There seems to be no end to this heat, so why not slip into the comfort of one of our local live theaters where you can cool off for a while? It’s time to treat yourself to the magic of live theater by going to see a show!

Covid protocols continue to be dictated by each individual venue, so bring a face mask to wear during the show in case the venue requires it. It’s a good idea to check with the theater before you attend a show to find out what their current policy is.

The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should verify it with the theater to confirm it before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates for this month, or are already running:

OPENING

“Spy for Spy” Sarah and Molly love each other – and that’s all they have in common. As the uptight lawyer and the free-spirited dreamer strive to make their improbable relationship work, we see them break up, meet their parents, vacation together and fall in love – all in a completely random order. Kieron Barry’s play is a romantic comedy with a difference; a drama performed like a playlist with the scenes shuffled into a random sequence by the audience each night. Is love enough to keep two people together? And do our lives make more sense in the wrong order? Written by Kieron Barry, and directed by Michael Massey, it runs September 5 through October 10 at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks. For tickets visit www.ticketleap.events/tickets/spyforspy/shermanoaks.

“3 Faces of Steve: Sondheim in Concert” Three world class singers, including Réaux, baritone Michael Sokol and bari-tenor Bernardo Bermudez, sing solos, duets and trios from 14 of Sondheim’s classic stage works. Not “just another” Sondheim song-to -song revue, 3 Faces of Steve places dazzling songs from shows like Follies, Company, Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, A Little Night Music and Merrily We Roll Along alongside Réaux’s personal and professional remembrances of the master. Written by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Angelina Réaux, it runs September 6 through September 29 at the Odyssey Theatre in West Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.

“Thirds” In an alternate timeline of American history in which the Civil War was never fought, America stands divided into three separate countries: The Union, The Confederate, and The Pacific States of America. When an historic drought threatens the citizens of the Confederate States, Catherine Shepard, the world’s most powerful water tycoon and citizen of the Pacific States, must travel into the Confederacy to negotiate a secret deal with the government to provide their people with clean water before it’s too late. Written by Ben Edlin, and directed by Jessica Aquila Cymerman, it runs September 6 through September 29 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.thirdstheplay.com.

“Tick, Tick…Boom!” Before the revolutionary rock musical RENT, Jonathan Logan had another story to tell…his own. “tick, tick…Boom!” is a three-chapter pop rock musical about facing the crossroads in life and holding on to your dreams that was first produced off Broadway in 2001. It tells the story of young Jonathan, a promising young composer on the eve of his 30th birthday. His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city (tick); his best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue (tick); and he’s still waiting tables and trying to write the great American musical before time; and life, passes him by (Boom!). Written by Jonathan Logan, with music by Jonathan Logan, and directed by Lindsey Johnson, it runs September 6 through October 13 at the Theatre Palisades in Pacific Palisades. For tickets call 310-454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org.

“Brooklyn’s Way” Set in New York, Brooklyn’s Way centers around Sam, a gifted and witty veteran writer, full of both emotion and depression. He is charismatic and gloomy at the same time. His own worst enemy. Brooklyn is a young writer’s assistant, full of ambition, clever yet vulnerable, charming and totally captivated by Sam’s talent and yet she is fearful of his self-destructing behavior. They each face their own difficult situations. Two people now aligned forever, yet separated by life and the circumstances they must navigate. Written by Sam Henry Kass, and directed by Ronnie Marmo, it runs September 7 through October 13 at the Theatre 68 Arts Complex (The Rosalie Theatre) in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.theatre68.com.

“Demolition” Doug, a blue-collar worker at a family owed construction company, is the self-proclaimed “best shovel man in southeast Michigan.” He is charged with training Paul, the boss’s gentle, secretive, college bound son, during the course of a summer renovation project. Doug is close to Paul’s family and feels that he’s needed to help to get the boy ready for life away from home. Their exchanges begin with Doug’s bawdy advice that is comically at odds with Paul’s shy nature. But soon it becomes apparent that Paul is struggling with something far beyond Doug’s purview and experience. This new play is about identity, truth, parenthood, and the courage it takes to break things apart in order to become your own kind of hero. Written by Matthew Letscher, and directed by Max Mayer, it runs September 7 through October 13 at the Pacific Resident Theatre in Venice. For tickets call 310-822-8392 or visit www.pacificresidenttheatre.org.

“Pascal & Julien” the story of a closed, isolated middle-aged man whose true self is able to emerge through his friendship with a child. Pascal is a regular at the local café, spending his days huddled over a cup of coffee and a crossword. Thirteen-year-old Julien is on the hunt for a new father to replace his own, who is distant and remote. Julien’s been keeping his binoculars trained on Pascal. Could this awkward, graceless adult be the right one? Audiences both young and old will be enthralled by this bittersweet story of heartache and connection. (Not appropriate for children under eight.) To increase audience accessibility, all performances will feature Spanish supertitles. Written by Daniel Keene, with music by Bradley Brough, and directed by Debbie Devine, it runs September 7 through October 27 at the 24th Street Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-745-6516 or visit www.24thstreet.org.

“The Skin of Our Teeth” Various cataclysmic events serve as a backdrop for a hilarious and thought-provoking exploration of human resilience. After 5,000 years of marriage, George and Maggie Antrobus and their children have faced ice ages, floods and war, but the family perseveres with humor, ingenuity… and a pet dinosaur. This iconic play is a riveting testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity. Written by Thornton Wilder, and directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott and Geoff Elliott, it runs September 7 through September 29 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3100 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.

“Don’t Dress for Dinner” This outrageous farce has all the right ingredients for a delicious night of laughter. There’s a married couple with sexy secrets, a cook mistaken for a mistress, a mistress who can’t cook, and enough mistaken identities and confused alibis to have audiences in stitches! Written by Marc Camoletti, adapted by Robin Hawdon, and directed by Christopher M. Williams, it runs September 8 through September 22 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“The Mostly True Story of a Common Scold” Anne Royall, America’s first female journalist, alarmed by speeches from evangelical leaders declaring their intent to reshape America into a Christian nation, starts printing a newspaper from her Washington, D.C., kitchen to sound the alarm. She nearly pays with her life. Written by Mike Teverbaugh, and directed by Natalia Lazarus, it runs September 8 through October 13 at the Promenade Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.laproductions.org.

“Bright Blue Sky” offers a poignant and uplifting portrayal of hope, loss, and the enduring human spirit. Through a series of deeply heartfelt and charming episodes, the musical explores the lives of individuals working on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center as they confront the unimaginable. Written and directed by Vincent Aniceto, with music by Tim Nelson, lyrics by Vincent Aniceto, it runs September 11 through September 12 at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster. For tickets visit www.rosecentertheater.com.

“God of Carnage” Hoping to resolve the situation amicably, two married couples meet to discuss a violent altercation between their young sons. But as conflicting personalities and parenting styles collide, the polite facades unravel, revealing marital tensions and opposing life philosophies. Written by Yasmina Reza, and directed by Kim Quinn, it runs September 13 through October 13 at the 905 Cole Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.carnage.brownpapertickets.com.

“Misery” follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by Annie Wilkes, his ‘number one fan,’ and then wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does. Written by William Goldman, based on the novel by Stephen King, and directed by Kathy Dershimer, it runs September 13 through October 5 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“The Polycule: A Comedy of Manners” Fern attends a dinner party to meet her new boyfriend’s family — which consists of his wife and the other members of their polyamorous household. An outsider to their world of consensual non-monogamy and its unfamiliar rules and norms, Fern struggles to keep up and to fit in. Written by Jillian Blevins, and directed by Sean Alan Mazur, it runs September 13 through October 6 at the Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.

“Clarkston” Welcome to Clarkston, Washington, where Jake and Chris meet working the night shift at Costco. Jake, a middle-class, educated new hire who’s a distant relative of explorer William Clark, has fled his privileged life in Connecticut after being diagnosed with a serious illness. Chris, a would-be writer with a meth-addicted mom, is stuck in what he fears is a dead-end life in a dead-end town. Their tentative attraction develops into something much deeper and more complicated in this delicate, intimate and hopeful new play. Written by Samuel D. Hunter, and directed by Chris Fields, it runs September 14 through October 21 at the Echo Theater Company – Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 747-350-8066 or visit www.EchoTheaterCompany.com.

