Key Takeaways:
- The year 2025 was not a standout year for theater productions, with many of the best shows coming from touring productions.
- The Ahmanson Theatre had a remarkable year, with several notable productions, including "& Juliet" and "Life of Pi".
- The best new dramatic work of the year was Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ "Purpose", which won the Pulitzer Prize for drama and the Tony Award for best play.
- The writer who made the biggest first impression was a.k. payne, author of "Furlough’s Paradise", which was the best new play seen in town all year.
- Notable productions of the year included "A Man of No Importance", "Jaja’s African Hair Braiding", "The Night of the Iguana", and "Fiddler on the Roof".
Introduction to the Year in Theater
The year 2025 was not a banner year for theater productions, with many of the best shows coming from touring productions rather than local ones. Despite this, there were still some notable productions that stood out, including those at the Ahmanson Theatre, which had a remarkably good year. The Ahmanson Theatre’s success was likely due to its ability to bring in high-quality touring productions, as well as its own productions, which were well-received by audiences and critics alike.
Notable Productions of the Year
One of the highlights of the year was the production of "A Man of No Importance" at A Noise Within, which was a lesser-known musical by Stephen Flaherty, Lynn Ahrens, and Terrence McNally. The show featured a star performance from Kasey Mahaffy and was directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, who brought a sense of subtlety and nuance to the production. Another notable production was "Jaja’s African Hair Braiding" at the Mark Taper Forum, which was a high-spirited ensemble comedy that explored the lives of African immigrant women working at a Harlem braiding salon. The show was vibrantly directed by Whitney White and featured a talented cast of actresses.
The Best of the Year
The best new dramatic work of the year was undoubtedly Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ "Purpose", which won the Pulitzer Prize for drama and the Tony Award for best play. Unfortunately, it is unclear when or if this production will be coming to Los Angeles. However, the Taper has announced that it will be producing the West Coast premiere of "Primary Trust" by Eboni Booth, which is a notable new work that explores themes of identity and community. Another notable production was "The Night of the Iguana" at Boston Court Pasadena, which was directed by Jessica Kubzansky and featured a talented cast, including Jully Lee and Julanne Chidi Hill. The show was a powerful exploration of themes such as loneliness, redemption, and the human condition.
New and Emerging Talent
The writer who made the biggest first impression was a.k. payne, author of "Furlough’s Paradise", which was the best new play seen in town all year. The show was a shape-shifting two-character drama that explored the relationship between two queer Black cousins and was directed by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden. Another notable production was "Bacon" at Rogue Machine Theatre, which was a fierce two-hander about an abusive relationship between two teenage boys awakening to their sexuality. The show was directed by Michael Matthews and featured a talented cast, including Wesley Guimarães and Jack Lancaster.
Touring Productions
The Ahmanson Theatre had a number of notable touring productions, including "& Juliet", which was a jukebox musical that imagined a scenario in which the doomed heroine of William Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet" doesn’t die at the end of the play. The show was kinetically entertaining and featured a talented cast, including Rachel Simone Webb. Another notable production was "Life of Pi", which was a visually stunning adaptation of Yann Martel’s novel about a boy who survives a shipwreck with the help of his imagination and a few surviving animals. The show was directed by Max Webster and featured a talented cast, including Pragun Bhardwaj and Taha Mandviwala.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while 2025 may not have been a standout year for theater productions, there were still some notable shows that stood out. The Ahmanson Theatre had a remarkable year, with several notable productions, including "& Juliet" and "Life of Pi". The best new dramatic work of the year was Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ "Purpose", and the writer who made the biggest first impression was a.k. payne, author of "Furlough’s Paradise". As the theater world looks to the future, it is clear that there is still a need for high-quality, thought-provoking productions that challenge and engage audiences. With the right combination of talented writers, directors, and actors, the theater can continue to thrive and provide a sanctuary from the technology that is increasingly encroaching on our lives.