Noah Lucé makes his Cuesta College directorial debut with Charles Busch’s beachside spoof, running Nov. 12-22 at the Miossi CPAC’s Experimental Theater
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Cuesta Drama invites the public to a beach party with a theatrical
twist as Charles Busch’s “Psycho Beach Party” opens Nov. 12 at the Harold J. Miossi
CPAC’s Experimental Theater. The show runs through Nov. 22, 2026 and marks the directing
debut of Noah Lucé, the newest member of Cuesta College’s performing arts faculty.
“Psycho Beach Party” takes place on Malibu Beach in the summer of 1962. It follows Chicklet Forrest, a teenager determined to catch a wave and win the heart of a dreamy surfer. The story turns into a wild farce as she is joined by a group of eccentric characters. The play mixes elements of 1950s beach movies, 1960s psychodramas, and 1970s slasher films. It offers a campy, darkly comic look at coming of age, mental health, and LGBTQIA+ identities.
“’Psycho Beach Party’ is the show I wanted to start with at Cuesta,” said Lucé. “It’s a piece I love, and it has a wealth of roles for students to dig into. As a director, I’m drawn to camp, satire, and queer theatre, and Charle’s Busch’s play delivers all three with a wink.”
The production brings together a creative team of Cuesta Drama faculty, with Brian Williams designing the set, Barbara Abbott handling costumes, and Ryan Flores in charge of lighting. It’s also Abbott’s first time designing costumes for a Cuesta College show. The team collaborates to create the play’s beach setting, and larger-than-life characters provide the students an opportunity to work with community performers.
“I want the audience to laugh, to be a little disarmed, and then to find themselves thinking about the mental health story underneath the fun,” said Lucé. “Bringing that blend to my first production here feels like the truest way to introduce myself as an artist to this incredible community.”
Tickets cost $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors (65 and over), military, and teachers, and $10 for students with ID. You can find tickets and showtimes at tickets.cuesta.edu. Seating is limited for each performance, so buying tickets in advance is recommended.
You may also add a donation at checkout to support Cuesta Drama and student learning opportunities. Parking in Lot 2A is included with your ticket purchase.
Audience Advisory: “Psycho Beach Party” is recommended for ages 16 and up. The show includes mature themes, strong language, explicit dialogue, sexual situations, and discussions of kink, all presented through dark comedy. There is some physical violence, a prop razor used as a weapon (but no actual stabbing), and a scene depicting suicide. Performers are in beachwear (bathing suits) throughout, but there is no nudity. Viewer discretion is advised.
The 2026-27 Cultural and Performing Arts Center season is sponsored by Joan G. Sargen and New Times SLO.
ABOUT CUESTA COLLEGE
Cuesta College empowers students to imagine and achieve brighter futures through high-quality education, personalized support, and a welcoming community. With a main campus in San Luis Obispo, a North County Campus in Paso Robles, a South County Center in Arroyo Grande, and a variety of online offerings, we offer opportunities that inspire growth, spark innovation, and open doors, helping every student succeed on their unique path. Learn more at cuesta.edu.