The AmeriQueer Series is a collection of plays presented as audiocasts exploring the LGBTQ experience within the framework of the American identity as a framework for the 2020 election season. These works are insightful, compassionate, and an antidote to our political volatile moment.

We are thrilled to be the 2019 Recipient of the Craig Noel Award for The Hour of Great Mercy, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Girlfriend.

PRESS RELEASE: Diversionary Announces THE GENDER SERIES as part of the 2020 Season January 16th, 2020 San Diego, CA For immediate release: WHO: Diversionary Theatre, the Nation’s 3rd Oldest LGBT Theatre WHAT: The Gender Series – part of Diversionary Theatre’s 34th Season WHEN: February 6th, 2019 – June 21st, 2020 WHERE: Diversionary Theatre Mainstage at 4545 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92123 TICKETS:  Subscriptions are available at www.diversionary.org or by calling 619-220-0097. Subscription packages start at just $48. Single tickets range from $15-$65. Discounts are available for groups, seniors, students, educators and military. Diversionary’s Gender Series is a compelling trilogy of productions celebrating gender diversity with an abundance of heart, creativity, and intellect! About The Gender Series, Executive Artistic Director, Matt M. Morrow, says “Gender is fundamental to who we are. It informs our every action consciously and unconsciously. It has also become, for better or for worse, a hot button issue at the forefront of our volatile news cycle. I’m ecstatic to convene a conversation here at Diversionary to showcase three radically different plays that celebrate gender diversity in a way that opens minds and hearts. Diversionary is here for our entire community. I look forward to sharing and honoring our community’s diversity with you!”February 6 – March 6, 2020 A KIND OF WEATHER By Sylvan Oswald & Directed by Bea Basso When Kid’s grieving father pops up at his Brooklyn doorstep and asks to move in, it kinda puts a cramp in his sex life. Not to mention the completion of his memoir about his

Diversionary is overjoyed to have been nominated for 13 Craig Noel Awards for 2019! In addition to being recognized with a record 13 Critics’ Circle Award Nominations, we also made the Best of 2019 Theatre in The San Diego Union Tribune and The Times of San Diego for our World Premiere of The Hour of Great Mercy and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Hedwig was also cited by The San Diego Union Tribune as one of “The 19 Things We Loved in the Arts in 2019.” Let’s raise a glass to our family of artists! Looking forward to a bright 2020 filled with outstanding art with all of you in our Diversionary family. Outstanding Resident Musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch Outstanding New Play The Hour of Great Mercy  Outstanding Dramatic Production The Hour of Great Mercy Outstanding Ensemble The Hour of Great Mercy Outstanding Direction of a Musical Matt M. Morrow Hedwig and the Angry Inch Outstanding Direction of a Play Rosina Reynolds The Hour of Great Mercy Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play Tom Stephenson The Hour of Great Mercy Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play Andrew Oswald The Hour of Great Mercy Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical Shaun Tuazon Girlfriend  Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical Cashae Monya Hedwig and the Angry Inch Outstanding Solo Performance Wil Bethmann The Santaland Diaries Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical Jeremy Wilson Hedwig and the Angry Inch Outstanding Sound Design Matt Lescault-Wood Hedwig and the Angry Inch Learn more about the Craig Noel Awards: http://sdcriticscircle.org/

Contact: Jenny Case, Managing Director 619-220-6830 x 201 Press@Diversionary.org January 2nd, 2020: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE San Diego, CA WHAT: Diversionary announces the cast of A Kind of Weather by Sylvan Oswald. WHO: Bea Basso will direct this World Premiere production of A Kind of Weather by Sylvan Oswald. WHEN: Performances run February 6th – March 8th. Performances run Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Opening Night is Saturday, February 15th. TICKETS: A Kind of Weather tickets are on sale ($15 – $50). Discounts are available to Groups, Students, Educators, Seniors, and the Military.   To be notified of ticket sales, please sign up for the Diversionary Theatre Email List: http://diversionary.org/mailinglist/ World Premiere A KIND OF WEATHER by Sylvan Oswald Directed by Bea Basso February 6-March 8, 2020 Description: When Kid’s grieving father pops up at his Brooklyn doorstep and asks to move in, it kinda puts a cramp in his sex life. Not to mention the completion of his memoir about his gender transition. As he struggles to keep his professional and romantic deadlines, revelations about his family history begin to subvert his own narrative. A hilarious, time-jumping, tragi-comedy exploring gender identity and its effect on family, A Kind of Weather is about learning to be who you already are. About producing this World Premiere at Diversionary, Executive Artistic Director, Matt M. Morrow says, “Sylvan’s voice is one that I’ve admired for a long, long time, and it gives me great joy to give his beautiful, hilarious, and poignant new play its first production. His point of view on

[button link=”https://www.youtube.com/c/DiversionaryTheatreSanDiego/live”]CLICK HERE TO STREAM ON YOUTUBE![/button] [tabs][tab title=”Event Information”] JOIN US FOR THIS FREE COMMUNITY-INSPIRED EVENT! Join us ONLINE as we celebrate the House of Diversionary, the third oldest LGBT theatre in the country, with a high-energy, virtual bash featuring dazzling entertainment, decadent silent auction and raffle items, and a dash of debauchery! Get your dancing shoes out because this virtual event will have you up on your feet and dancing the night away! RSVP here and we will send you a link to tune in for FREE on Saturday April 25 @ 6:45pm. Hosted and performances by Jaye Wilson (Craig Noel Award Winner for Hedwig & The Angry Inch). Honoring long-time volunteers Carol Ann Flanagan, Peter Herman, Glenn Sipes & Julie Ustin with the first-ever “Gratitude Awards.” <[maxbutton id=”69″][maxbutton id=”68″][maxbutton id=”70″] Gala Co-Chairs: Dame Beth Kind & Sir Jay Henslee Royal Court Co-Chairs: Lillian Faderman & Phyllis Irwin Scott Williford – President Jay Henslee – Vice President Tom Abbas – Treasurer Allison Rossett – Secretary Julia Cuppy Roxanne Govari Jodie Graber Rob Granat Kim Heil Colleen Kendall Beth Kind Karla Martinez Alicia McLain Matt M. Morrow Nic Reveles Mark Somers Russ Sperling [/tab][tab title=”Silent Auction & Raffle – Open Now!”] Welcome to Diversionary Theatre’s first Virtual Silent Auction and Raffle! Visit our Live Auction page to browse and bid on our auction items or make a donation from now until Sunday, April 26th, 5:00 pm PST. Some of the Available Items include: Historic Broadway Memorbilia, Elton John’s Autograph, Hotel

Well, hello there! Hedwig here for the holidaaaazzzzzzzeee, enjoying my Christmas constitutional of grain alcohol and eggnog. You know how I like to be good to myself. Yum! You know it’s the season of giving, and Diversionary could use your love and support right now. To end 2019 with a BANG we are launching a Challenge Appeal in support of our progressive Arts Education programs reaching thousands of young people and senior citizens across San Diego! Season Sponsors Allison Rossett and Sue Reynolds will generously match every donation received this month dollar for dollar up to $15,000!  Donate now and give yourself the gift of knowing that you are supporting one of the oldest queer theatres in America. Not to mention the unglaublich (German for “incredible”) work they do for thousands of young people through their growing arts education programs! Think of it! I thought of it… The absolute power of recruiting the youth of today for a future filled with masses of LGBTQIA folk solving the ills of society, like climate change, gun control, and wayward fashion choices all at once. We have big plans…😉 Give now and make a difference in your community. Do it for the children! Do it because you know it’s the right thing to do! But most of all, do it so Diversionary can bring me back for more shows! Thanks for reading. Don’t forget to donate before December 31st! Kisses! Kisses! Happy Happy Merry Merry from Hedwig! Ps. You can donate on the Diversionary website or by calling one of those amazing people in the box office

Dear Friend, We are proud to be part of GivingTuesday, a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people to transform their communities and the world. Here at Diversionary we are boldly claiming a space where the entire LGBTQ family is seen, heard, and honored. Our inclusive programming demonstrates that our community is a beacon for diversity and united in the face of adversity: it’s who we are. To end 2019 with a BANG we are launching a Challenge Appeal in support of our progressive Arts Education programs reaching thousands of young people and senior citizens across San Diego! Season Sponsors Allison Rossett and Sue Reynolds will generously match every donation received this month dollar for dollar up to $15,000! [maxbutton id=”59″ url=”https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/store/33385/alldonations/32688″ ]  We could not be more proud of what we’ve accomplished in the past year with the love and support of our community: We added a new Arts Education program with D-Tours, a traveling program bringing an LGBTQ themed production to San Diego Unified School District. Across our six diverse Arts Education programs we reached over 1,500 young people and senior citizens, sowing the seeds of love and understanding around our LGBT mission. We’ve had a string of hits on our Mainstage with our compelling World Premiere of The Hour of Great Mercy, the gut-busting Significant Other, and heartwarming Girlfriend. And our 20th Anniversary production of Hedwig and The Angry Inch blew the roof of our intimate theatre, becoming the most attended show in our 33 year history! We have so much more to look

Contact: Jenny Case, Managing Director 619-220-6830 x 103 Press@Diversionary.org October 11th, 2019: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE San Diego, CA WHAT: Diversionary announces the cast of THE SANTALAND DIARIES and the add-on performance reading of LINDA LIBBY’S HOLIGAY STORYTIME. WHO: Anthony Methvin will direct this Legacy Production of THE SANTALAND DIARIES by David Sedaris as well as the add-on performance reading of Sedaris’ hilarious and dark Linda Libby’s HoliGay Storytime taking place after Santaland, downstairs in Diversionary’s Fritz Lounge. WHEN: Performances run November 21st – December 22nd. Performances run Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Opening Night* is Saturday, November 30th. *Please note that there will not be a performance of Linda Libby’s Holigay Storytime on November 21st or  Opening Night, November 30th. Press tickets for a different performance are available by contacting jenny@diversionary.org. Linda Libby’s Holigay Storytime is a book-in-hand reading and not for review. TICKETS: The Santaland Diaries tickets are on sale ($15 – $50). Discounts are available to Groups, Students, Educators, Seniors and Military.  Linda Libby’s Holigay Storytime is free and seating is limited. Reservations should be booked in advance. To be notified of ticket sales, please sign up for the Diversionary Theatre Email List: http://diversionary.org/mailinglist/ Legacy Production of  The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris Directed by Anthony Methvin   November 21st through December 22nd, 2019 From the brilliantly twisted mind of David Sedaris comes a classic tonic for the holidaze. Out of work and options, The Santaland Diaries finds David as he begins his career as an elf in Macy’s Santaland during the holiday crunch. Battling throngs of rabid families clamoring towards a drunken

Diversionary Theatre’s 3rd Annual Spark Festival Contact: Jenny Case, Managing Director 619-220-6830 x 103 Press@Diversionary.org May 28th, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE San Diego, CA WHO: Diversionary Theatre, the Nation’s 3rd Oldest LGBT Theatre. WHAT: The 3rd Annual Spark New Play Festival featuring a program of new plays never before seen in San Diego. WHEN: Thursday, June 13- Saturday June 15, 2019. WHERE: Diversionary Theatre’s Black Box Spaces at 4545 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92123. TICKETS: Tickets are free with a suggested donation fo $15 at the door. June 13-15, 2019, Spark will present four one-night-only readings of fascinating contemporary works never before seen in San Diego by exceptional playwrights. Talkbacks, a Playwrighting Master Class, and receptions give you the opportunity to mingle and celebrate with actors, directors, and playwrights throughout the weekend. Creative sparks will be flying! All readings are free to the public. There is a suggested donation of $15 at the door. The SPARK New Play Festival is generously sponsored by Bill & Judy Garrett. Tickets are available at www.diversionary.org or by calling the Box Office at 619-220-0097. Additional information can be found at www.diversionary.org/spark2019 Press Inquiries should be directed to Jenny Case, Managing Director at Press@diversionary.org or at 619-220-6830×103 About the Plays The Gentleman Caller By Philip Dawkins Directed by Meg DeBoard Thursday, June 13 @ 7pm Black Box Theatre Before becoming queer icons of the American theatre, Tennessee Williams and William Inge were just two aspiring playwrights sharing a night together. As the liquor flows and confessions begin to spill out, they reveal truths

[tabs] [tab title=”About Spark”] June 13-15, 2019, Spark will present four one-night-only readings of fascinating contemporary works never before seen in San Diego by exceptional playwrights. Talkbacks, a Playwriting Master Class, and receptions give you the opportunity to mingle and celebrate with actors, directors, and playwrights throughout the weekend. Creative sparks will be flying! TICKETS: All readings are free to the public. There is a suggested donation of $15 at the door. Reserve tickets online or by calling 619-220-0097. [/tab] [tab title=”About the Plays”] About the Plays The Gentleman Caller By Philip Dawkins Directed by Meg DeBoard Thursday, June 13 @ 7pm Black Box Theatre Before becoming queer icons of the American theatre, Tennessee Williams and William Inge were just two aspiring playwrights sharing a night together. As the liquor flows and confessions begin to spill out, they reveal truths about themselves the public never saw. Based on real-life but closed-door encounters, reconstructed from troves of comments (and elisions) by each man about their relationship, Philip Dawkins gorgeously envisions what might have taken place during those early-career meetings. A Kind of Weather by Sylvan Oswald Directed by Bea Basso Friday, June 14 @ 7pm Black Box Theatre When Kid’s grieving father pops up at his Brooklyn doorstep and asks to move in, it kinda puts a cramp in his sex life. Not to mention the completion of his memoir about his gender transition. As he struggles to keep his professional and romantic deadlines, revelations about his family history begin to

Diversionary Theatre will host A Conversation about LGBTQIA+ Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in San Diego Theatres, the fourth in a series of meetings concerning EDI following those hosted by The Old Globe, San Diego Repertory Theatre, and Cygnet Theatre. This meeting will take place on Monday, February 4 from ­­­­­6.30-8.30pm at Diversionary Theatre, located at 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92116. There will be light refreshments and an opportunity to chat with other attendees from 6-6.30pm. To RSVP for this meeting, please click on this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H25S623 Street parking is available in the area, but please arrive early to find parking as it can sometimes be scarce. For those folks who use public transportation, the SDMT bus route 11 has convenient stops to the theatre. Please encourage your fellow theatre artists, administrators, and stakeholders to attend this meeting, and feel free to forward them this email so that they can also RSVP through the provided link. If you are unable to attend, but would like to receive information about future meetings, or have any other questions regarding the event, please let me know by sending an email to anthony@diversionary.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

DIVERSIONARY THEATRE ANNOUNCES THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM OF THE 20th ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION OF HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH Contact: Jenny Case, Managing Director 619-220-6830 x 103 Press@Diversionary.org January 16th, 2019: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE San Diego, CA WHAT: Diversionary announces the cast of the 20th Anniversary production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch WHO: Jeremy Wilson and Cashae Monya to star in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, directed by Matt M. Morrow. WHEN: March 21st-April 21st. Opening Night is Saturday, March 30th. Performances run Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. TICKETS: Diversionary will be holding special Box Office hours on Monday, from 12pm – 6pm, January 21st when single tickets go on sale. Tickets range from $15 – $60. Discounts are available to Groups, Students, Educators, Seniors, and Military.  To be notified of ticket sales, please sign up for the Diversionary Theatre Email List: http://diversionary.org/mailinglist/ 20th Anniversary Production HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH Text by John Cameron Mitchell Music & Lyrics by Stephen Trask Directed by Matt M. Morrow March 21st through April 21st, 2019 At long last, Hedwig comes to Diversionary! This iconic musical is an integral part of the LGBT theater canon and truly rocked the musical form when it debuted Off Broadway 20 years ago. It has since been made into a movie, enjoyed productions all over the world, and had its Broadway debut starring Neil Patrick Harris, winning the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. Get ready to rock! About producing the 20th Anniversary production at Diversionary, Executive Artistic Director, Matt M. Morrow says, “Hedwig was

Because of your generous support, we have surpassed our match and goal for our End of Year fundraising campaign! Thank you for your inspirational support and belief in our work here at Diversionary, San Diego’s only LGBT theatre. My heart is overflowing with gratitude and love as we embark on 2019! Your support will go a long way in making our 33rd season a success. We have three more shows to bring you this spring: the World Premiere of The Hour of Great Mercy, our 20th Anniversary production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and our San Diego Premiere of the hilarious Broadway comedy Significant Other. All three shows already boast SOLD OUT Student Matinees, made free of charge by your awesome support! On behalf of the artists, board, and staff of Diversionary, I wish you a healthy, prosperous and arts-filled 2019! I look forward to welcoming you back to the theatre soon. Yours, Matt M. Morrow Executive Artistic Director

DIVERSIONARY ANNOUNCES TRYST A new dance cabaret by Michael Mizerany, inspired by Schnitzler’s scintillating and controversial classic La Ronde  Contact: Jenny Case, Managing Director 619-220-6830 x 103 Press@Diversionary.org December 28th, 2018: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE San Diego, CA WHAT: Diversionary announces the new dance cabaret TRYST WHO: Michael Mizerany Directs this new dance piece inspired by the controversial classic La Ronde by Arthur Schnitzler. WHEN: January 10th – 13th.  Performances run Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm and Sundays at 2pm and 7pm. TICKETS: Are on sale ($15 – $30). Discounts are available to Groups, Students, Educators, Seniors and Military.  To be notified of ticket sales, please sign up for the Diversionary Theatre Email List: http://diversionary.org/mailinglist/ Based on the controversial classic La Ronde, TRYST explores the power of human connection through sexual interludes across time, social class and gender. The latest from the creative powerhouse Michael Mizerany (Hot Guys Dancing,In The Va Va Voom Room), this evening of provocative dance-theatre will heat up your January with an explicit and intimate look at the ingredients of desire. TRYST runs for five performances , January 10th – 13th, 2018. Thur, Jan. 10th 7 p.m. Fri, Jan 11th 8 p.m. Sat, Jan. 12th 2p.m. & 8 p.m. Sun, Jan. 13th 2 p.m. & 7p.m ABOUT THE CREATOR:  Michael Mizerany is an award-winning choreographer and performer and currently is the artistic director of Compulsion Dance & Theatre. From 2009-2013, Michael was the Associate Artistic Director of Malashock Dance. Selected Credits: Altar Boyz, Scrooge In Rouge, Thrill Me, Bare: A Pop Opera, A New Brain, Hot

DIVERSIONARY THEATRE ANNOUNCES THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM OF THE WORLD PREMIERE OF  THE HOUR OF GREAT MERCY Contact: Jenny Case, Managing Director 619-220-6830 x 103 Press@Diversionary.org December 19th, 2018: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE San Diego, CA WHAT: Diversionary announces the cast of the World Premiere of THE HOUR OF GREAT MERCY WHO: Rosina Reynolds will direct this World Premiere by Miranda Rose Hall. WHEN: January 31st – March 3rd. Opening Night is Saturday February 9th. Performances run Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. TICKETS: Are on sale ($15 – $50). Discounts are available to Groups, Students, Educators, Seniors and Military.  To be notified of ticket sales, please sign up for the Diversionary Theatre Email List: http://diversionary.org/mailinglist/ World Premiere THE HOUR OF GREAT MERCY By Miranda Rose Hall Directed by Rosina Reynolds   January 31st through March 3rd, 2019 This poetic new play with music follows Ed, a gay Jesuit priest who leaves the Catholic church to reconcile with his estranged brother in an isolated and icy township in Alaska. As Ed confronts his tragic past and tenuous future, he unexpectedly finds love beneath the starry Alaskan sky, and support from an unlikely ally. Introducing an auspicious new voice in American theatre, The Hour of Great Mercy by Miranda Rose Hall, is a tender, insightful and compassionate story about our collective relationship to illness, family, and redemption. About producing this World Premiere at Diversionary, Executive Artistic Director, Matt M. Morrow says, “Oh my God do I love this play. I’m proud to produce this World

“Every day I’m more grateful for Diversionary as a home where we gather, experience the best art, and rejuvenate our hearts and minds.  Still standing after 33 years, we continue our commitment to San Diego with a simple promise to Be Inspired.” As the end of year approaches, I hope you will join us with a tax-deductible donation, and reaffirm San Diego as the forward-thinking home to the third oldest LGBT theatre in the country.  As we put a bow on 2018, I’m thankful for our successes, which are shared with our community, who bolster and sustain our historic theatre: Our World Premiere of Ballast, exploring trans and cisgender relationships, won the Craig Noel Award for Outstanding New Play. Our Arts Education wing added two new programs in 2017/18 with The Stonewall Salon serving older LGBT +A adults, and Teen-Versionary serving LGBT+A at-risk teenagers. And this year we are poised to triple the number of young people we reach across San Diego County with progressive, LGBT arts education! On behalf of all we serve, I hope you are inspired to donate today and support our mission that celebrates, preserves, and emboldens our LGBT community. Visit us at diversionary.org to learn more about the projects your gift will support. Thank you for your support! Matt M. Morrow Executive Artistic Director

