Cabrillo Playhouse continues its reopening season with its next production, Home, I’m Darling, running May 22 through June 14, with performances Thursdays through Sundays.
This is the fourth show in Cabrillo’s first season back following its major renovation, after three productions that drew strong audiences and critical praise.
Written by Laura Wade, Home, I’m Darling is a clever, thought-provoking comedy that explores what happens when nostalgia becomes a way of life. Judy Johnson, played by San Clemente resident Taylor Rene Labarbera, has stepped away from the modern world to embrace the role of the perfect 1950s housewife, complete with vintage routines and carefully curated expectations. But behind the polished surfaces, tensions begin to simmer.
As the outside world presses in, Judy’s carefully constructed reality begins to unravel, putting strain on her marriage and the relationships around her. Stylish, funny, and layered, the play offers a sharp take on nostalgia, feminism, and the complexities of modern partnership.
“Having lived in San Clemente for more than a decade, I’ve always admired the historic charm of the Cabrillo Playhouse,” said Johnson, an alumna of New York’s Stella Adler Acting Studio. “To finally be making my debut here in a show that captures my favorite era is a dream come true and a perfect local homecoming. This show is a perfect blend of stunning 1950s aesthetic and modern storytelling. Which also describes me pretty well.”
The production is directed by another San Clemente resident, Hillary Pearson, who also serves as president of the Cabrillo Playhouse board. With a background in theatre from UCLA and extensive experience directing and teaching throughout Orange County, Pearson brings a strong artistic perspective and a deep connection to the local community.
“What drew me to Home, I’m Darling is how it uses humor and style to explore something much deeper about identity and relationship dynamics. In a moment where so many people are questioning traditional roles and reexamining the past, it feels especially relevant and timely. This well-crafted script has us laughing with the characters in one moment and catching a sharp breath of surprise in the next.”
Looking ahead, Cabrillo will continue the season in July with its next production, The Spitfire Grill, a musical based on the film, further expanding the range of work being presented in this milestone year.
For tickets and more information, visit cabrilloplayhouse.org.