Some stories are built for spectacle. Others are built for imagination. Mark Brown's stage adaptation is both. From left: Patrick McMahon and Adam Furguson. Photo courtesy of Cabrillo Playhouse By MaryAnn DiPietro A train, an elephant, a ship and nearly 40 colorful characters appear and disappear in the blink of an eye. And somehow, it all happens on the intimate stage of Cabrillo Playhouse in San Clemente. "It's basically the magic of theater," director Frank Minano said. "W

Outback Adventure Meets Disco Delight. Photo courtesy of No Square Theatre by MaryAnn DiPietro “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” asks audiences to hop aboard a weary lavender bus, cross the Australian outback with three drag performers, sing along to a soundtrack of disco classics and open their hearts along the way. That sounds like quite a journey and, according to Joe Lauderdale, the show’s director and No Square Theatre artistic director, that's exactly the point. "This is

August may be winding down summer, but Orange County stages are keeping things lively! There’s plenty to see this month, from swashbuckling adventures and new plays to a dark musical classic and one wonderfully bizarre ride. Our Organizational Member theatres are bringing a great mix of stories to the stage, and we’d love for you to get out there and support the artists creating them. 🌍 Cabrillo Playhouse — Around the World in 80 Days 📝 Curtis Theatre — Page to Stage Playwr

Love, Loss and Family in a Landmark Queer Musical From left, Gabrielle Maldonado, Jake Burnett, Riley Blackwell, Carolyn Lupin and Joshua Leduc. Photo courtesy of Craig Tyrl By Shannon Cudd A homosexual man hiding his truth, a woman whose husband leaves her for another man and the lover who is diagnosed with a mysterious new disease – these are just some of the characters audiences can expect to encounter in The Wayward Artist’s production of “Falsettos.” Founding Artistic Di

Summer may be in full swing, but our local stages are anything but quiet! July is filled with an exciting mix of musicals, family favorites, and unforgettable stories presented by Orange County Theatre Guild Organizational Members. Whether you're looking to laugh, sing along, introduce a young theatergoer to live performance, or experience something thought-provoking, there's a seat waiting for you. One of the best parts of our local theatre community is its incredible variet

Musical triumph is an inspiring celebration of fresh starts and the power of what one person can do. From left: Shane Murphy, Jeremy Krasovic, Taylor LaBarbera, Charlie Massey, Sarah Jane Finch, Mary Price Moore. Photo courtesy of Eric Modyman By Anne Reid Cabrillo Playhouse will open its production of “The Spitfire Grill” this summer, bringing the acclaimed musical about redemption, forgiveness and finding home to its intimate San Clemente stage. Based on the 1996 film by Le

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

The Absurdity of Modern Relationships Explored in New Play From left, Rachel Bailey, Coleman Summers, and Jessica Schreiber. Photo courtesy of Jarid McCarthy. By Shannon Cudd Imagine trying to connect with your partner and an ostrich interrupts by knocking at the door. No, this is not a fever dream but a scene from The Larking House’s world premiere production of “Ostrich in the Room.” This exciting new work by Seanan Palmero Waugh explores the complexities of romantic relati

June is packed with incredible theatre across Orange County, and if you've been meaning to get out and see a show, consider this your friendly reminder. One of the things that makes our local theatre community so special is its variety. This month alone, you can experience laugh-out-loud comedies, powerful dramas, beloved musicals, family-friendly adventures, and thought-provoking new works—all being created by passionate artists right here in our community. Whether you're a

Putting on a Very Happy Face Bruno A. Satalino and the ensemble of Bye Bye Birdie. Photo courtesy of The Phantom Projects Theatre by Anne Reid Rock-and-roll fever is set to sweep through Phantom Projects Theatre at La Habra Depot as “Bye Bye Birdie,” one of Broadway’s most beloved musical comedies, arrives with laughs, lively dance numbers and timeless charm. Directed and choreographed by Alan M-L Wager, the Tony Award-winning musical follows the chaos that erupts when rock-a

When Elvis leaves the stage, an unexpected journey of identity, family and self-discovery begins. Jacob Wilson. Photo courtesy of Beatrice Casagran. By Anne Reid "The Legend of Georgia McBride" combines broad comedy with themes of identity, family and belonging in a story that explores both performance and personal transformation. According to Ophelia's Jump founder Beatrice Casagran, the production appealed to the company not only because of its humor but because of the huma

