Highlights

The Outsiders
La Jolla Playhouse 2023; opening on Broadway April 2024
Based on the Novel by S.E. Hinton and Francis Ford Coppola’s Motion Picture
Book by Adam Rapp; Music and Lyrics by Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay & Zach Chance) and Justin Levine; Music Supervision, Arrangements and Orchestrations by Justin Levine; Choreography by Rick Kuperman & Jeff Kuperman; Directed by Danya Taymor

Lempicka

La Jolla Playhouse 2022; opening on Broadway April 2024
Book, Lyrics & Original Concept by Carson Kreitzer; Book & Music by Matt Gould
Choreographed by Raja Feather Kelly; Directed by Rachel Chavkin

Harmony

La Jolla Playhouse 1997; Broadway 2023
Music by Barry Manilow; Book and Lyrics by Bruce Sussman; Directed by David Warren;
Choreography by Charles Moulton

Diana

La Jolla Playhouse 2019; Broadway 2020; book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro, music and lyrics by David Bryan, music direction and arrangements by Ian Eisendrath, choreography by Kelly Devine, direction by Christopher Ashley, scenic design by David Zinn, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Gareth Owen.

SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical

La Jolla Playhouse 2017; Broadway 2018; songs by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, Paul Jabara and others, book by Colman Domingo, Robert Cary and Des McAnuff, directed by Des McAnuff, choreographed by Sergio Trujillo, music supervision by Ron Melrose, scenic design by Robert Brill, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Gareth Owen, projection design by Sean Niewenhuis.

Escape to Margaritaville

La Jolla Playhouse 2017; Broadway 2018; music and lyrics by Jimmy Buffett, book by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley, directed by Christopher Ashley, choreographed by Kelly Devine, music supervision by Christopher Jahnke, scenic design by Walt Spangler, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Brian Ronan.

JUNK: The Golden Age of Debt

La Jolla Playhouse 2016; Broadway 2017; written by Ayad Akhtar, directed by Doug Hughes, scenic design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by William Melette, lighting design by Ben Stanton, original music and sound design by Mark Bennett.

John Leguizamo: Latin History for Morons

La Jolla Playhouse 2016; Broadway 2017; created and performed by John Leguizamo, directed by Tony Taccone.

Come from Away

La Jolla Playhouse 2015; Broadway 2017; book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein; directed by Christopher Ashley, scenic design by Beowulf Boritt; costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Gareth Owen, choreography by Kelly Devine, music direction by Ian Eisendrath.

Indecent

La Jolla Playhouse 2015; Broadway 2017; co-created by Paula Vogel and Rebecca Taichman; written by Paula Vogel; directed by Rebecca Taichman; choreographed by David Dorfman; composed by Lisa Gutkin, Aaron Halva; music director: Aaron Halva; scenic design by Riccardo Hernandez; costume design by Emily Rebholz; lighting design by Christopher Akerlind; sound design by Matt Hubbs.

Zhivago

La Jolla Playhouse 2006; Page To Stage workshop production in 2005; Broadway 2015; book by Michael Weller, music by Lucy Simon, lyrics by Michael Korie & Amy Powers, directed by Des McAnuff, scenic design by Heidi Ettinger, costume Design by David C. Woolard, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Steve Canyon Kennedy, choreography by Sergio Trujillo, music direction by Eric Stern.

Side Show

La Jolla Playhouse 2013; Broadway 2014; Book and lyrics by Bill Russell; Music by Henry Krieger; Directed by Bill Condon; Music Supervision by Sam Davis; Set Design by David Rockwell; Costume Design by Paul Tazewell; Lighting Design by Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer; Sound Design by Kai Harada.

Hands on a Hardbody

La Jolla Playhouse 2012; Broadway 2013; Book by Doug Wright; Lyrics by Amanda Green; Music by Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green; Directed by Neil Pepe; Music Direction by Zachary Dietz; Set Design by Christine Jones; Costume Design by Susan Hilferty; Lighting Design by Kevin Adams; Sound Design by Steve Canyon Kennedy.

Limelight: The Story of Charlie Chaplin
On Broadway as Chaplin

La Jolla Playhouse 2010; Broadway 2012; Music and lyrics by Christopher Curtis; Book by Christopher Curtis and Tom Meehan; Directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle, Music Direction by Bryan Perri; Set Design by Alexander Dodge; Costume Design by Linda Cho; Lighting Design by Paul Gallo, Projection Design by Zachary Bovary; Sound Design by Jon Weston.

Peter and the Starcatchers
On Broadway as Peter and the Starcatcher

La Jolla Playhouse 2009; Broadway 2012; Adapted by Rick Elice; From the book by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson; Music and Lyrics by Wayne Barker; Directed by Roger Rees & Alex Timbers; Scenic Design by Neil Patel; Costume Design by Paloma H. Young; Lighting Design by Jeff Croiter; Sound Design by Phil Allen; Musical Direction / Conducting by Marco Paguia; Choreography by Kelly Devine

Jesus Christ Superstar

La Jolla Playhouse 2012; Broadway 2012; A Stratford Shakespeare Festival Production; Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber; Lyrics by Tim Rice; Directed by Des McAnuff; Choreography by Lisa Shriver; Music Direction by Rick Fox; Set Design by Robert Brill; Costume Design by Paul Tazewell; Lighting Design by Howell Binkley; Video Design by Sean Nieuwenhuis; Sound Design by Jim Neil

