Shakespeare in the redwoods. “Rocky Horror” downtown. Opera at a brewery. Santa Cruz theater companies are throwing everything they’ve got at audiences this season – and the result is one of the most ambitious local lineups in years.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare
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In Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s brilliant ‘Master Harold,’ superb performances deliver devastating truths
Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s “‘Master Harold’ … and the Boys” is both intimate and explosive. What begins with dancing and banter unravels into a devastating portrait of racism, betrayal and moral choice. With five-star performances, this is a must-see.
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Santa Cruz Shakespeare set to expand again, with six full productions slated for 2026
Santa Cruz Shakespeare announced Monday that it will expand its season in 2026, presenting six full productions, including a second show in the fall.
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Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s ‘Pericles’ navigates love, loss and redemption
Pirates, princesses, brothels and shipwrecks — “Pericles” has all the drama of a soap opera with the poetry of Shakespeare, and Santa Cruz Shakespeare gives this wild ride heart and humor. Think “Shakespearean road trip” with emotional payoff and a superb cast.
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Photo essay: Behind the curtain at Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud captured the cast of Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ production as the actors prepared for opening night.
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Moonlight and mischief in Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s delightful ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a hilarious, crowd-pleasing comedy full of playful magic. This moonlit romp through love and mischief is a midsummer treat.
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Santa Cruz Shakespeare goes ‘Into the Woods’ — and strikes gold
Santa Cruz Shakespeare goes musical — and nails it, Lookout theater critic Jana Marcus writes. “Into the Woods” at the outdoor Audrey Stanley Grove is bold, funny and pure summer magic.
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Santa Cruz’s big summer theater season begins this week with Sondheim, Shakespeare
Both Santa Cruz Shakespeare and Cabrillo Stage are opening their summer calendars this week, with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Sweeney Todd” and “Into the Woods” on the slate.
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Santa Cruz Shakespeare presents ‘Monday Night Revels’ featuring music, comedy and drag
Santa Cruz Shakespeare introduces a new performance series at the Audrey Stanley Grove at DeLaveaga Park, with “Monday Night Revels” starting July 21 and running through Sept. 22.
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Cabrillo Stage opts for dark and lurid with Sondheim’s ‘Sweeney Todd’
Cabrillo Stage is prepping for its second-ever production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd.” The first time, back in the early ’90s, was controversial because of the musical’s dark and gory subject matter. But since then, “Sweeney” has become a beloved touchstone for many audiences. The production opens July 18.
