The La Jolla Playhouse announced Friday that it will stage four world-premiere productions, from musicals to dramas, during its upcoming 2017-2018 season.
The playhouse, which is nationally-renowned for the development of new work, plans “Escape to Margaritaville” in May, “At the Old Place” in August, “Wild Goose Dreams” in September and the”Untitled Donna Summer Project” in November
“Continuing the Playhouse’s tradition of developing and launching new works, our first four announced shows of 2017-18 are all world premieres, including two exuberant new musicals that celebrate two of America’s most beloved musical icons,” said Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley. “It’s a season that finds compelling drama everywhere on the map — from a tropical island to South Korea — while exploring with our audiences fascinating intersections of cultures and identities.”
The musical “Escape to Margaritaville” features both original songs and beloved Jimmy Buffett classics. It’s the story of a tropical island resort and its part-time bartender, part-time singer and full time charmer who thinks he’s got life all figured out — until a beautiful career-minded tourist steals his heart and makes him question everything.
“At the Old Place” is about a literature professor in her mid-40s facing a breaking point. She returns to her childhood home in Virginia only to discover two young people camped out on her lawn. This intimate new play is about the search for the roads not taken.
“Wild Goose Dreams” is about a North Korean defector who has left her family behind and a lonely South Korean father who start an unlikely online romance as they each attempt to allay their fears and alienation.
“Untitled Donna Summer Project,” directed by Des McAnuff of “Jersey Boys,” charts the life of Donna Summer — the undisputed Queen of Disco. It features more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits and electric dance in a tribute to the voice of a generation.
Tickets to the playhouse’s 2017-2018 season are available only through a subscription purchase at LaJollaPlayhouse.org or by calling (858) 550-1010.