2021/2022 Season
The Garden
World-Premiere Play
September 21 – October 17, 2021 Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre
By Charlayne Woodard Co-Directed by Patricia McGregor and Delicia Turner Sonnenberg
A Co-Production with Baltimore Center Stage
“For San Diego theater-goers starved for the intimacy and energy of live theater, this is the show for you.”
“Charlayne Woodard’s play held the audience suspended in pin-drop silence.”
– The San Diego Union-Tribune
“Dynamic… Moving… Not to be missed”
– Broadway World
Written by the Tony Award® nominated artist Charlayne Woodard, this moving world-premiere play explores the complex relationship between two “alpha” women: Claire Rose, an elderly Black woman, and her middle-aged daughter, Cassandra. After not speaking to each other for the past three years, Cassandra shows up unexpectedly at her mother’s garden gate, attempting to reconcile old wounds. Both women give as good as they get, taking us on a rollercoaster ride unearthing conflicts and secrets of the past, and creating magic in the process.
Approximate run time: 90 minutes, no intermission
Production Sponsors
The Paula Marie Black Endowment for Women’s Voices in the Art of Theatre
Onsite Dining:
La Jolla Playhouse’s on-site restaurant, James’ Place, is open for modified fast casual service as James’ Place Express during the run of The Garden. Open 90 minutes prior to curtain time for evening performances, James Place Express will offer a selection of quick, delicious pre-show bites and full bar service. No reservations required, first come, first served seating. James Place Express is not open prior to matinee performances.
Concessions:
Concessions opens 90 minutes before showtime at the bar inside of James’ Place Express. Come early to relax outside and enjoy a selection of beer, wine, cocktails, sodas and individually wrapped snacks. All food and drinks must be consumed before entering the theatre.
ACCESS Performance (ASL interpretation): Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 2:00 pm
ACCESS Performance (audio description): Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 2:00 pm
In deep gratitude for their tireless efforts during the pandemic, La Jolla Playhouse has issued 1,000 free tickets to healthcare workers and teachers for The Garden. These seats are now full but please sign up here to be put on a list for future opportunities.
Artwork courtesy of Suzanne Coley and Baltimore Center Stage
Cast & Creators
- Creators
- Cast
- Design
Patricia McGregor
Co-Director
Productions include LIGHTS OUT: NAT "KING" COLE (co-writer & director, Geffen Playhouse, People’s Light); WHAT YOU ARE, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, MEAURE FOR MEASURE (The Old Globe); GOOD GRIEF (Center Theater Group); HAMLET (Public Theater); UGLY LIES THE BONE (Roundabout Theatre); BROWNSVILLE SONG… (Lincoln Center); INDOMITABLE: JAMES BROWN (The Apollo); and the world premiere of HURT VILLAGE (Signature Theatre). She was Associate Director of FELA! on Broadway and for many years has directed THE 24-HOUR PLAYS. McGregor served as director for HBO emerging writer’s showcase. She co-founded Angela’s Pulse with her sister, choreographer & organizer Paloma McGregor, and sits on the advisory board of Adam Driver’s Arts in the Armed Forces and the Parent Artist Advocacy League. She attended the Yale School of Drama, where she was Artistic Director of the Yale Cabaret.
Patricia McGregor Co-Director
Delicia Turner Sonnenberg
Co-Director
La Jolla Playhouse: POP Tour: #SUPER SHINY SARA, WoW Festival: THE CAR PLAYS SD, COUNTERWEIGHT; Regional Theatre: SKELETON CREW (The Old Globe); ROZ AND RAY, SEX WITH STRANGERS, MY MAÑANA COMES, THE SEAFARER, INTIMATE APPAREL, PROOF (San Diego REP); THE PIANO LESSON, FENCES (Cygnet Theatre); THE AMISH PROJECT (Mo`olelo Perfoming Arts Company). Additional Credits: Delicia is a founder and the former Artistic Director of MOXIE Theatre, which she helmed for 12 acclaimed seasons receiving The Des McAnuff New Visions Award for “Risk Taking Leadership and Body of Work” and “2015 Director of the Year” from the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle. Delicia is an alumna of the New York Drama League’s Directors Program and has received NAACP Theatre awards and nomination for direction, as well as many “Craig Noel” awards from the SD Theatre Critics Circle.
Delicia Turner Sonnenberg Co-Director
- Rachel HauckScenic Design
- Karen PerryCostume Design
- Sherrice MojganiLighting Design
- Luqman BrownSound Design
- Kirsten ChildsOriginal Music
- Nikiya MathisWig Design
- Erica Jensen (Calleri Jensen Davis)Casting
- Shirley FishmanDramaturg
- Chandra R.M. AnthenillStage Manager
- Evelyn MyersAssistant Stage Manager
- Ben SiebertProduction Manager
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.