“Kill Move Paradise” Four Black men, torn from the world without warning, find themselves stuck in a cosmic waiting room in the afterlife. As they attempt to make sense of their new paradise, Isa, Daz, Grif and Tiny play, sing, tease and uplift one another, even as they’re forced to confront how they arrived in this unearthly place. Inspired by the ever-growing list of slain Black men and women and the fear and threat of death they continue to face daily, Kill Move Paradise is an electrifying reminder of our collective humanity. Written by James Ijames, and directed by Gregg T. Daniel, it runs September 14 through November 3 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.

“Whittier Boulevard” It’s Los Angeles in 2042, and years of fires, torrential rain, anarchy and bloodshed have led to a totalitarian city-state where the elderly disappear, their stories forgotten. When authorities make a surprise visit to the home of faded Chicana starlet Veronica Del Rio on the eve of her 75th birthday, she enlists the help of her loudmouth nurse, a kindhearted policeman-fan, and a down-on-his-luck poet. Will Veronica disappear and be forgotten before she finds true love? Written by Evelina Fernández, Sal López, Geoffrey Rivas, Lucy Rodriguez and José Luis Valenzuela, and directed by Jose Luis Valenzuela, it runs September 14 through October 20 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-489-0994 or visit www.latinotheaterco.org.

“Completeness” The play follows graduate students Elliot and Molly, a computer scientist and a molecular biologist, who harshly disentangle themselves from their situationships and attempt to orient toward each other instead. Elliot is working on the Traveling Salesman Problem, a famous computer science problem that tackles the most effective way to find the shortest possible distance between any number of points before returning home. Molly is working on protein-protein interactions to discover how and why cells heal – or stop healing. After Elliot and Molly leave a nerdy meet-cute in a computer lab with a plan to see each other again, Elliot goes to work writing Molly a useful program that helps her interpret her scientific data better. When they meet, the disguise of education melts away and they fall for each other. But as the relationship grows more serious, Elliot’s struggle with commitment and Molly’s pain from past heartache brings their relationship into question. Written by Itamar Moses, and directed by Angela Bruning, it runs September 20 through September 28 at the Eastwood Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.eastwoodpac.stagey.net/projects/11116?tab=tickets.

“In the Unlikely Event of an Actual Emergency” This show was suggested by true events. The playwright based his narrative on his own actual experience as the survivor of a plane crash. Arturo is a passenger on an airliner. He is traveling alone. He observes a handsome stranger and wonders if the man could possibly be a romantic prospect. Before Arturo can find out, the plane crashes! Not everyone survives. Who will live and who will die? How will events impact the lives of those who don’t die in the incident? What will the future hold for them? Written by John Mullican, and directed by Rickie Peete, it runs September 20 through October 26 at the Hudson Guild Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.onstage411.com/newsite/boxoffice/cart.asp?show_id=6436&orgin=guest.

“Jane Austen in 89 Minutes” is a comedy in which a cast of madcap ladies and gents bring all six of Jane Austen’s beloved novels to comic life and includes modern day zingers about Jane Austen’s fame, fandom, movies, and TV series. The play takes place in a wrinkle in time, the present day intermingled with England’s Regency Era, 1811-1816. At several points, Jane Austen has to rein in her characters when they run amok and try to take over the show. Written and directed by Syrie James, it runs September 20 through October 13 at the Theatre Forty in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.

“Waitress” Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts which mirror her topsy-turvy life, such as “The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed by My Eggs Pie.” When a baking contest in a nearby county — and a satisfying run-in with someone new — show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness. Featuring music and lyrics by GRAMMY® Award winner, Sara Bareilles (“Love Song,” “Brave”), this hit musical is a little slice of Broadway heaven! Written by Jessie Nelson, with music by Sara Bareilles, and directed by Abbey O’Brien, it runs September 21 through October 13 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets call 562-944-9801 or visit www.LaMiradaTheatre.com.

“A Going Away Party Play” is a celebration of multicultural identities and an exploration of what it means to leave or lose your home country. The story centers on Mina, who is throwing a party for her closest friends – and the audience. Over the course of the party, the friends play games, reflect on the current American socio-political landscape, and discover truths about the story of Mina’s parents falling in love and staying in love while fleeing the Iranian Revolution. Written by Keyanna Khatiblou, and directed by James Fowler, it runs September 28 through October 27 at the Boston Court Pasadena in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-683-6801 or visit www.bostoncourtpasadena.org/events/agoingawaypartyplay.

CONTINUING

“Broadway and Beyond: Hits & Misses” celebrates the Biggest Hits and the Box Office Busts of Broadway, film and Off-Broadway mixed in with little known musical theater gems. This fun Broadway music revue will feature selections from some of your favorite shows – The Music Man, Beauty and the Beast, Gypsy, Wicked, The Sound of Music and much more! You’ll also discover catchy tunes from lesser-known shows such as The Frogs, Side Show, Carrie the Musical, The Bakers Wife, Wildcat and other hidden gems! As always, along with the songs will be fun bits of Broadway trivia including a section about Tony Award Winners and surprising Tony Award Losers! Seating is “Cabaret Style” at tables so that you can enjoy tasty desserts or a beverage of your choice during the show! So, make plans now to join us at the DownStage Cabaret Theater at SVCAC! Written by Fred Helsel, Philip McBride and Mazie Rudolph, and directed by Fred Helsel, it runs through September 22 at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center – DownStage Theater in Simi Valley. For tickets www.simi-arts.org.

“Medea Comes to Our Town” Two worlds collide when Medea, the mother of all tragedies, crashes the mundanity of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. One particular citizen of this land, the Doctor’s Wife, dawdles aimlessly in her everyday life as dictated by her drama’s first act. She plays her part, but something deep within her yearns for more. A strange barbarian woman from ancient Greece descends upon the stage, halting the normal course of life, marriage and death. Medea, fresh from her own play’s denouement, seeks refuge from all the carnage made by her lustful vengeance. Her deed is done: Children murdered, and a husband destroyed. With her story now concluded, Medea sets out to create her own tale for the ages and lays claim to the epithet of playwright. A chance meeting between these two women from opposite genres shifts the theatrical course from a linear to a non-linear narrative. The Doctor’s Wife now finds herself questioning the meaning of her existence as Euripides’ immortal character throws their worlds into a tailspin. Perhaps the simple charms of Our Town might in turn soothe Medea’s savage soul. One thing’s for sure: Nothing will ever be the same for these women as the very nature of theater gets torn asunder. Written by Tony Foster, and directed by Jaime Robledo, it runs through September 22 at the McCadden Place Theater in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.lightningrodtheater.ludus.com.

“Reefer Madness the Musical” Inspired by the original 1936 film of the same name, this raucous musical comedy takes a look at the mass hysteria caused when two clean-cut kids, Jimmy and Mary, fall prey to the frightful toll of the new drug menace currently destroying the youth of America in alarmingly increasing numbers, the insidious and murderous lure of our real public enemy number one, MARIJUANA! It tragically (and hysterically) leads them both into a downward spiral filled with wild jazz, chaos and mayhem, lurid sex and uncontrollable violence. Written by Kevin Murphy & Dan Studney, with music by Dan Studney, lyrics by Kevin Murphy, and directed by Spencer Liff, it runs through October 27 at the Whitley Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.reefermadness.com.

Our local theme parks are operating at full capacity. Most require advance reservations online, as well as advance ticket, and possibly food, purchases. You will need an app in some to be able to take full advantage of all attractions and restaurants. Please check their websites for details, restrictions, and availability before planning a visit:

Some theaters still provide online offerings in addition to or in lieu of live performances, with many events you can experience on a virtual basis. A few of these online events are only available on a one-time basis, while others are ongoing and can be viewed on-demand anytime. Visit each of the web sites below to see what they are currently offering. You will find free content as well as pay-per-view to choose from. Here are the links to web sites with online offerings:

Please help keep our theaters open by supporting live theater whenever you can. On behalf of the publisher Steve Zall, and our co-publisher & editor Sid Fish, we want to send our heartfelt thanks to the publicists who supply us with this content, the editors and publishers who deliver it to you, and most importantly, to you, our readers – who enjoy reading our columns. We wish everyone health, prosperity, and joy throughout the year!

Sincerely,

Steve Zall, Publisher
Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor

There seems to be no end to this heat, so why not slip into the comfort of one of our local live theaters where you can cool off for a while? It’s time to treat yourself to the magic of live theater by going to see a show!

Covid protocols continue to be dictated by each individual venue, so bring a face mask to wear during the show in case the venue requires it. It’s a good idea to check with the theater before you attend a show to find out what their current policy is.

