The year of no Welk Resort Theatre For nearly four decades, Welk Resort Theatre has showcased all manner of live stage shows at a 309-seat showcase. That tradition comes to an end with the final performance of “A Christmas Carol” on Dec. 31. Following the Dickens of a show, the string of live dinner shows at the north Escondido resort dating to 1981 comes to an…
“Superstar” began as a concept album in 1970; the Broadway musical (with lyrics by Tim Rice) opened in 1971. If you’re like me in thinking “Jesus Christ Superstar” by far the best musical Andrew Lloyd Webber ever wrote, I have great news for you: Welk Resorts Theatre has a smashing production on the boards as we speak, directed and choreographed by Ray Limón. I suggest…
The heck with the Walt Disney animated feature, Patio Playhouse Community and Youth theater brings Aladdin Jr. to the stage. “Aladdin, a kind but wily street urchin, finds himself unexpectedly falling in love with beautiful Princess Jasmine, just as her Sultan father decrees that she must select a royal husband,” Aladdin Jr. director Geoffrey Cox said. “Jasmine rejects various wealthy suitors and eventually it is…
Modern society meets barbershop quartets in the new Patio Playhouse Community theater presentation of The Fabulous Lipitones playing through March 13. The rollicking musical has generated great reviews since its 2013 premiere. “This a cappella musical works just fine without much glitter or glamour,” New York Times theater reviewer Ken Jaworski said. “It’s greatest pleasures spring from the simplest of intentions.” The barbershop quartet of…
Genuine encounters between people as they learn, grow, and challenge themselves are at the core of Circle Mirror Transformation. Running at Patio Playhouse through Jan. 31, this comic drama takes an intimate look at the attendees of a Vermont Drama Class as they interact with – and learn about – one another through theatrical exercises. Performances are at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. Sunday matinees….
Either this was a great year for theater or I’m getting soft in my old age: I gave my highest rating to a full 25 of the 120 plays I saw this year. Could it be that theater is just that good? Ten of the best shows are musicals — and that’s not counting the musical solo and near-solo shows. Musicals Excellent productions of old…