John Leguizamo: Diary of a Madman
On Broadway as Ghetto Klown

La Jolla Playhouse 2010; Broadway 2011; Created and performed by John Leguizamo, Directed by Fisher Stevens; Scenic Design by Happy Massee; Production Management and Lighting Design by Rus Snelling; Stage Management and Projection Design by Aaron Gonzalez

Bonnie & Clyde

La Jolla Playhouse 2009; Broadway 2011; Books by Ivan Menchell, Music by Frank Wildhorn, Lyrics by Don Black, Direction and Musical Staging by Jeff Calhoun

Memphis

La Jolla Playhouse 2008; Broadway 2009; Book and Lyrics by Joe DiPietro, Music and Additional Lyrics by David Bryan, Concept by George W. George, Choreographer: Sergio Trujillo, Directed by Christopher Ashley

33 Variations

La Jolla Playhouse 2008; Broadway 2009; Playwright & Director: Moisés Kaufman, Composer: Beethoven, Costume Design by Janice Pytel

Cry-Baby

La Jolla Playhouse 2007; Broadway 2008; Based upon the Universal Pictures film written and directed by John Waters, Book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, Songs by David Javerbaum and Adam Schlesinger, Choreography by Rob Ashford, Directed by Mark Brokaw

The Farnsworth Invention

La Jolla Playhouse Page to Stage Workshop Production 2007; Broadway 2007; Written by Aaron Sorkin, Directed by Des McAnuff, Original Music by Andrew Lippa, Scenic Design by Klara Zieglerova, Choreography by Lisa Shriver, Costume Design by David C. Woolard, Lighting Design by Howell Binkley, Sound Design by Walter Trarbach, Fight Direction by Steve Rankin

Jersey Boys

La Jolla Playhouse 2004, Broadway 2005, National tour 2006; Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice; Music by Bob Gaudio; Lyrics by Bob Crewe; Directed by Des McAnuff; Scenic Design by Klara Zieglerova; Costume Design by Jess Goldstein; Lighting Design by Howell Binkley; Projection Design by Michael Clark; Sound Design by Steve Canyon Kennedy; Music Direction by Ron Melrose; Choreography by Sergio Trujillo; Fight Direction by Steve Rankin

700 Sundays…Billy Crystal…A Life in Progress

La Jolla Playhouse Page To Stage Workshop Production 2004; produced on Broadway as 700 Sundays; 2004; International tour following; Written by Billy Crystal; Directed by Des McAnuff

Dracula, the Musical

La Jolla Playhouse 2001; Broadway 2004; Music by Frank Wildhorn; Book by Don Black & Christopher Hampton; Lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton; Based on the story by Bram Stoker; Musical Direction by Constantine Kitsopoulos; Music Arranged by Constantine Kitsopoulos; Music Orchestrated by Doug Besterman; Directed by Des McAnuff; Choreographed by Mindy Cooper

I am My Own Wife

La Jolla Playhouse Page To Stage Workshop Production 2001; Broadway 2003; International tour following; Written by Doug Wright; Drected by Moisés Kaufman

Thoroughly Modern Millie

La Jolla Playhouse 2000; Broadway 2002; National tour following; Produced by Michael Leavitt, Fox Theatricals, Hal Luftig, Stewart F. Lane, James L. Nederlander, Independent Presenters Network, Libby Adler Mages, Mari Glick, Dori Berinstein, Jennifer Manocherian, Dramatic Forces, John York Noble & Whoopi Goldberg; Associate Producers: Mike Isaacson, Kristin Caskey & Clear Channel Entertainment; Book by Dick Scanlan and Richard Morris; New Music by Jeanine Tesori; New Lyrics by Dick Scanlan; Original Story and Screenplay by Richard Morris; Musical Directed by Michael Rafter; Music Orchestrated by Doug Besterman and Ralph Burns; Dance Arrangements by David Chase; Vocal Arrangements by Jeanine Tesori

Jane Eyre

La Jolla Playhouse 1999; Broadway 2000; Based on the novel by Charlotte Bronte; Book by John Caird; Lyrics by Paul Gordon; Additional lyrics by John Caird; Music by Paul Gordon; Musical Direction by Steven Tyler; Vocal and Incidental Music Arrangements by Steven Tyler; Music Orchestrated by Larry Hochman; Directed by John Caird & Scott Schwartz; Dance and Movement by Jayne Paterson

Green Bird

La Jolla Playhouse 1996; Broadway 2000; Produced by Theatre for a New Audience, Nina Lannan and OSTAR Enterprises; Book by Carlo Gozzi; Music by Elliot Goldenthal; Musical Direction by Rick Martinez; Directed by Julie Taymor

An Almost Holy Picture

La Jolla Playhouse 1995; Broadway 2002; Produced by The Roundabout Theatre; Arrangement with Roy Gabay & Karalee Dawn; Written by Heather McDonald; Directed by Michael Mayer

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

La Jolla Playhouse 1994; Broadway 1995; National tour following; Produced by Dodger Theatricals (Des McAnuff, Michael David, Robin De Levita, Rocco Landesman, Ed Strong), Kardana Productions, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Nederlander Organization (James M. Nederlander, Chairman; Robert E. Nederlander, President; James L. Nederlander, Vice-President); Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser; Book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert; Based on the book by Shepherd Mead; Musical Direction by Ted Sperling; Directed by Des McAnuff; Choreographed by Wayne Cilento