The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should verify it with the theater to confirm it before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates for this month, or are already running:

OPENING

“Balancing Act” is about an accountant who plans to escape with a large amount of embezzled money but is visited at his New York apartment on the eve of his planned departure by a shy once-young lady from his accounting department who suspects there may be foul play afoot and ostensibly seeks his advice. He tries every way he can think of to “keep her quiet” including escorting her to his bedroom. Written by Frank Salisbury, and directed by David Datz, it runs August 1 through August 25 at the Theatre Forty in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.

“Honeymoon Suite (with Apologies to Neil Simon)” There are certain obvious parallels to Honeymoon Suite and three of the late Simon’s plays: There are three couples, and each of them will experience pivotal moments in their relationship that will affect their marital destiny. The stories in this show, however, are all new. Evy and Oscar have eloped. One of them is a soldier who is about to be deployed. Evy and Oscar will have to cram a honeymoon into a severely restricted amount of time. Mike is with his new (and second) wife Katie. Mike isn’t sure whether or not he had carnal relations with another woman at his bachelor party. It’s all a haze, now. Did he, or didn’t he? The answer comes from an unexpected quarter. Becca’s besties are there to console her, as it looks like Jeff jilted her at the altar. But is that what happened, really? Written by Kelli Bowlden, and directed by Jenna Hoffmann, it runs August 2 through August 25 at the 905 Cole Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.onstage411.com/newsite/show/play_info.asp?show_id=7138.

“Murder After Hours” Part Downton Abbey, part Noel Coward, this is Agatha Christie at her champagne-escapist-mysterious best. A weekend in the country leads to long-hidden love revealed, a lover’s triangle exposed, movie star confessions and – of course – deadly deeds. An impatient, cantankerous Scotland Yard Inspector puts a wonderful froth to the investigation and wild-mouse-ride of unravelings. Miss Christie felt that this was her best play, and it differs from the book substantially. Written by Agatha Christie, and directed by Jules Aaron, it runs August 2 through September 8 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre Main Stage in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“Chicken Stories” A collection of hilarious and at times biting vignettes that examine the culture and times through the unexpected yet undeniably relatable (and historically relevant) lens of chicken. Some of the stories are fictitious. Some of the content is based on real events. Folmar is African American, and his show to some extent is about the important place that chicken occupies in considerations of Black American cuisine, in terms of its history and its centrality in Black culture. The vignettes that comprise the Chicken Stories lean in the direction of humor, yet deal substantively with significant themes like Black entrepreneurship and empowerment, the generational shifting of values, loss, cultural appropriation, modern dating, and more.  Chicken brings people together: families, friends, neighbors, schoolmates, coworkers. It is comforting, nourishing, and delicious. It can also spark tensions (e.g., My mother’s chicken is better than your mother’s chicken. Which local establishment makes the better wings?) Written and directed by Marcus Folmar, it runs August 3 through August 18 at the Broadwater Main Stage in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/e/chicken-stories-at-the-broadwater-mainstage-world-premiere-%0Dtickets-910734420167?%0Daff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=email&utm_medium=sparkpos.

“Grease” Get ready to rev up your engines and slick back your hair because TACFA and GiveKidsPanto are producing Grease! Join us for a high-energy, electrifying journey back to the 1950s, where romance, rock ‘n’ roll, and teen rebellion collide in this timeless classic. With unforgettable songs like “You’re the One That I Want,” “Summer Nights,” and “Greased Lightnin’,” and dazzling choreography, this production promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Don’t miss out on the excitement – grab your poodle skirts and leather jackets, and get ready for a night of fun, laughter, and pure entertainment. Written by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey, with music by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey, and directed by Barry Pearl, it runs August 6 through August 10 at Peppertree Park in Tustin. For tickets visit www.tacfa.org.

“Are You Listening” Follow Ruth, a determined aspiring actress from small-town Mississippi, as she faces the challenges of loneliness, failed relationships, and identity crisis while pursuing success in Los Angeles, finding solace and guidance through prayers whispered from her small apartment window. Written by Mary Leeholland, and directed by Chloe Babbes and Mary Leeholland., it runs August 9 through August 25 at the David Schall Theater in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-462-8460 or visit www.ActorsCo-op.org.

“No Desire to Suffer Twice” Two brothers dream of going to Harvard Business School. Brendan was accepted but Cedric, the better student, was rejected. When Cedric learns that Brendan has been hiding his acceptance letter and the truth of how he was admitted, the brothers must face a betrayal from which they may never recover. Written by Cris Eli Blak, and directed by Matt Lorenzo, it runs August 9 through September 1 at the Loft Ensemble’s Sawyer’s Playhouse in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.

“Human Error” Madelyn and Sameer are NPR-listening, latte-sipping blue-staters who are planning a family. Or they were, until they learn that because of a mix-up at the fertility clinic, Madelyn’s embryo was accidentally implanted in another client’s uterus. That news is hard to take; fostering a relationship with the other couple, NASCAR-loving NRA cardholders, is even harder. Can these polar opposites make it through nine months of gestation without killing one another? Written by Eric Pfeffinger, and directed by Joshua Bitton, it runs August 10 through September 8 at the Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 855-585-5185 or visit www.roguemachinetheatre.org.

“The Brothers Size” Drawing from the rich tradition of the Yoruba people of West Africa, The Brothers Size is a modern-day fable about two brothers in the Deep South. Ogun, the elder brother, embodies hard work and reliability, while Oshoosi, formerly incarcerated, is seemingly carefree and unpredictable. Their relationship is tested when the charismatic Elegba arrives, tempting Oshoosi back to his old habits. As the brothers wrestle with loyalty, freedom, and duty, their humanity is revealed through a raw and heartfelt exploration of the bonds of brotherhood. Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney, and directed by Bijan Sheibani, it runs August 14 through September 8 at the Geffen Playhouse Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater in Westwood. For tickets call 310-208-5454 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.

“Mourning Song” Musical Epilepsy caused by a stroke uncovers a voice from Brigid’s forgotten past. Born in Ireland and brought to America after her mother and father died, Brigid, now in her 70’s, has no memories of her childhood until a haunting Irish melody awakens visions of the lost lineage of her fragmented family. Written by Brent Beerman, and directed by Mareli Mitchel-Shields, it runs August 15 through September 15 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre Upstairs Stage in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“Patient 13” Chronically single, Gail has always been good at staying busy, setting boundaries and avoiding intimacy. That is, until a scary diagnosis makes her realize that she might just need to slow down, chill out, and get some help. But who can she trust? She has already gotten rid of all the toxic people in her life, so there is nobody left. This dark comedy solo show tracks Gail’s quest to find the line between herself and others while participating as Patient #13 in a ground-breaking FDA study that gave psilocybin (magic mushrooms) to cancer patients with anxiety and depression. The study has blazed a trail for the potential legalization of psychedelics for use as a medical treatment. Written by Gail Thomas, and directed by Dan Oliverio, it runs August 16 through September 1 at the Matrix Theatre Upstairs on the Henry Murray Stage in Los Angeles. For tickets call 855-585-5185 or visit www.roguemachinetheatre.org.

“Happy Fall: A Queer Stunt Spectacular” follows the professional and romantic rise and fall of two queer, closeted stuntmen in the Hollywood world of faux masculinity, bringing the intoxication of film trickery and its toll on the body and psyche to center stage through life-size and miniature puppetry, live video, cinematic illusions and heart-pumping physical acts. Based on true-life stories and direct testimonies, this exuberant production is a joyful tribute to the resiliency of the LGBTQIA+ community. Happy Fall illuminates issues of racial and cultural identity in the industry and uncovers the real price of a love story, unmasking the importance — and danger — of being true to oneself. Written by Lisa Sanaye Dring, and directed by Sean Cawelti, it runs August 17 through September 8 at the Los Angeles LGBT Center in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.bit.ly/happyfall24.

“The Double V” In 1942, his attempt to enlist in the army rejected because of his color, 26-year-old James G. Thompson of Wichita, Kansas wrote a letter to the editor of The Pittsburgh Courier, at the time the most highly circulated Black newspaper with a readership of over 350,000. “Should I sacrifice my life to live half American?” he asked… leading the Courier to kick off the “Double V” campaign. Building on the popular “V for Victory” slogan that called for triumph in the war, the super-imposed, second “V” called for victory in the fight for racial equality — in the army, the navy, and in all aspects of segregated daily life. Other Black newspapers, including the Chicago Defender and the Amsterdam Star-News, soon took up the call. Under pressure from the campaign, and against the advice of J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI, the U.S. was forced to adopt a policy of “proportional representation” that allowed Black Americans to participate in the military in direct proportion to their percentage of the population. Written by Carole Eglash-Kosoff, and directed by Michael A. Shepperd, it runs August 23 through September 8 at the International City Theatre Beverly O’Neill Theater in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

“The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latiné Vote” University Professor Paola Aguilar is drowning in debt from years of fertility treatments. So, when THE Political Party offers her a substantial paycheck to help them understand the Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote, she reluctantly takes the job. Can she help these political strategists understand all of the nuances of her community to save the election? Or will her own journey ultimately be more important than who controls the White House? Written by Bernardo Cubría, and directed by Bernardo Cubría and Willow Geer, it runs August 24 through October 20 at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.

