Every year, a dozen or so new theater projects debut around the county, but fall is an especially fruitful time for world premieres.

In September alone, The Old Globe will launch the new musical “Begin Again” and La Jolla Playhouse will premiere the new play “A Black-billed Cuckoo.”

But it’s not just big theaters hosting premieres.

This week, two local theaters are presenting new plays by local playwrights. OnStage Playhouse is presenting Chula Vista resident Salomón Maya’s new play “Mensa” and Chalk Circle Collective is presenting an open workshop of UCSD professor Deepak Kumar’s “Advanced Persistent Teenagers.”

Meanwhile, two La Jolla Playhouse-born shows have announced Manhattan runs. The Christopher Ashley-directed 2025 musical “The Heart” will open off Broadway in October. And in November, the 2022 Moisés Kaufman-Amanda Gronich play “Here There Are Blueberries” will become the 38th Playhouse-launched show to open on Broadway.

And speaking of November, the Playhouse’s next premiere, the musical “Grim,” will open in previews Oct. 27.

Why is San Diego such fertile ground for new work? Because San Diego-based philanthropists and audiences have a big appetite for it and are happy to support it. That’s a good thing because local theaters need the public’s support now more than ever.

A Summer Well Spent at the Theatre

We had a glorious summer with our Reviewers of Tomorrow alum, Eli, who spent the season seeing and writing about theatre all over San Diego! Sadly, summer always seems to fly by, and now it’s time to say goodbye as Eli heads back to school.

We loved having Eli as part of our reviewing community and hope this is not the last we’ve heard from them! A huge thank-you to all of the theatres who welcomed Eli so generously, it made their summer (and ours!) that much brighter.

Meanwhile, on the Internet…

Three theatre-related stories worth a click and a read

To Critique or not to Critique

At The Independent, independent writer/editor Caitlin Hornik reflects on her experience of the National Critics Institute (which our own Pam Kragen has also attended) and why professional critics still matter in an era defined by hot takes, influencers, and platform journalism.

Theatre, it does a body good

Going to the Theatre Might Keep Your Body Younger, Study Shows Theatregoing, along with going to the movies or a museum, could contribute to your body’s well-being. Read...

New casts keep shows fresh

An insight into the Broadway musical production of The Outsiders The year three cast of The Outsiders continues bringing the Tony Award-winning musical to Broadway. Read…

Save the Date: 2027 Craig Noel Awards!

The date is official—mark your calendars! The 2027 Craig Noel Awards will take place on Monday, March 1, 2027.

We can’t wait to celebrate another incredible year of San Diego theatre with the artists, companies, and audiences who make this community so special. Save the date now—we’ll see you there!

Ticket information and pricing will be announced in December.

Reviewers of Tomorrow Contest is back!

Do you know a student who loves theatre and has a passion for writing? Our annual Reviewers of Tomorrow Writing Contest is now accepting entries through December 1st!

Each year, the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle celebrates the next generation of arts journalists by recognizing outstanding student critics and offering mentorship, encouragement, and cash prizes. Students can compete in one of three divisions—middle school, high school, community college/university students—for the chance to have their voices heard and be honored at the Craig Noel Awards.

Learn more about the contest requirements and submit an entry. Click here for all the details!

From Our Critics

A roundup of reviews and interviews from our critics, featuring productions and artists from all over San Diego County.

Eli Ander-Biegelsen - Reviewer of Tomorrow Alumni

New Village Arts: “We Will Rock You”

David Coddon

Broadway San Diego - "Hell's Kitchen"

Carol Davis

Diversionary Theate - "Ni Mi Madre"

David Dixon

Moonlight Stage Production - "Guys and Dolls"

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti

Diversionary Theatre - "Ni Mi Madre"

Makayla Hoppe

La Jolla Playhouse - "The Family Album"

Pam Kragen

Broadway San Diego - “Water For Elephants”

ErinMarie Reiter

San Diego Musical Theatre- "Rock of Ages"

Let’s go to the theatre!

Currently Playing

Advanced Persistent Teenagers - Chalk Circle Collective - through September 6th

Eleanor - North Coast Repertory Theatre - through September 6th

Ni Mi Madre - Diversionary Theatre – August 13th - September 6th

Rock of Ages - San Diego Musical Theatre – through September 13th

Mensa- OnStage Playhouse – through September 13th

Theatre People, or The Angel Next Door-Scripps Ranch Theatre – through September 20th

We Will Rock You - New Village Arts – through September 20th

Upcoming Openings

The Phantom of the Opera - Broadway San Diego - September 2nd - September 13th

Begin Again - The Old Globe - September 5th - October 11th

Come From Away - Moonlight Stage Productions - September 8 - September 28th

Dear Evan Hansen - Cygnet Theatre - September 9th - October 4th

Our Lady of the San Diego Convention Center - TuYo Theatre - September 11th - October 18th

Goodnight, Oscar - North Coast Repertory Theatre - September 16th - October 11th

Topdog/Underdog - The Old Globe - September 25th - October 18th

Oh, Mary! - Broadway San Diego - September 29th - October 4th

This is Government - Moxie Theatre - September 27th - October 25th

This list was generated by submission. For any omissions, please email season dates to info@sdcriticscircle.org.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, and San Diego Story

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - San Diego Union Tribune

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

This month, we sit down with director, choreographer, and Cygnet Theatre Associate Artistic Director Katie Banville, who shares how creating theatre for children has shaped her work for audiences of all ages — and how her own kids continue to inspire both her artistry and the artists she collaborates with.

And because one conversation about theatre is never enough, you’ll also find reviews and interviews from our critics spotlighting productions and artists across San Diego, plus an exciting Craig Noel Awards announcement you will want to put on your calendar!

Thank You, Five!
Meet the artists behind the curtain—five questions at a time.

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do in the theatre world.

I started performing in San Diego 15 years ago, first at Starlight and Cygnet Theatre, then later at ion, SDMT, Moonlight Amphitheatre, La Jolla Playhouse, and The Old Globe. I graduated from the MFA Musical Theatre program at SDSU, started choreographing and directing as my focus, and then became the Chair of the Theatre Arts Department at Grossmont College.

I recently joined Cygnet Theatre full-time as the Associate Artistic Director and it’s all the work I love most — directing and choreographing shows, developing relationships with artists, engaging with our local audiences, and digging into the hard work of making theatre.

This summer, you had two back-to-back shows: Directing “The Spongebob Musical” at Cygnet and choreographing “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at Moonlight Amphitheatre. Both are large-scale, visually exciting shows with big personalities, how do you approach creating a world that feels magical for young audiences and adults alike?

I strive to present broad comedy and worlds of whimsy with an immense amount of heart at its center — that’s what makes it feel truly magical to audiences, regardless of age. My daughter Juniper is six and she kept coming back to see SpongeBob not only because it made her laugh, but she also felt connected to the characters — she shared in their triumphs and struggles as she does with her own friends. Adult audiences for both productions also remarked on just how much earnest heart the shows maintained amidst the silliness — that’s the hope and intention.

When you begin working on a show, what are the things you look for—the story, the characters, the music, the movement—that help you discover your vision for the production?

The vision for the show emerges from all the conversations I have with the creative team, designers, producers, cast members, and even early audiences as we work on building it from the ground up. Eventually it coalesces and I work on the cohesiveness of the storytelling, but sometimes a small change -- a new element of scenic dressing, the way someone reinterprets a line, how a lighting designer frames a moment -- can lead to a beautiful change in the work that I want to be open to as long as possible.

What do you think is special about live theatre as an experience for families—especially at a time when so much entertainment happens through screens?

Watching live theatre with my kids has been truly magical, especially work they feel invested in because they’ve familiar with the characters or they know performers in the show. It allows for a more communal and connected experience for families, especially in comparison to onscreen entertainment that’s so often watched on individual devices or watched while doing other things. Seeing theatre together means I get to experience their excitement and responses in real time, in a focused way -- even the anticipation of seeing a show feels special because it’s not an everyday event.

Outside of theatre, what keeps you inspired, energized, and connected to the work?

Seeing the world through the eyes of my kids -- they’re three and six, so they’re experiencing so many things for the first time. When I stop and see it from their perspective, I often realize how many incredible, beautiful things I’ve just grown accustomed to or stopped appreciating as deeply because I’m caught up in the chaos of the world. They remind me to find joy, they remind me to connect to the people around me, and that directly inspires me in the work I produce and how I create it with other artists.

Save the Date: 2027 Craig Noel Awards!

The date is official—mark your calendars! The 2027 Craig Noel Awards will take place on Monday, March 1, 2027.

Thanks to your feedback, we're returning to the venue you loved this year! We also heard that the community preferred celebrating a little later in the season. Factoring in venue availability—and wanting to avoid Valentine's Day and Presidents' Day weekend conflicts—Monday, March 1, 2027 turned out to be the perfect fit.

We can’t wait to celebrate another incredible year of San Diego theatre with the artists, companies, and audiences who make this community so special. Save the date now—we’ll see you there!

Ticket information and pricing will be announced in December.

Reviewers of Tomorrow Contest is back!

Do you know a student who loves theatre and has a passion for writing? Our annual Reviewers of Tomorrow Writing Contest is now accepting entries through December 1st!

Each year, the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle celebrates the next generation of arts journalists by recognizing outstanding student critics and offering mentorship, encouragement, and cash prizes. Students can compete in one of three divisions—middle school, high school, community college/university students—for the chance to have their voices heard and be honored at the Craig Noel Awards.

Know someone who’d be a great fit? Encourage them to take a seat in the audience, enjoy the show, and start reviewing! Learn more about the contest requirements and submit an entry. Click here for all the details!

From Our Critics

A roundup of reviews and interviews from our critics, featuring productions and artists from all over San Diego County.

Eli Ander-Biegelsen - Reviewer of Tomorrow Alumni

Loud Fridge Theatre Group - “Boy My Greatness"

David Coddon

La Jolla Playhouse - "The Family Album"

Carol Davis

North Coast Repertory Theatre - “Scapin"

David Dixon

The Old Globe - "North By Northwest”

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti

Cygnet Theatre - “Arcadia"

Pam Kragen

Blindspot Collective - "Dive Bar Time Machine"

ErinMarie Reiter

Riot Productions - “The Fairytale Monologues” Interview: Music Director Christopher T. Miller & Performer and Originator Delia Majia

Let’s go to the theatre!

Currently Playing

Dive Bar Time Machine - Blindspot Collective - through August 9th

The Family Album- La Jolla Playhouse - July 28- August 23rd

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha - La Jolla Playhouse WOW Experience - through August 9th

North By Northwest - The Old Globe – through August 2nd

Arcadia - Cygnet Theatre – through August 9th

Cyrano - The Old Globe – through August 9th

Scapin -North Coast Repertory Theatre – through August 23rd

Southwestern Shakespeare Festival - Southwestern College -through August 1st

The Fairy Tale Monologues - Riot Productions – through August 9th

Die Already! - Compulsion Dance & Theatre- through August 9th

Upcoming Openings

Much Ado About Nothing- The Old Globe – August 7th - September 13th

We Will Rock You- New Village Arts – August 2nd - August 30th

Guys and Dolls- Moonlight Stage – August 12th - August 29th

Ni Mi Madre - Diversionary Theatre – August 13th - September 6th

Rock of Ages - San Diego Musical Theatre – August 21st - September 13th

Mensa- OnStage Playhouse – August 21st - September 13th

Theatre People, or The Angel Next Door-Scripps Ranch Theatre – August 27th - September 20th

Advanced Persistent Teenagers - Chalk Circle Collective - August 28th - September 6th

This list was generated by submission. For any omissions, please email season dates to info@sdcriticscircle.org.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, and San Diego Story

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - San Diego Union Tribune

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

For more information about the Circle, visit sdcriticscircle.org, find our reviews on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram. We can’t wait to celebrate another year of outstanding theatre with you!

June flew by in a whirlwind of opening nights, interviews, late-night review writing, and enough theatre to fill out calendars. Rather than skip the month altogether, we’re giving June one final curtain call with a look some of the stories, artists, and productions that had everyone talking.

Inside you’ll find San Diego artists making national headlines, one of our Reviewers of Tomorrow alumni returning to the critics’ chair, reviews from around the county, and a look at what’s coming to stages in the weeks ahead.

Let’s raise the curtain one more time on June.

Beyond the Stage: San Diego Theatre Making Headlines

San Diego’s theatre community isn’t just creating exciting work at home—our artists and institutions are earning national attention.

As we head into one of the busiest seasons of the year, here are a few stories from around the theatre world featuring familiar San Diego faces and topics shaping the future of live performance.

🎉 Broadway San Diego Stars Shine on Broadway... and Back Home!

Congratulations to 2026 Broadway San Diego Awards winners Addison Nesbitt and Téo Levy, who recently made their Broadway debuts at The Jimmy Awards (the National High School Musical Theatre Awards)!

They’re bringing their Broadway magic and vocal fireworks back to San Diego by performing the National Anthem before the San Diego Wave FC match on Saturday, July 4, at Snapdragon Stadium.

An extra round of applause goes to Addison Nesbitt, who was one of only three students nationwide to receive the Showstopper Award at this year’s Jimmy Awards. The honor recognizes three nominees for an unforgettable moment of individual artistic excellence during the ceremony’s featured group performance—a remarkable national achievement.

Congratulations, Addison and Téo!

Jessica Stone Featured in American Theatre

As she prepares to lead La Jolla Playhouse, Jessica Stone is profiled by American Theatre in an in-depth conversation with Rob Weinert-Kendt. Stone discusses the transition from actor and director to artistic leader, sharing her vision for creating a home where artists can thrive rather than simply pursuing her own artistic work.

Read Here

Francis Jue Helps Make Real-Life Love Stories

Longtime San Diego favorite Francis Jue is part of a unique theatrical tradition this summer. During performances of Romeo & Juliet at the Delacorte Theatre, Jue helps officiate real weddings, allowing couples to tie the knot in the middle of Shakespeare’s most famous love story.

It’s one more memorable chapter for an artist whose work has graced San Diego stages for years.

Read Here

A Reviewers of Tomorrow Winner Returns to the Byline This Summer

You may notice a new name appearing in our review section this summer—but it’s actually a familiar one! We’re delighted to welcome back former Reviewers of Tomorrow Writing Contest winner Eli Ander-Biegelsen, who is spending the summer in San Diego while home from college.

