A look at our past mainstage productions.
Once on this Island
“Throughout what we live and we believe, our lives become the stories that we weave.”
Once on This Island, brings the captivating Caribbean-set retelling of The Little Mermaid to the Brooks Theater stage. Based on the 1985 novel My Love, My Love; or, The Peasant Girl, this poignant story follows Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a boy from the wealthier side of the island. Her journey of love, self-discovery, and bravery crosses class divides, offering audiences a heartfelt tale of resilience and the transformative power of storytelling.
The original Broadway productions of Once on This Island garnered three Laurence Olivier Award nominations and sixteen Tony Award nominations across its original run and 2017 revival, winning the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. “This is a show I’ve been dreaming of directing for years,” shared Burroughs. “I’ve been immersed in this story as a performer, and now I’m eager to bring my vision of it to the stage—one that celebrates its rich cultural roots and emotional depth.”
Latin History for Morons
“Now I don’t know about y’all, but I’ve always felt like my history was being kept from me: on TV, movies, textbooks, practically everywhere.”
Latin History for Morons is a hilarious and insightful exploration inspired by the glaring absence of Latinos in American history textbooks. In this uproarious show, Rick Najera embarks on a frenetic quest to uncover a Latin hero for his son’s school project. With his comedic flair, he delivers a whirlwind recap of the Aztec Empire and shines a light on the unsung Latin patriots of the Revolutionary War and beyond, distilling 3,000 years of history—from the Mayans to Pitbull—into 110 irreverent and uncensored minutes that are both entertaining and enlightening.
OTC’s production of Latin History for Morons marks the first professional staging in San Diego outside of Leguizamo’s original touring production. Previously, the show made its local debut at the La Jolla Playhouse in 2016, followed by a one-night-only performance at the San Diego Civic Theatre in 2019.
Spring Awakening
“Those you’ve known and lost still walk behind you”
Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Spring Awakening tells the powerful story of young people in 1890’s Germany on the cusp of adulthood, grappling with their emerging identities, desires, and the oppressive forces around them. The musical’s electrifying fusion of rock and emotional intensity explores timeless themes of sexuality, rebellion, and self-discovery in ways that are as relevant today as ever.
Spring Awakening is a thought-provoking, groundbreaking piece that tackles difficult subjects such as suicide, sexual exploration, and mental health, with honesty and raw emotion. With its poignant exploration of adolescence and its challenges, this production of Spring Awakening invites audiences to confront these enduring themes and reflect on the complexities of growing up in today’s world.