“A Moment for Love” Los Angeles Movie Premiere! Featured entry of the Tarzana International Film Festival! Red carpet event! This is a fairytale rom-com about Trevor (Adam Huss), a singer songwriter haunted by a terrible secret, who meets out-and-proud Asian fashion designer Bobby Love and becomes part of his magical chosen family. As their friendship grows and Trevor interacts with the Wonderland that is Bobby’s world, Trevor learns how to let go of the ghosts who haunt him, and best of all, surrenders to love. It is said that life is stranger than fiction. This movie is a semi-autobiographical film of fantasy couture designer Bobby Love and contains actual footage from Bobby’s outrageously wild runway shows. Part of the film took place in Venice, Italy, which added to its cinematic production value. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of a Venetian Carnevale. Glide through the iconic San Marco Square and steal a kiss beneath a gondola’s canopy at Rialto bridge. Written by Bobby Love, Joseph & Phillip Matarrese, and directed by Joseph & Phillip Matarrese, it runs one time only on August 25 at the Regal Theatre Sherman Oaks in the Sherman Oaks Galleria. For tickets visit www.itsmyseat.com/events/665324.html.

“The Civility of Albert Cashier” In August of 1862, Private Albert Cashier enlisted in the Union Army and fought valiantly during the Civil War, until being honorably discharged on August 17, 1865, at which point he received a military pension in recognition of his service. But there was more to Albert than most people knew … he had a secret … this heroic American soldier was actually born a female. Written by Jay Paul Deratany, with music by Coyote Joe Stevens& Keaton Wooden, lyrics by Stevens, Wooden, and Deratany, and directed by Richard Israel, it runs August 31 through September 22 at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. For tickets visit www.colonytheatre.org.

“God Will Do the Rest” Karaoke, chicken adobo and Santo Niño prayers. “We can only do our best, diba (right)?” Artists at Play and Latino Theater Company present God Will do The Rest, a warm, funny new play about a multigenerational Filipino American household. Strong, glamorous family matriarch Maggie is celebrating a milestone birthday, and the de Dios family has gathered to celebrate in true FilAm style. Get ready for a warm, loving, hilarious — and explosive — family reunion. Written by Nicholas Pilapil, and directed by Fran de Leon, it runs August 31 through September 29 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-489-0994 or visit www.latinotheaterco.org.

CONTINUING

“The Last Illusion” You won’t believe what you see! Never attempted before, a cast of all-blind actors will take the stage and perform magical illusions in the upcoming production of The Last Illusion. Derived from the actual facts of Harry Houdini’s life, The Last Illusion captivates the audience with its unique staging, intimacy and honesty. Theatre by the Blind pulls the curtain back on the man known as the world’s greatest magician. Told through the memories and voices of those who knew and loved the man for the magic he brought to their lives, The Last Illusion is a touching portrait of the man behind the magic. Directed by Greg Shane, it runs through August 3 at the Blue Door Theater in Culver City. For tickets visit www.tinyurl.com/thelastillusion.

Our local theme parks are operating at full capacity. Most require advance reservations online, as well as advance ticket, and possibly food, purchases. You will need an app in some to be able to take full advantage of all attractions and restaurants. Please check their websites for details, restrictions, and availability before planning a visit:

Some theaters still provide online offerings in addition to or in lieu of live performances, with many events you can experience on a virtual basis. A few of these online events are only available on a one-time basis, while others are ongoing and can be viewed on-demand anytime. Visit each of the web sites below to see what they are currently offering. You will find free content as well as pay-per-view to choose from. Here are the links to web sites with online offerings:

Please help keep our theaters open by supporting live theater whenever you can. On behalf of the publisher Steve Zall, and the co-publisher & editor Sid Fish, we want to send our heartfelt thanks to the publicists who supply us with this content, the editors and publishers who deliver it to you, and most importantly, to our readers who enjoy our columns. We wish everyone health, prosperity, and joy throughout the year!

Sincerely,

Steve Zall, Publisher
Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor

Summer is here and it’s getting hot so why not slip into the comfort of one of our local live theaters where you can cool off for a while? It’s time to treat yourself to the magic of live theater by going to see a show!

Covid protocols continue to be dictated by each individual venue, so bring a face mask to wear during the show in case the venue requires it. It’s a good idea to check with the theater before you attend a show to find out what their current policy is.

The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should verify it with the theater to confirm it before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates for this month, or are already running:

OPENING

“2024 Pageant of the Masters – À La Mode: The Art of Fashion” The Pageant of the Masters is an annual theatrical celebration that brings famous works of art to life through live reenactments, transforming classical and contemporary pieces into living masterpieces accompanied by original live music and storytelling. Featured works to be re-created include paintings by American artist John Singer Sargent, French artists Edouard Manet and James Tissot, as well as British painters Thomas Gainsborough and David Hockney. Three-dimensional works will also appear in next summer’s production such as brooches and pendants from early 1900’s jewelers and various figurines by artist and designer Erté. Legendary Hollywood designer Edith Head will be recognized as well, with sketches and movie posters from her collaboration with director Alfred Hitchcock. Part of the annual Festival of Arts held in the same location. To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts, follow us on social media at @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com. Written and directed by Diane Challis Davy, it runs through August 30 at the Festival of Arts Grounds in Laguna Beach. For tickets, call 800-487-3378 or visit www.PageantTickets.com.

“Ink & Paint: A New Musical” Inspired by real events, Ink & Paint follows five women artists at Walt Disney Studios in the 1930s and beyond, whose ranks included first- and second-generation immigrants, a single mother and architect, a record-breaking pilot, a concept artist, and Disney’s first credited woman animator. They tell the true story of the company’s first all-women story unit in a madcap mashup of mid-century American history, the golden age of hand-drawn animation, and the wild, wisecracking women who fought tooth, nail, and paintbrush for their place in it. Written by Danielle Moore, with music by Danielle Moore, it runs July 5 through July 6 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets visit www.SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/ink-and-paint.

“Design for Living” a witty and charming romantic comedy by Noël Coward that was banned in 1930s London for its risqué content and bawdy themes. Otto loves Gilda. But… so does Leo. Gilda loves Otto… but she also loves Leo. And what’s going on between Otto and Leo? Filled with Coward’s scintillating dialogue, Design for Living is an emotional, dramatic, hilarious and scandalous love triangle. Or as the threesome’s longtime friend Ernest Friedman calls it, “a three-sided, erotic hotch-potch.” It’s a revolving door of passion, treachery and never-ending champagne. Can love prevail against the norms of society? Written by Noël Coward, and directed by Bart DeLorenzo, it runs July 6 through August 25 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.

“The Bauhaus Project” a world premiere theatrical event presented in two binge-worthy parts (Part 1: Bauhaus Weimer and Part 2: Bauhaus Dessau and Bauhaus Berlin), it looks at the rise of fascism and anti-Semitism in pre-war Germany and its effect on art, as well as at the artists who resisted, or — in some cases — contributed. A group of struggling Southern California art students creates a dramatic presentation on the history of the famous Bauhaus School. Written by Tom Jacobson, and directed by Martha Demson, it runs July 12 through August 18 at the Open Fist Theatre Company at Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets visit www.openfist.org.

“The Pitch” Tom Allen is a widower, raising his 15-year-old daughter as a single dad. Desperate for money, he grabs a job in a boiler-room set-up, selling machine parts over the phone. He soon discovers that his job requires him to make ethical compromises, occasionally misrepresenting the products he sells. He finds himself in competition with his co-workers. His tension builds as he discerns that his boss may be under investigation by the authorities, endangering the job that Tom needs so much. Life at home is getting complicated as well, as Tom becomes aware that boys notice that his daughter Michelle is becoming a woman. He faces disappointment as he discovers that his dreams for Michelle’s future do not match the aspirations that Michelle has for herself. How many compromises can Tom make if he wishes to remain a moral man and a good dad? Written by Tom Alper, and directed by Louie Liberti, it runs July 12 through August 4 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 or visit www.odysseytheatre.com.

