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CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN AT THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

KUDOS FOR SOMEWHERE

(10/10/11) • The audience, and the critics, are leaving performances of Somewhere dancing on air. Here's what they're saying:

CRTIC'S CHOICE
"A robust, entertaining new play.  Matthew Lopez’s imaginative and beautifully acted world premiere work bursts with ideas and feeling. Boasts inventive West Side Story-inspired dance interludes. ... And, of course, there’s Priscilla Lopez, who exudes passion and humor.  Her dancing approaches poetry."
THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE

"Charmingly theatrical. Somewhere has an ebullient flair. Priscilla Lopez, a Broadway veteran whose many credits include A Chorus Line and In The Heights, inhabits the Candelaria world as though she were born into it. Jon Rua, another In The Heights alum, is also excellent.  Greg Graham’s choreography is fleetly inventive."
LOS ANGELES TIMES

"A warm and inspiring family saga.  Juan Javier Cardenas is a hilarious loose cannon, Jon Rua is outstanding as the younger brother Alejandro, Benita Robledo brings a smile every time she’s on stage as the little sister, Priscilla Lopez is an absolute joy to watch. Fantastic choreography includes the moves of Leo Ash Evens whom I could have watched for hours.  A magical memory that is both touching and unforgettable to those of us watching."
LA JOLLA LIGHT

“Director Giovanna Sardelli has collaborated with everybody involved to make this a charming bubble from a bygone world.  Its five actors offer some of the best theatre dancing in town right now."
SANDIEGO.COM

To view more Somewhere photos, visit our Facebook page!

OUT AT THE GLOBE

(10/7/11) • Out at the Globe, an evening for gay and lesbian theatre lovers and friends, was hoppin' on Thursday night, Oct. 6, as over 125 guests celebrated The Rocky Horror Show and the world premiere of Somewhere in the Craig Noel Garden. The pre-show mixer included a hosted wine and martini bar, delicious appetizers and door prizes. The delicious Mexican food was provided by Los Primos. The next Out at the Globe will be held on Feb. 9 celebrating Dividing the Estate and the world premiere of The Recommendation. The cost is only $20 per person in addition to your theatre ticket. RSVP at (619) 23-GLOBE. To view additional photos of the event, visit our Facebook page!

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW PREVIEW - THE TIME WARP

RAVES FOR ROCKY!

(10/3/11) • Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show is the talk of the town! Here's what the critics are saying:

CRTIC'S CHOICE
"A wicked sense of humor, irresistible musical numbers and a whole lot of startlingly old-fashioned fun."
THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE

"Throw in some kinetic choreography, a crack band and a couple of crowd-pleasing performances
(in particular Matt McGrath's strutting Frank 'N' Furter), and both Rocky cultists
and horrified tourists are bound to leave titillated and entertained."
CITYBEAT

"The cast is sheer heaven. McGrath has the sexual and voice akin to a young Charles Busch in drag.
Harcourt is truly delicious as Rocky."
BROADWAY WORLD

“Matt McGrath has the charisma and ease to command an audience.
 The five-piece band led by Mike Wilkins is excellent."
THE LOS ANGELES TIMES

To view more Rocky Horror photos, visit our Facebook page!

ODYSSEY AS FEATURED ON VOICE OF SAN DIEGO/NBC

THE FUTURE OF THEATER: CHILDREN AND THE ARTS

A SAN DIEGO ODYSSEY

GLOBE SUPPORTERS MEET GLOBE PERFORMERS

(9/19/11) • On Friday, September 16th, a number of Globe supporters enjoyed a special afternoon with members of the very talented 2011 Shakespeare Festival Company.  Guests enjoyed lemonade and cookies on Copley Plaza while meeting and mingling with many of the actors who have appeared every night in Amadeus, Much Ado About Nothing and The Tempest during the Globe’s record-breaking Shakespeare Festival.
 
Click here to learn how you can enhance your theatre experience by becoming an Old Globe donor!

