NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE ANNOUNCES DYNAMIC 2026-2027 SEASON

Seven Extraordinary Productions: World Premieres, West Coast Debuts, A Broadway Hit, and A Beloved Musical!

Solana Beach, CA – North Coast Repertory Theatre proudly unveils its exciting 2026-2027 season, offering audiences an eclectic mix of premieres, a beloved classic, and a theatrical treasure. Under the artistic direction of David Ellenstein, the upcoming season promises to deliver exceptional theatrical experiences for patrons of all tastes.

GOODNIGHT, OSCAR (September 16 – October 11, 2026) — West Coast Premiere

Oscar Levant — pianist, actor, composer, and legendary wit — comes to vivid life in this electrifying play. Set during a fateful 1958 appearance on “The Jack Paar Show,” this backstage drama captures one unforgettable night in the life of Hollywood’s most neurotic and unfiltered personality. Experience the glamorous, and not so glamorous, behind-the-scenes chaos of show business at its peak. The New York Times, called it “blisteringly funny, razor-sharp and deeply moving.” Directed by Tom Frey.

THE COTTAGE (October 28 – November 22, 2026) — A Broadway Hit

A hilarious web of revelations unravels in this wickedly funny farce where matters of the heart are never simple. Set in the English countryside in 1923, THE COTTAGE is a side-splitting romp where passion collides with propriety and scandal erupts behind closed doors. When secrets can no longer stay hidden, love, marriage, loyalty, and desire are all called into question. TheatreMania, called it “Hilarious! You’ll laugh for two hours straight.” Directed by Shana Wride.

VINELAND PLACE (January 6 – January 31, 2027) — West Coast Premiere

When an aspiring writer receives an invitation to complete his literary hero’s unfinished manuscript, it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. But is it? Smart, suspenseful, and razor-sharp, this chilling new thriller from master playwright Steven Dietz draws audiences into an unsettling world of intrigue. Inside the novelist’s secluded home, working under an enigmatic widow’s watchful eye, the lines between fiction and reality begin to blur. Turns out, the most dangerous story may not be on the page at all. Directed by Richard Baird.

MISALLIANCE (February 24 – March 21, 2027) — A Classic Satire

George Bernard Shaw turns polite society upside down in this fast, fizzy comedy where manners mean nothing and rules are made to be broken. A seemingly tranquil afternoon detonates into romantic chaos when an unexpected visitor drops in — quite literally from above. As secrets spill and alliances shift, Shaw delights in skewering class, courtship, and the dangerous idea that love should never be sensible. The Los Angeles Times, called it “scintillatingly entertaining.” Directed by David Ellenstein.

MY FAIR LADY (April 14 – May 9, 2027) — An Intimate Revival

Musical theater at its finest. Lerner and Loewe’s masterpiece delivers unforgettable songs including, “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” “I Could Have Danced All Night,” and “The Rain in Spain.” Incisive humor, gorgeous melodies, and a battle of wills for the ages. The New York Times, called it “Thrilling, glorious and better than it ever was!” Enjoy this timeless tale of transformation in an intimate setting where the soaring music and dazzling charm connects directly with your heart. Directed by Jeffrey B. Moss.

KEN LUDWIG’S DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE (June 2 – June 27, 2027) — San Diego Premiere

Ken Ludwig crafts an irresistibly charming love story, capturing the wit, warmth, and longing of two people falling in love against impossible odds. In the midst of World War II’s darkest days, a young doctor stationed in Oregon and an aspiring actress in New York begin an unexpected correspondence. BroadwayWorld, said “The play crackles with humor and real feeling.” Funny, tender, and brimming with hope — a true story! Directed by Noelle Marion.

GENE WILDER'S MY FRENCH WHORE (July 14 – August 8, 2027) — World Premiere Musical

From Gene Wilder’s beloved novel comes a surprising and enchanting World War I musical. Adapted by Omri Schein and Daniel M. Lincoln, this story is set against the chaos of war — equal parts romantic, humorous, and touching. The wrong spy. The wrong side. The wrong accent. What could go wrong? A charming and funny world premiere musical about courage, transformation, and an unlikely love that defies the darkness of its time. Based on the novel by Gene Wilder. Directed by David Ellenstein.

