David Ellenstein News

The next North Coast Rep conversation is with actor, writer and producer Phil Johnson. Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Laughter on the 23rd Floor, and Putnam County Spelling Bee are among the many shows at North Coast Rep that Phill has been a part of.

Thanks to an extraordinary arrangement with Actors Equity Association, North Coast Repertory Theatre is continuing Season 38 with the West Coast premiere of HUMAN ERROR, a comedy by Eric Pfeffinger.

The San Diego Tribune has reported that actor J. Todd Adams has passed away at age 51. Read the full story HERE. 

North Coast Repertory has released the following statement regarding upcoming performances: 

THE HOMECOMING is often regarded by critics as Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter's most enduring play.

THE OUTSIDER now playing at North Coast Rep through March 22nd is the perfect comedy antithesis for a year that can feel like a neverending political drama.  A top-notch comedic cast this show delivers on the laughs with some pointed humor that makes the most of the sometimes counterintuitive feeling political system.

North Coast Repertory Theatre presents The Outsider by Paul Slade Smith, directed by David Ellenstein.

THE OUTSIDER, a razor-sharp, hilarious satire of modern American politics, is currently getting a witty and smartly paced West Coast premiere at North Coast Repertory Theatre.

Impro Theatre spins an entire play into comedy gold right before your eyes. Starting with an audience suggestion, the troupe creates completely improvised, full-length plays in the styles of the world's greatest writers. Join us this holiday season for a hilarious comedy inspired by the works of Charles Dickens. Comic portrayals, cruel melodrama and heartbreaking tenderness explode onto the teeming streets of Victorian London. A fun and festive evening of comedy.

Sometimes A WALK IN THE WOODS is exactly what you need to be reminded that theatre can showcase some dynamic performances while also offering some talking points that were as relevant in 1988 when it first premiered as it is today.

From the darkest corners of reality, to the land of the unexplained - Impro Theatre's Twilight Zone Unscripted pays homage to Rod Serling's breakthrough sci-fi series "The Twilight Zone." Enter the wondrous dimension of imagination, as completely improvised episodes are created with every performance.

Don't let the laughter or the crazy hijinks fool you- comedy is hard work to get right.  Luckily, with a strong ensemble cast of six people ALL IN THE TIMING brings the laughs to the stage of the North Coast Repertory Theatre through May 5th.

What really goes on behind the scenes of tense arms negotiations between powerful nations? Set in the midst of the Cold War, Lee Blessing's gripping play, A WALK IN THE WOODS, is especially relevant today. With talks seemingly at an impasse, the American and Soviet negotiators agree to meet informally while strolling through the peaceful forest.

North Coast Repertory Theatre School presents SHE KILLS MONSTERS by Qui Nguyen. SHE KILLS MONSTERS will run May 16-19, 2019. Performances- May 16 & 17 - 6PM, May 18 - 2PM, & 6PM May 19 - 2PM.

The Cave Dwellers explores the adventures of some homeless people who are camping out on the stage of an abandoned theatre that is about to be pulled down for a housing project. Humor, grace, innocence and improvisation distinguish this Broadway classic. An enchanting story.

The Roustabouts Theatre Co. (San Diego, CA) presentation of the Off-Broadway premiere of A Jewish Joke, a drama about comedy, co-written by Marni Freedmanand Phil Johnson, performed by Mr. Johnson and directed by David Ellenstein has ended its engagement prematurely due to actor illness. Named "Best Drama" (2016 United Solo Festival, NYC), performances of A Jewish Joke began performances on Thursday, March 7, 2019.

The Cave Dwellers explores the adventures of some homeless people who are camping out on the stage of an abandoned theatre that is about to be pulled down for a housing project. Humor, grace, innocence and improvisation distinguish this Broadway classic. An enchanting story.

The Roustabouts Theatre Co. present the Off-Broadway premiere of A Jewish Joke, a drama about comedy, co-written by Marni Freedman and Phil Johnson, performed by Mr. Johnson and directed by David Ellenstein. Named 'Best Drama' (2016 United Solo Festival, NYC), performances of A Jewish Joke begin tomorrow Thursday, March 7 at 8pm (for a limited engagement through March 31, 2019) at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street - between 9th & 10th Avenues). Opening Night is set for Wednesday, March 13 at 8pm.

Two West Coast premieres and one San Diego premiere highlight an engaging, eclectic 2019-20 seven-play series at North Coast Repertory Theatre, now celebrating its 38th season. Among the offerings are two Tony Award winning masterpieces, beloved audience favorite by Neil Simon, a poignant love story, a political satire, a humorous social commentary, and a hilarious musical of Broadway's greatest hits.