WELCOME CLASS OF 2013

(9/9/11) • The Old Globe and the University of San Diego welcomed seven new students into the prestigious Master of Fine Arts program at a recent reception. (above, from left) Christopher Salazar, Danielle O'Farrell, Jeremy Fisher, Stephanie Roetzel, Matthew Bellows, Whitney Wakimoto and Sean-Michael Wilkinson. Welcome to the Globe family!

MEET THE CAST OF SOMEWHERE

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THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW TV SPOT

THE ODYSSEY BEGINS

(9/1/11) • Director Lear deBessonet and writer Todd Almond have created a new music theater event, Odyssey, in celebration of The Old Globe's 75th anniversary. Commissioned by the Globe, the new work reimagines Homer's epic poem as seen through the lens of contemporary San Diego. Conceived and directed by deBessonet with music, lyrics and book by Almond, Odyssey will be performed through a unique collaboration between professional artists and members of the community. Odyssey will be presented on Friday, Sept. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 1 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the Globe's Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.

Featuring a cast of over 200 performers, Odyssey chronicles the trials and adventures that the ancient Greek hero Odysseus faces on his long journey home from the war at Troy. Along the way, he encounters a one-eyed giant, confronts the horrifying monsters Scylla and Charybdis, visits the Underworld and resists the intoxicating Circe. Odysseus finally returns home disguised as a beggar and must win back his wife, Penelope, and take revenge on the suitors who have been circling her in his absence.

Professional actors Alvin Crawford and Shelley Thomas will star as Odysseus and Penelope/Circe, respectively, along with Todd Almond as The Singer. Community Partners performing in the show include Culture Shock San Diego, San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory, San Diego Junior Theatre, St. Stephen's Church Choir and Valhalla High School Percussion Ensemble. Additional Community Partners are Harbor Church (Mid-City), Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, Globe Guilders, The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts and UrbanLife.

The creative team also includes Tony and Maria Caligagan (Choreographers), Justin Townsend (Scenic and Lighting Design), Paul Carey (Costume Design), Paul Peterson (Sound Design) and Evangeline Whitlock (Stage Manager).

The cast includes Todd Almond (The Singer), Alvin Crawford (Odysseus) and Shelley Thomas (Penelope, Circe); and the Community Ensemble: Darlene Davies (Eurynome), Kim Duclo (Penelope's First Suitor), Michael Garcia (Prince), Dylan Hoffinger (Odysseus' Captain), Martin Martiarena (Dude with Guitar), Lorenzo Martinez (Elpenor), Alex Monge (Telemachus), Davina Van Dusen (Nausicaa), Victoria Matthews, Jordan Scowcroft and Katie Ward (The Calliopes) and dancers from Salsa Inferno (Circe's Ladies) with Diana Bahena, Anay Barajas, Jessica Brandon, Dalaysia Cannon, Ashley Dixon, Richard Dobbs, Deja Fields, Renee Gandola, Zyanya Hernandez-Grant, Carson McCalley, Karen Olinga, Al Simmons, Beverly Taylor-Wintence, Hannah Trujillo, Katherine Zamora and Ayerton Zoutendijk (Ithacans/Ensemble); Kenn Burnett, Leland Campbell, Eduard Cao, Andre A. Carter, Will Herrera, Dylan Hoffinger, Lorenzo Martinez, Leo Roman, Elliott Sephus, Lamine Thiam and dancers from Salsa Inferno (Odysseus' Men); Karen Bahena, Lina Bien, Katleen Dugas, Paola Kubelis and Stephanie Plascencia (Penelope's Women); and Donna Blochwitz, Jane Klofkorn, Yvonne Lindroth Silva and Amara Marsden (Sirens).

To view more photos of the cast and creative team, visit our Facebook page!

SOMEWHERE IS HERE

(8/29/11) • Broadway veteran Priscilla Lopez stars as Inez, the headstrong matriarch of the Candelaria family who struggles to achieve her family’s dream of show business success in the World Premiere of Somewhere, a new play by Old Globe Playwright-in-Residence Matthew Lopez. Priscilla was nominated for a Tony Award for the role of Diana in the original Broadway cast of A Chorus Line, introducing the hit song “What I Did for Love” in the landmark musical. She won the Tony Award for her performance in A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine. Her other Broadway credits include In the Heights, Anna in the Tropics, Nine, Lysistrata, Pippin, Company and Henry, Sweet Henry.

