NOV 19 – DEC 15, 2024 Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre
By Anna Ouyang Moench
Directed by Les Waters
Christmas, but not as you know it.
Leave the little ones at home and gather ‘round for a very Playhouse take on Christmas. Your Local Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again is a laugh-out-loud funny and heartfelt story for theatre lovers and holiday enthusiasts alike.
Eddie is a young actor, fresh out of Juilliard and ready to make his mark on the American Theatre. His dreams are within reach… sort of. First he’s just going to do this regional production of A Christmas Carol. As the years pass, Eddie finds himself back at the same local theatre, over and over and over again. Much remains the same: the play, the stage manager, the green room — though Eddie finds himself in different costumes as he ages through the male roles over the course of his career.
Anna Ouyang Moench’s comedic and moving new play is a love letter to actors, artists and dreamers of all professions who make sacrifices large and small in service of their work… and ultimately wonder whether it was worth it.
“The theatre has plucked your heart out of your chest and placed it on the stage. To return your heart to your body, you must find your way to the stage, again and again. The only place you feel like a human being. It’s a terrible curse. A terrible gift.” Scrooge, Your Local Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again
Watch a chat about the shows
Artistic Director Christopher Ashley and Artistic Producing Director Eric Keen-Louie talk about each show and why they are excited to share them with Playhouse audiences.
Single tickets are now on sale. La Jolla Playhouse is the only authorized ticket seller for this production.
First Look (previews): Nov 19 – Nov 23
Weeks 2 – 4: Nov 26 – Dec 15
‘First Look’ performances are the first week of each show before opening night. These lower-priced tickets allow you to experience the show while the creative team continues polishing and making changes. This stage is vital for the show’s evolution, offering the team a chance to view it from the audience’s perspective. Playhouse staff provide a brief introduction, and the creative team may be in the audience near you taking notes.
Content Guidance
This world premiere work is currently being developed, and more information about its content will be available closer to the run dates. We understand sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects, please get in touch with our Patron Services team at [email protected] or (858) 550-1010 and we’ll be happy to give you more info.
Ticket discounts
The Playhouse offers a range of ways to save on tickets, including Military, Student and Rush discounts, and $30 tickets in Area 3. Discounts are subject to availability and conditions may apply. Read more here or call Patron Services at (858) 550-1010 for more info.
Enhance your Playhouse experience by attending these free events. Simply book your performance for one of the following dates.
Talkback Tuesdays
Participate in a lively discussion with performers and Playhouse staff members immediately following the performance.
Tue, Nov 26 and Dec 3 after the 7:30pm show
Discovery Sunday
Hear from guest speakers in a moderated discussion exploring the themes of the show.
Sun, Dec 8 after the 1pm show
Duration
Duration will be updated closer to the run dates.
Parking
Parking is FREE for La Jolla Playhouse patrons in the South Parking Structure when a valid parking pass is displayed. Take advantage of the free shuttle to the theatre. Find all parking information here.
Covid-19 Policy
La Jolla Playhouse no longer requires patrons to wear masks indoors while attending our theatres. However, we recommend indoor masking while at La Jolla Playhouse. For up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 safety procedures, please visit our Covid Safety Page.
Onsite Dining
La Jolla Playhouse’s on-site restaurant, James’ Place, is open for dinner service at 5pm nightly (Tue – Sun). Please note, James’ Place is not open prior to matinee performances. James’ Place offers full bar service and a selection of specialty sushi, Asian fusion, steak & coastal cuisine items. Reserve your table on OpenTable or by phone on (858) 638-7778. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
Concessions
Concessions opens 60 mins before showtime. Come early to relax outside and enjoy a selection of beer, wine, cocktails, sodas and individually wrapped snacks. All food must be consumed before entering the theatre while concession drinks with lids will be allowed in the theatre.
ACCESS Performance (ASL interpretation): Sat Dec 7, 2pm
The Playhouse caters for a wide range of access and special requirements. Access performances offer American Sign Language interpretation for patrons who are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing, captioning for patrons to access on individual devices, and a relaxed welcoming environment for patrons with sensory sensitivities. Audio Description for patrons who are blind or have low vision can be requested in advance. Please call (858) 550-1010 or email [email protected] and we will work with you to address your access needs. Find more info about access here.
Sensory Friendly Guide
Read the Sensory Friendly Guide for the Potiker Theatre here
Playhouse Partners
Anna Ouyang Moench is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter. Her plays include MAN OF GOD, BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA, MOTHERS and SIN EATERS. Anna’s work has been produced at Williamstown Theatre Festival, Geffen Playhouse, East West Players, Playwrights Realm, NAATCO at the Public Theater, Mosaic Theater Company, InterAct, Theater Mu, and many others. She is a former Jerome Fellow at the Playwrights’ Center, Van Lier Fellow at the Lark, and Page One Fellow at the Playwrights Realm. She is the recipient of two 2023 WGA Awards for her work on Severance (Apple TV+), the 2020 Steinberg Playwright Award, the Gerbode Special Award in the Arts, the Paul Stephen Lim Playwriting Award from the Kennedy Center, and the NYFA Award in Playwriting/Screenwriting. Anna received her MFA in Playwriting from UC San Diego and now lives in Los Angeles with her family.
Anna Ouyang Moench PlaywrightLes Waters is an Obie Award-winning and Tony-nominated director. His productions have been seen on Broadway, Off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons, Signature Theatre Company, The Public Theater, Second Stage Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club, National Asian American Theatre Company, Clubbed Thumb, Soho Rep, and Brooklyn Academy of Music, and regionally at La Jolla Playhouse, Mark Taper Forum, Berkeley Rep, American Conservatory Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, and Yale Rep. From 1995-2003, he was head of the MFA directing program at UC San Diego; 2003-2012 Associate Artistic Director Berkeley Rep; and 2012-18 Artistic Director Actors Theatre of Louisville. He is both the subject and co-author of The Theatre of Les Waters: More Like the Weather, edited by Scott T. Cummings, published by Routledge 2022. This will mark his sixth Playhouse production.
Les Waters DirectorThe Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre is a black box flexible theatre seating up to 450 patrons, and the centerpiece of the 6,500-square-foot Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center.
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