A Cash Musical Journey

‘Ring of Fire’ is a musical journey spanning the life of Johnny Cash. It features over 30 of his most beloved songs performed by a company of 10. The songs follow his life starting out in the cotton fields of Arkansas to his performance at the Grand Ole Opry to his love of June Carter and his infamous Folsom prison concert. Every song is performed 100% live by this talented cast who hail from all over the country.

Val Kilmer’s Citizen Twain Comes to Laguna Beach Playhouse

 

Val Kilmer brings to life what many consider America’s greatest storyteller and first standup comedian, Mark Twain, in his one man show Citizen Twain. Kilmer's hilarious, raucous portrayal of Twain positions the character as a reluctant, recalcitrant, and downright defiant prophet whose undeniable skills as a story-teller and wordsmith compels the Almighty to call upon Twain to deliver a Sermon on Love to help us through our daily challenges.

5 Ways to See Art in Laguna Beach; Five for 5

Our Five for 5 blog series focuses on what to visit, see and do while in Laguna Beach. The second story in the series will explore "Five Ways to See Art in Laguna Beach."

Date Night in Laguna Beach

There’s always fantastic food and entertainment to be found in Laguna Beach! After a long week, my husband and I headed out for a date night in Laguna. We drove down the canyon right at twilight and watched the last glow of the sun drip back behind the hills. The drive into Laguna Beach never gets old for this Southern California girl. Tonight we decided to see the award-winning show ‘Chapter Two,’ at Laguna Playhouse but beforehand, we headed to the Lumberyard  for dinner and drinks.  The Lumberyard opened its doors in 2008, after a complete remodel. It is named after the original company occupying the site, The Laguna Lumber Company, which was the longest running company in Laguna Beach, and in business from 1910 to 1985. Owner, Cary Redfearn wanted to stay true to the original integrity of the 1912 building so he left the office of Joe Jahraus, owner of The Laguna Lumber Company, intact as part of the restaurant. Inside no detail has been left to chance with custom booths, a horseshoe-shaped bar, artisan woodwork throughout, and a beautiful 12,000-piece mesquite wood floor entrance. The only thing that upstages the elegant décor is the food.

We began our date, as is our tradition, with drinks and a toast. I chose the Ri Mist and the Mister went with the Margarita. We toasted to a quiet night out, free from the worries of kids and work. Next we enjoyed the zucchini planks, a Lumberyard signature dish. The zucchini is presented like a Lincoln log tower and topped with parmesan. Each plank is thinly sliced and covered in panko crumbs and fried. These planks are absolutely perfect with a crispy outer layer and a hot tender inside with an aioli sauce for dipping. We had to stop ourselves from over eating this tasty appetizer so we could leave room for the main course.

Before opening Lumberyard, Cary owned the beloved Oysters in Corona Del Mar, famous for their fresh fish. The executive chef from Oysters, Armando Ortega, went with Cary to the Lumberyard, as well as  some of his famous dishes. With this knowledge how could we pass up an opportunity to try them? So I chose the pan seared Pacific Sea Bass and the Mister, the cedar-planked mahogany King Salmon.

The Sea Bass is served over whipped truffled potatoes with edamame and corn ragout,  wild mushrooms, tomatoes and a beurre blanc. The Sea Bass is a staff favorite and I can taste why! This was a deeply flavorful dish made with the simplest of ingredients and the perfect blend of texture and seasoning that brought out rich, bold flavors. The vegetables are a twist on the American favorite succotash, but replacing the lima beans for edamame and making a combination that was absolutely delicious.

The cedar King Salmon was recommended by Cary himself after he heard how much my husband loves salmon. It is covered in a soy-mustard glaze and served with applewood smoked bacon and Yukon gold potatoes. The cedar flavored penetrated the salmon without drying out the fish. It was sweet without being overwhelming.

