Lizzie, The Musical

Music by Steven Cheslik-deMeyer and Alan Stevens Hewitt
Lyrics by Steven Cheslik-deMeyer and Tim Maner
Book by Tim Maner
Additional Music by Tim Maner
Additional Lyrics by Alan Stevens Hewitt
Based on an original concept by Steven Cheslik-deMeyer and Tim Maner
Orchestrations by Alan Stevens Hewitt
Directed by Jocelyn A. Brown
Music Direction by Robyn Manion
Choreographed by Hazel Clarke

Awards and Recognition

  • Best Musical – Intimate Theatre Ovation Award
  • BEST MUSICAL OC Weekly's Best of 2019
  • Ovation Recommended
  • Regional Premiere

Reviewer Quotes

“ an engaging, ferociously explosive punk rock opera ”

BroadwayWorld

“ the ultimate female-empowering bio-musical ”

StageSceneLA

“ a fun rock n roll extravaganza with loads of style ”

The Orange Curtain Review

“ Phenomenal ”

Nightmarish Conjurings

On the Cripe Stage… 

Our 21st Season kicks off with a punk-rock opera that explores the bloody legend of America’s favorite axe-wielding sweetheart-diva-heroine-enigma-psychopath, Lizzie Borden. Accused of brutally killing her father and stepmother in 1892, Lizzie was eventually acquitted by a jury of her peers, leaving the horrific crime unsolved. What really happened on the fateful night of the dual killings? Journey into a wondrous exploration of this mysterious tale, inspired by the raucous and revolutionary rock spectacles of the ‘70s, and iconic women rockers like Patti Smith and Joan Jett.

Advisory: This show includes mature themes, adult language, strobe lighting, smoke effects, and a whole lot of kick-a#$ music!

WINNER of BEST MUSICAL – INTIMATE THEATRE Ovation Award

NOMINATED for 4 other Ovation Awards
Direction of a Musical (Jocelyn A. Brown)
Lead Actress in a Musical (Monika Peña)Costume Design – Intimate Theatre (Rachael Lorenzetti)Acting Ensemble of a Musical (Monika Peña, Jisel Soleil Ayon, Nicole Gentile, and Alli Rose Schynert)

BEST ACTOR RUNNER UP: Monika Peña (Lizzie Borden) — Times OC Best of 2019

“Director Jocelyn A. Brown…skillfully taps the score’s energy and focuses the emotional boil-overs built into the book for maximum impact”
OC Register

“Lovers of the rock opera genre will certainly find Lizzie the Musical to be to their liking”Talkin Broadway

“a hard rockin’ night out with some of the world’s best belt-out-loud vocal performers, done with sizzle and attitude”
The Show Report

“skillfully directed by Jocelyn A. Brown and featuring a rocking six-piece live band and four actresses who hurl themselves into the frenzied tale”
OC Weekly

“DYNAMIC”
Times OC

Executive Producer
Guy W. Marr

Associate Producers Susan Bowman & Freddie Greenfield and
Rachelle Menaker & Eddie Schuller

Season Producers
Bette & Wylie Aitken

Associate Season Producer Laurie Smits Staude
  • Save $10 by attending Previews.
  • Save $5 by attending Weekdays. Limited availability.
  • Seniors, Students, Educators and Military save $4 per ticket.
  • 2-for-1 Tix on Thu, Feb 14 at 7:30pm... Use online code "LOVE1901". Limited availability.
  • $25 Rush Tix available 1 hour prior to the performance. Cash only. Subject to availability.
  • 40% off for Groups of 10 or more.
All photos by Doug Catiller, True Image Studio

Articles & Reviews

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Audience Buzz

    1. It was phenomenal!

      — Anonymous
    2. It was perfection! Between the incredible live band, high energy talented cast, and impeccable lights, I can’t think of a single thing that could’ve been better. This has been the best show experience I’ve had in years including Broadway! Extremely well done! I’m itching to get more of Lizzie the Musical and The Chance Theater!

      — Caitlen
    3. Everyone did a stellar job, but Jisel Soleil Ayon had an absolutely amazing voice and the extra “it factor” ” to make her a star someday.

      — Ken Moreno
    4. The show was of an extremely high caliber. The band was excellent, the actors were superb

      — Anonymous
    5. The entire production of Lizzie was great! The cast is very talented and very nice. It was a beautiful production from set and lighting to sound and cast vocals. They told the story very well!

      — Promise Costello Mix
    6. Fantastic production! One of the best performances I have seen.

      — Natalie Archer
    7. The Chance is a small theater with a lot of heart. To witness the transformation of Lizzie Borden from an anxious and tortured soul to a feminist rock star who finds her voice along with her wings is a marvel.

      — Sarah Vogel
    8. a wonderful performance

      — Anonymous
    9. Of all of the performances we’ve seen at the Chance, Lizzie by far had the best production value. The 4 women of the cast were incredible. Bravo!

      — Leola Anderson
    10. I was blown away by the talent of the performers, the creative sets, the fun costumes, and the overall Direction. Bravo Jocelyn Brown…very well done!

      — Tasha Brown
    11. I loved the intimate seating…and the play was very engaging and the music was awesome! I loved all the actors playing their roles…..Overall it was a great first time at your location and I look forward to returning.

      — Anonymous
    12. I liked the energy and talent of the performers in “Lizzie”

      — Keith
    13. I thought it was fantastic!

      — Ashley
    14. It was perfect!

      — Linda Bugbee
    15. We were with a friend from out of state who was amazed by the quality of the production, especially the musical and acting talent in the context of a small theatre. We were impressed, too, and will be back! The unhurried talkback session added to our enjoyment of the evening.

      — Anonymous
    16. “Lizzie” was very entertaining and thought provoking. All the singers/actors were very good. Jisel Soleil Ayon in particular has a beautiful voice. The staging and choreography made very good use of the space in a surprising way.

      — Rebecca Allen
    17. The show was fresh and lively, well-staged, well-acted, and fun.

      — Anonymous
    18. I honestly loved it and wouldn’t add anything – fantastic performance by everyone!

      — Amanda
    19. The show was amazing. I’m still telling people about the high quality of actors.

      — Anonymous
    20. I really think this production will get many awards.

      — Anonymous
    21. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Very original and well done

      — Diane
    22. Great voices and they all worked well together. All including musicians seem to have fun and enjoy themselves.

      — Anonymous
    23. The preview performance was amazing! Actors and musicians were top notch, and I’m so impressed with the caliber of this production despite such a small venue. Kudos!

      — Anonymous
    24. Awesome performance. Thank you for a wonderful show.

      — Anonymous

Venue Bette Aitken theater arts Center

Bette Aitken theater arts Center
5522 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA  92807
More Information Get Directions
Venue Amenities
  • Full-Service Bar
  • Free Parking
  • Conveniently Located

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