Feature: Local Theater Spotlight

Eden Espinosa in Lempicka

LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE’S NEW PRODUCTION IS A POWERFUL PORTRAIT OF PAINTER TAMARA DE LEMPICKA

by STEPHANIE THOMPSON

N 1917, RUSSIA was in upheaval; the world was about to be devastated by a deadly epidemic; and women were struggling to achieve independence and parity with men. It can feel like not much has changed. Rachel Chavkin, the Tony Award-winning director of the new musical Lempicka at La Jolla Playhouse, adds: “Plus, there are terribly eerie parallels of rising fascism, political polarization, homophobia and other forms of anti-queer violence … The production is all too timely. I wish it were less, but here we are.”

In Lempicka: A New Musical, coming to the /CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Located on a full city block in downtown San Diego, Park & Market is a social and intellectual hub, purpose-built to spark connections and provide access to multidisciplinary and culturally informed art and science, technology, civic engagement and lifelong learning.

We invite you to explore Park & Market’s multidimensional and inclusive programming, showcasing innovative performing and visual arts, film screenings, scholarly talks, literary readings and cultural and educational programs that are designed to engage our entire San Diego community.

Performances Magazine unveils a digital program platform for shows and concerts

DROP DOWN MENU Table of app contents.

REGISTER Stay arts-engaged, access past programs.

THE ESSENTIALS Acts, scenes, synopses, repertory and notes.

CONTRIBUTORS Donors and sponsors who make it all possible—you! SEARCH Find whatever it is you want to know—easily.

SIGN IN Link to your performing-arts companies and venues.

THE PLAYERS Bios and background for cast, crew and creators.

WHAT’S ON What’s coming at a glance and ticket information.

NO RUSTLING PAGES, no killing trees.... Of all the innovations to have come out of the pandemic, the new Performances program platform, accessed on any digital device, may be least likely to disappear in the foreseeable future. Not only has its time come—it was long overdue.

Performances provides the programs for 20 SoCal performingarts organizations, from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Ahmanson to San Diego Opera, where the app made its debut.

The touchless platform provides cast and player bios, donor and season updates and arts-centric features. Audiences receive a link and code word that instantly activate the app; QR codes are posted, too.

Screens go dark when curtains rise and return with the house lights. Updates—repertory changes, understudy substitutions, significant donations—can be made right up to showtime, no inserts necessary.

Other features include video and audio streams, translations and expanded biographies.

For those who consider printed programs keepsakes, a limited number, as well as commemorative issues for special events, will continue to be produced. Collectibles!

Meanwhile, there will be less deforestation, consumption of petroleum inks and programs headed for landfills. For the ecologically minded, the platform gets a standing ovation.

Theaters and concert halls are reopening after a year-long intermission. The stage is set, excitement is mounting. Activate your link and enjoy the shows. —CALEB WACHS