Eli will be sharpening their writing and critical thinking skills by reviewing local theatre productions throughout the summer. One of the greatest joys of our Reviewers of Tomorrow program is watching young critics continue to grow long after the contest ends, and we’re thrilled to feature Eli’s thoughtful voice and infectious enthusiasm for theatre once again.

“Eli is a rising junior at Occidental College in Los Angeles, where they are studying Theatre and Performance Studies and Black Studies. They are an active participant in the college’s theatre department and serve on the leadership team of Occidental’s sketch comedy troupe. Born and raised in San Diego, Eli loves diving back into the local theatre scene whenever they return home for the summer. They are currently interning in the Artistic Department at La Jolla Playhouse.

“Spread love. Remember Stonewall. ❤️❤️❤️” - Eli

Be sure to check out Eli’s reviews so far at Reviewers of Tomorrow: Alumni Reviews and keep an eye out for more throughout the summer!

From Our Critics

A roundup of reviews and interviews from our critics, featuring productions and artists from all over San Diego County.

David Coddon

Backyard Renaissance’s “The Rise and Fall Of Little Voice”

Carol Davis

New Village Art’s - “Hairspray”

David Dixon

North Coast Rep - “The Most Happy Fella”

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti

Diversionary Theatre - “Rent”

Makayla Hoppe

Diversionary Theatre - “Rent”

Pam Kragen

OnWord Theatre’s “Adult Storytime: A Caregiver’s Guide to the Blues”

ErinMarie Reiter

Cygnet Theatre- "The Spongebob Musical"

Let’s go to the theatre!

Currently Playing

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Backyard Renaissance – through July 3rd
The Spongebob Musical, Cygnet Theatre – through July 12th
Measure for Measure, The Old Globe – through July 12th
Hairspray, New Village Arts – through July 19th
Isaac’s Eye, OnStage Playhouse – through July 19th

Upcoming Openings

American Rhythm, Lamb’s Player’s Theatre – July 1 - September 27th
My Boy Greatness, Loud Fridge Theatre Group – July 2 - July 18th
North by Northwest, The Old Globe –July 3 - August 2nd
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Broadway San Diego – July 7-12th
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Moonlight Stage – July 8- 25th
Fellow Travelers, San Diego Opera – July 10 - 12th
Arcadia, Cygnet Theatre – July 15 - August 9th
Dive Bar Time Machine, Blindspot Collective– July 16th - August 9th
The Family Album, La Jolla Playhouse –July 17- August 16th
Cyrano, The Old Globe – July 18-August 9th
Scapin, North Coast Repertory Theatre – July 22 - August 16th Southwestern Shakespeare Festival - Southwestern College - July 22 - August 1st ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha- La Jolla Playhouse WOW Experience - July 28- August 9th

This list was generated by submission. For any omissions, please email season dates to info@sdcriticscircle.org.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, and San Diego Story

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - San Diego Union Tribune

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

This edition features a conversation with Michael Amira Temple — an actor, director, teaching artist with Imagine Brave Spaces, board member for Loud Fridge Theatre Group, and currently stepping into the role of Maureen in RENT at Diversionary Theatre.

Opening May 21, this bold new production reimagines the iconic musical with raw intimacy, electric energy, and the unmistakable spirit of chosen family that has long defined the show. With an optional immersive sequence woven into the experience, audiences will be invited even deeper into a story that continues to resonate with urgency, joy, resilience, and love — because there’s still no day but today.

Since one conversation about theatre is never enough, we’ve also rounded up some reviews and interviews from our critics highlighting San Diego productions and artists.

Plus, a call to action about the San Diego city arts funding.

Thank You, Five!
Meet the artists behind the curtain—five questions at a time.

What excites you most about playing Maureen Johnson in Diversionary Theatre’s upcoming production of “Rent”?

Playing Maureen is my first musical ever, so I’m most excited to throw myself into something completely new and see what I learn from it. Diversionary already feels like home to me, and working with director Coleman Ray Clarke (who has this quiet genius that’s a joy to witness) makes it all the more special.

Tell us about a few of your most memorable roles onstage.

The most memorable role for me has been playing The Angel in Diversionary’s “Merry Me” because that character was so big and playful and free that it really forced me to look at the ways I made myself small in my own life and pushed me to change that.

How did your education at San Diego State help prepare you for your professional career?

My time at SDSU introduced me to professors who helped kickstart my career as a professional theatre maker and educator. It also was a great practice in finding and creating meaning out of any opportunity, no matter how small.

You’ve acted, directed, designed, costumed and done stage managing. What discipline has taught you the most about yourself?

I think each discipline has a different lesson to teach, but acting has taught me the most about myself. Acting asks me to shift my own perspective and look into other people’s hearts, minds, and motivations and find understanding where I otherwise may not have. That process holds the sharpest mirror up to who I am, revealing the most about myself through the varying distance between my own way of being and others’.

What’s your assessment of the San Diego theater scene today in terms of its diversity and inclusivity?

While the efforts to tell more diverse stories on stage are clear and commendable, I think true DEI goes deeper than season programming: it requires clear, embedded policies and people who are trained to address issues and facilitate repair. Many theaters have DEI language on paper but lack the infrastructure to act on it meaningfully. I also hope theatres begin to challenge the tendency to hire mostly within their own networks, which can create an unintentional homogeneity, and instead commit to diversifying the voices and perspectives they work with.

San Diego Arts Funding Faces Major Cuts

San Diego’s arts and culture community is facing a critical moment as the City of San Diego’s proposed FY27 budget would eliminate nearly all arts funding — a reduction of more than 85%, including $11.8 million in arts support and the removal of Tourist Occupancy Tax funding for numerous programs.

For organizations large and small, these cuts could be devastating. Programs serving youth, veterans, underserved communities, neighborhood festivals, and free public events are all at risk. Beyond the cultural impact, the arts sector generates more than $1.1 billion annually for San Diego’s economy and supports thousands of local jobs.

Please join the many artists, arts workers, organizations, and audience members speaking out about the broad and lasting impact of these short-sighted cuts.

What You Can Do

Email your council member: The funding decision is in the hands of City Council. Voice your opposition by contacting your council member via the pre-populated email form or by personalizing your own message. You can also check your district and find contact information for your representatives. You can also use this map to check your council district, and find contact details for your council members here.

Share on social media: Create your own posts, share updates from your favorite arts organizations, or repost articles discussing the proposed cuts and their impact on the region.

Support the arts organizations you love: Donations to local theatres and arts organizations help sustain programs serving communities across San Diego.

From Our Critics

A roundup of reviews and interviews from our critics, featuring productions and artists from all over Sn Diego County.

Makayla Hoppe - JFest Entertains and Educates San Diego

ErinMarie Reiter - THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN - OnStage Playhouse

Pam Kragen - THE CHER SHOW - Moonlight Stage Production

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - Carlota: Alhajero de Secretos - Teatro Alebrijes

David Coddon - LEND ME A SOPRANO - Scripps Ranch Theatre

Let’s go to the theatre!

Currently Playing

The Velocity of Autumn, OnStage Playhouse – May 1st–May 24th

A Room in the Castle, Moxie Theatre – May 10th–June 7th

San Diego International Fringe Festival – May 12th–May 24th

Purpose, La Jolla Playhouse – May 12th–June 7th

JFest - May 12 - July 14th

Seussical the Musical, SDMT – May 14th–June 7th

Kim’s Convenience, The Old Globe – May 15th–June 14th

Upcoming Openings

Rent, Diversionary Theatre – May 21st–June 14th

The Sound of Music, Broadway San Diego – May 26th–May 31st

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Oceanside Theatre Co. – May 29th–June 14th

The Hombres, The Old Globe – May 30th–June 21st

The Monsters, La Jolla Playhouse – June 2nd–June 28th

Mean Girls, Moonlight Stage Productions – June 3rd–June 20th

The Most Happy Fella, North Coast Rep – June 3rd–June 28th

Hairspray, New Village Arts – June 5th–July 19th

This list was generated by submission. For any omissions, please email season dates to info@sdcriticscircle.org.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, and San Diego Story

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - San Diego Union Tribune

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

For more information about the Circle, visit sdcriticscircle.org, find our reviews on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram. We can’t wait to celebrate another year of outstanding theatre with you!

On May 29, 1935, a troupe of community actors performed scenes from William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” in the newly constructed Globe Theatre at the California Pacific International Exhibition in Balboa Park.

Today, the Old Globe is still producing outdoor summer Shakespeare in the same location, with “Measure for Measure” set to run June 14-July 12 and “Much Ado About Nothing” Aug. 2-30.

The Old Globe and its founding artistic director, Craig Noel, built a public appetite for live theater in San Diego and Noel was instrumental in helping many new theaters get off the ground.

Spring and summer are now festival season in San Diego. Part of that can be credited to this region’s good weather. But a tip of the hat to The Old Globe and to Craig Noel, the namesake of the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle’s awards, is well-deserved.

Here’s a look at what else is coming this festival season:

Festival & Summer Seasons in San Diego

San Diego is heading into one of its most exciting times of year—festival season. From brand-new works to immersive playgrounds of performance, plus a beloved summer musical lineup under the stars, there’s something for every kind of theatre lover.

Fourth Annual New Works Festival - Trinity Theatre Company

April 30 – May 3

The Fourth Annual New Works Festival from Trinity Theatre Company is a multi-day celebration of original plays, staged readings, and bold theatrical experiments. Out of 1,011 submissions, just 10 were selected—so consider this is a sneak peek at what’s up and coming.

Each piece is brought to life by local San Diego artists, making this not just a playwright’s showcase, but a true community collaboration.

More info: trinityttc.org/fourth-annual-new-works-festival/

WOW Festival – La Jolla Playhouse

April 23 – 26 | UC San Diego Campus

Presented by La Jolla Playhouse in partnership with University of California San Diego, WOW is a choose-your-own-adventure theatre festival.

Across four packed days, you’ll find 25 events spanning theatre, dance, music, puppetry, and spectacle—created by artists from San Diego and around the world. Most events are free (yes, free), with a handful of ticketed experiences ranging from $10–$25.

See the article from Pam Kragen all about the festival and each show below to help you plan what you see!

More info: wowfestival.org

🌍 San Diego International Fringe Festival

May 12 – 24

Fourteen years in, Fringe continues to be one of the most fearless spaces for performance in San Diego.

This year’s festival expands its cross-border vision with a Baja California Pilot Program, building toward a larger binational creative corridor. It’s also part of a bigger moment, as the region prepares to host the World Fringe Congress 2026.

Whether you’re a Fringe veteran or brand new, expect the unexpected: experimental work, boundary-pushing ideas, and artists taking risks you won’t see anywhere else.

More info: sdfringe.org

🌙 Summer Under the Stars: Moonlight Stage Productions

45th Anniversary Season

You know summer has officially arrived when the Moonlight stage lights up for it’s Broadway musical season.

Celebrating 45 years, this beloved outdoor venue returns with a lineup of Broadway favorites—big titles, big vocals, and that unbeatable open-air magic.

2026 Season Lineup:

• The Cher Show — April 29 – May 16

• Mean Girls — June 3 – 20

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — July 8 – 25

• Guys and Dolls — August 12 – 29

• Come From Away — September 9 – 26

More info: moonlightstage.com

From San Diego to NYC

• The Heart, which premiered at La Jolla Playhouse, is heading to New York this fall with Roundabout Theatre Company. Directed by Christopher Ashley, the piece blends electronic music with a race-against-time transplant story and now the story of the San Diego surfer is going to New York.

• Also on the horizon: The Full Monty, developed at The Old Globe, is set for its first Broadway revival in spring 2027. Directed by Leigh Silverman, it’s proof (once again) that work born in San Diego doesn’t stay here for long.

From Our Critics

A roundup of reviews and interviews from our critics, featuring productions and artists from all over San Diego County.

David Dixon - Fences- The Old Globe

Pam Kragen - La Jolla Playhouse WOW Festival

Alejandra Encisco-Dardashti - A Reflection on San Diego’ s engagement and community

ErinMarie Reiter - "THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG - Lamb’s Players Theatre

Let’s go to the theatre!

Currently Playing

The Lehman Trilogy, Cygnet Theatre – through April 26th
The Play That Goes Wrong, Lamb’s Players Theatre – through May 24th
Matt & Ben, New Village Arts – through April 26th
Fences, The Old Globe – through May 3rd
Sophocles’ Elektra, SDSU Theatre – through April 19th
Airness, Loud Fridge Theatre (at Moxie Theatre) – through April 19th
The Notebook, Broadway San Diego – through April 19th
Alien Girls, The Old Globe – through May 10th

Upcoming Openings

Riverdance, Broadway San Diego – May 1st–3rd
The Velocity of Autumn, OnStage Playhouse – May 1st–24th
Tomorrow, the Island Dies (new musical), SDSU Theatre – May 1st–6th
MJ: The Musical, Broadway San Diego – May 5th–10th
A Room in the Castle, Moxie Theatre – May 10th–June 7th
San Diego International Fringe Festival – May 12th–24th
Bards with Blades, Poway Shakespeare (at Fringe Festival) – May 12th
Purpose, La Jolla Playhouse – May 12th–June 7th
Seussical the Musical, San Diego Musical Theatre – May 14th–June 7th
Kim’s Convenience, The Old Globe – May 15th–June 14th
Rent, Diversionary Theatre – May 21st–June 14th
The Sound of Music, Broadway San Diego – May 26th–31st
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Oceanside Theatre Co. – May 29th–June 14th
The Hombres, The Old Globe – May 30th–June 21st

This list was generated by submission. For any omissions, please email season dates to info@sdcriticscircle.org.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, and San Diego Story

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - San Diego Union Tribune

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

We’re kicking things off with Kim Strassburger—artist, director, teacher, and the director of The Lehman Trilogy at Cygnet Theatre, running March 25 through April 26.

Because we think that one great conversation is never quite enough, we’ve also gathered a lineup of can’t-miss interviews and reviews from our critics—featuring standout productions and artists currently making waves. Consider it a curated backstage pass to what’s worth watching, reading, and talking about right now.

Thank You, Five!
Meet the artists behind the curtain—five questions at a time.

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do in the theatre world.

