2026/27 Season

GRIM

World-Premiere Musical

GRIM

Overview
Cast & Creators
Gallery
Venue Info

OCT – NOV 2026 | Mandell Weiss Theatre

Book by Joey Orton and Brad Silnutzer

Music and Lyrics by Petro AP, Scott Hoying, Joey Orton and Brad Silnutzer

Directed by Sammi Cannold

Falling in love with life

GRIM is an irreverent, hilarious and heartbreaking world-premiere musical that celebrates life… and death.

After 300,000 years collecting souls, the Grim Reaper is retiring. All that stands between his daughter, Diana, and the big job is a simple test. That is, until she unexpectedly falls for dorky human teen Josh, and the beautiful chaos of humanity, planet Earth… and the DMV. If she loves life, can Diana really be in charge of ending it?

Led by director Sammi Cannold (Variety‘s 10 Broadway Stars to Watch, Drama Desk Award winner), the accomplished creative team includes musical comedy trailblazers Joey Orton and Brad Silnutzer, with songwriters Petro AP (Reneé Rapp, One Direction) and Scott Hoying (Pentatonix). With GRIM’s infectious score, delightfully cheeky humor and piercing insights, expect to laugh, cry, and be deeply moved.

Get a taste of this new musical – listen to a snippet from GRIM here

Ticket Information

Tickets are currently only available as part of a 2026/27 Season subscription.
We’d love you to join us! Subscribe to secure the lowest prices, best seats, free exchanges, free parking and more perks all year. Explore the 2026/27 Season and subscription options here.

Single tickets will go on sale in Spring 2026. Join our email list to be notified.

First Look (previews)*: Oct 27 – Nov 1 mat
Weeks 2 – 5: Nov 1 eve – Nov 29

* ‘First Look’ performances are the first week of the run (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 see the show through the eyes of the audience. Playhouse staff speak to the audience before the show starts, and the creative team may be seated near you taking notes. Please take this into account when purchasing tickets.

Content Guidance

This show contains adult themes, discussions of death and is recommended for ages 12 and up. We understand sensitivities vary from person to person. Read about our age recommendations here. If you have any questions about content 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.

Duration

Approximately 2 hours and 30 mins including a 15 min intermission. This world-premiere show is currently in development. Duration will be updated closer to the run dates. Please check back here and in your pre-show emails.

Audience Engagement Events

Enhance your Playhouse experience by attending these free events. Simply book your performance for one of the following dates.

Talkback Tuesdays: Tue, Nov 10 and Nov 17 after the 7:30pm show

Participate in a lively discussion with performers and Playhouse staff members immediately following the performance.

Discovery Sunday: Sun, Nov 22 after the 1pm show

Hear from guest speakers in a moderated discussion exploring the themes of the show.

Access Performance

ACCESS Performance (ASL interpretation): Sat, Nov 14, 2pm

The Playhouse caters for a wide range of access and special requirements. Access performances offer American Sign Language interpretation for patrons who are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing, captioning for patrons to access on individual devices, and a relaxed welcoming environment for patrons with sensory sensitivities. Audio Description for patrons who are blind or have low vision can be requested in advance. 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

UC San Diego’s Theatre District Parking Structure is across the road from the Playhouse. Ticket buyers can pay for parking on-site at the ParkMobile website parkmobile.io. Subscribers get free parking. Find all parking information here.

Concessions

Concessions open 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.

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.