The Who’s Tommy

La Jolla Playhouse 1992; Broadway 1993; National tour following; Produced by PACE Theatrical Group, Inc., Dodger Theatricals and Kardana Productions; Music and Lyrics by Pete Townshend; Book by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff; Music Orchestrated by Steve Margoshes; Musical Direction by Joseph Church; Directed by Des McAnuff; Choreographed by Wayne Cilento

Grapes of Wrath

La Jolla Playhouse 1989; Broadway 1991; Based on the novel by John Steinbeck; Book Adapted by Frank Galati; Directed by Frank Galati; Musical Direction by Michael Smith

Dangerous Games

La Jolla Playhouse 1989; Broadway 1989; Directed by Graciela Daniele; Produced by Jules Fisher, James M. Nederlander and Arthur Rubin; Music by Astor Piazzolla; Lyrics by William Finn; Book by Graciela Daniele and Jim Lewis; Musical Directed by James Kowal; Music arranged by James Kowal and Rodolfo Alchourron

A Walk in the Woods

La Jolla Playhouse 1987; Broadway 1988; Produced by Lucille Lortel; Produced in association with American Playhouse Theatre Productions and Yale Repertory Theatre; Written by Lee Blessing; Incidental music by Michael S. Roth; Directed by Des McAnuff

Big River

La Jolla Playhouse 1984; Broadway 1985; Produced by Rocco Landesman, Heidi Landesman, Rick Steiner, M. Anthony Fisher and Dodger Theatricals (Des McAnuff, Michael David, Rocco Landesman, Doug Johnson, Ed Strong, Sherman Warner); Associate Producer: Arthur Katz, Emily Landau, Fred Mayerson and TM Productions, Inc.; Music and lyrics by Roger Miller; Book by William Hauptman; Adapted from the novel by Mark Twain; Music orchestrated by Steven Margoshes and Danny Troob; Dance and Incidental Music by John Richard Lewis; Musical Direction by Linda Twine; Production staged by Des McAnuff; Choreographed by Janet Watson

The Outsiders
Based on the Novel by S.E. Hinton and Francis Ford Coppola’s Motion Picture
Book by Adam Rapp
Music and Lyrics by Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay & Zach Chance) and Justin Levine
Music Supervision, Arrangements and Orchestrations by Justin Levine
Choreography by Rick Kuperman & Jeff Kuperman
Directed by Danya Taymor
Performance Dates: Feb 19 – Apr 9, 2023
Mandell Weiss Theatre
*Subsequently produced on Broadway at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre (opened April 11, 2024). Received four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Director of a Musical (Danya Taymor), Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Brian MacDevitt and Hana S. Kim), Best Sound Design of a Musical (Cody Spencer) in 2024.

Come From Away

Book, music and lyrics by David Hein and Irene Sankoff
Directed by Christopher Ashley
Performance dates: May 29 – July 12, 2015
Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre
*Subsequently produced on Broadway at the Schoenfeld Theatre (opened March 12, 2017). Received Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical (Christopher Ashley) in 2017.

Indecent

By Paula Vogel
Directed by Rebecca Taichman
Performance dates: November 13 – December 10, 2015
Mandell Weiss Theatre
*Subsequently produced on Broadway at the Cort Theatre (opened April 18, 2017). Received two Tony Awards for Best Director of a Play (Rebecca Taichman) and Best Lighting Design of a Play (Christopher Akerlind) in 2017.

Peter and the Starcatchers

Adapted by Rick Elice
From the book by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson
Music and Lyrics by Wayne Barker
Directed by Roger Rees & Alex Timbers
Performance dates: February 13 – March 8, 2009
Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre
*Subsequently produced on Broadway as Peter and the Starcatcher at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre (opened April 15, 2012). Received Tony Awards for Best Sound Design (Darron L. West), Best Lighting Design (Jeff Croiter), Best Costume Design (Paloma Young), Best Scenic Design (Donyale Werle) and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Christian Borle) in 2012.

Memphis

Book by Joe DiPietro
Music by David Bryan
Lyrics by Joe DiPietro
Directed by Christopher Ashley
Performance Dates: August 19 – September 29, 2008
Mandell Weiss Theatre
*Subsequently produced on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre (opened October 18, 2009). Received Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score (David Bryan and Joe DiPietro), Best Book (Joe DiPietro) (Daryl Waters and David Bryan) in 2010.

Jersey Boys

World Premiere
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Music by Bob Gaudio
Lyrics by Bob Crewe
Directed by Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: October 5, 2004 – January 16, 2005
Mandell Weiss Theatre
*Subsequently produced on Broadway at The August Wilson Theatre (opened November 6, 2005). Received Tony Awards for Best Lighting Design (Howell Binkley), Best Actor in a Musical (John Lloyd Young), Best Supporting Actor in a Musical (Christian Hoff) and Best Musical in 2006. Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

700 Sundays…Billy Crystal…A Life in Progress

Page To Stage Workshop Production
Written by Billy Crystal
Directed by Des McAnuff
Additional Material by Alan Zweibel
Performance Dates: April 20 — May 2, 2004, Mandell Weiss Theatre
*Subsequently produced on Broadway at The Broadhurst Theatre (opened December 5, 2004). Received Tony Award for Special Theatrical Event in 2005.

