Review: South Coast Repertory Presents World Premiere Play THE STAIRCASE
by Michael Quintos - May 9, 2025
Set in the part of the 'real' Hawaii that tourists are unlikely to ever see, THE STAIRCASE—the World Premiere play from Noa Gardner directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch—is an admirable new play that features a superb acting ensemble, relatable themes, beautifully authentic cultural representation, and an intriguing (if slightly predictable) premise. Using many long stretches of orations to un-peel its surface layers, the play is mostly commendable in artistic execution and cultural specificity, but could, perhaps, use some more editing in its hopefully ongoing evolution.