Hi! I’m Kim Strassburger. I grew up in Escondido, so I am a San Diego County girl. I studied Drama in Washington DC at Catholic University of America, and lived in Los Angeles and London for brief periods of time studying theatre. I also have an interest in history and received a MA in US History from UCSD in the early 2000’s. While I thought of myself as an actor early in my career, my interest in history led naturally to dramaturgy, and dramaturgy led to directing. I am one of those “hyphenates”: Director-Dramaturg-Actor-Teacher. I also greatly enjoy teaching theatre: 19 years of teaching theatre at Coronado School of the Arts and also periodically at Southwestern College.

You have a new show opening soon—tell us about it!

So honored and just plain excited to be directing THE LEHMAN TRILOGY by Stephano Massini at Cygnet Theatre. The play began at the National Theatre in London and won several Tony Awards in 2022. It is an epic 3-part journey about the rise and fall of Lehman Brothers, the famed investment bank that went bankrupt at the beginning of the Great Recession in 2008. However, the play focuses more on the Lehman family and their experience as Jewish immigrants in the 1840’s, their children and grandchildren throughout the twentieth century, and how their pursuit of the American Dream leads to what we all know happened in 2008. We have a team of three intrepid and brilliant actors who play over 70 characters over three centuries. They are a tour de force!

What drew you to this project, and what can audiences look forward to when they see it?

I saw the National Theatre/Broadway tour of the production in Los Angeles 3 years ago and what absolutely blown away by the scale, the history, and the insight of the play. With my history background, I was immediately drawn to it. When the opportunity came up to direct the play in its San Diego premiere at Cygnet Theatre, I truly thought, “This is dream come true.” I hope audiences enjoy the sheer scope of the story that the play is telling. I also know that they will marvel at our three actors, Jacob Caltrider, Steven Lone, and Bruce Turk, who leave me in awe at their creativity and energy every rehearsal. The Creative Team is jaw-dropping as well. We are in Tech as I write this, and the talent of these designers is staggering.

What’s something about your role in theatre that people don’t always see or fully understand?

Hah! Great question. Well, as we are in Tech, I always smile at the “How the sausage is actually made” process of creating theatre actually is. It can be a strenuous, step-by-step process. There is brilliance, there is focused and dedicated work, but glamour is not really part of the journey in these weeks of creation. We save the glamour for opening night. ;)

Outside of theatre, what’s currently bringing you joy and making you laugh, helping you recharge, or filling your cup so you can keep doing the work you love?

My friends and family, my brilliant collaborators, unexpected jokes and laughter in the rehearsal room (sometimes I am crying with laughter), lots of caffeine, and perhaps a visit to Trader Sam’s after opening.

Finish this sentence: More theatre in the world means…

More laughter, more recognition that we are not alone, more depth of thought, more civility of discourse, more beauty, more moments of awe.

From Our Critics

A roundup of reviews and interviews from our critics, featuring productions and artists from all over Sn Diego County.

David Dixon - THE MALTESE FALCON - North Coast Rep

Alejandra Encisco-Dardashti - THE MERCY SEAT - OnStage Playhouse

Pam Kragen - THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DIETY - Oceanside Theatre

Makayla Hoppe - WHO’S AFRIAD OF VIRGINA WOOLF? - Backyard Renaissance Theatre

ErinMarie Reiter - AN ACT OF GOD - The Roustabouts Theatre Co

Let’s go to the theatre!

Currently Playing

The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, Oceanside Theatre Co. – through March 29th

The Maltese Falcon, North Coast Rep – through March 29th

The Mercy Seat, OnStage Playhouse – through March 29th

An Act of God, The Roustabouts Theatre – through March 29th

Carmen, San Diego Opera – March 27th–29th

Lamoise New Works Festival, Moxie Theatre – March 28th–29th

Upcoming Openings

The Lehman Trilogy, Cygnet Theatre – March 25th–April 26th

The Play That Goes Wrong, Lamb’s Players Theatre – March 25th–May 24th

Matt & Ben, New Village Arts – March 27th–April 26th

Fences, The Old Globe – April 4th–May 3rd

Sophocles’ Elektra, SDSU Theatre – April 8th–19th

Airness, Loud Fridge Theatre (at Moxie Theatre) – April 10th–19th

The Notebook, Broadway San Diego – April 14th–19th

Alien Girls, The Old Globe – April 18th–May 10th

Beau Jest, North Coast Rep – April 22nd–May 17th

WOW Festival, La Jolla Playhouse – April 23rd–26th

Lend Me a Soprano, Scripps Ranch Theatre – April 24th–May 17th

Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress, Mosaic Theatricals (Escondido) – April 24th–May 2nd

The Cher Show, Moonlight Stage Productions – April 29th–May 16th

This list was generated by submission. For any omissions, please email season dates to info@sdcriticscircle.org.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, and San Diego Story

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - San Diego Union Tribune

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

For more information about the Circle, visit sdcriticscircle.org, find our reviews on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram. We can’t wait to celebrate another year of outstanding theatre with you!

The San Diego Theatre Critics Circle was thrilled to celebrate the winners of the 2025 Craig Noel Awards for Excellence in Theatre — and what an incredible evening it was! Now in its 23rd year, the Awards honor outstanding achievement in professional theatre throughout San Diego County, and this year’s celebration was one to remember.

On February 16, more than 400 artists, producers, and theatre supporters filled the Joan B. Kroc Theatre for a vibrant, joy-filled ceremony celebrating another remarkable year of San Diego theatre.

🏆 2025 Award Highlights

• Outstanding Dramatic Production: A Streetcar Named Desire — Backyard Renaissance

• Outstanding New Musical: Regency Girls — The Old Globe

• Outstanding New Play: Fragment/o/s of Air/e by Carla Navarro — OnStage Playhouse

• Outstanding Resident Musical: Follies — Cygnet Theatre

We were especially proud to present the inaugural Alice and Doug Diamond Outstanding Small Theatre Award to the Latinx-focused TuYo Theatre for its exceptional work in 2025. Formerly known as the Outstanding Achievement by a Small Theatre Award, this honor was renamed to recognize the Diamonds’ enduring support of smaller theatres in our community.

Our 2025 Actors of the Year, Lena Ceja and Eli Wood, were celebrated for their dynamic and versatile performances across multiple productions throughout San Diego County.

This year’s ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Bill Eadie and Doug Diamond, two individuals whose passion, advocacy, and lasting impact on the San Diego theatre community will never be forgotten.

The 2025 Craig Noel Award Winners:

Outstanding New Musical

“Regency Girls” – The Old Globe

Outstanding New Play

“Fragment/o/s of Air/e” by Carla Navarro – OnStage Playhouse

Outstanding Dramatic Production

“A Streetcar Named Desire” – Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company

Outstanding Resident Musical

“Follies” – Cygnet Theatre

Alice and Doug Diamond Outstanding Small Theatre Award

TuYo Theatre

2025 Actors of the Year

• Lena Ceja

• Eli Wood

Audience Choice Award

“La Llorona on the Blue Line” – by Mabelle Reynoso – TuYo Theatre

Outstanding Youth Performance

Iris Manter

Broadway San Diego presents the Reviewers of Tomorrow

• Josiah Briggs

• Ava Cherry

• Devina Keswani

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical

• Richard Bermudez – “Jekyll & Hyde” – San Diego Musical Theatre

• Karole Foreman – “Follies” – Cygnet Theatre

  

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play

• Marti Gobel – “Beauty’s Daughter” – OnWord Theatre

• Valeria Vega – “Fragment/o/s of Air/e” – OnStage Playhouse

  

  Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play

• Katie MacNichol – “The Waverly Gallery” – Backyard Renaissance Theatre

• Jocorey Mitchell – “The Hot Wing King” – Cygnet Theatre

  

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical:

• Jacob Caltrider – “Oklahoma!” – Cygnet Theatre

• Carmen Cusack – “3 Summers of Lincoln” – La Jolla Playhouse

Outstanding Direction of a Musical

Sean Murray – “Follies” – Cygnet Theatre

Outstanding Direction of a Play

Francis Gercke – “The Waverly Gallery” – Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company

Outstanding Choreography

Jon Rua and Daniel J. Watts – “3 Summers of Lincoln” – La Jolla Playhouse

Outstanding Music Direction

Patrick Sulken – “Regency Girls” – The Old Globe

Outstanding Scenic Design

Mathys Herbert – “To My Girls” – Diversionary Theatre

Outstanding Sound Design

Gareth Owen – “The Heart” – La Jolla Playhouse

Outstanding Lighting Design

Sammy Webster – “The Strangers” – Chalk Circle Collective

Outstanding Costume Design

David I. Reynoso – “Regency Girls” – The Old Globe

Outstanding Projection Design

Michael Wogulis – “The Mountaintop” – New Village Arts

* During the 2025 theatre year, critic Makayla Hoppe recused herself from voting in any category that may have presented a personal conflict of interest, reflecting the organization’s commitment to transparency and fairness.

A heartfelt thank you to our corporate partners — Broadway San Diego, Mance Creative Inc., and Rachel Gets It Done — and to our incredible donors. Your support makes this celebration, and our work year-round, possible.

We are so grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate the artists who make San Diego theatre extraordinary.

✨ Help Us Make 2026 Even More Magical

We’d love your feedback! If you attended the Awards, please take a few minutes to complete our short anonymous survey.

Now that the curtain has come down, we’d love to hear your thoughts. What did you love? What can we build on? What moment is still replaying in your head?

Your thoughts help us grow, improve, and make next year’s celebration even more magical.

Click here for the survey!

Thank you for being part of our theatre community — we truly value your voice.

For more information about the Circle, visit sdcriticscircle.org, find our reviews on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram. We can’t wait to celebrate another year of outstanding theatre with you!

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, and San Diego Story

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - San Diego Union Tribune

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

Two important questions as we head toward awards night:

Have you voted for the Audience Choice Award?
Voting is live and open to everyone! Inspired by the audiences who fill our theatres night after night, this award puts the power directly in your hands. Cast your vote and help recognize the productions that moved, surprised, and delighted you this season. Voting closes Friday, February 7th, 2026.

Click here to vote! https://bit.ly/CraigNoelAudienceChoice2025

Have you bought your tickets yet?
Join us in person to celebrate the artists, companies, and stories that make San Diego theatre thrive. The Craig Noel Awards ceremony is a joyful night of community, recognition, and shared love of live performance — and we’d love to see you there.

Monday, February 16, 2026
Kroc B. Center Theatre
6611 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92115

This year, the evening will begin a bit later. We’ll be hosting a complimentary desserts and coffee (non-alcoholic) reception at 6:30 PM, with the ceremony beginning at 8:00 PM.

Get your tickets and celebrate with us! https://bit.ly/CraigNoelAwardsFeb162026

Let’s honor the work, the artists, and the audiences that make this theatre community so special.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

The 2025 Craig Noel Award nominees:

(Nominees by category are listed in alphabetical order)

Outstanding Dramatic Production

• “Appropriate” - The Old Globe

• “Beauty’s Daughter” - OnWord Theatre

• “A Streetcar Named Desire” - Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company

• “The Waverly Gallery - Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company

• “We Lovers” - Loud Fridge Theatre Group

Outstanding New Play

• “Fragment/o/s of Air/e” by Carla Navarro - OnStage Playhouse

• “House of India” by Deepak Kumar - The Old Globe

• “Indian Princesses” by Eliana Theologides Rodriguez - La Jolla Playhouse

• ‘The Janeiad” by Anna Ziegler - The Old Globe

• “La Llorona On The Blue Line” by Mabelle Reynoso - TuYo Theatre

Outstanding Resident Musical

• “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

• “Follies” - Cygnet Theatre

• “Matilda” - San Diego Musical Theatre

• “Oklahoma!” - Cygnet Theatre

• “Waitress”- Moonlight Stage Productions

Outstanding New Musical

• “The Heart” by Kait Kerrigan, Anne Eisendrath & Ian Eisendrath - La Jolla Playhouse

• “Karaoke Dreams” Blake McCarty - Blindspot Collective

• “Manifest Pussy” by Shakina - Diversionary Theatre

• “Regency Girls” by Jennifer Crittenden, Gabrielle Allan, Curtis Moore, and Amanda Green - The

• Old Globe

• “3 Summers of Lincoln” by Joe DiPietro, Crystal Monee Hall, and Daniel J. Watts - La Jolla Playhouse

Outstanding Direction of a Play

• James P. Darvas - “Fragment/o/s of Air/e” - OnStage Playhouse

• Francis Gercke - “The Waverly Gallery” - Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company

• Phil Johnson - “Master Class” - The Roustabouts Theatre Co. and Scripps Ranch Theatre

• Kian Kline-Chilton - “The Hot Wing King” - Cygnet Theatre

• Rob Lutfy - “A Streetcar Named Desire” - Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company

Outstanding Direction of a Musical

• Christopher Ashley - “The Heart” - La Jolla Playhouse

• Geno Carr - “Matilda” - San Diego Musical Theatre

• Noelle Marion - “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

• Sean Murray - “Follies” - Cygnet Theatre

• Josh Rhodes - “Regency Girls” - The Old Globe

Outstanding Music Direction

• Elan McMahan - “Fiddler on the Roof” - Moonlight Stage Productions

• Carlos Ordiano - “La Havana Madrid” - New Village Arts

• Tamara Paige - “Waitress” - Moonlight Stage Productions

• Patrick Sulken - “Regency Girls” - The Old Globe

• Victoria Theodore - “3 Summers of Lincoln” - La Jolla Playhouse

Outstanding Choreography

• Katie Banville - “Follies” - Cygnet Theatre

• Xavier J. Bush - “The Prom” - San Diego Musical Theatre

• Jill Gorrie - “Oklahoma!” - Cygnet Theatre

• Mandy Moore - “The Heart” - La Jolla Playhouse

• Jon Rua and Daniel J. Watts - “3 Summers of Lincoln” - La Jolla Playhouse

Outstanding Scenic Design

• Mathys Herbert - “To My Girls” - Diversionary Theatre

• Takeshi Kata - “One of The Good Ones” - The Old Globe

• Yi-Chien Lee - ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” - Cygnet Theatre

