THEATRE news, REVIEWs,
& interviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Director and Co-Production Initatives now open at Coronado Playhouse
Are you a director or a theatre group looking for a theatre open to your submissions? Then Coronado Playhouse wants to hear from you! They are accepting submissions for their plays, musicals, cabarets, and concerts for their 2023 season are open through Saturday, February 12th.
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.
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.