2026/27 Season

Particle Fever

World-Premiere Musical

Particle Fever

Overview
Cast & Creators
Gallery
Venue Info

FEB – MAR 2027 | Mandell Weiss Theatre

A musical based on the documentary film by Mark Levinson & David Kaplan

Book by David Henry Hwang

Music and lyrics by Bear McCreary and Zoe Sarnak

Story by David Henry Hwang, Bear McCreary and Zoe Sarnak

Directed by Leigh Silverman

Scientists are superheroes

Based on the acclaimed documentary, Particle Fever hurtles audiences into the most ambitious experiment ever attempted. More than 10,000 scientists from around the world joined forces to build the Large Hadron Collider and solve one of the universe’s greatest mysteries. If successful, the result would forever change how we understand our own existence.

As equations collided with reality, the pursuit was personal — a roller coaster of ambition, failure, resilience and hope. With epic, high-voltage music and lyrics by Emmy Award winner Bear McCreary (Outlander) and Larson Award winner Zoe Sarnak (The Lonely Few), and a book by Tony Award winner David Henry Hwang (Yellow Face), Particle Fever captures the thrill of discovery and the heart of those who make it possible. Two-time Tony-nominated director Leigh Silverman (Suffs) leads this high-stakes adventure to the stage.

Particle Fever is a love letter to curiosity itself; to the awe and wonder that drive us to ask the biggest questions. Bursting with energy and emotion, this exhilarating new musical proves that the search for meaning isn’t just about what we might find, it’s about what we’re capable of when we work together.

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)*: Feb 16 – 21 mat
Weeks 2 – 5: Feb 21 eve – Mar 21

* ‘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, some strong language 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 1 hour and 40 mins with no 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, Mar 2 and Mar 9 after the 7:30pm show

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

Discovery Sunday: Sun, Mar 14 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, Mar 6, 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.