LA MIRADA, CALIF.: La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment have announced their 2015–16 season, which will feature six musicals, many in regional premieres.
First up is Austin Winsberg, Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner’s First Date (Sept. 18–Oct. 11), in its West Coast premiere. This story of a blind date that turns into an epic even of role-playing and romantic comedy will be directed by Nick DeGruccio, with choreography by Lee Martino.
A new production of Jonathan Larson’s Rent follows (Oct. 23–Nov. 15), with direction by Brian Kite and choreography by Dana Solimando.
The new year begins with Empire, the Musical (Jan. 22–Feb. 14, 2016), a new musical by Caroline Sherman and Robert Hull, to be directed and choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge. It tells the Depression-era story of the building of the world’s tallest building, the Empire State Building.
Next is a revival of Tom Eyen and Henry Krieger’s backstage musical Dreamgirls (March 25–April 17, 2016), to be directed and choreographed by Bobby Longbottom.
The stage version of Disney’s The Little Mermaid follows (June 3–26, 2016), with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and book by Doug Wright. Choreography will be by John McGinnis and direction by Glenn Casale.
A bonus show rounds out the season offerings: Brian Kite will direct a production of the Green Day/Michael Mayer musical American Idiot (April 29–May 15, 2016).