Set in 1959, Matthew’s moving and funny new play follows one New York City family’s attempt to make its fantasy a reality. Inez Candelaria and her three children dream of a life in show business. When they learn that their home is being torn down to make way for Lincoln Center—and that the filming of West Side Story will take place on the streets of their demolished neighborhood—they must fight for their dreams as their world crumbles around them. Somewhere will run in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, Sept. 24 – Oct. 30.

The cast of Somewhere also features Juan Javier Cardenas (Francisco Candelaria), Leo Ash Evens (Jamie MacRae), Benita Robledo (Rebecca Candelaria) and Jon Rua (Alejandro Candelaria).
 
The creative team includes Giovanna Sardelli (Director), Campbell Baird (Scenic Design), Charlotte Devaux (Costume Design), Lap Chi Chu (Lighting Design), Jeremy J. Lee (Sound Design), Greg Graham (Choreographer) and Elizabeth Stephens (Stage Manager).

To view more photos of the cast and creative team, visit our Facebook page!

HOT PATOOTIE! MEET THE ROCKY HORROR CAST

(8/27/11) • Matt McGrath will star as Frank ‘N’ Furter in The Old Globe’s production of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show. Matt appeared on Broadway as the Emcee in Sam Mendes’ hit revival of Cabaret and in the international tour of Tom Waits and William S. Burroughs’ The Black Rider: The Casting of the Magic Bullets directed by Robert Wilson. He has also appeared Off Broadway in Hedwig and the Angry Inch and A Fair Country at Lincoln Center Theater.
 
Oanh Nguyen will direct the musical with book, music and lyrics by Richard O’Brien, musical staging and choreography by JT Horenstein and music direction by Mike Wilkins. The Rocky Horror Show will run in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, Sept. 15 – Nov. 6.
 
The cast of The Rocky Horror Show also includes Andrew Call (Eddie, Phantom), Jeanna de Waal (Janet), Sydney James Harcourt (Rocky), Nadine Isenegger (Columbia), Lauren Lim Jackson (Phantom), Kelsey Kurz (Brad), David Andrew Macdonald (Narrator, Dr. Scott), Anna Schnaitter (Phantom), Laura Shoop (Magenta, Usherette), Kit Treece (Phantom) and Jason Wooten (Riff Raff, Usher).
 
The creative team also includes Donyale Werle (Scenic Design), Emily Rebholz (Costume Design), Rui Rita (Lighting Design), Kevin Kennedy (Sound Design), Aaron Rhyne (Projection Design), Carrie Gardner, CSA (Casting), Anjee Nero (Stage Manager) and James Vásquez (Associate Director).

To view more photos of the cast and creative team, visit our Facebook page!

BLUE HAIR, STILTS AND GRAD SCHOOL

(8/18/11) • Ben Diskant, who is working toward a Master's of Fine Arts degree at the University of San Diego, currently appears as Ariel in Shakespeare's The Tempest. Voice of San Diego's Kelly Bennett talks to Ben about The Old Globe/USD MFA program and his Shakespeare Festival experience. Watch the video below and read the story here.

DANCING IN THE STREETS!

(8/18/11) • The Time Warp Flash Mob was a rousing success at CityFest on Sunday, Aug. 14. Hundreds of Rocky Horror fans came out to enjoy the fun. Tickets for The Rocky Horror Show go on sale online at MIDNIGHT on Friday, Aug. 19. Check out the video below!

OUT AT THE GLOBE

(8/13/11) • Out at the Globe, an evening for gay and lesbian theatre lovers and friends, was held on Aug. 11 outoors in the Craig Noel Garden. The pre-show mixer included a hosted wine and martini bar, delicious appetizers and door prizes.The next Out at the Globe will be held on Oct. 6 to celebrate The Rocky Horror Show and the world premiere of Somewhere. The cost is only $20 per person in addition to your theatre ticket. RSVP at (619) 23-GLOBE. To view additional photos of the event, visit our Facebook page!

