“Simpatika worked closely with us to develop a new brand that pays homage to Diversionary’s history by reaching back to our original triangle iconography, while bringing a bold, inclusive and forward-thinking sensibility to the theatre.”
The season explodes out of the gate with the San Diego Premiere of the new musical LIZARD BOY, with book, music and lyrics by Justin Huertas. The show comes direct from it’s World Premiere at Seattle Repertory Theatre, where it enjoyed a celebrated, sold out run. This fantastical story follows a young recluse named Trevor, who ventures outside his comfort zone in a quest for love and self-acceptance, but ends up finding an adventure of mythic proportions along the way. The original Seattle cast will join the Diversionary production, featuring the writer/composer in the title role. Original director Brandon Ivie will present a fresh re-staging of LIZARD BOY for Diversionary.
December will bring the San Diego Premiere of THE MYSTERY OF LOVE AND SEX by Bathsheba Doran, directed by Executive Artistic Director Matt M. Morrow. This Southern Gothic Comedy spans multiple years and looks at the fluid sexual dynamics of two couples in a makeshift family. MYSTERY is both heartbreaking and hilarious – a gorgeous piece of writing that has something for everyone.
Playwright Lisa Kron made Broadway history last year with her 2015 Tony Award winning musical FUN HOME. As the centerpiece of the season, Morrow has programmed two of Kron’s plays, producing them in repertory for the first time ever. The Kron Repertory celebrates the playwright’s genius and provides an intimate and intensive glimpse into her writing.
Diversionary will produce the first San Diego revival of Kron’s 2.5 MINUTE RIDE since its breakout World Premiere at La Jolla Playhouse in 1996. Two San Diego Powerhouses team up: Rosina Reynolds directs and Shana Wride takes the stage as Lisa in this solo piece that pays reverence to Kron’s Holocaust survivor Father. 2.5 interweaves three stories of family lineage into one touching, funny and memorable narrative.
The San Diego Premiere of WELL completes the second part of The Kron Repertory. This pioneering comedy transferred to Broadway in 2006. Kron uses the play to examine her complicated relationship with her Mother, along with her sense of health and well-being. Kym Pappas directs while San Diego favorite Samantha Ginn takes on the role of Lisa.
The World Premiere of Georgette Kelly’s BALLAST concludes Diversionary’s 31st Season. BALLAST explores the waking and dream lives of two trans and cisgender couples as they come to terms with the new relationships they find themselves in. Executive Artistic Director Morrow helms this World Premiere which will feature a striking projection design by Tara Knight (AMAZONS AND THEIR MEN, HOLLYWOOD).
Georgette Kelly says of her upcoming production with Diversionary:
“I’m thrilled to be working with Diversionary to bring BALLAST to the stage as a World Premiere. It’s an honor to rekindle my collaboration with Matt Morrow, who directed the very first reading of BALLAST in 2012 and whose vision has been instrumental to the development of the script. I’m so grateful to both Matt and the Diversionary team for their tireless support of this new play!”
The season ends with SPARK! Diversionary’s first-ever new play festival. As the final Mainstage Production of the 2016-17 Season, BALLAST anchors the festival which will feature three to five new plays presented as staged readings, plus a Master Class by an esteemed playwright TBA.
Single Tickets for Season 31 are currently available only to subscribers, and packages start at just $65.00. More information can be found by visiting www.Diversionary.org/Subscribe or by calling the box office at 619-220-0097. Single ticket sales for each show go on sale approximately one month before performances, and range from $15 – $50. To be notified of ticket sales, please sign up for the Diversionary Theatre Email List:
 San Diego Premiere
A Comic Book Musical Fantasy
LIZARD BOY
Book, Music & Lyrics by Justin Huertas
Directed by Brandon IviePart comic book. Part musical horror tale. Part Lizard. Part Boy. From its acclaimed production in Seattle comes a radically original musical that will set San Diego ablaze. Legend has it that from the ashes of Mount St. Helens emerged a monster with mysterious powers that changed one boy’s life forever. Freak or hero? Trevor better find out before it’s too late. This indie-folk-rock-concert-coming-of-age-love-story about the power of individuality will shatter your notions of what a musical can be!September 29-October 30, 2016
Previews September 29-October 7 // Opening October 8
“This 90 minute journey of love, acceptance and scales embodies so much promise, potential and genuine love of storytelling that I can easily see this going far beyond Seattle. This is just one of those can’t miss shows.”
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World Premiere