After dinner we couldn’t pass up the opportunity for dessert. In fact, Lumberyard is running a special right now if you are going to see a play at The Laguna Playhouse. When you purchase two entrees, you receive a FREE dessert! We did not hesitate to jump on that special. Normally we lean towards a chocolate dessert, but tonight we went with the Cherry Ciabatta Bread Pudding and we were very happy we did. Topped with vanilla ice cream this was heaven in a dish and I had to fight the Mister for every bite.

With our bellies satisfied we stepped outside into the crisp air and took the short walk down to the Playhouse to see ‘Chapter Two,’ Neil Simon’s most autobiographical play. It is the story of a divorcee and a recently widowed novelist finding their second chance at love and happiness. It’s a smart, dialogue-heavy play that keeps you on your toes as you watch the story unfold. Each character is dealing with their own personal loneliness that at times is painful to see, but Simon peppers the dialog with witty quips making you laugh your way to hoping that these lonely lovers succeed.

As the Mister and I walked out of the Playhouse hand-in-hand, we smiled, feeling refueled by a fun date night in Laguna.

LumberyardRestaurant 

384 Forest Avenue

949.715.3900

Like them on Facebook 

LagunaPlayhouse 

606 Laguna Canyon Road

949.497.2787

Chapter Two playing now thru February 3^rd

Like them on Facebook 

By Anne-Marie S.

Three Cheers, Old Chap, for 39 Steps

Laguna Playhouse  presents the Olivier & Tony Award-winning play; Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps. With a four-person cast playing over 150 characters, the show is a mix of comedy and suspense that will thrill you up to the closing dramatic moments.

“The original 39 Steps was not funny. The 1915 novel by John Buchan is a thriller, and the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film is a noteworthy precursor to the psychological suspense genre known as film noir. However, when Patrick Barlow re-imagines Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps for the stage, he made it a farce—a style of comedy based on inane plots, mistaken identities, linguistic acrobatics and easily identifiable characters,” says Lauren Simon, Artistic/Literary Manager at the Laguna Playhouse.

The set is minimalistic and as the first character is introduced on stage you know you are watching a heavily-influenced Hitchcock production. It’s the over dramatic back lit silhouettes, over pronounced accents, and long pregnant pauses punctuated by synchronized movements across the stage that make this film-noir for the stage. You can’t help but laugh at the way in which the main character, the boring Richard Hannay, is thrust into a whirlwind spy/murder mystery when a woman is killed in his flat. As he runs from the law in pursuit of the truth, he encounters a plethora of characters along the way (played by the other three cast members). One of my favorite scenes was one when Hannay is running from the law by jumping from train car to train car in the dead of night. But there was no train on stage here, only large trunks, fog, dramatic lighting, sound effects and superbly choreographed movement and acting.

Of course the play pays tribute to the great Hitchcock. You’ll notice references to North by Northwest, Rear Window (listen carefully or you may miss this slyly placed one), The Birds, Vertigo, Psycho and more. In fact, if you are a Hitchcock aficionado you’ll notice that verbatim dialog from Hitchcock’s 39 Steps is kept in the play. This was by far one of the most enjoyable and unique plays I have seen come to the Laguna Playhouse. I grew up on Hitchcock films and enjoyed the pithy physical humor and witty dialogue of the play. It was impressive to see four actors work as one well-oiled machine to bring the film-noir to life on the stage.

Alfred Hitchcock’s 39 Steps

Now playing thru October 21^st

For Tickets 

By Anne-Marie S.

Laguna Beach Arts and Culture featured at John Wayne Airport

The Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau formed a committee of the major non-profit arts destinations of Laguna Beach to showcase Laguna’s art past and present as part of John Wayne Airport’s exhibition program titled: “Orange County: Destination Art & Culture.”  The exhibit debuts on July 15^th, 2012, and runs through October of this year.

The Laguna Beach exhibit entitled “A Legacy of Art” features – Laguna Beach Yesterday, Laguna Beach Today and images from Sawdust Art Festival, Art-A-Fair, Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters, The Laguna Playhouse and Laguna Art Museum, dating from 1904 to the present.