Diversionary Announces Queer Heartache Contact: Jenny Case, Managing Director 619-220-6830 x 103 Press@Diversionary.org September 26th, 2018: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE San Diego, CA WHAT: Diversionary announces Queer Heartache by spoken word artist Kit Yan WHEN: October 18th – 20th Performances run Thursday at 7pm and Friday and Saturday at 8pm TICKETS: Are on sale ($25). Discounts are available to Groups, Students, Educators, Seniors and Military. www.diversionary.org/queerheartache Diversionary welcomes the New York City Trans Spoken Word Artist Kit Yan!  Three Nights Only! Queer Heartache Thursday, October 18th @ 7pm Friday, October 19th @ 8pm Saturday, October 20th @ 8pm Queer Heartache is an explosion of slam poetry that is at once compelling, hilarious, and as its title promises, heart breaking. Award-winning poet/performer Kit Yan takes the audience on an adventure ride through his life, investigating what it means to be Trans, Queer, and Asian American. Navigating the intimate and formidable landscape of family, the dating pool, and the medical establishment, Kit will steal your heart and change how you look at the world around you. Hold tight to your rainbow and enjoy the ride! About the Artist: Kit Yan (Playwright/Poet/Performer/Lyricist) is a Yellow American New York based artist, born in Enping, China, and raised in the Kingdom of Hawaii. His work is a dreamspace where queer and transgender folx can time travel in order to witness, remember, and heal our herstories. He holds writing as a spaceship into the borderless ancestral past, the puzzle pieces of an imagined queertureverse, and a lifeline back onto this earth. Here, we can

In late June, Diversionary put the wraps on another fantastic year while bidding farewell, but not goodbye, to three LIONS of our Board: Jerry Hicks, Darrell Netherton, and Todd Nelms. We also said thank you to our wonderful Artistic Board Members, Rosina Reynolds and Shana Wride who have added so much to our “arts and culture” quotient on the Board in the last two years! We would also like to welcome our new Board Members to Diversionary Theatre. Please give a warm welcome to Trustees Ben Aguilar, Mark Somers, and  Nic Reveles. Please also welcome Artistic Trustees Delicia Turner Sonnenberg and Eric Keen-Louie. To all of our Trustees past and present: Thank You! You can view our entire Trustee roster here.

HEAR FROM THIS SEASON’S ARTISTS ABOUT WHAT MAKES DIVERSIONARY SO SPECIAL GUARANTEE YOUR SEATS TO SEASON 33! “Diversionary has brought so much joy and thought-provoking art to my life and to the community. This theatre reaches out to those who need to see their stories and themselves represented on stage. The fearlessness and passion that Diversionary presents onstage and off make it a company that is capable of creating change and opening minds and hearts.“ -Andrea Agosta, Adiel in Cardboard Piano & Laila in Homos, Or Everyone in America “Diversionary captures the artist in you. Together we tell and watch a story from a point of view that may have not been understood, seen or heard before.” -Allison Spratt Pearce, Anita Bryant in The Loneliest Girl in the World “What a thrill to share stories through which all of us are revealed.Through those characters, I saw myself represented honestly and unashamedly on the Diversionary stage. Working on ‘Homos’ at Diversionary made me feel like an artist in the truest, most invigorating sense.” –Michael Cusimano, Dan in Homos, Or Everyone in America “Since the first time I stepped foot into Diversionary I felt at home; the theater makes me feel welcome, challenged, nurtured, provoked, and moved, both as an artist, and as a human. I think that is what sets it apart. It is truly a place where each of our individual differences melt away into an intimate, and very human experience.“ -Jacque Wilke, Philip in The Happiest Place On Earth “Working at Diversionary was a JOY FULL

Introducing Teen-Versionary’s inaugural ensemble and cast of queerSpawn! The past year-and-a-half has challenged our community and Diversionary’s pioneering mission anew. Thank goodness Pride has arrived to reignite our spirits and courage! This Pride Season, we’re focusing on our future by launching Teen-Versionary, an arts education program giving hope and voice to LGBTQ+A youth. I hope you will donate today to support this new educational program that will have a significant impact on San Diego youth, and the future we face. Teen-Versionary brings together youth from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds to rehearse and produce a new LGBT-themed show. Our inaugural ensemble is proud to present queerSpawn, a radically engaging new play by Mallery Avidon. The story is about the inner life of a teenager who has two mothers, focusing on bullying and the persistent stigma around the LGBTQ identity.   This inspiring new program creates a safe space where new ideas and friendships thrive, and young people can discover their artistic voice, while instilling a sense of pride, self-respect and dignity in their identity. Most of all, they learn how to organize, and work within a diverse group to achieve a common goal of producing a show with an important social message. queerSpawn is now in rehearsal and performs Friday July 20th at 3pm and 7pm. To reserve your seats, click here. Teen-Versionary is an investment in our community’s future. Your support will impact the lives of LGBTQ+A teens we serve through this dynamic, emotionally and intellectually enriching program. 49 years after Stonewall, 33 years after the founding of our theatre, and three years

From June 14-16, Spark will present four one-night-only readings of fascinating contemporary works never before seen in San Diego by exceptional, energizing, and established playwrights. Diversionary’s World Premiere production of The Loneliest Girl in the World is the anchor and centerpiece of Spark. Talkbacks, a Master Class with playwright Jordan Seavey (Homos, Or Everyone In America), and receptions give you the opportunity to mingle and celebrate with actors, directors, and playwrights throughout the weekend. Creative sparks will be flying! TICKETS: Admission to one reading – $15 Admission to Master Class – $25 Admission to all four readings (Readings Package) – $40 Admission to all four readings & the Master Class (Readings & Classes Package) – $60 Admission to all four readings, the Master Class, & the World Premiere Musical The Loneliest Girl in the World on Sunday, June 17th at 2pm (Premium Package) – $75 PURCHASE FESTIVAL PASS PURCHASE SINGLE TICKETS Learn more by visiting our website About the Plays Thursday, June 14th at 7:30pm The Betterment Society By Mashuq Mushtaq Deen Directed by Mashuq Mushtaq Deen Set on a desolate side of a godforsaken mountain, three women grapple with unforgiving prospects on the horizon and disparate visions for the future. Mashuq Mushtaq Deen, the playwright/performer of Draw the Circle, brings us a distilled vision of the rift between rural and urban communities, and how the vulnerable bear the consequences. As these women fight for survival at any cost, The Betterment Society explores the brutality of the land and the brutality of ourselves. Friday, June 15th

May 11th, 2018 San Diego, CA For immediate release: WHO: Diversionary Theatre, the Nation’s 3rd Oldest LGBT Theatre WHAT: The 33rd Season of the historic Diversionary Threatre WHEN: September 13th, 2018 – June 30th, 2019 WHERE: Diversionary Theatre Mainstage at 4545 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92123 TICKETS:  Subscriptions are available at www.diversionary.org or by calling 619-220-0097. Subscription packages start at just $70. Single tickets range from $15-$60. Discounts are available for groups, seniors, students, educators and military. Diversionary’s 33rd Season is all about inspiration. What gets us riled up? What ignites our passion? Where do we find hope? Season 33 begins in September and features one World Premiere, two San Diego Premieres, and two profound musicals. The season incites the conversation about what moves us to action, and what sends our heart soaring. Diversionary’s 2018-2019 line up is Executive Artistic Director Matt M. Morrow’s fourth full season of programming. He has this to say about the season: “As our world becomes increasingly polarized politically and culturally, identifying where we find strength and inspiration is ever more important to daily life. Diversionary’s dynamic program of work, both new and classic, serves as a panacea to the uncertainty of our day and age. These works are heart rending, powerful, and luminescent, while all being categorically hilarious. My hope is that our community find their own inspiration in what we have to offer.“ Subscriptions are available at www.diversionary.org/Season33 Press Inquiries should be directed to Jenny Case, Managing Director at Jenny@diversionary.org or at 619-220-6830×103 San Diego Premiere BULL IN A CHINA SHOP By Bryna Turner Directed by Kim Strassburger

For the second year in a row, Diversionary Theatre productions garnered Craig Noel Awards. The awards ceremony is put on each year by the San Diego Critic’s Circle – this year the ceremony took place at the Jacob’s Center for Neighborhood Innovation and hosted dozens of local theatre organizations. From Diversionary Theatre’s 2.5 Minute Ride, by Lisa Kron, Shana Wride was selected for an “Outstanding Solo Performance” award. Annie Hinton’s performance in Well, also by Kron, won “Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play, Female.” Finally, Diversionary’s much-acclaimed production of Ballast by Georgette Kelly took home the award for “Outstanding New Play.” Said Diversionary’s Executive Artistic Director (and Director of Ballast) Matt M. Morrow; “Georgette Kelly’s beautiful, insightful, big-hearted play Ballast took home the “Best New Play” award at the 2017 San Diego Critics Circle Awards. After developing this play for six years with this genius playwright, I’m beyond proud. I am equally proud that Shana Wride was honored for her solo turn in 2.5 Minute Ride and Annie Hinton for her portrayal of Anne Kron in WELL. Well deserved fierce ladies of the theatre!” A list of all of the winners is available at http://sdcriticscircle.org/

Diversionary Theatre was recently chosen to be the recipient of two prestigious grants. In late January, The Loneliest Girl in the World, a world premiere musical which will play May 24-June 24, 2018 in University Heights, San Diego. The show’s creators, Gordon Leary and Julia Meinwald, will also receive a matching writing team grant of $5,000. The show follows 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. More good new continued in February when it was announced that along with 9 other San Diego Organizations, Diversionary had been chosen for a National Endowment for the Arts grant in the amount of $10,000.  According to The San Diego Union Tribune, the NEA  awarded $180,000 in local grants in this first round of funding. For more information on The Loneliest Girl in the World, please visit https://www.diversionary.org/the-loneliest-girl/      

Contact: Jenny Case, Managing Director 619-220-6830 x 103 Press@Diversionary.org February 13th, 2018: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE San Diego, CA WHAT: Diversionary announces the third show in its 32nd season, the West Coast Premiere of The Happiest Place on Earth.   WHO: Jonathan L. Green will direct the piece by Philip Dawkins. The one person show will star San Diego favorite Jacque Wilke. WHEN: March 15th – April 15th. Opening Night is Saturday March 24th. Performances run Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. TICKETS: Are on sale ($15 – $50). Discounts are available to Groups, Students, Educators, Seniors and Military.  To be notified of ticket sales, please sign up for the Diversionary Theatre Email List: https://www.diversionary.org/mailinglist/ Diversionary is thrilled to announce Jacque Wilke will star in The Happiest Place on Earth by Philip Dawkins West Coast Premiere The Happiest Place on Earth By Philip Dawkins Directed by Jonathan L. Green March 15-April 15, 2018 // Opening March 24 Once upon a time in 1955, a magical kingdom was built on the founding principles of dreams, American idealism, and our wildest hopes. Eight years later, a quintessential American family reeling from the loss of their King embarks on a quest for restoration and deliverance in this kingdom. 50 years later, their expedition is brought to dazzling life in an effort to understand one’s place in family, the American way, and whether happiness is truly a place where dreams come true. About the play coming to San Diego, Executive Artistic Director, Matt M. Morrow says, 

Celebrate the third oldest LGBT theatre in the country and the resilience of our community. The event features a wild selection of songs queering the classic musical South Pacific.

