Prepare to embark on a journey through a dynamic season of theatrical performances at CCAE Theatricals in Escondido, California. From intimate evenings under the stars to Broadway-inspired concerts, a series of five captivating events will unfold from May to September 2025. Join celebrated artists like Leonard Patton and Yvette Gonzalez Nacer, and immerse yourself in shows that promise a blend of classic charm and modern flair. With each event offering its unique allure, it's time to mark your calendars and experience performances that echo both creativity and passion.

A Season of Theatrical Wonders at CCAE: Unforgettable Performances Await

In 2025, CCAE Theatricals invites audiences on a musical journey through an extraordinary lineup of performances in Escondido, California. From tributes to iconic songwriters and festive celebrations to emerging playwright showcases, this year's events promise to captivate, entertain, and inspire. With performances spanning multiple genres and featuring both celebrated artists and rising stars, CCAE Theatricals creates a rich tapestry of theatrical experiences. Join us as we explore the highlights and unique offerings that make this season a must-see for theater lovers and music aficionados alike.

CCAE Theatricals 2025: A Year of Diverse Melodies and Stories

Get ready for a year filled with incredible performances at CCAE Theatricals! In 2025, audiences in Escondido, CA, and beyond will be treated to an eclectic mix of musicals, concerts, and festivals. Highlights include 'There's a Place for Us,' a musical revue celebrating iconic Jewish composers, and 'Piano Men' featuring the timeless music of Elton John and Billy Joel. From Broadway tributes to Christmas swing, this year's lineup promises unforgettable experiences for every theater lover.

A Year of Theatrical Wonders: CCAE Theatricals 2025 Lineup

CCAE Theatricals is set to stage an exhilarating lineup of events throughout 2025, offering an eclectic mix of performances that celebrate the rich tapestry of musical theater and cultural contributions. From Broadway tributes and emerging playwrights to iconic performances and festive celebrations, this year promises something for everyone with a passion for the arts. Join us in Escondido, CA, as we embark on a journey through the melodies of musical legends, the creative genius of new playwrights, and the festive spirit of the holiday season.

CCAE Theatricals 2025: A Year of Musical Celebrations and Cultural Connections

Swing into the holiday spirit with The D. Ben-jamin’ Orchestra, spectacular singers, professional swing dancers and jazzy new arrangements of Christmas classics by Duane Benjamin. This audience favorite returns in 2025, featuring all your favorite holiday hits, including "Silent Night," "Let It Snow," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree," "Little Drummer Boy" and more. Plus, a special appearance by Santa Claus!

EPSG:4326

A Big Band Christmas

California Center for the Arts

Piano Women celebrates the unforgettable contributions of female singer/ songwriters from Sara Bareilles, Alicia Keys, Norah Jones, Carole King and more in this wildly fun spin-off of CCAE Theatricals’ popular Piano Men shows. Featuring 4 dynamic female pianist/vocalists alternating between two grand pianos and backed by an all female band, Piano Women is an incredibly unique and irresistible tribute to some of the best female songwriters.

Piano Women

Lewis Family Playhouse

Piano Women celebrates the unforgettable contributions of female singer /songwriters from Sara Bareilles, Alicia Keys, Norah Jones, Carole King and more in this spin-off of our popular Piano Men shows. Meet our 4 dynamic female performers as they alternate between two grand pianos, backed by a live all female band! We debuted this show in 2024 and we are bringing it back by popular demand!

Join renowned vocalist Leonard Patton for an unforgettable evening celebrating the magic of songwriting. This special concert showcases timeless music from some of history’s most influential songwriters, from Hoagy Carmichael to Bob Dylan to Stevie Wonder to Joni Mitchell and more…brought to life through Leonard’s soulful interpretation and dynamic performance. Experience the power of melody, lyric, and storytelling in a night that honors the songs that have shaped generations.

Leonard Patton

Bellamy's Restaurant

Experience this high octane concert event featuring the music of Elton John and Billy Joel. The amazing cast of piano playing vocalists display their talents on not one, but two grand pianos, backed by a live band. An audience favorite since its inception in 2019, join Benny, Jack, Allen and Jake as they seamlessly weave their way through countless hits by these two iconic singer/songwriters. Book your seats today for this spectacular display of theatrical showmanship, as these incredible musicians bring the songs of Billy Joel & Elton John to life as only these four Piano Men can!

