The Maverick Theater and Staged Cinema Productions are not monkeying around with their summer tradition in the live adaptation of ‘King Kong’.
The Maverick Theater and Staged Cinema Productions are proud to announce the return of a beloved Maverick tradition, their wildly inventive stage adaptation of the 1933 cinematic classic, King Kong. This original production, written and directed by Brian Newell, is back by popular demand and continues the theater’s long-standing reputation for transforming cult films into unforgettable live experiences.
Far from a straightforward retelling, King Kong at the Maverick is a clever, fast-paced, and lighthearted reimagining of Merian C. Cooper’s legendary film. Newell—also known for Maverick favorites like Night of the Living Dead, Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, and Plan 9 from Outer Space, infuses the show with wit, creativity, and a deep affection for the original material.
A true homage to the groundbreaking visual effects that revolutionized cinema in 1933, the Maverick’s production channels the innovative spirit of special effects pioneer Willis O’Brien. Just as Star Wars redefined movie magic in 1977, King Kong did it first and the Maverick Theater now brings that same sense of wonder to the stage.
At the heart of the spectacle is Maverick Light & Magic, the theater’s in-house effects team, who use miniature sets, green screen technology, and a live backstage film crew to create real-time visuals of Kong in action. These are projected onto a stage-wide rear screen, immersing audiences in the jungles of Skull Island and the streets of 1930s New York, all while live actors interact with the cinematic world around them. The result is an exhilarating fusion of theater and film that has become a signature Maverick experience.
Performances run July 11 through August 10, 2025, with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $33 for general admission and $17.50 for students with a valid ID. Reserve your seats at www.mavericktheater.com or call 714-526-7070.
The Maverick Theater is located at 110 E. Walnut in Fullerton, CA, just across from the Amtrak station in historic Downtown Fullerton. Join us this summer for an epic tradition that celebrates both the magic of cinema and the thrill of live theater King Kong like you’ve never seen it before!
