San Diego Theatre + Broadway News

Photo Flash: Paso Robles High Theatre Co. Presents GUYS AND DOLLS, 5/18-5/20

(5/15/2012) Paso Robles High Theatre Company presents GUYS AND DOLLS, directed and choreographed by Marcy Goodnow, with musical direction by Mary Hiestand. The final weekend of performances is slated for May 18-20.

May Mid Month Masques and MORE on the California Central Coast!

(5/15/2012) As we move into the middle of May and beyond, I trust you will want to consider attending at least a couple of the numerous productions currently (or soon to be) playing at any one of the numerous theatre and live performance establishments here on the AMAZING California Central Coast!

STAGE TUBE: First Look at THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS at The Old Globe - Video Montage!

(5/14/2012) The Old Globe is presenting the West Coast Premiere of The Scottsboro Boys, the critically acclaimed musical about an infamous chapter in American history. Nominated for 12 Tony Awards, The Scottsboro Boys features music and lyrics by the legendary team of John Kander and Fred Ebb, libretto by David Thompson, musical direction by Eric Ebbenga and direction and choreography by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman. The Scottsboro Boys began performances on April 29 and runs through June 10 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Check out the show trailer featuring the California cast below!

BWW Reviews: CHICAGO comes to the San Diego Civic Center

(5/12/2012) The critically acclaimed Kander & Ebb musical CHICAGO is back in San Diego with Christie Brinkley as Roxie Hart! CHICAGO is playing at the San Diego Civic Theatre through Sunday, May 13th.

HANDS ON A HARDBODY Opens at La Jolla Playhouse Today, 5/12

(5/12/2012) HANDS-ON-A-HARDBODY-Opens-at-La-Jolla-Playhouse-20010101 La Jolla Playhouse's world premiere of Hands on a Hardbody, starring Tony Award-nominees Keith Carradine, Hunter Foster and Mary Gordon Murray, as well as Allison Case and more, opens tonight, May 12, and runs through June 17, 2012 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre. The commissioned musical has a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Doug Wright (I Am My Own Wife, Creditors), lyrics by Amanda Green (High Fidelity), music by Trey Anastasio (lead singer of the popular band Phish) and Amanda Green, with direction by Neil Pepe (Speed-the-Plow) and musical staging by Benjamin Millepied (BLACK SWAN).

Young Americans 'Glee Club' Returns to Palm Springs for Golden Anniversary, 5/12-13

(5/12/2012) The Palm Springs Cultural Center is bringing America's original Glee Club - The Young Americans - back to Palm Springs - with an all-new song and dance extravaganza designed to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of the group's founding in 1962. Two performances, featuring the latest generation of Young Americans, and some Young Americans alumni, will take place at the Palm Springs High School Auditorium tonight, May 12th and tomorrow, May 13th. The shows feature a wide range of music, from traditional choral music to the latest Broadway hits, and every type of dance you can imagine - from classical ballet to modern hip hop.

BWW Reviews: The Old Globe presents THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS

(5/11/2012) The Old Globe presents THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS the critically acclaimed and moving musical based on the story of The Scottsboro Boys in 1931 Alabama. The show is making its West Coast premiere and will run through June10th at The Old Globe Theatre.

BWW TV Seattle Exclusive: Behind the Scenes of Kristin Chenoweth on Tour!

(5/11/2012) BroadwayWorld Seattle was granted EXCLUSIVE access to Kristin Chenoweth's debut performance of her new (and first ever) tour, which opened in Seattle on Wednesday night ... and received a whopping NINE standing ovations for a show unlike we had ever seen.

Photo Flash: Jay Whittaker & Co Get Ready for The Old Globe's SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL, June-September

(5/11/2012) The Old Globe is all set for the 2012 Shakespeare Festival, performed in repertory in the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Check out the photographs of the cast getting ready to begin rehearsals below, including Jay Whittaker, Robert Foxworth, Dan Amboyer, Adrian Sparks and Dana Green.