I Am My Own Wife

Page To Stage Workshop Production
Written and Directed by Doug Wright
(Directed by Moises Kaufman on Broadway)
Performance Dates: July 15 — July 29, 2001, Mandell Weiss Forum Studio
*Subsequently produced on Broadway at The Lyceum Theatre (opened December 3, 2003). Received Tony Awards for Best Play and Best Actor in a Play (Jefferson Mays) in 2004. Received 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Returned to La Jolla Playhouse in 2005.

Thoroughly Modern Millie

World Premiere Inspired by Richard Morris’ Original Story and Screenplay
Book by Richard Morris and Dick Scanlan
New Music by Jeanine Tesori
New Lyrics by Dick Scanlan
Directed by Michael Mayer
Performance Dates: October 10 — December 10, 2000, Mandell Weiss Theatre
*Subsequently produced on Broadway, The Marquis Theater April 2002. Received six 2002 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Actress, Best Featured Actress, Best Choreography, Best Orchestrations and Best Costume Design.

On April 22, 1993, La Jolla Playhouse received the Tony Award for outstanding American regional theatre.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert
Based on the book by Shepherd Mead
Directed by Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: October 22 – December 4, Mandell Weiss Theatre
*Subsequently produced at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. (opened February, 1995), and on Broadway at the Richard Rogers Theatre ( March, 1995). Received Tony Award for Best Actor (Matthew Broderick) in 1995.

The Who’s Tommy

A New Theatrical Version
American Premiere
Composed and Written by Pete Townshend
Adapted for the Stage by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff
Directed by Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: July 1 — October 4, 1992, Mandell Weiss Theatre
*Subsequently produced on Broadway, St. James Theatre (opened April 22, 1993), and on a national tour (opened October 13, 1993). Received five 1993 Tony Awards for Best Director, Best Choreographer, Best Score (tie with Kiss of the Spider Woman), Best Scenic Design and Best Lighting Design.

Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

West Coast Premiere
Music and Lyrics by Roger Miller
Book by William Hauptman
Directed by Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: June 19 — July 14, 1984, Mandell Weiss Theatre
* Subsequently produced on Broadway at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre. Received seven 1985 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Director, Best Book, Best Score, Best Featured Actor, Best Scenic Design and Best Lighting Design.

The Ballad of Johnny and June
Book: Robert Cary and Des McAnuff
Music: Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash and others
Choreographer: Byron Easley
Director: Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: May 26 – July 7, 2024

Redwood
Book: Tina Landau
Music: Kate Diaz
Lyrics: Kate Diaz and Tina Landau
Concept: Tina Landau and Idina Menzel
Additional Contributions: Idina Menzel
Director: Tina Landau
Performance Dates: February 13 – March 31, 2024

Babbitt
Playwright: Joe DiPietro
Choreographer: Stephen Buescher
Director: Christopher Ashley
Performance Dates: November 7 – December 10, 2023

SUMO
Playwright: Lisa Sanaye Dring
Director: Ralph B. Peña
Performance Dates: September 26 – October 22, 2023

The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical
Music and Lyrics: Joe Iconis
Book: Joe Iconis and Gregory S. Moss
Choreographer: Jon Rua
Director: Christopher Ashley
Performance Dates: August 29 – October 8, 2023

Is It Thursday Yet?
Creators: Jenn Freeman and Sonya Tayeh
Choreographers: Jenn Freeman and Holland Andrews
Performers: Jenn Freeman and Holland Andrews
Director: Sonya Tayeh
Performance Dates: July 11 – August 6, 2023

Love All
Playwright: Anna Deavere Smith
Director: Marc Bruni
Performance Dates: June 3 – July 2, 2023

The Outsiders
Book: Adam Rapp
Music & Lyrics: Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay & Zach Chance) and Justin Levine
Choreographers: Rick Kuperman and Jeff Kuperman
Director: Danya Taymor
Performance Dates: February 19 – April 2, 2023

Here There Are Blueberries
Playwrights: Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich
Director: Moisés Kaufman
Performance Dates: July 26 – August 21, 2022

Bhangin’ It: A Bangin’ New Musical
Book: Mike Lew and Rehana Lew Mirza
Music & Lyrics: Sam Willmott
Additional Music: Deep Singh
Musical Stager: by Lisa Shriver
Choreographer: Rujuta Vaidya
Director: Stafford Arima
Performance Dates: March 8 – April 17, 2022

to the yellow house
Playwright: Kimber Lee
Director: Neel Keller
Performance Dates: November 16 – December 12, 2021

The Garden
Playwright: Charlayne Woodard
Directors: Patricia McGregor and Delicia Turner Sonnenberg
Performance Dates: September 21 – October 17, 2021

The Coast Starlight
Playwright: Keith Bunin
Director: Tyne Rafaeli
Performance Dates: August 20 – September 15, 2019

The Luckiest
Playwright: Melissa Ross
Director: Jaime Castañeda
Performance Dates: June 30 – July 28, 2019

Put Your House in Order
Playwright: Ike Holter
Director: Lili-Anne Brown
Performance Dates: June 2 – 30, 2019

