NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE UNVEILS AN EMOTIONALLY CHARGED SEASON 43 (2024-2025)

Solana Beach, Calif. – Brace yourselves for a journey through a spectrum of emotions as North Coast Repertory Theatre launches Season 43 (2024-2025). This season’s ambitious roster includes a World Premiere comic mystery, three San Diego premieres, a Tony Award-winning musical, a searing classic drama, an inspiring autobiographical piece, a family comedy, a new and hilarious Hercule Poirot mystery, a unique look at the Asian immigration experience, and one century-old cake.

Artistic Director David Ellenstein shared his excitement: “This may well be one of the most expansive seasons we’ve ever attempted at North Coast Rep. We expect to engage and delight our loyal patrons and attract new audiences to our intimate mainstage.”

In his dual role as Artistic Director of Laguna Playhouse, Ellenstein also announced that three of this season’s plays will transfer to Laguna Playhouse after completing their runs at North Coast Rep, thereby benefitting Orange County theatrelovers.

Season 43 blazes onto the stage with Arthur Miller’s Tony Award-winning play, A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE. Set in a tight-knit Italian-American community in 1950s Brooklyn, the play explores the lives of its characters with raw emotion and powerful storytelling. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, the audience is drawn into a world where loyalties are tested and the consequences of one’s actions have far-reaching implications. With compelling characters and intense relationships, this timeless drama keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Directed by David Ellenstein, it runs from Sept. 11 to Oct. 6, 2024, and transfers to Laguna Playhouse.

The San Diego premiere of INCIDENT AT OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP is set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1970s Katie Forgette’s charming comedy unfolds within the confines of a working-class family home. The quirky O’Shea clan navigates the tumultuous and sometimes awkward realities of a rapidly changing decade. This heartwarming play keeps audiences engaged and laughing, while delving into themes of faith, friendship, personal choices, and changing values. Join us for an unforgettable evening of spirited nostalgia. Directed by Jenny Sullivan, it runs Oct. 23 to Nov. 17, 2024.

Welcoming the new year is another San Diego premiere. THE HEART SELLERS by Lloyd Suh offers a compelling portrayal of intelligent, curious, and creative women navigating the challenges of living in a new country. The play highlights the Asian immigrant experience and the human condition by exploring complex, emotionally charged themes. Relationships, desires, and the intricacies of the heart are scrutinized with a blend of drama and humor that keeps audiences engaged. With its strong character development and sharp dialogue, this heartwarming play invites compassion and insight about the complexities of the human heart. Directed by Kat Yen it runs Jan. 8 to Feb. 2, 2025.

Continuing the journey is WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME, an emotionally charged theatrical event exploring the U.S. Constitution’s profound significance in contemporary America. Crafted by playwright Heidi Schreck, it is a deeply personal and introspective journey blending storytelling, humor, and political insight. The play examines how the Constitution impacts both individuals and society, and offers a unique, compelling perspective on the Constitution’s enduring relevance in our lives. This Tony-nominated and Pulitzer Prize finalist offers a powerful, humor-filled, and thought-provoking performance. Directed by Shana Wride, it runs Feb. 26 to March 23,

Prepare for intrigue with the World Premiere of PERIL IN THE ALPS, a new Hercule Poirot comic mystery based in part on “Poirot Investigates” by Agatha Christie. The twin sister of Captain Hasting’s wife, Dulcie, has been kidnapped – and Hercule Poirot rightly expects not only extortion to follow, but murder! In this sequel to his wildly popular Murder on the Links, Steven Dietz takes us on a thrilling and dangerous trip to the snow-capped Alps, where the cunning Belgian detective may finally meet his match. Six actors bring to life dozens of eccentric characters and clever suspects in this diabolically funny comic mystery romp. Don’t miss it!  Directed by Steven Dietz, it runs April 16 to May 11, 2025 and will transfer to Laguna Playhouse.