Kentwood Players Presents THE MIRACLE WORKER, Now thru June 16

(5/11/2012) Kentwood Players presents THE MIRACLE WORKER by William Gibson from tonight, May 11 to June 16, 2012 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester (LA 90045). Adapted from William Gibson’s 1957 Playhouse 90 teleplay of the same name, THE MIRACLE WORKER is based on Helen Keller’s autobiography “The Story of My Life” and won several Tony Awards including Best Play. The production is directed by Shawn K. Summerer and produced by Alison Mattiza and Elizabeth Summerer by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., New York City.

Cast and Creative Team Announced for the Old Globe's 2012 Shakespeare Festival

(5/10/2012) The Old Globe today announced the complete cast and creative team for the 2012 Shakespeare Festival, performed in repertory in the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.

Lamb's Players Theatre Announces MIXTAPE VIP Club

(5/9/2012) Lamb’s Players Theatre has announced the start of a MIXTAPE VIP CLUB to reward patrons who see the show multiple times.

THE TWILIGHT ZONE UNSCRIPTED Returns to North Coast Rep, 5/29

(5/8/2012) From the darkest corners of reality, to the land of the unexplained - Impro Theatre's Twilight Zone Unscripted pays homage to Rod Serling's breakthrough sci-fi series "The Twilight Zone." Enter the wondrous dimension of imagination, as completely improvised episodes are created with every performance.

New Village Arts Presents World Premiere of BRILLIANT MISTAKE, 5/30-6/24

(5/8/2012) New Village Arts presents the World Premiere of BRILLIANT MISTAKE, written and directed by Suzanne Bachner, beginning May 30.

BWW Reviews: SCOTTSBORO BOYS Triumphantly Opens Tour at Old Globe

(5/8/2012) The Scottsboro Boys book by David Thompson music & lyrics by John Kander & Fred Ebb directed & choreographed by Susan Stroman Old Globe, San Diego through June 10

San Diego Civic Theatre Presents CHICAGO Starring Christie Brinkley, Now thru 5/13

(5/8/2012) After her critically-acclaimed debut as Roxie Hart on Broadway and in London’s West End, Christie Brinkley will make her Broadway tour debut this spring as she reprises her killer role in the six-time Tony Award-winning musical smash hit CHICAGO. Also joining the cast is star of "Seinfeld" and "Family Feud", John O'Hurley as Billy Flynn. This killer show will play at the San Diego Civic Theatre tonight, May 8 through May 13, 2012. Tickets are available now.

Early May 2012 Performance Opportunities on the California Central Coast

(5/7/2012) As we make our way into the Merry Month of May, I hope you are making plans to attend a number of the upcoming shows at the various live performance and theatre venues located here on the beautiful Central Coast of California!

STAGE TUBE: Jane Lynch et al. in 'Epic School Battle' to Keep Art in CA Schools

(5/6/2012) In response to an effort to remove art from classrooms in California, Jane Lynch, Wayne Hoffman, Matt Sorum, Tony Okungbowa, KISS, Steven Tyler, Johnathan Schaech, Hiimrawn, Davin Dell'Osa, Shay Carl, Epic Lloyd, and Mary Doodles (the dog) got together to create this epic "keep art in schools" battle. Watch the video below!

Photo Flash: THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS Opens at The Old Globe Tonight!

(5/5/2012) The Old Globe's production of the Tony Award-nominated musical THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS opens tonight, May 5, and runs through June 10 in its West Coast premiere in San Diego, starring Broadway vet James T. Lane and Tony Award-winner Ron Holgate. Check out shots from The Old Globe's cast "meet and greet" at the show's first rehearsal and production photos below!

Cast and Creative Announced for La Jolla's West Coast Premiere BLOOD AND GIFTS, 6/12-7/8

(5/4/2012) La Jolla Playhouse has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming production of Blood and Gifts, by J.T. Rogers, directed by Lucie Tiberghien, running in the Mandell Weiss Forum June 12 – July 8.

Voting Opens for the 2012 BroadwayWorld.com Awards - Vote Now on the Best of the New York Season!

