By La Jolla Playhouse Announces Dynamic 2025/2026 Season Named for Joan Jacobs
La Jolla Playhouse has announced its 2025/2026 season. The season honors Joan Jacobs, a Playhouse supporter who passed away in May 2024. Fans can look forward to two new musicals, three new plays, and a hit from Broadway.
Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley will direct two brand-new musicals. The first is “Working Girl,” with music by Grammy winner Cyndi Lauper and script by Theresa Rebeck. It’s based on the popular 1988 movie. Ashley will also direct “The Heart,” which follows a donor heart’s journey to save a life.
The season will bring the Tony-nominated “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” by Jocelyn Bioh to San Diego. This play was a hit on Broadway last year.
“This season brings together new voices, Playhouse veterans, and theatrical stars—including one actual rock star,” said Ashley. “These shows have heart while tackling thought-provoking themes.”
Before the main season starts, the Playhouse will host its yearly WOW Festival in April 2025. They’ll also present “The Unfair Advantage,” a special show about card cheating by Harry Milas.
Shows in the New Season
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
May/June 2025
This play takes you into a busy hair salon in Harlem. Here, West African hair braiders create beautiful styles while dealing with their own dreams and struggles. During one hot summer day, they face what it means to be outsiders in America. The play celebrates strong women and their tight-knit community.
Indian Princesses
July/August 2025
This new play by Eliana Theologides Rodriguez follows five young girls of color and their white fathers. In summer 2008, they join a father-daughter program called the “Winnebago Tribe.” The story explores friendships, family struggles, and growing up while dealing with race and identity.
The Heart
August/September 2025
This new musical follows a heart donation over 24 hours in San Diego. When a young surfer dies, his heart gives a second chance to a woman with terminal illness. The show features modern electronic music inspired by hospital sounds.
All the Men Who’ve Frightened Me
September/October 2025
Noah Diaz wrote this story about Ty and Nora, a young couple who want to start a family. When they learn Nora can’t carry a child, Ty, who is transgender, decides to carry the baby. But their plans get complicated when three strange men from Ty’s past start showing up at their home.
Working Girl
November/December 2025
Based on the famous 1988 movie, this musical tells the story of Tess McGill. She’s a secretary from Staten Island with big dreams. When her boss steals her idea and then leaves town, Tess takes a chance to prove herself. The show features new songs by Cyndi Lauper.
A New Play About Julia Child
February/March 2026
This play by Claudia Shear shows Julia Child before she became famous on TV. It follows her journey from Pasadena to Paris as she finds her love for cooking and meets her husband Paul. The play is based on the book “Dearie” by Bob Spitz.
Special WOW Events
The Unfair Advantage
February 25-March 23, 2025
Harry Milas reveals the secrets of card cheating in this unique show. Only 35 people can attend each performance, and everyone must sign a confidentiality agreement. Milas normally works as a security expert for major casinos.
WOW Festival
April 24-27, 2025
This four-day festival brings theater, dance, music, and more to the UC San Diego campus. Artists from San Diego and around the world will perform. More details about performers will be announced soon.
You can buy tickets for the season at lajollaplayhouse.org or by calling (858) 550-1010.
When does the new season start?
The main season starts in May/June 2025 with “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.” Special WOW events begin in February 2025.
Who is Joan Jacobs?
Joan Jacobs was a Trustee Emerita and supporter of La Jolla Playhouse who passed away in May 2024. The season is named in her honor.
How many new shows will premiere?
Five shows will have their world premieres: two musicals (“Working Girl” and “The Heart”) and three plays (“Indian Princesses,” “All the Men Who’ve Frightened Me,” and a play about Julia Child).
Who wrote the music for “Working Girl”?
Cyndi Lauper, who won Grammy and Tony Awards, wrote the music and lyrics.
How can I buy tickets?
You can purchase season subscriptions at lajollaplayhouse.org or by calling (858) 550-1010.