Oceanside Theatre Company Announces Cast and Creative Team for World Premiere of Manny and The Wise Queens

World Premiere of New Christmas Comedy of Hope, Healing, and Holiday Magic Opens at the Brooks Theater December 6, 2024

(Oceanside) November 18, 2024 – Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC) proudly announces the talented cast and creative team for the world premiere of Manny and The Wise Queens, a new Christmas comedy of hope, healing, and holiday magic. The anticipated production will run from December 6 through December 22 at the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 North Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054.

Written by Idris Goodwin, Manny and The Wise Queens introduces audiences to the small fictional town of Bethlehem, USA, where a bright star draws distant visitors to usher in a new era one December night in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the traditional wise men pause for a break, two wise queens take on the mission, finding their way into the attic of Manny, a recent high school graduate grappling with holiday isolation in his quarantined town. In this comedic celebration of Christmas joy and renewal, the wise queens’ arrival may offer Manny a glimpse of hope and a path forward.

“This story offers a fresh take on the tradition of the wise men,” OTC Artistic Director Kevin “Blax” Burroughs explained. “Instead of focusing on kings, Manny and The Wise Queens introduces two wise women—strong, compassionate, and determined—who take up the mission and bring their own unique wisdom to the journey. It’s a heartfelt and fun celebration of Christmas joy, renewal, and the unexpected ways hope finds us, even in the most challenging of times.”

Newcomer Ali Nelson, in his OTC and professional debut, steps into the role of Manny, bringing a fresh portrayal of a young man navigating isolation and rediscovering his sense of connection. Returning to OTC is Taylor Henderson (Chicken & Biscuits) as Ella, one of the wise queens who is the empath and dancer of purple and gold. Also new to OTC is Dianne Yvette, completing the trio as Gladiolus, the second wise queen, the warrior and protector of green and Marine.

Returning members of the Creative Team include Scenic Designer Reiko Huffman, who has designed OTC’s entire 2024 season. Kevin “Blax” Burroughs, who previously worked on Next to Normal and Stranger Sings!, will be designing the lighting for this production. Eliza Vedar, last seen as Musical Director for Stranger Sings!, returns as Sound Designer. Joseph Prete returns to OTC as Stage Manager, Avery Simonian as Assistant Stage Manager, and Tori Jones as Props/Set Dresser.

Joining OTC for the first time is director Jacole Kitchen, whose work includes Manny and the Wise Queens at the La Jolla Playhouse DNA New Works Series, Musical Director Desha Crownover, Composer Miki Vale, and Carmen Amon designing the costumes.

“There is something special about coming to work in Bethlehem, USA,” said director Jacole Kitchen. “There is something so joyous about getting to put this play together that really is about finding your joy and finding your spirit again.”

“This play was written for my niece,” said playwright Idris Goodwin. “At the time [2020] she was a senior in high school and she had a hard time for a few years with the isolation. Combined with old Christmas music, this play is a meditation about loneliness and this trepidation we have with togetherness and being close with others.”

Goodwin’s critically acclaimed plays, including And In This Corner Cassius Clay, How We Got On, and Hype Man: A Break Beat Play, are widely produced across the country at professional theaters, college campuses, and non-traditional spaces. He’s been honored with developmental support from The Kennedy Center, The Eugene O’Neill Conference, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Arena Stage, and The Playwrights’ Center.

Full bios and headshots can be found for the cast and creative team at https://oceansidetheatre.org/manny-and-the-wise-queens.

Show Details:
Manny and The Wise Queens
Written by Idris Goodwin
December 6 – 22, 2024
Brooks Theater
217 N. Coast Highway
Oceanside, CA
OceansideTheatre.org
760-433-8900
Tickets: $20-$45

Preview Night – Friday, December 6 at 8 pm
Opening Night – Saturday, December 7 at 7 pm (for reception, show at 8 pm)
Military Matinee – Sunday, December 8 at 2 pm
Artist Talkback – Sunday, December 15 at 9 pm
Industry Night – Monday, December 16 at 8 pm

About Oceanside Theatre Company
Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC), the resident professional theater company operating the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside, is a focal point of the Oceanside California Cultural District (OCCD). OTC’s mission is to produce professional theatrical, visual art, and musical productions for the entertainment and enrichment of the community, present educational opportunities in the arts for children and adults, and provide a safe, public venue for expansion of artistic endeavors in North San Diego County and greater Southern California. OTC produces a four-show mainstage theater season and a Music Series as well as music, theater, poetry, dance, film, and cultural events and classes in both the 198-seat main theater and adjacent Studio 219. Additionally, OTC is the steward of the Brooks Theater Gallery featuring revolving art exhibits year-round. An important part of OTC’s mission is inspiring and sharing the arts with local youth through the Youth Theater Program, which includes Summer Theater Camps, a Fall Youth Theater Program, and onsite After School Theatre Outreach Classes at local elementary and middle schools. To learn more visit www.oceansidetheatre.org or follow OTC on Instagram and Facebook @oceansidetheatrecompany.