From the Desk of Matt M. Morrow Diversionary is San Diego’s only LGBT theatre, and the third oldest in the nation. We’ve been sharing the stories by and for our family for 32 years, making us an essential and unique part of the cultural life of America’s Finest City. The Boy Who Danced on Air. They allow us to authentically produce shows about our Trans community like Ballast. And they allow us to foster a hopeful tomorrow through our vital Arts Education program, which in 2017 reached over 500 Middle and High School students across San Diego. As the Culture War reignites, our LGBT family is yet again under direct attack. Never have I been more grateful to have Diversionary as a home to advocate on behalf of our flourishing and diverse community. The work we do matters, and as one teacher who attended Ballast said, its “saving lives.” We can only do what we do with the support of our donors who believe in the urgency of our mission. I hope you will consider making a 100% Tax Deductible donation before the end of the year, and help support a more hopeful and loving tomorrow today. With the mighty San Diego family of supporters beside me, I’m ever more inspired to meet the challenges that lie ahead in 2018. On behalf of everyone here at Diversionary, Happy New Year!  [maxbutton id=”50″ url=”https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/store/33385/alldonations/24675″ ] Yours,     Matt M. Morrow Executive Artistic Director

Isaac Oliver’s Holiday Show Lonely Christmas comes to San Diego for 3 Nights Only! Diversionary announces their holiday show Isaac Oliver‘s Lonely Christmas December 14th – 16th. Performances run Thursday at 7pm and Friday and Saturday at 8pm. Trim the tree, hang the stockings, light the menora and slug the eggnog. Ring out this troubling year with NYC comedy connoisseur Isaac Oliver as he regales San Diego for the first time with stories from his hit debut novel, Intimacy Idiot (Best of 2015 – NPR), and tales of woe of holidays past. This unabashedly authentic storyteller’s take on the world and the season is as hilarious as it is moving, and intelligent as it is restorative. Oliver’s unique blend of poignancy, candor and levity is the perfect antidote to a year filled with crazy, and the craziness of the holidaze! Tickets are on sale ($25 – $30). Discounts are available to Groups, Students, Educators, Seniors and Military. www.diversionary.org/lonelychristmas About bringing Isaac Oliver to San Diego, Executive Artistic Director, Matt M. Morrow, says, “I’m thrilled to bring the rare talent that is Isaac Oliver to San Diego for the first time. Oliver is not only laugh out loud funny, he is one of the most perceptive personalities working in the theatre and media today. Having him at Diversionary is a refreshing treat for the holidays!” Isaac Oliver‘s debut collection of essays, Intimacy Idiot, was named one of NPR’s Best Books of 2015. His plays include Electra in a One-Piece, and the ten-minute plays “3, 2, 1,” “Film Forum,” and

For Immediate Release November 1, 2017 Contact: Scott Williford, President, Board of Trustees DiversionaryTheatre scott@diversionary.org Matt M. Morrow, Executive Artistic Director Diversionary Theatre ead@diversionary.org; 619 220 6830 x101 Jenny Case, Managing Director Diversionary Theatre jenny@diversionary.org; 619 220 6830 x101 Diversionary Theatre purchases facility from San Diego Human Dignity Foundation, home to Diversionary and Lambda Archives The Board of Trustees, Executive Artistic Director and Managing Director of Diversionary Theatre are thrilled to announce they have reached an agreement with the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation (SDHDF) to purchase the building on 4545 Park Blvd back from the Foundation. The agreement was solidified with escrow closing on the sale today, October 31, 2017. Diversionary sold the building to SDHDF in 2014 at a time when they were going through financial restructuring and hiring a new Executive Artistic Director, Matt Morrow, and as part of SDHDF’s strategic plan to support LGBT arts and culture in San Diego. Since 2014, Diversionary has had unprecedented success in growing community support, expanding its donor base, solidifying and expanding its Board and staff. Morrow, now in his third season at Diversionary, has led the theatre into a new era of artistic and critical success, winning several awards in 2016 with a list of groundbreaking and successful West Coast premieres of important new works by emerging and established LGBT writers and seminal revivals of important new work from the LGBT canon. Of the new property purchase, Morrow says: “Diversionary is stronger and more vital than ever, and I look forward to taking

  2017-2018 Season WHO: Diversionary Theatre, the Nation’s 3rd Oldest LGBT Theatre. WHAT: Season 32, a revolutionary gut-punch of new, diverse and dynamic work. WHEN: September 14th, 2017- July 1st, 2018. WHERE: Diversionary Theatre Mainstage at 4545 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92123. TICKETS:  Are available at www.diversionary.org or by calling 619-220-0097. Packages for the entire season start at just $65. Single tickets range from $15-$55. Discounts are available for groups, seniors, students, educators and military.   April 27th, 2017 San Diego, CA. For immediate release: Diversionary has issued a promise for its 32nd Season: this year will pack a revolutionary gut-punch of new, diverse and dynamic work that powerfully speaks to our current political and social situation. Season 32 begins in September and features four West Coast Premiere plays and one World Premiere Musical. These poignant choices will incite the conversation of what it means to be an LGBT American, and the evolving, sometimes illusive nature of this identity. Executive Artistic Director Matt M. Morrow will ring in his third full season of programming this year, and is also slated to direct two of the pieces. Says Morrow of the selection process, “Season 32 is courageous. It is informative. And more than anything, it is relevant. While these shows are resonant politically, they are also profoundly accessible, character-driven stories everyone can relate to. In our current political climate, art as a weapon is needed now more than ever.” Tickets are available at www.diversionary.org/Season32 Press Inquiries should be directed to Cara Hanhurst, Connectivity Manager at Press@diversionary.org or at 619-220-6830×105    

  By  Guest BloggerTaberah Joy Holloway Ballast, a world premiere by Georgette Kelly, opens at Diversionary May 4th and runs through June 4th. Ballast is a story involving four main characters that comprise two couples, each with a trans and cis gender partner. Recently, I got the opportunity to sit down with three of the actors from Ballast: Dana Aliya Levinson, Jacque Wilke, and Max Miles Baeza. (For convenience, their answers appear concurrently though each interview was individual.) How did you get involved with the project? Dana: My agent got me an appointment. I auditioned in New York and both Matt Morrow and Georgette Kelly were there. I was sure it was written by a trans writer because the trans character was so spot on. When I found out it was written by a cis person, I was very impressed. I loved the script. Jackie: I was part of a workshop a little over a year ago. I was involved since then, and I am very happy it’s come to fruition. Max: I had a couple of friends send me the casting notice. I saw it but didn’t know what ballast was. When I read it, I saw they were looking for a trans actor to play a trans character. It was meant to be. What interested you about the project? Dana: We are seeing a lot more trans stories but not trans stories like this. I personally have a lot of trans girlfriends who married their wives before they

By Taberah Joy Holloway   Shana Wride plays Lisa Kron in 2.5 Minute Ride. The title references a roller coaster ride that Lisa goes on with her 80 year old father. Lisa and her family make an annual sojourn to Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. This backdrop provides much of the humor in 2.5 Minute Ride as various ill and elderly relatives pop nitroglycerin before rides such as the Demon Drop. 2.5 Minute Ride weaves three stories, the annual amusement park vacation, a Jewish wedding and a visit to Auschwitz into a whole. This is storytelling. This is what our ancestors have been doing for hundreds of years before radio, television, and YouTube. The show has few props, no costume changes, and one actor. I overheard an audience member refer to the show as stand-up comedy. There are definite bits that are straight comedy but the stories reveal so much more. The visit to Auschwitz touches the delicate place where Lisa wants to protect her father but cannot and her father in turn wants to protect her but cannot. The wedding allows Lisa to see the cultural richness in ritual and ceremony. She also sees a more mature side to her brother who previously lived in an attic filled with gay porn. Wride does an excellent job through facial expressions and emotion conveying the comedy of thriller coasters and the surreal strangeness of Auschwitz. The lack of visuals reinforces Lisa’s inability to see her family or her father clearly.