“Tartuffe: Born Again” translator and adaptor Freyda Thomas puts a contemporary spin on the original French play, recasting Molière’s Tartuffe as a deposed televangelist who takes advantage of his naïve and gullible host to rook him and his family of their money. Moliere’s legendary comedic characters are wonderfully at home in this present-day version, which is set in a religious television studio in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and written wholly in delightful modern verse. Written by Molière, adapted by Freyda Thomas, and directed by Melora Marshall, it runs July 13 through October 13 at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.

“Here Comes the Night” When Olivia, a musician’s wife and climate science advocate, invites Maggie, an old friend turned social media influencer, to spend the weekend while she has an at-home medical abortion, she doesn’t realize that Maggie is about to throw Olivia off course. And actually, these women of different generations are about to alter each other’s lives in ways they hadn’t expected or imagined. What happens when a woman’s right to choose becomes a litmus test for all of her life choices? Written by Lisa Kenner Grissom, and directed by Hailey McAfee, it runs July 16 through July 20 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.bit.ly/HCTN_SheLa.

“Fools” is the comic tale of Leon, an enthusiastic young schoolteacher who seeks to cure the Ukrainian village of Kulyenchikov from the curse of chronic stupidity from which they have been suffering for 200 years. Hired to educate Sophia Zubritsky, the daughter of the town doctor, Leon falls in love with her at first sight, even though she just recently learned to sit down. Dr. Zubritsky is hopeful that this teacher will be the one to break the curse since the vendor sells fish instead of flowers, the shepherd is always losing their sheep, the postman keeps all the mail, while the townspeople sweep dust from their stoops back into their houses and milk their cows upside-down to get more cream. Written by Neil Simon, and directed by Jeremy Palmer, it runs July 19 through August 10 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“Irish Goodbye” In a small New Jersey pub, across the train tracks from the back of Saint Gertrude’s Catholic Cemetery, a disgraced cop and ex beauty queen take shelter from a frigid storm, forming an unlikely bond one lonely Christmas Eve. It will be a Christmas Eve that neither will ever forget. Written and directed by Tom Dugan, it runs July 19 through August 4 at Dugan’s Backyard Playhouse in Woodland Hills. For tickets email dbptickets@gmail.com.

“The Sound of Music” Based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, this play captures a personal tale of growth and hope amidst the horrors of World War II. THE SOUND OF MUSIC tells the tale of young postulant Maria Rainer, whose free spirit has trouble fitting into the rules and regulations of Nonnberg Abbey. Commissioned by the Mother Abbess to serve as the governess for seven motherless children, Maria transforms the Von Trapp family home from a place of dour rules and regulations to one filled with joy, with laughter, and with music. Written by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and directed by Richard Israel, it runs July 19 through July 28 at the Kavli Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets call 805-449-2787 or visit www.5startheatricals.com.

“Dido of Idaho” a very dark comedy about the lengths to which a woman might go for the love of a good man. Nora, a lovelorn baroque musicologist with a drinking problem, is head-over-heels for Michael, an English professor. Unfortunately, this particular good man has already been claimed by Crystal, a former Miss Idaho with a penchant for home manicures. When the extramarital hijinks go brutally awry, Nora flees to the Rocky Mountains to seek comfort from her estranged mother, Julie, and Julie’s new partner, Esther. In her desperate bid to find compassion, Nora risks losing the only family she’s ever had — maybe forever. Written by Abby Rosebrock, and directed by Abigail Dreser, it runs July 20 through August 26 at the Echo Theater Company Atwater Village Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 747-350-8066 or visit www.EchoTheaterCompany.com.

“Into the Woods” intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales, exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. The main characters are taken from Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Cinderella, and several others. The musical is tied together by a story involving a childless baker and his wife and their quest to begin a family, their interaction with a witch who has placed a curse on them, and their interactions with other storybook characters during their journey. Written by James Lapine, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Mary Jo DuPrey, it runs July 20 through August 11 at the Greenway Court Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-673-0544 or visit www.bit.ly/ITWLA.

“The Old Man and The Old Moon” takes audiences on an epic adventure across land, sea and sky—all in the name of love. Indie-folk music and ingenious staging transform this tall tale into a thrilling theatrical event like no other. The Old Man who keeps the moon filled with light wakes up one morning to find his wife has gone, lured away by a mysterious melody. In his quest to find her, he encounters colorful characters, gets caught in an apocalyptic storm and is swallowed by a giant fish. Can he find her before the moon runs out of light and the world plunges into darkness? The Old Man and the Old Moon is recommended for ages 7 and older. Written by PigPen Theatre Co, with music by PigPen Theatre Co, and directed by Kim Martin-Cotton, it runs July 20 through August 11 at the Mission San Juan Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit www.scr.org.

“Bonnie and Clyde The Musical: Filmed Live” Filmed live at Theatre Royal Drury Lane during two special one-off concert stagings in January 2022, Bonnie & Clyde The Musical: Filmed Live features theatre royalty Jeremy Jordan as Clyde (The Great Gatsby, Waitress, Super Girl, Newsies, The Last Five Years) who originated the role of Clyde Barrow in the Broadway premiere of the production in 2011. He is joined by Frances Mayli McCann (Heathers, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour) who went on to originate the role of Bonnie in the West End. The two sold-out concerts in London directed by Nick Winston made way for Bonnie & Clyde The Musical to become a musical sensation in the UK. After extended seasons at London’s Arts Theatre, the show then transferred to the Garrick Theatre before heading out on a nationwide tour where the production is currently playing in 30 venues across the UK & Ireland. The West End cast album was released in July and is available on all streaming platforms. This special edition filmed version of the concerts that began it all is a chance for fans and newcomers alike to experience the award-winning musical in an entirely new and immersive way. After this special one-time film preview, the show will be available to stream online on demand starting on Monday 24 June 2024. Written by Ivan Menchell, with music by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Don Black, and directed by Jeff Calhoun, it runs one day only on July 21 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets visit www.bonnieclydelive.com.

“Crevasse” Filmmaker and Nazi propagandist Leni Riefenstahl meets Walt Disney in this world premiere. In 1938, German filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl went to Hollywood to find American distribution for her award-winning film, Olympia. Only one studio head would meet with her: Walt Disney. Ann Noble and Leo Marks star in an astonishing true story of betrayal, Nazi propaganda and cartoons. Written by Tom Jacobson, and directed by Matthew McCray, it runs July 26 through August 18 at the Victory Theatre Center in Burbank. For tickets visit www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org.

“Poems for Mary” After their father’s death, his two grown children find a box of poetry that they didn’t know he wrote. By reading the poems, they are surprised, moved, and amused to discover things about the man they thought they knew. Written and directed by Lloyd J. Schwartz, it runs July 27 through July 28 at Theatre West in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-851-4839 or visit www.theatrewest.org.

“Camelot” Based on the King Arthur legend, it features the iconic characters King Arthur, Guenevere, Sir Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table. This epic story centers on the quest for democracy, justice, and the tragic struggle between passion, aspiration, and kingdoms. Transport yourself to a world of romance, revelry, and magic! Written by Alan Jay Lerner, with music by Frederick Loewe, lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, and directed by Jeffrey B. Moss, it runs July 28 through August 11 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“Keely and Du” Set in a tense and controversial world, this compelling and emotionally charged story follows the incredible journey of two women whose lives collide under extraordinary circumstances. Keely, a pregnant woman, finds herself held captive by Du, a zealous pro-life activist. As their clash of ideologies unfolds, secrets are revealed, alliances are tested, and the profound complexities of choice, autonomy, and compassion are brought to the forefront. Written by Jane Martin, and directed by Bryan Keith, it runs July 31 through August 17 at the Art of Acting Studio in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-601-5310 or visit www.ci.ovationtix.com/34736.

CONTINUING

“The Spy Who Went into Rehab” What happens when a James Bond-like spy gets sent to rehab for his excessive drinking, gambling, womanizing and anger issues? His journey to enlightenment gets derailed when his archenemy shows up for a final confrontation. A comedic look at how an outdated male relic, who still embodies toxic masculinity, learns to think differently, courtesy of a colorful group of “woke,” self-aware recovering addicts. Written by Gregg Ostrin, and directed by Cyndy Fujikawa, it runs through July 7 at the Pacific Resident Theatre in Venice. For tickets call 310-822-8392 or visit www.pacificresidenttheatre.org.

