La Jolla Playhouse Debuts ‘Working Girl’ – A New Musical With Big ’80s Energy
La Jolla Playhouse is giving one of the most iconic ‘80s films a bold new twist with the world premiere of Working Girl, a fresh musical adaptation of the classic story about ambition, resilience, and office politics…with shoulder pads. After strong demand and not one, but three extensions, this buzzworthy production is set to run deep into the season.
A Story That Still Hits Home
If you’ve seen the 1988 film starring Melanie Griffith, Harrison Ford, and Sigourney Weaver, you know the story: Tess McGill is a secretary from Staten Island with smart ideas and no clear way to move up—until her boss is suddenly out of the picture. Tess steps in, pitches her idea, and sets off a chain of events that challenge the rules of the game, both in business and in life.
This new musical version keeps the soul of the original but brings it to the stage with fresh energy, smart humor, and a soundtrack that’s pure Cyndi Lauper. Yep, the Grammy- and Tony-winning artist behind Kinky Boots is handling the music and lyrics, which means you can expect catchy songs that go big on emotion and empowerment.
A Top-Tier Creative Team
The musical is directed by La Jolla Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley, best known for Come From Away. The book is by Bridget Carpenter, whose credits include Friday Night Lights and Parenthood—two shows that know how to balance heart and grit. Together, this creative team is turning Working Girl into a stage experience that feels fresh, funny, and totally timely.
See you there!
Expect big dreams, sharp suits, and plenty of moments that’ll have you cheering for the underdog. This one’s got all the right moves.
📆 October 28 – December 14, 2025
📍 2910 Theatre District Dr, La Jolla
🎟️ Get your tickets here
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!
