Moonlight Stage Productions is going to have a pretty huge summer in 2018 with two San Diego Regional and Moonlight premieres. It is all part of their 38th summer season at Vista’s Moonlight Ampitheatre. The theater, situated next to a rolling hill, gives grand views of the sunset, and at night, the stars all while watching top level Broadway-style productions in the 2,000 seat venue.
Steve Glaudini continues his run as the artistic director for Moonlight Stage Productions and this year has brought us quite a treat when it comes to the huge blockbuster musicals being performed right here in San Diego County. Steve always has a way of picking the best mix of shows for the audience to enjoy through the summer. Whether it’s a fun joyous musical, a heart wrenching tale, there’s something for the whole family.
Mamma Mia June 13 – 30, 2018
The season starts off with a musical that will have you on your feet dancing and singing to the sounds of Abba in the musical “Mamma Mia.” The feel good musical has entertained over 54 million people worldwide and now you have the chance to see the great talent of Southern California perform the show in our own backyard. An enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship is discovered through some of Abba’s greatest hits such as “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S,” “Super Trouper,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and “The Winner Takes It All.” The show, which centers on a daughter’s quest to discover the true identity of her father, takes twist and turns as three men from her mother’s past reunite on a Greek island for the first time in twenty years. It will be a rocking musical you won’t soon forget.
Disney’s Newsies July 18 – August 4, 2018
The second musical to hit Moonlight’s stage this summer will be the San Diego Premiere of “Newsies.” This musical is one of my favorite all time shows. The story and songs are top notch but it is the dancing that sticks out in this show. This is a show that I am most excited to see Moonlight deliver. It’s sure to be an amazing summer night of theater.
The show, based upon the Disney film of the same name, follows a group of rag tag orphans who earn a living as “newsies.” These kids are responsible for delivering the boroughs’ newspapers. The group of guys band together and strike against the all powerful Joe Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst in the famous 1899 New York City newsboy strike, a move that almost halts the city and changed the industry forever.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame August 15 – September 1, 2018
The Moonlight Stage Production debut of “The Hunchback” should be a pretty epic performance. The show had its start right here in San Diego at the La Jolla Playhouse before transferring to the Paper Mill Playhouse. Ultimately the decision was made to not take it to Broadway but that didn’t prevent the cast recorded album from knocking off “Hamilton” from the Billboard Cast Albums chart’s number one spot.
The music is from the award winning team of Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz whose sweeping orchestral masterpiece does justice to Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, acceptance, and what it means to be a hero.
While many will immediately think of the Disney animated film, it’s important to make note that out of the Disney produced musicals, this is the most somber and realistic tellings of its source. Disney Theatrics has allowed the production to be a bit more complex and nuanced than previous versions.
Chicago September 12 – 29, 2018
A musical that fans have been asking Moonlight to perform for years is finally making its debut at the amphitheater. The show, which is from the amazing talents of John Kander and Fredd Ebb, always delivers and I can’t wait to see how Moonlight gives its twist to the show with the amazing talent we have in Southern California.
The musical, which most people recognize as the winner of six Tonys a Grammy, is the longest running American musical. Following the tale of love, fame scandal, and deceit, it’s a literal ripped from the headlines story that has audience members on the edge of their seats thanks in part to the amazing Bob Fosse style of dancing.
These four amazing shows are dance heavy and I couldn’t be happier about that. There literally will be something for everyone this season. Moonlight year-over-year has some of the best lighting, staging, hair and makeup, and overall production values of almost every theatre in San Diego County.
Seeing musical theatre at Moonlight is also very affordable. It’s a great opportunity for a night out with the family and friends. Tickets range in price from $8 – $57. Don’t forget you can bring your own food to picnic before the show starts.
Be sure to get your tickets early and maybe even get the subscription rate since you’re certain to want to see each of this season’s shows. Speaking of subscriptions, they actually go on sale this Saturday from noon to 4 pm by phone at 760-724-2110, or in person at VisTix, located at 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista.