A New American Musical

Hands on a Hardbody

April 27 – June 17, 2012

Book by Doug Wright
Lyrics by Amanda Green
Music by Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green
Based on the film "Hands on a Hard Body" by S. R. Bindler
Choreography by Benjamin Millepied
Directed by Neil Pepe

La Jolla Playhouse Commission

For ten strangers competing for a truck,
it's more than a contest— it's a human drama kind of thing.

When an auto dealership in Longview, TX launches an endurance contest, ten economically-strapped strangers embark on a journey that puts their hearts, minds and bodies to the test. The contestant that keeps at least one hand on a brand-new hardbody truck the longest gets to drive it off the lot. Only one can win, but for all involved, that truck holds the key to their own private American dream.

American Night: The Ballad of Juan José

January 27 - February 26

Written by Richard Montoya
Developed by Culture Clash and Jo Bonney
Directed by Jo Bonney
Co-production with Center Theatre Group
Originally produced by Oregon Shakespeare Festival

As Juan José feverishly studies for his U.S. citizenship exam, he becomes ensnared in a tumultuous, whirlwind journey through pivotal moments of American history. Last seen at the Playhouse in the hit show Zorro in Hell, Culture Clash returns with a provocative, irreverent comedy about our shared past set against our trans-border landscape.

Moving Arts'

The Car Plays: San Diego

February 23 – March 4, 2012

Conceived by Paul Stein

Moving Arts’ The Car Plays: San Diego, offers a series of intimate ten- minute plays, each taking place in a car, where audiences of two move from vehicle to vehicle to experience works by different playwrights. After being ushered to their seats, the car doors close and participants watch the drama, or comedy, unfold just inches away. Ten minutes later, the doors open, a seat in a new car awaits, and a fresh story begins.. In the course of an hour, five evocative stories are revealed. The Los Angeles Times raved, “The Car Plays combines the pleasures ofsite-specific theater and voyeurism — one of the better arguments forcarpooling since the high-occupancy lane. (Critic’s Choice).”

LJP Presents

Sandra Bernhard I Love Being Me, Don't You?

March 14 - 17, 2012

Potiker Cabaret-Style Theatre

Special Engagement

Backed by a smokin' rock band, Sandra Bernhard draws on her acclaimed new comedy recording of the same name to deliver her unforgettable blend of outrageous humor, cutting satire and fiercely energetic live performance. About her new show, the Los Angeles Times raved that her "combination of glamour and accessibility accounts for Bernhard's enduring appeal... The experience is like hanging out with a hip and funny friend who never fails to lift you up with her outrageous freedom."

LJP Presents

The Second City's Laugh Out Loud Tour

March 21 - 24, 2012

Potiker Cabaret-Style Theatre

Special Engagement

The Second City's Laugh Out Loud Tour features some of the best sketches, songs, and improvisations from The Second City's 52-year history. Second City's exciting new tour welcomes the next generation of the comedy world's best and brightest in an evening of hilarious sketch comedy and Second City's trademark improvisation. Whether it's ripped from the morning headlines or a classic gem from their archives, The Second City is always a laugh out loud hit.

A Dram of Drummhicit

May 17 - June 12

By Arthur Kopit & Anton Dudley
Directed by Christopher Ashley
World Premiere Comedy

An American entrepreneur has found the perfect Scottish island on which to build his new golf course. But as secrets — and bodies — are unearthed, the true nature of the island wreaks comic havoc. Artistic Director Christopher Ashley directs the world premiere of acclaimed playwright Arthur Kopit and Anton Dudley's supernatural comedy.

Peer Gynt

June 28 - July 24

Adapted and Directed by David Schweizer
From the Play by Henrik Ibsen
Co-production with Kansas City Repertory Theatre
Re-imagined Classic

Join the world's most famous wanderer Peer Gynt as he dreams, swindles and charms his way through life in an exhilarating quest for fame and fortune. Five actors perform this theatrical adaptation of Ibsen's sweeping epic on stage full of inventive surprises. Satisfy your wanderlust in this wild, funny, picaresque journey.

Sleeping Beauty Wakes

July 19 - August 21

Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Music by Brendan Milburn
Lyrics by Valerie Vigoda
Directed by Rebecca Taichman
Co-production with McCarter Theatre Center
A Musical from the Pop Rock Group GrooveLily

When a father brings his sleeping daughter in to a sleep disorder clinic, staff and patients mysteriously find themselves sharing the same dream. With beguiling characters, hypnotic lyrics, and a rocking score from GrooveLily, this musical about a father, a daughter and an unlikely suitor dives into the magical space between dreaming and waking.

Milk Like Sugar

August 30 - September 25

By Kirsten Greenidge
Directed by Rebecca Taichman
Co-commission with Theater Masters
World Premiere

Stuck in dead-end town and ignored by her family, 16-year-old Annie decides to create her own future by entering into a pregnancy pact with two of her high school friends. With savage humor and gritty poetry, Kirsten Greenidge's new play explores the challenges of choosing between the safety of the life you know and the danger of the life you desire.

La Jolla Playhouse
presents the
Stratford Shakespeare Festival Production of

Jesus Christ Superstar

November 18 - December 31

Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed by Des McAnuff

This ground-breaking rock opera, which reinvented musical theatre for the modern age, tells the story of the last week of Christ’s life. The zeal with which Christ’s followers are hailing him as the Son of God becomes a source of dismay to his disciple Judas Iscariot. Fearing that this tide of religious fervor will provoke brutal repression by the occupying Romans, Judas must make his fateful choice between faith and betrayal.