AN ENGAGING PARTY

(8/8/11) • The cast, crew and creative team of Engaging Shaw celebrated their sold-out opening night performance with a party above the theater in Hattox Hall. For more photos of Globe activities, visit our Facebook page!

LET'S DO THE TIME WARP AT CITYFEST!

(8/5/11) • Come and join in the ROCKY HORROR TIME WARP FLASH MOB at CityFest, the famed Hillcrest neighborhood street fair now in its 27th year, on Sunday, Aug. 14 at 2:30 p.m. and 3:25 p.m. in the intersection of Fifth Ave. and Robinson Ave.  Like-minded fans of the cult musical, The Rocky Horror Show will perform the famous dance to the show’s signature tune, “The Time Warp.” Dress as your favorite Rocky Horror character, or just come as you are. Check out the sensational instuctional video below and refresh you steps. It's just a jump to the left, and then a step to the right!

THE TEMPEST VIDEO PREVIEW

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING VIDEO PREVIEW

AMADEUS VIDEO PREVIEW

SHAKESPEARE IN THE GARDEN

(7/25/11) • Shakespeare in the Garden is a series of informal presentations of ideas and insights that enhance your theatre-going experience. These free seminars feature members of the Shakespeare Festival creative team and take place in the Craig Noel Garden at 7:00 p.m. before that evening's 8:00 p.m. show in the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Reservations are not required!

The Tempest:  Thursday, August 18 & Friday, September 23

Amadeus:  Tuesday, August 9; Friday, September 9 & Thursday, September 22

Much Ado About Nothing:  Saturday, August 6; Wednesday, August 31 & Sunday, September 11 (6:00 p.m.)

SHAKESPEARE IS INTENSE!

(7/20/11) • The Old Globe's fourth annual Summer Shakespeare Intensive will present 50-minute versions of Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost and The Merry Wives of Windsor on Monday, August 15 at 8:00 p.m. The four-week program is a unique opportunity for local high school actors and actresses to refine their skills as performers in a professional setting. Throughout the Intensive, the students have the opportunity to study classical theatre technique, voice, movement and stage combat while observing the productions of the Globe's Shakespeare Festival.

Follow the progress of this year's Shakespeare Intensive students through the exclusive photos posted on our Facebook page!

GREETING SHAW

(7/18/11) • The administrative staff of the Globe gathered in the rehearsal hall to meet and greet the cast and creative team of Engaging Shaw. The West Coast Premiere of the new comedy by John Morogiello will run July 29 - Sept. 4, 2011.

CELEBRATING SHAKESPEARE

(7/8/11) • The cast, creative team and crew of the 2011 Shakespeare Festival celebrated the opening of all three Festival shows with a festive party in Hattox Hall. Don't miss The Tempest, Much Ado About Nothing and Amadeus in the Globe's delightful outdoor theatre this summer. For more party photos, visit our Facebook page!

WATCH A VIDEO CLIP OF HERSHEY FELDER AS GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE

(6/30/11) • The Old Globe is pleased to announce the return of actor, playwright and Steinway concert artist Hershey Felder in a trio of his critically-acclaimed solo shows. Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone delighted San Diego audiences in 2006 and 2008 and due to popular demand will be revived for 13 performances from July 1 - 10. Felder will lead audiences on a musical journey through a century of American music in Hershey Felder in Concert: The Great American Songbook from July 11 - 17. The latest addition to Felder's ambitious "Composers Sonata," Hershey Felder in Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein, will receive its Globe debut from July 22 - Aug. 28. Both George Gershwin Alone and Maestro are directed by Joel Zwick.

2011 GLOBE GALA TO HONOR AUDREY GEISEL

(6/6/11) • The Old Globe will host its annual Gala on Saturday, July 30 honoring San Diego philanthropist Audrey Geisel and her significant contributions to the Globe.  Darlene Shiley and Sheryl White serve as 2011 Gala Co-Chairs.
 
The black-tie event begins with a reception and silent auction in Balboa Park’s Alcazar Garden at 6:00 p.m. followed by a special performance of Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein, starring Hershey Felder, on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre in the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center.  After the performance, dinner and dancing will commence on the Globe’s Copley Plaza featuring music by Impulse. Catering is by Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, and valet parking is included in the price of the ticket.
 