John Wayne Airport Orange County launched the new program in conjunction with the opening of its new Terminal C in November 2011. The program allows the airport to highlight Orange County’s non-profit arts and cultural venues to the millions of passengers and visitors who travel through the airport each year.

“Laguna Beach has long been synonymous with the arts – both visual and performing,” said Alan L. Murphy, Airport Director. “We are delighted to help showcase these amazing venues and hope that passengers and local residents alike will be moved to see some of them first-hand in beautiful Laguna Beach.”

The 11 wall-mounted art display cases are located along a pedestrian walkway between Terminal B & C ticket counters, prior to the security checkpoints, and are open to the general public for viewing.

“We are honored that Laguna Beach has been chosen to feature its wealth of arts and cultural organizations in the summer/fall 2012 exhibit at John Wayne Airport,” said Judith Bijlani, president and CEO of the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau.

Cynthia Fung, exhibit curator and Marketing Director for Sawdust Art Festival, explained “the showcases tell the story of the arts of Laguna Beach and the history of our festivals through both two and three- dimensional works of art and photographs.”

“Ask Mrs. Honey B., Certified Life Coach”

Maripat Donovan and Marc Silvia give us a new play, “Ask Mrs. Honey B., Certified Life Coach” that sheds light on the complicated and often hilarious dynamic of relationships. They’ve created a gregarious and personable character in Mrs. Honey B. who is a former Home Economics teacher that has found her second calling as a couple’s life coach. Donning a bright pink jacket, a bedazzled coach whistle and a yellow pom-pom she roars onto the stage with all the gusto of Tony Robbins. The show is staged as if you are attending one of Mrs. Honey B’s motivational seminars and so be ready for her to throw a few questions your way.

Over the course of the play we learn that Mrs. Honey B. has decided that after years of teaching and raising her own family that she wanted to take the “vast” knowledge she garnered from that experience and use it to assist young couples to find a happy balance in their relationships. She presents us with a complete PowerPoint presentation of how to accomplish our “Full Life Flower” potential (insert mockery of life coaching lingo that will have you holding your belly from laughter).  The real fun begins when she brings out one of her real life couples to do a coaching session on-stage. She explores those typical “roadblocks” that happen in relationships; “Is a python an appropriate pet to have?”, “How much should the manicure budget be?”, “How much is too much when it comes to stalking ex’s on Facebook?”, and “Why don’t you dress in what I want you to wear?” Mrs. Honey B. uses visualization to help Angie and Frank overcome their differences and find their “Full Life Flower” potential. 

Whether you’re single or in a relationship you will be chuckling along with the rest of the audience at the absurdity of what we sometimes allow to become “roadblocks” in our lives.

Now Playing thru June 24th

Ask Mrs. Honey B., Certified Life Coach

Tickets Here 

By Anne-Marie S.

The Music Brought Us Together

The Laguna Playhouse is featuring a play about the history of American folk music. Actually, this play is more of a musical journey that uses song to tell the story of the “real” American “man” over four decades (30’s to 60’s). Writer/Director James O’Neil uses an average man, Lonesome (played by Justin Flagg), and his muse (played by Jennifer Leigh Warren) to guide us on this musical journey. With a richly talented cast of singers, musicians and actors, you are literally transported back in time with each song. Featuring some of the all-time favorites songs that have become part of the fabric of American life like including ‘This Land is Your Land,’, ‘Hallelujah, I’m a Bum,’, ‘Goodnight, Irene,’, ‘Puff, The Magic Dragon,’, ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ and ‘This Little Light of Mine.’

Lonesome and his Muse don’t allow the audience to sit as silent observers, instead they invite us to join in with the singing and remembering. I found myself tapping my toe and singing along with nearly everyone in the audience. It’s hard to sit there and not be moved by the plight of what the music expresses. The feeling of struggle, hardship, hope and heart that comes through from these classic folk tunes is palpable. Following history from the dust bowl depression of the 30’s through the fight for unionization to the anti- Vietnam War movement, I was reminded of how far we’ve have come, and yet, and still how much furtherfar we still have we can to go. I suppose that is the power of music, it can tap into a social consciousness that is looking for a voice and a platform of expression. The cast of musicians and actors are unbelievably talented, recreating greats like Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary, Joan Baez, The Kingston Trio and many more.

Even though it is only a light brushing on the surface of American folk history, ‘Lonesome Traveler’ is a show that has heart. It reminds us of a common background and plight for equality…and that music is the place that brings us all together.

 ‘This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie

Lonesome Traveler
Now thru February 5th, 2012
For Tickets click HERE


Also join the cast at ‘Folk Music and Fun’ at the Marine Room
Monday, January 30th
5pm to 7pm
$30 (a fundraiser supporting The Laguna Playhouse)
For Tickets click HERE






By Anne-Marie S.

A life worth living, ‘Shirley Valentine’

Going about the mundane tasks of domestic life, we meet Shirley Valentine, a housewife living in Liverpool in the 1980s. She moves about her home kitchen preparing dinner and tea for her husband who has yet to arrive home from work. Her children are grown and have moved out of the house, her marriage is void of love leaving Shirley lonely and aimless. Her kitchen wall has become her confidant. She tells of a life empty with no passion, excitement or purpose. Her glass of wine and the wall seem to be her only comforts. Shirley starts to reminisce about her lost youth. She remembers living a lively and vibrant life before the hum drum of responsibility and duty of an ordinary life took over. We learn that her one friend and neighbor, has offered to take Shirley on a two-week holiday to Greece. Shirley wants nothing more than to go, but she worries her husband won’t let her go and  if he did, could he survive without her for two weeks? She jokingly says, “If I go to the bathroom for five minutes he thinks I’ve been hijacked.” In the end Shirley decides to find her inner strength and goes to Greece. There she recaptures her passion for life and finds a “land beyond the wall.” The hour and forty minute show, is a journey where she rediscovers herself and decides to take control of her life, and to live her “unused” years.

This one-woman play, written by Willy Russell, originally premiered in Liverpool in 1986 and received rave reviews. This was a time when one-person plays were not nearly as popular as they are today. In 1989, Pauline Collins won the Tony Award for ‘Best Performance’ by a leading actress in a play. It was in 2004 that DeeDee Rescher  brought to life Shirley Valentine at the Long Beach Playhouse. It is a treat to have her reprise the role at The Laguna Playhouse. She brings humor and a sensitive emotion to the role that easily draws you in and connects you to the character. This is an honest and heartfelt look at life and how it doesn’t always quite turnout like we thought it would.

Be sure to see ‘Shirley Valentine’ at The Laguna Playhouse 

Now through October 23^rd

Tuesday-Fridays 2pm and 8pm

Saturdays 2pm and 8pm

Sundays 2pm

TICKETS 

By Anne-Marie S.

Girls Night: The Musical

There’s still time to see the hit off Broadway musical, Girls Night , now playing at The Laguna Playhouse until June 5^th. This boisterous musical will have you standing up and dancing in the aisles to classic girl-power songs like “I’m Every Woman,” “I Will Survive” and “Man, I Feel Like a Woman.” It’s a story that follows five friends as they head out for a night at a karaoke bar. Friends since their teens and now in their 30s and 40s, the women reminisce about their younger days, celebrate their current lives, and look to what the future holds.

I took one of my long-time girlfriends (friends for 15 years) and we found ourselves not only singing along, but also relating to the ladies in the show…characteristics we saw in ourselves and in other friends of ours. We doubled over laughing at the ladies antics as they sang and danced. Truly there is nothing like a girlfriend that has known you through the ups and downs of life, so grab your best girl or girls and dance on over to The Laguna Playhouse to catch one of the final performances of Girls Night Out.

