In The Limelight

La Jolla Playhouse presents Limelight: The Story of Charlie Chaplin, a world-premiere musical that provides a captivating close-up on the man who changed motion pictures forever. Amidst scandals and controversy, Chaplin became one of the best-loved and most famous entertainers in the world. From the gritty streets and smoky music halls of London to movie screens across the globe, Limelight goes behind the camera to show how a comic genius found soaring success and later fell from grace. Celebrated writer Thomas Meehan won the 2003 Tony Award for co-writing the book for Hairspray, the 2001 Tony Award for co-writing the book of The Producers, and the 1977 Tony Award for the book of Annie. Composer and lyricist Christopher Curtis has written for television and film and was signed to the Disney Animation Songwriter program. He is currently writing the music and lyrics for Dave The Musical (based on the Kevin Kline film) with Meehan for Warner Brothers Theatrical Enterprises. On view September 7 through October 17. (858/550-1010, www.lajollaplayhouse.org)