• Duane McGregor - “Knock Loudly” - OnStage Playhouse

• Arnel Sancianco - “Appropriate” - The Old Globe

Outstanding Sound Design

• Jaden Guerrero - “Fragment/o/s of Air/e” - OnStage Playhouse

• Steven Leffue - “The Strangers” - Chalk Circle Collective

• Logan Kirkendall and Steven Leffue - “The Dark Heart of Dooley Stevens” - Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company

• Gareth Owen - “The Heart” - La Jolla Playhouse

• Fitz Patton - “Deceived” - The Old Globe

Outstanding Costume Design

• Elisa Benzoni - “Follies” - Cygnet Theatre

• Elisa Benzoni - “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

• Judith Dolan - “All’s Well That Ends Well” - The Old Globe

• Toni-Leslie James - “3 Summers of Lincoln” - La Jolla Playhouse

• David I. Reynoso - “Regency Girls” - The Old Globe

Outstanding Lighting Design

• Alan C. Edwards - “Appropriate” - The Old Globe

• Joshua Heming - “To My Girls” - Diversionary Theatre

• Sammy Webster - “Mary’s Wedding” - Scripps Ranch Theatre

• Sammy Webster - “The Strangers” - Chalk Circle Collective

• Amanda Zieve - “The Heart”- La Jolla Playhouse

Outstanding Projection Design

• David Bengali and Hana S. Kim - “3 Summers of Lincoln” - La Jolla Playhouse

• Nick Hussong and Sierra - “Manifest Pussy” - Diversionary

• Hana S. Kim - “Working Girl” - La Jolla Playhouse

• Lucy Mackinnon - “The Heart” - La Jolla Playhouse

• Michael Wogulis - “The Mountaintop” - New Village Arts

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play

• Sandy Campbell - “Master Class” - The Roustabouts Theatre Co. and Scripps Ranch Theatre

• Deja Fields - “Blues for an Alabama Sky” - Moxie Theatre

• Deborah Gilmour Smyth - “The Waverly Gallery” - Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company

• Marti Gobel - “Beauty’s Daughter” - OnWord Theatre

• Jessica John - “A Streetcar Named Desire” - Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company

• Steven Lone - “The Strangers” - Chalk Circle Collective

• William BJ Robinson - “We Lovers” - Loud Fridge Theatre Group

• Michael Amira Temple - “Merry Me” - Diversionary Theatre

• Valeria Vega - “Fragment/o/s of Air/e” - OnStage Playhouse

• Jacque Wilke - “What The Constitution Means To Me” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play

• Kevane La’Marr Coleman - “The Hot Wing King” - Cygnet Theatre

• Spencer Gerber - “Arms And The Man” - Lamb’s Players Theatre

• Zack King - “To My Girls” - Diversionary Theatre

• Jefferson Mays - “Noises Off” - The Old Globe

• Katie MacNichol - “The Waverly Gallery”- Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company

• Jocorey Mitchell - “The Hot Wing King” - Cygnet Theatre

• James Newcomb - “Birthday Candles” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

• Tom Zohar - “The Waverly Gallery” - Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical

• Richard Bermudez - “Jekyll & Hyde” - San Diego Musical Theatre

• Lena Ceja - “Anastasia”- Moonlight Theatre

• Michael Cusimano - “Oklahoma!” - Cygnet Theatre

• Quentin Earl Darrington - “3 Summers of Lincoln” - La Jolla Playhouse

• Karole Foreman - “Follies” - Cygnet Theatre

• David Humphrey - “Follies” - Cygnet Theatre

• Kürt Norby - “The Prom” - San Diego Musical Theatre

• Andrew Polec - “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

• Kylie Stucki - “The Prom” - San Diego Musical Theatre

• Lauren Weinberg - “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical

• Jacob Caltrider - “Oklahoma!” - Cygnet Theatre

• Carmen Cusack - “3 Summers of Lincoln” - La Jolla Playhouse

• Gabe Gibbs - “Regency Girls” - The Old Globe

• Janine LaManna - “Regency Girls” - The Old Globe

• Eboni Muse - “Once on This Island” - Oceanside Theatre

• Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer - “Working Girl” - La Jolla Playhouse

• Tanner Vydos - “Jekyll & Hyde” - San Diego Musical Theatre

• Eli Wood - “Oklahoma!” - Cygnet Theatre

Other awards that will be announced from the stage:

• Actors of the Year

• Audience Choice Award

• Outstanding Youth Performance

• Outstanding Achievement by a Small Theater

• Reviewers of Tomorrow Award Winners

* During the 2025 theatre year, critic Makayla Hoppe recused herself from voting in any category that may have presented a personal conflict of interest, reflecting the organization’s commitment to transparency and fairness.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, and San Diego Story

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - San Diego Union Tribune

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

Your support fuels our mission to champion San Diego’s vibrant theatre scene, from the grandest stages to the most intimate productions. With your help, we can:

🌟 Elevate theatre criticism through informed, unbiased reviews and interviews
📚 Inspire and educate new audiences, making theatre accessible to all
✍️ Mentor emerging voices through our Reviewers of Tomorrow program
🎓 Provide scholarships to youth performers pursuing their artistic dreams
💰 Award and support outstanding theatres advancing bold, local work
🏆 Celebrate our vibrant community by honoring excellence with the Craig Noel Awards

Every contribution — big or small — helps sustain a thriving arts ecosystem and keeps San Diego’s theatrical heartbeat strong. Let’s keep the magic alive, together.

Thank you for being a vital part of our theatre family.

Click here to donate or learn more.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, and San Diego Story

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - San Diego Union Tribune

Jean Lowerison - San Diego Stage and Screen

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

This issue is packed with victories and milestones: recent San Diego Press Club honors, a save-the-date for our 2026 Craig Noel Awards, a spotlight on a key donor whose generosity keeps the lights bright, and an invitation to support our mission. We also pause to reflect on the loss of our colleague, Bill Eadie, whose passion and presence continue to echo through our theatres.

- ErinMarie

🎭 San Diego Theatre Critics Win Big at the Press Club Awards!

San Diego’s best communicators and storytellers gathered for the 52nd Annual Excellence in Journalism Awards, hosted by the San Diego Press Club at the historic Encore Event Center in Kearny Mesa — the former XETV 6 studios, which first went on air in 1953.

Among the hundreds of journalists, artists, and creators recognized, several members of the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle were honored! These awards celebrate outstanding writing, reporting, and criticism across 130 categories and 10 divisions, honoring San Diego’s finest reporters, writers, photographers, and public relations professionals.

We’re proud that our members continue to be recognized among the region’s most accomplished journalists — a reminder that theatre criticism is both an art and a vital act of journalism.

Check out some of the nominated and winning pieces are listed below:

David Dixon

• Cygnet’s Latest Excels in Emotional Richness

• A Flawed Family Unit in The Old Globe’s Excellent ‘Appropriate’

• North Coast Rep’s Wonderful Show Personalizes Politics

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti

• Television/Online Video Interview - Marti Gobel, Producing Artisitic Director: OnWord Theatre

• Television/Online Video Interview- Gloria Calderón Kellet

• Television/Online Video News feature-Series - Theatre in San Diego

• The use of cell phones during a performance: a latent issue that is becoming more aggressive

Cassiopeia Gutherie

• CCAE Theatricals opens Jersey Boys in Escondido

• Your Local Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again opens at the La Jolla Playhouse

• Educator_Andrea’s show a must-hit pre-PD PD for tired teachers

ErinMarie Reiter

• SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET at San Diego Musical Theatre

• WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME at North Coast Repertory Theatre

• A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE at Backyard Renaissance

• LA LLORONA ON THE BLUE LINE at TuYo Theatre

• OKLAHOMA! at Cygnet Theatre is Classic Musical Theatre with a Modern Kick

Celebrate!

We’re grateful for our dedicated critics, who volunteer their time and expertise to spotlight our incredible theatre community—its artists, storytellers, and audiences alike. Below, you’ll find links to some of the work they’ve written to cover and celebrate the stages we all share.

Pam Kragen:

Theater-loving couple help Cygnet Theatre get new plays to The Finish Line

David Coddon

OnWord Theatre’s ‘Beauty’s Daughter’ a challenging piece for an actor

Makayla Hoppe

The Old Globe 90th Celebration

🎭 Save the Date: The 2026 Craig Noel Awards!

We’re thrilled to announce that next year’s Craig Noel Awards will take place on February 16, 2026, at the Kroc Center Theatre (6611 University Ave, San Diego).

This return to a theatre setting feels especially meaningful since it is where our celebrations began! The venue offers seating for 500 guests, great sightlines, and professional production quality, all while helping us keep ticket prices affordable for everyone.

While the Kroc Center doesn’t allow alcohol service, guests can look forward to a pre-show dessert reception with sweet treats and non-alcoholic drinks — the perfect way to connect before an evening of community and recognition.

Every ticket and donation directly supports our awards, scholarships, and student writing contests, keeping this celebration joyful, inclusive, and rooted in the San Diego theatre family.
Stay tuned for ticket information later this year — we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

In Memoriam

It is with great sadness that we at the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle share that our friend and colleague, Bill Eadie, has passed away. Bill was a retired faculty member at San Diego State University, where he had served as the Director of the School of Communication and Professor Emeritus of Journalism and Media Studies. He was also a theatre critic and author whose thoughtfulness, mentorship, and love of theatre left a profound mark on SDSU and the San Diego arts community. His warm, generous presence will be deeply missed.

We will update when any memorial details are released.

If you believe in championing great theatre and the voices that tell its stories, please consider supporting the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle. As an all-volunteer nonprofit, every dollar we receive goes directly to our awards and scholarship programs. Your donation helps us honor artists, uplift emerging critics, and strengthen the community that makes this city shine. Learn more at sdcriticscircle.org/donate. .sdcriticscircle.org/donate

Reviewers of Tomorrow Writing contest

🎭 Calling All Future Theatre Critics!

Your voice matters — and the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle wants to hear it. There’s still time to enter our Reviewers of Tomorrow writing contest before the December 10, 2025 deadline!

This free contest is open to middle school, high school, and community college students in San Diego County who love theatre and have opinions to share. Participants can submit reviews of amateur, scholastic, professional, or digital/streaming theatrical productions.

Winning writers will be honored and celebrated at the 2026 Craig Noel Awards, with cash prizes and the chance to be recognized as San Diego’s next great critic.

If you or someone you know is ready to share their perspective on the stage, they can submit everything through this link: Register and submit reviews. For full details on the submissions please click here.

Let’s go to the theatre!

Currently Playing

RENT, New Village Arts through December 24th

Working Girl, The La Jolla Playhouse - through December 14th

Beauty’s Daughter, OnWord Theatre - through November 30th

The Waverly Gallery, Backyard Renaissance Theatre- through December 6th

Young Audiences, OnStage Playhouse - through December 7th

Master Class, Roustabouts and Scripps Ranch Theatre - through December 14th

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Old Globe - through December 31st

The Strangers, Chalk Circle Collective - through November 30th

To My Girls, Diversionary Theatre - through December 7th

Upcoming Openings

A Christmas Carol, Cygnet Theatre - November 26th - December 28th

A Christmas Story, San Diego Musical Theatre -November 26=8th - December 28th

Lamb’s Festival of Christmas, Lamb’s Player’s Theatre- December 3rd - 28th

Cygnet’s A Magical Holiday: Christmas At The Joan, Cygnet Theatre - December 10th- 28th

2 Pianos 4 Hands, North Coast Repertory Theatre - December 11th- 31st

This list was generated by submission. For any omissions, please email season dates to info@sdcriticscircle.org.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, and San Diego Story

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - San Diego Union Tribune

Jean Lowerison - San Diego Stage and Screen

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

The all-volunteer San Diego Theatre Critics Circle is deeply committed to celebrating our community in a way that’s joyful, meaningful, and accessible to all. With rising costs making tabled events unsustainable, we realized the best way forward was also the most fitting: returning to a theatre where we began in 2002. We never want ticket prices to climb so high that anyone feels left out, and keeping the celebration affordable for all is a priority for us.

It’s not easy to find venues that comfortably seat over 500 people on a nonprofit budget. Still, the Kroc Center Theatre provides us with precisely that: space for 500 guests, clear sightlines, professional sound, lighting, and projections, and a shared theatre experience that puts the focus back where it belongs - on the theatre and the community we all love.

This venue does not permit alcohol service, so we encourage everyone to enjoy dinner beforehand and then join us for a sweet evening of community and recognition. We’ll still have a reception before the show, complete with desserts and non-alcoholic drinks, giving us all a chance to connect and celebrate together.

As always, every ticket sold and every donation goes right back into our awards, writing contest, small theater cash award, and scholarship programs, helping us remain a positive and supportive part of San Diego’s theatre family.

We can’t wait to see you at the Kroc Center Theatre for a night of joy, celebration, and, of course, theatre magic!

- San Diego Theatre Critics Circle

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, and San Diego Story

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - San Diego Union Tribune

Jean Lowerison - San Diego Stage and Screen

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

Varner and Dominguez Martinez will head to the Big Apple where they will join finalists from other regional competitions. It all culminates with the Jimmy Awards on June 23 at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre.

Speaking of Broadway, youth was served at the 2025 Tony Awards where 25-year-old Helen J. Shen from of the Best Musical winner “Maybe Happy Ending,” performed the lovely “Chasing Fireflies” number during the telecast with her costar Daren Criss. Loved the shout-outs to theater at all levels from so many folks onstage that night.

Across the pond, Moises Kaufman and Amanda Gronich’s “Here There Are Blueberries,” which world premiered at La Jolla Playhouse three years ago, is making its international debut right now at the Teatros de Canal in Madrid. And in another feather in the Playhouse’s cap, its 2023 dance-theater premiere “Is It Thursday Yet?” and its creator Jenn Freeman are the subject of a documentary “Room to Move,” which screened for the first time during the recent Tribeca Film Festival.

Summertime is one of transition for San Diego’s Cygnet Theatre, which is staging its last production – “Oklahoma!” – in its Old Town barn. Come fall, Cygnet moves to Liberty Station. The season also finds us welcoming home an old friend, Jefferson Mays (“I Am My Own Wife,” “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”). He’s back at the Globe for the madcap “Noises Off.”

Summer also means theater under the stars at the Globe and at Moonlight Amphitheatre. What a way to forget about the rest of the world and revel in the craft that we love.