Tickets are $750 (regular seating) and $1,000 (VIP seating) and include both the show, dinner and dancing.  Underwriting opportunities begin at $4,500 per couple and include a pre-Gala Underwriting Party at the Rancho Santa Fe home of Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Viterbi on Monday, July 18.  
 
To purchase tickets or a table or to become an underwriter, contact Eileen Prisby, Events Manager at (619) 231-1941 x2303 or eprisby@theoldglobe.org.

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY IS CATNIP FOR ACTORS

(5/27/11) • KPBS' Arts & Culture producer Angela Carone recently spoke with actors Lois Markle and Angela Reed and director Sam Gold about the challenges of mounting Tracy Letts' Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning August: Osage County. “August: Osage County is like catnip for actors,” says Gold. “You get to tell jokes and stories. You get to curse and scream and get mad at each other. You get to behave badly. There are very few plays out there where people behave as badly as they do in August: Osage County.” To take an audio tour of the set and listen to clips of the show, click on the KPBS logo to the left or click here.

HERSHEY FELDER RETURNS TO THE GLOBE WITH THREE UNFORGETTABLE MUSICAL EVENTS

(6/2/11) • Actor, playwright and Steinway concert artist Hershey Felder will return to the Globe in a trio of his critically-acclaimed solo shows.  Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone delighted San Diego audiences in 2006 and 2008 and due to popular demand will be revived for 13 performances from July 1 – 10. Felder will lead audiences on a musical journey through a century of American music in Hershey Felder in Concert: The Great American Songbook from July 11 – 17.  The latest addition to Felder’s ambitious “Composers Sonata,” Hershey Felder in Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein, will receive its Globe debut from July 22 – Aug. 28.

Read the press release.

OUT: OSAGE COUNTY

(6/1/11) • Theatregoers gathered in the Craig Noel Garden last Friday night for food, drinks, conversation and fun at OUT at the Globe before enjoying performances of the Globe's two current hit shows: August: Osage County and Life of Riley. The festivities featured music, a wine and martini bar and food compliments of St. Tropez Bakery and Bistro. Join us for the next pre-show OUT at the Globe event coinciding with Amadeus, Hershey Felder in Maestro: The Art of Leonard Berstein and Engaging Shaw on Thursday, August 11 for just $20 per person in addition to your theatre ticket. Call to RSVP at (619) 23-GLOBE.

AN EPIC, HILARIOUS THRILL RIDE

(5/28/11) • The regional premiere of August: Osage County is San Diego's premier theatrical event! Read what the critics are saying about the Globe's definitive production of Tracy Letts' modern masterpiece:

CRITIC'S CHOICE!
“Performed by a fearless cast, 'August' proves a work of savage majesty, shot through with equal measures of sadness and laughter. The remarkable Lois Markle turns in about the most gut-wrenchingly memorable performance you're likely to see on a live stage.”
THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE

“ONE OF THE FINEST AMERICAN PLAYS IN A LONG TIME.
Credit to the Globe for bringing 'Osage' to San Diego. The ensemble cast is uniformly excellent. Lois Markle makes Violet unforgettable. Angela Reed's Barbara is a marvel.”
SAN DIEGO READER

“EASILY THE BEST AMERICAN PLAY OF THE LAST DECADE.
An epic, hilarious thrill ride. With a 13-member cast and huge physical demands, it's not a play that most theaters can afford to produce, so San Diego audiences are lucky to have the opportunity to see it at the Globe. Wickedly funny and a must for theater-lovers. This is a play local audiences will be talking about for years.”
NORTH COUNTY TIMES

“A three-story-tall contemporary classic that no lover of fine theater will want to miss. Tracy Letts' dialogue is sharp, biting, smart, and often downright hilarious in a production offering fresh discoveries and delights even to those who may have seen it in Chicago, New York, or on tour. Directed with consummate artistry by Sam Gold, and performed by an acting ensemble it's hard to imagine even the original Broadway cast bettering. Lois Markle and Angela Reed get the two plummest roles and give the two most brilliant performances amongst an all-around brilliant cast. David Zinn's three-story Weston home is so epic and detailed that it ought to be a shoo-in for San Diego's Best Set of 2011. The wildest and most thrilling theatrical ride you're likely to have all year.”
STAGE SCENE LA

CHILDREN'S CASTING INFO FOR DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!