(5/3/2012) The TONY Awards Nominators had their say earlier this week and now it's your turn! We're pleased to announce that voting has now opened for the 10th Annual BroadwayWorld.com Awards!

J*COMPANY Youth Theatre’s XANADU to Feature Cameos from Local Celebrities

(5/3/2012) J*Company Artistic Director, Joey Landwehr, has invited three local theatre professionals to appear in a cameo role in the final production in J*Company Youth Theatre’s La Jolla Playhouse Tribute Season. XANADU –The Musical (Seriously), will feature Pat Launer, Theater Critic/Arts Writer, (Sunday, May 13th at 4:30 pm), Rob Hopper, National Youth Arts Director, (Sunday, May 13, at 1:00 pm), and Monica Handler Penner, J*Company Executive Producer (Saturday, May 5th at 8:00 pm).

BWW TV: Behind the Scenes of Cirque du Soleil's TOTEM!

(5/3/2012) Robert Lepage's newest Cirque du Soleil creation TOTEM, now playing in San Diego, features never-before-seen images of evolution through acrobatics and state-of-the-art projections. BroadwayWorld correspondant Audra Stafford goes behind the scenes of the show below!

HIV/AIDS Activist, Terry Angel Mason Speaks at San Diego Neighborhood House Event, May 18

(5/3/2012) San Diego HIV/AIDS advocate, civil rights activist, author and columnist Terry Angel Mason will be a guest speaker for the San Diego Neighborhood House Association’s event for HIV Vaccine Awareness Day. The event is hosted in part by the San Diego Urban League.

North Coast Repertory Presents Phil Johnson in HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, Now thru 5/6

(5/3/2012) Phil Johnson will play all 13 Characters in the famed horror story at North Coast Rep, tonight, May 3 through May 6, 2012. Hound of Baskerville is created by Phil Johnson and based on Arthur Conan Doyle's classic story.

Photo Flash: First Look at Allison Case, Hunter Foster, et al. in La Jolla Playhouse's HANDS ON A HARDBODY

(5/2/2012) La Jolla Playhouse's Hands on a Hardbody will run through June 17, 2012 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre. The world-premiere, commissioned musical has a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Doug Wright (I Am My Own Wife, Creditors), lyrics by Amanda Green (High Fidelity), music by Trey Anastasio (lead singer of the popular band Phish) and Amanda Green, with direction by Neil Pepe (Speed-the-Plow) and musical staging by Benjamin Millepied (BLACK SWAN).

Photo Flash: The Old Globe's SCOTTSBORO BOYS in Performance

(5/1/2012) The Old Globe is currently presenting THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, opening May 5 following a preview period which began on April 29. View photos below!

Lamb's Players Theatre Announces New Box Office Hours

(5/1/2012) Lamb's Players Theatre announced that effective today they have changed their box office hours.

THREE LITTLE PIGS Opens at Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater Today, 5/2

(5/1/2012) The Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater in Balboa Park has announced its May 2012 schedule, which includes THE THREE LITTLE PIGS and GOLDILOCKS & THE THREE BEARS.

May 2012 - May Matinees and MUCH More on the Central Coast of California!

(4/30/2012) As we bid farewell to April showers and look forward to May flowers, I hope you are planning on including attending some shows at any number of the theatre and live performance establishments that can be found here on the idyllic California Central Coast!

The Old Globe Presents THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, Opening Tonight, 4/29

(4/29/2012) The Old Globe Theatre at the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, San Diego, will feature THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, opening tonight, NOBODY LOVES YOU, opening May 9, and more through June 2012.

Lamb’s Players Theatre Ends Extended Run of MIXTAPE Tonight, 4/29

(4/29/2012) Lamb’s Players Theatre ends its extended run of the hit musical production MIXTAPE tonight, April 29th.

Melissa James Gibson's THIS Closes at North Coast Rep Tonight, 4/29

(4/29/2012) North Coast REP mines the heart and humanity in Melissa James Gibson's candid examination of middle age in THIS, on stage through tonight, April 29. THIS by Melissa James Gibson, is directed by Kirsten Brandt in its San Diego premiere, featuring Andrew Ableson, Richard Baird, Courtney Corey, Judith Scott and Matt Thompson. For tickets call 858-481-2155 or go online here.