- David Coddon

Celebration of San Diego Rising Stars

In the last newsletter, the Broadway San Diego Awards were yet to happen, and now we have two talented performers representing San Diego in The Jimmy Awards national competition. The ceremony highlights the best of high school musical theatre talent and features nominees from over 50 regions across the U.S. To date, more than 1,000 student nominees have participated in the program and participants have gone on to perform professionally on Broadway, regionally, and all around the world.

You can watch them and all the talented performers at the 16th annual Jimmy Awards® (National High School Musical Theatre Awards®) will take place on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 7:30pm at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre. The link to the livestream will be available on the day of the competition at www.jimmyawards.com

The Juneteenth Black Arts Festival is back June 19–22, 2025!

The San Diego Black Artist Collective presents the 2025 Juneteenth Black Arts Festival, June 19–22 at Diversionary Theatre—a four-day celebration of Black excellence in music, theatre, dance, poetry, and visual art, centered on community, visibility, and joy.

It opens on June 19th with “The Kickback,” a vibrant night of live music and spoken word celebrating Black joy and resistance. June 20 features “Actin’ Brand New,” a new play reading series, including “Crack Baby” by Candrice Jones. On June 21, “Lift EVERY Voice” spotlights Black queer artists in a dynamic multidisciplinary showcase, followed by “Black Creek Risin’”—a moving exploration of Southern memory and legacy. The festival closes with a joyful community Gospel Brunch, uniting voices in song, spirit, and celebration.

“This festival is a reclamation of space and story,” says Joy Yvonne Jones, co-founder of the San Diego Black Artist Collective. “We’re not just putting on shows—we’re building community and honoring legacy.”

Tickets and full event details are available at sdbac.org All are welcome to attend and celebrate.

Theatre fun at the San Diego Fair

Sure, the San Diego County Fair is famous for its deep-fried novelties—but it’s also serving up a delicious side of live entertainment, including nightly music, youth showcases, and theatrical fun you might not expect between bites of a deep-fried Oreo. One thing you might not expect is the “Rocky Horror Picture Show Spectacular” on June 20, featuring the original unedited cult classic on the big screen with a live shadow cast, full audience participation, and all the chaos you’d hope for.

To mark the film’s 50th anniversary, Barry Bostwick—aka Brad Majors himself—will host the screening, share behind-the-scenes stories, and meet fans at a special VIP experience if you want to do the time warp face to face. Expect a costume contest, memorabilia display, and more opportunities to celebrate one of the most iconic midnight movies of all time under the summer stars. For more information on the fair go to sdfair.com

New Fortune Theatre Brings the Scopes Trial to Life—100 Years Later

This summer marks the 100th anniversary of the Scopes “Monkey Trial,” a landmark clash of science, religion, and education in American history. San Diego will commemorate the centennial with “American Monkeys,” a bold public event presented by New Fortune Theatre in partnership The Library Foundation, The Friends of the San Diego Public Libraries, The Central Library, and The Westminster Presbyterian Church Committee of Peace and Justice.

The highlight is a staged reading of “American Monkeys”, the world’s first published abridgment of the original trial transcripts. Created by San Diego writer A.J. Schaar, the piece was developed with scholars and artists across disciplines and workshopped with New Fortune Theatre. This event brings history to life by recreating the 1925 Scopes Trial in a staged reading, along with carnival games, merchandise, and more.

This free event is Saturday, July 26th from 2-7pm.

For more information on the staged reading and the other events go to newfortunetheatre.com

Let’s go to the theatre!

Currently Playing

Waitress, Moonlight Stage Productions- through June 21st

La Lloronoa on the Blue Line, TuYo Theatre - through June 21st

One of The Good Ones, The Old Globe - through June 22nd

White Guy on the Bus, OnStage Playhouse through June 22nd

The Mountaintop, New Village Arts through June 22nd

Birthday Candles, North Coast Repertory Theatre- through July 6th

All’s Well That Ends Well, The Old Globe - through July 6th

Indian Princesses, The La Jolla Playhouse - through July 6th

Oklahoma, Cygnet Theatre- through August 2nd

The 70’s: The Golden Decade of the Album, Lamb’s Players Theatre- through September 14th

Upcoming Openings

A Streetcar Named Desire, Backyard Renaissance Theatre- June 19th - July 12th

The Janeiad, The Old Globe - June 21st- July 13th

Moulin Rouge: The Musical, San Diego Musical Theatre -June 24th - July 6th

Anastasia, Moonlight Stage Productions - July 9th - 26th

Noises Off, The Old Globe - July 6th - Aug 3rd

Matilda, San Diego Musical Theatre - July 11th - Aug 10th

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, North Coast Repertory Theatre - July 16th - August 10th

The Comedy of Errors, The Old Globe - July 27th - Aug 24th

Fragment/o/s Of Air/e, Onstage Theatre - July 25th - Aug 18th

This list was generated by submission. For any omissions, please email season dates to info@sdcriticscircle.org.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, and San Diego Story

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - San Diego Union Tribune

Jean Lowerison - San Diego Stage and Screen

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

Right now, two La Jolla Playhouse-born musicals are playing on Broadway (“Redwood” and “The Outsiders”) and two new musicals launched here in the past month (“3 Summers of Lincoln” at the Playhouse and “Regency Girls” at the Old Globe) are clearly on the path to the Great White Way.

But the city’s two largest theaters aren’t the only producers of new work this spring. This month, two local theaters are premiering new work (OnStage Playhouse’s “Knock Loudly” and North Coast Rep’s “Peril in the Alps”). Several of the shows at the Playhouse’s Without Walls Festival April 24-27 are premieres, and next month’s San Diego International Fringe Festival is sure to be brimming with local premieres.

And virtually every professional theater company in San Diego is now producing their own annual new play-reading series.

Why has San Diego become such fertile ground for emerging playwrights and musical theater teams? I see three reasons.

First, playwrights and musical theater artists are drawn here by theaters eager to develop new work, and to creative people like the Playhouse’s Tony-winning artistic director Christopher Ashley who are known for their prowess with molding new material.

Second, San Diego has many very generous local donors who collectively donate millions of dollars each year to help local theaters produce new work.

And finally, San Diego audiences are conditioned to seeing new plays and musicals so they aren’t afraid to take a risk with their ticket investment. In fact, San Diegans are excited and proud to be the first theatergoers in America to see shows that have gone on to great fame.

Remember seeing Sutton Foster become an overnight sensation on opening night of “Thoroughly Modern Millie”? Or the strippers finally revealing themself in a blinding flash of light in “The Full Monty”? Or how about the brass section musicians swaying their way across a raised platform for “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” in “Jersey Boys”?

Pat yourselves on the back San Diegans. You have had a major role in making San Diego one of the top producers of new theater in America.

- Pam Kragen

Celebration of San Diego Playwrights

If you want to be a part of the audience helping San Diego playwrights, then The Roustabouts Theatre Company has a perfect evening for you!

On Monday, May 12th at 7pm you can enjoy an evening showcasing and encouraging San Diego’s playwrights as they present readings of their original plays. This is a unique opportunity to support emerging voices of theatre, all of whom are from San Diego!

This year the theme is exploring the past, present, and future of San Diego’s diverse communities and culture.

This Roustabouts Theatre Company event will be held at Scripps Ranch Theatre. For additional information on the playwrights and ticket information go to https://www.theroustabouts.org/newwriters

Wagner New Play Festival is back!

On Friday (April 25), UCSD Theatre & Dance opens its annual Wagner New Play Festival, with five plays by MFA playwriting students being presented through May 17 at three on-campus theaters.

Founded in 1999, the festival has produced more than 20 plays that have gone on to regional theater and off Broadway runs, and its alumni include "Severance" writer Anna Ouyang Moench and prolific Southern California playwright Keiko Green.

Tickets for this year's plays are $20 and details can be found at theatre.ucsd.edu/performances-and-events/theatre-performances.

The Broadway San Diego Awards are May 25th and this is your chance to help celebrate excellence in high school theatre, and cheer on the top 20 performers in San Diego. By the end of the evening, the top two performers will go on to represent San Diego on a Broadway stage as finalists in the national Jimmy Awards.

The finalists are comprised of performers from all around San Diego County that have been nominated for their eligible roles over the past school year. Leading up to the awards, nominees will undergo a week-long intensive training program, including coaching sessions and workshops with local theater professionals.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Historic Balboa Theatre in Downtown San Diego on Sunday, May 25th and will feature twenty talented nominees and honor the Best Musical.

The 16th annual Jimmy Awards® (National High School Musical Theatre Awards®) will take place on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 7:30pm at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre. The ceremony highlights the best of high school musical theatre talent and features nominees from over 50 regions across the U.S. To date, more than 1,000 student nominees have participated in the program and participants have gone on to perform professionally on Broadway, regionally, and all around the world.

The Broadway San Diego Awards final nominees will be announced in May and tickets will go on sale at https://www.broadwaysd.com/broadway-san-diego-awards

On theme of San Diego theatre making an impact, on Monday, March 31, director Christopher Ashley was honored with the “Mr. Abbott” Award for Achievement on Broadway by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation. Many of the people there have graced San Diego theatres over the years - Moisés Kaufman ( “Velour: A Drag Spectacular”, “Here There Are Blueberries”) presented the award spoke of Ashley’s memorable and impactful work with additional tributes by music director Ian Eisendrath (“The Heart”), actress Harriet Harris (“Cry Baby”, ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie”), choreographer Sergio Trujillo ( “The Wiz”, “Memphis,” “What The World Needs Now”) and many more.

The evening was hosted by James Monroe Iglehart, who starred in “Memphis” at the Playhouse, and there were numerous musical numbers from shows Ashley had directed in the past including “Welcome to the Rock” from “Come From Away,” “Colored Woman” from “Memphis.” and “If” from “Diana: The Musical.”

Let’s go to the theatre!

Upcoming Openings

April

Without Walls Festival (WOW), La Jolla Playhoouse - April 24 - 27

Gruesome Playgound Injuries, Loud Fridge Theatre Group - through April 26th

Knock Loudly, OnStage Playhouse - through April 27th

Mary’s Wedding, Scripps Ranch Theatre - through April 27th

La Havana Madrid, New Village Arts - through April 27th.

The Hot wing King, Cygnet Theatre - through May 2nd

Regency Girls, The Old Globe - through May 11th

Peril in the Alps, North Coast Rep - through May 11th

Upcoming Openings

Grease, Moonlight Stage Productions- April 30th - May 17th

The Prom, San Diego Musical Theatre - May 2nd - June 1st

Hamilton, Broadway San Diego - May 6th - 18th

The House of India, The Old Globe - May 10th - June 1st

Latin History for Dummies, Oceanside Theatre Company - May 23rd - June 15th

Merry Me, Diversionary Theatre - May 15th - June 8th

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, La Jolla Playhouse - May 17th - June 15th

Unnecessary Farce, Scripps Ranch Theatre - May 23rd - June 15th

One of The Good Ones, The Old Globe - May 24th - June 22nd

San Diego Fringe Festival - May 15th - May 25th

White Guy on the Bus, OnStage Playhouse - May 30 - June 22

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, Broadway San Diego - May 27th - June 1st

This list was generated by submission. For any omissions, please email season dates to info@sdcriticscircle.org.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, and San Diego Story

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - San Diego Union Tribune

Jean Lowerison - San Diego Stage and Screen

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

The Critic’s Circle Craig Noel Awards are a labor of love that are a year in the making. All of our critics, besides writing interviews and reviews for shows each month, are also taking notes and making nominations for the awards. It is a time intensive process as we nominate, debate online and in person at meetings, and eventually come to a consensus for the winners over the course of a year. It is never an easy process, since we all have our own strongly held opinions - if we didn’t, we would even be critic’s?

Best of all, is that our event is a place for our community to come together once a year to celebrate each other all in the same place. It is one of the rare times when artists are not at auditions, rehearsals, performances, or other commitments that keep them busy the rest of the year. It is a time when we as a theatre family support and cheer for one another, reaffirm that art is a meaningful act that changes lives for not just the artists but for the audiences that get to see the performances, and get dressed up and have a good time.

Thank you to all of our nominees, donors, and attendees who are the reason we are able to have such a wonderful event.

We’ll see you at the theatre, because the process for 2025 has already begun!

- ErinMarie Reiter

The 2024 Craig Noel Award Winners:

Outstanding New Play

“Henry 6” - The Old Globe - adapted by Barry Edelstein from William Shakespeare’s “Henry VI, Parts I, II and III” at The Old Globe

Outstanding New Musical

“Redwood” by Tina Landau, Kate Diaz, and Idina Menzel at La Jolla Playhouse

Outstanding Dramatic Production

“Constellations” - Chalk Circle Collective

Outstanding Resident Musical

“Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

Outstanding Direction of a Musical

Sean Murray - “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

Outstanding Direction of a Play

Hannah Meade - “Constellations” - Chalk Circle Collective

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical - 2 winners

• Kürt Norby - “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

• Nio Russell - “The Color Purple” - New Village Arts

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play - 2 winners

• Daniel Patrick Russell - “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” - CCAE Theatricals

• Nedra Snipes - “Intimate Apparel” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical - 2 winners

• Michael Louis Cusimano - “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

• Bethany Slomka - “Legally Blonde” - San Diego Musical Theatre

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play - 2 winners

• Deborah Gilmour Smyth - “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” - Backyard Renaissance Theatre Co.

• Margot White - “A View from The Bridge” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

Outstanding Choreography

Katie Banville - “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

Outstanding Music Direction

Patrick Marion - “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

Outstanding Sound Design

Jon Fredette -“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” - CCAE Theatricals

Outstanding Costume Design

Diego Montoya Studio -“Velour: A Drag Spectacular” - La Jolla Playhouse

Outstanding Scenic Design

Mathys Herbert -“Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

Outstanding Lighting Design

Mike Billings - “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” - CCAE Theatricals

Outstanding Projection Design

Hana S. Kim - “Redwood” - La Jolla Playhouse

• 2024 Actors of the Year

  • DeAndre Simmons

  • Mikaela Macias

• Outstanding Youth Performance

  • Lena Palke - “Fun Home” and “Miracle on 34th Street: a Live Musical Radio Play,” both at New Village Arts

• Reviewers of Tomorrow Writing Contest

  • Sophia Hughes

• Specialty Award

  • Peter Herman - For an Outstanding Career in Wigs and Makeup in more than 300 theater productions in San Diego and beyond

• Artistic Visionary Award

  • Christopher Ashley - La Jolla Playhouse

• Outstanding Achievement by a Small Theater

  • Chalk Circle Collective

• Audience Choice Award:

  • “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” Cygnet Theatre

For additional photos from the event click here

We love to see new critics join the field and the Theatre Communications Group has an amazing opportunity for early career journalists and critics of color. if you know of anyone who might be interested in this opportunity !