Diana
Book and Lyrics: Joe DiPietro
Music and Lyrics: David Bryan
Director: Christopher Ashley
Choreographer: Kelly Devine
Performance Dates: February 19 – April 14, 2019

The Year to Come
Playwright: Lindsey Ferrentino
Director: Anne Kauffman
Performance Dates: December 4- 30, 2018

Seize the King
Playwright: Will Power
Director: Jaime Castaneda
Performance Dates: August 21 – September 16, 2018

The Squirrels
Playwright: Robert Askins
Director: Christopher Ashley
Performance Dates: June 5 – July 8, 2018

SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical
Songs: Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder and others
Book: Colman Domingo, Robert Cary and Des McAnuff
Director: Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: November 7 – December 24, 2017

Wild Goose Dreams
Playwright: Hansol Jung
Director: Leigh Silverman
Performance Dates: September 5 – October 1, 2017

Kill Local
Playwright: Mat Smart
Director: Jackson Gay
Performance Dates: August 1 – 27, 2017

At the Old Place
Playwright: Rachel Bonds
Director: Jaime Castañeda
Performance Dates: July 5 – 30, 2017

Escape to Margaritaville
Music and Lyrics: Jimmy Buffett
Book: Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley
Director: Christopher Ashley
Performance Dates: May 9 – July 9, 2017

Miss You Like Hell
Librettist/Lyricist: Quiara Alegría Hudes
Composer/Lyricist: Erin McKeown
Director: Lear deBessonet
Performance Dates: October 25 – December 4, 2016

JUNK: The Golden Age of Debt
Playwright: Ayad Akhtar
Director: Doug Hughes
Performance Dates: July 26 – August 21, 2016

The Last Tiger in Haiti
Playwright: Jeff Augustin
Director Joshua Kahan Brody
Performance Dates: June 28 – July 24, 2016

Hollywood
Playwright: Joe DiPietro
Director: Christopher Ashley
Performance Dates: May 10 – June 12, 2016

Indecent
Co-Created by Paula Vogel and Rebecca Taichman
Written by Paula Vogel
Directed by Rebecca Taichman
November 13 – December 10, 2015

Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to Bayard Rustin
Playwright: Michael Benjamin Washington
Direction: Lucie Tiberghien
September 8 – October 4, 2015

Up Here
Book, music and lyrics: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
Direction: Alex Timbers
July 28 – September 6, 2015

Come From Away
Book, music and lyrics: Irene Sankoff and David Hein
Director: Christopher Ashley
May 29 – July 12, 2015

Kingdom City
Playwright: Sheri Wilner
Director: Jackson Gay
Performance Dates: September 4 – October 5, 2014

The Darrell Hammond Project
Written and Performed by Darrell Hammond
Additional Material by Elizabeth Stein and Christopher Ashley Director: Christopher Ashley
Performance Dates: January 31 – March 8, 2015

The Who & The What
Playwright: Ayad Akhtar
Director: Kimberly Senior
Performance Dates: February 11 – March 9, 2014

The Tallest Tree in the Forest
Written and performed by Daniel Beaty
Director: Moisés Kaufman
Performance Dates: October 10 – November 3, 2013

Sideways
Playwright: Rex Pickett
Director: Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: July 16 – September 1, 2013

Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
Story by Wayne Coyne & Des McAnuff
Music & Lyrics: The Flaming Lips
Director: Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: November 6 – December 16, 2012

Hands on a Hardbody
Book: Doug Wright
Lyrics: Amanda Green
Music: Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green
Director: Neil Pepe
Musical Staging: Benjamin Millepied
Performance Dates: April 27 – June 17, 2012, Mandell Weiss Theatre

Milk Like Sugar
Playwright: Kirsten Greenidge
Director: Rebecca Taichman
Performance Dates: August 30 – September 25, 2011, Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre

A Dram of Drummhicit
Playwrights: Arthur Kopit and Anton Dudley
Director: Christopher Ashley
Performance Dates: May 17 – June 12, 2011, Mandell Weiss Theatre

Little Miss Sunshine
Book: James Lapine
Music & Lyrics: William Finn
Director: James Lapine
Performance Dates: February 15 – March 27, 2011, Mandell Weiss Theatre

Limelight: The Story of Charlie Chaplin
Book: Christopher Curtis and Thomas Meehan
Music & Lyrics: Christopher Curtis
Co-Directors: Warren Carlyle and Michael Unger
Performance Dates: September 7 – October 17, 2010, Mandell Weiss Theatre

Surf Report
Playwright: Annie Weisman
Director: Lisa Peterson
Performance Dates: June 15 – July 11, 2010, Mandell Weiss Forum

Bonnie & Clyde
Book: Ivan Menchell
Music: Frank Wildhorn
Lyrics: Don Black
Director: Jeff Calhoun
Performance Dates: November 10 – December 20, 2009, Mandell Weiss Theatre

Creditors
Adaptor: Doug Wright, from the play by August Strindberg
Director: Doug Wright
Performance Dates: September 29 – October 25, 2009, Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre

Restoration
Playwright: Claudia Shear
Director: Christopher Ashley
Performance Dates: June 23 – July 19, 2009, Mandell Weiss Forum Theatre

The Third Story
Playwright: Charles Busch
Director: Carl Andress
Composer: Lewis Flinn
Performance Dates: September 16 – October 19, 2008, Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre

Cry-Baby
World Premiere
Based upon the Universal Pictures film written and directed by John Waters
Book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan
Songs by David Javerbaum and Adam Schlesinger
Choreography by Rob Ashford
Directed by Mark Brokaw
Performance Dates: November 6 – December 16, 2007, Mandell Weiss Theatre

The Deception
World Premiere co-production with Theatre de la Jeune Lune
Adapted by Steven Epp and Dominique Serrand from “La Fausse Suivante” by Pierre Marivaux
Directed by Dominique Serrand
Performance Dates: July 17 – August 19, 2007, Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre

Carmen
Book by Sarah Miles
Music by John Ewbank
Lyrics by AnnMarie Milazzo
Directed by Franco Dragone
Performance Dates: June 5 – July 22, 2007, Mandell Weiss Theatre

Culture Clash’s Zorro in Hell
World Premiere, co-commissioned by Berkeley Repertory Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse and Zorro Productions, Inc.
Created, Written and Performed by Culture Clash (Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas and Herbert Sigüenza)
Directed by Tony Taccone
Performance Dates: September 30 – October 29, 2006, Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre

Zhivago
World Premiere
Book by Michael Weller
Music by Lucy Simon
Lyrics by Michael Korie and Amy Powers
Directed by Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: May 10 – July 9, 2006, Mandell Weiss Theatre

The Scottish Play
World Premiere, commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse
Written by Lee Blessing
Directed by Melia Bensussen
Music by Michael Roth
Performance Dates: September 20 – October 23, 2005, Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre

Palm Beach, the screwball musical
World Premiere
Book by Robert Cary and Benjamin Feldman
Music by David Gursky
Lyrics by Robert Cary
Directed by Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: May 31 – July 17, 2005, Mandell Weiss Theatre

Private Fittings
The Inaugural Production of the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre
World Premiere Adaptation by Mark O’Donnell
Written by Georges Feydeau
Directed by Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: February 22 – March 27, 2005, Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre

Jersey Boys
World Premiere
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Music by Bob Gaudio
Lyrics by Bob Crewe
Directed by Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: October 5, 2004 – January 16, 2005, Mandell Weiss Theatre

Fräulein Else
World Premiere co-production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Translated and Adapated by Francesca Faridany
Adapted from the novella by Arthur Schnitzler
Directed by Stephen Wadsworth
Performance Dates: June 10 – July 13, 2003, Mandell Weiss Forum

Eden Lane
World Premiere
Written by Tom Donaghy
Directed by Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: August 12 – September 14, 2003, Mandell Weiss Theatre

Beauty
World Premiere
Written and directed by Tina Landau
Performance Dates: September 16 – October 19, 2003, Mandell Weiss Forum

A Feast of Fools
World Premiere
Written by Geoff Hoyle
Original Music by Gina Leishman
Directed by Richard Seyd
Performance Dates: June 11 – July 14, 2002, Mandell Weiss Forum

When Grace Comes In
World Premiere co-production with Seattle Repertory Theatre
Written by Heather McDonald
Directed by Sharon Ott
Original Music by David Van Tieghem
Performance Dates: July 30 – September 1, 2002, Mandell Weiss Forum

Wintertime
World Premiere co-production with Long Wharf Theatre
Written by Charles L. Mee
Directed by Les Waters
Performance Dates: August 13 – September 15, 2002, Mandell Weiss Theatre

Adoration of the Old Woman
World Premiere, commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse
Written by Jose Rivera
Directed by Jo Bonney
Performance Dates: September 17 – October 20, 2002, Mandell Weiss Forum

Be Aggressive
World Premiere
Written by Annie Weisman
Directed by Lisa Peterson
Performance Dates: July 24 – August 26, 2001, Mandell Weiss Forum

Diva
World Premiere
Written by Howard Gould
Directed by Neel Keller
Performance Dates: September 13 – October 14, 2001, Mandell Weiss Forum

Dracula, the Musical
World Premiere, based on the novel by Bram Stoker
Book and Lyrics by Christopher Hampton and Don Black
Music by Frank Wildhorn
Directed by Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: October 9 – November 25, 2001, Mandell Weiss Theatre

Sheridan or Schooled in Scandal
World Premiere
Written by David Grimm
Directed by Mark Brokaw
Performance Dates: July 18 – August 20, 2000, Mandell Weiss Theatre

Thoroughly Modern Millie
World Premiere Inspired by Richard Morris’ Original Story and Screenplay
Book by Richard Morris and Dick Scanlan
New Music by Jeanine Tesori
New Lyrics by Dick Scanlan
Directed by Michael Mayer
Performance Dates: October 10 – December 10, 2000, Mandell Weiss Theatre
*Subsequently produced on Broadway, The Marquis Theater, April 2002. Received six 2002 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Actress, Best Featured Actress, Best Choreography, Best Orchestrations, Best Costume Design.

