A fresh take on one of the most classic holiday tales ever written From Left: Bruce Goodrich and Winston Peacock . Photo courtesy of Doug Catiller. by Anne Reid Chance Theater’s holiday Literature Series has long celebrated the power of great books to inspire imaginative theatrical storytelling, and this season’s addition, “Scrooge! The Musical,” invites audiences into a fresh, intimate retelling of one of the most enduring holiday tales ever written. Literary Manager and Res

The original ‘Gaslight’ is a chilling tale of trust and terror From Left: Micheal Corcoran, Jason Cook, Mikayla Acevedo and Amanda Dasilva. Photo courtesy of Yvonne Robertson. by Anne Reid It begins, as the best thrillers often do, in the quiet comfort of a seemingly perfect home. The gas lamps flicker. The footsteps creak. A husband’s charm begins to curdle into menace. And somewhere above, in the attic of memory and guilt, lies a secret waiting to be unearthed... This OC Th

What happens when faith falters and voices rise? From Left: Allison Regen and Kelly Frannett. Photo courtesy of Jon Ingal. by MaryAnn DiPietro As The Wayward Artist prepares to close its 2025 season, founding artistic director Craig Tyrl is stepping onto sacred ground. His upcoming production of “The Christians” by Lucas Hnath will unfold not in a black box theater but within the walls of a church. This is most fitting for a play that asks audiences to confront questions of b

🍁 November on OC Stages: From Fairytales to Faith, Mysteries to Myths   As the days grow shorter, Orange County stages are lighting up with stories that warm, challenge, and enchant. Audiences can step into the magic of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella  before the clock strikes midnight, or journey Into the Woods . Adventure-seekers will find dragons, heroes, and heart in She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition . Those craving a classic can revel in It’s a Wonderfu

Sondheim’s modern masterpiece reminds us that happily ever after is only the beginning. From Left: Marcus S. Daniel, Shannyn Page, Emily Curington, Angie Chavez, Jeff Lowe and Owen Switzer. (Photo courtesy of Katelyn Abaya.) by Anne Reid James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” is more than a fairy-tale musical – it’s a masterwork of wishes, consequences and connection. This Tony Award-winning classic takes beloved storybook figures and threads them together into

A fairy tale with heart, humor, and modern twists. From Left: Hillary Mead, Samantha Leone and Paige Zell (Photo courtesy of JStage Irvine) By Shannon Cudd Even veteran theatergoers may be surprised to learn that Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s beloved show “Cinderella” did not reach Broadway until 2013. The musical originated as a 1957 television special written so Julie Andrews could shine in the title role. It was so popular that it was revived for television in 19

Reimagining our founding document through four generations of extraordinary women Aubrey Saverino (Photo Courtesy of Doug Catiller) By Anne Reid The role of the Constitution today is being challenged like never before, so it seemed like the perfect time to focus on the document itself and examine the living context in which it resides in American life.  For director Katie Chidester, it is deeply personal and why she’s thrilled to direct the Tony-nominated and Pulitzer Prize-f

This October, Orange County stages are alive with magic, mystery, and unforgettable stories. From dark tragedies to heartwarming classics, there’s something for every theater lover this fall.

A timeless story of ambition, love, loss and family brought to life with fresh heart and vision From Left: Olivia Tewksbbury, Dylan Panetta, Caleb Simmons, Sarah McGuire and Kasey Jacques (Photo Courtesy of Charna Lopez) By Shannon Cudd Author Louisa May Alcott did not want to write her beloved novel “Little Women.” She only did so at the request of her editor, Thomas Niles, who wanted a “girl’s story.” Alcott struggled to know how to even start. “Never liked girls or knew ma

The Cold War collides with Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy From left, Lauren Velasco, William Thomas, Elisabeth Saenz Hunter and Sidney Aaron Aptaker. Photo courtesy Francis Gacad By Anne Reid The Larking House will present William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” at the Curtis Theatre in Brea, running Oct. 3-12. The production reimagines the classic tragedy in Cold War-era Scotland, layering political tension, supernatural imagery and 1980s horror tropes into a darkly atmospheric stagi

Theater lovers, get ready—Orange County’s stages are packed with must-see productions this fall!   From timeless classics to bold new...

From left, Landon Moss, Greg Stokes and Desi Molinari. Photo courtesy of Sam Rutledge. See Neil Simon’s comic fable of wit, wonder and...

From left, Rose London, Kathleen Switzer, and Stacy Castiglione. Photo courtesy of Francis Gacad. Tracy Letts’ 2008 masterpiece makes its...

Looking for a night out that inspires, delights, and surprises?   Orange County’s stages are alive this August with a rich lineup of...

From Left: Emma Magbanua, Naya Ramsey-Clarke, Kayley Stallings and Linda Bard. Photo courtesy of Doug Catiller. History gets loud: the...

From Left: Ben Green, Brianna Graves, Anabelle Finch, Logan Pearson, Aria Healy, Siggi Harrison, McKaylee Buccola, Mason Buccola, Megan...

Fasten Your Seatbelts: This Tony Winner Is Sure to Land Laughs By MaryAnn DiPietro In a theatre season filled with emotional reckonings...

From Left: Brendan Taglianetti, Garret Sullivan, Dallas Dudley, Oscar Aguilar, Devyn Kontour, and Sheridan Fung (Photo by Jonard Ingal) A...

From Left: Jonah Camacho and Jonathan Herrera (Photo by Katelyn Abaya) Mistaken Identities, Outrageous Misunderstandings, And Double The...

From Left: Gia D'Amelio, Sophie Russ, Sadie Guerrero, Allison Murillo, Katie Hamilton, Gary Greene A Love Letter to Teenage Idols--...