San Diego’s theater scene is stepping into a new dimension of creativity as The Old Globe launches its world-premiere musical comedy, Huzzah!, an ambitious production that merges the immersive spectacle of a Renaissance fair with the artistry of live theater. The result is a rare blend of historical pageantry, witty storytelling, and heartfelt family drama—all staged at one of the nation’s most respected regional theaters.
At its core, Huzzah! is a celebration of community, imagination, and tradition. Written by the award-winning duo Nell Benjamin and Laurence O’Keefe—creators of Broadway’s Legally Blonde: The Musical and The Old Globe’s Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical—the show reflects their deep admiration for Renaissance fairs. For the couple, the connection between theater and these beloved cultural gatherings is seamless.
“The Venn diagram between a Renaissance fair and theater is basically one circle,” Benjamin observed. “Both worlds invite people to build a reality, live inside it, and experience joy.”
A Renaissance World on Stage
The production immerses audiences in the world of the fictional Kingsbridge Midsummer Renaissance Faire, where sisters Gwen (Liisi LaFontaine) and Kate (Cailen Fu) must set aside their rivalry to save their father’s financially imperiled festival. The tale, though filled with maypoles, swordplay, and colorful costumes, is ultimately about family resilience, love, and reconciliation.
“The family is the fair, and the fair is the family,” O’Keefe explained. “We wanted to tell a story that is funny, hopeful, and at times frightening—the story of a family that nearly tears itself apart before finding its way back together.”
Benjamin likened the drama to a Thanksgiving dinner where differing personalities must find harmony, even when tensions run high. “This resonates with audiences because it reflects both family dynamics and democratic ideals. You don’t always agree with the people you sit beside, but you learn to coexist.”
From Page to Stage
The road to Huzzah! has been long in the making. After initially meeting with Old Globe Artistic Director Barry Edelstein several years ago, the creative team envisioned an outdoor summer production in 2020 or 2021. The pandemic delayed those plans, but the project matured in the interim, culminating in this season’s highly anticipated debut.
Featuring a cast of 17, the production showcases the talents of Tony Award-winning scenic designer Todd Rosenthal, costume designer Haydee Zelideth, music director Alejandro Senior, and choreographer Katie Spelman. New York-based director Annie Tippe, known for her dynamic work on new plays and musicals, makes her Old Globe directorial debut.
“This musical is big, bright, and bold,” Tippe remarked. “The beauty of a Renaissance fair is that it creates a world unlike our own, one where people from different backgrounds gather to shape a reality filled with freedom, creativity, and inclusivity. That is the spirit we bring to this production.”
The Cultural Power of Renaissance Fairs
Renaissance fairs have captivated audiences since the 1960s, when the first was staged in Agoura, California. Today, they continue to thrive as spaces where history, playfulness, and community intersect. From costume enthusiasts to families, history buffs to theater lovers, these festivals invite attendees to embrace self-expression.
“A Renaissance fair says, ‘Come as you are, or come as you want to be,’” Tippe explained. “They are inclusive spaces, welcoming to families, performers, and diverse communities. That is why they resonate so deeply—and why we believe Huzzah! will resonate too.”
Though the creative team leaned into Renaissance authenticity, they also infused the score with eclectic musical elements. “We studied traditional Renaissance music but also incorporated Celtic tones, folk melodies, and modern pop influences,” O’Keefe noted. “The result is a musical that feels both timeless and contemporary.”
The Human Story Behind the Fantasy
Beyond costumes, choreography, and set pieces, Huzzah! underscores a universal truth: every community is shaped by its people. “We found inspiration in the way Renaissance fairs began—as small, teacher-driven projects that expanded because people discovered a world of imagination and humor,” Benjamin said.
The musical reflects the resilience of family businesses and creative ventures vulnerable to shifting economic forces. “Like the fairs themselves, this show highlights the fragile balance between passion and survival,” O’Keefe added.
A Must-See Theatrical Experience
Huzzah! is more than a new musical—it is a cultural event that bridges history and modern storytelling while inviting audiences to participate in something larger than themselves. Just as Renaissance fairs welcome guests to play, laugh, and imagine, The Old Globe offers theatergoers a chance to embrace joy and rediscover community.
The production opens on September 25 at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park, running through August 3, with previews beginning September 21. Performances are scheduled Tuesdays through Sundays, with tickets starting at $55.
For more information, visit theoldglobe.org or call 619-234-5623.
Huzzah! promises to be one of San Diego’s most memorable theatrical moments of the season—a vibrant fusion of art, history, and heart.