Please consider supporting yours -- wherever you are in the U.S., or the world. Volunteers are always needed, especially as ushers. And there's a perk. You'll receive tickets to shows if you contribute time and talent.
We visit many San Diego and Los Angeles area theaters on a regular basis, proud that Southern California is blessed to have an abundance of enchanting theater venues. As grateful members of the audience we give thanks for talented actors, directors, designers, technicians, marketing pros and volunteers whose talents feed our artistic appetite. Each year we happily offer a spring roundup of "the best on the boards" in theater loving San Diego. We urge our friends around the U.S. and world, to support local theater. For us, it's a lifeline, not an extra.
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North Coast Repertory Theatre never fails to entertain, provoke, amuse, in Solana Beach. |
NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE: With imaginative sell-out performances, "What the Constitution Means to Me" is the latest offering, through March 23. The Pulitzer Prize finalist promises "an emotionally charged, thought provoking theatrical experience" exploring the U.S. Constitution's significance in contemporary America with wit and political insight. The intimate house has no bad seats for feasting on an ambitious mix of musicals, world premier dramas, comedies and classics. The dedication, energy and creative spin of visionary artistic director David Ellenstein satisfy older patrons while drawing enthusiasm from new, more demanding younger crowds. In spring, watch for "Peril in the Alps" a world premier mystery romp; "Birthday Candles" celebrating one woman's birthdays through the decades in June, and "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder in July-August. Ellenstein and company give imagination a whirl with a satisfying blend of both fresh and familiar work, always enjoyable.
northcoastrep.org
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Ground-breaking at Cygnet's new digs in Liberty Station. Three fine productions cap Cygnet's tenure in Old Town, before the summer move. |
CYGNET THEATRE. Capping last year's successes, Cygnet Theatre presents its final season in Old Town before moving to its new home at the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center at Liberty Station. Under the guiding force of artistic director Sean Murray, "The Joan" will launch its 21st season in September in a new, contemporary 289-seat proscenium theater and a 150-seat flexible studio space. Murray, also a versatile actor (from "My Fair Lady" to "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and as an endearing Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol") caps the 2024-25 season in Old Town directing a first-rate piece of writing flawlessly acted. "Other Desert Cities" is up through March 2, a searingly complex family story with both humor and pathos. Then a fresh, fierce comedy, "The Hot Wing King," April 9-May 2 (sounds delicious, as a group of friends prepare their entry for a culinary contest.) Finally, that classic musical theater war horse "Oklahoma" offers venerable musical comedy, June 11-July 20.
www.cygnettheatre.com
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''Once" celebrates the music of Ireland with a spirited band, engaging story and top singers --just in time for St. Patrick's Day! |
LAMB'S PLAYERS THEATRE: Lamb's Players can be relied upon for polish and spirit in spades with top actors, singers and musicians. "Once" reinforces Lamb's reputation for excellence in a return engagement of an award winner, in time for St. Patrick's Day. It began as a 2007 movie, then the lively musical was a Tony winner on Broadway before winning raves in San Diego 7 years ago. The show is artfully staged by Lamb's artistic director Robert Smyth with a returning crack cast of fabulous musicians and singers who move
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"Once" is on tap at Lamb's Players.
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gracefully about the pub setting. This first-rate production boasts terrific leads and support, including Smyth's wife, Deborah Gilmour Smyth, who sets the high energy and polished tone. Watch for her in Horton Foote's Tony winning "The Trip to Bountiful" April 15-June 1, followed by a musical celebrating the '70s this, and G.B. Shaw's classic "Arms and the Man," next fall. It's a lovely drive to Coronado, across the bridge from downtown San Diego. Plenty of restaurant choices, too, to extend the fun. lambsplayers.org
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Leigh Scarritt, Rachel VanWormer captivated us in "The Half-Life of Marie Curie," at New Village Arts.
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New Village Arts also produces unique cabaret shows, including "Love, Linda" which told the story of Mrs. Cole Porter in a pitch-perfect and delightful performance by Sandra Ochoa Rice. The show features many of Porter's masterpieces dazzlingly delivered with a three-piece band. |
NEW VILLAGE ARTS. This cozy 99-seat theater in Carlsbad opened its spring season with a bang. Theater lovers raved about the captivating production of "The Half-Life of Marie Curie" which just ended a brilliant run. Two accomplished actors cast a spell: Rachael VanWormer and Leigh Scarritt as Madame Curie and fellow brilliant scientist, Hertha Ayrton. Typical of New Village productions, it featured artful lighting, an eye-catching set design and mesmerizing talent. The ambitious Carlsbad venue produces year-round musical events, cabaret and concert readings of Broadway musicals. Up next is "La Havana Madrid," March 21-April 27, about Chicago’s legendary nightclub where newly arrived Latino immigrants dine, dance and find community.
newvillagearts.org |
Diversionary Theatre is always a treat, even in the rain. Its productions appeal and are inclusive, original. |
DIVERSIONARY THEATRE. The current season at our nation's third oldest LGBTQ theater includes "We Are Continuous," through March 9, a lyrical work about love and the ability to change by acclaimed playwright Harrison David Rivers. Diversionary is a small, mind-challenging venue with a lovely, welcoming theater and impressive education outreach. It opened season 39 in its recently renovated space, including a cozy cabaret with drinks and live queer-themed entertainment. An inclusive, enterprising playbill espouses love, honesty, humor and hope with a mission to inspire and celebrate diverse LGBTQIA stories. Always an enriching visit.
diversionary.org MOXIE THEATRE: Watch this ground-breaking company, known for its generosity to students, and for its diverse repertoire of female focused work. Some of the region's best actors have graced Moxie's stage where each season presents surprises and delights. "Man and Moon" is typical fare, featuring the story of a transitioning man, Aaron, and Luna, a young girl with a passion for outer space. Depend on Moxie for imaginative breaking of stereotypes. moxietheatre.com
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A series of tributes headline at The Welk, where people may also enjoy the attractive grounds.
