Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
2025 Season at the La Jolla Playhouse
Speaker
Christopher Ashley
Coordinator
Mark Stadler
Founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire
and Mel Ferrer, La Jolla Playhouse thrived as a
summer stock retreat for such Hollywood luminaries
as Vivian Vance, Groucho Marx and Eve Arden.
The Playhouse went on hiatus from 1959 to 1982
but a handful of supporters fought to keep it alive,
eventually reviving it on the campus of UC San
Diego in 1983. In addition to learning more about its
history, this lecture will discuss the current season,
with emphasis on 3 Summers of Lincoln, including
the historical context and details about the cast
and director.
and Mel Ferrer, La Jolla Playhouse thrived as a
summer stock retreat for such Hollywood luminaries
as Vivian Vance, Groucho Marx and Eve Arden.
The Playhouse went on hiatus from 1959 to 1982
but a handful of supporters fought to keep it alive,
eventually reviving it on the campus of UC San
Diego in 1983. In addition to learning more about its
history, this lecture will discuss the current season,
with emphasis on 3 Summers of Lincoln, including
the historical context and details about the cast
and director.
Speaker Bio
Presenter: Christopher Ashley has served as
La Jolla Playhouse’s Artistic Director since 2007.
During his tenure, he directed world premieres
including Come From Away and many others.
He also helmed productions of Come From Away
in London, Toronto, Australia and on national tour.
He spearheaded the Playhouse’s Without Walls
(WOW) initiative, the D.N.A. New Work Series
and the Resident Theatre program. His Broadway
credits include Come From Away (Tony Award),
Memphis (Tony Award nomination) and The Rocky
Horror Show (Tony Award).
La Jolla Playhouse’s Artistic Director since 2007.
During his tenure, he directed world premieres
including Come From Away and many others.
He also helmed productions of Come From Away
in London, Toronto, Australia and on national tour.
He spearheaded the Playhouse’s Without Walls
(WOW) initiative, the D.N.A. New Work Series
and the Resident Theatre program. His Broadway
credits include Come From Away (Tony Award),
Memphis (Tony Award nomination) and The Rocky
Horror Show (Tony Award).
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