WHAT A LIFE!

(5/19/11) • The U.S. Premiere of Sir Alan Ayckbourn’s 74th play, Life of Riley, must close on June 5th! Here's what the critics are saying:

CRITIC'S CHOICE!
“Plenty of sharply funny scenes. An ace cast lets us savor dialogue that's tuned beautifully to character.”
THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE

“The Old Globe is, of course, one of America's oldest and most admired troupes, but this production is noteworthy even by the company's own high standards. It's a real coup for Louis G. Spisto, The Old Globe's executive producer, to have brought a brand-new Alan Ayckbourn play to California, though anyone who keeps up with American regional theater knows that such triumphs are increasingly common in the erstwhile hinterlands. Bravo, San Diego!”
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

“A frothy concoction of middle-class desire, denial and deceit.”
VARIETY

“Ayckbourn's plays are well worth seeing just for the fun of it.”
EXAMINER.COM

“Director Richard Seer has fashioned an intimate comedy where the action is full of nuance and every nuance matters. It's a lovely confluence of technical prowess and ensemble skill.”
TALKIN' BROADWAY

GLOBE GLEE

(5/12/11) • Recognizing excellence in high school theater, the 2011 Globe Honors competition will take place on Monday, May 16 at 8:00 p.m. in the Old Globe Theatre. A talented group of high school finalists and semi-finalists will sing and act before a panel of judges to win scholarships and a possible trip to New York City to compete in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards. Tickets are only $10 each. Come on out and support San Diego's finest young talent! (Pictured are scenes from the 2010 competition. Photos by J. Katarzyna Woronowicz.)

AUGUST: OSAGE PARTY!

(5/13/11) • The audience roared with applause and jumped to their feet as the curtain came down on the opening night of August: Osage County. Its Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Tracy Letts, was on hand along with a sold-out house full of San Diego theatre fans. Afterwards, the cast and creative team celebrated their success at the cast party in Hattox Hall.

NEW CUSHIONED SEATS FOR THE LOWELL DAVIES FESTIVAL THEATRE

(5/12/11) • Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre has newly installed cushioned seats! The Seat Replacement Campaign was launched with a generous $60,000 grant from Las Patronas. The following donors contributed $2,500 or more and helped meet the Globe's $120,000 goal just in time for the 2011 Summer Shakespeare Festival: Alan Benaroya, Lanie Bernhard, James & Rita David, John & Ann Davies, Pamela Farr, Elliot & Diane Feuerstein, Audrey Geisel, Elaine & Leonard Hirsch, Joan & Irwin Jacobs, Barbara Kjos, Brooke & Dan Koehler, Marsha Netzer and Reneé Schatz.

GREETINGS FROM THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM OF THE 2011 SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

LIFE OF THE PARTY

(5/9/11) • The U.S. Premiere of Sir Alan Ayckbourn’s 74th play was certainly cause for celebration! The cast, creative team and surprise guests from this season's Shakespeare Festival gathered in Hattox Hall after the opening night performance last Thursday night. The party roared on into the night, befitting of the wild and energetic title character of Life of Riley.

THE OLD GLOBE'S 2011-12 WINTER SEASON INCLUDES FOUR WORLD PREMIERES

(5/5/11) • Executive Producer Lou Spisto today announced that The Old Globe will produce the World Premieres of four new plays and musicals in its 2011-12 Winter Season.  Tickets to the Globe’s 2011-12 Winter Season are currently available by subscription only. Subscription packages may be purchased online, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office.
 
“The season is particularly exciting because of all the new work, and I think it is quite varied in terms of style and story,” said Mr. Spisto.  “We are working with some of today’s most interesting and accomplished writers, and they all have something to say that both resonates with us and sparks a reaction.  The revivals are also entertaining and a bit daring.  It’s a big season with 10 productions, and that’s only the winter!  All in all we are doing 15 productions and one special event celebrating the culmination of our 75th Anniversary – it’s pretty amazing.”

Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show – Book, Music and Lyrics by Richard O’Brien (Sept. 15 – Nov. 6, 2011) Old Globe Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center.
The 2011-12 Season opens with a revival of the enduring musical phenomenon The Rocky Horror Show, featuring the sweet transvestite from Transylvania, Dr. Frank N. Furter, and his time-warped laboratory of sexual and scientific possibilities.  Director Oanh Nguyen, Artistic Director of Southern California’s award-winning Chance Theater, is renowned for his distinctive interpretations of contemporary musicals.

Somewhere by Matthew Lopez (Sept. 24 – Oct. 30, 2011) Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center.
After receiving its West Coast Premiere at the Globe in 2010, Playwright-in-Residence Matthew Lopez’s play The Whipping Man took New York by storm.  His newest work, infused with dance, takes place in 1959 and tells the story of a family of dreamers whose home is scheduled for demolition to make way for the construction of Lincoln Center.  Giovanna Sardelli, who last collaborated with Lopez on the Globe’s production of The Whipping Man, will direct the World Premiere production.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! – Book and Lyrics by Timothy Mason, Music by Mel Marvin (Nov. 19 – Dec. 31, 2011) Old Globe Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center.
Everyone’s favorite green meanie will return for his 14th consecutive year in the delightful and heartwarming musical that has become a beloved San Diego holiday tradition.  James Vasquez returns to direct.

Some Lovers – Music by Burt Bacharach, Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater (Nov. 26 – Dec. 31, 2011) Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center.
Academy and Grammy Award-winning music legend Burt Bacharach teams with Tony Award winner Steven Sater (Spring Awakening) for the World Premiere of a new musical.  Based upon The Gift of the Magi, the classic O. Henry short story, Some Lovers features a new score by Bacharach.

Dividing the Estateby Horton Foote (Jan. 14 – Feb. 19, 2012) Old Globe Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center.
Beloved American playwright Horton Foote’s Tony-nominated comedy receives its West Coast Premiere under the direction of Michael Wilson. Wilson, considered the foremost interpreter of Foote’s work, reunites with Dividing the Estate’s Broadway creative team and members of the cast to remount this modern classic.  A co-production with the Alley Theatre.

The Recommendation by Jonathan Caren (Jan. 21 – Feb. 26, 2012) Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center.
A chance encounter with an accused felon puts the longtime friendship of two college roommates at risk in this World Premiere play by Jonathan Caren. Caren is a recent graduate of the Playwrights Program at The Juilliard School and one of America’s exciting new theatrical voices.  Jonathan Munby (Donmar Warehouse’s The Prince of Homburgand Life is a Dream) directs.
 

To Be Announced (March 3 – April 8, 2012) Old Globe Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center.
An exciting production will be announced at a later date.

Anna Christie by Eugene O’Neill (March 10 – April 15, 2012) Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center.
Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright David Auburn (Proof) directs Eugene O’Neill’s poetic masterpiece about the knotty relationship between an old sailor, his daughter and her seafaring young lover.

The Scottsboro Boys – Music and Lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb, Book by David Thompson (April 22 – June 3, 2012) Old Globe Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center.
Direct from Broadway, and nominated for 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical, The Scottsboro Boys is the thrilling final collaboration by musical theater giants John Kander and Fred Ebb(Chicago, Cabaret). Directed by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman (The Producers) andfeaturing a book by David Thompson (who adapted the script for Chicago's record-breaking revival), this daring and wildly entertaining musical explores a fascinating chapter in American history with arresting originality. Nominated for 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical!

Nobody Loves You – Music and Lyrics by Gaby Alter, Book and Lyrics by Itamar Moses (May 2 – June 10, 2012) Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center.
Nobody Loves You is an irreverent new musical comedy about the search for real relationships in a pop culture that is anything but.  A young grad student joins a reality television dating show to win back his ex-girlfriend and is instead seduced by fame in this World Premiere production directed by Michelle Tattenbaum.