Wonderland
World Premiere
Written by Chay Yew
Directed by Lisa Peterson
Set Design by Rachel Hauck
Costume Design by Joyce Kim Lee
Lighting Design by Geoff Korf
With Tsai Chin, Joel de la Fuente, Alec Mapa, Sab Shimono
Performance Dates: September 14 – October 17, 1999, Mandell Weiss Forum

Dogeaters
World Premiere
Written by Jessica Hagedorn
Directed by Michael Greif
Performance Dates: September 9 – October 11, Mandell Weiss Forum
*Subsequently produced at the Joseph Papp Public Theater, February 2001

Harmony
World Premiere
Music by Barry Manilow
Book and Lyrics by Bruce Sussman
Directed by David Warren
Performance Dates: October 7 – November 23, 1997, Mandell Weiss Theatre

2.5 Minute Ride
World Premiere
Written by Lisa Kron
Directed by Lowry Marshall
Performance Dates: September 24 – October 27, 1996, Mandell Weiss Forum
*Subsequently produced at the Joseph Papp Public Theatre, March 1999

Boy
World Premiere
Written by Diana Son
Directed by Michael Greif
Performance Dates: June 11 – July 14, 1996, Mandell Weiss Forum

An Almost Holy Picture
World Premiere
Written by Heather McDonald
Directed by Michael Mayer
Performance Dates: September 12 – October 15, 1995, Mandell Weiss Forum
*Subsequently produced in Baltimore, February/March 1999 and on Broadway, Roundabout Theater, February 2002

Randy Newman’s “Faust”
World Premiere
Book, Music and Lyrics by Randy Newman
Directed by Michael Greif
Performance Dates: September 19 – October 29, 1995, Mandell Weiss Theatre
*Subsequently produced at Goodman Theatre in Chicago (September 20 – November 2, 1996)

The Good Person of Setzuan
World Premiere
Written by Bertolt Brecht
Adapted by Tony Kushner
Directed by Lisa Peterson
Original Music and Lyric Adaptation by David Hidalgo and Louie Perez
Performance Dates: July 26 – August 28, 1994, Mandell Weiss Theatre

Luck, Pluck & Virtue
World Premiere
Written and Directed by James Lapine
Based upon A Cool Million by Nathaniel West
Performance Dates: July 27 – August 29, 1993, Mandell Weiss Theatre

Le Petomane – A Comedy of Airs
World Premiere
Conceived by The Flying Karamazov Brothers and Robert Woodruff
Written by Paul Magid
Le Petomane’s Act Written by Howard Jay Patterson
Directed by Robert Woodruff
Performance Dates: June 10 – July 12, 1992, Mandell Weiss Forum

Fortinbras
World Premiere
The Inaugural Production of the Mandell Weiss Forum
Commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse
Written by Lee Blessing
Directed by Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: June 18 – July 28, 1991, Mandell Weiss Forum

Life During Wartime
World Premiere
Written by Keith Reddin
Directed by Les Waters
Performance Dates: June 6 – July 29, 1990, The Warren Theatre

Don Quixote de La Jolla
World Premiere
Written by Eric Overmyer
Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote
Original Conception by Geoff Hoyle
Created in Collaboration with Robert Dorfman, Geoff Hoyle, Gina Leishman, Ellen McElduff, Stan Wojewodski, Jr.
Directed by Stan Wojewodski Jr.
Performance Dates: August 7 – September 16, 1990, The Warren Theatre

The Grapes of Wrath
A La Jolla Playhouse presentation of a Steppenwolf Theatre Company production
Based on the Novel by John Steinbeck
Adapted and Directed by Frank Galati
Performance Dates: May 9 – June 17, 1989, Mandell Weiss Theatre
*Subsequently produced at London’s Royal National Theatre and at Broadway’s Cort Theater;
Broadway production presented on PBS’s “American Playhouse” (March 22, 1991)

Nebraska
World Premiere
Written by Keith Reddin
Directed by Les Waters
Performance Dates: June 20 – July 30, 1989, The Warren Theatre
*Subsequently produced by Chicago’s American Blues Theater and New York City’s Naked Angels Theatre

Dangerous Games – Two Tango Pieces
World Premiere
A La Jolla Playhouse, American Music Theater Festival and Spoleto Festival U.S.A. production
Music by Astor Piazzolla
Lyrics by William Finn
Book by Jim Lewis and Graciela Daniele
Conceived, Choreographed and Directed by Graciela Daniele
Performance Dates: June 27 – August 6, 1989, Mandell Weiss Theatre
*Moved to San Francisco’s Bayview Opera House (September 1989) and Broadway (October 10 – 21, 1989)

Down the Road
World Premiere, commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse
Written by Lee Blessing
Directed by Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: August 8 – September 17, 1989
*Subsequently produced by Humana Festival/Actors Theatre of Louisville (March 1991)

80 Days
World Premiere, commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse
Music and Lyrics by Ray Davies
Book by Snoo Wilson
Directed by Des McAnuff
Conceived by Ray Davies, Des McAnuff and Snoo Wilson
Inspired by Jules Verne’s novel, Around the World in Eighty Days
Performance Dates: August 23 – October 9, 1988, Mandell Weiss Theatre

Two Rooms
World Premiere, commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse
Written by Lee Blessing
Directed by Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: June 21 – July 31, 1988, The Warren Theatre

Shout up a Morning
World Premiere
Music by Julian and Nathaniel Adderley
Lyrics by Diane Charlotte Lampert
Book by Paul Avila Mayer and George W. George
Based on a Libretto and Lyrics by Peter Farrow
Directed by Des McAnuff
Performance Dates: May 27 – June 28, 1986, Mandell Weiss Theatre
*Moved to Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center, Summer 1986

The Three Cuckolds
World Premiere Translation
Adapted by Leon Katz from a commedia dell’arte scenario
Adapted for the Playhouse by Bill Irwin with Michael Greif
Directed by Bill Irwin and Michael Greif
Performance Dates: July 1 – August 2, 1986

Ghost On Fire
World Premiere
Written by Michael Weller
Directed by Timothy Near
Performance Dates: August 6 – August 31, 1985, The Warren Theatre

War Babies
World Premiere
Written by Robert Coe
Directed by James Simpson
Performance Dates: July 24 – August 11, 1984, Mandell Weiss Theatre

World Premiere Performances for Children

Produced as part of the Performance Outreach Program (POP) Tour.

