to avoid paying the price of our actions today.
HAMILTON is back at Broadway San Diego
It can seem a reasonable question to ask of a musical that was so explosively popular that it dominated music charts, history lessons, current-day politics, and social issues all at once - now that some time has passed, is it worth the hype? Well, the touring production of HAMILTON now playing at Broadway San Diego through November 20th yes, the hype is real and it is worth being in the “room where it happens.”
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.
INTO THE BREECHES
Behind-the-scenes antics, a play within a play, and costumed comedy are well loved because they work, and INTO THE BREECHES! combines them in wartime for a fun night at the theatre. INTO THE BREECHES! is playing at North Coast Repertory Theatre through November 13th.
FIRST DATE
What is funny, with a charming and talented cast, and has many moments that will make you laugh? The musical FIRST DATE now playing at OnStage Playhouse through November 6th.
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.
Junior Theatre Auxiliary costume sale!
It is every theatre kid's favorite kind of event, and one where everyone can find something to love- it's the Junior Theatre Auxiliary costume sale! This event is on October 15th only, making it perfect timing for any theatres, aspiring performers, or people planning the perfect Halloween outfit!!