San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
THEATER NOTEBOOK
S.D. Rep extends ‘JQA’ after praise from NYT
On the heels of earning a “Critic’s Pick” designation from The New York Times for its production of “JQA,” San Diego Repertory Theatre has announced a three-week extension of its filmed production of Aaron Posner’s “JQA.”
Originally set to close Nov. 5, “JQA” is now available for streaming through Nov. 29. Based on the life of America’s accomplished but little-known sixth president John Quincy Adams, the play uses four actors of different ethnicities to play Adams from ages 9 to 80 and the many famous people he encountered in his life.
Times theater critic Elisabeth Vincentelli wrote that the play — though set in the 18th and 19th centuries — “easily finds contemporary resonance” with a central character who observes that American prefers politicians who are more about “personality than actual plans or programs.”
Kevin Boles-lohmann, San Diego Rep’s associate director of marketing, said Rep officials were really excited by the review and they saw a bump in ticket sales right after it was published.
To order, go to sdrep.org.
Cygnet announces 2020 Finish Line series
Cygnet Theatre has announced the two plays that will be featured as part of its 2020 new play series, The Finish Line.
The two plays were written by Black American playwrights who are both based in Los Angeles. “The Wiring and the Switches,” by playwright and poet
Angelica Chéri, will be workshopped this month. “Run/fire,” by playwright and television writer/ producer Aurin Squire, will be workshopped in January.
Founded five years ago with underwriting from longtime donors Bill and
Judy Garrett, the series provides funding for workshops of new plays, staged readings and post-show audience forums.
Due to the pandemic, most of the in-person programming won’t be possible. But each of the plays will receive a weeklong workshop and their authors will be able to consult with a director and designers on how the show will be brought to life. Details on how the plays will be presented to the public have not been announced.
On Oct. 30, Cygnet Theatre’s new artistic associate Kian Kline Chilton launched a monthly video series called “Kian’s Corner” that will serve to update the public on the theater’s latest projects. The first video is now available on Cygnet’s Youtube channel at “cygnetsd.”
And finally, Cygnet has announced plans for an online benefit concert called “Home for the Holidays,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 7. The Musical Monday event will feature Megan Carmitchel, Melissa Fernandes, David Kirk Grant, Kürt Norby, Anise Ritchie and Racquel Williams. Tickets are $15.
Go to cygnet theatre.com.
North Coast plans ‘Christmas Carol’
North Coast Repertory Theatre will present the world premiere of Zander Michaelson’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” streaming Dec. 9-31.
Directed by David Ellenstein and starring James Newcomb, the one-man show tells the redemptive story of Ebenezer Scrooge entirely from one observer’s perspective.
Tickets are $35 for one viewer, $54 for a family. Go to northcoastrep.org.
Moonlight to host ‘Showman’ screening
Moonlight Stage Productions will host an outdoor screening of “The Greatest Showman” at the Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista next weekend.
The film musical, inspired by the life story of P.T. Barnum, will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday. Gates open at 6 p.m.
Because tickets are limited to just 100 people in the 2,000-seat amphitheater, seating is limited. Go to moonlightstage.com.