Posts by David Dixon
Fantasy, Humor, and Music in OTC’s Holiday Show
While it is always special watching timeless Christmas stories presented in San Diego County, such as “A Christmas Carol” and The Old Globe’s production of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, I really enjoy seeing new Christmas tales. A strong modern comedy that embraces the holiday season is the world premiere production of Manny and the Wise Queens, from Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC).
Read MoreArtists Lives Explored in La Jolla Playhouse’s Smart Play
No one has ever said that the world of art is easy. While many performers get wonderful opportunities, other talents struggle with booking gigs and balancing work with their personal lives.
Read MoreWords of Wisdom in SRT’s Spectacular ‘Tiny Beautiful Things’
When a show causes many to reach for their Kleenex less than 30 minutes after the opening scene, that is typically a sign of a strong production. Scripps Ranch Theatre’s spectacular mounting of Tiny Beautiful Things has several tearjerker scenes throughout the performance.
Read MoreA Funny Memory Play at North Coast Repertory Theatre
Some of the best memory plays are shows that are personal for the playwright, while still connecting with an audience. That balance is achieved in North Coast Repertory Theatre’s hilarious and moving production of Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Read MorePain and Joy in the Stellar Musical, ‘Kimberly Akimbo’
For many, high school is considered to be a difficult time, because of the stress of dealing with social pressures and intense classroom responsibilities. The protagonist (Carolee Carmello) of Kimberly Akimbo, the winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Musical, has it tougher than the average student, because she knows her time on earth is limited.
Read MorePersonal Growth in La Jolla Playhouse’s Touching ‘Primary Trust’
The concept of the recent Pulitzer-Prize winning drama, Primary Trust, seems like a fantastical story that is peculiar or excessively idiosyncratic. However, the plot of the excellent drama now playing at the La Jolla Playhouse is one that should resonate with anyone who understands both how it feels to be socially isolated and how important human connections are to a fulfilling existence.
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