Each year the Playhouse Performance Outreach Program (POP)Tour brings a bold new play conceived and created by world-class artists to children of San Diego. Introduced in 1987 by Playhouse then-Artistic Director Des McAnuff with the goal of reaching those throughout San Diego who do not have the resources to see live theatre, the POP Tour production travels throughout the county, touring schools, libraries and community centers.

Designed to fit into a van, the set, costumes and props can be unloaded, placed in the space, and in just twenty minutes, ready for children to watch. Playwrights create a 40-minute creative, theatrically interesting and innovative piece that will inspire the imagination and curiosity of the young people in this community.

2015 POP Tour: The Astronaut Farmworker
Playwright: José Cruz González
Director: Nicholas C. Avila
Performance Dates: February 2 – April 3, 2015

2014 POP Tour: Suzette Who Set to Sea
Playwright: Finegan Kruckemeyer
Director: Eric Johnson
Performance Dates: February 3 – April 4, 2014

2013 POP Tour: A Lonely Boy’s Guide to Survival (And Werewolves)
Playwright: Ernie Nolan
Director: Michael J. Bobbitt
Performance Dates: February 4 – April 7, 2013

2012 POP Tour: Recipe for Disaster
World Premiere, co-commissioned by the Playhouse and Childsplay
Playwright: Barry Kornhauser
Music: Deborah Wicks La Puma
Director: David Saar
Performance Dates: January 30 – March 30, 2012

2011 POP Tour: Frida Libre
Playwright: Karen Zacarías
Director: Rosemary Newcott
Original Music: Deborah Wicks LaPuma
Lyrics: Karen Zacarías
Performance Dates: February 1 – March 19, 2011

2010 POP Tour: Chile Pod
Playwright: Rhiana Yazzie
Director: Sarah Rasmussen
Original Music: Gary Rue
Performance Dates: January 31 – April 1, 2010

2009 POP Tour: Miss Electricity
Playwright: Kathryn Walat
Director: Melissa Kievman
Performance Dates: March 14 – 15, 2009

2008 POP Tour: ¡Salsalandia!
Playwright: Juan Felipe
Director: Rebecca Lynn Brown
Original Music: Christian Amigo
Performance Dates: March 15 – 16, 2008

2007 POP Tour: Honey Bo and the Gold Mine
World Premiere, commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse
Written and Composed by Will Power
Directed by Rebecca Lynn Brown
Performance Dates: January 22 – March 9, 2007

2006 POP Tour: West of the 5
World Premiere, commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse
Written by Sunil Kuruvilla
Directed by Jackson Gay
Performance Dates: January 23 – March 11, 2006

2005 POP Tour: Bay and the Spectacles of Doom
World Premiere, commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse
Written by Julia Cho
Directed by Robert Castro
Performance Dates: January 24 – March 12, 2005

2004 POP Tour: Guitar
World Premiere, commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse
Written by Julia Jordan
Directed by Daisy Walker
Performance Dates: January 26 – March 6, 2004

2003 POP Tour: The Breeze, the Gust, the Gale and the Wind
World Premiere, commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse
Written by Hilly Hicks
Directed by Dan Fields
Performance Dates: January 25 – March 15, 2003

2002 POP Tour: Ladybird: The Life and Time of a Roller Derby Queen
World Premiere, commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse
Written by Luis Alfaro
Directed by Robert Castro
Performance Dates: January 25 – March 15, 2002

2001 POP Tour: The Origin of Corn / El Origen de Maíz
World Premiere, commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse
Written by Ralph Lee
Directed by Ralph Lee
Performance Dates: January 26 – March 16, 2001

2000 POP Tour: Alice’s Wild Ride
World Premiere, commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse
Written by Karen Hartman
Directed by Patrick McBride
Performance Dates: January 24 – March 10, 2000

1999 POP Tour: The Flimflam Man
Adapted by Melanie Marnich, commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse
Directed by Patrick McBride
Performance Dates: January 19 – March 12, 1999

1998 POP Tour: Maricela de la luz Lights the World
By José Rivera
Directed by Neel Keller
Performance Dates: January 21 – March 15, 1998

1989 POP Tour: The Man who had no Story
A Musical Adventure for Young Audiences
Written and adapted by Oana-Marie Hock
Directed by James Martin
Performance Dates: 1989

First POP Tour: Silent Edward
Book, Music and Lyrics by Des McAnuff
Directed by David Warren
A professional, Equity Theatre for Young Audiences production, created to develop a tradition of quality theatre for children in San Diego. A special La Jolla Playhouse engagement played Dec. 27 – 31, 1987 in The Warren Theatre, UCSD. First tour in spring of 1988 played to more than 20,000 San Diego area school children, parents, teachers and friends. A second tour ran in the fall of 1988, and played to more than 10,000.