The Laguna Playhouse has just announced their 2011-12 season, which consists of six wonderful showings. Upcoming schedule includes: ‘I Left My Heart,’ July 5 – Aug 21, 2011; ‘Shirley Valentine,’ Sept 27-Oct 3, 2011; ‘This Wonderful Life,’ Nov 25-Dec 24., 2011; Lonesome Traveler, Jan 10-Feb 5, 2012; Sister’s Easter Catechism, March 13-April 8, 2012; and ‘Tickled Pink,’ April 24-May 20, 2012.  For details click HERE.

The Laguna Playhouse also offers special performances throughout the year. Coming for the second year in a row, is the always hilarious stand-up comedy of Rita Rudner.  She returns with a four-night engagement, August 26-29, 2011. Tickets are on sale now and going fast.

By Anne-Marie Schiefer

The Search for Treasure

Ahoy Matey! Grab your little sprogs, board your ship and set your course for a pirate adventure at The Laguna Playhouse. The youth theater is now performing Treasure Island on the main stage. This is an adventurous tale of a young boy, Jim Hawkins, and his search for the buried treasure of notorious pirate Captain Flint. Along the way he meets other legendary pirates Long John Silver, Israel Hands, Blind Pew and Billy Bones. Jim finds himself caught up in a race against these pirates to find the treasure that could save his families’ Inn.

I took my wee pirates to see Treasure Island this past weekend. Although only 5 years-old (twins) they sat mesmerized by the production. Never before had they seen a play of this scale; lights, ‘smoke,’ music, and a large stage. They cheered during the fighting scenes for young Jim to win. They laughed at the Parrot as he squawked and flitted about as Long John Silver’s trusty sidekick. Even Mr. S and I had some good laughs at the Pirate lingo.

At the end of the production we were delighted to be able to meet the cast. All the pirates were there along with Jim Hawkins and Parrot. My young landlubbers got many autographs, but were too nervous to ask for Blind Pew’s. I think he made quite an impression on them!

Blind Pew

Long John Silver

Parrot

My Sprogs

The Youth Theater did a phenomenal job of portraying this scruffy and fun adventure of Treasure Island! So I say, “SHIVER ME TIMBERS and don’t ya be a Scallywag and miss this here adventure at that thar Laguna Playhouse.”

Treasure Island

Playing now thru May 1^st

Click HERE for tickets

A Pirate Adventure

April 30^th, 11am to 4pm

A fun-filled family afternoon of pirate-themed activities, including a treasure hunt, crafts table, story telling and more. Also included is a matinee performance of Treasure Island.

$25 per person

Call 949.497.2787 for tickets

By Anne-Marie S.

The Top Ten Places to Visit in Laguna Beach!

Destination: Paradise

1)    Heisler Park

      Along this half-mile walk on the bluffs of Laguna Beach you will see spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

'Private Lives'

Written in 1930 by Sir Noel Peirce Coward, ‘Private Lives,’ is one of Coward’s most well-known plays. This famous play explores the complexity of passion, anger, and love.

A divorced couple of five years unexpectedly finds themselves with their new spouses on their honeymoons, and in an uncomfortable situation. They are staying in the same city, the same hotel, with adjoining rooms and a shared balcony. As they first come to realize this awkward situation, each decides to convince their new spouses to leave. Of course the new spouses want to enjoy their honeymoon and refuse to depart. The divorcees Amanda (played by Julie Granata) and Elyot (played by Joseph Fuqua) begin to reconnect, crossing the barrier of their adjoining balconies…embracing and professing their love for one another. It is decided that they, together, will be the ones to flee.

It is in a flat in Paris that the real comedy begins. At one moment Amanda and Elyot are oogling over one another like new lovers. Then they begin verbally jabbing and skirting the edges of a major argument. They can’t keep this dance going for long and finally deteriorate into a drop-down, drag out fight. It is at that moment that the new spouses come walking in. The dialogue that ensues over the next couple of scenes had me laughing so hard. Coward’s witty use of language was spot on. A play written in the 1930s, that is just as relevant and humorous today as it was then, is a testament to a talented writer that could tap into emotion and themes that transcends time and place.

