and, SEEN!

it’s wednesday (Is It Thursday Yet? La Jolla Playhouse)

Jul 11 - Aug 6 Mandell Weiss Forum Created, choreographed and performed by Jenn Freeman Created, choreographed and directed by Sonya Tayeh Composed and performed by Holland Andrews A Dance of Discovery. A Brain in Motion. A Life on the Spectrum. Dancer and choreographer Jenn Freeman was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2021 at age 33, and since then she has navigated an endless sea of epiphanies. Inspired by a deep curiosity to examine her childhood memories through this new lens, Jenn found a way to illuminate her story using the language she knows best: Dance. Is It Thursday Yet? invites you into the unique complexities of Jenn’s neurodivergent brain through a stunning tapestry of dance, live music and home video footage. Original live music from renowned musician Holland Andrews is woven with audio narrations from Jenn’s therapist, vocals, clarinet, drums and electronic music. Scenic design by Tony Award-winner Rachel Hauck is inspired by Jenn’s sensory sensitivities to texture, color, light and sound. This uplifting, thought-provoking new work is co-created and directed by the electrifying choreographer Sonya Tayeh (Tony Award-winner for Moulin Rouge).

scene changes galore (Love All, La Jolla Playhouse)

The extraordinary life of the champion Billie Jean King Love All is the triumphant story of the rise of sports icon and social justice pioneer Billie Jean King. The trailblazer for equality faced tough competition on the court and adversity in the world, all against a backdrop of the massive social changes of the 1960s and 70s.

queef jokes are funny (Twelfth Night, Old Globe)

By William Shakespeare Directed by Kathleen Marshall One of Shakespeare’s most perfect plays—romance, music, poetry, comedy, swordplay, and more! Shipwrecked and alone in foreign Illyria, young Viola masquerades as her lost twin brother and becomes the go-between for the lovesick Duke Orsino and the beautiful Countess Olivia. Soon Viola finds herself in the middle of a topsy-turvy love triangle with lunacy and laughs on every side. Three-time Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall (Globe’s Much Ado About Nothing, Love’s Labor’s Lost) directs Twelfth Night, one of the Bard’s true comic masterpieces—and the perfect San Diego night under the stars.

100 miles of latin heat (Destiny of Desire, Old Globe)

A Telenovela for the Stage By Karen Zacarías Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson The joys, tribulations, and plot twists of epic love are bursting onstage in this brilliantly funny homage to the telenovela by Karen Zacarías (Native Gardens). On a stormy night in Bellarica, Mexico, two babies are born—one into a life of outlandish wealth, and one into a life of poverty. When the newborns are swapped by a ruthless ex–beauty queen, the stage is set for two outrageous misfortunes to grow into an extraordinary destiny. Directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (August Wilson’s Jitney) and filled with vibrant choreography and live music, Destiny of Desire explores the emotional rollercoaster and social commentary that make the telenovela the most popular form of storytelling on the planet. Destiny of Desire contains mature themes, violence, strong language, and the use of haze. Please note: this production is in English, with songs in both English and Spanish. Total running time: Two hours and 40 minutes (two acts with one intermission).

more violence, please (Hangmen, Gaiety Theatre, Dublin, Ireland)

Gaiety Productions in association with Decadent Theatre Company proudly presents the IRISH PREMIERE of Hangmen by Martin McDonagh from 11 March – 8 April 2023. In his small pub in Oldham, Harry is something of a local celebrity. But what’s the second-best hangman in England to do on the day they’ve abolished hanging? Amongst the local reporters and sycophantic pub regulars, dying to hear Harry’s reaction to the news, a peculiar stranger lurks, with a very different motive for his visit… This major new production comes hot off the heels of the release of McDonagh’s new award-winning feature film, The Banshees of Inisherin. The creative team is led by director Andrew Flynn who has a long association with McDonagh’s work. This darkly comic tale follows the success of recent Gaiety Productions including The Cripple of Inishmaan, The Lieutenant of Inishmore and The Lonesome West. Funded by the Arts Council | An Chomhairle Ealaíon This production contains strong depictions of violence. Recommended for ages 14+

