James Newcomb

BIRTHDAY CANDLES Extends at North Coast Repertory Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jun 17, 2025

North Coast Repertory Theatre has extended its production of Noah Haidle’s BIRTHDAY CANDLES, a touching tribute to one woman’s life. Learn more about the production here.

Review: BIRTHDAY CANDLES at North Coast Repertory Theatre
by ErinMarie Reiter - Jun 10, 2025

“Birthday Candles”, now playing at North Coast Repertory Theatre, is a curious mix because existentialism and birthday cake are not a combo I usually crave. Yet thanks to a charming cast and a moving central performance by Margot White, this blend of humor, heartache, and hope is something richer than expected.

Photos: BIRTHDAY CANDLES At North Coast Repertory Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 5, 2025

Playgoers are in for a treat as North Coast Repertory Theatre will present Noah Haidle’s BIRTHDAY CANDLES, a touching tribute to one woman’s life. Check out photos from the show.

BIRTHDAY CANDLES Will Play North Coast Repertory Theatre
by Emmy Rice - May 24, 2025

Playgoers are in for a treat as North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Noah Haidle's Birthday Candles, a touching tribute to one woman's life. See here for more details.

BIRTHDAY CANDLES Comes to North Coast Repertory Theatre
by Stephi Wild - May 21, 2025

 Playgoers are in for a treat as North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Noah Haidle’s BIRTHDAY CANDLES, a touching tribute to one woman’s life.

YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU At North Coast Repertory Theatre
by Emmy Rice - Mar 15, 2025

Step into the wonderfully chaotic world of You Can't Take It with You, the Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart! Check here for more details.

Review: THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR at Laguna Playhouse
by Amanda Callas - Oct 26, 2023

The Angel Next Door is a glittering, effervescent hit romantic comedy by Paul Slade Smith at the historic Laguna Playhouse. It’s an elegant, sweet-dry glass of champagne, bubbling over with non-stop laughs, merriment, glamor, and high-spirited hijinks. It’s hard to think of more fun you could have at the theatre right now, or really, more fun anywhere.

Photos: First Look at THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR at Laguna Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Oct 20, 2023

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE presents the third show of its 2023-2024 season, a transfer of the world premiere production from North Coast Rep of the irresistible comedy, THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR. Check out all new photos here!

Laguna Playhouse Presents World Premiere Transfer Production Of THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR By Paul Slade Smith
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 28, 2023

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE will present the third show of its 2023-2024 season, a transfer of the world premiere production from North Coast Rep of the irresistible comedy, THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR, written by Paul Slade Smith, adapted from Play at the Castle by Ferenc Molnár, and directed by Laguna Playhouse Artistic Director David Ellenstein. 

Review: THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR at North Coast Repertory
by Evan Henerson - Sep 20, 2023

Two of Smith’s previous plays have been mounted at the Solana Beach company, and the company commissioned Smith to create a new work to kick off NCR’s 42nd season. That play, THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR, directed by Artistic Director David Ellenstein, is a kick and a hoot. Maybe that makes it a kick-oot.

Review: THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR at North Coast Repertory Theatre
by ErinMarie Reiter - Sep 16, 2023

THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR, the world premiere comedy now playing at North Coast Repertory Theatre through October 8th is like an angel food cake; light, fluffy, and leaves you feeling like you had a sweet treat at the end.

North Coast Repertory Theatre to Present THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR Beginning in September
by Blair Ingenthron - Aug 20, 2023

Capturing the sheer joy, sophistication, and wit of 1940s screwball comedies, playwright Paul Slade Smith (The Outsider; Unnecessary Farce) has brilliantly adapted Ferenc Molnár's classic farce, Play at the Castle. THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR is making its world premiere debut at North Coast Repertory Theatre, and will transfer to Laguna Playhouse.

Cygnet Theatre Announces The Cast And Creative Team Of NOËL COWARD'S PRESENT LAUGHTER
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 25, 2023

Cygnet Theatre has announced the cast and creative team of Noël Coward's Present Laughter. This classic comedy is directed by Rosina Reynolds and runs March 29 - April 29 at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town. 

Review: INTO THE BREECHES! at North Coast Repertory Theatre
by E.H. Reiter - Nov 1, 2022

Behind-the-scenes antics, a play within a play, and costumed comedy are well loved because they work, and INTO THE BREECHES! combines them in wartime for a fun night at the theatre.  INTO THE BREECHES! is playing at North Coast Repertory Theatre through November 13th. 

Photos: First Look at INTO THE BREECHES at North Coast Repertory Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Oct 18, 2022

That time-honored adage, “The Show Must Go On,” takes on new meaning in this endearing and moving comedy. INTO THE BREECHES! transports audiences to a small American playhouse in 1942. Check out photos here!

INTO THE BREECHES to be Presented at North Coast Repertory Theatre in October
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 20, 2022

That time-honored adage, 'The Show Must Go On,' takes on new meaning in this endearing and moving comedy. INTO THE BREECHES! transports audiences to a small American playhouse in 1942. INTO THE BREECHES! at North Coast Repertory Theatre begins previews on Wednesday, October 19. Opening Night is on Saturday, October 22, at 8pm.

North Coast Repertory to Present INTO THE BREECHES! Beginning in October
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 18, 2022

North Coast Repertory Theatre will present INTO THE BREECHES! October 19 through November 13th. Opening Night on Saturday, October 22, at 8pm. There will be special talkback on Friday, October 28, with the cast and artistic director.

BWW Review: THE HOMECOMING at North Coast Repertory Theatre
by E.H. Reiter - Mar 18, 2022

THE HOMECOMING now playing through March 27th at North Coast Repertory Theatre explores family relationships, politics, and power in an impactful presentation.  This play features a top-notch ensemble that makes the twists and turns the family drama takes to feel as if they were fated all along.

Photos: First Look at THE HOMECOMING At North Coast Repertory Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 3, 2022

THE HOMECOMING is often regarded by critics as Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter’s most enduring play. Set in an all-male household that relies on fantasy and one-upmanship for its very existence, it is a searing masterwork of family warfare. The family’s toxic, but familiar pattern is disrupted by the arrival of a long-absent son and his new wife.

THE HOMECOMING Comes to North Coast Repertory Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Feb 15, 2022

THE HOMECOMING is often regarded by critics as Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter’s most enduring play. Set in an all-male household that relies on fantasy and one-upmanship for its very existence, it is a searing masterwork of family warfare.