Next in line is the San Diego premiere BIRTHDAY CANDLES by Noah Haidle. An emotional examination of the human experience, this piece is filled with laughter, tears, and moments of reflection that make up one woman’s ordinary life. The play explores the passing of time, the evolution of relationships, and the profound changes that occur in a person’s life from one year to the next. Through its characters and storytelling, this charming story offers a unique perspective of life’s milestones. Celebrate five generations, an infinity of dreams, and one cake baked over a century. Directed by David Ellenstein, it runs June 4 to June 29.

Culminating Season 43 is the winner of the 2014 Tony for Best Musical, A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER. With book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak, the musical production is an endlessly entertaining foray into a charming man’s relentless quest for a bountiful inheritance that will change his life forever. This comedic musical story about ambition, love, family, and intricate murder plots will have you gasping with laughter and reveling in its lively, imaginative score.  Dazzling, delightful, and absolutely unforgettable, this merry musical is guaranteed to lift your spirits.  Directed by Noelle Marion, it runs July 16 to Aug. 10, 2025, before heading to Laguna Playhouse.

While not part of the seven-play season, another audience favorite returns, 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS, by Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt, which will light up the holiday season. Get ready for an interlude of riotous laughter, as Richard Todd Adams and Matthew McGloin take us on a musical comedic journey about their would-be careers as concert pianists. The talented duo trade stories about piano lessons, pushy parents, and eccentric teachers while playing everything from Bach to Billy Joel. This wildly popular show not only hits all the right notes, it tickles the ivories and your funny bone, too. Directed by Tom Frey, it runs December 12– December 29, 2024. Tickets must be purchased separately and are not part of the subscription package.

About the North Coast Repertory Theatre:
North Coast Repertory Theatre, under the artistic leadership of David Ellenstein since 2003, stands as a beacon of excellence in the performing arts landscape. Celebrating its 43rd season, the theatre continues to garner critical acclaim for its high-quality productions and commitment to showcasing works by established and emerging playwrights. With a dedication to intimacy and diversity, North Coast Repertory Theatre creates an immersive platform where artists and audiences thrive, enriching lives through the transformative power of live theatre.

AUT PSYCHOLOGICAL DRAMA, SENSE OF DECENCY,
MAKES WORLD PREMIERE DEBUT
AT NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE
By Jake Broder
Based on the book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai
Performances Beginning Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Running Through Sunday, May 12, 2024
Directed by David Ellenstein
Co-Directed by Jake Broder

Solana Beach, Calif. – Jake Broder has crafted a surprise-filled exploration into what makes people tick- filled with unexpected revelations, magic, and insight. A World Premiere theatrical foray into an historic meeting promises intrigue and theatrical sparks. When WWII ended, the Nuremburg trials were underway. Herman Göring was the highest-ranking Nazi alive. An American Army psychiatrist, Dr. Douglas M. Kelley, was tasked with interviewing him extensively and keeping him fit for trial. What happened in that fateful room had profound and unexpected consequences for both men.  Based on the book “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist” by Jack El-Hai.Directed by David Ellenstein. Dramatic gold that is certain to enthrall history buffs and serious theatre-goers alike.

The film Nuremberg, based on Jack El-Hai’s book, The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, is now in production in Hungary, which stars Russell Crowe (Göring), Rami Malek (Kelley) and Michael Shannon (Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson – chief prosecutor). Featured players include Richard E. Grant, Leo Woodall, and John Slattery, among others.

David Ellenstein & Jake Broder direct Frank Corrado*, Brendan Ford*, and Lucy Davenport*, in SENSE OF DECENCY. The design team includes Marty Burnett (Resident Scenic Designer), Matthew Novotny (Co-Light Design), Eric Montierth (Co-Light Design), Elisa Benzoni (Costume Design), Steve Leffue (Sound Design), Mat FitzGerald (Projection Design), Audrey Casteris (Props Design) and Peter Herman (Hair & Wig Design).  Evelyn G. Myers*, is the Production Stage Manager, and Katelyn Slater (Production Assistant).

*The actor or stage manager appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.

SENSE OF DECENCY previews begin Wednesday, April 17th. Opening Night is set for Saturday, April 20th, at 8 pm.  The play runs Wednesday, April 17th to Sunday, May 12th, with performances on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm, with Sundays at 7pm. Added matinee performances at 2pm on Friday, April 19th and Wednesday, May 8th. There will be a talkback with the artistic director and cast on Friday, April 26th.

BIOS: 

JACK EL-HAI is the author of The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, the book upon which Sense of Decency is based. That book began in 2008 when the son of Dr. Douglas M. Kelley let El-Hai explore a dozen boxes of Dr. Kelley’s papers and Nuremberg Trial artifacts long stored in a basement. El-Hai has written several other books of popular history and medicine. These include The Lobotomist, The Lost Brothers, and two forthcoming books: one about a face transplant patient and the other telling a historical true-crime tale. He has contributed articles to Smithsonian, GQ, The Atlantic, Wired, Scientific American, and other publications. Many of his works have been optioned or adapted for film, television, documentaries, and podcasts. After attending Carleton College, he earned an MFA in creative writing from Bennington College. He grew up in Los Angeles and now lives with his wife in Minneapolis.

JAKE BRODER (Playwright/Co-Director) lives in Los Angeles with his wife Lucy and children Ella & Louis. He recently was an Atlantic Fellow at the Global Brain Health Institute (at UCSF and Trinity College, Dublin), who commissioned his award-winning play UnRavelled www.unravelledplay.com.  His play Our American Hamlet premiered at the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, and was nominated for best new play, IRNE (Boston).  His musical, Miravel, won the LADCC for best score, composed by Jake. He co-wrote and originated the role of Louis in Louis & Keely Live at the Sahara, winning Jake Ovation, LADCC, Garland and LA Weekly awards for Best Actor and Best Musical. It ran at the Geffen Playhouse, directed by Oscar-winner, Taylor Hackford, and since toured Chicago and SoCal. His Royal Hipness Lord Buckley played Off-West End (Soho Theatre) and Off-Broadway (directed by David Ellenstein at 59e59) and in LA. His new musical, (with Conor Duffy) Max & Willy’s Last Laugh, had a workshop presentation at Mosaic Theater in Washington D.C., and is moving towards a D.C. production. He was also a fellow at the O’Neill under artistic director John McDaniel. Jake’s TV Writing includes Typewriter Days (Revolution Studios) and Black Hole Sun (Echo Lake), and Max & Willy’s Last Laugh, with Conor Duffy (Littleton Road Productions). As an actor, Jake recently shot “The Patient,” with Steve Carrell, was on “The Morning Show” on Apple TV+. and has a recurring role on HBO’s “Silicon Valley”.  Broadway/West End includes: Mozart in Amadeus directed by Sir Peter Hall (Old Vic, Music Box, Ahmanson), When Harry Met Sally with Alyson Hannigan and Luke Perry (Theatre Royal Haymarket), and Ophelia & Juliet in the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s Complete Works of Shakespeare (Criterion) in London. He played Ira Gershwin in Words By: Ira Gershwin (Colony Theatre) and Einstein in Einstein Comes Through (North Coast Rep), both directed by David Ellenstein.  He received his BA from Tufts University and trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and has a Graduate Certificate from UCSF in Equity in Brain Health. He is proud to be premiering a new work with the lovely audience of North Coast Repertory Theatre, with the vision and guidance of David Ellenstein bringing this to life makes this a pleasure. In humility and joy, he profoundly hopes you enjoy this experiment.

DAVID ELLENSTEIN (Director) Born into a theatrical family, David is an actor, director, producer, and playwright. Before joining North Coast Rep in 2003 as Artistic Director, he served in that position for the Los Angeles Repertory Company and the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company (AJTC). He is a veteran of over 300 theatrical productions at theatres from San Diego to Maine, and from Alaska to Miami and most places in between. David has won numerous theatre awards, including the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award for “2018 Director of the Year.” David has also appeared in dozens of film and television roles, as well as having been guest faculty for numerous universities including California State University Northridge, Cal Arts, and Shakespeare workshops privately. He is now the Artistic Director of Laguna Playhouse as well as continuing to be the Artistic Director of North Coast Rep.

FRANK CORRADO* (Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring) was last seen at North Coast Rep as Max, the endearing patriarch in The Homecoming. He has also appeared here over the years in Madagascar, The Dumb Waiter, and The Drawer Boy, as well as serving as director of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal. In 2010, Theater Communications Group awarded him the William and Eva Fox Foundation Fellowship for “Distinguished Achievement.” He presently lives in rural New Hampshire where he mainly carries wood and blows snow.

BRENDAN FORD* (Dr. Douglas McGlashan Kelley) is happy to be returning to the North Coast Rep, where he played Dominic in Amy’s View and Howie in Rabbit Hole. Other credits: Richard in The Lion In Winter and Victor Fleming in Moonlight and Magnolias at the Colony Theatre, Declan in Many Happy Returns and Frank in Red Herring at Laguna Playhouse, Harper in One Slight Hitch at the Falcon Theater, Jamie in Long Day’s Journey at The Lyceum, Arthur in Camelot at Fullerton CLO, The Captain in Anything Goes for Reprise!, Neville Craven in Secret Garden at South Bay CLO, Vincent Van Gogh in Break of Day at the Lillian Theatre, Torvald in A Doll’s House at L.A. Rep., Marco in Florinda at the Freud Playhouse. At LATC, he played Laertes, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in the six-actor Hamlet, and Leslie in The Hostage.  Brendan grew up in New York City, where, among other roles, he played Laertes in Hamlet and Hastings in She Stoops to Conquer for the National Shakespeare Co., Claudio in Measure for Measure at Westbeth Theater Center, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet at Columbia Shakespeare Festival and Valere in Tartuffe at Westside Rep.  Brendan has appeared in numerous films and tv shows.

LUCY DAVENPORT* (Dukie Kelley/ Emmy Göering) is delighted to be making her North Coast Rep debut. Lucy was born and raised in the UK. She trained at Oxford University and RADA and has since worked extensively on both sides on the Atlantic. US theatre includes: Anne Adams in Jake Broder’s play Unravelled for which she was nominated for Best Lead Performance (LADCCs). Other US theatre credits: Our American Hamlet (Commonwealth Shakespeare Co.), Yes Prime Minster (Geffen Playhouse). UK theatre includes: Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice, Mary in The Secret Garden, Madame De Tourvel in Dangerous Liaisons and 3 seasons with the Oxford Shakespeare Company. Film includes Martin Scorsese’s “Gangs of New York,” Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland,” Jay Roach’s “Dinner for Schmucks,” Betty Friedan in “Roe v Wade,” “Thor:Ragnarok” and “Dr. Strange.” TV includes “NCIS,”Doctor Who” and Mary Shelley in “Frankenstein” for the BBC. Lucy lives in LA with her husband Jake and their two children Ella and Louis.

EVELYN G. MYERS* (Production Stage Manager) (she/her): As a San Diego native, Evelyn is thrilled to be joining North Coast Repertory once again to Production Stage Manage this incredible project. Her favorite credits include: Globe For All: Comedy of Errors (The Old Globe), Globe For All: Henry V (The Old Globe), Hoopla! (La Jolla Playhouse), The Garden (La Jolla Playhouse), Pick Me Last (La Jolla Playhouse), Emily Driver’s Great Race Through Time and Space (La Jolla Playhouse x National Disability Theatre) The First and the Last (Hollywood Fringe Festival’s Encore Award), Savage in Limbo (Grand Central Art Center), and Bell, Book, and Candle (Kennedy Center Excellence in Stage Management Award).

