Deborah Gilmour Smyth News

Backyard Renaissance delivers an exquisite reminder: we do not choose when the people we adore begin to fade, but we do get to decide how fiercely we hold them while they do.

“Arms and the Man”, the classic George Bernard Shaw play, is currently skewering the romantic ideals of going to battle or falling in love with wit at Lamb’s Players Theatre through November 16th.  Under the sharp and playful direction of Deborah Gilmour Smyth, it turns 19th-century notions of heroism and passion delightfully upside down. It’s brisk, bright, very funny, and may have you craving something chocolate before it’s over.

The San Diego Theatre Critics Circle has announced the winners for its 2024 Craig Noel Awards for Excellence in Theatre. Now in its 22nd year, the Craig Noel Awards honor the achievements at professional theaters in San Diego County. 

As this year draws to a close and the new theatrical experiences of 2025 are just about to begin, I am looking back at the shows of 2024 that have continued to capture my imagination.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” is a lighthearted production with a clever and comedic cast that joyfully delights in poking fun at the rules and protocols of Victorian society. “The Importance of Being Earnest” plays at Lamb’s Players Theatre through November 10th.

“The Beauty Queen of Leenane” by Backyard Renaissance finds humor in the darkest situations and plays through July 13th at 10th Avenue Arts. 

AUGUST: OSGAE COUNTY by Backyard Renaissance, which is playing through September 16th offers some breathtaking performances in this comedy-drama about the strong-willed Weston family who have all chosen paths away from each other until a family crisis brings them all back. 

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.

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 previews begin Wednesday, July 20. Opening Night on Saturday, July 23. There will be a talkback with actors and director on July 29 after the performance. 

It’s London in the 1890s. The city is besieged with a series of baffling crimes that only the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his new assistant can solve. Not only do they sleuth and scrutinize – they also sing! 

Sometimes, the very best show to watch in a theater is the one that happens when there is no audience around. NOISES OFF, now playing at Coronado's Lambs Player's through May 200th, proves this true in the farce that pokes fun while also simultaneously being a loving homage to the art of the theatre.

LAMB'S PLAYERS THEATRE has announced that after eight years as the resident company managing the Horton Grand Theatre it will end its tenure there after July 17th.

Lamb's Players Theatre's AMERICAN RHYTHM, written and arranged by Kerry Meads and Vanda Eggington, begins today, June 10, and continues through August 7.

Lamb's Players Theatre today announced the cast for their summer production of AMERICAN RHYTHM, written and arranged by Kerry Meads and Vanda Eggington, running in their Coronado space from June 10 - August 7.

Lamb's Players presents THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ. The production runs in Coronado from tonight, October 9 - November 15.

Lamb's Players today announced the cast of their upcoming THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ. The production runs in Coronado from October 9 - November 15. 

Lamb's Players announced their Spring hit, Freud's Last Session by Mark St. Germain, will return to Coronado for a limited engagement, September 11 - 27.

Lamb's Players announced that West Side Story, their critically acclaimed musical hit, currently playing in Coronado, will extend until August 30th.  The Nerd  - previously scheduled to run from Aug 14 - Sep 20 moves to January/February 2016.  Lamb's 2016 Season will begin in March.

Lamb's Players Theatre today announced their current production of Freud's Last Session, playing in Coronado has been extended through May 30th.