The Old Globe Announces the World Premiere, Pre-Broadway Engagement of the New Musical “Begin Again”
The Old Globe is pleased to announce that the world premiere, pre-Broadway engagement of the new musical “Begin Again”will round out its 2026 season. The production is based on the film written and directed by John Carney; adapted by Jenna Clark Embrey; with an original score by Pat Monahan of the band Train; music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Brian Usifer; choreography by David Neumann; and directed by Lorin Latarro.
“Begin Again” is produced by special arrangement with Stephanie Kramer, Tamar Climan, and Nicole Kramer. Performances run Sunday, September 6 to Sunday, October 11, 2026, with the opening on Thursday, September 17 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center in San Diego’s Balboa Park. Tickets are available by subscription only at TheOldGlobe.org.
In a city alive with possibility, two unlikely dreamers discover that music has the power to change everything. When Gretta, a gifted but heartbroken songwriter, crosses paths with Dan, a record producer on the brink of burnout, their chance encounter sparks an unexpected collaboration that transforms them both. Set against the exhilarating backdrop of New York City, “Begin Again” is a world-premiere musical about rediscovering passion, purpose, and the courage to start over.
John Carney is the acclaimed Irish filmmaker and musician best known for his films “Once,” “Sing Street,” and “Begin Again,” all of which celebrate the unifying power of music, and the Emmy-nominated Amazon Prime series “Modern Love.” Jenna Clark Embrey is a writer and dramaturg whose work spans stage and screen, developing adaptations and new musicals that explore love, resilience, and reinvention. Pat Monahan is the lead singer and primary songwriter of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Train, known for hits, including “Drops of Jupiter,” “Hey, Soul Sister,” and “Drive By.” Brian Usifer is a music supervisor, arranger, and orchestrator whose Broadway credits include “The Book of Mormon,” “Frozen,” and “Chess,” known for his dynamic musical collaborations that bring depth, energy, and emotional resonance to the stage. David Neumann is an award-winning choreographer and performer whose innovative work on Broadway and beyond, blends movement, theater, and storytelling with striking originality. Lorin Latarro is an award-winning director and choreographer whose Broadway credits include “Into the Woods,” and “The Who’s Tommy,” celebrated for her bold, emotionally charged storytelling and inventive integration of dance and character.
“The Globe once again brings the most exciting new musical theatre to San Diego with the world premiere of ‘Begin Again,’ said Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein. “Based on the celebrated movie from the great John Carney, ‘Begin Again’ is an enchanting fable about a brilliant but struggling musician and a down-on-his luck producer who find personal transformation through music, creativity, and the magic of New York City. In the hands of visionary director and frequent Globe collaborator, the luminous Broadway talent Lorin Latarro, the story comes alive with thrilling theatricality and fun. And the score, by Pat Monahan, the distinctive voice and creative engine behind the pop-rock band Train, brings a sound to the Globe that our audiences haven’t heard here before. I’m so thrilled to add this truly wonderful musical to our 2026 lineup and can’t wait for San Diego theatregoers to fall in love with it.”
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2013, earning widespread acclaim for its heartfelt story and infectious music. Starring Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, “Begin Again” received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song and captivated audiences around the world with its uplifting celebration of creativity. Critics hailed the film as a love letter to both music and New York City.
Full casting and additional members of the creative team for “Begin Again”will be announced at a later date.
Tickets are available by subscription only at TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE (234-5623), or in person at The Old Globe’s Box Office in Balboa Park. Single tickets will go on sale at later date to be announced. For additional information, visit TheOldGlobe.org.
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