La Jolla Playhouse facts for kids
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The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center at La Jolla Playhouse
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| Formation | 1947 |
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| Founders | Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire, Mel Ferrer |
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Artistic Director
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Christopher Ashley |
The La Jolla Playhouse is a famous professional theater located on the campus of the University of California, San Diego. It's a special kind of theater called a nonprofit, which means its main goal is to create great art, not to make money. The Playhouse is known for being a starting point for brand-new plays and musicals that often become huge hits.
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How It All Began
The La Jolla Playhouse was started back in 1947 by three Hollywood stars: Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire, and Mel Ferrer. They wanted to create a place for exciting new theater.
After a break, the theater was brought back to life in 1983. Since then, it has become one of America's most important theaters. It has presented over 120 "world premieres," which means it was the very first place in the world an audience saw that show!
In 1993, the Playhouse won a special Tony Award, which is like the Oscars for theater, for being America's Outstanding Regional Theatre. This award showed that it was one of the best theaters in the entire country.
Creating New Shows
The La Jolla Playhouse is famous for helping writers and directors create new shows. It has several programs designed to turn a simple idea into a full production.
Page to Stage
One of the coolest programs is called "Page to Stage." It started in 2001 and lets audiences watch a show as it's being created. A "Page to Stage" show has simple sets and costumes because the story and songs are still being changed and improved.
After the performance, the audience gets to share their opinions with the creators. This feedback helps make the show better. Two shows that started in this program, I Am My Own Wife and Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays, went on to win major Tony Awards.
Other Youth Programs
The Playhouse also has many programs for kids and teens who love theater. The Performance Outreach Program (POP) Tour takes a new play to schools and libraries all over San Diego. There are also acting classes, workshops, and a teen council for young theater fans.
From La Jolla to Broadway
Many shows that started at the La Jolla Playhouse have moved to Broadway in New York City, the biggest stage in American theater. When a show goes from a smaller theater to Broadway, it's a huge success.
Here are some of the famous shows that began at the Playhouse:
- Big River (1984): This musical won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
- The Who's Tommy (1992): A rock musical that won five Tony Awards for its direction, music, and design.
- Thoroughly Modern Millie (2000): This hit won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
- Jersey Boys (2004): The story of the band The Four Seasons, it won four Tonys, including Best Musical.
- Memphis (2008): Another Best Musical winner, this show also won for its story and music.
- Peter and the Starcatcher (2009): A clever prequel to Peter Pan that won five Tony Awards.
- Come from Away (2015): This musical about kindness and community won a Tony Award for Best Direction.
- The Outsiders (2023): Based on the famous novel, this show won four Tony Awards in 2024, including Best Musical.
- Redwood (2024): This musical starring Idina Menzel opened on Broadway in 2025.
Famous Actors on Stage
Over the years, many famous actors have performed at the La Jolla Playhouse. Some of them were already stars, while others became famous after appearing in shows there.
Here are just a few of the well-known actors who have been on the Playhouse stage:
