Film-to-stream ‘Red Riding Hood’ production opens South Coast Repertory’s spring lineup

South Coast Repertory opens its spring lineup with a film-to-stream production of “Red Riding Hood,” written by Allison Gregory and directed by Shannon Flynn.

The play aligns with the classic folktale plot in which the main character Red travels through the woods to her grandmother’s house while the Wolf has devious dinner plans.

In Gregory’s version, the twist comes in the form of Red’s brave and strong demeanor and the tricks she comes up with to avoid becoming a meal. Actors Larry Bates and Nell Geisslinger each play two characters.

The production, running from April 21 through June 13, is recommended for ages 4 and older as a part of the SCR’s family-friendly Theatre for Young Audiences.

Larry Bates played the wolf and woodsman characters while Nell Geisslinger took the role of Red and grandmother characters for the two-actor production of “Red Riding Hood.”

(Courtesy of South Coast Repertory)

“Serving our youngest audience members and the educators who teach them has been a priority at South Coast Repertory for decades,” said SRC Managing Director Paula Tomei in a statement.

“Theatre for Young Audiences and Families productions unlock imaginations, spark creativity and spread joy. The feedback and encouragement we received from teachers throughout this pandemic has made it clear that theater experiences in the classroom are needed now more than ever.”

As the theater’s traditional free school-time matinee, the play is available at no charge to Orange County public schools.

SCR will also stream its Pacific Playwrights Festival online, with readings of new plays “Covenant” by York Walker on April 26 to May 2, “Coleman ‘72” by Charlie Oh on May 10 to 16, “Park-e Laleh” by Shayan Lotfi on May 24 to 30, “Clean” by Christine Quintana on May 31 to June 6 and “Harold & Lillian” by Dan Collins and music by Julianne Wick Davis on June 21 to 27.

The theater company also plans to present its first in-person performances starting on July 15 with “American Mariachi,” written by José Cruz González and directed by Christopher Acebo and on July 16 with “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” by Charles M. Schulz at a Mission San Juan Capistrano outdoor stage as part of a series called “Outside SCR.”

“The past year has been challenging and, at the same time, has presented opportunities for creative growth,” said SCR Artistic Director David Ivers in a statement.

“So, we’re excited to announce a season brimming with innovation, built on the cornerstone programs of South Coast Repertory — world-class productions, Theatre for Young Audiences and Their Families, new play development and community engagement. We’re overjoyed about Outside SCR and our new partnership with Mission San Juan Capistrano, which enables us to expand our reach in Orange County.”

A digital rendering of an outdoor stage at Mission San Juan Capistrano.

(Courtesy of South Coast Repertory)

If you watch

What: “Red Riding Hood”
Where: Online
When: April 21 through June 13
Cost: $30
Info: (714) 708-5555; scr.org

Support our coverage by becoming a digital subscriber.