Laguna Playhouse announces 2011-2012 Season

Apr 4, 2011
Laguana Playhouse

The Laguna Playhouse is pleased to announce its 2011-2012 season-a season filled with World Premieres, OC Premieres, a Hit Musical, a special Holiday Treat, and more.

The 2011-2012 season begins July 5 with the hit musical I Left My Heart: A Salute to the Music of Tony Bennett. Other sensational shows on the season schedule include the holiday treat This Wonderful Life, the World Premiere Concert Tour of the musical Lonesome Traveler, the return of "Sister" Maripat Donovan in the all new Sister's Easter Catechism, and the World Premiere of comedienne Rita Rudner's autobiographical Tickled Pink. A sixth play will be announced this spring.

"We're so pleased to be continuing the 90th Anniversary celebration here at the Laguna Playhouse with this exciting and expanded season" says Karen Wood, Executive Director. "The six production season includes new work as well as Playhouse favorites. In addition to the subscription season, we have our beloved educational youth programming and will be continuing our community collaborations with presentations by Laguna Beach Live and the Laguna Dance Festival and others. Plus there will be one or two special events being offered during the season, so keep checking back with us; the Playhouse is the place to be with a diverse year of art and entertainment, in your backyard!"

July 5 - August 21, 2011
I Left My Heart: A salute to the music of Tony Bennett
Created by David Grapes and Todd Olson
Arrangements by Vince di Mura

I Left My Heart, a tribute to the man Sinatra called "the greatest singer in the world," has a thrilling score of 40 pop standards all recorded by Tony Bennett, including "Because of You," "Stranger in Paradise," "The Best Is Yet To Come," "When Will The Bells Ring for Me," "Cold, Cold Heart," "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," "I Wanna Be Around," "The Good Life," "Rags To Riches," and his best known hit, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco."


September 27 - October 23, 2011
To Be Announced

Waiting in the wings: we are currently considering a number of plays well worth the wait. We look forward to unveiling an exciting theatrical selection later this spring.


November 25 - December 24, 2011
This Wonderful Life
Written by Steve Murray

Share the hope and humor of Frank Capra's adored classic Christmas screenplay, It's a Wonderful Life, in this delightful one-man reimagining. The virtuosic James Leaming portrays George Bailey, Clarence the Angel, Mary, Old Man Potter, and twenty more of Bedford Falls' finest citizens. George comes to realize that life really is worth living and that the actions of one person do make a difference in the world. Make this heartwarming family experience a part of your holiday tradition this season. Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com).


January 10 - February 5, 2012
Laguna Playhouse Presents The Rubicon Theatre Production of A World Premiere Concert
Lonesome Traveler: A Journey Down the Rivers and Streams of American Folk
Conceived and Directed by James O'Neil
Musical Direction by Dan Wheetman

"Tom Dooley," "Goodnight Irene," "Puff, the Magic Dragon," "Blowin' in the Wind" and "This Land is Your Land." These songs remind us of a time when music brought us all together, and when it changed us. Lonesome Traveler takes us from the backwoods of Appalachia to the nightclubs of New York and San Francisco; from the mid 1920s to the mid 1960s. Experience the music that made history and the history that made music. This is a journey down the rivers and streams of American Folk while presenting a revealing perspective of its musical roots that are forever embedded in our culture.


March 13 - April 8, 2012
Sister's Easter Catechism:Will my bunny go to Heaven?
Written by Maripat Donovan
Directed by Mark Silva

Sister answers age old questions of the Easter season, including "Why isn't Easter on the same day every year like Christmas?" and "Will my bunny go to Heaven?" Part pageant, and wHOLY hysterical, this latest incarnation of the sinfully funny Late Nite Catechism series unearths the origins of Easter bunnies, eggs, baskets, bonnets, and, of course, those yummy Peeps. Sister answers questions about Saint Francis, patron saint of animals, pet heaven, and the significance of those adorable baby chicks! Bring the whole family, don your bonnet, and join Sister for this new seasonal treat!


April 24 - May 20, 2012
World Premiere
Tickled Pink
Written by Rita Rudner and Martin Bergman
Directed by Martin Bergman

Mindy Solomon absolutely has to leave Miami. Florida is bad for her head and her hair! Dreaming of a dancing career on Broadway, she moves to New York, but events soon force her to rethink her grand plan. Spending way too much time in the comedy club where her future ex-boyfriend works, Mindy nervously goes up on stage one night. People laugh. Not in the places where Mindy thought they'd laugh, but hey, it's a start. Written by Rita Rudner and Martin Bergman, Tickled Pink is a wild ride with an insider's view of the world of stand-up comedy, and a touching tale of love, loss, female friendship and forgiveness.