Review: On Theater: New season brings several new shows to Orange County stages

The new theater season is almost upon us and, for a welcome change, it brings an unusual number of new shows, as opposed to old favorites being recycled for the umpteenth time.

It all begins this weekend at South Coast Repertory (SCR) where “Once,” the Irish-flavored musical featuring cast members armed with instruments, opens its engagement, which runs through Sept. 30. Next weekend brings “Real Women Have Curves,” a Latina show running from Sept. 9 to Oct. 1 at the Costa Mesa Playhouse.

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time” is the curious title of the next production at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, playing from Sept. 12-17. A new (at least in these parts) comedy, “Death by Design,” has a Sept. 15 to Oct. 16 run at the Newport Theatre Arts Center.

Vanguard University launches its new season Sept. 15th with the popular comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” running through the 28th. Then the Gem Theater in Garden Grove invites you to come to the “Cabaret” from Sept. 28 to Oct. 22.

“Curve of Departure,” one of the new productions, arrives at SCR Sept. 24 and runs through Oct. 15. Then the TV-born jury room drama “Twelve Angry Men” mounts at the Laguna Playhouse stage from Oct. 4-22.

Another newcomer, “The Gem of the Ocean,” opens Oct. 14 at SCR and will be there through Nov. 11. Golden West College has an unfamiliar offering, “Never the Sinner,” ticketed from Oct. 6-15.

“Yankee Tavern,” a conspiracy drama, will be on stage from Oct. 28 to Nov. 5 at the Costa Mesa Playhouse. Oldsters will vacation “On Golden Pond” from Nov. 3-19 at the Westminster Community Playhouse.

The new musical “Something Rotten” arrives Nov. 7 at the Segerstrom Center. Golden West turns to Shakespeare for “Macbeth,” playing from Nov. 11-19.

The Newport Theatre Arts Center will tackle the drama “Proof” from Nov. 17 through Dec. 17. Then SCR returns with another new show, “The Sugar Plum Fairy,” slated for a Dec. 3-24 engagement.

Finally, South Coast Rep will visit the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future in its 38th incarnation of “A Christmas Carol.” Hal Landon Jr., who’s been Scrooge since the first performance in 1980, heads the cast which will perform from Nov. 24 through Christmas Eve.

Mark your calendars, theatergoers. The rest of the year will be overflowing with local stage productions, many of which will be brand new. Enjoy.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater.