Christopher Ashley director of 'Come from Away' plot reveal: days following 9-11

Tony Award–winning La Jolla Playhouse UCSD in San Diego is internationally renowned for creating some of the most exciting and adventurous work in American theatre through its new play development initiatives, its innovative Without Walls series, artist residencies and commissions. Founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer and reborn in 1983 under the artistic leadership of Des McAnuff, the Playhouse has had 25 plays transfer to Broadway and garnered 35 Tony Awards, among them Jersey Boys and The Who’s Tommy.

Now led by Artistic Director Christopher Ashley and Managing Director Michael S. Rosenberg, the Playhouse counts as its current Artist–in–Residence renowned actor B.D. Wong (M. Butterfly, Oz). Erica Miner chats with Ashley about the upcoming season and the world–premiere musical Come from Away, which Ashley is directing.

EM: Your 2015–2016 season has been described as a "Brave New Season." What are its "brave" aspects?

CA: The Playhouse’s adventurous spirit soars in this season of all new work. Each of our productions depicts defining moments across a variety of cultures and communities—from thousands of international passengers descending on a small Canadian town in Come From Away, to a glimpse into the mind of 1963 March on Washington architect Bayard Rustin in Blueprints to Freedom, to the journey of a seminal Yiddish play to Broadway in the early 20th century in Indecent, to Guards at the Taj, which tackles complex questions of identity and history with a wicked sense of humor and a keen theatrical eye.

Is it a challenge to handle dual roles of Artistic Director and Stage Director?

The unique challenges of both are what make my job so exciting and fulfilling. I love the process of developing a new play, a re-imagined classic, or a tried and true work, as well as the process of programming a season with phenomenal artisans from across the country and around the world, and bringing them to our audiences.

As a director, are you equally passionate about both musicals and straight plays?

I’m passionate about the theatre—the subjects and themes it tackles, the world it evokes and the journey of its characters that come together on the stage. I enjoy alternating between musicals and plays. Musicals are mayhem. Directing a new one is a nonstop onslaught, like commanding a battle, while directing a play is usually calmer, more focused and intense.

Tell us about the world-premiere musical you are directing.

Come from Away is based on the true story of 38 planes carrying thousands of people from across the globe, diverted to Gander, Newfoundland on September 11th, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, this small town’s spirited people cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family. It’s an uncanny, incredibly touching piece that reflects the days following 9–11. A big part of our mission is to develop new work and I can’t think of a better example to kick off our new season. 

Sounds truly inspiring. What is it like to work with award–winning composers and lyricists such as Robert Lopez (Book of Mormon) and Kristen Anderson–Lopez (Frozen)?

It is such a privilege to have the Up Here creative team at the Playhouse to develop their new musical. Bobby, Kristen and Alex are the new musical theatre rock stars of this generation. We look forward to collaborating with them on this extraordinarily witty and winning piece.

Please tell us a little more about Young Performers at Playhouse and YPC (Young Performers’ Conservatory).

Our popular, multi–step education and outreach programs, such as Young Performers at La Jolla Playhouse (YP@LJP), are an extremely important part of what we offer. They begin with Young Performers’ Workshop (YPW), which invites students in grades 3–12 to explore a wide range of theatre skills. Young Performers’ Academy (YPA) allows students entering grades 5–12 the opportunity to take their theatre skills to the next level. High school students interested in careers in professional theatre can take part in the Young Performers’ Conservatory. It’s an inspiration to see these young performers build character and confidence as they are guided by energetic and passionate teaching artists. Exploring all that’s soul stirring, enlightening, challenging and fun about the world of theatre is an extraordinary way to spend a summer.

How hard did you have to work to generate the increase in subscriptions toward extending the first two season productions?

I’m very proud of the efforts of our staff. It’s been tremendously gratifying to see the overwhelming response to our entire season comprised of all new plays and musicals. Extending these first two productions to accommodate additional subscribers truly demonstrates our audiences’ passion for new work, and their willingness to participate in these new theatrical adventures.

How important is the participation of your donors and patrons?

Our donors and patrons are essential to the artistic life of the institution. The Playhouse has been the birthplace of numerous acclaimed plays and musicals, such as Doug Wright’s Pulitzer Prize–winning I Am My Own Wife, as well as Tony Award–winning musicals Jersey Boys and Tommy. Through commissions, workshops, the DNA New Work Series, our Page To Stage Play Development program, and the Without Walls site–based theatre series, the Playhouse has become renowned for providing unparalleled resources for artists to create new work in a safe and supportive environment.

In order to continue providing this creative atmosphere, we rely on the generosity of our donors and subscribers. Through their support and efforts, the Playhouse will remain a vital theatrical launching pad that can fully serve as a home for the innovative theatre artists of today and tomorrow, ensuring that ours will be the place to see what’s next in the American Theatre.