HOLIDAY PLAY (Not included in Subscription Package)

HOW TO WRITE A HOLIDAY (December 16 – December 27, 2026) — World Premiere Play with Music

Inside the clicking and scrolling of our screen-centered contemporary lives, is there any room for a good old-fashioned holiday story anymore? Join the hilarity with the Christophersons as they face — horror of horrors — a weekend without Wi-Fi, without phones, even without electricity! A surprising, genre-bouncing, theatrical family comedy with music created especially for North Coast Rep that will warm your heart. Directed by Rachael VanWormer & Omri Schein.

Subscriptions and individual tickets are now available through the North Coast Repertory Theatre box office. For more information or to reserve seats, please visit www.northcoastrep.org or call (858) 481-1055.

About North Coast Repertory Theatre

North Coast Repertory Theatre is a professional equity theatre founded in 1982. Now celebrating its 45th season, North Coast Rep has received critical acclaim from media and audiences alike. North Coast Rep prides itself on employing most of its actors from Actors’ Equity Association and staging provocative, entertaining, and intellectually stimulating plays.

CONTACT:

Nancy Richards
Director of Marketing & Communications
North Coast Repertory Theatre
(917) 873-6389
Nancy@northcoastrep.org

A BELOVED ROMANTIC COMEDY AT
NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE
BEAU JEST
By James Sherman

Performances Beginning Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Running Through Sunday, May 17, 2026
Directed by Omri Schein

Solana Beach, Calif. – Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.

Omri Schein directs Sam Ashdown,* Josh Cahn,* Benjamin Cole, Katrina Michaels,* Joel Polis,* and Jill Remez.* Christopher M. Williams* is the Production Stage Manager. Alyssa Hayden and Clarence Lightfoot III are the Production Assistants. The Design Team includes Marty Burnett (Set Design), Matthew Novotny (Light Design), Jennifer Brawn Gittings (Costume Design) Evan Eason (Sound Design), and Michael Wogulis (Props Design).

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

BEAU JEST performances begin Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 8:00 pm. Final performance is Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 2:00 pm. The show runs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 pm, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm, Sunday evenings at 7:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. Added Wednesday matinee April 24 and  May 13. A talkback with the director and cast is scheduled for Friday, May 1. North Coast Rep is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, CA 92075. For complete performance schedule and ticket information, call 858-481-1055, or visit www.northcoastrep.org.

Join us for an evening of laughter, love, and theatrical warmth that will leave you glowing long after the final curtain.

BIOS:

JAMES SHERMAN (Playwright) is the author of the plays Magic Time, The God of Isaac, Mr. 80%, The Escape Artist, Beau Jest, This Old Man Came Rolling Home, Jest A Second!, Romance in D, From Door to Door, The Old Man’s Friend, Affluenza!, Half and Half, Relatively Close and Jacob and Jack. James was a theatre student at Illinois State University in the early 1970s. He began his professional career as a writer and performer with The Second City in Chicago and received an M.F.A. degree from Brandeis University. Since 1985, he has had thirteen plays premiered at the Tony Award-winning Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago directed by Dennis Zacek, and he was a founding member of the Victory Gardens Playwrights Ensemble. James’ plays have been published and are regularly produced by theatres throughout the United States, and have also been seen in Canada, Mexico, Australia, South America, England, Germany, Austria, Turkey, South Africa, Australia, China and Korea. In the summer of 2006, James wrote and directed the movie of his play Beau Jest, starring Lainie Kazan, Seymour Cassel and Robyn Cohen. It is available on DVD. James currently teaches Playwriting and Improvisation at Columbia College of Chicago and DePaul University. He has been a teacher of Playwriting and Acting on the faculties of The Second City Training Center, Chicago Dramatists Workshop and Victory Gardens Theater. He was a visiting professor for the spring ’01 semester in Seoul, South Korea at the Korean National University of the Arts. He has led workshops in Improvisation at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. He has received grants from the Illinois Arts Council and has been the recipient of fellowships from The MacDowell Colony, the Ragdale Foundation, The Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and Yaddo. He is a member of The Dramatists Guild of America.

OMRI SCHEIN (Director) is half of the musical theatre writing team of Lincoln and Schein, of which their musicals include: The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, The Remarkable Mister Holmes, Making Melrose, Grecian Burns, Fintastic Finn, and the upcoming musical Gene Wilder's My French Whore. Other credits: Mambo Italiano, Withering Heights, and Gary Goldfarb: Master Escapist (NYMF Award Best Lyrics). Directing: How To Succeed..., Jekyll and Hyde, Fiddler on The Roof, and Anything Goes for SDMT, Psycho Beach Party at Southwestern College, and The Mousetrap at Grossmont College. Acting: Peril In The Alps and Murder On The Links, Baskerville, Babette’s Feast, All in the Timing, A Funny Thing…ForumX3, Persuasion, Noises Off, The Explorers Club, Beau Jest, Laughter On the 23rd Floor, Around The World in 80 Days, The Underpants, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling BeeX3, Five Course Love, The Big Bang, When Pigs Fly, Disney’s Beauty and The Beast, Dear World, The People Vs. Mona (Off-Broadway/Cast Recording), Hell’s Belles, Henry V, Grease (tour) and When You’re in Love, The Whole World Is Jewish. www.omri-schein.com

Cast (alphabetical order)

SAM ASHDOWN* (Bob Schroeder) is thrilled to be making his North Coast Rep debut! Credits include The Glass Menagerie (Maples Repertory Theatre), Murder On The Orient Express (The Old Globe), Jane (Lamb’s Players Theatre), A Christmas Story (Nashville Repertory Theatre), Macbeth, Hamlet (Nashville Shakespeare Festival), Henry V, Julius Caesar, The Taming of the Shrew, Henry IV Part II, Henry IV Part I, Sense and Sensibility (Utah Shakespeare Festival), The Bungler (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey), Shipwrecked, Starcrossed, The Merchant of Venice (Gulfshore Playhouse), To Master the Art (TimeLine Theatre), Sense and Sensibility (People’s Light), Tom Jones (Northlight Theatre), The Liar (Writers Theatre), Twelfth Night, Richard III, Troilus and Cressida (American Players Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Montana Shakespeare in the Parks). TV/Film: “The Bootstrap Cafe,” “Facsimile Machines,” “Ruin Me.” Education: M.F.A., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.F.A., Southern Oregon University. www.samashdown.net

JOSH CAHN* (Joel Goldman) North Coast Rep debut! Josh is thrilled to be returning to the stage with Beau Jest. Theater credits include Alabama Shakespeare, The Engeman Theater, CRT, and more. TV & Film credits include projects for HBO, AMC+, NBC, Comedy Central, Adult Swim, and upcoming films “The Toast” & “Love Language”. Josh has also been featured in more than 30 commercials and is a nationally touring stand-up comedian. He was recently awarded Best Next Jewish comedian by The Chosen Comedy Festival. Endless thanks to The Mine Talent Agency, JHA Management, and the team at North Coast Rep. Much love to his partner, Haley, his tiny chihuahua, Judith, & his actual Jewish mother who prepared him for this role. Josh is a proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association & SAG-AFTRA. @JoshCahnmedy www.JoshCahn.com

BENJAMIN COLE (Chris Cringle) is proud to lead as the Director of Theatre School Education and Outreach for North Coast Repertory Theatre. Ben has been seen on stage locally at The Old Globe, The La Jolla Playhouse, North Coast Repertory Theatre and many others. He has experience acting, teaching, directing, and fight choreographing all over the country including work with the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival, and the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Check out upcoming options at the Theatre School: NorthCoastRepTheatreSchool.org.