Piano Men: The Music of Elton John & Billy Joel

From Broadway With Love YVETTE GONZALEZ NACER

CCAE Theatricals

Presented and produced by the Dorris Staples Theatrical Conservatory apprentice team, this festival is a vibrant celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community in Northern San Diego County. Join us this August for an inspiring event dedicated to nurturing unique and diverse voices and building new community connections through immersive theatrical experiences. The festival features staged readings of bold new works from emerging playwrights, offering audiences a unique opportunity to witness the development of fresh, exciting plays.

2025 Staged Reading Festival

The Grand Ritz Theater

NIC & DESI Broadway to Hollywood

Broadway's greatest melodies take center stage in There's a Place for Us, a dazzling new musical revue honoring the legendary Jewish composers and lyricists who shaped the American musical theater. From the soaring anthems of Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein to the heartfelt ballads of Rodgers & Hammerstein, to the jazzy rhythms of George and Ira Gershwin to the electrifying showstoppers of Stephen Schwartz, this concert, co-produced by JFest and CCAE Theatricals, showcases the unforgettable music that has defined generations of theatergoers.

There's a Place for Us

Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center

Me, Myself & Barbra

Under the stars at Bellamy's Fine Dining & Restaurant. Doors open at 5:30p

Stan Dard Mel

One rainy night, siblings Sam and Kris are completely consumed by their devices as their father sets up a pillow fort and invites them to play Lotería. His invitation is met with a resounding “NO.” When the internet goes out, Sam and Kris are outraged. Where is their Dad to fix it?! The kids soon discover that the pillow fort is a magical portal to the world of Lotería and their father is trapped inside the game. Sam and Kris set out to bring him back, but Lotería will not let him go so easily. Conceived as an interactive experience, ¡Lotería: Game On! invites the audience to join Sam and Kris as they play to win back their father.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Mexican traditions of a kermés - a festive celebration filled with exciting games, hands-on activities, lively music, and delicious food. Don’t miss this fun-filled community event for all ages!

¡Lotería: Game On!

CCAE Theatricals’ Motown: The Groove That Changed America returns for another incredible weekend of performances in March 2025. The D. Ben-Jamin’ Band will blow the roof off the Concert Hall once again with a live string and horn section backing an all star cast of vocalists. You won’t want to miss our annual celebration of Motown!! It’s the talk of the town.

Motown: The Groove that Changed America

Winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best New Play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a “dazzling, pulse-pounding and remarkable” (Time Out New York) adaptation of Mark Haddon’s internationally best-selling novel. Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain and is very gifted at math. He is exceptionally intelligent, but unfortunately ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing the neighbor’s dog, Christopher is determined to identify the culprit in true Sherlock Holmes style, which leads him on a thrilling journey across London that will change his life forever. A thrilling, heartwarming and uplifting theatrical event!

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

CCAE Theatricals will bring this annual showcase of some of the area’s brightest Rising Stars back to Escondido in 2025! Now in its 13th year, the show features the best up and coming talent from all over Southern California singing some of the most exciting songs ever written! This is definitely a show you don’t want to miss! With songs from mainstream radio and Broadway, come see why the future of Theatre is in good hands with these exciting young artists!

Rising Stars: 13th Annual Showcase

Celebrate New Year's Eve in style! Cocktail Hour: The Songs of The Rat Pack celebrates the songs of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and more. Featuring the vocal stylings of Patrick Barnitt, Joshua Cavanaugh, Matt Forbes, Michael Washington and Mel Collins with a live big band orchestra, under the direction of Duane Benjamin. Expect to hear tunes like "All Of Me," "Ain't That a Kick," "That's Life," "Under My Skin," "The Best Is Yet To Come," "My Funny Valentine," and many more!

Cocktail Hour: The Songs of the Rat Pack

Join Allen, Jake, Benny and Jack as they trade off performing classic Beatles hits between two grand pianos, backed by their live on-stage band. "Hey Jude," "Eleanor Rigby," "Can't Buy Me Love" and "Help!" are just a few of the many iconic songs you will enjoy. You won't want to miss this spectacular night of theatrical showmanship, as these incredible musicians bring the songs of the Fab Four to life as only these four Piano Men can!

