The 2025/2026 Theatrical Season
¡Lotería: Game On!
A TYA Production
Theatre for Young Audiences
April 19th, 2025 in the Lyric Courtyard
Join us for a joyful afternoon at a FREE event hosted by CCAE Theatricals through their Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) initiative! 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!
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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.
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When: 12p-1p (Kermés), 1p-2p (Loteria Reading), 2p-3p (Kermés)
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First 100 people to RSVP will receive reserved seating
for the staged reading segment of the event!
June 29th | Escondido
June 30th | La Jolla
There's a Place for Us
A Celebration of Jewish Broadway Composers
A Co-Production with
the Jewish Arts Festival
June 29th in the Center Theatre | June 30th at the JCC in La Jolla
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 Broadway’s Golden Age, with the contributions of the Gershwins, Irving Berlin and Richard Rodgers that uplifted a country at war— to the brilliance of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim up to the contemporary genius of Stephen Schwartz, this concert co-produced by JFest and CCAE Theatricals showcases the unforgettable music that has inspired generations of theatergoers.
Through stirring performances and insightful narration, There's a Place for Us explores the cultural and historical impact of Jewish artists on Broadway, weaving together beloved songs from West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, Funny Girl, Cabaret, and many more. A tribute to resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling, this production is a joyous and poignant celebration of the voices that still give Broadway its heart and soul.
2025 Staged Reading Festival
August 16th, 2025 at The Ritz | Grand Theatre
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.
Piano Men: The Music of Elton John & Billy Joel
August 30th & 31st, 2025 in the Center Theatre
* SPOTLIGHT SERIES
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 Women
* SPOTLIGHT SERIES
October 18th & 19th, 2025 in the Center Theatre
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!
A Big Band Christmas
* SPOTLIGHT SERIES
December 6th & 7th, 2025 in the Center Theatre
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!
Cocktail Hour: The Songs of the Ratpack
December 27th & 28th, 2025 in the Center Theatre
* SPOTLIGHT SERIES
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!
Rising Stars : 14th Annual Showcase
January 11th, 2026 in the Center Theatre
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!
Motown: The Groove that Changed America
March 14th & 15th, 2026 in the Concert Hall
* SPOTLIGHT SERIES
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!
A 5, 6, 7, 8! Dance on Broadway
* SPOTLIGHT SERIES
May 16th & 17th, 2026 in the Center Theatre
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!