Sound Designer

When a mysterious blackout leaves a navy stranded near enemy territory, the libidinous Lieutenant Shane Horne puts her very specific talents to use, including with the general’s wife. Meanwhile, a famed Angel sends the Navy’s psychiatrist on an epic quest to save humanity. A subversive, sapphic sex farce of classically epic proportions, Merry Me is a madcap and mischievous mashup of ancient mythology and restoration comedy—and an ode to female pleasure.

Merry Me

Diversionary Theatre

Lisa Portes is an educator, director, advocate and leader whose aim is to define and promote a new American narrative that is driven aesthetically and politically by the world we are becoming rather than the world we've been. She seeks to forge an American theatre that expands our understanding of who we are, blows open our assumptions of what our world looks like and extends us into the great, big, messy experience of being human in the 21st century. 

EPSG:4326

Hedda Gabbler

Theodore and Adele Shank Theatre

**Event Title:** Cancelina

**Dates:** April 26 - May 18

**Location:** Sheila & Hughes Potiker Theatre, UC San Diego

**About the Show:**
"Cancelina" is a compelling comedy that delves into the complexities of fame, cancel culture, and the quest for redemption. The story follows Alina Jay, a former tween star turned singer/actress, whose career takes a nosedive after a controversial incident. As the internet backlash ensues, Alina's team, spearheaded by her best friend and assistant, Meg, embarks on a mission to restore her public image. This play humorously yet thoughtfully explores the dynamics of female friendship, the relentless nature of the internet, and the societal pressures faced by young women in the spotlight.

**Content Warning:** The play includes references to sensitive topics such as eating disorders, child abuse, mental illness, gun violence, and drug use. Viewer discretion is advised.

**Director's Note:** Directed by Allie Moss, "Cancelina" is described as a darkly funny romp that critically examines the impact of the internet on personal lives and relationships. It highlights the enduring strength of female friendship amidst the chaos of modern celebrity culture.

**Tickets:** Available for the performance on Saturday, May 18 at 2:00PM. 

**The Cast Includes:**
- Alina: Audrey Freund
- Meg: Mai Lan Nguyen
- Along with a talented ensemble playing multiple roles.

**The Creative Team:**
- Playwright: Beth Hyland
- Music and Lyrics: Beth Hyland with additional composition by Padra Crisafulli
- Choreography, scenic design, costume design, and more by a dedicated team of artists.

**About the Playwright:** Beth Hyland is a celebrated playwright and screenwriter known for her insightful and engaging works. Her accolades include the 2024 Williamstown Theatre Festival’s L. Arnold Weissberger New Play Award and the 2023 Kennedy Center’s Paula Vogel Prize.

**About the Director:** Allie Moss brings her extensive experience and unique vision to this production, having previously directed and worked on numerous acclaimed projects.

**Don't Miss This:** "Cancelina" promises to be a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of contemporary issues, brought to life by a talented cast and creative team. Join us at the Sheila & Hughes Potiker Theatre for a performance that's sure to resonate long after the curtain falls.

Cancelina

Sheila & Hughes Potiker Theatre

**809 Almond: A Dark Comedy at Sheila & Hughes Potiker Theatre**

**Dates:** May 3 - May 17

**Location:** Sheila & Hughes Potiker Theatre, UC San Diego

**About the Show:**
"809 Almond" is a riveting dark comedy that delves into the complexities of race, sex, and late-stage capitalism through the lens of a Berkeley co-op originally founded in the Sixties. Times have changed, and the current residents, far removed from their progressive roots, are now engrossed in starting tech start-ups. In a bid to reconnect with their foundational values, they decide to recruit a Black roommate, who brings her own unique agenda to the table. This production promises a thought-provoking exploration of well-intentioned liberalism's blind spots and hypocrisies.

**Content Warning:** Please be advised that the play contains references to guns, violence, nudity, profane language, racial slurs, and features flashing lights/strobe effects.

**Tickets:** Available for the performance on Friday, May 17 at 7:30PM.

**Creative and Stage Management Team:**
- Directed by Stephen Buescher
- Written by Mylan Gray
- Featuring a talented cast including Emma Lias, Germainne Lebrón, Kyá Lee, Layth Haddad, and Torkan Omari, with a dedicated team of understudies and a comprehensive creative team behind the scenes.

**About the Playwright:**
Mylan Gray, an Eagle Scout and debate champion turned playwright, is known for their unique approach to transforming Black suffering into expressions of joy, laughter, and peace. Gray's accolades include the Lorraine Hansberry Award from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival for their play, "Buried in Blood."

**About the Director:**
Professor Stephen Buescher is celebrated for his extensive experience as an actor, director, and teaching artist, having contributed to the movement training curriculum of several master’s programs and directed numerous productions across prestigious theaters.

Don't miss this compelling production that promises to challenge perceptions and spark conversations. Secure your tickets now for an unforgettable theatre experience.

Sound Designer

Padra Crisafulli

Events

Past events

May 15 - Jun 15, 2025

Merry Me · Diversionary Theatre

7 - 16 Nov, 2024

Hedda Gabbler · University of California, San Diego Department of Theatre and Dance

About

Padra Crisafulli hasn't added a bio