I walked out of The Playhouse at the end of ‘Private Lives’ still chuckling and wondering if in another 80 years, if this play will still have the same effect and have the audience laughing uncontrollably.

Private Lives at Laguna Playhouse 

Now playing thru April 10, 2011

By: Anne-Marie Schiefer

Laguna Beach Music Festival

Another artistic expression of this great art colony is the Laguna Beach Musical Festival. The 9^th annual Festival is going on now thru the 13^th of February.  The festival is a collaboration between Laguna Beach Live! and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County . Together they work to bring prominent and promising musicians to Laguna Beach. This year the festival features guest artistic director, Brooklyn Rider; a genre-defying string quartet.

I had the chance to hear Brooklyn Rider play with Kojiro Umezaki, a flute player, last night at the Laguna Playhouse . The show was appropriately titled “New World.” Brooklyn Rider is well known for breaking the barriers of the classical genre by incorporating a taste of world music and sounds. Umezaki grew up in Tokyo studying the western flute and then moved to studying the shakuhachi, a Japanese end-blown bamboo flute. The instrument was first introduced in 7^th century Japan and was used to create music for Zen Buddhist meditation. I could sense the calming spirit of the instrument as he played. Sometimes haunting but always soothing and pure. Mixed with the expressive melodies of Brooklyn Rider it was a feast for the ears, mind, and soul.

There are several shows left for the Laguna Beach Music Festival. Be sure to treat yourself to one of these fantastic performances.

For tickets and information click HERE. 

By Anne-Marie S.

The World’s Musical Rabbi

Hershey Felder in Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein

Immediately when entering the theater, I knew that this was going to be a special show. What I saw was an elegantly stripped-down set; a black baby grand piano, two large stage lights and an old film camera against a backdrop of draped material resembling a torn piece of sheet music. Against the sheet music, a black and white film was projected of Leonard Bernstein speaking about music …Slowly the house lights are dimmed and before I realize, Hershey Felder, playing Leonard Bernstein, glides through the audience ascending to the stage. He turns and you SEE Leonard Bernstein.

We as the audience were immediately taken into the world of Bernstein. Learning of his strict and traditional Jewish upbringing. How at three he tickled the keys of a piano and immediately fell into “idol worship.” Against his Father’s wishes, he pursued music by paying for his own piano lessons where he quickly surpassed the abilities of his teacher and moved onto studying at the New England Conservatory of Music, and then at Harvard. Along with stories, we were also treated to beautiful music played and sung by Felder.  Being able to hear how great composers like Beethoven influenced Bernstein, brought a deeper understanding of the man. Or the effect that Gershwin had on him and his desire to become the next great American composer. Felder also showed us what conducting meant to him and how the music moved him. All of this was felt through the music more than through the actual words of the story.

Felder was able to weave this story of Bernstein through the music that identified and influenced who he was as a man; father, lover, conductor, composer and teacher. I, as a young 30-something learned a thing or two about Bernstein beyond the “Westside Story” melodies that made him a familiar name to me. I saw that he was a man that asks the questions we all do, “Where do I fit in?” “In this continuum of life and song, where will my mark land?” For Bernstein, he literally became the “world’s musical Rabbi.” His true and pure love of music has influenced generations and will no doubt continue to do so.

Be sure to see this play at The Laguna Playhouse now through February 6. For tickets, call 949-497-2787 x1 or www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

By Anne-Marie S.

Caught in the Web of ‘Daddy Long Legs’

This year has been a time of celebration for The Laguna Playhouse, as it is their 90^th Anniversary. They have brought in some fantastic shows and are closing out this milestone year with the heartwarming musical, ‘Daddy Long Legs.’ The musical is adapted from the novel, ‘Daddy Long Legs,’ by Jean Webster.

