“…the direction from Michael Serna in this piece [is] authentic but also piercing.
From the conversations to its effect on the actors, to the scenes and moments that descend into explosive chaos on stage. It is truly a theatrical experience you do not want to miss.
10 out of 10. A masterpiece”
- Orange Curtain Review
COSTA MESA PLAYHOUSE 2023
COSTA MESA PLAYHOUSE 2023
OCTG Recommended
Orange Curtain Review Recommended
COSTA MESA PLAYHOUSE 2022
“The Costa Mesa Playhouse puts on a whale-sized, powerhouse production of this powerful, dark, and crudely honest story about family, regret, and life.”
- Orange Curtain Review
“Very few living room sets look like actual living rooms you could live in. Michael Serna’s set designs and construction on this production are phenomenal. You could step on the stage and live on that set.”
-Orange Curtain Review
OCTG Recommended
11 OCTG Awards Nominations
Orange Curtain Review Awards: Top 5 Production of the Year, Best Direction, Best Set, Best Actor, Best Young Actress
COSTA MESA PLAYHOUSE 2022
“..the haunting performance Kendall Sinclair gives in the heart-breaking role of Mr. Williams' deteriorating Southern belle, combined with the orchestration of mesmerizing moods and inner torments Director Michael Serna has wreathed within the play, is one seldom projected with the sensitivity and clarity as we witnessed on the Costa Mesa Playhouse stage.”
- The Show Report
Director Serna has wrought us our essential heartache and despair in a perfect play.
- The Show Report
THE WHO’S TOMMY
COSTA MESA PLAYHOUSE 2019
“Michael Serna directs this scorching production…with anticipated sell-outs each performance.”
- The Show Report
“it’s only fitting to find the show at Costa Mesa Playhouse, presenting a hard-rocking concert stage show that definitely rivals the original.”
- The Show Report
COSTA MESA PLAYHOUSE 2018
“Whatever your theory on the devil and his dwelling, “The Christians” will engage your sensibilities in this thought-provoking production at the Costa Mesa Playhouse.”
- LA Times
"It’s the kind of play we need more of, and we’re fortunate that CMP has made its first appearance in Orange County one that does the playwright and his work justice and realizes its full potential. "
- OC Register
2018 Best Play (Runner Up) - LA Times
2018 Best Actor (Peter Hilton) - LA Times
OC-Centric New Play Festival 2018
“The Mulberry Bush is the most realistic and simplistic of the three one acts in the festival—yet it’s also the most emotionally compelling.”
- OC WEEKLY
COSTA MESA PLAYHOUSE 2017
“The Costa Mesa Playhouse has revived Margulies' play with a special touch. Excellence is both anticipated and realized.'‘
- LA Times
"Michael Serna's casting, direction and set design make all the difference…even if you've seen "Dinner" elsewhere, you're still likely to find many a new wrinkle in this affecting, well-acted version."
- OC Register
2017 Best Play - LA Times
2017 Best Actors (Angel Correa and Jordana Oberman) - LA Times
OC-Centric New Play Festival 2016
“Michael Serna directs with a solid grasp of the material, with strong performances.”
- OC Theatre Reviews
COSTA MESA PLAYHOUSE 2016
"Of Mice and Men is occasionally revived, though rarely with the force and involvement now on display in its current incarnation at the Costa Mesa Playhouse."
- LA Times
"Michael Serna's staging is well directed and delivers many a jolt"
- OC Register
2016 Best Play (Runner Up) - LA Times
2016 Best Actor (Peter Hilton) - LA Times
Best of OC Theatre 2016 - OC Theatre Reviews
COSTA MESA PLAYHOUSE 2015
"..it grabs your attention with both hands, and its superlative cast dares you to look away from all the creative silliness. For those eager to experience new thresholds in the theater, it's atop the must-see list."
- Los Angeles Times
Peter Hilton as Carmichael
Angel Correa, Peter Hilton, Jeff Rolle Jr., Zoé Friske
COSTA MESA PLAYHOUSE 2014
"One production stood head and shoulders above the rest this year. That would be "God of Carnage," at the Costa Mesa Playhouse under the direction of Michael Serna. It generated, as this column put it, "outstanding performances by all four cast members" and "a professional show in all aspects save for monetary compensation." - HB Independent
Winner (HB Independent):
Best Play of 2014
Best Acting: Angel Correa and Jordana Oberman
Cast: Angel Correa, Peter Hilton, Jordana Oberman, Michelle Pederson
Huntington Beach Playhouse 2010
"Director Michael Serna may not have been born when that first “Cat” prowled in the old Barn theater, but he delivers a brutally strong interpretation of Williams’ treatise on deception and sexual tension."
- HB Independent
Winner (HB Independent):
Best Acting: Darcy Porter and Kip Hogan
Runner Up:
Best Play of 2012
Jordan Bielsky as Brick
Costa Mesa Playhouse 2014
REVIEW:
"South Coast Repertory introduced Shepard's "True West" to local audiences in 1981 with Ed Harris and John Ashton as the battling brothers. Thirty-three years later, it's still a vital, arresting experience with little downsizing evident in this superior production at the Costa Mesa Playhouse." - On Theatre
"Michael Serna’s attentive direction is almost invisible at times; he pulls no punches and smartly stays out of the way." - OC Examiner
Winner (HB Independent):
Best Acting: Peter Hilton and Michael Serna
Costa Mesa Playhouse 2012
"The current incarnation of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner is being played out at the Costa Mesa Playhouse with one of the strongest casts yet under the brilliant direction of Michael Serna. It's a must-see, even if you've already witnessed one or two other versions."
- The Daily Pilot
Winner (Daily Pilot):
Best Production of 2012
Best Actors: Darcy Porter and Michael Dale Brown
Goldstar.com "Roar of the Crowd" Winner
REDLANDS THEATER FESTIVAL 2008
