By TR Robertson
Theatre companies all over the United States are turning to unique and creative ways to keep interest in the theatrical arts alive until such time as patrons can once again attend a live on stage performance. Numerous theatrical companies in San Diego County offer a wide variety of online and social media performances, lectures, demonstrations, interviews and other ways those interested in the arts can stay in touch, stay informed and enjoy the theatre.
Since we are in a constantly changing time line, theatres cannot, at this time, get a clear picture of when they can open their doors once again for performances. For the time being, all scheduled performances, for most theatres, have been cancelled thru the month of April. Most likely this will also go into March and possibly June or beyond. Even then, exactly how they will maintain a social distancing standard in the theatre is still undecided.
The following is information about many of the San Diego County Theatres and what they have set-up online and thru social media to keep those interested in theatre actively involved and possible opening dates for some performances.
Broadway Vista – San Diego County’s Biggest Little Theatre
“The Glass Menagerie”, “Beau Jest”, “Brighton Beach Memories” will hopefully run this summer. Registration is still open for the Summer Drama Camp set to run in June. Check www.broadwayvista.biz for details.
Coronado Playhouse
The Playhouse has moved “Moon Over Buffalo” to a June 5th opening. They plan on only filling the Playhouse to a 50% capacity and maintaining the recommended social distancing. Go to www.coronadoplayhouse.com for more information.
Cygnet Theatre – Old Town
“La Cage Aux Folles” is postponed – new date to be announced. “Two Trains Running”, “Paris By Night” and “Musical Monday” are all postponed – no dates set. A series of interviews are available featuring playwrights, actors, directors and Cygnet staff members. Go to www.cygnettheatre.com for a list of interviews on Zoom.
La Jolla Playhouse
LJP offers a variety of ways patrons can stay connected; such as LJP Vault and Virtual Broadway Choreography Session – upcoming March 30th will be a Q&A with Kelly Devine, Tony nominated choreographer for “Come From Away”. For more information click on https://lajollaplayhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/La-Jolla-Playhouse-Launches-Online-Content-Programs.pdf
Lamb’s Players Theatre – Coronado
Lamb’s Offices are closed until May 5th. “Alice” set to reopen May 15th at this time. “The Belle of Amherst” postponed. “Million Dollar Quartet” set to open June 20 and “Beehive” set to open July 10. Go to www.lambsplayers.org for more information’
Moonlight Theatre – Vista
Moonlight Presents performances have been cancelled and rescheduled for the fall. An announcement about Moonlights summer musical productions will be made in mid-April. First musical for the summer is scheduled to be “An American in Paris” beginning May 13. Moonlight will follow all State guidelines concerning any upcoming performance. Moonlight TV can be found on a variety of Social Media outlets – Facebook & Instagram : @moonlightstage
New Village Arts – Carlsbad
Online – New Virtual Arts program offering a series of informative demonstrations, films and performances – go to www.newvillagearts.org .North Coast Repertory – Solana Beach
Currently sponsoring Theatre Conversations. First program featured actor Richard Dreyfuss. Second program will feature local actor Omri Schein talking about writing a musical, followed by Obie Award winning actress Yvette Freeman. Go to www.NorthCoastRep.org for more details.
Oceanside Theatre and Scripps Ranch Theatre
Started by promoting a Live Stage Reading, first week of April, of “Quiet Cross” by local playwright Casey Tibbitts, using Zoom. Go to www.oceansidetheatre.org or www.scrippsranchtheatre.org for more details on other projects.
The Old Globe – San Diego
All performances are cancelled until further notice. Globe Online Programs include a number of programs, lectures, and performances. Barry Edelstein’s “Thinking Shakespeare Live: Sonnets” can be found on the Globe Facebook page and go to www.theoldglobe.org/edp-pages/2020/online-theatre-programs or go to www.TheOldGlobe.org for more information. The Globe Shakespeare Reading Group features Globe artists & actors.
Patio Playhouse – Escondido
“The Vain Princess & The North Wind” cancelled. The May production of “When We Were Young and Unafraid” is on hold. The summer musical program will be evaluated once more information is acquired from the State. Go to www.patioplayhouse.com for more information.
San Diego International Film Festival
This popular film festival will be offering an online series of films throughout April & the first week of May. Go to www.sdfilmfest.com for more information.
San Diego Musical Theatre – Gaslamp District
“Catch Me If You Can” set to open June 19th. “42nd Street” set to open Aug. 21st. “Rent” postponed to 2021. SDMT hoping to provide online SDMT Academy classes. Go to www.sdmt.org for more information.
San Diego Repertory Theatre – San Diego’s Horton Plaza
SDRT is offering free streaming of “House of Joy”, which was scheduled to open in March. This performance was from a recorded dress rehearsal on March 4th. This performance will be available until April 12th. For information or to click on the link go to www.sdrep.org .
Welk Theatre @ Welk Resort – Escondido
Cancelled the Elvis Tribute Show. The musical “Nunsence” moved to open Jan. 15, 2021. Currently set to open for this summer Fortunate Son: Credence Clearwater Revival beginning on June 3, Wed. at 7 PM and Anthony the Magic beginning on July 11,Sat. at 7 PM. Other projects set to open include Venice on Aug 29, Hard Day’s Night on Sept. 2 and “Spamalot” opening on Sept. 11. For more specific information go to www.SanDiegoTickets.welkresorts.com .
