Naturally Tan at Santa Monica Playhouse
Dates: 11/16/2025
📍 Theatre: Santa Monica Playhouse
1211 4th Street
Is This Your Show?
Submit Updates & Sell More Tickets
Naturally Tan features Tanya Thomas in an exploration of her identity as a vivacious drag queen named Tanvi. The show underscores her challenges of fitting in as a minority in Singapore and her quest for acceptance in America. Through a captivating blend of music, dance, and storytelling, Tanya navigates themes of colorism, racial identity, and self-worth, presenting a poignant reflection on the beauty standards that affect the Asian diaspora. Directed and developed by Jessica Lynn Johnson, this one-woman show offers a rich narrative filled with multidimensional characters.
Cast and Creative Team for Naturally Tan at Santa Monica Playhouse
Cast
Pina
Mafia Anonymous: The Women Speak
Marilyn Anderson
How to Live Like a Millionaire, When You’re a Million Short
Carmen Scott
Dream Role
Jen West
Dream Role
Rheagan Wallace
STAGE MAMMA
Jessica Lynn Johnson
STAGE MAMMA
Heather Dowling
STAGE MAMMA
William Duffy
The Advocate
Maria Fagan Hassani
Atypical Grace
Jessica Lynn Johnson
Atypical Grace
Christinna Chauncey
Atypical Grace
Lauri Fraser
The Hairdresser…your therapy session or mine?
Janora McDuffie
Earth, Wind & Car Fire
Rob Nagle
The Advocate
Pina
MAFIA: The Women Speak
J.T. Melaragno
Absolutely Halloween
Isabel Lindley
Absolutely Halloween
Cydne Moore
Absolutely Halloween
Hilary Kang Oglesby
The Advocate
Clarissa Park
The Advocate
Reina Guthrie
The Advocate
Joseph Perez
Absolutely Halloween
Maegan Mandarino
Big Hair: A Rad and Wild Love Affair.
Tanya Thomas
Naturally Tan
Rosie Byrne
The Best of Constance & Florence
Kate Huffman
The Best of Constance & Florence
Berry Under Your Bed
Cruel Landlord
Celine Athan
Cruel Landlord
Emmet Sempek
Cruel Landlord
Theda Weston
The Six at Ten
Jeannette Lawler
EXES: The musical
Joseph Lewczak
EXES: The musical
Olivia Facini
EXES: The musical
Anne DiGiovanni
EXES: The musical
Daniel Ledesma
My Great Turnaround
Ruthie Danziger
My Great Turnaround
Misha Kofman
The Six at Ten
Tim Torre
The Six at Ten
Madeleine Lemay
The Six at Ten
Venessa Verdugo
HOOLIGANI
Paul Linke
The Summer I Got Old
Shelley Cooper
Rag Doll on a Bomb Site
Tara Parker
Jane and the Magic Album
Marcello Padilla
Jane and the Magic Album
Aubrey Clyburn
Jane and the Magic Album
Jane Ellen Stern
Jane and the Magic Album
Megan Wright
Absolutely Halloween
Graham Silbert
Absolutely Halloween
Charlotte Robinson
Absolutely Halloween
Paulina Combow
Adopted by Appalachians
Jackie Brehiman
Cruel Landlord
Jenn Brown
If Truth Be Told
Ian Michael Scheller
My Unexpected Journey Into Magic
Natasha Mikha
Marilyn Monroe, Unknown Letters
Andrew Searles
Black Don’t Crack
Zuleika Moreno
Black Don’t Crack
Mz. REKA
Black Don’t Crack
Rahvaunia Johnson
tHis Is Very IMPORTANT
Dee Freeman
Poison Gun
Albie Selznick
Letter From David
Rejyna Douglass-Whitman
Trans Mom vs Family court: Justice Sees No Gender
Miles Otway
Black Don’t Crack
Alia Atkins
Black Don’t Crack
Darrell Goss
Black Don’t Crack
Jeff Keller
Black Don’t Crack
Creative Team
William Duffy
Performed
Jackie Brehiman
Performed
Maegan Mandarino
Written & Performed
Tanya Thomas
Written, Produced & Performed
Rosie Byrne
Performed
Kate Huffman
Performed
Mike Veasey
Directed
Lou Stone Borenstein
Written
Berry Under Your Bed
Performed
Rob Nagle
Performed
Celine Athan
Performed
Emmet Sempek
Performed
Rejyna Douglass-Whitman
Written, Performed, Produced & Composed
Madeleine Lemay
Written & Directed
Venessa Verdugo
Written, Produced & Performed
Lee Costello
Directed
Jenn Brown
Written & Performed
Tim Swiss
Directed
Heidi Jo Scheller
Directed
Natasha Mikha
Written, Produced & Performed
Zuleika Moreno
Co-Producer/Performer
Mz. REKA
Producer/Performer
Miles Otway
Host
Carmen Scott
Written, Performed & Produced
Cynthia Spierer
Written
Christinna Chauncey
Acting Coach
Jessica Lynn Johnson
Produced
Maria Fagan Hassani
Written & Performed
Pina
Presented
Heather Dowling
Solo Character Coach
Jessica Lynn Johnson
Directed & Developed
Rheagan Wallace
Written, Performed & Produced
Jen West
Directed & Produced
Eric Scott Golovan
Directed
Becca Beberaggi
Written, Performed & Produced
