Four girls discover a world they were never supposed to imagine. From left, Ariana Dolan, Heather Buckler, Ava Loren Lopez and Sara Davis. Photo courtesy of Danielle Boillin By Anne Reid In 1914, four teenage girls confined to a Catholic reformatory discover the writings of birth control activist Margaret Sanger and begin to imagine something they have rarely been allowed to consider: lives of their own choosing. Together, they create a private world of friendship and ritual,
Director Hunter Foster brings Hitchcock's classic spy thriller to the stage. Photo courtesy of Carlos Zamora. By Anne Reid Alfred Hitchcock probably never imagined his 1935 spy thriller "The 39 Steps" performed by four actors armed with a handful of trunks, chairs and ladders. But that's exactly what audiences can expect when Laguna Playhouse presents the stage adaptation this fall. Adapted by Patrick Barlow from John Buchan's 1915 novel and Hitchcock's film, "The 39 Steps" f
A kooky family crisis comes to life. From left, Christopher Vournas, Isabella Klein, Patrick Brannelly, Juliet Fischer, Rebecca Leeds, Andrew Whitwell and Rob Bergman. Photo courtesy of Cabrillo Playhouse By MaryAnn DiPietro Every family has its problems. Some involve miscommunication, growing children or awkward introductions to the in-laws. For the Addams family, naturally, things get a little stranger. Cabrillo Playhouse opens its 2026-27 season with “The Addams Family,” t
Are you making the most of your life? Billy Mann. Photo courtesy of Catherine Oregon By Shannon Cudd One of the many things that separates human beings from the animal kingdom is our awareness of our own mortality. That awareness takes on new meaning for the six teenagers who pass while riding a roller coaster at a traveling fair at the beginning of their young lives. Theatergoers under 30 will recognize “Ride the Cyclone” while more mature aficionados might not yet be aware
Sondheim takes aim at the American dream. From left, Jake Burnett, Christopher Diem, Spike Pulice, Jaycob Hunter, Brandon Sanchez, Taras Wybaczynsky Jr., Luis Alex Rodriguez, Reese Chavez, Genevieve Kauper and Aaron Lipp. Photo courtesy of Francis Gacad & Jonathan Infante By MaryAnn DiPietro There is something inherently uncomfortable about laughing during “Assassins.” That, of course, is part of the point. Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s darkly comic musical gathers a co
Broadway hit explores themes of identity, trauma and healing. From left, Ishan Panjabi, Sol Joun, and Doshima Iyorlu. Photo courtesy of Doug Catiller. by Anne Reid When "Jagged Little Pill" premiered on Broadway in 2019, audiences embraced its unflinching examination of addiction, racism, identity and the complicated realities that often exist beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Now Chance Theater is bringing the Tony Award-winning and Grammy Award-winning musical