The Piano Men: Beatles Edition

CCAE Theatricals is excited to bring back Big Broadway Bingo, our one-of-a-kind rapid fire musical theatre event! Putting the FUN in fundraiser, this hilarious and random night of Broadway Show Tunes will support our current season of in-house theatrical productions. 5 Singers. 75 Possible Songs. 1 Unforgettable Evening. Come and play BINGO and be entertained by our incredible cast of performers, all while supporting CCAE Theatricals’ mission to bring the best of live theatre to Escondido!

Big Broadway Bingo: A Theatrical Fundraiser

They had a look, an attitude, and a sound like no other. Sure, they were born in Jersey. But they were made in America.​ Jersey Boys is the international musical phenomenon that takes you behind the scenes - and behind the music - of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. No wonder that for over 15 years, New York's favorite musical is the one about the boys from Jersey.

Jersey Boys

Celebrate the coming New Year in style! Cocktail Hour: The Songs of the Rat Pack celebrates the songs of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and more. Featuring the vocal stylings of Patrick Barnitt, Joshua Cavanaugh, Jim Graft, Michael Washington and Mel Collins with a live big band orchestra, under the direction of Duane Benjamin. Expect to hear tunes like "All Of Me," "Ain't That a Kick," "That's Life," "Under My Skin," "The Best Is Yet To Come," "My Funny Valentine," and many more!

Cocktail Hour: The Songs of the Ratpack

CCAE Theatricals brings its annual showcase of some of the area’s brightest Rising Stars back to Escondido in 2026! Now in its 14th year, the show features the best up and coming talent from all over Southern California singing some of the most exciting songs ever written! This is definitely a show you don’t want to miss! With songs from mainstream radio and Broadway, come see why the future of Theatre is in good hands with these exciting young artists!

Rising Stars : 14th Annual Showcase

Cocktail Hour: The Songs of The Rat Pack brings the golden age of swing to life with timeless style and charm. Featuring the unforgettable music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., this classy evening includes powerhouse vocals, the sizzling D. Ben-Jamin Big Band Orchestra and dazzling dance numbers that channel vintage Vegas cool.

March is Motown Month! CCAE Theatricals’ Motown: The Groove that Changed America returns once more to the Center’s Concert Hall in March 2026. The D. Ben-Jamin’ Orchestra and an incredible group of vocalists will have you on your feet with the music of Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Martha and the Vandellas, The Supremes and so many more. This ultimate celebration of Motown music is unlike any other. Audiences rave year after year. Come see what everyone is talking about!

“The best Motown experience you’ll ever have!” Producer Jordan Beck is thrilled to bring his hit show Motown: The Groove that Changed America to the Lewis Family Playhouse for this special limited engagement! Featuring the unforgettable sounds of Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and many more performed by the incredible 20-piece D. Ben-Jamin’ Orchestra and an all-star cast of stellar vocalists. This ultimate celebration of Motown is unlike any other!

Step into the vibrant world of New York’s theatre district as we delve into a captivating exploration of A 5, 6, 7, 8! Dance on Broadway. Unrivaled in its foot-tapping allure, this new theatrical extravaganza celebrates the iconic music and choreography from some of Broadway's most recognizable musicals. Like an electric charge, this brand new entry in our Spotlight Series will dazzle audiences with its infectious energy, making it more than just a show - it’s an unforgettable experience celebrating the world of Dance on Broadway!

CCAE Theatricals

27 - 28 Dec, 2025

Cocktail Hour: The Songs of the Ratpack

Jan 11, 2026

Rising Stars : 14th Annual Showcase

24 - 25 Jan, 2026

Cocktail Hour: The Songs of the Ratpack

14 - 15 Mar, 2026

Motown: The Groove that Changed America

28 - 29 Mar, 2026

Motown: The Groove that Changed America

6 - 7 Dec, 2025

A Big Band Christmas

Nov 9, 2025

Piano Women

Articles & News

CCAE Theatricals