Babbitt
World-Premiere Play
Extended by popular demand! Nov 7 – Dec 10 Mandell Weiss Theatre
By Joe DiPietro
Adapted from the novel by Sinclair Lewis
Directed by Christopher Ashley
You can’t always get what you want, but you might get what you need.
Multi-award-winning star of stage and screen Matthew Broderick and Tony Award-winning playwright Joe DiPietro (Diana, Memphis) join forces with our own Christopher Ashley and a stellar cast for this remarkable theatrical event.
Babbitt entered the zeitgeist in 1922 as a novel by white-hot satirist Sinclair Lewis, the first American Nobel Laureate. An instant literary classic, Babbitt has been a stalwart on ‘best ever’ lists for over 100 years, and is now adapted for the stage.
George F. Babbitt is a middle-aged real estate broker in the Midwestern city of Zenith. By day, he has a prosperous, respectable middle-class existence. By night, he’s plagued by the thought that he has amounted to nothing. Searching for more to life than his top-of-the-line toaster and hickory golf club ― more meaning ― Babbitt leaps with abandon into the most spectacular rebellion of his life ― one that could end up costing him everything.
Led by Matthew Broderick in the title role, the cast bringing this world premiere to life features Emmy Award nominee Anna Chlumsky (Veep), Ann Harada (Broadway’s Avenue Q) and Julie Halston (Sex and the City).
Discover More
Ticket Information
First Look (previews): Nov 7 – 11*
Weeks 2 – 5: Nov 12 – Dec 10
*‘First Look’ performances are the first week of the run of each show prior to opening night (with some exceptions). First Look tickets are lower price and offer the opportunity to experience the show while the creative team are still polishing and making changes. This is a vital element of a show’s evolution, allowing the creative team to step back and see the show through the eyes and experience of the audience. Playhouse staff speak to the audience briefly before the show starts, and the creative team may be seated near you taking notes.
Ticket discounts
The Playhouse offers a range of ways to save on tickets, including Military, Student and Rush discounts, and $25 tickets in Area 3. Discounts are subject to availability and conditions may apply. Read more here or call Patron Services at (858) 550-1010 for more info.
Audience Engagement Events
Enhance your Playhouse experience by attending these free events. Simply book your performance for one of the following dates.
Talkback Tuesday
Participate in a lively discussion with performers and Playhouse staff members immediately following the performance.
Tue, Nov 14 and 21 after the 7:30pm show
Discovery Sunday
Hear from guest speakers in a moderated discussion exploring the themes of the show.
Sun, Dec 3 after the 2pm show
Access Performances
ACCESS Performance (ASL interpretation): Sat Dec 2, 2pm
ACCESS Performance (Audio Description): Sat Dec 2, 2pm
Access performances offer American Sign Language interpretation for patrons who are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing and Audio Description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. The Playhouse caters for a wide range of access and special requirements. Please call (858) 550-1010 or email [email protected] and we will work with you to address your access needs. Find more info about access here.
Sensory Friendly Guide
Read the Sensory Friendly Guide for the Weiss Theatre here
Useful Information
Parking
Parking is FREE for La Jolla Playhouse patrons in the South Parking Structure (formerly known as Osler Parking) when a valid parking pass is displayed. Take advantage of the free shuttle to the theatre. Find all parking information here.
Duration
Approximately 2 hours and 15 mins including a 15 min intermission
Content Advisory
Some adult themes. We understand sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects, please get in touch with our Patron Services team at [email protected] or (858) 550-1010 and we’ll be happy to give you more info.
Covid-19 Policy (Updated Oct 31, 2022)
La Jolla Playhouse no longer requires patrons to wear masks indoors while attending our theatres. However, we recommend indoor masking while at La Jolla Playhouse. For up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 safety procedures, please visit our Covid Safety Page.
Onsite Dining
La Jolla Playhouse’s on-site restaurant, James’ Place, is open for dinner service at 5pm nightly (Tue – Sun). Please note, James’ Place is not open prior to matinee performances. James’ Place offers full bar service and a selection of specialty sushi, Asian fusion, steak & coastal cuisine items. Reserve your table on OpenTable or by phone on (858) 638-7778. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
Concessions
Concessions opens 60 mins before showtime. Come early to relax outside and enjoy a selection of beer, wine, cocktails, sodas and individually wrapped snacks. All food must be consumed before entering the theatre while concession drinks with lids will be allowed in the theatre.
La Jolla Playhouse is the only authorized ticket seller for this production.
Production Sponsors
Laurie Gore and Julie Osman – Mission Valley Community Foundation
Kay and Bill Gurtin
Sheri L. Jamieson
Karen and Jeff Silberman
Recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award
Cast & Creators
- Creators
- Cast
- Design
- Walt SpanglerScenic Design
- Linda ChoCostume Design
- Cha SeeLighting Design
- Leon RothenbergSound Design
- Mark BennettOriginal Music
- Wayne BarkerOriginal Music
- Charles G. LaPointeHair and Wig Design
- Gabriel GreeneDramaturg
- TBD Casting Co.Casting
- Jacole KitchenCasting
- Martha DonaldsonStage Manager
- Kelly A. MartindaleAssistant Stage Manager
- Benjamin SeibertSenior Production Manager
- Ryan MeisheidGeneral Manager
- Eric Keen-LouieExecutive Producer
Gallery
Venue Info
Mandell Weiss Theatre
The Mandell Weiss Theatre is a 492-seat proscenium arch theatre, with two front rows of removable seats allowing for a greater stage length. The theatre also maintains an upstairs wooden deck for parties, receptions and outdoor gatherings, and a small outdoor amphitheatre for pre-show entertainment.
