‘Secret Order’ opens in West Coast premiere

Tom Titus

The worlds of science and technology have spawned more than their

share of local theatrical experiences this season.

A few months ago, the Laguna Playhouse unveiled Jon Marans’ new

play, “Jumping for Joy,” which centered on a mathematical genius. A

similar theme prevailed in South Coast Repertory’s “Proof,” and

computer technology ruled in South Coast’s recent “The Intelligent

Design of Jenny Chow.”

Now comes “The Secret Order,” a new play by Bob Clyman that’s

bound for Broadway next fall. But first, it’ll stop off in Laguna for

its West Coast premiere as the final production of the Playhouse’s

2002-03 season.

Clyman’s play focuses on a cancer researcher laboring in relative

obscurity at a Midwestern university who achieves an apparent

breakthrough. This discovery thrusts him into the hidden world of

high stakes medicine where brains, egos, ethical quandaries, romance,

institutional politics and public exposure collide -- all in pursuit

of the elusive cure.

Michael Sexton, who directed the play’s off-Broadway debut, is

staging the Laguna production, which features Daniel Von Bargen,

Howard Witt, Shayna Ferm and Zak Orth. The original staging prompted

the New York Times critic to describe it as “full of dazzling

moments.”

“The Secret Order” opens Saturday at the playhouse and runs

through June 29. Tickets may be ordered at (800) 946.5556 or online

at tickets.com.

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Another, upcoming West Coast premiere at the Playhouse has just

been honored. “The Romance of Magno Rubio” -- which opens Nov. 4 --

captured eight Obie awards for its New York engagement. The Obies are

the off-Broadway equivalent of the Tonys.

Lonnie Carter’s new play about a love-struck Filipino farm laborer

will come to Laguna with the Obie-winning cast intact, including

director Loy Arcenas.

“Magno Rubio” is set in Depression-era California, but this is no

“Of Mice and Men.” It’s described as a romantic comedy which

“joyously entertains with inspired silliness, kinetic movement and

song.”

The play has been selected as a featured presentation in the 2003

Eclectic Orange Festival of the Philharmonic Society of Orange

County.

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The Playhouse’s 12th annual “A Movable Feast” benefit will be

conducted June 9 starting at 5:30 p.m. as 13 of Laguna’s finest

restaurants showcase their culinary talents.

For $100 (distinguished diner) or $200 (VIP diner), patrons travel

from one restaurant to another to sample the various goodies. There’s

also a welcome reception and silent auction sandwiched between

courses and a grand prize drawing at the conclusion of the

festivities.

All proceeds benefit the Laguna Playhouse and a portion of each

dinner ticket is tax deductible. More information is available at

(949) 497-2787, ext. 308.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Coastline Pilot.