Shaun had the pleasure and seemingly impossible task of swinging into closing weekend of a show with only one put-in rehearsal! It happened, and no one died- Phew!

"What an incredible way to make my East West Players debut! I've been a fan of this theatre for years and just haven't had many opportunities to audition for the company. Founded in 1965, East West Players is the is the nation’s longest-running professional theater of color and the largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work. 

I  am so thankful for the cast & crew for making me feel so welcome and comfortable to be onstage with you all like I had been there from day one. Special thanks to Dance Captain, Nicole Santiago, for taking the time to get me prepared and for being a BEAST and learning an entire new track on top of your own. What a whirlwind experience and I am forever grateful.

This year, I told myself to challenge myself- do things that scared me. Jumping into an ensemble track with all the dance numbers, costume changes, quick changes for others (!!!WET SUIT AND FLIPPERS ONSTAGE!!!), was certainly terrifying but incredibly rewarding. And (by the 2nd performance) a whole lotta fun! Cheers to this beautiful family that is #EWPMammaMia. I am in awe of your artistry, your love for each other, and your love for what you/we do. THANK YOU!"

​MAINSTREET THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS
The Emperor's Nightingale

By Damon Chua 
Produced by special arrangement with Plays for Young Audiences 
Directed by Tim Dang

Take a famous tale by Hans Christian Andersen, add historical research and humor, and you have a timeless story that still resonates today. This adaptation is set in eighteenth century China, where two young princes must compete to be the next Emperor. It will take nothing less than bravery, empathy, and a magical bird to teach them the meaning of leadership. MainStreet Theatre Company is thrilled to be producing the West Coast premiere! For ages 6+

General: $18.00
Senior/Youth: $16.00

​The San Diego Theatre Critics Circle is pleased to announce the nominees of its 2018 Craig Noel Awards. Now in its 17th year, the Craig Noel Awards honor the achievements of professional theaters in San Diego County. 

Founded in 1983 and re-established in 2002, the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle is an independent, nonprofit organization of print and online theater critics dedicated to open and honest dialogue about theater in San Diego County and to honoring artistic excellence. The members of our organization are professional critics writing for daily newspapers, magazines, entertainment trade publications and websites in San Diego County. In 2002, the awards were renamed in honor of Craig Noel, longtime artistic director at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre and the founding father of San Diego's theater community, who passed away in 2010.

World Premiere
The Loneliest Girl in the World
​Book & Lyrics by Gordon Leary
Music by Julia Meinwald
Directed by Matt Morrow

Starring

• Allison Spratt Pearce*
• Sam Heldt*
• Steve Gouveia*
• Marci Anne Wuebben*
• Lauren King Thompson
• Shaun Tuazon*

*Members of Actors' Equity Association 

Production Sponsor: Rob Granat & Al Mazur
Events Sponsor: Jay Henslee & Christian St. Croix

May 24-July 1, 2018 // Opening June 2

After the lauded World Premiere of The Boy Who Danced On Air, Diversionary is proud to produce the World Premiere of another groundbreaking new musical.

Following the life and evolution of Anita Bryant and her biggest fan, Tommy, The Loneliest Girl in the World magically charts the emergence of the gay rights movement on urgently intimate terms. By turns delightful and provocative, this inspiring new musical is a reminder of a battle yet won, the purpose of pie, and the power of an individual voice.
​
The Loneliest Girl in the World was featured in the National Alliance for Musical Theatre’s Festival of New Musicals Fall 2016. Leary and Meinwald’s musicals have been seen at Ars Nova, The Director’s Company, Joe’s Pub, Lincoln Center Directors Lab, Prospect Theater Company, Weston Playhouse, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and the York Theatre Company. Leary is the recipient of the 2009 Richard Rodgers Award.

This production is generously supported in part by The Arch & Bruce Brown Foundation and the National Alliance for Musical Theatre’s National Fund for New Musicals.

Tickets are available at www.Diversionary.org or by calling the Box Office at 619-220-0097. 🥧 🌈

Vietgone

January 25 - February 18, 2018
Where:  Lyceum Space

By Qui Nguyen
Directed by Jesca Prudencio
Set Design by Justin Humphres
Costume Design by Anastasia Pautova
Lightind Design by Bo Tindell
Sound Design by Melanie Chen Cole
Dramaturgy by Jim Short
Assistant Direction by Christine Nathanson
Stage Management by Heather Brose

Cast
Ben Levin as Quang
Katherine Ko as Tong
Lawrence Kao as Nhan/Khue/Asian Guy/American Guy
Shaun Tuazon as Playwright/Bobby/Hippie Dude/Redneck Biker/Giai
Emy Coligado as Huong/Flower Girl/Thu/American Girl/Translator

This is the story of how Quang meets Tong, how they flee from Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War, fall in love in a refugee camp in Arkansas, take a life changing road trip across 1970’s America and eventually give birth to a playwright named Qui Nguyen (who happens to have written this play). This love story is like no other. Told through the eyes of a very contemporary young American who loves pop culture, this sexy comedy is a mash-up of comic books, hip-hop, martial arts and Hollywood action movies. Acclaimed as one of the most innovative playwrights in the country, author Nguyen embraces two cultures and two time periods using a uniquely infectious style that The New York Times calls “culturally savvy comedy.”

About the Show

“A raucous, immensely moving comedy.”
- The New York Times

“★★★★! High-energy triumph!” 
- The Guardian

"Riotous and simply honest."
​- LA Times

“Where else can you get a new perspective on America fighting the Vietnam War mixed with ninjas, rap, motorcycles, sex, profanities and lots and lots of love? Vietgone is a blast and is a perfect antidote to today’s anti-other rhetoric.”
–Kim Heil, Associate Producer

Note: Vietgone is told with explicit language.