“The Year Without a Summer” Set in 1816, a band of European misfits hides and collides in an Alpine villa during the eponymous summer-less summer of 1816, with salonnière Matilda Dembowski presiding over the mischief. Through games, stories, and philosophical conversations, and with the help of a ridiculous cast of characters pulled from history and farce, the recently separated Matilda tries to determine her uncertain future. Written by Greer DuBois, and directed by Maia Luer & Daniel J. Parker, it runs through July 21 at the Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.

“Footloose” The heartfelt story that pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind. Written by Dean Pitchford, with music by Dean Pitchford, and directed by Niko Montelibano, it runs through July 28 at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-828-7519 or visit www.morgan-wixson.org.

“Unassisted Residency” Coleman has accrued a base of devoted fans throughout Southern California thanks to his four-decade, Emmy®-winning career as a weekday weathercaster for NBC4 Los Angeles, and his designation as honorary mayor of Toluca Lake. But he also had careers as an actor, writer, and comedian. Fritz has done live solo comedy shows before (The Reception; It’s Me, Dad!). His newest show, Unassisted Residency, gives him a platform to talk about those topics which emerge from his current perspective: that of a still vital seventy-something. His show for “boomers” will cover things like Zoom school, retirement, becoming vegan, pharmaceuticals, celebrating growing up, and growing old. The show will also feature some of his favorite stories and observations about modern life. Fritz will share the stage with a special guest each month. For all upcoming dates, that guest will be A-list comedian and comedy fan favorite Wendy Liebman. The shows are all matinee performances. Fritz says, “The show starts early…because I’m trying to be sensitive to the needs of my particular demographic….old people and their parents…I promise to have you home by dark.” Plying his trade with a gentler touch than some of his contemporaries, Fritz performs comedy you will love. Written and directed by Fritz Coleman, it runs through November 10 at the El Portal Theatre Monroe Forum in North Hollywood. For tickets visit www.elportaltheatre.com/fritzcoleman.

Our local theme parks are operating at full capacity. Most require advance reservations online, as well as advance ticket, and possibly food, purchases. You will need an app in some to be able to take full advantage of all attractions and restaurants. Please check their websites for details, restrictions, and availability before planning a visit:

Some theaters still provide online offerings in addition to or in lieu of live performances, with many events you can experience on a virtual basis. A few of these online events are only available on a one-time basis, while others are ongoing and can be viewed on-demand anytime. Visit each of the web sites below to see what they are currently offering. You will find free content as well as pay-per-view to choose from. Here are the links to web sites with online offerings:

Please help keep our theaters open by supporting live theater whenever you can. On behalf of the publisher Steve Zall, and the co-publisher & editor Sid Fish, we want to send our heartfelt thanks to the publicists who supply us with this content, the editors and publishers who deliver it to you, and most importantly, to our readers who enjoy our columns. We wish everyone health, prosperity, and joy throughout the year!

Sincerely,

Steve Zall, Publisher
Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor

Our local theaters have lots of new offerings. It’s time to treat yourself to the magic of live theater by going to see a show!

Covid protocols continue to be dictated by each individual venue, so bring a face mask to wear during the show in case the venue requires it. It’s a good idea to check with the theater before you attend a show to find out what their current policy is.

The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should verify it with the theater to confirm it before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates for this month, or are already running:

OPENING

“ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK: The Last Waltz World Tour”

NOTE: tickets from the previously scheduled event will be honored on this date. 

In a career spanning over 50 years, Engelbert has generated sales in excess of 140 million records, including 64 gold albums and 35 platinum, four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe, and stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Las Vegas Walk of Fame, and Leicester Walk of Fame.

He has performed for the Queen four times, several presidents and many heads of state. He has recorded everything from the most romantic ballads to movie theme songs, disco, rock, and even gospel. His unique voice has charmed millions of fans around the globe. 

However, it’s not just the voice, but the man himself, with his endearing sense of humor and self-deprecating jokes. Engelbert has managed to strike a new chord with a younger generation, appearing on MTV several times.

Engelbert exploded on to the music scene with The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. The shy handsome man catapulted almost instantly to world icon. He became great friends with Elvis and the two legends often performed each other’s songs. His first single in the charts was “Release Me,” which went into the Guinness Book of Records for achieving 56 consecutive weeks on the charts. It was No. 1 in 11 countries. The following decades see Engelbert constantly touring the world to sell-out crowds. He takes great pleasure in every moment on stage.

Engelbert’s music has transcended time and his voice continues to reach out to people now – serving to transport and inspire, to embrace and to provoke feelings and emotions… ingredients that are no doubt the essence of his long-lasting success.

Engelbert’s hit song “A Man Without Love” was just featured in Marvel’s “Moon Knight” Disney+ Series, with his music & social media charts breaking all records. In Sony Pictures’ new Brad Pitt film “Bullet Train” Engelbert’s song “Forever Blowing Bubbles” is featured as well.

Engelbert was just awarded the Honor of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) on Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honors List presented by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne.

Doors 6:00pm. Headliner 8:00pm.

Tickets $58 / $68 / $78 / $98 / $129 + applicable fees.

Under 18 Must Be Accompanied by a Paying Adult.

With regard and respect for the safety of our patrons no bags allowed unless they are clear and their contents are clearly visible.

Starring the incomparable Englebert Humperdinck, the show runs ONE NIGHT ONLY on Saturday, June 29 at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 888-645-5006 or visit www.wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/events/engelbert-humperdinck-the-last-waltz-world-tour-beverly-hills-june-2024.

“Disney’s The Little Mermaid” In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID is a gloriously magical love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy® Award winner Alan Menken, this perfect-for-the-whole family, fishy-fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World.” Written by Doug Wright, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and directed by Glenn Casale, it runs June 1 through June 23 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets call 562-944-9801 or visit www.LaMiradaTheatre.com.

“Frida- Stroke of Passion: The Immersive Experience” The play begins on July 7, 1954, Frida’s 47th birthday. She will die exactly one week later. The narrative will explore the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death. (There is an official account of her cause of death, but how did she die really?) This is not all, however. It is the story of a woman living as vibrantly as she can despite dwindling health and a world of pain. She attempts to continue painting. Partially anesthetized by a mixture of tequila and painkillers, she is visited by many lovers, male and female, singer Chavela Vargas, movie star Maria Felix, Communist politician Leon Trotsky, entertainer Josephine Baker, Cuban spy Teresa Proenza, photographer Tina Modotti, and Frida’s husband, painter and muralist Diego Rivera. Some are physically present in her room, others are recreated and present in her vivid memory. The relationship between Frida and Diego is deeply complex. Diego is incapable of sexual monogamy, so much so that he practically pushes Frida into the arms of other lovers. Yet their emotional attachment to each other is surpassingly deep and a thing of wonder. Written by Odalys Nanin, and directed by Corky Dominguez, it runs June 1 through June 23 at the Casa 0101 Theater in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.machatheatre.org.

“The Winter’s Tale” Containing one of Shakespeare’s most famous stage directions (“Exit, pursued by a bear”), The Winter’s Tale is a tragedy in its first third and a comic pastoral in its second, then finally resolves itself in romance. In a jealous rage, King Leontes (Aaron Hendry) falsely accuses his wife, Hermione (Willow Geer), of adultery with his best friend, King Polixenes (Max Lawrence). Their baby daughter, Perdita (Sophia Dawson), cast out to die, is adopted by an old shepherd (Earnestine Phillips) and secretly grows up in Polixenes’ kingdom as a shepherdess. When Polixenes discovers that his son (Christian Jordan Smith) has fallen in love with Perdita, he forbids their marriage and the lovers flee. Through the inadvertent help of a comic pickpocket (Gerald C. Rivers), a clown (Daniel Ramirez) and two shepherdesses (Aubrey Sage and Liza Rash), the lovers and their parents are reunited, and old wounds are healed through the forgiving power of love. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Ellen Geer, it runs June 1 through September 30 at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.

“Holmes & Watson” Prepare yourself for a fast-paced, thrilling, suspenseful story that will keep you guessing until its final moments. In this worthwhile addition to the Sherlock Holmes canon, there are more twists and turns than a rollercoaster! The legendary Sherlock Holmes is dead. Or so it is assumed. When a telegram arrives informing his loyal companion Dr. Watson that there are three men who each claim to be Holmes, it’s left up to the famous sidekick to take on the case and try to discover if one of the mad men is actually the real Sherlock Holmes. Written by Jeffrey Hatcher, and directed by David Ellenstein, it runs June 2 through June 16 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Shakespeare’s most entertaining and beguiling comedy, Theatricum audiences insist on its return every summer. Once again, the venue’s wooded stage will morph into the enchanted woods of Athens, where mortal lovers chase and are chased, players prepare, and fairies make magical mischief. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Willow Geer, it runs June 2 through September 23 at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga Canyon. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.

“The Batette Follies of 1939” This latest parody follows the revue format seamlessly blending vintage aesthetics with contemporary flair. It showcases characters from the Dark Knight universe incorporating live music, dance, burlesque, cabaret, and circus, all infused with his subversive take on pop culture. Attendees must be 18-years or older to enter. Written and directed by Russall S. Beattie, it runs June 6 through July 14 at the Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.batettefollies1939.com.

“Duran DurAntony & Cleopatra” Watch the award-winning Troubies COME UNDONE as they tell the twisted tale of love, lust, and sharp objects where the RIO GRANDE becomes the Nile in Troubadour Theater Company’s latest world premiere musical comedy event. Written and directed by Matt Walker, it runs June 6 through June 16 at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. For tickets call 818-558-7000 or visit www.troubie.com.

“Across Time: Love and Humanity During War” Drawing from the rich and complicated tapestry of military history, the correspondences between those deployed and those at home serve as the inspiration behind this original theatrical production. These letters, spanning from past wars and conflicts such as the Civil War to Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (1 January 2015 to 30 August 2021), provide a poignant window into the hopes, fears, and observations from those who served. It is an original theatrical production inspired by letters from past wars and conflicts that provide a poignant window into the hopes, fears, and experiences of those who served. Through this live performance, audiences will witness the myriad of humanity encapsulated in these historical letters, original plays, and monologues written by living veterans of the United States Armed Forces. This production offers a unique and complex perspective on the human aspect of war, spanning from the Civil War to the beginning of The War on Terror. The intent of this production is to give voice to veterans who have experienced war as well as to show how the different wars affected and continue to affect their relationship to the military. In addition, it is the hope that the audience will gain new understanding about our veterans and what it means to serve in uniform. Written by Leilani Squire and Bryan Caldwell, and directed by Douglas Gabrielle, it runs June 7 through June 16 at the Blue Door in Culver City. For tickets visit www.bluedoorculver.com.

“The Ghee Ghee Pik” Inspired by actual events, the play is a fascinating story of what can happen when A.I. technology is implanted in the human brain. Written by Suzy London, and directed by Kathleen Delaney, it runs June 13 through July 14 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre – Upstairs Stage in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“Cabaret” In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920’s draw to a close, a garish Master of Ceremonies welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all their troubles at the Cabaret. With the Emcee’s bawdy songs as wry commentary, Cabaret explores the dark, heady, and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Cliff, a young American writer newly arrived in Berlin, is immediately taken with English singer Sally Bowles. Meanwhile, Fräulein Schneider, proprietor of Cliff and Sally’s boarding house, tentatively begins a romance with Herr Schultz, a mild-mannered fruit seller who happens to be Jewish. Musical numbers include “Willkommen,” “Cabaret,” “Don’t Tell Mama” and “Two Ladies.” Written by Joe Masteroff, play by John Van Druten, stories by Christopher Isherwood, with music by John Kander, lyrics By Fred Ebb, and directed by Meyer2Meyer Entertainment, it runs June 14 through June 30 at the Nocturne Theatre in Glendale. For tickets visit www.thenocturnetheatre.com.

“The Outsider” Ned Newly is terrified of public speaking, and his poll numbers are impressively bad. But political consultant Arthur Vance sees things a bit differently. Sure, Ned might possibly be the worst candidate to ever run for office — but what if that’s exactly what the public is looking for? Written by Paul Slade Smith, and directed by Brian Shnipper, it runs June 14 through June 30 at the International City Theatre in the Beverly O’Neill Theatre in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

“The Other Side of Oz” is a funny, musical, nostalgic, and emotionally moving tribute to a great dad and Hollywood icon, Buddy Ebsen. The cabaret-style jazz show features many personal and fascinating showbiz stories. Kiki explores the unexpected journey of her father’s 70-year career. Kiki Ebsen is a dynamic singer, songwriter, musician and artist whose vast musical range combines elements of jazz, pop, classical and rock. Whether singing standards from the Great American songbook, classic rock covers or her own original compositions, Kiki has a style that is uniquely her own. For over 20 years, Ebsen was heralded as a talented vocalist and gifted keyboard player, supporting Grammy-winning and platinum-selling artists, including Al Jarreau, Tracy Chapman, Michael McDonald, and Boz Scaggs. The ultra-entertaining music-infused show is about Buddy Ebsen, the beloved star of stage, TV, and film. Kiki promises most folks will see her father’s story as evocative for their own emotional trek with their dads. Buddy’s impressive credits include starring in The Beverly Hillbillies, Barnaby Jones, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Davy Crockett, and Captain January with Shirley Temple. Under the direction of Walt Disney, he pioneered the animated Dancing Man, and even had a brush with death as the original Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz. Kiki frames all these tales with vintage clips and memorable songs supported by great jazz musicians. Written and directed by Kiki Ebsen, it runs June 15 through June 16 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.

“Tiny Father” When a “friends with benefits” relationship unexpectedly results in the early arrival of a baby girl, Daniel must choose between being a biological parent or becoming a father. With the help of a no-nonsense night nurse, the new dad learns to navigate the protocols and frustrations of NICU life on his uncertain path to parenthood in this funny and heartfelt new play where growth is measured in more than grams. Written by Mike Lew, and directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel, it runs June 20 through July 14 at the Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.

“If All the Sky Were Paper” Bestselling author Andrew Carroll embarked on a literary journey in search of wartime correspondences after discovering a profoundly moving letter written by a distant cousin detailing service as a pilot in the Second World War. The echo of this letter led Carrol on a path of discovery trailing not just all fifty states, but over thirty countries and two active warzones where he cataloged testimonies of troops, medics, nurses, chaplains, family members on the homefront, and civilians caught in the crossfire of combat. These voices wove together into a tapestry of the human experience he aptly describes as “the World’s Greatest Undiscovered Literature.” His humanistic odyssey of our experiences in war are now presented on the stage and work to capture those facets of human emotion too often lost in the wake of tragedy and strife. Previously performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Andrew Carroll’s newly revised and expanded version of If All the Sky Were Paper is a play that is both pertinent and timeless. Written by Andrew Carroll, and directed by Jude Lucas, it runs June 21 through July 7 at the Porticos Art Space in Pasadena. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/e/if-all-the-sky-were-paper-by-bestselling-author-andrew-carroll-tickets-912274426367?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

“Wendy’s Peter Pan” All the familiar characters are present as now grown-up Wendy (Willow Geer) recounts her marvelous childhood adventure to her own children. The tale comes to life on Theatricum’s wooded stage as Wendy recalls how she and her brothers (Quinnlyn Scheppner as young Wendy, Jaz Bennassar as John, Julius Geer-Polin as Michael) flew off to Neverland with Peter Pan (Gabrielle Beauvais), cared for the Lost Boys (Cole Dechant, Emelie Dechant, Asher Edwards, Logan Filippi, Luther Geer-Polin, Schroeder Shelby-Szyszk, Aster Laine Smith, Georgiana Swanson, Aralyn Clare Wilson, Elliott Grey Wilson), and crossed paths with Tiger Lily (Ianthe Marini), a mermaid (Robyn Cohen), Captain Hook (Lynn Robert Berg), the pirates (Hunter James, Craig “Linc” Lincoln, John Ellsworth Phillips, Kevin Rauch, Adam Roberts, Sky Wahl) and, of course… Tinkerbell. Written by J.M. Barrie, and directed by Ellen Geer, it runs June 22 through October 4 at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” Starring Richard Thomas as Atticus Finch. Set in Alabama in 1934, Harper Lee’s enduring story of racial injustice and childhood innocence centers on one of the most venerated characters in American literature, small-town lawyer Atticus Finch. The cast of characters includes Atticus’s daughter Scout, her brother Jem, their housekeeper and caretaker, Calpurnia, their visiting friend Dill, and a mysterious neighbor, the reclusive Arthur “Boo” Radley. The other indelible residents of Maycomb, Alabama, are Bob Ewell, Tom Robinson, prosecutor Horace Gilmer, Judge Taylor and Mayella Ewell. Written by Aaron Sorkin, based on Harper Lee’s classic novel, and directed by Bartlett Sher, it runs June 25 through June 30 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets visit www.americantheatreguild.com/thousandoaks.