Zach Ring
Written, Directed & Produced
Joseph Megel
Directed
Janora McDuffie
Written & Performed
Ernie Silva
Directed
Sonja Marie
Written & Performed
Leslie Stewart
Produced
Paul Linke
Directed
Phil Stewart
Written & Performed
Marilyn Anderson
Writer
The California Shakespeare Company
Written & Performed
Aaron Wilson
Music
Lindsay Perry
Directed
Lindsay Lucas-Bartlett
Written & Performed
Susan Landon
Featuring
Wendy Hammers
Featuring
Pattie Fitzgerald
Featuring
Suzanne Bressler Zoltan
Associate Producer
News About Naturally Tan at Santa Monica Playhouse
Tanya Thomas Performs NATURALLY TAN at the Binge Free Festival in November
October 30, 2025 Written and performed by Tanya Thomas and directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson, Naturally Tan explores the complexities of racial identity and colorism facing the Asian diaspora and the consequences wrought by damaging beauty standards.
BINGE FREE FESTIVAL Returns To Santa Monica Playhouse For 10th Anniversary Season
August 26, 2025 Santa Monica Playhouse will reopen its newly refurbished Main Stage this fall with the return of the Binge Free Festival (BFF), celebrating its 10th Anniversary Season from October 14 through November 16, 2025.
BINGE FREE FESTIVAL Returns To Santa Monica Playhouse This February
December 20, 2024 Binge Free Festival, the month-long festival of free shows at Santa Monica Playhouse, returns for the ninth time this February. The Festival will run from February 25 through March 30.
Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Los Angeles Awards; Voting Ends 12/31
December 26, 2023 It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Los Angeles Awards; 44: THE UNOFFICIAL, UNSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL, 1984, House of Bards Theatre Company & More Lead!
December 18, 2023 There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; 44: THE UNOFFICIAL, UNSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL, 1984, House of Bards Theatre Company & More Lead!
December 11, 2023 It's the final 3 weeks and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 11th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards December 5th Standings; INTO THE WOODS Leads Best Musical!
December 05, 2023 It's December, and the first standings of the month have been announced as of Tuesday, December 5th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; 1984 Leads Best Play!
November 27, 2023 Happy Holidays! The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 27th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL Leads Best Musical!
November 20, 2023 The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 20th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
First Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; House of Bards Theatre Company Leads Favorite Local Theatre!
November 13, 2023 The first wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 13th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
YONIVERSE Extends Its Run In Los Angeles
July 21, 2023 'Yoniverse' (formerly known as 'Yoni Ki Kahaniya,') is an original and contemporary play written by four South Asian women from the Greater Los Angeles area.
NATURALLY TAN Opening May 14 At ARTSpace Black Box Theatre
April 07, 2022 Told through the bold perspective of a vivacious drag queen named Tanvi, Naturally Tan follows Tanya Thomas' desperation to fit in as a minority in Singapore and her search for acceptance in America. Fueled by assimilation pains, Tanya delves into the heart of colorism that plagues the Asian diaspora, the complexities of racial identity, and the consequences of damaging beauty standards. Will Tanya hide behind her insecurities forever or will she embody her worth as a woman of color, mother, and artist?
NATURALLY TAN Begins October 12 At Santa Monica Playhouse
September 29, 2021 Naturally Tan, the award-winning show, written, produced and performed by Tanya Thomas Directed and developed by Jessica Lynn Johnson, begins at Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth St., Santa Monica, CA 90401, Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. A reception on the Playhouse patio follows the performance.
