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.​​
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.
Countdown on Grand: A NYE Celebration
December 28th, 2025 in the Ritz Theater on Grand Avenue
* SPOTLIGHT SERIES
Close out 2025 in style at Escondido’s historic Ritz Theater with Countdown on Grand! Join us on Sunday, December 28th at 5:30pm for an unforgettable evening of music on the last weekend of the year. Arrive early for a cocktail hour at 4:30pm in the 2nd floor Juniper Room with champagne and light bites, then enjoy timeless Rat Pack favorites alongside hits by Ray Charles, Bobby Darin, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Bublé, and more.
Featuring Mel Collins, Michael Washington, Jim Graft, Patrick Barnitt, and the electrifying D. Ben-jamin Band, this dazzling night promises music, laughter, and community as we count down together to 2026!
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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!