The story is about a teen orphan, Jerusha Abbot, who is given the chance at a college education by a wealthy benefactor. He gives her several stipulations that she must follow; that she writes monthly correspondence to him about her education, that she is not to ask questions of him and additionally he makes it clear that he will never respond to her letters. What he did not count on was a curious, forthright and witty young woman that would find her way into his heart.

The majority of the musical is sung through letters, those written by Jerusha Abbott (played by Megan McGinnis) to her benefactor, Jarvis Pendleton (played by Robert Adelman Hancock.) I initially thought that a two-actor musical might become mundane and repetitive, but quite the contrary! I quickly became so absorbed in the story of this young woman and her relationship with Jarvis that I completely forgot that there were only two actors in the play.

Jerusha learns of her benefactor through a letter, while residing at an orphanage, she does not see the man whom has taken an interest in her and  only catches a glimpse of his shadow, dominated by long ’spidery‘ legs.  This is how she comes to call him ’Daddy Long Legs.’ McGinnis does a tremendous job at portraying a young, innocent girl experiencing the world for the first time. Her voice is pure and sweet never missing a beat or a note. She is the kind of actor that has a way of settling in next to you, putting her arm around your shoulders and welcoming you into her story. When she sings with Hancock, the melodies fill the theater and the duo pulls you deeper into their story.

As I watched and listened to Jerusha find herself, I was reminded of my own days in college, my early twenties, and my personal coming of age story. We all have one, a story of how we came to know about this world and what is of importance in it. ‘Daddy Long Legs’ plays on those themes in a way we can all relate to. By the end of the show, I could feel my heart swelling and cheering for Jerusha and Jarvis. I glanced around the theater and saw others doing the same, some even wiping away a fallen tear or two.

‘Daddy Long Legs’ was a heart warming musical that reminded me of something so easily forgotten and what Jerusha found to be the secret to happiness:  life is about getting through the petty hazards of the day with a laugh, that’s what takes real courage.

Now playing  thru December 26^th. Click here for ticket information.

When you purchase your tickets to the show and are planning your night in Laguna, don’t forget to plan dinner beforehand. Nirvana Grille is the ideal place to dine when going to the theater. Only steps away from The Laguna Playhouse, you will have a hassle-free night and plenty of time to eat before the show.

Nirvana Grille has a chic vibe and Chef Lindsay Smith Rosales has created an unexpected menu combining American, French and Asian influences.

Asian Influence

Chicken Wontons with chicken, pine nuts, corn, cilantro and Manchego Cheese fried in wonton wrappers and served with a chipotle cream sauce.

French Influence

Soup of the day: a creamy, tomato bisque.

These appetizers were a wonderful way to start our meal on a cool Laguna night.  After enjoying them and some good conversation, my girlfriend and I decided to try two house specials for our main courses.

Pistachio and Dijon Crusted Chilean Sea Bass

The Chilean Sea Bass was light and melted in my mouth. It was served with caramelized leek mashed Yukon gold potatoes and tender asparagus in lemon-infused olive oil.

Roasted Bone-In Prime Pork Loin

Cooked to perfection, and paired with a tomato citrus compote and caramelized leek mashed potatoes and glazed carrots, this dish was awesome! I love having a balanced meal of protein, a vegetable and a starch. All of the flavors blended wonderfully together and were completely satisfying.

When our waiter brought out the dessert menu and recommended the house specialty, we could not pass up the opportunity to try this unique dessert. It was a Grand Mariner glazed seasonal fruit (we had strawberries) served over homemade goat cheese maple ice cream. What a sweet ending to our meal! It is difficult to explain how the flavors fused together in every bite and made my mouth sing!  

Nirvana Grille lives up to their name of perfect peace; us girls enjoyed our food and wine in a calming and quiet environment. We had wonderful service and savored our meals and dessert to the very last bite.  For reservations call: (949) 497-0027

By Anne-Marie S.