David Ellenstein News

Prepare to be spellbound by the riveting return engagement of An Iliad at North Coast Repertory Theatre. This timely and powerful production, based on Homer's epic poem 'The Iliad,' will transport audiences to the heart of the Trojan War through a dynamic and tour-de-force adaptation by Lisa Peterson and Denis O'Hare, translated by Robert Fagles.

Interview with actress Kandis Chappell on working on ELEANOR and doing justice to this complex and captivating woman.  ELEANOR at North Coast Repertory Theatre through July 2nd.

The nominations for the 12th Annual Off Broadway Alliance Awards are announced, recognizing outstanding productions such as 'FAT HAM,' 'TITANIQUE,' and 'MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG.' The winners of the 2023 Outer Critics Circle Awards and the Drama League Awards are revealed, honoring exceptional performances on and off Broadway.

North Coast Repertory Theatre’s Artistic Director David Ellenstein, and Managing Director Bill Kerlin, have been named Laguna Playhouse’s new Artistic and Managing Directors respectively, effective immediately.

While sitting on a park bench in Washington, D. C., contemplating the death of her husband, former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt candidly reveals the many facets of her storied life in a riveting West Coast premiere at North Coast Repertory Theatre. Award-winning actor Kandis Chappell deftly illuminates the witty, feisty, vulnerable woman who was considered the heart of FDR's presidency. Exploring both the public and private persona of this remarkable woman, Mark St. Germain (Dancing Lessons, Becoming Dr. Ruth, Freud's Last Session) captures the essence of the woman who left an indelible mark on American history. For those who love honest, pull-no-punches drama, this is one you cannot miss. A West Coast premiere.

North Coast Repertory Theatre has announced Season 42, featuring a  host of plays that include two world premieres, a beloved musical masterpiece, side-splitting  comedies, an eerie Gothic thriller, a poignant drama, and a taut psychological study.  

THE CHERRY ORCHARD at North Coast Repertory Theatre brings a contemporary contemplation to a classic play with strong performances and a lovely set.  THE CHERRY ORCHARD is playing through April 2nd at North Coast Repertory Theatre.

Laguna Playhouse has announced its 2023-2024 Season of Shows featuring the new play The Angel Next Door, Ain't Misbehavin' and more. See how to purchase tickets!

First look photos! With universal themes of societal upheaval, love, loss, grief, envy, and ambition, THE CHERRY ORCHARD remains as relevant and powerful today as it was when it first premiered in 1903. Serious theatre-lovers will not want to miss this classic tale of heightened human drama.

Anton Chekhov's beloved masterwork is a rich tapestry of the human condition woven into a humorous and haunting tale. With universal themes of societal upheaval, love, loss, grief, envy, and ambition, THE CHERRY ORCHARD remains as relevant and powerful today as it was when it first premiered in 1903. Serious theatre-lovers will not want to miss this classic tale of heightened human drama.

Co-authored by Conor Duffy and Jake Broder, Max & Willy’s Last Laugh is based on the true story of entertainers Max Ehrlich and Willy Rosen, who for 18 months performed the funniest cabaret in Europe to ensure their safety at the Westerbork Transit Camp during World War II.

Laguna Playhouse is currently in rehearsals for the World Premiere of Love Among the Ruins, playing October 26 - November 13, 2022. See photos from the first day of rehearsals here!

With the announced closing of Broadway’s longest running show, questions have risen about tourism (the numbers in New York actually look much stronger than a hot take on Phantom might suggest), about the resiliency of brands (also highlighted by what the future might hold for Second City), and what gets audiences excited to come out to the theater.

Laguna Playhouse and its Board of Directors announced that North Coast Repertory Theatre’s Artistic Director, David Ellenstein, has been named to the position of Interim Artistic Director for the Playhouse for the period of October 3, 2022 through January 1, 2023.

Special Offer: A World Premiere Comedic-Fantasy at North Coast Rep

The World Premiere of ANNABELLA IN JULY inaugurates North Coast Repertory Theatre's eclectic Season 41, starting September 7.

THE REMARKABLE MISTER HOLMES isn’t meant for the purists. Nor is it remarkable. An audience has to slog through a tiring array of blowhards and buffoonery shot through with a tonal sensibility that treads a line between broad comedy and offensiveness.

Special Offer: North Coast Rep presents a Madcap Musical Comedy Murder Mystery

THE REMARKABLE MISTER HOLMES previews begin Wednesday, July 20 at North Coast Rep. Opening Night on Saturday, July 23. Check out first look photos here!

THE REMARKABLE MISTER HOLMES director and co-writer David Ellenstein talks about working with his talented co-creators Omri Schein and Daniel Lincoln, and why they knew audiences would love a musical comedy about the world's greatest detective -playing July 20th - August 21st.