Emily’s first show-stopper (A Transparent Musical, Mark Taper Forum)

From the creators of the hit Amazon series comes a groundbreaking and timely new musical that’s delightfully queer, unapologetically Jewish, and radically joyful. Welcome to the JCC! Get ready for a remarkable theatrical experience with A Transparent Musical–an innovative and irresistible new musical based on the hit Amazon Prime original TV show by Joey Soloway. Follow Ali Pfefferman, brought to life by Only Murders in the Building’s Adina Verson, as they navigate the ups and downs of self-discovery. Ali's Los Angeles Jewish family is filled with secrets, but when their parent, Maura, transitions to the transgender matriarch she always knew she was, the family is forced to confront their own identities and navigate their relationships with each other. Through a revelatory story of acceptance and self-expression, A Transparent Musical explores the intersection of Jewish and queer history while celebrating the imperfectly human aspects of a universally relatable family.

noice (Exotic Deadly, Old Globe)

April 8 – May 7, 2023 Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre Conrad Prebys Theatre Center World premiere By Keiko Green Directed by Jesca Prudencio It’s 1999, and Ami is an awkward Asian American high schooler whose world comes crashing down with a terrible discovery: her family is responsible for manufacturing MSG, the mysterious ingredient getting all the kids hooked! Meanwhile, a cool new girl arrives from Japan, and she’s not playing by the rules. In Keiko Green’s world-premiere play, Ami vows to redeem her family name and save the world from MSG. This whimsical, time-traveling adventure, directed by the celebrated Jesca Prudencio, is a riotous and hilarious romp through wild teenaged crushes, family legacies, and the magical properties of instant ramen!

to want or not to want (The XIXth, Old Globe)

World premiere By Kemp Powers Directed by Carl Cofield Mexico City, 1968. Two Black American sprinters, the fastest men on Earth, raise their fists in protest. Inspired by real events from the historic 19th Olympic Games, and directed by Carl Cofield (Seize the King, The Bacchae), this suspenseful world-premiere play by Kemp Powers (Pixar’s Soul, One Night in Miami) chronicles the intersection of sports and activism, and shows the life-changing repercussions of being a champion who chooses to speak out. The XIXth (The Nineteenth) is supported by major production sponsors Ann Davies and Hal and Pam Fuson.

surprised and delighted AF (Empire Strips Back)

SEEN: March 23, 2023 in San Diego

it’s a bit different, isnt it (The Last Return, Town Hall Theatre, Galway, Ireland)

Druid Theatre The Last Return Town Hall Theatre By Sonya Kelly Not all good things come to those who wait One final night. One last chance. Five people queue for a ticket to the hottest show in town. All they must do is simply wait in line. But what in life is ever simple? Who will triumph, who will fail, and who will walk away with… The Last Return? A new play by acclaimed playwright Sonya Kelly, The Last Return is a thrilling comedy about conflict, peace and the pursuit of territory at any cost. Duration 90 mins, no interval / 14+ Please note that this production contains adult themes, strong language, strobe lighting and depictions of violence to others Cast includes: Ticket Person - Anna Healy Newspaper Man - Bosco Hogan Military Man - Aidan Moriarty Umbrella Woman - Rebecca O'Mara Woman in Pink - Naima Swaleh Creative Team: Writer - Sonya Kelly Director - Sara Joyce Set and Costume Design - Francis O'Connor Lighting Design - Amy Mae Sound Design and Composition - Michael John McCarthy Movement - Jessica and Megan Kennedy (Junk Ensemble) Dramatherapy - Wabriya King Hair and Make-Up - Gráinne Coughlan Associate Costume Designer - Clíodhna Hallissey Assistant Director - Katie O’Halloran Awards: Winner - Scotsman Fringe First Award 2022 Finalist - The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize