Announcing Season 37!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE:
TWO WEST COAST PREMIERES, ONE WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL
HIGHLIGHT SEASON 37 AT NORTH COAST REP

Solana Beach, CA, North Coast Repertory Theatre launches Season 37 with an intriguing array of riotous comedy, a powerful family drama, a suspense-filled Sherlock Holmes mystery, an eye-opening personal conversation between a U.S. and Soviet arms negotiators, and a colorful musical from the creators of the legendary Broadway musical Guys and Dolls. The compelling lineup includes two West Coast premieres and one World premiere.

Artistic Director David Ellenstein selected plays that are intimate, heartfelt, honest, invigorating and entertaining. “We have chosen to present stories that will appeal not only to our loyal subscribers, but to a broad spectrum of theatre-goers throughout the county.” Our audiences will be treated to a fascinating blend of old and new productions.

The beloved smash hit of the London and Broadway stages conjures its way to North Coast Rep for a spirited and hilarious evening in Noël Coward’s BLITHE SPIRIT. A socialite novelist, an eccentric medium, an unforgiving ex-wife and a shrewish spouse create supernatural hijinks in this world-class comedy. You are summoned for an otherworldly evening of theatre overflowing with wit, sophistication and effervescent fun. Rosina Reynolds directs. The play runs from September 5 through September 30, 2018.

Up next is the West Coast premiere, HOLMES & WATSON directed by Artistic Director David Ellenstein. Playwright Jeffrey Hatcher has conceived a masterful scenario in which three men claim to be the missing Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson is called upon to do some sleuthing. Prepare yourself for a fast-paced, thrilling, suspenseful story that will keep you guessing. Brilliant, full of mystery, surprises, twists, turns and even a little bit of shock, this West Coast premiere is a very worthy addition to the Sherlock Holmes canon and will challenge the most astute mystery buff. Runs from October 17 through November 11, 2018

MOON OVER BUFFALO promises a love letter to live theatre, and fun start to 2019. Comic genius Ken Ludwig (Lend Me A Tenor), a master of old-fashioned knockabout farces, created MOON OVER BUFFALO. This is a laugh-a-minute show within a show, with everyone in the wrong costumes and reading the wrong lines. An evening of mayhem filled with comic inventions and running gags, this wild and wacky comedy is directed by Matthew Wiener. Runs from January 9 through February 3, 2019. Be prepared to leave the theatre exhausted from laughter.

The West Coast premiere of GABRIEL takes the stage from February 20 through March 17, and directed by Christopher Williams. The Isle of Guernsey – 1943, a mysterious handsome man washes up on shore and four British women decide to protect him through cunning deceptions and bravery. British playwright Moira Buffini’s award-winning Off Broadway play presents the dramatic tale of the loss and dangers of a family under Nazi occupation. GABRIEL explores the perils of survival with mystical beliefs and loyalty. A powerful wartime drama brimming with suspense and intrigue that will keep you at the edge of your seat. A New York Times Critic’s Pick.

Next up, Off-Broadway’s hit, ALL IN THE TIMING, a sextet of one-act comedies by playwright David Ives, which uses inspired language and wordplay to examine various attempts at relationships and communication with comical results.  It will push your smart buttons and tease your brain as Ives spins hilarity out of a brilliant use of language. Wit, intellect, satire and just plain fun! Join us for laughter and an experience that will tickle your heart. Directed by David Ellenstein it runs from April 10 through May 5, 2019

With world tensions escalating, Lee Blessing’s play, A WALK IN THE WOODS, is especially relevant today. Set in the midst of the Cold War, A U.S. and Soviet arms negotiator agree to meet informally. Their revealing and absorbing conversations, laced with humor, evolve through debate and discord, exploring unexpected and uncharted territory. For those yearning for a more enlightened world, this play gives us much to think about. Directed by Richard Baird from May 29 through June 23, 2019.

Our last show for Season 37 is The World Premiere of ANOTHER ROLL OF THE DICE, re-uniting songwriter Frank Loesser and author Damon Runyon, the creators of the legendary Broadway musical Guys and Dolls. In “Dice,” three classic Runyon stories are intertwined with hits from the Frank Loesser songbook, including “Heart and Soul,” “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Two Sleepy People,” and “Let’s Get Lost,” performed by iconic Runyonesque characters. Book by Mark Saltzman and directed by Larry Sousa. Don’t gamble on losing out on this sure-fire winner destined for many future productions. Runs from July 10 through August 4, 2019.

Finally, join us in December for a dramatic musical theatrical experience, Always…Patsy Cline. Created and originally directed by Ted Swindley with additional material by Ellis Nassour, it is based on a true story. This musical has enjoyed great success all over the United States including a successful run off Broadway. The show is based on a true story of Patsy’s friendship with a fan, Louise Seger, who continued a correspondence with Cline to the end of her life. The musical play includes many of Patsy’s unforgettable hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fall To Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams,” and “Walking After Midnight.” Treat yourself to the play that will leave you humming these memorable songs from December 12 through December 30, 2018.

North Coast Repertory Theatre is a professional Equity theatre founded in 1982 by Olive and Tom Blakistone. The Solana Beach theatre has received critical acclaim from media and audiences alike, and has evolved into one of the area’s leading performing arts organizations under the Artistic direction of David Ellenstein since 2003. North Coast Rep prides itself on employing the majority of its actors from Actors’ Equity Association, for its high quality, award-winning productions, and staging works by established and emerging playwrights. Throughout its history, North Coast Rep has created a platform where artist and audience thrive through the intimacy of live theatre, recognizing the power of theatre to challenge complacency, revitalize the imagination, nurture the unexpected and embrace the variety and diversity in our lives.