Brendan Ford, Frank Corrado, & Lucy Davenport

Brendan Ford & Frank Corrado

Lucy Davenport

Lucy Davenport & Brendan Ford

Frank Corrado & Brendan Ford

Brendan Ford & Lucy Daveport

Frank Corrado

Frank Corrado

Brendan Ford

Brendan Ford & Frank Corrado

Lucy Davenport & Brendan Ford

The Company of Sense of Decency

*Photos by Aaron Rumley

NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE PRESENTS
TIMELESS COMEDIC MASTERPIECE,
TARTUFFE, by Molière
Translated into English verse by Richard Wilbur
Directed by Richard Baird
EXTENDED March 6 – April 7th

(Solana Beach, Calif.) – North Coast Repertory Theatre promises an evening of wit, satire, and uproarious laughter with Molière’s timeless comedic masterpiece, TARTUFFE, March 6 to March 31. This extraordinary production, translated into English verse by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Richard Wilbur, is directed by Richard Baird.

Tartuffe, a charismatic charlatan, insinuates himself into the lives of a wealthy family, setting off a chain reaction of disruption and pandemonium. Wilbur’s translation infuses the play with wicked precision and brilliantly rhyming verses, highlighting its satirical commentary on religious hypocrisy, duplicity, lust, and self-inflicted chaos.

Audiences who appreciate classic theatre and ingenious wordplay are in for a treat as they witness this inventive and entertaining evening unfold before them. Following its run at North Coast Rep, TARTUFFE will transfer to Laguna Playhouse, ensuring that even more theatre enthusiasts can experience this exciting take on a classic. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this theatrical journey!

The cast features Kandis Chappell*, Shanté DeLoach, Rogelio Douglas III*, Bo Foxworth*, Katie Karel*, Melanie Lora*, Kate Rose Reynolds, Bruce Turk*, Jared Van Heel* and Christopher M. Williams.* The design team includes Marty Burnett (Set Design), Matthew Novotny (Light Design), Elisa Benzoni+ (Costume Design), Ian Scot (Sound Design), Peter Herman (Hair & Wigs Design). Vernon Willet* is the Production Stage Manager.

*The actor or stage manager appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.

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NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE PRESENTS
THE POIGNANT AND POWERFUL PLAY
INTIMATE APPAREL
By Lynn Nottage
Performances Beginning January 10, 2024
Running Through February 4, 2024
Directed By Jasmine Bracey

Solana Beach, Calif. – North Coast Repertory Theatre is thrilled to stage INTIMATE APPAREL, a heartfelt tale of belonging, love, and survival, which launches the New Year and second half of Season 42. Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist Lynn Nottage has stitched together a powerful tale with an array of characters whose intertwining relationships are told with humor, heartbreak and resiliency.

Set in 1905 New York City, INTIMATE APPAREL tells the story of a lonely but talented black seamstress, Esther, living in a Manhattan boardinghouse. Despite her current circumstances, Esther dreams of a more fulfilling life.

Directed by Jasmine Bracey, the play takes us through Esther’s world where she creates exquisite lingerie for diverse clientele, from wealthy white patrons to prostitutes. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she begins correspondence with a suitor, George, working on the Panama Canal.

The cast features Madeleine Barker*, Teri Brown*, Jonathan Fisher Jr*, Donald Paul*, Nedra Snipes* and Arizsia Staton bringing together a remarkable ensemble of characters. The design team, featuring Marty Burnett (Set Design), Matthew Novotny (Light Design), Elisa Benzoni+ (Costume Design), Evan Eason (Sound Design), Cindy Rumley (Prop Design), Matt FitzGerald (Projection Design), Peter Herman (Hair & Wigs Design) creates a visually stunning backdrop that captures the essence of the early 20th century New York. Jared Halsell is the Stage Manager.

*The actor or stage manager appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.

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