Meet Jonathan Rosenberg | singer, song writer, librettist, film maker, playwright, lover of life.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan Rosenberg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My careers prior to playwriting were teaching Special Needs kids and psychology. The teaching was fun, the psychology not-so-much. At the same time I teaching and therapizing I involved myself with music. I wrote record and concert reviews for a newspaper, was an alternative radio DJ, songwriter, performer, and lead singer in bands. Music and art have always been my first love. It’s what I was born to do and I’ve had the good fortune to partner with awesome and supportive people, especially my wife, Ilene. Today, I have 5 musicals under my belt and am completing a documentary on Gold Star Studios in Los Angeles. “East Carson Street” is being performed in December , 2025 in Pittsburgh and “Lucky” will have its world premiere in 2026/27 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think that what sets my musicals apart from others is that they are written for the working man and woman. Men will not be falling asleep at my musicals (unless they’re exhausted!) The topics are real, the music is rock/indie and the action moves swiftly. You will leave my show talking about what you just saw. They are not entertaining for “entertainment sake,” but, rather, they discuss issues that all of us can relate to. The music is hummable. It’s incredibly rewarding and exciting to hear and see your words and music come to life. To experience the audience “feel” fills me with pride. That’s what theater is all about–to leave the theater feeling differently than when you entered. The shows are an experience.
Writing is a frustrating business. Lots of rejections, lots of “no return calls/emails,” lots of people not doing what they said they’d do. Even with my successes, I come up against a lot of walls. You learn who the genuine people are and you stick with them. I am learning persistence and recognize that its the key to success, in addition to talent.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When my friends visit San Diego, we go to the beach. I love the Del Mar and Solana Beach areas. Dog Beach in Del Mar is lots of fun. I run on the beach as often as possible and beach walks with friends are beautiful. For food, there’s nothing better than Mexican take-out. Everyone has their local favorite. Hiking, the Zoo and Wild Animal Park are fun day trips. For music, go no further than the Belly-Up. Hands-down it my go-to for music. Intimate, friendly and they get great performers nightly.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think the three people in my life who deserve the biggest shout-outs are my wife, Ilene, my daughter, Gabi, and my friend, Brad. Ilene has been my biggest cheerleader, pain-in-the-ass (in the best and most supportive ways). I know that she is the person who’s responsible for my success. Gabi has an enthusiasm for life that inspires me. Brad has been my partner, friend and mentor since we started on this theater journey 14 years ago. We’ve shared many laughs, successes and disappointments over the years and, though we don’t always agree, I consider myself very lucky to have him as a friend. My friend Kenny from New York has never missed a show, Socorro has always showed up big-time (including selling merch!). Al and Jeff are childhood friends who have always supported me. My brother, Steve, his wife, Robin, and my son, Ben, are others I can count on to be there when I need them. Steve and I have only gotten closer over the years and I really feel his pride in what I’m creating. My step son, Alexander, his husband, Ben, my step daughter, Emily, and her partner, Mark, have also been a support. So many others have been there for me. Danny and Susan flew from Texas to see shows in New York, Phoenix and San Diego. The Graham’s flew out from England to see shows. The Jaffe family have been “like family” to me and I never take it for granted. It’s humbling. There are so many more “shout-outs” that I could make. I could not have done it without the support of all the family and friends in my life.

Website: https://www.eastcarsonstreetmusical.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.rosenberg.14/