Jason Niedle

Review: Revamped MEAN GIRLS Musical Debuts at La Mirada Theatre
by Michael Quintos - Apr 15, 2026

Now having its Southern California regional production, MEAN GIRLS - THE MUSICAL continues performances at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts through May 3, 2026. Produced by McCoy Rigby Entertainment, this fun, high-energy, youthfully-targeted new iteration of the 2018 stage adaptation of Tina Fey’s beloved 2004 film comedy looks and feels like a brand new show—boosted by impressive new visuals and a highly-caffeinated ensemble whose enthusiasm and verve is quite infectious. A dazzling, entertaining show with high-caliber polish, La Mirada's production is a slick, electrically-charged iteration that is a worthwhile new chapter in the show’s evolution.

Exclusive: First Look at MEAN GIRLS at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
by Gillian Blum - Apr 11, 2026

Take a first look at exclusive production photos from Mean Girls at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, which runs April 11 through May 3, 2026.

Photos: First Look at THE SHARK IS BROKEN at Ensemble Theatre Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2026

Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara is continuing its 47th season 'Truth and Illusion' with the West Coast premiere of the hit Broadway play, based on the making of the movie Jaws, The Shark is Broken. See photos!

Review: Will Swenson Leads New SoCal Revival of SWEENEY TODD at La Mirada Theatre
by Michael Quintos - Feb 5, 2026

In what is clearly proving to be the must-see stage production of the new year so far here in Southern California, McCoy Rigby Entertainment's stunning new production of the 1979 Tony Award-winning classic SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET—now playing a limited engagement at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts through February 22, 2026—has been revived locally with thrilling visuals, Broadway-caliber showmanship, creative hutzpah, and a spectacular cast led by Tony nominee Will Swenson as the titular vengeful London barber and the hilarious Olivier Award winner Lesli Margherita as pie shop proprietor Mrs. Lovett.

Photos: First Look At Will Swenson And Lesli Margherita In SWEENEY TODD At La Mirada Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 30, 2026

Production photos have been released for La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment’s revival of SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, now running through February 22, 2026, at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Interview: Will Swenson & Lesli Margherita of SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
by Shari Barrett - Jan 23, 2026

I decided to speak with its two stars, Will Swenson and Lesli Margherita about the challenges faced during their journeys to taking on Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett and how working with Director Jason Alexander for the La Mirada production has inspired them to bring these two iconic characters to life.

Photos: Laguna Playhouse's A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS
by Gillian Blum - Dec 7, 2025

Check out production photos from Laguna Playhouse's newly revised A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS, as they celebrate their 10-year anniversary at the Playhouse with the return of the panto show that started it all.

Review: Laughs Fly High in PETER PAN GOES WRONG at La Mirada
by Michael Quintos - Nov 9, 2025

Now presenting an even more over-the-top follow up compared to their first go-round in THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG staged here last February, the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment revisit the earnestly bumbling folks at the fictional Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society for yet another madcap, mishap-laden production of intense British-style slapstick and comical chaotic shenanigans in its high-flying 2013 'sequel' PETER PAN GOES WRONG which will continue to crack up audiences in the City of La Mirada through November 23, 2025. Amping up the laughs even more this time around, La Mirada's so-good-it-hurts production is this time joined by former Olympic gymnast and longtime 'Peter Pan' herself Cathy Rigby serving as its cheeky 'narrator.'

Photos: Cathy Rigby Stars in PETER PAN GOES WRONG at La Mirada Theatre
by Gillian Blum - Nov 1, 2025

Explore photos of Cathy Rigby as the narrator in Peter Pan Goes Wrong, now at La Mirada Theatre until November 23.

Photos: BESIDE MYSELF at the Laguna Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Oct 31, 2025

Laguna Playhouse is presenting the second show of its 2025/2026 season with the rolling world premiere comedy, BESIDE MYSELF by Paul Slade Smith and directed by David Ellenstein. Check out photos below!