ZOOT SUIT to Headline San Diego REP's 2012-13 Season; Siguenza to Be Artist in Residence

(4/27/2012) San Diego REPertory Theatre (San Diego REP) has finalized the scheduled for an ambitious 37th season that opens with the most significant work of Latino drama in American theatre history continues with six more provocative and eye-opening new American productions.

National New Play Network Announces 29th Rolling World Premiere: THE EXIT INTERVIEW

(4/27/2012) The NATIONAL NEW PLAY NETWORK (NNPN), the country’s alliance of non-profit theaters that champions the development, production, and continued life of new plays, announces its 29th Rolling World Premiere: William Missouri Downs’ The Exit Interview will receive five productions through the Network’s Continued Life of New Plays Fund in the 2012/13 season.

ALLEGIANCE - A NEW AMERICAN MUSICAL Starring Lea Salonga & More Set for The Old Globe 2012-13 Season - Full Season Announcement, San Diego

(4/27/2012) The Old Globe’s 2012-13 Season will feature the World Premieres of two new musicals: Allegiance – A New American Musical by Jay Kuo and Lorenzo Thione and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder by Robert L. Freedman and Steven Lutvak. The season also includes George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion in celebration of the classic play’s 100th anniversary and the World Premiere of a new adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House by Anne-Charlotte Hanes Harvey and Kirsten Brandt. Two recent Broadway hits will make their San Diego debuts at the Globe: David Lindsay-Abaire’s Good People and Jon Robin Baitz’s Other Desert Cities. Rounding out the season are the West Coast Premiere of Bekah Brunstetter’s Be a Good Little Widow and the Southern California Premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s The Brothers Size.

La Jolla Playhouse Premieres HANDS ON A HARDBODY, Now thru 6/10

(4/27/2012) La Jolla Playhouse announces its first production of the 2012/13 season: the world-premiere musical Hands on a Hardbody, written by Pulitzer Prize winner and La Jolla Playhouse 2011 Gala Honoree Doug Wright (I Am My Own Wife), Amanda Green (Bring It On: The Musical) and Trey Anastasio of the popular band Phish, with direction by Neil Pepe (Speed-the-Plow) and choreography by Benjamin Millepied (BLACK SWAN), running tonight, April 27 through June 10, 2012 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre.

North Coast Rep Presents One-Man HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, 5/4

(4/26/2012) Local comedian, actor and performer Phil Johnson will take the stage in a fast paced and affectionate look at one of the most famous horror stories of all time where a single actor plays all 13 of the frightened- and frightening- characters that inhabit the dark and mystic world of Arthur Conan Doyle's masterpiece. HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES will be presented for four shows only at North Coast Repertory Theater in Solana Beach. Johnson has been selected to receive a recent San Diego Foundation's Creative Catalyst Grant for this unique collaboration. He is one of 15 artists who were selected to receive these inaugural grants as part of an innovative program that supports artists directly.

BWW Reviews: Rousing BILLY ELLIOT Earns Worthy Cheers in L.A.

(4/26/2012) Charming and unabashedly buoyant, BILLY ELLIOT--which danced away with 10 fairly well-deserved Tony Award wins including Best Musical back in 2009--is a smile-inducing, pleasingly-staged musical based on the 2000 film. The stage musical version's national tour has finally stopped in Los Angeles for a five-week engagement at the Pantages Theatre through May 13.

STAGE TUBE: Meet the Cast of Old Globe's SCOTTSBORO BOYS

(4/25/2012) The Old Globe presents the West Coast Premiere of The Scottsboro Boys, the critically acclaimed musical about an infamous chapter in American history. Nominated for 12 Tony Awards, The Scottsboro Boys features music and lyrics by the legendary team of John Kander and Fred Ebb, libretto by David Thompson, musical direction by Eric Ebbenga and direction and choreography by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman. The Scottsboro Boys will run April 29 - June 10 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Preview performances run April 29 - May 4.