By Zach Dulli, The Scene
COSTA MESA, Calif. — South Coast Repertory (Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Paula Tomei) has announced an enticing 2024-25 season, promising a captivating blend of world premieres, renowned classics, and cutting-edge contemporary theatre.
“This season continues our tradition of dynamic programming, offering three world premieres, vibrant family productions, our annual holiday classic, a beloved musical, and a contemporary masterpiece,” said Ivers. “Join us for a season of depth and variety as we continue to engage and entertain our audiences.”
“Each offering in our season promises to not only entertain but also provide rich, diverse opportunities to connect with the stories and the artists who create them,” added Tomei. “This connection is what SCR is all about, and with the support of our audience, we can continue making a significant impact in the Orange County community and beyond.”
The 2024-25 season kicks off with the cult classic musical Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Jenn Thompson. With book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, the musical will run from September 21 to October 19, 2024, on the Segerstrom Stage. This beloved musical about a plant with a thirst for human blood is sure to delight audiences with its doo-wop and Motown-infused score.
Next in the lineup is the world premiere of ‘Joan’ by Daniel Goldstein, part of SCR’s American Icons series. This play offers an intimate look at the life of comedian Joan Rivers, a trailblazer who reshaped the landscape of American comedy. Directed by Ivers, Joan runs from October 27 to November 24, 2024, on the Julianne Argyros Stage.
The holiday season sees the return of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ a cherished tradition now in its 44th year. This adaptation by Jerry Patch, directed by Hisa Takakuwa, features SCR Founding Member Richard Doyle as Ebenezer Scrooge. Performances run from November 30 to December 24, 2024, on the Segerstrom Stage.
The new year brings ‘Wish You Were Here’ by Pulitzer Prize winner and Orange County native Sanaz Toossi. Directed by Mina Morita, this play, running from January 12 to February 2, 2025, on the Julianne Argyros Stage, explores the lives of five friends in Iran as they navigate the upheavals of the late 1970s.
Following this, Hershey Felder returns to SCR with ‘Rachmaninoff and the Tsar,’ a new musical play running from February 18 to March 2, 2025, on the Segerstrom Stage. Featuring Felder as Sergei Rachmaninoff and Jonathan Silvestri as Tsar Nicholas II, this production promises another immersive musical journey.
In addition, Felder will offer a one-night-only performance of ‘Great American Songbook Sing-Along’ on March 3, 2025. This interactive event will feature audience participation as Felder leads a musical journey through 100 years of American music.
For young audiences, SCR presents ‘The Incredible Book Eating Boy,’ a family musical based on Oliver Jeffers’ book, running from February 28 to March 16, 2025, on the Julianne Argyros Stage. Directed by H. Adam Harris, this musical tells the whimsical story of a boy who eats books to gain knowledge.
Spring brings two world premieres. ‘The Staircase’ by Noa Gardner, directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch, runs from April 27 to May 18, 2025, on the Julianne Argyros Stage. This play, part of the Pacific Playwrights Festival (PPF), delves into the relationship between a mother and son and their connections to Hawaiian legends.
The second world premiere, yet to be announced, will run from April 5 to May 4, 2025, on the Segerstrom Stage, also as part of PPF. This exciting new work will be selected from SCR’s renowned play development program, The Lab@SCR.
Subscriptions for the 2024-25 season are now available, with prices ranging from $22 to $415. Subscribers can also purchase tickets for ‘A Christmas Carol’ and Felder’s productions at this time. Single tickets will go on sale July 22, with prices ranging from $30 to $116. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.scr.org.
About South Coast Repertory: Founded in 1964, South Coast Repertory is a Tony Award-winning professional theatre known for its commitment to new-play development and its extensive commissioning program. With over 500 productions to its name, SCR has premiered a quarter of them, earning critical acclaim and prestigious awards. The theatre is home to the Segerstrom Stage, Julianne Argyros Stage, and Nicholas Studio.
