UPFRONT PLACES | PERSPECTIVES | HAPPENINGS |
Q + A David Ellenstein , the new artistic director at Laguna Playhouse
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Second Act DAVID ELLENSTEIN , THE NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AT LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE , LOOKS TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO THE ICONIC THEATER , ONE ECLECTIC SEASON AT A TIME .
By JENNIFER PAPPAS YENNIE
W hen he was only 4 years old , David Ellenstein made the decision that theater would be his life . Fast-forward , and with 300 productions and five decades of experience under his belt , he has successfully brought that premonition to fruition . Now , he ’ s charting fresh territory as the new artistic director of Laguna Playhouse while also continuing his tenure in the same role at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach , California . With 103 years of history notched in its timeline , Laguna Playhouse has a reputation for implementing a multifaceted approach to the theater , producing everything from classic tales and musical comedy to off-Broadway hits and experimental stand-up performances . It ’ s here where Ellenstein , a self-proclaimed “ eclectic theater guy ,” is ready to make his mark . LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE : You have an extensive history in theater arts . How ’ d you get to where you are now ? DAVID ELLENSTEIN : My father was a well-known actor and director , so I grew up in it from day one . I did theater my whole life , working as a fledgling actor ; I did film and TV when I was younger as well . Then I transitioned into directing . I worked in most of the major theaters across this country — I like to say everywhere from Miami to Anchorage [, Alaska ,] and San Diego to Portland , Maine , and most places in between . As I became a little older , I transitioned into artistic director and simultaneously ran the LA Repertory Co . and the Arizona Jewish [ Theatre ] Co . Shortly after my wife and I had our first child , I was offered the position at North Coast Rep . I thought it ’ d be a short stint , but I ’ ve been there 20 years now .
LBM : What drew you to the artistic director position at Laguna Playhouse ? DE : I have a long history with Laguna
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“ Murder on the Links ” at Laguna Playhouse
Playhouse . I was good friends with Andy Barnicle , the artistic director here until about … [ 2010 ]. I worked here as an actor , playing Albert Einstein in Steve Martin ’ s “ Picasso at the Lapin Agile ” back in the … ’ 90s . Then I came and directed “ Alexandros ,” a world premiere Laguna did in the … 2000s . … So when leadership changed , I said , “ You know , I could probably hold the reins for a while until they find somebody .” I was just going to be the interim , but then they started asking if I was interested in doing it [ full time ]. I was flattered , but didn ’ t want to leave North Coast . The idea started to hatch : Could I do both ? I thought it would be a lot easier if my managing director , Bill Kerlin , also did it . The board decided that was the best way to go for Laguna Playhouse , so here we are . So many theaters around the country are struggling right now . This is a model that makes sense to keep us all healthy and strong .
LBM : Which shows are you looking forward to at the playhouse this season ? DE : Because the playhouse is going through a transitional period , I wanted
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AARON RUMLEY |