THEATRE news, REVIEWs,
& interviews
A Look Back at Some Memorable San Diego Shows in 2023
The new year is almost upon us and so it seems this is the best time to reflect on some of the theatrical experiences over 2023 that made a lasting impact.
Interview: Haley Dortch of LES MISERABLES
Interview with Haley Dortch, who plays Fantine in LES MISÉRABLES is playing at the San Diego Civic Theatre until October 15th through Broadway San Diego.
Interview with Director Leigh Scarritt for RIDE THE CYCLONE at Trinity Theatre Company
Director Leigh Scarritt talks about working on A RIDE THE CYCLONE with two talented casts and took a moment from rehearsals to talk about directing this story about a high school choir trip to an amusement park that goes very wrong. Running July 21st-August 12th Trinity Theatre Company invites you to RIDE THE CYCLONE, if you dare.
BOTTLESHOCK! THE MUSICAL at CCAE Theatricals
BOTTLESHOCK! THE MUSICAL at CCAE Theatricals brings the beauty of Napa Valley and the tale of the underdog 1970s winery that took Paris and the world of wine by storm in the summer of 1976. This original musical has some beautifully sung numbers, an abundance of heart, and also some wine-tasting options if you really want to feel immersive. BOTTLESHOCK! THE MUSICAL is running through July 23rd at California Center for the Arts in Escondido.
UNDERGROUND by Blindspot Collective and the Coronado Playhouse
UNDERGROUND brings an immersive, world-premiere musical inspired by the discography of Ben Folds to the stage. Set in a local pub, the show is a lot of fun as the audiences get to enjoy the games, drinks, and an atmosphere where everybody has a story and working in hospitality is never boring. UNDERGROUND is playing at Coronado Playhouse through July 30th.
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN at New Village Arts
The classic musical SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN comes to the New Village Arts stage with singing, and dancing, and will make you wish for a little rain in the forecast. You can join Lockwood, Lamont, and the whole gang through July 2nd.
XANADU at San Diego Musical Theatre
Music, muses, and magic, XANADU at San Diego Musical Theatre brings the stage adoption of an infamous 1980’s movie to life through June 4th.
THE OUTSIDERS at La Jolla Playhouse
When you walk into the theatre, PonyBoy is already there, watching and waiting to tell his story. The new musical adaption of THE OUTSIDERS at the La Jolla Playhouse brings all of the restless energy and the building tensions of the novel, written by S.E.Hinton to the stage with dynamic performances and choreography. Extended through April 9th at the La Jolla Playhouse, see this show before it's gone!
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.”
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.
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.
AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ is a fun musical visit to the age of the Harlem Renaissance and a tribute to the music of Fats Waller. By the end of the show, the joint is definitely jumpin'.
KINKY BOOTS
Like Cinderella, KINKY BOOTS the musical playing at Moonlight through October 1st knows that a good pair of shoes can change your life. This high-energy and heartwarming musical brings plenty of laughs and may have you shopping for some new shoes by the end.
COME FALL IN LOVE - THE DDLJ MUSICAL
The Old Globe invites you to COME FALL IN LOVE - THE DDLJ MUSICAL, their new musical adaption that has a charismatic cast, and is genuinely funny, with staging, costumes, and choreography that bring cinematic Bollywood to life on the Old Globe stage. COME FALL IN LOVE is playing at The Old Globe through October 16th.
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.
RAGTIME
RAGTIME at Moonlight Theatre offers gorgeous vocals, an epic 38-member cast, and a 25-piece orchestra for the audience to enjoy. This acclaimed musical is playing through September 3rd at the Moonlight Amphitheatre.
THE WIZ
Teatro San Diego brought its second live theatre performance to stage this past weekend with THE WIZ. The ambitious musical featured a talented cast with impressive vocals and showcased the vision and promise of this burgeoning theatre company.
Cygnet invites you back to the CABARET
CABARET has an excellent cast, a talented band, and puts on a show that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. Leave your troubles and any acknowledgment of threatening reality at the door when you are invited to the Kit Kat Klub. Music, mischief, and mayhem lurk just inside, so come to the CABARET at Cygnet Theatre old chum, it's playing through September 18th.
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.
WITNESSES
CCAE Theatricals brings the world premiere of WITNESSES to stage through July 30th and this inspiring, heartbreaking, and ambitious work is not one you want to miss.