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THEATRE AT THE WELK. The beautifully designed theater, at 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive in Escondido, presents an uplifting mix of concerts, musicals and tributes. "Gypsy Dreams" is a tribute to Fleetwood Mac Feb. 19, followed by "A Rockin' Tribute to the King," Wednesdays March 5-26, with a band on stage backing award winning singer-actor Scot Bruce as a convincing Elvis. "Fortunate Son," a Creedence Clearwater tribute, follows on Wednesdays in April. "FABBA" is an Abba tribute in May and June, and popular performer Jason Lohrke returns with his acclaimed Neil Diamond tribute in July. welkresorts.com
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David McBean, front, and Jason Maddy as "True West" brothers. |
ROUSTABOUTS THEATRE CO.: This talented, daring company features some of San Diego's finest actors in a range of funny, touching and acerbic pieces. Actor Phil Johnson is at the helm as company co-founder. He was brilliant in a rousing one-man show, "A Jewish Joke," which went on to play New York. His enterprise engineers comedy nights and other delights, with talented local casts.
Sam Shepard’s searing "True West" is up next, a story of sibling rivalry between estranged brothers Austin and Lee, who have reconnected. It is set in in the foothills of California's San Gabriel Valley at their mother's home. The production runs at Diversionary Theatre March 27-April 13. Rely on Johnson and company for originality, always pushing the entertainment envelope.
theroustabouts.org
SCRIPPS RANCH THEATRE. Creative use of space on the campus of Alliant International University provides a welcoming, intimate forum for another challenging season. "White" is next up, billed as "a comedic story that explores privilege in the art world." The production promises twists and surprises, subverting expectations as it illuminates contemporary culture. The run extends through March 9. Scripps celebrates the unusual, with an always ambitious season.
scrippsranchtheatre.org
La JOLLA
PLAYHOUSE. Continuing this venerable, top drawer theater's dedication to the unique, La Jolla Playhouse would make founder Gregory Peck proud with its 2025-26 season including an intriguing world premier, "Three Summers of Lincoln."
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Award winning La Jolla Playhouse offers another world premier. "Three Summers of Lincoln" features gospel, R&B and more. |
It features an original score blending gospel, R&B, and more with Christopher Ashley at the helm as artistic director. Under his guidance, the award winning playhouse took home a Tony for "Far From Away," another world premier which debuted in La Jolla and went on to Broadway. He is proud of the 2025 Without Walls ("WOW") Festival set for April 24-27, promising immersive and site-inspired work. Presented in partnership with the UC San Diego, the WOW Festival features four action-packed days of theater, dance, music,
puppetry, spectacle events and more. lajollaplayhouse.org
SAN DIEGO MUSICAL THEATRE: Musicals reign at this venue. "Hello, Dolly!" is on the boards through March 9. We've seen spirited shows here, including "Forever Plaid" and "Little Shop of Horrors" -- an admirable mix of musicals, including "In the Heights," which introduced Lin-Manuel Miranda to the world. SDMT's lively popular grassroots enterprise made its name with romantic comedy and trusted musical theater works, thanks to musical-loving founders Gary and Erin Lewis who launched the endeavor in 2006. It has a loyal following for its varied repertoire. sdmt.org
TRINITY THEATRE CO: This company's goal is "to unify friends, family, and community." TTC believes all people wishing to participate in the performing arts should have a venue in which to inspire and be inspired. Shows blend the talents of seasoned performers and spirited newcomers, in both performance and technical aspects of theater.
"The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet!" just wrapped, a lively adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet told in a whimsical, Seussian style. (Spoiler alert: no one died.) Like Trinity's mission, it mixed rhyme and rhythm with playful characters, and vibrant storytelling, aimed at involving young people. Trinity works with schools to encourage theater arts education and foster community involvement, celebrating the arts for performers and patrons alike.
trinityttc.org
WITH THIS BOUNTY, spring theater is in full flower in southern California with March celebrations and discounts during San Diego Theater Month with discounted tickets at more than 30 venues. Check for similar festivals in your town and consider supporting your local theater, symphony, chorale and band. Be generous with buskers. And remember: a pair of tickets to a play, musical or concert makes an excellent gift.
www.sandiegotheatremonth.com
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Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller on the trail of waterborne fun, from water taxis to cruising. We visit Fort Lauderdale on land and water, admire artists in Spain, explore Central Park in New York and pay our respects to both man made beauty and the art of nature.
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FUN ON THE RUN:
In the next few weeks, we offer a lively mix of fun pieces, from the waters of Fort Lauderdale to the art museums of northern Spain and Barcelona. We offer practical pointers on finding a bathroom in Europe and elsewhere abroad, and we visit spectacular attractions in New York City, including Central Park, the High Line and the world renowned Museum of Modern Art. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on nature, performance, travel, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com