FEB 13 - MAR 31, 2024 Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre
Book by Tina Landau Music by Kate Diaz
Lyrics by Kate Diaz and Tina Landau
Conceived by Tina Landau and Idina Menzel With additional contributions by Idina Menzel
Directed by Tina Landau
I hear my great escape calling
Broadway icon Idina Menzel makes her La Jolla Playhouse debut in the world premiere of Redwood, a one-of-a-kind theatrical event about one woman’s journey into the precious and precarious world of the redwoods.
Idina plays Jesse, a successful businesswoman, mother and wife. She seems to have it all, but inside, her heart is broken. Finding herself at a turning point, Jesse leaves everyone and everything behind, gets in her car and drives… and drives. Thousands of miles later, she hits the ancient forests of Northern California, where a chance meeting and a leap of faith change her life forever. In the presence of the magnificent, towering redwoods, Jesse finds strange and powerful connections, an unexpected sense of community, and a chance at healing.
Acclaimed writer and director Tina Landau (Beauty) brings this immersive and cinematic new work to life with lush visuals and a soaring score from Kate Diaz. You will travel with Jesse into an intoxicating environment of dense greenery, fractured light and dizzying heights – a place where nature can help us heal, if only we don’t destroy her first.
An exhilarating new musical featuring one of Broadway’s greatest stars, Redwood will awaken your sense of adventure and lift you higher than the treetops.
“Now underneath a canopy of stars, I call out to the night. Please keep me safe and show me this is right. I’m scared of letting go of everyone I know.” Jesse, Redwood
The San Diego Union-Tribune: Idina Menzel inhabits a magical world in La Jolla Playhouse’s moving ‘Redwood’
JUST RELEASED: SOUVENIR TICKETS FOR REDWOOD
Did you love Redwood? Remember your experience at this extraordinary new musical with a limited edition souvenir ticket, featuring Redwood printed autographs of the creators – Tina Landau, Kate Diaz and Idina Menzel. From $20. Find out more.
Discover More
» Read about our Redwood-inspired fundraising campaign
» Read the program online
» Idina Menzel ready to soar into the heights with ‘Redwood’ at La Jolla Playhouse
» Listen to Tina Landau interviewed on Jazz 88 “Inside Art”
Ticket Information
Single tickets are now on sale. La Jolla Playhouse is the only authorized ticket seller for this production.
First Look (previews): Feb 13 – 18*
Weeks 2 – 7: Feb 20 – Mar 31
*‘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.
Allergen Warning
Almond butter will be consumed on stage in this show. If you have an almond allergy, please contact Patron Services for more information and to discuss options.
Content Advisory
This show is recommended for ages 12 and up, and includes a bit of strong language, and themes of loss, grief and addiction. Stage effects used include water-based theatrical haze, some loud sounds, some flashing lights and projections which may affect individuals prone to motion sickness. We understand sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have any questions, 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.
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, Feb 20 and 27 after the 7:30pm show
Discovery Sunday
Hear from guest speakers in a moderated discussion exploring the themes of the show.
Sun, Mar 10 after the 2pm show
Access Performances
ACCESS Performance (ASL interpretation): Sat Mar 2, 2pm
ACCESS Performance (Audio Description): Sat Mar 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 Potiker Theatre here
Useful Information
Duration
Approx 2 hours with no intermission
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.
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.
Production Sponsors
Denise and Lon Bevers
Bill and Kay Gurtin
Rebecca Moores
Jordan Ressler Charitable Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation
Recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award
Supported in part by the Frank Young Fund for New Musicals, a program of National Alliance for Musical Theatre
Cast & Creators
- Creators
- Cast
- Design
- Kimberly GrigsbyMusic Supervisor
- Haley BennettMusic Director
- Kate DiazOrchestrations and Arrangements
- Jason Ardizzone-WestScenic Design
- Toni-Leslie JamesCostume Design
- Scott ZielinskiLighting Design
- Jonathan DeansSound Design
- Hana S. KimMedia Design
- Geo Brian HenningsHair Design
- Melecio Estrella, BANDALOOPVertical Movement and Staging
- The Telsey OfficeCasting
- CastingJacole Kitchen
- Lora K. PowellStage Manager
- Topaz CooksAssistant Stage Manager
- Becca DuhaimeProduction Manager
- Ryan MeisheidGeneral Manager
- Eric Keen-LouieExecutive Producer
Gallery
Venue Info
Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre
The Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre is a black box flexible theatre seating up to 450 patrons, and the centerpiece of the 6,500-square-foot Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center.
