Video: First Look at BEAU JEST at North Coast Repertory Theatre

North Coast Repertory Theatre has released first look footage of BEAU JEST, James Sherman's beloved Jewish-American romantic comedy now playing through May 17, 2026 in Solana Beach, California.

Directed by Omri Schein, the production weaves together family tradition, romantic chemistry, and laugh-out-loud comedy in a warm-hearted story set in late 1980s Chicago that celebrates love, devotion, and self-discovery. The Wall Street Journal called it "very funny" with "a lot to say about nuclear families of any ethnic persuasion," while the Chicago Sun Times praised it as "hilarious and quite moving," noting that Sherman "wonderfully blends farce with genuine insight."

The cast features Katrina Michaels as Sarah, Sam Ashdown as Bob Schroeder, Josh Cahn as Joel Goldman, Joel Polis as Abe, Jill Remez as Miriam, and Benjamin Cole as Chris Cringle. The creative team includes Marty Burnett (set design), Jennifer Brawn Gittings (costumes), Matthew Novotny (lighting), Evan Eason (sound), Peter Herman (hair and wig design), and Michael Wogulis (props). Christopher M. Williams serves as stage manager.