KATRINA MICHAELS* (Sarah) ) is delighted to share this story of matzah, mayhem, and mishpocha! Regional credits include: Come From Away - Janice/Accordion/Whistles/Piano (La Mirada); A Hanukkah Carol - Dickensian Orphan/Past Chava (Round House Theatre); Peter and the Starcatcher - Molly (Orlando Shakespeare/Argyle Theatre/Winnipesaukee Playhouse/Eagle Theatre); Little Shop of Horrors - Audrey, and Pride & Prejudice - Lydia/Lady C (Creede Rep); Spelling Bee - Logainne, and Tribes - Ruth (Florida Rep); Cabaret - Sally; Twelfth Night - Viola; The 39 Steps - Clown; A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Hermia. NYC credits include Hoi Polloi - Pinkie (Theatre Row); Rhinoceros - Daisy; Dracula - Lucy; and The Importance of Being Earnest - Gwendolen. London credits include Vanity Fair - Becky Sharp; Much Ado About Nothing - Dogberry/Margaret/Accordion; No for an Answer - Francie (Arcola); The Comedy of Errors - Dromio of Ephesus; OFFIE-winning La Maupin. @katmichaels27 | www.katrina-michaels.com

JOEL POLIS* (Abe) An award-winning actor based in Los Angeles, Joel has logged forty+ years in the professional theater. He was raised in Philadelphia and attended USC, NYU, and Yale Drama School. He has performed in theaters throughout the US, from NY’s Off Broadway and the East Coast Regional Theater circuit to California’s rich theater scene including San Diego’s Old Globe, the Fountain, Mark Taper Forum, Odyssey, Pasadena Playhouse, South Coast and CV Rep theaters. Credits include Julius Caesar, Richard III, My Name is Asher Lev (LADCC, Stage Raw Awards), Disgraced, Pound of Flesh (LADCC nominee), Names (Dramalogue, Ovation awards), Bach at Leipzig, and The Baby Dance (original production). Joel’s 120+ film, TV movies, and episodic credits include “The Thing”, “The Rookie”, “True Believer”, “It’s my Party”, “Seinfeld”, “Cheers”, “Law and Order”, “Northern Exposure” “Picket Fences” and “Star Trek Voyager”. This “Jest” is for SaRah and Terry.

JILL REMEZ* (Miriam) is thrilled to make her North Coast Rep Debut. Her theatre credits include: Latino Theatre Company: Mix-Mix, International City Theatre: Myra, Deathtrap, Wallis Theatre: The Bluest Eye (workshop production), OpenFist Theatre Company: Ofelia, Anna in the Tropics, West Coast Jewish Theatre: Kate, Broadway Bound, Mark Taper Forum: Ensemble, Body of Bourne (World Premiere), Laguna Playhouse: Germaine, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, South Coast Rep: Sofia, Two Sisters and a Piano (West Coast Premiere). TV & Film credits include: “Matlock,” “Bosch: Legacy,” “911,” “Yellowstone,” This is Us,” “The Neighborhood,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “The Good Place,” “Made for Love” & “Criminal Minds”. VO credits include: Zom 100, Demonslayer, The Grimm Variations, In/Spectre, Blue Exorcist and Lupin Part 6 as well as several video games.

CHRISTOPHER M. WILLIAMS* (Stage Manager) Christopher is a union actor and stage manager, as well as a director, producer, fight choreographer, designer, and instructor. Some of his credits include playing Nathan Rothschild in the original cast of the Off-Broadway production of Rothschild & Sons, opposite Robert Cuccioli; Hamlet On Trial with comedy legend Billy Connolly (Theatre League); The Drawer Boy and A Moon for the Misbegotten (AZ Theatre Company); Noises Off (Idaho Shakespeare Festival); Angels In America: Part I & II, and Lobby Hero (Actors Theatre); Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, Julius Caesar, Oliver!, West Side Story, A Funny Thing…Forum (Southwest Shakespeare Company). Over the past 20 years, he has directed, stage managed or performed in 40 productions at North Coast Rep. Christopher has also worked as a producer, casting director, and on-set acting coach for the WWII feature “Walking with the Enemy,” starring Sir Ben Kingsley and Jonas Armstrong.