THEATRE news, REVIEWs,
& interviews
Interview: Michael Braun on Finding the Heart—and Humor—in CYRANO at The Old Globe
Some theatrical characters are so deeply embedded in our cultural imagination that audiences arrive already knowing something about them. Cyrano de Bergerac is certainly one of those: the brilliant poet, dazzling swordsman and hopeless romantic whose wit can fill a room, even as his insecurity about his appearance keeps him from believing he can be loved.
ISAAC'S EYE at OnStage Playhouse
Like the prism at the center of Newton's famous experiments, 'Isaac's Eye' at OnStage Playhouse refracts history into something far more colorful than a simple biography.
Interview: Chris Rubio of TARZAN: BEAT OF THE JUNGLE at Arms Wide Open At Mt. Helix Amphitheatre
This summer, Arms Wide Open returns live musical theatre to the Mt. Helix Amphitheatre with Tarzan: Beat of the Jungle, running July 17 through August 2, 2026. Directed and choreographed by Christopher Rubio, with musical direction by Terry Hendricks and production management by Yvonne Rubio, the production combines live percussion, dance, and a cast of 71 performers to tell the familiar story of Tarzan through a new artistic lens.
NORTH BY NORTHWEST at The Old Globe
The Old Globe’s North American premiere of “North by Northwest” succeeds by bringing something many of these adaptations lack: a finely tuned sense of style and panache.
Interview: Bethany Slomka of DOGFIGHT at San Diego Musical Theatre
Interview with Bethany Slomka, who plays Rose in San Diego Musical Theatre’s staged reading of “Dogfight”, part of the company’s Off-Broadway Series running July 13–14, 2026.
Interview: Frankie Errington of DOGFIGHT at San Diego Musical Theatre
Interview with 'Dogfight' director Frankie Errington on how this show offers a powerful opportunity to experience a musical with a terrific score and a deeply human story.
BOY MY GREATNESS at Loud Fridge Theatre Group
Loud Fridge Theatre Group's “Boy My Greatness” is tender, funny, heartbreaking, and ultimately a moving celebration of the artists who dare to tell stories that challenge the world around them.
THE ARCHITECT OF IMAGINATION: REMEMBERING MARTY BURNETT at North Coast Repertory Theatre
A tribute to Marty Burnett, the beloved North Coast Rep scenic designer, leaves behind a legacy of artistry, craftsmanship, and more than three decades of shaping San Diego theatre.
ADULT STORYTIME: A CAREGIVER’S GUIDE TO THE BLUES at OnWord Theatre
“Adult Storytime: A Caregiver's Guide to the Blues” isn't designed to make audiences cry (though you may). Instead, it celebrates resilience, connection, and the extraordinary care people extend to one another every day.
MEASURE FOR MEASURE at The Old Globe
This beautifully acted and thoughtfully staged “Measure for Measure” proves there is plenty worth measuring here.
THE RISE & FALL OF LITTLE VOICE at Backyard Renaissance
Backyard Renaissance Theatre's San Diego premiere of Jim Cartwright's “The Rise and Fall of Little Voice” is a curious blend of broad comedy and intimate drama. Anthony Methvin's production is elevated by a remarkable cast that finds genuine humanity beneath the script's extremes.
THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL at Cygnet Theatre
“The SpongeBob Musical,” playing through at Cygnet Theatre, is loud, colorful, wonderfully goofy, and fueled by an unapologetic belief that optimism can overcome even the biggest obstacles. Sometimes that's exactly what audiences need.
HAIRSPRAY at New Village Arts
With so many artists making their New Village Arts debuts in this 'Hairspray,' there is a palpable sense of excitement and discovery throughout the evening, complementing the musical's themes of young people finding their voices and stepping into the spotlight.
Interview: Wyatt Van Hazel of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Oceanside Theatre Company
Interview with Wyatt Van Hazel about creating his version of Leaf in Oceanside Theatre Company's “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,”, learning through STAGES, and why joy is at the heart of this production.
Interview: Dallas McLaughlin of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Oceanside Theatre Company
Interview with actor Dallas McLaughlin about playing Vice Principal Paunch in Oceanside Theatre Company's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
THE MOST HAPPY FELLA at North Coast Repertory Theatre
If you think lying on your dating profile is a modern invention, “The Most Happy Fella” is here to remind you that catfishing has existed for generations. Fortunately, North Coast Repertory Theatre's production has something even more timeless than romantic deception: a glorious score sung by an excellent cast.
THE MONSTERS at La Jolla Playhouse
“The Monsters” delivers thrilling fight sequences, but its greatest strength lies in the family story at its center. Whether you're an MMA fan or not, the play's emotional punches land with equal force.
THE HOMBRES at The Old Globe
“The Hombres” is a thoughtful examination of friendship, masculinity, and the surprising ways personal growth can occur in the unlikeliest of places.
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Oceanside Theatre Company
Funny and heartfelt, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' is a delightful reminder that sometimes the biggest victories have nothing to do with trophies—or correctly spelling 'schadenfreude.'
RENT at Diversionary Theatre
There are some shows that feel untouchable, which is why it takes a certain amount of courage or lunacy to approach a beloved musical and decide to reinvent it. Co-directors Sherri Eden Barber and Coleman Ray Clark do exactly that, taking some big swings with Diversionary Theatre's production of RENT playing through June 28th.