 Lisa Kron’s 2.5 Minute Ride and Well are being performed in repertory mode at the Diversionary stage.  Does it matter which one you watch first?  I don’t know if the order matters, but I ended up seeing Well before I saw 2.5 Minute Ride.That worked for me. Well is, as is stressed multiple times in the play, a theatrical “exploration” into the states of illness and wellness.  2.5 Minute Ride is a solo show dealing with the playwright’s relationship with her father and the holocaust.  The only thing they both have in common are the various references to health—specifically bad health.  And, if you think about it, it would be strange to not have health ailments if one, as an ethnic group, went through an ordeal like the holocaust. But Well goes a further step—it goes into the chronically ill mother’s forays into neighborhood integration and makes a connection!  2.5 Minute Ride takes a different route—so much more is explored by using vehicles that don’t seem to be connected on the surface—an outing to an Ohio amusement park, a Brooklyn wedding, and a trip to Germany (including a side trip to Auschwitz).  There is one more interesting similarity.  Both plays feature the parents of Lisa Kron and her relationship to both on a very deep and personal level.  Well deals with the mother, illness, and neighborhood integration.  2.5 Minute Ride is focused around the father, the family, and the holocaust.   Well is a comedy—kind of…  It is serious and

By Taberah Joy Holloway Well is the story of playwright Lisa Kron and her mother. Lisa attempts to understand her mother and her mother’s sickness, but she uses a theatrical piece to explore her relationship with her mother instead of actually talking to her. Lisa was sick and now she is well. Why can’t her mother be well? The show begins as a flat judgment on sickness and ends with a far more thoughtful understanding of humans and their humanness. The playwright did a brave and unlikely thing. She made her mother look better than her. She ends up coming off as shallow and fearful, while her mother comes off as sympathetic and someone you can touch and be touched by. How many of us would make someone, especially our mother, look better than us in a room full of people? If you go to Well for no other reason, go to see Annie Hinton who plays Lisa’s mother. She is superb. I am not the kind of person that uses that term. Part of the captivation is the character and the other part is the actor. The character has many levels, charming, funny, principled, tired, and Annie Hinton fully brings those to the surface. Samantha Ginn, playing Lisa, and the ensemble cast do an excellent job blurring the lines between reality and art. The playwright uses art to make sense of reality. She finds art is not capable of packaging the many facets of life. Well is playing in

By  Taberah Joy Holloway Diversionary Theatre presents The Kron Repertory opening February 9th and running until March 19th. Lisa Kron (pronounced crone) is the Tony-award winning playwright behind the musical Fun Home. Diversionary is presenting two of her works, 2.5 Minute Ride and Well, on alternating nights. The Kron Repertory could be titled the Parent Plays. The plays are autobiographical depictions of Lisa Kron’s relationship with her her father (2.5 Minute Ride) and mother (Well). 2.5 Minute Ride is a one-woman show weaving together multiple storylines, a visit to Cedar Point amusement park, a Jewish wedding, and a trip to Auschwitz. The alternating storylines bring levity and depth, humor and heart-touching moments. The reference to 2.5 Minute Ride comes from the ride that Lisa takes with her elderly father on a roller coaster. Lisa fears her father’s imminent death, while he has the time of his life and asks to go again. Shana Wride plays Lisa, the storytelling daughter. Wride (yes it is pronounced the same as Ride) is looking forward to the performance because there is an untypical fluidity in the script. The script allows the actor to respond to the audience’s mood or even verbal comment. Thus, every night will be different based on the audience. That means you have to come see the show and contribute to the creative process! While 2.5 Minute Ride is a father/daughter story, Well is a mother/daughter story that deconstructs and reconstructs itself. Sam Ginn plays Lisa in Well. Ginn loves the

If you somehow managed to miss In the Va Va Voom Room as part of the Diversionary Cabaret series, don’t despair.  Though the short weekend run is from January the 5th through the 8th, the good news according to Michael Mizerany, is that this is the second part of an erotic trilogy.  There is one more show coming up… It is billed as “A Contemporary Burlesque.”  What does that mean?  It means that this is not traditional fare.  Burlare translates into “to make fun of.”  There is levity in this performance, but it is subtle and ironic.  Now that things are starting to clear up, let’s talk about what this show isn’t.  It isn’t just an erotic dance show, it’s an intelligent dance show with strong erotic elements.  Imagine, if you will, sensual ambient music.  There is a pole on the left part of the stage.  The majority of the space, however, is devoted to dance.  Way Down We Go (Premiere) consists of three dancers–Steven Beasley, Victoria LeBrun, and Cara Steen.  They take pole dancing to a new level.  The moves are precise and very disciplined.  The music continues to be soft and sensual.  Cara Steen choreographed.  Victoria LeBrun commented about her art form, “Pole dancing isn’t only in the context of strip clubs.”  Steven Beasley adds another dimension to the topic of pole dancing, “Why can’t men also participate (and if they do, is it not sensual)?” Is there stripping involved in the program?  Well, yes…  But Michael Mizerany,

For Immediate Release December 27th, 2016 Contact: Cara Hanhurst – 619-220-6830 x105 Press@Diversionary.org Who: Diversionary Theatre will produce the San Diego Premiere of WELL and the San Diego Revival of 2.5 MINUTE RIDE, both by Tony Award-winner Lisa Kron, presented for the first time in repertory. What: 2.5 MINUTE RIDE, starring Shana Wride* and directed by Rosina Reynolds & WELL, starring Samantha Ginn and Annie Hinton* and directed by Kym Pappas. When: February 9th – March 19th. Performances run Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm & 7pm.  There are two Monday performances: Monday, February 27th at 7pm & Monday, March 6th at 7pm. Where: The Diversionary Theatre Mainstage in University Heights at 4545 Park Boulevard, San Diego CA 92116. Tickets: Are available one month prior to performances and range from $15 – $45. Discounts are available for Seniors, Educators, Students, Groups, and Military. To be notified of ticket sales, please sign up for the Diversionary Theatre Email List:https://www.diversionary.org/mailinglist/   THE CAST OF WELL : L-R, TIFFANY TANG, DURWOOD MURRAY, SAMANTHA GINN, ANNIE HINTON, CASHAE MONYA AND ADAM CUPPY. PHOTO CREDIT: SIMPATIKA San Diego, CA This Spring, Diversionary continues its tradition of presenting innovative theatre. For the first time in history, two plays by Tony Award Winner Lisa Kron (Broadway’s FUN HOME) will play in rotating repertory. As female playwrights continue to fight for equal representation  in the American theatre, THE KRON REP offers a heaping dose of gender parity. In both 2.5 MINUTE

(Diversionary Then and Now) By Taberah Joy Holloway I sat down with Thom Vegh, the founder of Diversionary,to discuss the history of Diversionary Theater in his San Diego’s East Village apartment. Along with the past, we discussed his future and the future of Diversionary. Diversionary recently inaugurated its 31st season with Lizard Boy, a musical by Justin Huertas. Thom was effusive about the current show and team at Diversionary.   Have you seen Lizard Boy? Lizard Boy is another revelation for Diversionary. Dancing (full title) was a passionate and romantic show. Lizard Boy charms with its music and engaging cast. It opens with the quintessentially gay-male pick-up situation and spirals out into a fun-house sci-fi. The direction seamlessly mixes kitchen-sink realism, story theatre and musical theatre. It’s a hybrid. My gut told me that the show was going to work, that’s why I went to a preview. What was the beginning of Diversionary like? In 1984 I was a graduate student in Speech-Language Pathology, a refugee from San Francisco. The ignorance and, literally, the writing on the walls at SDSU infuriated me. I requested funding from the San Diego State Student Council to bring in the AIDS Show from San Francisco as a public health event. At that time, the student council was predominantly Young Republican. I brought a fellow student in to demonstrate the disfiguring face of AIDS. He had Kaposi’s Sarcoma lesions over all his skin yet impeccable taste in clothing. That’s an image worth remembering. It was

For Immediate Release December 6th, 2016 Contact: Cara Hanhurst – 619-220-6830 x105 Press@Diversionary.org HEAT UP YOUR JANUARY “IN THE VAVA VOOM ROOM”   WHAT: He’s back! Award-winning choreographer Michael Mizerany returns to Diversionary Theatre with the second installment of IN THE VA VA VOOM ROOMafter its riotously successful debut last January.   Critics of last year’s installation called the show “Fun, in your face and ever so titillating!”This year boasts all new material, and due to limited performances tickets are expected to sell out quickly. IN THE VA VA VOOM ROOM, we ask you to leave your inhibitions at the door. This scintillating sixty minute contemporary burlesque will make even the bawdiest San Diegan blush. Audiences can expect to warm up with  many different types of dance – you’ll get a taste of contemporary, modern, heel dancing, pole dancing and erotic stripping. This eclectic dance concert features work choreographed by Andrew Holmes, Caryn Ipapo-Glass, Zaquia Mahler Salinas, Cara Steen,  and of course, Michael Mizerany himself. Mizerany has worked on over 15 shows at Diversionary Theatre, including [MANHANDLED], MAN CLAN, HOT GUYS DANCING, and A NEW BRAIN. He calls  VA VA an “…homage to traditional burlesque with a contemporary twist – the show is  brash, brassy and bodacious, featuring dynamic and athletic movement and beautiful bodies. It’s a  great way to start your new year.” Mizerany anticipates his favorite part of the show will be the “Ooohhs and ahhhhs coming from the audience.” Enter THE VA VA VOOM ROOM and you can share

Executive Artistic Director Matt M. Morrow of Diversionary is a gift to the San Diego theatre community.  Playwright Bathsheba Doran is also a gift with her play The Mystery of Love and Sex playing at Diversionary through December 24.  You must see this production! For two hours, four characters whose lives are inextricably interwoven weave an intricate story of the mysteries we all face when it comes to love and sex, in a way that is compelling, consummate, and very convincing. A pair of college friends, Charlotte (Rachel VanWormer) and Jonny (John W. Wells III) invite her parents Lucinda (Marci Anne Wuebben) and Howard (Mike Sears) over for an alfresco meal, complete with candle light, the best cheap wine, a sheet for a tablecloth, but without chairs and butter for the bread, much to Howard’s chagrin. Through some awkward, yet very humorous moments, the four attempt to meet in the middle without much success.  There is a great deal of questioning underlying the conversation among the couples.  Howard is a New York Jew and a writer of detective novels; Lulu as he calls his Southern-reared wife, is a housewife and a mom who is trying as hard as she can at anything, to give up smoking. When Jonny leaves to buy butter, Charlotte’s parents press her for details of her relationship with him.  The kids grew up together, but it would seem that there’s a significant change in their bond. When the parents leave, Jonny and Charlotte engage in a

By Taberah Joy Holloway The Mystery of Love and Sex is the story of two college kids, Jonny and Charlotte, friends since elementary school, who navigate their relationship from childhood to adulthood. Of course, this navigation involves love and sex. The kids grapple for what love and sex mean to them. Jonny, an African American Christian, professes virginity. While Charlotte, a nice Jewish girl would rather indulge in pleasures of the flesh. Charlotte’s parents, Howard and Lucinda, also explore what love and sex mean in the context of their marriage. The play questions romantic love and familial love. Charlotte may be in love with a girl. Because that would complicate her life, she throws herself at Jonny instead. Jonny, being the conscientious and sexually ambivalent man that he is, rejects a naked Charlotte. He wants something more traditional than what Charlotte offers. He wants a Christian black woman to marry. Jonny raises an interesting question about the definition of family. Is Jonny a part of Charlotte’s family? He grew up next door to Charlotte, however he has never been fully accepted by Charlotte’s father, Howard, a detective novelist. The major tension in the play comes not from any sexual tension between Charlotte and Jonny but from a paper Jonny writes about Howard’s novels. Jonny accuses Howard of being sexist, racist, and homophobic. Howard throws him out, but he eventually forgives him. Charlotte is less forgiving. Howard and Lucinda have the more interesting character arcs. Howard moves from patriarch, the father

Contact: Cara Hanhurst, Connectivity Manager 619-220-6830 x 105 Press@Diversionary.org November 8th, 2016 : For Immediate Release San Diego, CA DIVERSIONARY TO HOST PARENT’S NIGHT OUT TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON John Wells III as “Jonny” and Rachael VanWormer as “Charlotte”. Photo by Simpatika WHAT: Diversionary announces a brand new program for Moms and Dads: Parent’s Night Out! At this busy time of year, the historic LGBTQ theatre will offer an antidote to holiday madness – a relaxing night out  as a gift for parents attending THE MYSTERY OF LOVE AND SEX. Complimentary on-site childcare and activities will be offered to children ages 4-12. Reservations are required. “A drama with a funny bone.” That’s how the LA Times categorized Bathsheba “Bash” Doran’s play about the journey of a makeshift family. THE MYSTERY OF LOVE AND SEX follows Charlotte and Jonny as they tumble into their twenties confronting the mysteries of their own bodies and desires. Likewise, Charlotte’s parents face their own shifting perceptions about love and happiness. Traversing years, this provocative Southern Gothic romantic comedy peeks behind the curtain of sexuality and race to illuminate secrets of the heart and the fabric of a family. As a part of Diversionary Theatre’s 31st Season,  this San Diego Premiere was cited in The New York Times Top Ten List of 2015. WHEN: Friday, December 16th. Beginning at 6pm, Parents can drop children off and enjoy dinner with a special discount at Parkhouse Eatery right across the street from the theatre. While at dinner

PRESS RELEASE: LIZARD BOY Contact: Cara Vacek Hanhurst Press@Diversionary.org (619) 220-6830 x 105 Due to Popular Demand, LIZARD BOY has extended an additional FOUR Performances! October 19th, 2016 San Diego, CA. For immediate release: Due to Popular Demand, LIZARD BOY has extended an additional FOUR Performances! Audiences can now catch this critical favorite through November 6th at Diversionary Theatre. Three best friends from Washington got together and decided to make a musical. The rest is history – or at least it will be when the cast of LIZARD BOY makes their San Diego debut at Diversionary Theatre this September. Kirsten deLohr Helland, Justin Huertas and William A. Williams make up the entire cast and band of LIZARD BOY, a fantastical comic-book rock concert-slash-theatrical explosion. Director Brandon Ivie originally staged the show at Seattle Repertory, and will return to stage it fresh for Diversionary. LIZARD BOY follows an unlikely hero in Trevor (Huertas), who hasn’t left his house in a year. After being disfigured in a freak accident as a child (A playground, kids, dragon blood… it was messy) he’s too uncomfortable with the way he looks to go out in public. But the night we meet Trevor he is motivated to take a chance: using Grindr as a lifeline he ends up meeting a cute stranger named Cary (William A. Williams) who does his best to get the shy guy to open up.  Weird doesn’t begin to describe the kind of night Trevor embarks upon, where he must confront a stranger from his dreams (Siren, played by Kirsten deLohr Helland) and

By Taberah Joy Lizard Boy is a comic book musical that delights and charms. The protagonist, Trevor, is embarrassed and ashamed of his lizard skin. Because of shame and a broken heart, Trevor has not left his house in a year. Lucky for him today is MonsterFest, where everyone in town dresses like lizards. He can safely leave his home without being identified as an outsider. On this day, he decides to reconnect with the heartbreaker by perusing Tinder. He doesn’t find his past paramour, but he does find Cary. Cary greets Trevor at the door in his underwear, and Trevor retreats from his frontal assault. Because they both long for connection, Cary is able to woo Trevor and the audience with a silly love song. Along with love, there are lizards and dragons and dreams. Trevor draws someone he sees in a dream and later meets the flesh-and-blood woman at a club. The woman, Siren, is a lounge singer who is skeptical about the world and fears an imminent dragon takeover. She wants to enlist Trevor and his lizard power to save the planet. Trevor doesn’t believe he has any power. Trevor struggles with belief in himself and others, and the climax of the show reveals the challenges and beauties of being a human. Lizard Boy is sweet, silly, and earnest. The show is Trevor discovering his power, how his lizard skin is a strength, and how he used the lizard skin as a shield from actually connecting with

Contact: Cara Hanhurst, Connectivity Manager 619-220-6830 x 105 Press@Diversionary.org October 14th, 2016 : For Immediate Release SAN DIEGO PREMIERE:   WHAT: Diversionary announces the second show in its 31st season, The San Diego Premiere of THE MYSTERY OF LOVE AND SEX. WHO: Executive Artistic Director Matt M. Morrow will direct the piece by Bathsheba Doran. The play stars Rachael Van Wormer, John Wells III, Mike Sears*, and Marci Anne Wuebben.* WHEN: November 25th – December 24th.  Performances run Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Approximately 2 hours long with one intermission. TICKETS: Currently available exclusively to package holders. Packages start at $65 – more information can be found at www.diversionary.org/subscribe. Single tickets go on sale to the public approximately one month before performances and range from $15-$45. Discounts are available to Groups, Students, Educators, Seniors and Military.  To be notified of ticket sales, please sign up for the Diversionary Theatre Email List: https://www.diversionary.org/mailinglist/ San Diego, CA “A drama with a funny bone.” That’s how the LA Times categorized Bathsheba “Bash” Doran’s 2015 play about the journey of a makeshift family, THE MYSTERY OF LOVE AND SEX. As a part of Diversionary Theatre’s 31st Season, this San Diego Premiere was cited in The New York Times Top Ten List of 2015. The play premiered in New York City under the Direction of Sam Gold, with a cast that included Diane Lane and Tony Shaloub. Diversionary’s production has nabbed the talents of Mike Sears (BIRDS OF A FEATHER, PARLOUR SONG), Rachael VanWormer (REGRETS

Monday, September 19th at 8pm FREE Camille: A Travesty on La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas Fils  by Charles Ludlam Directed by James Saba Starring David McBean as Marguerite Gautier Tubercular courtesan Marguerite Gautier abjures her rich lover, Baron De Varville, and sells all her jewels and furnishings to live in the counry with her true love, poor young Armand Duval. Her heart is broken when he agrees to his father’s request to abandon her, and returning to her unhealthful life in Paris, she declines rapidly, but is reunited with Armand in a deathbed scene that provokes both laughter and tears. Directed by James Saba. Starring David McBean as Marguerite Gautier RESERVE ONLINE or call us at 619-220-0097

By Guest Blogger Michael Vegas Mussman If Franz Kafka were a choreographer, he might have created dances like those of Michael Mizerany.   In [manhandled], Mizerany’s newest dance for Diversionary, we see two men taking turns at falling down, writhing on the floor, struggling to move. Their agonized jerks reminded me of Kafka’s Gregor Samsa, the unlucky insect-man who desperately tries to sit himself upright. Long, awkward silences. One dancer is muscular, the other is more lithe. Both make grand, dramatic gestures, but it’s hard to know whether their moves fail, or they intentionally cut them short. These awkward leaps and falls accumulate, until the bigger man lies flat on stage. Now the slender dancer plants his feet on his partner’s torso. He gently glides up and down, like a new surfer learning to balance on a wave. Next, we’re off to Paris for Tous Les Memes. This flirtatious duet was the highlight of the show. A man and woman initiate a game of musical chair, accompanied by an Argentine valz. Then she steals his chapeau. Thus begins a cute tug of war over who will wear witch item of clothing. She ends up wearing his vest, at least a size too big for her. Surprise! The man’s hat reappears at the end. (I didn’t even notice it was missing.) These two dancers have stage presence and real chemistry with their audience and each other. In the third piece, Via Dolorosa, we find ourselves in a blue heaven. A female

We sat down with choreographer/artistic director of COMPULSION DANCE & THEATRE to get the inside scoop on his next dance production at Diversionary Theatre, [manhandled]. Q: [manhandled] is a brand new duet featuring Nicholas Strasburg and Andrew Holmes.  Can you tell us a little bit about the piece? A: Unlike last year’s duet, Uncoupling, where the characters reveled in their extreme dysfunction, [manhandled] looks at another not-so-compatible couple, but this time, the duo’s relationship is falling apart.  One is restless and wants to leave; the other can’t fathom life without the other.  Thus begins the physical and emotional manhandling.   Q:  With Uncoupling and now [manhandled], many of your dances deal with relationships combined with a strong narrative.  What first attracted you to this type of dancemaking? A: I entered college as a theatre major.  As part of the major, I had to take a dance class.  Well, that was it.  I changed my major to dance.  People thought I was insane.  I had never danced before but, somehow, I knew it was the right decision. The storytelling and character aspects of my work are in direct relation to my theatrical background. Q: Man Clan was very well received last year and will be restaged in [manhandled]. What made you decide to do this piece again? A:  This was a piece that had been simmering on the backburner for a while. I’m so glad I finally had the chance to bring in to the stage. Sometimes we get stuck in

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”13″ gal_title=”Gala Slideshow”] Dear Friends, Thank you for making DARING DECADENCE: Celebrating 30 Years of Diversionary Theatre such an astounding success! The room was packed full of friends new and old to celebrate this seminal moment for our historic company, and the passion for Diversionary was palpable. We are thrilled to report that we reached our fundraising goal with this event, capping a net of $45,000 to support the production of ambitious LGBT theatre that challenges, provokes and entertains the San Diego community, and progressive arts education programming. We owe our success to the outpouring of love and generosity from you, our community. We are so grateful for your loyal support. Your generosity has launched Diversionary’s next 30 years with love and confidence! Congratulations, and thank you!   Warmly,              Matt M. Morrow                                                                                                  Todd Nelms Executive Artistic Director                                                                                                     Board President Thank you to our DARING DECADENCE Sponsors:

