On Theater:

Like other local theater groups, the Costa Mesa Playhouse is feeling the pinch of the current economic unpleasantness.

As if its current predicament weren’t enough — the theater begins paying a monthly lease to the school board this month.

“We recently received an IRS notice for unexpected back taxes from mismanaged finances 10 years ago,” said board member Michael Dale Brown.

While the theater still is committed to introducing its audiences to new and edgy productions, it also recognizes the necessity of putting people in the seats to ensure self-preservation.

Thus, when the prospective director of the opening show, the unfamiliar musical “Man of No Importance,” backed out, the board of directors replaced that production with a more audience-friendly and less-expensive comedy — Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor,” scheduled to run Aug. 28 through Sept. 20

“Usually, we do two musicals in the season but due to the economy, we’ve cut back to one,” Brown said. “We decided we needed to fall back on something familiar and funny.”

That one musical will be the season closer, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” which Brown describes as a “relatively inexpensive musical.” It’s ticketed for April 16 through May 16.

Another show on the Costa Mesa schedule will ring a bell with just about every playgoer — Mary Chase’s classic comedy “Harvey,” which the playhouse also presented early in its history on the Orange County Fairgrounds (with yours truly playing the cabbie). The invisible rabbit arrives Feb. 5 and will be hopping around through the 28th.

It wouldn’t be a Costa Mesa season without at least one newcomer, and this role will be filled next season by “The Woman in Black,” a spooky number, which has been running in London’s West End for the past 20 years.

“It’s a very effective, Henry James-like ghost story that relies very heavily on creating atmosphere with lighting and extensive use of sound effects,” said Brown, who caught the show on a recent visit to England. “It’ll chill the audience’s blood to the marrow. Not for the faint of heart.”

Fittingly enough, “The Woman in Black” will open the day before Halloween and play through Nov. 22.

The playhouse also plans to stage a Christmas musical revue from Dec. 3 to 20 and a fundraising musical revue July 10 to 12. Titled “Les Ensemble,” the show will feature ensemble numbers from oldies like “Guys and Dolls” to the newest Broadway hits like “Legally Blonde.”

“We are struggling to keep our doors open and would appreciate any assistance offered,” says the board’s program message to patrons. “These are creative economic times and we would welcome any donation in the form of service, monies or volunteering.”

Those wishing to lend a hand — and ensure a 50th anniversary in 2015 — can call (949) 650-5269.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews appear Fridays.