Celebration of Shakespeare’s Friendship and Legacy From left, Genevieve Kauper, Kelly Franett and RigelKent Paden. Photo courtesy of Francis Gacad. by Anne Reid Director Amanda Hallman has wanted to stage “The Book of Will” since the moment she first read Lauren Gunderson’s play. After years of waiting for the rights, that vision is finally coming to life at Curtis Theatre through Begins And Ends With A, the production company Hallman co-founded with producer and costume desi

A diner, a wide-open road, and a story that proves even the smallest places can hold the biggest hearts. From Left, Rachel Williams and Sadie Black. Photo courtesy of Dylan Cranford. by MaryAnn DiPietro American Coast Theatre Company is heading somewhere a little quieter this summer, somewhere with porch swings, mountain air and the kind of stories that sneak up on your heart. The company invites audiences into the small town of Gilead, a place where folks know your name and

A Close-Up, Heartfelt Production About Defying Expectations. Sammy Spiegler. Photo courtesy of Laura Lejuwaan By Shannon Cudd Omigod you guys! Westminster Community Playhouse looks good in pink, a make-over courtesy of its latest production, “Legally Blonde.” This high-energy musical is based on the 2001 hit film of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon as the charismatic and intelligent ingénue Elle Woods. After her college boyfriend, Warner, dumps her because she isn’t s

Outstanding Production of a Musical, Tick, Tick...BOOM! at Chance Theater. Photo courtesy of Eric Modyman. Chance Theater, Curtis Theatre, and Costa Mesa Playhouse Among Top Honorees May 12, 2026 – Orange County’s vibrant theater scene took center stage on Monday night at the 5th Annual OC Theatre Guild Awards, held at the Samueli Theater at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Artists, designers, and companies from across the county were recognized for their creativity, dedicatio

Shakespeare comedy reimagined through a Western lens. From left: Morgan Holcomb, Colin Rinard and Ash Frost. Photo courtesy of Kiya Sakari. By Anne Reid “Twelfth Night” is a beloved Shakespearean romantic comedy about twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated by a shipwreck. In this modern take, it’s set on the coast of California, where Viola seeks to rebuild her place in the world. She disguises herself as a man named Cesario and enters the service of the lovesick Duke O

A picture-perfect 1950s dream, a life styled to perfection, and the moment the fantasy starts to slip. From left: Shane Murphy, Jeremy Krasovic, Taylor LaBarbera, Charlie Massey, Sarah Jane Finch, Mary Price Moore. Photo courtesy of Eric Modyman By MaryAnn DiPietro At first glance, it looks like perfection. But in “Home, I’m Darling” at Cabrillo Playhouse, that polished facade is only the beginning. In a production that leans into both nostalgia and nuance, director Hilary Pe

There’s something about May that feels like a reset—the days stretch a little longer, the air softens, and suddenly a night out sounds a lot more appealing than another evening at home. It’s the perfect moment to trade your routine for something live, immediate, and a little bit magical. This month, stages across Orange County are bursting with stories that couldn’t be more different from one another—which means there’s truly something for every mood you’re in. Craving a clev

Two teenagers confront identity, belonging and change in post-9/11 New Jersey. From left, Vicky Yvonne and Spike Pulice. Photo courtesy of Doug Catiller. by Anne Reid Where were you born? Where did you grow up? For most people, those questions are answered without much thought. In Martyna Majok’s “Sanctuary City,” opening May 1 at Chance Theater, they carry real weight. Set in Newark, New Jersey, in the years following 9/11, the play follows two teenagers known simply as B an

An innovative reimagining of a classic Christie mystery. From Bottom Left; Clockwise: Sawyer Reece Maier, Paul Burt, Holly Jones, Abel Miramontes, Shawn Plunkett, Noah Chin, Tanya Raisa, Catalina Tan, Emily Hood, Olivia Oakley. Photo courtesy of Katelyn Abaya by Anne Reid Just after midnight, a snowdrift brings the Orient Express to a halt, stranding its passengers in the dead of winter. By morning, one of them is dead: an American tycoon found in his compartment, stabbed ei