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What’s On at the Theater in La Jolla, California?

December 14, 2011 | By | Reply More
Paul Nolan as Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR.

San Diego is best known for beautiful beaches and its world-famous Zoo, but we also enjoy a rich cultural life – including great theatre.

Since mid-November, the Stratford Shakespeare Festival production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has been wowing audiences at La Jolla Playhouse. I saw the show about a week ago and was positively stunned by the music and the drama.

The show reminded me why I loved all of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s earlier works, but the credit for this production of Superstar goes to Des McAnuff, Director Emeritus of La Jolla Playhouse and now the Artistic Director of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Ontario, Canada.

McAnuff directs Paul Nolan in the role of Jesus, a very appealing Chilina Kennedy as Mary Magdalene, Josh Young as Judas, and Jeremy Kushnier as Pontius Pilate. Tom Hewitt, who was wonderful in THE LION KING on Broadway and as DRACULA at La Jolla Playhouse, stepped in briefly for Kushnier.

The reviews of Superstar have been terrific:

San Diego critic Welton Jones: “Any doubts that JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a genuine modern musical masterpiece should be banished forever by the splendid production in residence at the La Jolla Playhouse.”

L. A. Times reviewer Charles McNulty: “O ye of little faith. To all those who made snarky comments when it was announced that JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR was being resurrected by Des McAnuff, I say unto you, ‘Go down to La Jolla Playhouse and observe the benevolent gift of this revival, which has had the miraculous effect of turning even an Andrew Lloyd Webber denier like me into a momentary believer.’ ”

The ground-breaking rock opera will open on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre in March. Previous La Jolla Playhouse shows currently running on Broadway include Tony-Award winners MEMPHIS and JERSEY BOYS.

So you can wait and see Superstar in New York (in March at Broadway prices) or you can call the La Jolla Playhouse box office (858-550-1010) or go online right now and buy tickets. The show runs until the end of December.

Seems like a no-brainer to me.

Click here if you need help planning your trip to La Jolla.

Photo courtesy of La Jolla Playhouse.

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Category: Nightlife

About the Author ()

I live in La Jolla and I'm a travel writer, so in addition to enjoying my home town's great weather, beautiful surroundings, and range of cultural and recreational options, I also see La Jolla - and the rest of San Diego - as a travel destination. And what I see sometimes drives me batty. People vacation in La Jolla, but don't take advantage of everything our community offers, so I decided to start this blog and provide insider advice for out-of-towners. Hey. I figure if I can write insider tips about exotic destinations on Authentic Luxury Travel, I ought to be able to lead readers off the beaten path that starts just outside my front door. In the process, I'm having fun revisiting my favorite places and discovering some new ones. Travel writers are naturally snoopy, and this blog is my excuse to have a good ol' sticky beak around my home town. I hope you find it helpful. If you are coming to La Jolla or another area of San Diego and would like my help in planning your trip, please read "Need Help Planning Your Trip" and then email me at ehansen298@aol.com. Elizabeth Hansen

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