BLINDNESS, BRAVERY, BEETHOVEN – The world premiere of our PR client Vantage Theatre‘s play Best Laid Plans, by Robert Salerno had it’s opening night on Friday, August 30th and runs through Sunday, September 22nd at the Tenth Avenue Arts Center (930 10th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101).
Updated 9/12/2024
Here’s what the audience is raving about! YouTube Video!
BEST LAID PLANS involves a brilliant young architect that has surgery for a brain tumor and wakes up unexpectedly blind. Alone, lost, and despondent, he cannot envision a path back to life, much less architecture. Then Beethoven shows up!
Blake Stadnik and Richard Trujillo, Courtesy, Vantage Theatre
Steve Murdock, Blake Stadnik and Lee Ann Kim, Courtesy, Vantage Theatre
Blake Stadnik and Richard Trujillo, Courtesy Vantage Theatre
Blake Stadnik and Richard Trujillo, Courtesy Vantage Theatre
Here are some details for Robert Salerno’s newest play Best Laid Plans
Chris Downey, is the blind architect who inspired this play. Downey designed a rehabilitation center for veterans with sight loss. He developed a specialty, making spaces accessible to the blind. He advised on a project for Microsoft, assisted in the design of a new eye center at Duke University Hospital, and agreed to assist the blind in navigating San Francisco’s brand-new, much-delayed, four-block Transbay Transit Center. You may remember his interview with Leslie Stahl on 60 minutes. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/blind-architect-chris-downey-60-minutes-2022-06-19.
Blake Stadnik, the well-known blind actor from This Is Us, as well performing in several Broadway tours, is playing Lucas, the lead. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11013071/ According to his mini biography on IMDB by Nani/Saperstein Management: “Blake Stadnik is most well known for his role as Jack Damon on NBC’s “This Is Us”. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Stadnik discovered acting after he lost the majority of his eyesight due to Stargardt’s Disease. After receiving his BFA in Musical Theatre from Penn State University, he had a successful theatre career appearing in Sweeney Todd, Les Miserables, Newsies, and 42nd Street. As an actor with a disability, Stadnik advocates for all disabled artists.”
Sam Woodhouse (founding Artistic Director of the San Diego Rep) felt so strongly about this project that he came out of retirement to direct the world premiere of this play.
Robert Salerno is the local playwright and Artistic Director of Vantage Theatre.
BEST LAID PLANS is Produced by Doris Salois, Vantage Theatre’s Executive Director.
Richard Trujillo, who plays Beethoven, is commanding, funny, and moving in the role. From the start, he seemed to have a deep connection to Beethoven. Only later did he reveal to the production team that he has sclerosis of the cochlea and wears hearing aids. This was unknown when he was cast. According to Dori Salois, Vantage Theatre Executive Director, “We knew that we had a blind actor playing the blind architect, but we had no idea that we would have a deaf actor playing the great composer who lost his hearing.”
Lee Ann Kim, previous anchor from Channel 10 and Steve Murdock AD of PowPac round out the cast.
These brilliant actors demonstrate one of the central themes of the play: that disability does not mean inability.
BEST LAID PLANS : Preview Aug 29th Opens Aug 30th thru Sept 22nd. Fridays 7:30 pm, Saturdays 3pm and 7:30pm, Sunday 3pm at Tenth Avenue Arts Center – 930 Tenth Avenue San Diego, Ca 92101
Nursing and the Arts Ep3; Guest Dori Salois, Executive Director, Vantage Theatre
Audio link above is provided to listen to Ep3: Exploring Different Vantage Points –
Nurse to Theatre Executive Director (and more)!
With Guest Dori Salois, MSN, RN (left) and Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN (right)
Nursing and the Arts is a podcast devoted to Nurses discussing their diverse artistic passions (or endeavors) such as visual arts/photography, journaling, comedy, podcasting, storytelling, writing/poetry, crafting, cooking, dance, theatre, music, film etc.
Join us on today’s 3rd episode of the Nursing and the ArtsPodcast for an informative and entertaining discussion with Dori Salois, MSN, RN, Executive Director, Vantage Theatre in San Diego.
In this podcast, Dori talks about her childhood, entry into the world of nursing, and explains how Vantage Theatre is an innovative, provocative, sometimes site-specific theatre that illuminates, enlightens, elevates and entertains audiences (since the 1990’s).
Watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast (Below) Ep3 video- Exploring Different Vantage Points- Nurse to Theatre Executive Director (and more)! with Guest Dori Salois, MSN, RN (left) and Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN
About Dori Salois
Dori Salois the Executive Artistic Director of Vantage Theatre is thrilled to produce Best Laid Plans with this wonderful team and happy to be back at the Tenth where she previously produced Matisse’s story in The Color of Light. She presents professional theatrical productions in new ways, concentrating on presenting original plays, as well as contemporary or classic theatre produced from a different “vantage point” Salois is always seeking to present the “AHA” moment that may awaken and illuminate the self. Her most recent work as producer and co- director was bringing the new play N to life at Point Loma Playhouse and Tears of War about the plight of women refugees at the Riford. She has also written for the theatre. Her Xmas play She’s at The Library (It’s a Wonderful Life told from Mary’s point of view) was nominated as best production 2021. She partnered with San Diego Repertory, La Jolla Playhouse to present Anna Deavere Smith’s New York production of Let Me Down Easy in association with Arena Stage’s national tour. As a director and producer, Ms. Salois has brought over 35 plays to fruition. As an actor, she was nominated as Best Actress twice in San Diego. She was the Assoc. producing Director of North Coast Repertory and was instrumental in the creation of NCRT’s 200 seat theatre. She is a coauthor of The Importance of Being Earnest the Musical!, The Holy Man, an adaptation of Susan Trotts novels, and the book for the musical Macgregor which was presented in London. She has written and directed for television So This is Washington. West of Hedon. Her novel Mrs. Bennet’s Sentiments was chosen as a top fiction pick by People Magazine in 2016
She received her Baccalaureate from Lowell University and her Masters from Georgetown University.
Dori’s Info and Links:
Upcoming Vantage Theatre Production! Best Laid Plans by Robert Salerno
Vantage Theatre Presents A World Premiere Production of BEST LAID PLANS by Robert Salerno
Inspired by a true story, a brilliant young architect has surgery for a brain tumor and wakes up unexpectedly blind. Alone, lost and despondent, he cannot envision a path back to life, much less architecture…Then Beethoven shows up!
Featuring Blake Stadnik, the Blind Actor from NBC’s hit series “This Is Us” as Lucas
Blake Stadnik, a well-known blind actor (some might remember him from the series THIS IS USas Jack, Kate’s blind infant who grows up to become a famous rock musician), is playing Lucas, the lead role. “Lucas’s story is one of transformation after his world comes crashing down. Through facing fear and uncertainty, he discovers a far more compassionate, mindful, and creative version of himself. I’m very excited to help bring him to life.”
The extra surprise was casting Beethoven. Richard Trujillo, who plays Beethoven, seemed to have such an affinity for the role. We were unaware that he has sclerosis of the cochlear and without special hearing aids is deaf. These brilliant actors demonstrate one of the central themes of the play: that disability does not mean inability.”
With Richard Trujillo as Beethoven, Steve Murdock and Lee Ann Kim.
Directed by Sam Woodhouse
Aug 29-Sept 22, 2024
FRI, SAT at 7:30pm; SAT, SUN at 3:00pm
Located at:
Tenth Avenue Arts Center- 930 10th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Made possible in part by a grant from the Prebys Foundation and The California Arts Council and with the support of the Sofia Hotel
Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, a native of New Jersey, is the owner/ president of SJF Communications, San Diego, CA.
Susan has diverse health care experience including military and civilian nursing with clinical, administration/management, staff development, research and consulting roles.
SJF Communications, originally established in 2002 in San Jose, CA, provides services including Public Relations, Publicity, Marketing, Websites, Filmmaking, Acting, Social Media, Writing and Public Speaking, Photography, Mentoring, Coaching and Nurse Consulting services.
Thank you for joining us to listen to and/or watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast! Please feel free to like, comment on, share our episode(s), etc.
If you are a nurse (or know of a nurse) who would like to be considered for a “Nursing and the Arts” Podcast interview, please reach out to Susan by email: info@sjfcommunications.com.
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A NEW YEARS ‘Gift’ from SJF Communications to Celebrate San Diego Area Theater!
Besides enjoying the heck out of consulting for and working with theatre company clients as a public relations professional/publicist, (and as an actor), I am an avid theatre-goer and attend many San Diego theater productions throughout the year!
$$$$$$! 🙂
Our extensive collection of Playbills and programs (and bill statements) confirm it!
Also, our daughter is majoring in theatre arts performance/acting & musical theatre, so I have been attending university shows and recitals, adding to my mix. Plus, I’m an adjudicator for high school musical theatre production awards.
Don’t forget about San Diego Theatre Week February 15 – February 25, 2018! Great deals and discounts! Dozens of arts organizations are participating!
I have always wanted to write a post listing all the wonderful theater productions in the San Diego area. SO…….
There’s an abundance of productions this quarter between January and March. This list is my NEW YEARS present to our San Diego Community! Why? Because I wanted to know what the upcoming shows were PLUS I believe in SHARING and GETTING THE WORD OUT! So take a gander!
I’ve listed (alphabetically) the Theatre/Production Company, Title of Show(s), Dates of Shows and Website links. It’s quite comprehensive! Let us know if there are any additions, corrections etc. We aim to please!
What more could you ask for???