From the Theatre Commnications Group announcement:

In 2025, the Rising Leaders of Color (RLC) program will form a cohort of three exceptionally talented early-career journalists and critics of color who are committed to uplifting the stories of BIPOC and Black, Indigenous, and all Theatres of Color (BITOC); upholding equitable practices in the U.S. theatre field; and who demonstrate the potential to impact the theatre field in a positive way.

RLC is created for leaders in early stages of their career, for whom participation would accelerate their development and knowledge of the theatre field. Since 2020 there has been a significant rise in the number of commissions, workshops and productions developed and led by BIPOC, but there has not been a corresponding increase in the number of BIPOC journalists and critics.

BIPOC writers are necessary to incisively reference the cultural lineage and legacy of BIPOC theatremakers. BIPOC journalists and critics are the key to unlocking meaning in work created by BIPOC theatremakers that may not be seen otherwise.

Apply Now

Deadline: Friday, March 7, 2025 at 11:59pm ET

Keep the theatre celebration going than to celebrate San Diego Theatre Month in March 2025

In it’s 10th year, this month long theatre event is presented by the San Diego Performing Arts League where participating theatres offer value-priced tickets throughout the county all month long.

Participating theatres include Broadway San Diego, North Coast Repertory Theatre, Innovation Family Community Theatre, Poway Performing Arts Company, CCAE Theatricals, Young Actors’ Theatre, The Scripteasers, Playwrights Project, Coronado Playhouse, Point Loma Playhouse, The Bornemann Theatre, The Old Globe, Moxie Theatre, San Diego State University School of Theatre, Television and Film, Luminary Arts, Trinity Theatre Company, Cygnet Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Theatre for Young Professionals, Diversionary Theatre, New Village Arts, National Comedy Theatre, Oceanside Theatre Company, The Roustabouts Theatre Company, San Diego Junior Theatre, Scripps Ranch Theatre, Lamb’s Players Theatre, Innovation Family Community Theatre and more to be announced.

“San Diego has sent more shows to Broadway than any other city in America, and we want audiences to experience what makes our region’s performing arts scene so unique. The goal of Theatre Month is to get you in a seat and experiencing the incredible performances San Diego has to offer,” says Jay Henslee, President of the San Diego Performing Arts League (SDPAL). SDPAL, a nonprofit advocating for performing arts organizations, operates the iconic ArtsTix Ticket Center in Horton Plaza Park and manages www.sdartstix.com, San Diego’s only nonprofit online ticketing service.

For Theatre Month 2025, tickets will be available at exclusive discounted rates of $15, $30, or $45, offering some of the best seats in the house as of the night of the event. A streamlined purchasing experience is available through www.sandiegotheatremonth.com, making it easier than ever to access these special offers.

Let’s go to the theatre!

Upcoming Openings

March

Other Desert Cities, Cygnet Theatre - February 5th - March 2nd.

Alabaster, OnStage Playhouse - February 7th - March 2nd

Hello, Dolly!, San Diego Musical Theatre - February 7th - March 9th

Empty Ride, The Old Globe - February 8th - March 2nd.

We Are Continuous, Diversionary Theatre - February 13th - March 9th.

The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet, Trinity Theatre Company - February 14th - March 2nd

White, Scripps Ranch Theatre - February 14th - March 9th.

3 Summers of Lincoln, La Jolla Playhouse - February 18th - April 6th.

What The Constitution Means To Me, North Coast Rep - February 26th - March 23rd.

The Dark Heart of Dooley Stevens, Backyard Renaissance - February 20th - March 15th.

True West, The Roustabouts Theatre Co. - March 27th - April 13th.

Ain’t Too Proud, Broadway San Diego- March 28th - March 30th.

Once On This Island, Oceanside Theatre Company - March 28th - April 13th.

La Havana Madrid, New Village Arts - March 21st - April 27th.

This list was generated by submission. For any omissions, please email season dates to info@sdcriticscircle.org.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, and San Diego Story

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - Union Tribune

Jean Lowerison - San Diego Stage and Screen

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

I think not.

The best part of covering the San Diego theatre community is its abundance of riches! We have so many theatres doing great work all year, which makes our organization’s discussions, nominations, and voting process very active. As we start 2025, the Critics Circle is prepping for the upcoming Craig Noel Awards on Monday, February 24th.

The nominations were announced this morning, and tickets are on sale. Below are the nominated artists and theatres; we invite you to join us in celebrating the San Diego theatre community!

- ErinMarie Reiter

The 2024 Craig Noel Award nominees:

(Nominees by category are listed in alphabetical order)

Outstanding Dramatic Production

“A View From The Bridge” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

“Constellations” - Chalk Circle Collective

“Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” - CCAE Theatricals

“English” - The Old Globe

“Intimate Apparel” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

Outstanding New Play

“Cleopatra” by Joy Yvonne Jones - Moxie Theatre & Loud Fridge Theatre Group

“Henry 6,” adapted by Barry Edelstein from William Shakespeare - The Old Globe

“Sense of Decency” by Jake Broder - North Coast Repertory Theatre

“Velour: A Drag Spectacular” by Sasha Velour and Moisés Kaufman - La Jolla Playhouse

“We Lovers” by Christian St. Croix - Loud Fridge Theatre Group

Outstanding Resident Musical

“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” - Moonlight Stage Productions

“Fun Home”- New Village Arts

“Midnight at The Never Get” - Diversionary Theatre

“Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” - Lamb’s Players Theatre

Outstanding New Musical

“Pásale Pásale” by Maria Patrice Amon, Mario Vega and Eliza Vedar - TuYo Theatre

“Redwood” by Tina Landau, Kate Diaz and Idina Menzel - La Jolla Playhouse

“The Ballad of Johnny & June” by Robert Cary, Des McAnuff and Ron Melrose - La Jolla Playhouse

“The Evolution of Calpurina Tate” by Omri Schein and Daniel Lincoln - Lamb’s Player’s

“TL;DR: Thelma Louise; A Dyke Remix” by EllaRose Chary and Brandon James Gwinn - Diversionary Theatre

Outstanding Direction of a Play

Richard Baird - “Tartuffe” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

Jasmine Bracey - “Intimate Apparel” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

Hannah Meade - “Constellations” - Chalk Circle Collective

Arya Shahi - “English” - The Old Globe

James Vasquez - “Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B” - The Old Globe

Outstanding Direction of a Musical

Stephen Brotebeck - “Midnight at the Never Get” - Diversionary Theatre

Kandace Crystal - “The Color Purple” - New Village Arts

Frankie Errington - “Next To Normal” - Oceanside Theatre

Steven Glaudini - “Into the Woods” - Moonlight Stage Productions

Sean Murray - “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

Outstanding Music Direction

G. Scott Lacy -“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” - Lamb’s Players Theatre

Lisa LeMay - “The Ballad of Johnny & June” - La Jolla Playhouse

Patrick Marion - “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

Patrick Marion - “Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show” - Cygnet Theatre

Elan McMahan - “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” - Moonlight Stage Productions

Outstanding Choreography

Katie Banville - “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

Xavier J. Bush - “Legally Blonde” - San Diego Musical Theatre

Natalie Iscovich - “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” - CCAE Theatricals

Jennifer Rias -“Tootsie” - Moonlight Stage Productions

Dana Solimando - “Jersey Boys” - CCAE Theatricals

Outstanding Scenic Design

Amy Jane Cook - “Ride” - Old Globe

Sean Fanning - “The Importance of Being Earnest” - Lamb’s Players Theatre

Mathys Herbert -“Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

Matthew Herman - “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” - CCAE Theatricals

Eleanor Williams - “Cleopatra” - Moxie Theatre & Loud Fridge Theatre Group

Outstanding Sound Design

Evan Eason - “Intimate Apparel” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

Jon Fredette -“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” - CCAE Theatricals

Logan Kirkendall - “Misery” - Backyard Renaissance Theatre Co.

Matt Lescault-Wood -“Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

Mikaal Sulaiman - “Fat Ham” - The Old Globe

Outstanding Costume Design

Susan E. Mickey - “The Age of Innocence” - The Old Globe

Diego Montoya Studio -“Velour: A Drag Spectacular” - La Jolla Playhouse

Shirley Pierson - “Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B” - The Old Globe

Shirley Pierson - “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

Zoë Trautmann - “Cleopatra” - Moxie Theatre & Loud Fridge Theatre Group

Outstanding Lighting Design

Mike Billings - “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” - CCAE Theatricals

Bradley King - “Fat Ham” - The Old Globe

Matt Novotny - “Intimate Apparel” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

Scott Zielinski - “Redwood” - La Jolla Playhouse

Amanda Zieve - “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

Outstanding Projection Design

Hana S. Kim - “Redwood” La Jolla Playhouse

Blake McCarty -“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” - Moonlight Stage Productions

Blake McCarty - “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” - CCAE Theatricals

Cosette “Ettie” Pin - “Velour: A Drag Spectacular” - La Jolla Playhouse

Michael Wogulis - “Cleopatra” - Moxie Theatre & Loud Fridge Theatre Group

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play

Nick Apostolina - “Constellations” - Chalk Circle Collective

Eileen Bowman - “Looped” - The Roustabouts Theatre Co.

Megan Carmitchel - “Constellations” - Chalk Circle Collective

Maggie Carney - “Misery” - Backyard Renaissance

Francis Gercke - “Misery” - Backyard Renaissance

Mikaela Macias - ‘Our Dear Dead Drug Lord” - Moxie Theatre

Brian Mackey “Outside Mullingar” - Lamb’s Players Theatre

Daniel Patrick Russell - “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” - CCAE Theatricals

Nedra Snipes - “Intimate Apparel” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

Bruce Turk - “Tartuffe” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play

Jonathan Fisher Jr. - “Intimate Apparel” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

Deborah Gilmour Smyth - “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” - Backyard Renaissance Theatre Co.

Tara Grammy - “English” - The Old Globe

Jenn Harris - “Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B” - The Old Globe

Max Macke - “Tiny Beautiful Things” - Scripps Ranch Theatre

Nathan Madden - “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” - CCAE Theatricals

Robert Smyth - “Outside Mullingar” - Lamb’s Players Theatre

Margot White - “A View from the Bridge” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical

Bryan Banville - “Midnight at the Never Get” - Diversionary Theatre

Selena Ceja - “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

Berto Fernández- “Next To Normal” Oceanside Theatre

Karole Foreman – “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” – Cygnet Theatre

Melissa Musial - “Beautiful” - Moonlight Stage Productions

Hadiyyah Noelle - “The Color Purple” - New Village Arts

Kürt Norby - “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

Nio Russell - “The Color Purple” - New Village Arts

DeAndre Simmons - “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” - San Diego Musical Theatre

Lauren Weinberg - “Camelot” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical

Michael Louis Cusimano - “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” - Cygnet Theatre

Brian Krinsky - “Camelot” - North Coast Repertory Theatre

Marlon James Magtibay - “Next To Normal” Oceanside Theatre Co.

Allison Spratt Pearce - “Beautiful” - Moonlight Stage Productions

Bethany Slomka - “Legally Blonde” - San Diego Musical Theatre

Tanner Vydos - “Little Women: The Broadway Musical” - Moxie Theatre

Tanner Vydos - “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” - San Diego Musical Theatre

Shanyeyah White - “Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show” - Cygnet Theatre

Other awards that will be announced from the stage:

Actors of the Year

Outstanding Youth Performance

Outstanding Achievement by a Small Theater

Reviewers of Tomorrow Award Winners

Specialty Award

We are so excited to announce that tickets are on sale for our 2024 Craig Noel Awards in February 2025

                                               February 24th, 2025

                                              The Blvd Event Hall
                                              4265 El Cajon Blvd

                                              6p.m. - 7:30p.m. - Pre-Show reception 
                                             with hosted hors d'oeuvres and no-host (cash) bar

                                             7:30p.m. - 9p.m. - Awards ceremony

                                             9p.m. - 10p.m. - Post awards mingling 

Carpooling is strongly encouraged as this venue does not have a parking lo and there is only street parking aorund the venue.

General Tickets - https://bit.ly/SDTCC2025CraigNoelAwards

Let’s go to the theatre!

Upcoming Openings

January

The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote, TuYo Theatre Theatre - January 3rd - 19th.

The Heart Sellers, North Coast Repertory Theatre - January 8th- February 2nd.

Back to the Future: The Musical, Broadway San Diego - January 14th - 19th.

Appropriate - The Old Globe - January 25th - February 23rd.

Little Women: The Broadway Musical, Moxie Theatre - November 10th - December 8th.

Some Like It Hot, Broadway San Diego - January 28th - February 2nd.

The Half Life of Marie Curie, New Village Arts - January 24th - February 23rd.

February

Wicked, Broadway San Diego - February 5th - 23rd.

Other Desert Cities, Cygnet Theatre - February 5th - March 2nd.

Alabaster, OnStage Playhouse - February 7th - March 2nd

Hello, Dolly!, San Diego Musical Theatre - February 7th - March 9th

Empty Ride, The Old Globe - February 8th - March 2nd.

We Are Continuous, Diversionary Theatre - February 13th - March 9th.

The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet, Trinity Theatre Company - February 14th - 23rd.

White, Scripps Ranch Theatre - February 14th - March 9th.

Lamoise New Works Festival, MOXIETheatre - February 15th - 16th.

3 Summers of Lincoln, La Jolla Playhouse - February 18th - March 23rd.

This list was generated by submission. For any omissions, please email season dates to info@sdcriticscircle.org.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, San Diego Story, San Diego Magazine

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - Union Tribune

Jean Lowerison - San Diego Stage and Screen

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

We are so pleased to celebrate that members of our organization took home a total of 11 San Diego Press Club Excellence in Journalism Awards! 

A panel of professional journalists nationwide chose these winners nationwide, and we are so proud of our nominees and winners and their excellent work.

