David Ellenstein News

A haunting incident from forty years ago ignites this explosive world premiere about the devasting ripple effects of revenge at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Louisa Gillis.

A behind-the-scenes video offers a look at the world premiere of Louisa Gillis at North Coast Repertory Theatre. The new play by Joanna McClelland Glass explores family dynamics, revenge, and forgiveness through a psychological drama.

Laguna Playhouse is presenting the second show of its 2025/2026 season with the rolling world premiere comedy, BESIDE MYSELF by Paul Slade Smith and directed by David Ellenstein. Check out photos below!

Laguna Playhouse will present the second show of its 2025/2026 season with the rolling world premiere comedy, BESIDE MYSELF by Paul Slade Smith. Check out photos here!

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE will present the second show of its 2025/2026 season with the rolling world premiere comedy, BESIDE MYSELF by Paul Slade Smith. Learn more!

Rubicon Theatre Company has announced its 2025–2026 season, Crossroads: Moments That Can Change Everything, the final season curated by Producing Artistic Director and Co-Founder Karyl Lynn Burns.

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 16, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

David Ellenstein has resigned his position as Artistic Director of the Laguna Playhouse effective November 16, 2025.  Learn more about Ellenstein here!

Portland Stage will open its 52nd season with Eleanor by Mark St. Germain, a powerful solo show that brings First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to life in an intimate, deeply human portrait.

North Coast Rep opens its 44th season with the world premiere of Paul Slade Smith’s comedy Beside Myself, running September 10 – October 5, 2025, in Solana Beach. Directed by David Ellenstein, the witty new play explores modern anxiety, identity, and self-discovery. Tickets at northcoastrep.org.

Production photos for Honky Tonk Angels at Laguna Playhouse, written by Ted Swindley, choreography by Jill Gorrie, musical direction by John Massey and direction by David Ellenstein, have just been released. See the photos here! 

Laguna Playhouse has announced it has received a $4,000 grant from the FOA Foundation to support its year-round educational programming for children and teens in Orange County. The grant will help fund the theatre’s monthly workshops, summer camps, Youth Theatre Conservatory productions, and TheatreReach student matinee series.

Two married couples take center stage—on and off—in North Coast Rep’s 'A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.' Director Noelle Marion and her husband, Andrew Polec (playing Monty), along with the ensemble's married duo, Shinah and Andrew Hey, share how love, collaboration, and a little comedic chaos fuel this fast-paced, multi-role musical.

After conducting an extensive nationwide search led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG), Laguna Playhouse is pleased to welcome Adele Adkins as its new Managing Director, effective immediately.

Laguna Playhouse will present the final show of its 2024/2025 season, the boot-scootin’, foot-stompin’, dancin’ in the aisles, country music party of the year, Honky Tonk Angels, written by Ted Swindley, choreography by Jill Gorrie, musical direction by John Massey and direction by David Ellenstein.

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.

“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.

Inspired by a 1924 drawing room comedy by Ferenc Molnar, The Angel Next Door was  originally commissioned by David Ellenstein for North Coast Rep and the Laguna Playhouse. Following its September 2023 premiere, the romp has gone on to delight theatergoers all over the country.

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.

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.