Binge Free Festival Starts October 10
September 06, 2021 Santa Monica Playhouse has been a cultural treasure in the seaside community for 61 years. Now, the Playhouse is giving love back with its Sixth Annual Binge Free Festival (BFF), a full month of free performances, workshops, readings, music and poetry in Santa Monica's ONLY fringe festival.
NATURALLY TAN By Tanya Thomas Opens At Hollywood Fringe
July 23, 2021 Told through the bold perspective of a vivacious drag queen named Tanvi, Naturally Tan follows Tanya Thomas' desperation to fit in as a minority in Singapore and her search for acceptance in America. Fueled by assimilation pains, Tanya delves into the heart of colorism that plagues the Asian diaspora, the complexities of racial identity, and the consequences of damaging beauty standards. Will Tanya hide behind her insecurities forever or will she embody her worth as a woman of color, mother, and artist?About the Theatre
Santa Monica Playhouse Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What shows are coming up next at Santa Monica Playhouse?
One Foot in Front of the Other (08/02/26-08/02/26)
Hit a grand slam with baseball hero “MATTY: an evening with Christy Mathewson” – bring the kids! (08/15/26-08/16/26)
Hit a grand slam with baseball hero “MATTY: an evening with Christy Mathewson” – bring the kids! (08/15/26-08/16/26)
What shows have played recently at Santa Monica Playhouse?
Fool for Love (07/23/26-07/26/26)
Sonja Marie’s Free Bricks – two shows only – a Black History [every] Month Special Event (06/20/26-06/21/26)
Club Open-Mike – a Theatre R.A.W. world premiere comedy (06/15/26-06/16/26)
My Lawyer is an Angel – chasing the ambulance chasers off the road! Jerry Mayer’s world premiere serious comedy (06/13/26-08/23/26)
HOLLYWOOD TREATMENT - A Feel Bad Comedy (06/12/26-06/14/26)
Shelley Fisher’s The Hebrew Hillbilly – Fifty Shades of Oy Vey! A “Spectacular!” theatre concert! (06/06/26-06/06/26)
A CINDERELLA Summer – an “Enchanting” Rudie-DeCarlo Family Theatre Musical for kids 2 to 102 (06/06/26-08/30/26)
Larry’s Back… True love never really forgets…a new play by Steve Stajich - one night only! (05/29/26-05/29/26)
Stand-up Jesus! Blessed be the Punchlines! Wine and Wafers (the vanilla kind) included! (05/23/26-08/22/26)
Jewish for Dinner (05/10/26-06/07/26)
Sonja Marie’s Free Bricks – two shows only – a Black History [every] Month Special Event (06/20/26-06/21/26)
Club Open-Mike – a Theatre R.A.W. world premiere comedy (06/15/26-06/16/26)
My Lawyer is an Angel – chasing the ambulance chasers off the road! Jerry Mayer’s world premiere serious comedy (06/13/26-08/23/26)
HOLLYWOOD TREATMENT - A Feel Bad Comedy (06/12/26-06/14/26)
Shelley Fisher’s The Hebrew Hillbilly – Fifty Shades of Oy Vey! A “Spectacular!” theatre concert! (06/06/26-06/06/26)
A CINDERELLA Summer – an “Enchanting” Rudie-DeCarlo Family Theatre Musical for kids 2 to 102 (06/06/26-08/30/26)
Larry’s Back… True love never really forgets…a new play by Steve Stajich - one night only! (05/29/26-05/29/26)
Stand-up Jesus! Blessed be the Punchlines! Wine and Wafers (the vanilla kind) included! (05/23/26-08/22/26)
Jewish for Dinner (05/10/26-06/07/26)
Where is Santa Monica Playhouse located?
Santa Monica Playhouse is at 1211 4th Street.
|
Much Ado About Nothing McCadden Place Theatre (8/07-8/16) |
|
6 Out of 10 Theatre 68 (8/20-8/20) |
|
After the Blast The Broadwater Second Stage (8/05-8/13) |
|
Catch Me If You Can Colony Theatre (9/17-10/18) |
|
Emily Skinner: In Concert Feinstein's at the Nikko (8/14-8/15) |
|
Gershwin and the Golden Age Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya) (10/11-10/11) |
|
John Lloyd Young Feinstein's at the Nikko (8/21-8/22) |
|
Julius Caesar Marin Shakespeare Company (8/14-9/13) |
|
Love, Loss and What I Wore Sawyer's Playhouse (8/08-8/30) |
|
A CINDERELLA Summer – an “Enchanting” Rudie-DeCarlo Family Theatre Musical for kids 2 to 102 Santa Monica Playhouse (6/06-8/30) |