Bill Eadie, David Dixon, Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti, Cassiopeia Guthrie, and ErinMarie Reiter were all nominees in multiple categories. 

Review: La Jolla Playhouse's‘Babbitt, San Diego Magazine by Cassiopeia Guthrie

Review: FAT Ham’ at The Old Globe by ErinMarie Reiter

Review: La Jolla Playhouse Presents SUMO in a Co-Production with Ma-Yi Theater Company by Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti, Melinda Lopez, Joel Perez, “Talking STIR with Melinda Lopez and Joel Perez,” From Another Zero-YouTube Channel 

Bill Eadie, David Dixon, Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti, Cassiopeia Guthrie, and ErinMarie Reiter were all nominees in multiple categories.  The full list of categories and winners are below:

Online and Daily newspapers: Reviews: Theater

First Place - Cassiopeia Guthrie, “Review: La Jolla Playhouse's ‘Babbitt,’” San Diego Magazine 

Second Place - ErinMarie Reiter, ‘FAT Ham” at The Old Globe, TalkTheatreToMe.com

Third Place - ErinMarie Reiter, “THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME at CCAE Theatricals,” TalkTheatreToMe.com 

Honorable Mention - Cassiopeia Guthrie, “‘The Angel Next Door’ Gets Laughs… But at Whose Expense?” sandiegostory.com

Nominated - David Dixon “The Age of Innocence” at The Old Globe - San Diego Story

Non-daily newspapers: Reviews: Theater

First Place - Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti, “La Jolla Playhouse Presents SUMO in a Co-Production with Ma-Yi Theater Company,” www.fromanother0.com

Third Place - Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti, “He is dead and gone lady./ He is dead and gone…,” www.fromanother0.com 

Television/Online Video: Interview/Talk Show

First Place - Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti, Melinda Lopez, Joel Perez, “Talking STIR with Melinda Lopez and Joel Perez,” From Another Zero-YouTube Channel 

Second Place - Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti, Bianca Marroquin, “Bilingual English-Spanish Interview with Bianca Marroquín,” From Another Zero-YouTube Channel

Third Place - Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti, Eric Keen-Louie, “Eric Keen-Louie in 2024 as Artistic Producing Director,” From Another Zero 

Websites: Blog - Topic Based 

Second Place - Cassiopeia Guthrie, “On The Craft Reviews,” On The Craft

Websites: Entertainment Site

Third Place - Mark Burgess, Ken Herman, Bill Eadie, Kris Eitland, Welton Jones, “sandiegostory.com by Critics LLC,” sandiegostory.com

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE CRITICS CIRCLE

The San Diego Theatre Critics Circle is dedicated to reviewing professional theatre in San Diego, interviewing artists and creatives, and bringing awareness to the County’s rich theatrical scene. Our organization has dedicated itself not just to the Craig Noel Awards but to building more community outreach and educational programs, encouraging a more diverse theatrical audience within the arts and entertainment writing and criticism field.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation of any amount supporting nonprofit arts journalism.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, San Diego Story, San Diego Magazine

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - Union Tribune

Jean Lowerison - San Diego Stage and Screen

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

This October offers a unique mix of comedic and creepy entertainment around the county. There are several stagings to choose from, including famous musicals such as Cygnet Theatre’s production of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (San Diego Musical Theatre and the Coronado Playhouse currently present two interpretations). Contemporary comedies playing are Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors at The Old Globe, and Oceanside Theatre Company’s version of Stranger Sings! The Musical Parody.

Even when October comes to a close, I will still be ready for a few more scares in November when Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company puts on the theatrical adaptation of Stephen King’s Misery.

- David Dixon

As we enter the fourth quarter of this year, the year-end round-ups are starting to come out, and the list of the most produced national plays of the 2024 - 25 season from American Theatre is out. San Diego theaters have either made this year or will produce in the next six months the top five plays: What the Constitution Means to Me (North Coast Rep); Fat Ham (the Old Globe); King James (the Old Globe); Primary Trust (La Jolla Playhouse) and Jersey Boys (CCAE Theatricals).

It makes sense that as theatres continue to work to reach pre-pandemic audience levels, there will be a mix of small-cast shows and some comforting crowd favorites along with newer, challenging, and thought-provoking works. After all, no one who saw Fat Ham at the Old Globe would say it was playing it safe or that kicking off the year with What The Constitution Means To Me at North Coast Rep won’t be incredibly topical just after the next president is sworn in.

Then you add in the world premieres San Diego had this year, including Redwood and Velour: A Drag Spectacular at La Jolla Playhouse, Henry 6 at The Old Globe, and Cleopatra from Moxie Theatre and Loud Fridge Theatre Group, which shows that San Diego is a dynamic and creative cultural destination, where there is always something interesting to see.

The Top 10* Most-Produced Plays of the 2024-25 Season

Heidi Schreck’s ‘What the Constitution Means to Me’ tops the list for the second year in a row (*11 due ties).

1. What the Constitution Means to Me by Heidi Schreck (16 productions)

2. Fat Ham by James Ijames (14)

3. King James by Rajiv Joseph (14)

4. Primary Trust by Eboni Booth (13)

5. Jersey Boys by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice (book), Bob Gaudio (music), Bob Crewe (lyrics) (11)

6. Waitress by Jessie Nelson (book, adapt. from Adrienne Shelly), Sara Bareilles (music & lyrics) (11)

7. POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive by Selina Fillinger (11)

8. Dial M for Murder by Frederick Knott, adapt. by Jeffrey Hatcher (10*)

9. The Heart Sellers by Lloyd Suh (10)

10. A Case for the Existence of God by Samuel D. Hunter (9)

11. The Play That Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, Henry Shields (9)

Everything’s coming up Wicked

In honor of it being close to Halloween's witching hour, and since the Broadway hit Wicked will soon magically appear at a movie theatre near you, just before the tour flies back to Broadway San Diego from February 5 to March 2, 2025 (tickets are on sale now), below are some fun looks at how theatre can be translated to the screen and sold while doing it.

"In Wicked, Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Makes Magic" by Vogue's Marley Marius - "When she had an idea for Elphaba’s glasses, her pajamas, or her footwear—“I said to [Paul Tazewell], ‘I would love for the heel of my boot to get higher as we move on in her story’”—he honored it. She and Tazewell agreed that “No piece of costume is frivolous,” [Cynthia] Erivo says. “Everything has a use, and everything is meaningful.” https://bit.ly/4eNAubw

"‘Wicked’ First Day Presales No. 2 YTD For Fandango Behind ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ – Box Office" by Deadline's Anthony D'Alessandro - "Great news ahead of its Nov. 22 opening: Universal‘s feature take of stage musical Wicked has posted first-day advance ticket sales on Fandango which rank as the retailer’s second best year-to-date behind Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine." https://bit.ly/4f09ci0

Photo Credit: Austen Danielle Bohmer as Glinda and Lauren Samuels as Elphaba in the National Tour of WICKED, photo by Joan Marcus 2024

Mark your calendars and save the date! We are so excited to announce that we have chosen a location for our 2024 Craig Noel Awards in February 2025

                                               February 24th, 2025

                                              The Blvd Event Hall

                                              4265 El Cajon Blvd

                                            More details to come!

Do you know a theatre-loving student writer? Our annual Reviewers of Tomorrow Writing Contest is accepting applicants through December 1st!

The San Diego Critics Circle is proud to honor future student theatre writers through this contest every year and provide mentorship and support to those who apply in any of our three categories: middle school, high school, and community college. For more information about requirements and to submit your entry, please visit sdcriticscircle.org/sdtcc-reviewers-of-tomorrow-contest.

Let’s go to the theatre!

Currently on stage

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, The Old Globe - September 7th - October 20th.

Looped, The Roustabouts Theatre Company - October 11 - 20th.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, San Diego Musical Theatre - September 20th - October 20th.

Primary Trust, The La Jolla Playhouse - September 24th - October 20th.

Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical, Oceanside Theatre Company - October 4th - October 20th.

The Importance of Being Earnest, Lamb’s Players Theatre, September 14th - October 27th.

Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors, The Old Globe - September 20th - November 3rd.

Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show, Cygnet Theatre - September 11th - November 3rd.

The Thanksgiving Play, New Village Arts - October 4th - November 3rd.

Upcoming Openings

Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, North Coast Repertory Theatre - October 23rd - November 17th.

Midnight at the Never Get, Diversionary Theatre - October 24th - November 17th.

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Old Globe - November 6th - December 31st.

Hadestown, Broadway San Diego - November 8th - 10th.

Little Women: The Broadway Musical, Moxie Theatre - November 10th - December 8th.

Our Dear Dead Drug Lord, Moxie Theatre - November 10th - December 8th.

Misery, Backyard Renaissance - November 14th - December 7th.

Tiny Beautiful Things, Scripps Ranch Theatre - November 15th - December 8th.

Your Local Theatre Presents…A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Again, La Jolla Playhouse - November 19th - December 15th.

Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play, New Village Arts - November 22nd - December 24th.

Respectfully Christmas, Lamb’s Players Theatre, November 26th - December 29th.

The Marvelous Wonderettes, San Diego Musical Theatre - November 29th - December 29th.

A Christmas Carol, Cygnet Theatre - November 29th - December 24th.

This list was generated by submission. For any omissions, please email season dates to info@sdcriticscircle.org.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, San Diego Story, San Diego Magazine

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - Union Tribune

Jean Lowerison - San Diego Stage and Screen

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

Ah, but there’s consolation in being back home. Variety and daring are front and center in San Diego theater this last month of summer, from a coming-of-age drag spectacular in La Jolla to a one-woman retelling of Shakespeare’s “Antony and Cleopatra” at Moxie Theatre to an “8-Track” journey back to the ‘70s at New Village Arts in Carlsbad.

Travel is educational, and this summer, I’m reminded, both at home and abroad, that live theater is part of the fabric and vibrancy of our collective community.

- David Coddon

Time flies when you’re having fun, and we thought this was the perfect time to check in on the Outstanding Achievement by a Small Theatre winner, Loud Fridge Theatre Group, to see what they have been up to since the ceremony earlier this year!

“It’s been a busy Season 2 for Loud Fridge since winning the Outstanding Achievement by a Small Theatre award! Our MiniFridge Jazz Lounge series, exploring the intersection of theatre and other performance mediums, has enjoyed great success - we have two more entries in September and November, with themes to be announced soon. We were also thrilled to receive the Critic’s Choice Award for the second year running at the San Diego International Fringe Festival for our production of Christian St. Croix’s We Lovers. 

In mainstage production news, Loud Fridge is about to open the second show of our 2024 season, the world premiere of Cleopatra, adapted and performed by local favorite Joy Yvonne Jones, in co-production with Moxie Theatre. This follows the success of the first show of our season, the world premiere of Twelfth Night of the Living Dead by local artist A.J. Schaar. We were pleased to be able to expand our Open Fridge policy during the run of Twelfth Night of the Living Dead, offering all tickets to that production on a donation-only basis, helping us live up to our mission of creating accessible theatre for all of San Diego. It’s been a joy this season to promote local art by local artists and to be part of shining a spotlight on the incredible talent here in San Diego. 

We are also proud to announce that Loud Fridge is one of 38 recipients of the 2024 "Arts and Culture Landscape” grant from the Prebys Foundation. We are so grateful for this investment in the San Diego community and look forward to continuing to create theatre that is bold, honest, diverse, and accessible. We’re hard at work planning our 2025 season as we speak, so keep an eye out for more news to come!”

Kate Rose Reynolds

Director of Operations,

Loud Fridge Theatre Group

Labor Day Weekend Theatre & Attraction savings from SDArtsTix.com "Summer of the Arts - Discover + Play San Diego"

The best way to celebrate the end of summer and Labor Day weekend is with some San Diego theatre ticket discounts from the San Diego Performing Arts League and ArtsTix San Diego!

"Summer of the Arts - Discover + Play San Diego" runs from August 26th through September 2, offering incredible deals on San Diego’s top theatre shows and attractions.

Discounts Include:

• Cleopatra: $34.99 Each Ticket

• 8-Track: The Sounds of the 70’s: Save $30

• The Magic Flute: Save $15

• Best Laid Plans: $35 Each Ticket

• Ruthless the Musical: Save up to $15

• Exit, Pursued by Bear: Save up to $20

• Fully Committed: Save $19

• Mestizaje: $30 Each Ticket

Check out all the discounted tickets available at www.sdartstix.com

Mark your calendars and save the date! We are so excited to announce that we have chosen a location for our Craig Noel Awards in February 2025

                                               February 24th, 2025

                                              The Blvd Event Hall

                                              4265 El Cajon Blvd

                                            More details to come!

Do you know a theatre-loving student writer? Our annual Reviewers of Tomorrow Writing Contest is accepting applicants through December 1st!

The San Diego Critics Circle is proud to honor future student theatre writers through this contest every year and provide mentorship and support to those who apply in any of our three categories: middle school, high school, and community college. For more information about requirements and to submit your entry, please visit sdcriticscircle.org/sdtcc-reviewers-of-tomorrow-contest.

Let’s go to the theatre!

Currently on stage

Henry 6th, Part I, The Old Globe - June 30 - September 14th.

Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - Apt 2B, The Old Globe - June 27 - September 1st

Cleopatra, a co-production of Moxie Theatre and Loud Fridge Theatre Group -August 11 - September 7th

Velour: A Drag Spectacular, The La Jolla Playhouse - August 13th -September 15th

Beautiful: The Carol King Musical, Moonlight Stage Productions - August 14th - 31st.

8 -Track: The Sounds of the 70’s, Ne Village Arts - August 16th - September 15th.

Upcoming Openings

Best Laid Plans, Vantage Theatre -August 29th - September 22nd.

Fully Committed, Scripps Ranch Theatre - September 6th - 29th.

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, The Old Globe - September 7th - October 6th

Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show, Cygnet Theatre - September 11th - October 20th

A View from the Bridge, North Coast Repertory Theatre - September 11th - October 6th

Tootsie: The Broadway Musical, Moonlight Stage Productions - September 11th - September 28th.

Jersey Boys, CCAE Theatricals - September 13th - September 29th.

Constellations, Chalk Circle Collective - September 14th - 29th.

The Importance of Being Earnest, Lamb’s Players Theatre, September 14th - October 27th.

Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors, The Old Globe - September 20th - October 13th.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, San Diego Musical Theatre - September 20th - October 20th.

Primary Trust, The La Jolla Playhouse - September 24th - October 20th.

This list was generated by submission. For any omissions, please email season dates to info@sdcriticscircle.org.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, San Diego Story, San Diego Magazine

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - Union Tribune

Jean Lowerison - San Diego Stage and Screen

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

I recently returned from two weeks in New York City, where I hit the rush lines most mornings and saw eight Broadway shows (“Suffs” was my favorite!). This spring, San Diego-born musicals and plays are having an unprecedented impact on and off Broadway. 

The La Jolla Playhouse-sprung shows “The Outsiders,” “Lempicka,” “Is It Thursday Yet?” and  “Here There Are Blueberries,” along with revivals of “Harmony” and “The Who’s Tommy,” have all opened recently in New York City. Also now on Broadway is the Old Globe-born musical “The Heart of Rock and Roll.” And at least five local artists and UC San Diego alumni have earned 2024 Tony nominations. 

Over the years, local theaters have produced many shows that moved on to Broadway. But now San Diego is at the forefront, and we are lucky to see everything first.  

We love seeing San Diego theatres, artists, and the Craig Noel Awards celebrated in Broadway Playbills (and beyond)!

Pam Kragen, treasurer.

We are always thrilled to celebrate theatrical excellence and one of our favorite ways, (besides our Craig Noel Awards) is participating as judges for the Broadway San Diego Awards. 26 San Diego County Unified High Schools participated over the last year and showcased their talent in a Tony® Awards-style process adjudication.

The Broadway San Diego Awards were celebrated on Sunday, May 26 at the historic Balboa Theatre in front of a very enthusiastic audience. The top 20 nominees had a week-long intensive with theatre professionals before competing to represent San Diego in the national competition The Jimmy Awards, on a Broadway stage on Monday, June 24, 2024.

• Best Musical: San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts for their production of Guys and Dolls.

• Best Actress: Mia Rivera from San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts

• Best Actor: Spencer Kearns from San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts

• Both outstanding performers are set to shine at The Jimmy Awards in NYC on Monday, June 24!

  Broadway San Diego Awards Winners: Best Actor, Spencer Kearns and Best Actress, Mia Rivera from San Diego School of Creative & Performing Arts - Photo by Ken Jacques

On the topic of San Diego Theatre in New York, this year’s Tony Awards features shows and performers that San Diego saw before they went to NYC.

* denotes A Craig Noel Nominee for this nomination

**denotes a Craig Noel Winner for this nomination

Lempicka - this musical about world-renowned artist Tamara de Lempicka came to La Jolla Playhouse on its way to Broadway.

Eden Espinosa - Best Leading Actress in a Musical *

Amber Iman - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical **

The Outsiders - La Jolla Playhouse became Tulsa, Oklahoma in this musical adaption

Best Musical **

Danya Taymor - Best Direction of a Musical**

Best Book of a Musical – Adam Rapp and Justin Levine

Best Original Score – Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay & Zach Chance) and Justin Levine

Rick Kuperman & Jeff Kuperman - Best Choreography *

Best Orchestrations – Justin Levine, Matt Hinkley and Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance)

Brody Grant - Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical**

Joshua Boone - Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical

Sky Lakota-Lynch - Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical *

Best Scenic Design in a Musical – AMP featuring Tatiana Kahvegian

Best Lighting Design in a Musical – Brian MacDevitt & Hana S. Kim

Best Sound Design of a Musical – Cody Spencerg

Read this feature about reimaging “The Outsiders” to create this production: https://bit.ly/creatingtheoutsidersmusical

Water For Elephants - David Israel Reynoso is nominated for Best Costume Design for a Musical. You have seen and swooned over his costumes for The Old Globe and La Jolla Playhouse and has has won multiple Craig Noel Awards for his designs.

Read Pam Kragen’s interview with him about this year’s Tony Nomination here: https://bit.ly/DavidIsraelReynosoTony

Hell’s Kitchen - This Best New Musical nominee features Nico DeJesus as part of the company - a San Diego native and graduate of SCPA as well as is nominated for a Scenic Design Tony Award for scenic designer Robert Brill who is also the professor of Scenic Design at the University of California San Diego.

Plus, Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien will be honored with a 2024 Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement!

The 2024 Tony Awards will air June 16, 2023 at 8 p.m. eastern on CBS and Paramount+.

Do you know a theatre-loving student writer? Our annual Reviewers of Tomorrow Writing Contest is accepting applicants!

The San Diego Critics Circle is proud to honor future student theatre writers through this contest every year, as well as to provide mentorship and support to those who apply in any of our three categories: middle school, high school, and community college. For more information about requirements and to submit your entry, please visit sdcriticscircle.org/sdtcc-reviewers-of-tomorrow-contest.

Let’s go to the theatre!

Currently on stage

Vanity Fair, Scripps Ranch Theatre - through June 16th.

Fat Ham, The Old Globe Theatre - through June 23rd.

Pásale Pásale, TuYoTheatre - through June 23rd.

Camelot, North Coast Repertory Theatre - through June 23rd.

Mrs. Doubtfire, Broadway San Diego - June 4 - 9th.

Escape To Margaritaville, Moonlight Stage Productions - through June 22nd,

Upcoming Openings

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Lamb’s Players Theatre, June 8th - August 18th.

The Ballad of Johnny and June, The La Jolla Playhouse - June 9th - July 7th.

The Color Purple, New Village Arts - June 14th - July 21st.

The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Backyard Renaissance - June 10th -July 13th

Twelfth Night of the Living Dead or What You Kill, Loud Fridge Theatre Group - June 21- July 7th.

Henry 6th, Part I, The Old Globe - June 30 - September 14th.

tick, tick…Boom!, Cygnet Theatre - July 3rd - August 4th.

Every Brilliant Thing, CCAE Theatricals - July 5th - 21st

Duel Reality, The Old Globe - July 6th - August 4th.

School of Rock, Moonlight Stage Productions - July 10th - 27th.

Gloria, OnStage Playhouse - July 12th - August 4th.

Don’t Dress For Dinner, North Coast Repertory Theatre - July 17th - August 11th.

Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, The Old Globe - July 27th - August 18th.

Peter Pan, Broadway San Diego - July 30th - August 4th.

Derecho, La Jolla Playhouse - July 23rd - August 18th.

This list was generated by submission. For any omissions, please email season dates to info@sdcriticscircle.org.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, San Diego Story, San Diego Magazine

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - Union Tribune

Jean Lowerison - San Diego Stage and Screen

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

As I was rubbing the sleepy mornings of Daylight Savings Time out of my eyes and wrapping up this quarter's classwork this weekend, I couldn't help but smile. While it's a busy season for me - one which has seen me begin a doctoral program as well as begin writing for a third publication -  it's an exciting one. 

Admittedly, I love this time of year. Freshness and flowers are emerging, pollinators abound, and the ocean water, while still too cold to comfortably dip your toes into, sparkles in the sunshine (can you tell I love to be outside?). Best yet, I am still basking in the aftereffects of our annual Craig Noel Awards, reflecting on how special it is for us to celebrate the work that has been done, enjoy the camaraderie of our peers and colleagues, and bask in the hope and energy of future artistic works together. Fittingly, during this season of renewal, our organization is expanding as well, not only through the addition of many new friends and supporters but also through opportunities to participate in public discourse about the theatrical medium. We have welcomed our first class of Reviewers of Tomorrow contest winners, we have a new critic in the circle, and theatre season is in full swing. 

I stumbled across a delightful quote by Naveen Kumar recently, a contributing journalist and theatre critic for The New York Times and Variety, that was delivered at an ATCA event. "We need more readers, we need more audiences, we need more artists of all different backgrounds and variety of experiences," he said, "engaging all those stories with your own subjective point of view in a way that allows your readers of your work to work toward more curiosity, more engagement, more unheard stories..." I couldn't agree more. On that note, I invite you, as we traverse into this second quarter of 2024, to engage with us, sharing your voice as we enter critical conversations about theatre.

To "more curiosity, more engagement, more unheard stories" and more of us enjoying this art form together!

In joy,

Cassiopeia

We were delighted to celebrate the 20th annual Craig Noel Awards with you all on Feb. 12 and would like to congratulate all of the amazing nominees and award recipients.

This year’s awards were presented before an audience of nearly 375 guests at the annual ceremony on Feb. 12th, 2024, at the SES Portuguese Hall of San Diego.

For the 2023 awards year, the Circle returned to a full slate of awards categories for the first time since the 2019 awards program.

Backyard Renaissance Theatre’s production of “August: Osage County” won the award for Outstanding Dramatic Production.  La Jolla Playhouse’s “The Outsiders” won Outstanding New Musical, and CCAE Theatricals’ “Sunday in The Park With George” won the year’s Outstanding Resident Musical award. 

 The Outstanding Achievement by a Small Theater Award, formerly known as the Don Braunagel Award, was presented to Loud Fridge Theatre Group for its body of work in 2023.

The 2023 Actors of the Year are Farah Dinga and Giovanny Diaz de Leon, who both performed admirably in multiple productions through San Diego County last year.

The first-ever San Diego Champions of Theatre Award was presented to Jay and Julie Sarno, who have been supporting theaters as philanthropists, season ticket holders, and volunteers for more than 40 years.

For a full list of all the winners please go to https://bit.ly/CraigNoel2023winners

Photos of this year's event are available here: https://bit.ly/CraigNoelawardsFeb2024

 The San Diego Theatre Critics Circle is proud to announce the addition of Makayla Hoppe as the newest member of our organization, joining the veteran roster of 8. San Diego Theatre Critics Circle members review professional theatre in San Diego and facilitate the annual Craig Noel Awards for Excellence in Theatre.

Makayla Hoppe has been part of the San Diego theatre community for almost 15 years, having worked for companies like Cygnet Theatre and La Jolla Playhouse. She currently works as the assistant editor and is a contributing columnist for the San Diego Jewish Journal. Prior to her work at SDJJ, Makayla served as editor-in-chief for Grossmont College's newspaper, The Summit. She now studies journalism and theatre arts at San Diego State University. Her theatre reviews can be found on her blog, "To See or Not To See."

Do you know a theatre-loving student writer? Our annual Reviewers of Tomorrow Writing Contest is accepting applicants! We were delighted to celebrate our three inaugural Zoe Liberman, Eli Ander-Biegelsen, and Kairi Peralto at this year's Craig Noel Awards ceremony, each of whom crafted delicious reviews, excerpts from which we have included below:

Zeo Liberman - Middle School Winner - “Hamilton”

"I was learning about the Revolutionary War right as it happened to stream July 2020 which happens to be Independence Day weekend, at the time I was in 3rd grade and had just watched it. Even though I didn’t think I would like it since it’s about history, I loved it. I loved the way they sang with passion, they danced stunningly, and the way all the girls had pretty dresses, mesmerized by every little detail. Then fast forward to July of 2023 when I got to see “Hamilton” live in New York City in the iconic Richard Rodgers Theatre where the movie was even filmed. I wish I could see it again.”

Eli Ander-Biegelsen - High School Winner - “The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical”

"The absolute best part of “The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical” is the dynamic between its main antagonist and protagonist: Hunter Thompson and Richard Nixon. Gabriel Ebert, playing Thompson, is delectable. It is a blessing to view his energetic, powerful performance. He parades as a delightful reprobate, with no mind to consequences. His portrayal is funny and moving and heartbreaking when it needs to be…There is but one actor whom I hold in higher reverence than the leading man, and it is George Abud, the actor playing Nixon. Abud manages to make Richard Milhous Nixon, an evil, bigoted, hope-devouring politician into a loveable goofball. It is a testament to the insurmountable acting talent of George Abud that he took one of the most unlikable people in the entirety of history, and made a character that you want to see more of.”

Kairi Peralto - College Winner - ‘Ride The Cyclone”

"Every song each child sings is perfectly attuned to each personality, going so far as even giving each a different music genre. There are some differences in this version from newer or older ones, and this mostly is seen in the beginning song, “Fall Fair Suite”, and references throughout the show. “Fall Fair Suite” is replaced by “Uranium Suite” in newer shows, and is frankly a shame, considering I believe it fits the initial feelings of each member better than its descendant.”

The San Diego Critics Circle is proud to honor future student theatre writers through this contest every year, as well as to provide mentorship and support to those who apply in any of our three categories: middle school, high school, and community college. For more information about requirements and to submit your entry, please visit sdcriticscircle.org/sdtcc-reviewers-of-tomorrow-contest.

Let’s go to the theatre!

Currently on stage

Hand to God, The Roustabouts Theatre Co. - through March 30.

Tartuffe, North Coast Repertory Theatre, - Extended through April 7.

King James, The Old Globe Theatre, - Extended through April 7.

The Evolution of Calpurina Tate: The Musical, Lamb’s Player’s Theatre. March 16 - May 5.

The Harvest, OnStage Playhouse. - March 22 - April 21

I Love You Because, Trinty Theatre - March 29 - April 28.

Upcoming Openings

Ride, The Old Globe, Shiley Stage. March 30 - April 28.

Disney’s Aladdin, Broadway San Diego, Touring. April 3 - 7.

The WOW Festival, La Jolla Playhouse. April 4 - 7.

Stew, Scripps Ranch Theatre and Common Ground Theatre. April 5 -April 21.

The 39 Steps, Scripps Ranch Theatre and Common Ground Theatre. April 5 - May 12.

Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Cygnet Theatre. April 10 - May 12.

Sense of Decency, North Coast Repertory Theatre, - April 17 - May 12.

This list was generated by submission. For any omissions, please email season dates to info@sdcriticscircle.org.

Looking to find our critics’ work? Follow the links below:

David Coddon - Stage West

Carol Davis  - Carol’s Theatre Reviews

David Dixon - San Diego Story

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti - From Another Zero

Cassiopeia Guthrie - On The Craft, San Diego Story, San Diego Magazine

Makayla Hoppe - To See or Not To See

Pam Kragen - Union Tribune

Jean Lowerison - San Diego Stage and Screen

ErinMarie Reiter - BroadwayWorld and Talk Theatre To Me

See you at the theatre!

Correction: In December’s newsletter we had incorrectly listed the name of the play “Here There Are Blueberries” - we apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

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