Jason Niedle News

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment have officially opened the doors to Arendelle. The Los Angeles regional theatre premiere of Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical began previews Friday night, ahead of its press opening on Saturday, June 7, and will run through June 29, 2025. Check out photos of the production.

'Legally Blonde' will be playing at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul, Minnesota, from June 10 to June 15, 2025. We spoke with Kathryn Brunner, who stars as Elle Woods in this production.

The Los Angeles regional theatre premiere of Disney’s FROZEN The Broadway Musical presented by La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment opens June 6 through June 29 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. The much-loved family musical stars Jenna Lea Rosen as Princess Elsa and Cailen Fu as Princess Anna, two of the most popular Disney princesses among fans of all ages. I decided to speak with them about their history performing the roles and their path to appearing in the current touring production.

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE will present one of August Wilson’s greatest triumphs focusing on the decade of the ‘50s, the Pulitzer Prize winning play FENCES, directed by Yvette Freeman-Hartley (Laguna Playhouse acclaimed production of Ain’t Misbehavin’). FENCES  will run through Sunday, May 18 at the Laguna Playhouse,. Check out photos here.

Filled with catchy, pop-infused songs, engaging characters, vibrant choreography, and a not-so-subtle message of female empowerment and self-confidence, LEGALLY BLONDE - THE MUSICAL is back in SoCal in a brand new, awesomely-entertaining, Broadway-caliber regional production at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts through May 18th that's filled with non-stop laughs, lively musical numbers, a ridiculously good-looking and musically-talented cast, and production values that make it all just a genuinely fun time all-around. I have to say that this cheery, unabashedly joyful production was genuinely the most fun I have had at a musical so far this year.

Production photos have just been released for the production of Legally Blonde: The Musical at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. The show runs through May 17. See the photos below! 

Today’s subject Rayanne Gonzales is currently living her theatre life onstage at Signature Theatre in a role she is very familiar with. Through May 4th in Signature’s MAX space, Rayanne is portraying Abuela Claudia in In The Heights.

​​​​​​​LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE is presenting the musical comedy murder mystery, THE REMARKABLE MISTER HOLMES, book by Omri Schein and David Ellenstein, lyrics by Omri Schein, music by Daniel Lincoln, choreography by Jill Gorrie, musical direction by Alby Potts and directed by David Ellenstein (Eleanor, A View from the Bridge, Holmes & Watson). See photos from the show!

Overall, the show is an expertly-crafted piece of unapologetically silly live comedic theatre that demonstrates the power of precision in the guise of 'random' chaos. By blending slapstick humor, meta-theatrical elements, and sheer physical comedy-laced energy, this theatrical enterpris creates an unforgettable theatrical experience that will have you laughing non-stop. While its primary goal is to be an entertaining, crowd-pleasing spectacle, it also spotlights the resilience of theatre performers and the thrilling unpredictability of live theatre—proving that, sometimes, abject failure can be the greatest source of laughter.

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS & McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT has released photos of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields, with direction by Eric Petersen. 

Laguna Playhouse will one of the most iconic first ladies in American history, Kandis Chappell is Eleanor Roosevelt in ELEANOR written by Mark St. Germain and directed by David Ellenstein. Check out photos here!

We had the pleasure of interviewing Krystina Alabado who stars as Daisy Arujo in Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of 'Mystic Pizza.'

The Ordway Center's production of The Little Mermaid is a dazzling spectacle that brings the beloved Disney classic to life with vibrant energy, breathtaking visuals, and heartfelt performances. Directed by a skilled team of creatives, this musical adaptation transcends the nostalgia of the 1989 animated film, offering a fresh and enchanting take that will captivate audiences of all ages.

Laguna Playhouse will present Lythgoe Family Productions ninth “Panto at the Playhouse”, RAPUNZEL AND HER HOLIDAY WISH. Learn more about the show here!

Led by a brilliant performance by Jason Alexander, this lively, emotionally-grounded, classic-leaning staging still somehow manages to feel fresh, reinvigorated, and much more searing than prior iterations.This latest SoCal-area revival of the landmark 1964 musical—here directed by Lonny Price—is, at its most impressive core, one of the most thoughtful, winningly-engaging stage musicals of the year thus far, and is a definite must-not-miss production.

La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment's production of Fiddler on the Roof starring Tony Award-winner Jason Alexander as “Tevye” is now in performances. Check out photos here!

Laguna Playhouse is presenting A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE by Arthur Miller and directed by David Ellenstein. The production will run through Sunday, November 17 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Dr. in Laguna Beach. Check out photos here!

Now having its So. California Regional premiere production at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts thru Oct. 13, 2024, this funny, endearing, and ultimately empowering show is easily, hands-down, this critic's favorite iteration of this musical—in no small part thanks to Desi Oakley's return to the title role and its Sara Bareilles songbook.

La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts is opening its 2024-2025 season with the Southern California regional theatre premiere of the hit Broadway musical, WAITRESS, starring Desi Oakley. See production photos here!

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE is currently presenting the hilarious farce, DON'T DRESS FOR DINNER, written by Marc Camoletti, adapted by Robin Hawdon, and directed by Christopher M. Williams through Sunday, September 22 at the Laguna Playhouse. Check out production photos here!