The season also includes a special music theater event commissioned by The Old Globe in celebration of its 75th Anniversary.  Odyssey, conceived and directed by Lear deBessonet with music, lyrics and book by Todd Almond (Girlfriend, We Have Always Lived in the Castle) is a reimagining of Homer’s epic poem performed by both professional artists and over 60 members of the San Diego community.  Odyssey, part of the Globe’s Southeastern San Diego Residency Project, will be performed on Sept. 30, Oct. 1 and 2, 2011 in the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.

Additionally, The Old Globe/University of San Diego Graduate Theatre Program will present Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s magical comedy of mistaken identities, Nov. 6 – 13, 2011 in the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre.  The nationally-renowned professional actor training program is an intensive two-year course of graduate study in classical theater.  Richard Seer directs.

Read the press release.

THE OLD GLOBE TO PRESENT KANDER & EBB'S THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS DIRECT FROM BROADWAY

(5/5/11) • Nominated for 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical, The Scottsboro Boys is the final collaboration by musical theatre giants John Kander and Fred Ebb (Chicago, Cabaret).  Five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman directed and choreographed the musical’s recent Broadway outing and will return to helm its West Coast Premiere.  This daring and entertaining new musical tells the shocking and inspiring true story of the notorious 1930s Scottsboro case in which nine African American men were unjustly accused of a terrible crime. The Scottsboro Boys will run in the Old Globe Theatre April 22 – June 3, 2012.

DATES SET FOR ODYSSEY, A MUSIC THEATRE EVENT CELEBRATING THE OLD GLOBE'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY

(5/5/11) • Theatre director Lear deBessonet and writer Todd Almond have developed a new music theatre event, Odyssey, in celebration of The Old Globe’s 75th anniversary.  Commissioned by the Globe two years ago, the new work reimagines Homer’s epic poem as seen through the lens of contemporary San Diego.  Conceived and directed by deBessonet with music, lyrics and book by Almond, Odyssey will be performed through a unique collaboration between professional artists and community partners from the San Diego region.  Odyssey will be presented on Friday, Sept. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 1 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the Globe’s Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.

Read the press release.

MEET THE 2011 SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL CAST

(5/4/11) • The complete cast and creative team for The Old Globe’s 2011 Shakespeare Festival, performed in repertory in the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, has been announced.  Adrian Noble returns as the Artistic Director of the 2011 Festival and will direct Shakespeare’s The Tempest and Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus.  Ron Daniels also returns and will direct Much Ado About Nothing. The Shakespeare Festival runs May 29 – Sept. 25.

Miles Anderson will play Prospero in The Tempest and Antonio Salieri in Amadeus, Jay Whittaker will play Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Amadeus and Don John in Much Ado About Nothing, Jonno Roberts will play Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing and Caliban in The Tempest and Georgia Hatzis will play Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing and a Venticella in Amadeus. Miles Anderson and Jay Whittaker received San Diego Critics Circle Awards for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively, in recognition of their performances in last season’s Festival.
 
The repertory company also features Michael Stewart Allen, John Cariani, Donald Carrier, Anthony Cochrane, Winslow Corbett, Kevin Alan Daniels, Globe Associate Artist Charles Janasz, Jason Maddy and Adrian Sparks, as well as The Old Globe/University of San Diego Graduate Theatre Program students Shirine Babb, Adam Daveline, Grayson DeJesus, Ben Diskant, Christian Durso, Andrew Hutcheson, Rachael Jenison, Jesse Jensen, Allison Spratt Pearce, Deborah Radloff, Ryman Sneed and Jonathan Spivey.
 
The creative team includes Globe Associate Artist Ralph Funicello (Scenic Design), Deirdre Clancy (Costume Design), Alan Burrett (Lighting Design), David Bullard (Sound Design), Dan Moses Schreier (Original Music and Sound Design), Shaun Davey (Original Music), Charlie Reuter (Music Direction), Joe Fitzpatrick (Puppet Advisor), Steve Rankin (Fight Director), Liz Shipman (Movement), Jan Gist (Dialect Coach) and Bret Torbeck (Stage Manager).
 
For artist biographies, acting company grid, show descriptions and performance and 3 Plays/3 Days schedules, please view the 2011 Shakespeare Festival PDF. (Photos by Henry DiRocco.)