Well, I can ask for something in return:
(Please subscribe to my website, comment, like, and share the link away on social media, via emails, however YOU get the word out)!
Here we go!
Happy New Year from SJF Communications!
San Diego Area Theatre Productions January Through March, 2018
Broadway San Diego (P) Hamilton January 6 – January 28; Dirty Dancing February 9 – February 11; Stomp March 2 – March 4; The Magic of Adam Trent March 24; http://www.broadwaysd.com/
Coronado Playhouse (C) The Addams FamilyJanuary 19 – February 25; King Charles III March 23 – April 22; Songs for a New year: An Evening of the Works of Jason Robert Brown March 2 – March 3; http://coronadoplayhouse.com/
Cygnet Theatre (P)The Last Wife Jan 17 – Feb 11; Musical Monday: Bacchanal Jan 29; A Little Night Music Mar 7 – Apr 22; http://www.cygnettheatre.com/
Different Stages (C) Building the Wall (Co-Produced with Point Loma Playhouse) January 13 – January 21;
Diversionary Theatre (P): The Cardboard Piano January 25-February 25 The Happiest Place on Earth March 15-April 15; http://diversionary.org/season32/
La Jolla Playhouse (P): Mike Birbiglia: The New One January 9 – 14; The Cake February 6 – March 4; POP Tour Home of the Brave Public Performances at the Playhouse March 10 & 11; La Jolla Playhouse’s Gala March 17; http://www.lajollaplayhouse.org/tickets-and-subscriptions/buy-tickets
La Jolla Theatre Ensemble (Staged Readings) (C) Kim Cromwell’s one-act, CATFISH; a pair of ten-minute plays, one by Jeanette Farr called “Gray Matter” and the second, “A Lease on Life” by Liz Coley; and Werner Hashagen’s “Yes! January 28, January 30; https://www.facebook.com/ljtheatreensemble/posts/878064212371334
Lamb’s Players (P) (Coronado) Smoke on the Mountain January 11-28; Freedom Riders January 15; Sunday Night Sing, January 21; Lambs Cabaret: Songs of Love and Laughter February 11; Camping With Henry and Tom: February 16 – March 25; http://www.lambsplayers.org/index.php
Lamplighters Community Theatre (C) Agatha Christie’s The MousetrapJanuary 12 – February 4; Dead Man’s Cell Phone(Staged Reading) January 14; Judith Merel’s One-Woman Show The Cantor’sDaughter January 28; Night, Mother March 2 – March 25; https://www.lamplighterslamesa.com/
Moonlight Stage Productions (P): Bets Malone at Club M(with Elan McMahan Musical Director and Pianist)January 13 Lucie Arnaz at Club MFebruary 10; Daebreon Poiema with Lyndon Pugeda, Musical Director and Pianist March 3; Rebels, Raiders and Supermen: The Music of John Williams March 24; http://www.moonlightstage.com/
Moxie Theatre (P): BLISS (or Emily Post is Dead ) January 28 – February 25 / Opening Night: February 3; http://www.moxietheatre.com/shows/
North Coast Rep (P) Around the World in Eighty Days January 10 – February 4; Seeger January 29; The Year of Magical ThinkingJanuary 22 – 23; This Random World February 21 – March 18; An Evening with Robert Dubac February 26 & 27https://northcoastrep.org/
Ocean Beach Playhouse (C) (OB Playhouse): Comedy HypnotistJanuary 26 – January 27; I Love You BecauseFebruary 2 – February 25; Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert Dates Pending http://www.obtheatrecompany.com/
Oceanside Theatre Company (C): Outside Mullingar (with Scripps Ranch Theatre) February 23 – March 11 http://www.oceansidetheatre.org/
Onstage Playhouse(C)As Bees in Honey Drown January 12 – February 10; Spike Heels March 9 – April 7; https://www.onstageplayhouse.org/
Patio Playhouse (C) Pygmalion January 5- January 28; I Ought To Be in Pictures February 16-March 11; Sweeney Todd March 23-April 8; http://www.patioplayhouse.com/wp/
San Diego Musical Theatre (P) (SDMT) The Full Monty January 25 – February 26, sdmt.org
San Diego Repertory Theatre (P): Vietgone January 25 – February 18 http://www.sdrep.org/
Scripps Ranch Theatre (C): Outside Mullingar (with Oceanside Theatre) January 19 – February 18; Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery March 23 to April 22 http://www.scrippsranchtheatre.org/
The Barn Stage Company Little Women January 11 January 21; The Music of Cole Porter January 28; Till There Was You (Cabaret) February 25; The Secret Gardenin Concert March 1 – March 4; Motown (Cabaret) March 25; http://thebarnstagecompany.com/js_events/little-women/
The Old Globe (P): The Importance of Being Earnest January 27 – March 24; Uncle Vanya February 10 – March 11; https://www.theoldglobe.org/
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