Review: Vibrant New Production of COME FROM AWAY Debuts at La Mirada
by Michael Quintos - Sep 26, 2025

Still quite a rousing crowd-pleaser—offering empathy and kindness as its main endearing ingredient— La Mirada Theatre's brand new, 'non-replica' production of the Tony-winning musical COME FROM AWAY is a superb, rather enjoyable new Broadway-caliber production that is as every bit as appealing as the characters that populate it. Energetically directed and choreographed by Richard J. Hinds, the show exudes a joy and pleasantness that few musicals are able to achieve with such ease. Funny, touching, celebratory, appropriately honorable, and musically endearing, COME FROM AWAY remains an awe-inspiring theatrical testament to compassion, and will forever remind us that even in the shadow of horrific, unbelievable devastation, humanity's capacity for kindness and generosity can—and should—take center stage.

Photos: La Mirada Theatre & McCoy Rigby Entertainment's COME FROM AWAY
by Gillian Blum - Sep 20, 2025

Check out production photos of La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment's COME FROM AWAY, running through October 12, 2025.

Photos: A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER at Laguna Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 19, 2025

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE is presenting the first show of its 2025/2026 season, the critically acclaimed, Tony Award-winning musical, A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER. See photos here!

Photos: HONKY TONK ANGELS at Laguna Playhouse
by Emmy Rice - Aug 2, 2025

Production photos for Honky Tonk Angels at Laguna Playhouse, written by Ted Swindley, choreography by Jill Gorrie, musical direction by John Massey and direction by David Ellenstein, have just been released. See the photos here! 

Review: New Regional Production of Disney's FROZEN Debuts at La Mirada
by Michael Quintos - Jun 13, 2025

Touted as the first 'non-replica' regional production of this Disney stage musical mounted in Southern California, La Mirada Theatre's fresh iteration of FROZEN - THE MUSICAL still has plenty of Disney-esque magic to offer young and old audience members alike seeking to revisit the land of Arendelle. Enhanced significantly by an energetic ensemble cast led by a pair of compelling lead actresses, this entertaining new production is lively, colorful, and grand-sounding overall, making it stand as a respectable modern musical filled with likable characters, relatable emotions, and some genuine laughs. This new Los Angeles premiere production—directed and choreographed by Dan Knechtges—continues performances through June 29 in the city of La Mirada.

Photos: PERIL IN THE ALPS At Laguna Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 12, 2025

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE is presenting the world premiere of a new Hercule Poirot comic mystery, PERIL IN THE ALPS, written and directed by Steven Dietz (Laguna Playhouse’s wildly successful production of Murder on the Links), and based in part of “Poirot Investigates” by Agatha Christie. Check out photos of the show.

Review: LEGALLY BLONDE at Ordway Center For The Performing Arts
by Jared Fessler - Jun 11, 2025

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts has once again delivered a winning Broadway experience with its latest production of Legally Blonde, running June 10-15, 2025. Based on the 2001 cult-favorite film starring Reese Witherspoon, this musical adaptation is a high-energy, feel-good show that perfectly balances infectious fun with meaningful themes of empowerment and self-discovery.

First Look Photos: Disney's FROZEN At La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 6, 2025

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment have officially opened the doors to Arendelle. The Los Angeles regional theatre premiere of Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical began previews Friday night, ahead of its press opening on Saturday, June 7, and will run through June 29, 2025. Check out photos of the production.

Interview: Kathryn Brunner of LEGALLY BLONDE at Ordway Center For The Performing Arts
by Jared Fessler - Jun 6, 2025

'Legally Blonde' will be playing at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul, Minnesota, from June 10 to June 15, 2025. We spoke with Kathryn Brunner, who stars as Elle Woods in this production.

Interview: Jenna Lea Rosen & Cailen Fu of DISNEY’S FROZEN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
by Shari Barrett - Jun 4, 2025

The Los Angeles regional theatre premiere of Disney’s FROZEN The Broadway Musical presented by La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment opens June 6 through June 29 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. The much-loved family musical stars Jenna Lea Rosen as Princess Elsa and Cailen Fu as Princess Anna, two of the most popular Disney princesses among fans of all ages. I decided to speak with them about their history performing the roles and their path to appearing in the current touring production.