What: Diversionary Theatre Announces 30th Anniversary Gala Fundraiser: Daring Decadence. When: April 1st, 2016.  6pm- VIP Reception, 6:30pm – Doors Open. Where: The Shiley Suite, Central Library. 330 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101 How: Individual tickets range from $99.00-$250.00 and are available at www.diversionary.org or by calling 619-220-6830. Beth Malone and Deborah S. Craig Master of Ceremony: Deborah S. Craig (Amazon’s Transparent, original Broadway Cast of Spelling Bee) Live performance by: Beth Malone (Broadway’s Fun Home) The Fritz Klein Award will be presented to Tom Reise. The National Fritz Klein Award will be presented to James Obergefell. Gala Co-Chairs: Melanie Peters & Dean Rutherford San Diego, CA (February 9th, 2016) –The staff, board, and community of Diversionary Theatre, America’s third oldest LGBT theatre, are hosting a very special Gala event: Daring Decadence: Celebrating 30 Years of Diversionary Theatre on Friday, April 1, 2016 at the Shiley Suite at the San Diego Central Library (330 Park Blvd). DARING DECADENCE is a vital part of Diversionary Theatre’s overall annual fundraising plan and celebrates three decades of producing 140 Mainstage Productions of daring and provocative LGBT theatre exploring the bravery of a community bent on defining its place in history. Funds raised will go toward the continued effort to foster the next generation of LGBT voices and produce daring provocative theatre that challenges, provokes, entertains, and educates the San Diego community.  “I’m thrilled to celebrate three decades of Diversionary Theatre.  There has never been a more exciting time to be part of Diversionary and the LGBTQ movement.  This celebration will honor our rich legacy as the

Diversionary’s Executive Artistic Director Matt M. Morrow leads the cast of NOW OR LATER through their first rehearsal. This politically provocative West Cost Priemere runs at Diversionary Theatre through March 13th, 2016. Tickets are available at https://www.diversionary.org/noworlater Video by Jonathan Hammond Productions February 11th – March 13th In a hotel penthouse on election night, the returns are delivering good news for the Democratic Presidential candidate and his family. Sequestered in a downstairs room, the soon-to-be President’s son watches as controversial photos of himself at a college party explode over the internet, potentially sparking an international incident. This incisive and politically provocative new play takes on religion, freedom of expression, and the dangers of an increasingly interconnected global community.

  You may recognize Brian Mackey from his other appearances at Diversionary Theatre in The Pride, The Little Dog Laughed,  and Corpus Christi.  Elsewhere he has been seen in The Importance of Being Earnest, Travesties, A Christmas Carol, The Glass Menagerie, History Boys (Cygnet – Resident Artist); All My Sons, Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream: The Musical, An Enemy of the People (Intrepid – Company Member); Twelfth Night (Lamb’s Players); In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play (San Diego Rep); A Christmas Carol, Little Women (North Coast Rep); In the Heat of the Night, The Woolgatherer, Bash: Latter-Day Plays, Jack Goes Boating, All in the Timing, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Grapes of Wrath (ion theatre company); Born Yesterday (AVO Playhouse); Night Sky (Mo’olelo); The Heidi Chronicles, Julius Caesar (New Village Arts); Side Man (BANG!). Brian was awarded the 2011 Craig Noel Award for Actor of the Year.

Diversionary Theatre’s quarterly fundraiser, The Big Gay Improv Show, is fast approaching! We can’t wait to see what outrageous scenes our local improvisers have in store for us and to hear stories from guest monologists from the LGBT community. We sat down with one of our monologists, Evan Tando, to discuss his deep roots in San Diego and why he can’t wait to be a part of The Big Gay Impov Show. Tell us a little bit about who you are. My name is Evan Tando and I was born and raised in San Diego. I’m a second generation San Diegan so I’ve got deep roots here. I grew up going to high school in Rancho Penisquitos and have lived here all my life except for college. I graduated from USC in 1998 and from there I kind of got side tracked to have a little fun and I actually worked for Music Trader here in San Diego for a little while- if anyone remembers back in the day when we used CDs. After I was done being sidetracked I got back into what I went to school for- real estate and loans. It keeps me pretty busy every day. I’m married and have two kids and live in North Park. As a native San Diegan, what is it about the San Diego LGBT community that makes it so special to you? I think here the cool thing about the LGBT community here is that it is pretty diverse. There

Q & A with choreographer Erica Buechner about her new work for Hot Guys Dancing. Can you tell us a little bit about your background and training? I have trained and performed in San Diego for close to 20 years, with the fortune of working with most local modern dance companies and several individual artists. I have been making dances for over 10 years. I recently received my MFA in Dance from Hollins University/American Dance Festival. Getting my Master’s has opened up my artistic perspectives in amazing new ways. It was well worth the time, and money, and loans, and sleepless nights, and tears, and… What is your process when you are making a new work? I would have to say that my process starts with getting curious about a concept; some idea that I would like to see explored through movement. I try not to limit my ideas in any way, such as music, movement vocabulary, theatrical elements, etc. As I create, I continually ask myself, “What is needed for this dance,” not questions like, “What would I like to see,” or “What do I think others would want to see?” Then I have to just trust that something will come into fruition. It usually does. Can you tell us about your work for HGD? What is it about? For this piece I am working with the concept of viewer vs. voyeur. As viewers of dance, we love to watch intimate, sensual duets that spark our desires for touch

We sat down with choreographer/director Michael Mizerany to speak about his work for Hot Guys Dancing.   Tell us a little bit about your duet Let Me Into Your Skin? Let Me Into Your Skin was commissioned by Diversionary Theatre in 2011 for their Dance/Theatre series.  It is based on the play Beautiful Thing, a play the theater produced in 2006 directed by Rosina Reynolds. Though the main thrust of the play is a coming out story, I decided to focus on the burgeoning romance between the two young men. Did the “coming out” plotline not interest you? I wouldn’t say it didn’t interest me, I just felt it had been done before.  I wanted to tell a more universal story.  This duet looks at first love: that first touch, getting lost in your partner’s eyes, a soft lingering kiss and all the apprehension, nervousness and excitement it entails. No matter what your orientation, everyone remembers their initial crush, the butterflies in your stomach and the joy in your heart.  As they say, love is universal. Tell us about your new solo called Via Dolorosa? Via Dolorosa is Latin for “the sorrowful way”, which describes the more traditional version of The Stations of the Cross.  This solo is based on the fifteen scenes from the time Christ is condemned to death, stripped, crucified, laid in the tomb and resurrected. What inspired you to use The Stations of the Cross? As a child, I went to parochial school and The Stations

Lawson will be one of the featured dancers in our upcoming production of Hot Guys Dancing. Where did you receive your training? I started dancing at age 4 at Jean Hart Academy of Dance in Poway, California. I began mostly in ballet, undergoing Royal Academy of Dance examinations every year from Pre-Primary to Grade 5 when I grew more interested in other dance styles. Continuing my passion throughout college, I took ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary dance classes at Palomar College. Soon thereafter I branched out to dancing under the direction of different choreographers in San Diego. What was the rehearsal process like for LET ME INTO YOUR SKIN? The rehearsals for LET ME INTO YOUR SKIN have been a wonderful learning experience under the direction of Michael Mizerany. Rehearsals are paced, yet productive. Michael is excellent in demonstrating what it is that he is looking for, and gives notes that are articulate and easy to understand. The process has been both difficult and rewarding. I have enjoyed learning and experiencing the new movement and partnering involved with this piece and I am thrilled to perform it with Chad Ortiz at this year’s show. LET ME INTO YOUR SKIN is inspired by the play BEAUTIFUL THING and was commissioned by Diversionary Theater in 2011. Can you tell us a little about theme or plot of the dance? From my perspective, the dance is about two young, fairly inexperienced gay men and the internal struggles they face to be with one

From Gay San Diego Morgan M. Hurley | Editor     Todd Blakesley has been dabbling in and studying the art of theater his entire life, mostly in San Diego. He’s acted in plays at Moxie, Intrepid Shakespeare, San Diego Repertory Theatre, North County Repertory Theatre, read with dozens of playwrights, and when he’s not acting or reading, he’s worked as a dramaturg developing new projects. In the 1970s, Blakesley even owned his own small theater, the Crystal Palace in Mission Beach, where he and colleagues wrote and produced original work for five years. In all those years of artistic stewardship, it never once occurred to Blakesley to take on the role of Truman Capote. After all, at a full 7 inches taller than the 5 foot 3 inch — but larger-than-life — late celebrity novelist, he never really seemed to “fit the bill.” That is until this year, when friend and director Derek Livingston suggested he try out for Diversionary Theatre’s upcoming one-man show, “Tru.” “In many ways, casting for a one-person show differs little from casting a multi-character show,” Livingston said. “However, I have to make sure that the actor has a natural facility for storytelling and a chemistry that reaches into the audience as opposed to just a chemistry with another actor or actors. Further, that actor has to have a theatrical presence to hold our attention while also being honest enough that we believe him.” Livingston said he’d worked with Blakesley long enough to know he

“If I’m having a bad day in rehearsal, I’ll sleep with my script” Nina Arianda It’s tech weekend for the final show of Diversionary’s 2014 Season. For those of you that have never experience the exhaustive magic of tech, it’s name is self-summarizing. Tech is the opportunity for all the technical designers of a show to adjust and fine tune all of the “non-acting” moments of a show. Each Tech period is a little different, depending on the demands of the show, but that’s the jist of it.  That amazing scene change you saw with a gorgeous wash of blue on the stage? Tech. The moment on the stage where you hear a champagne pop cork, or the rush of a babbling brook makes you feel like you’re on the farm too? Tech.   When the actor changed costumes completely in the course of thirty seconds behind a palm tree? Also, tech. Usually these rehearsals are fifteen to twenty hours of work over the course of a weekend. Everyone gets together in the darkness of some theatre, crosses their fingers, and push a lot of buttons. There’s a lot of stopping and starting, tons of HOLD PLEASE, and really dumb inside jokes….(can you move that spike tape nine inches please?)…There are lots of snacks to fuel everyone, even more coffee, and an amazing sense of comraderie that you really don’t find anywhere else. It’s like taking a really long car ride with a bunch of aqauintances, and coming out of

  Smile and help Diversionary!   Shop online? Even a little? Use your cents wisely with Amazon Smile 🙂 Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Diversionary Theatre Productions, Inc. whenever you shop on AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. How to participate 1. Use this link to be taken to the Amazon Smiles page 2. You’ll be prompted to select Diversionary Theatre as your chosen charity 3. Shop away, and .5 % of your purchase will be donated back to Diversionary! Thank you for supporting your local theatre!

We had the great privilege of welcoming members from the Tijuana Hace Teatro group this past Sunday, October 26th Diversionary is one of the local San Diego theatres to offer tickets to the group. We look forward to working with THT in the future! “This new connection is the opportunity to start opening doors in the strong geographic point that is the Tijuana-San Diego border, in order to have a cultural exchange with these theatrical experiences. This will also influence the way theater is being made as well as how it is being perceived,” said Ramón Verdugo, Tijuana Hace Teatro co-director” -LGBT Weekly   For More information on Tijuana Hace Teatro visit their website  

 ….Now playing Harry and Harriet in SheRantulas! Andy Collins(Harry/Harriet) has been seen at Diversionary Theatre in Pippin, Twist, The Break Up Notebook, The Daddy Machine, Valhalla, Falsettos, Jeffrey and The Rocky Horror Show. Some of his other credits include: Company, Assassins, Cabaret, The Matchmaker, My Fair Lady, Pageant (Cygnet Theatre);Gypsy, Parasite Drag (ion Theatre); Guys & Dolls (Lambs Players); The Full Monty, Bye Bye Birdie (SD Musical Theatre).

Tru   By Jay Presson Allen Directed by Derek Livingston   Starring Todd Blakesley   *November 20th – December 21st*              It’s Christmas time in 1975. Spend the evening with illustrious author Truman Capote (Breakfast at Tiffany’s, In Cold Blood) as he confides his deepest secrets and motley life story.            An excerpt from Tru’s book, Answered Prayers has recently been published in Esquire Magazine, and his socialite friends are turning their backs in droves.       Tru is a deep look into the complex life of Truman Capote -his mischievous spirit, his life long search for love,  and the downward spiral that began at the pivotal moment in time illustrated in the play.             This award winning production originally starred Robert Morse (you may recognize him from Mad Men)  as Truman Capote, in a play adapted from the author’s own words.  Morse won both a Tony and Drama Desk Award for his performance. In 1992, Morse won an Emmy for the adaptation of Tru  done for the PBS Series, American Playhouse.   The Los Angeles Times said in 1991 that,  “…Allen’s script is intentionally fixed on Capote before he skidded into his decline. It is not maudlin, though the self-deprecation is discernible behind the words. The writing is wry, economical, skillfully indirect, acerbic and when called upon, judiciously vulgar.”       Diversionary Theatre is pleased to offer our audiences Tru as the final production of our 2014 season. Tickets are currently available to Subscribers Only, and will open for public sales on

Welcome back, Tony! You may remember Tony as Miss Gulch in our cabaret, Miss Gulch Returns, or perhaps from last season’s production of Scrooge in Rouge. Tony was also our talented Music Director for both bare: a pop opera, and Thrill Me. We’re delighted to have him reprise his role as Suzie in She-Rantulas!   Tony Houck (Suzie) has been performing at Diversionary since 2008. He was last on stage not as an actor but as music director for bare: a pop opera. He has also music directed and accompanied Thrill Me and Marry Me a Little.  He co-wrote a raunchy cabaret show with the stunning Ms. Jacque Wilke called Miss Kitty’s Wild West Revue. Other Diversionary credits include: Miss Gulch Returns (@ Martinis Above Fourth); The Further Adventures of HeddaGabler;Pippin; Harmony, Kansas; Next Fall; [title of show]; Twist; Yank!;Anita Bryant Died for Your Sins; Dear Harvey; Scrooge in Rouge, for which he has received a Craig Noel Award (2008) and LA Scenie (2012) award for his performance as Lottie Obligato and a LA Scenie (2012) award for direction of the show. Diversionary Cabaret credits include: Heather and Tony: We Might Be Cousins; Senor Phil’s Casa del Haha; Facts of Life: The Lost Episode. Elsewhere, Tony appeared as Helga in Cygnet Theater’s award winning Cabaret. He is a graduate of AMDA. Thanks and love to Kweesha, Bev, Nana, Kevane, Monty and all my family. Look for www.tonyhouck.com coming soon.

Diversionary Theatre welcomes Peggy Walkush and her brain child – The Big Gay Improv Show. We sat down with Peggy and discussed our new partnership, and what this  new quarterly addition to the Diversionary calendar will hold for our patrons. What is The Big Gay Improv Show? Who will enjoy this show? What can we look forward to if we buy a ticket? TBGIS is a fully improvised show where guest monologists share stories from their life and then improvisers use those stories as inspiration for silly and bizarre scenes totally made up on the spot. Everyone who enjoys laughing will enjoy TBGIS – you don’t have to be LGBT – you just have to be a fun loving person who likes to laugh!  Audience members can look forward to getting to know two fascinating members of our community better, hearing their coming out stories, and then watching alternate versions of that reality played out on stage. Come with an open heart and mind and ready to laugh!   Why this partnership with Diversionary, and why now? I’ve been an out lesbian in San Diego since 1986 so I have come to many Diversionary theater productions over the years. Now that I am on the performing end of things, it feels great to be able to donate my time to give back and help raise money for the theater.   You’ve expressed that there aren’t a lot of Gay Improvisers in town – are you hoping this show will have an effect on that? Yes

Wear Your Costume All Month Long!  Come to She-Rantulas and participate in one of our costume contests – and win cool prizes!   10/10 8:00 PM 10/17 8:00 PM 10/24 8:00 PM 10/31 8:00 PM & Midnight Prizes include : Free drinks at the bar, tickets to future Diversionary shows, She-Rantulas T-shirts, concessions vouchers, and more!  Get Tickets

      Meet Melinda from She-Rantulas From Outer Space – in 3D!   Melinda Gilb (Flora, Gladys, Daisy, Maria, Roberta, Louella) is proud to be making her debut at Diversionary. After 32 years as a professional actor some of her credits include Singin’ in the Rain (Original Broadway cast); Back to Bacharach and David (Original Off-Broadway cast); Suds (Original cast and co-author); Joseph Papp’s The Pirates of Penzance (1st National tour); Original Mama Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Always Patsy Cline (Old Globe);Walter Cronkite is Dead (San Diego Theatre Critics nomination- Best Actress),The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Miss Witherspoon (San Diego Rep), Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd (Craig Noel Award- Best Actress), Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly (Starlight Theatre); Miss Hannigan in Annie, The Smell of The Kill,The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (North Coast Rep);Assassins, A Christmas Carol, Dirty Blonde, The Receptionist (Cygnet Theatre); Thoroughly Modern Millie (Welk Resort Theatre); The Melinda and Steve Show (with Steve Gunderson in New York, Los Angeles and San Diego). Television- Featured on The Full Wax and Ruby Takes a Trip (BBC-1); Guest star on Becker (CBS). Favorite role, Mama to her 10-year-old son, Knight.

Part of our Backstage Thursday Events   Get Tickets Join us on Thursday, October 9th beginning at 7:00 PM for our first She-Rantulas Backstage Thursday : Happy Hour with the Director! Meet the creative direction behindShe-Rantulas, Ruff Yeager. Ruff will be available to answer questions before the show, and chat about upcoming projects. Our Events Partner for She-Rantulas, Brabant Bar and Cafe, will be providing delicious appetizers, and our bar will boast $1 off all drinks from 7:00 – 8:00 PM. Backstage Thursdays are included in your ticket price, so come a bit early and mingle with us – and maybe try one of our She-rantula Blood Cocktails – back by popular demand!   Get Tickets

Stop Kiss  Monday, 9/29 at 8:00 PM  Get Tickets to Stop Kiss “Sometimes there is no parade. No sit down with the parents. Sometimes love just finds its way into our hearts regardless of sexual orientation and free from labels.  “   As part of our Open Mondays Series, Diversionary will present a reading of Diana Son’s play, Stop Kiss. This series is a playground for artists and an open house for audiences to come and see some of their favorite actors and singers perform without a net. All Open Mondays events are free and open to the public with general admission on a first-come, first served basis. In Stop Kiss, two young women in New York meet. Callie is holding down a job as a radio traffic reporter when she meets Sara, a Midwesterner who, against her parents’ wishes, has moved to the city to teach third-grade students in the Bronx. Both have boyfriends, but as they get to know each other, their shared experiences and sense of humor create a strong bond. They feel a growing, unspoken attraction for each other and finally kiss. And that one innocent kiss sets off a savage gay-bashing. The tragic consequences of the kiss at the center of this powerful drama serve as both an indictment of hatred and a moving study of the perils inherent in living life fully. Chrissy Burns  (you may remember her from the first Mainstage show of our 2014 Season, Boys and Girls)  sat down with Diversionary to discuss the play, which will be

Join us on September 18th for Backstage Thursdays : Next Act! This is your opportunity to meet some of the cast and production team of our upcoming Cabaret, She-Rantulas from Outerspace – in 3D! Plumeria Vegetarian Restaurant, our Event Partner forRegrets Only, will be providing delicious appetizers. We’ll also be hosting drink specials at the bar. The best part? Admission to Next Act! is included in the cost of your ticket to Regrets Only! 

Below is a letter from Board President and Acting Executive Director, Todd Nelms, welcoming Matt to the Diversionary family.  Dear Diversionary Theatre Patrons & Friends, On behalf of the Board of Trustees and Diversionary Theatre’s staff, I am excited to announce that we have selected Mr. Matt Morrow to join the Diversionary team as our new Executive Artistic Director.  Matt accepted the Board’s offer and will take his place at the helm of Diversionary in mid-November, bringing to the job extensive experience in directing, financial development, and a stint as the Associate Artistic Director of Pittsburgh’s City Theatre Company. Matt was selected after a months-long search that started with our receiving almost 60 resumes from as far away as Hong Kong and South Africa.  We were thrilled to realize the reputation and scope of Diversionary’s work and see the high quality of applications it produced.  After an initial screening of those applications, the Search Committee, led by Board Vice President Darrell Netherton and composed of 3 board members (Darrell, Tamara Keller and myself) and well respected members of the San Diego arts community (Marcus Overton, Camille Davidson, Bill Eadie, Rob Granat and Larry Baza), met in July to identify the top 10 candidates.   The top candidates were then interviewed via phone, and the top 3 candidates (“the best of the best” in our view) came to the theater to meet with the staff, the Search Committee and the entire board. After this extensive screening & review process, the Search Committee recommended Matt