RENT, WILD CHILD Premiere and More Set for Laguna Playhouse 2026-27 Season
The season will also include The 39 Steps, and Bonnie & Clyde.
Laguna Playhouse has revealed its 2026–2027 season, ushering in a new era defined by vibrant new branding, and a lineup of productions that celebrate the power of live theatre.
Regarding the new branding, Managing Director Adele Adkins says “I’ve been part of many rebranding efforts over the years, but I have never been as excited as I am about this one. Laguna Beach has such a rich artistic heritage, especially in the visual arts, and it felt essential to honor that by collaborating with an artist to shape our new identity. The result is logo branding that show art that truly reflects the spirit, creativity, and coastal beauty of the community Laguna Playhouse calls home.”
Curtain Up…Light the Lights! The 2026-2027 Season Kicks off with a World Premiere Musical:
WILD CHILD
September 9 – October 4, 2026
Directed by John Simpkins
A bold, contemporary musical about grief, addiction, friendship, and identity in a generation raised online. When two teens who connect as avatars in a virtual world are forced into a remote wilderness therapy program, their digital escape collides with reality. Featuring a vibrant pop-rock score, Wild Child explores what it means to disconnect, show up, and heal. Wild Child features book and lyrics by Dan Marshall and music by Julianne Wick Davis.
THE 39 STEPS
October 27 – November 15, 2026
Directed by Hunter Foster
Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller, this fast-paced theatrical romp transforms suspense into high-energy comedy. When an ordinary man is swept into a web of espionage, he must outrun danger, deception, and mistaken identity in a whirlwind of quick changes and inventive staging.
RENT
April 7 – May 2, 2027
Directed by Telly Leung
Set in New York City’s East Village, Rent follows a group of young artists navigating love, loss, and survival during the AIDS crisis. This innovative production reimagines the beloved musical through the lens of a filmmaker, incorporating live onstage filming projected in real time—capturing the urgency, intimacy, and raw emotion of a community determined to live fully. Written by Jonathan Larson, the show received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and 3 Tony Awards including Best Book, Best Score and Best Musical.
BONNIE & CLYDE
June 9 – June 28, 2027
Directed by J. Scott Lapp
The infamous outlaws come to life in Bonnie & Clyde, a thrilling tale of ambition, fame, and forbidden romance. Set during the Great Depression, this electrifying musical follows two dreamers whose desire for more leads them into legend—and danger. Discover the story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of the entire nation. Music is by Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll & Hyde), lyrics by Don Black and book by Ivan Menschell.
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Dead John Madnani Theater (6/30-6/30) |
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E=MC² Einstein The Musical Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center (7/03-7/26) |
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Gershwin and the Golden Age Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya) (10/11-10/11) |
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STRAITJACKET SIRENS The Three Clubs (6/01-6/30) |
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Malcolm Todd Greek Theatre (10/30-10/30) |
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Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill: The Musical Chance Theater (7/10-8/09) |
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EMILY SKINNER: LIVE AT CVREP Coachella Valley Repertory (7/09-7/09) |
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Young Frankenstein Lewis Family Playhouse (10/16-10/25) |
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DAVIS GAINES: LIVE AT CVREP Coachella Valley Repertory (7/30-7/30) |
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Scapin North Coast Repertory (7/22-8/16) |