“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” The timeless story follows Belle, a bright and curious young woman, who finds herself trapped in the castle of a mysterious Beast. As they learn to overcome their differences, a powerful bond begins to form. But time is running out, and the Beast must learn to love and be loved in return before a powerful curse takes hold forever. Written by Linda Woolverton, with music by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and directed by Tim Nelson, it runs June 28 through July 14 at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster. For tickets call 714-793-1150 Ext. 1 or visit www.rosecentertheater.com.

CONTINUING

“#Casey and Tommy Get Hitched” College friends reunite several years after graduation for Tommy’s wedding. But not all of them are onboard with Tommy’s choice of partner. After exclusively dating men in college, Tommy is about to marry a woman. Will the friends get onboard or sabotage the wedding to try and “save” Tommy? And will any of them even make it to the wedding after a night of the most elaborate drinking game you’ve ever seen? Written by Molly Wagner, and directed by Natasha Renae Potts and Madylin Sweeten Durrie, it runs through June 9 at the Sawyer’s Playhouse at Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.

“Broadway and Beyond: Ms. Cast” features an all-female or non-binary cast in a celebration of Broadway, film and Off-Broadway hits mixed in with little known musical theater gems. In celebration of the oft overlooked talents of the Ladies of Broadway, much of the music you will hear in this cabaret will be by female composers, female lyricists, or songs made famous by legendary ladies of the musical theater. From Jeanine Tesori to Carole King, to Sara Bareilles, some of the most well-known and beloved musical theater songs were created by female artists. So, grab a delicious dessert or glass of wine and enjoy an evening or afternoon of incredible Broadway style music sung by a bevy of amazing voices. Written by Fred Helsel, Philip McBride and Mazie Rudolph, and directed by Fred Helsel, it runs through June 9 at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center in Simi Valley. For tickets call 805-583-7900 or visit www.simi-arts.org.

“The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” A backer’s audition in a mansion in Chappaqua, NY, gathers a team of successful Broadway show folk, and it turns out one of them is the infamous “Stage Door Slasher”–but who? The snow falls, the jokes fly, the bodies drop, and the power keeps going out as the group tries to find the killer in this hilarious farce. Written by John Bishop, and directed by Lee Costello, it runs through June 30 at the Pierson Playhouse in Pacific Palisades. For tickets call 310-454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org.

“You Can’t Take It with You” Expect the unexpected in this madcap comedy which centers around a girl from a family of freethinkers who falls for the son of a conservative banker. The play is a marvelous delight as it paints a richly, colorful portrait of the country’s most eccentric, lovable household. Originally produced on Broadway in 1936, this play ran for nearly three years. The 1938 film won the Oscar for Best Film. Written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, and directed by Leota Rhodes, it runs through July 7 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre – Main Stage in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

Our local theme parks are operating at full capacity. Most require advance reservations online, as well as advance ticket, and possibly food, purchases. You will need an app in some to be able to take full advantage of all attractions and restaurants. Please check their websites for details, restrictions, and availability before planning a visit:

Some theaters still provide online offerings in addition to or in lieu of live performances, with many events you can experience on a virtual basis. A few of these online events are only available on a one-time basis, while others are ongoing and can be viewed on-demand anytime. Visit each of the web sites below to see what they are currently offering. You will find free content as well as pay-per-view to choose from. Here are the links to web sites with online offerings:

Please help keep our theaters open by supporting live theater whenever you can. On behalf of the publisher Steve Zall, and the co-publisher & editor Sid Fish, we want to send our heartfelt thanks to the publicists who supply us with this content, the editors and publishers who deliver it to you, and most of all, to our readers who enjoy our columns. We wish everyone good health, prosperity, and joyful times throughout the year!

Sincerely,

Steve Zall, Publisher
Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor

Our local theaters have lots of new offerings. It’s time to treat yourself to the magic of live theater by going to see a show!

Covid protocols continue to be dictated by each individual venue, so bring a face mask to wear during the show in case the venue requires it. It’s a good idea to check with the theater before you attend a show to find out what their current policy is.

The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should verify it with the theater to confirm it before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates for this month, or are already running:

OPENING

“Distractions at the Crash Site: Short Plays” Come delve into the wondrous, twisted mind of Steve Yockey in this evening of short works full of intimate little stories told on a very big, very bold scale. Simple, everyday problems collide with the most bizarre spectacle! Whether it’s deadly space debris, a blood-spattered chorus or a man literally called to save the world, what constitutes “normal” is forever in question. It’s a dark, hilarious, potentially gruesome and beautifully moving ride. We’d hate for you to miss out on all the fun! Written by Steve Yockey, and directed by Ryan Bergmann, it runs May 2 through June 1 at the Theatre of NOTE in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.theatreofnote.com.

“The Hope Theory” As a Portuguese immigrant, storyteller, and sleight-of-hand magician, Helder Guimarães arrived in America at age 29. Wide-eyed and full of ideas, he discovers a fascinating puzzle of cultural and professional challenges to solve while he tries to build a home. The Hope Theory offers a unique perspective on America through the eyes of an optimistic outsider. Written by Helder Guimarães, and directed by Frank Marshall, it runs May 2 through June 30 at the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.

“Broadway Bound” a new jukebox musical featuring extraordinary musicians with different disabilities. It features songs and scenes from acclaimed musicals that you know and love. Rex & Friends will take you on a sensational journey through the eyes of a young teen, who is experiencing the phenomenon of Broadway for the first time. The cast is entirely comprised of actors from Rex & Friends. Written and directed by Laurie Grant, it runs May 3 through May 18 at the Blue Door in Culver City. For tickets visit www.bluedoorculver.com.

“What the Constitution Means to Me” Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human play, she resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives. Written by Heidi Schreck, and directed by Caryn Desai [sic], it runs May 3 through May 19 at the International City Theatre in the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

“Agnes of God” is a riveting psychological thriller that follows a court psychiatrist assessing a young nun on trial for manslaughter of the baby no one knew she was pregnant with, perhaps not even her. Mystical, harrowing, and puzzling, the play is Rosemary’s Baby meets docu-drama meets The Exorcist in its themes of bodily autonomy, religious devotion, and supernatural ambiguity. Written by John Pielmeier, and directed by Zoe Lesser, it runs May 4 through May 26 at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets visit www.morgan-wixson.com.

“Bob Baker Marionette Theatre – A Morning at the Theater” This spring, the Bob Baker Marionette Theatre – a Southland treasure long recognized for introducing children to the wonder of puppetry and theater – inspires imagination with two enchanting performances of “A Morning at the Theater” at the Sierra Madre Playhouse. Each family shows includes an engaging puppetry performance, fun hands-on interactive activities, and surprising behind-the-scenes puppetry insights. The Theater has captivated the hearts of children and families for half a century with the legacy of its founder Bob Baker continuing to live on through the hands and hearts of the company’s dedicated puppeteers. Written and directed by Bob Baker Marionette Theatre, it runs May 4 through May 11 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

“Ghost Waltz” is a boldly original recovery of Juventino Rosas, one of Mexico’s most significant classical composers — an Indigenous musician whose life story has gone untold and whose works have been attributed to Europeans. Following Rosas from his father’s early death to his friendship with ragtime genius Scott Joplin, Mayer mixes music, magic, drama, passion, spirituality and dance in a celebration that explores the lives of people of color during the emerging Americas of the late 19th century, and their ghost-like impact on our own lives today. Written by Oliver Mayer, with music by Alberto López, and directed by Alberto Barboza, it runs May 4 through June 2 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-489-0994 or visit www.latinotheaterco.org.

“Two Stop” takes place on the verge of the ’92 L.A. Uprising. A Korean market. A murder scene. A store owner and a neighborhood teenage girl face off. When her wild card mother arrives, secrets from the past explode in this tiny store. History and histories go head-to-head as L.A. starts to burn. Together they reach back decades and across the globe through war, strife and love, finding connection and even hope. Written by David Johann Kim, and directed by Tracey A. Leigh, it runs May 4 through June 9 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets visit www.estlosangeles.org.

“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” Join us as we follow the tale of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. The narrative unfolds with the hope that if the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will be broken, and he will be restored to his former self. However, time is of the essence, and the looming threat of eternal doom hovers over the Beast and his household. Music by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice, with music by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice, it runs May 10 through May 26 at the Nocturne Theatre in Glendale. For tickets visit www.thenocturnetheatre.com.

“Once on This Island” tells the tale of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl who falls in love with a wealthy boy from the other side of the island. When their divided cultures keep them apart, Ti Moune is guided by the powerful island gods, Erzulie, Asaka, Papa Ge, and Agwe on a remarkable quest to reunite with the man who has captured her heart. Bursting with Caribbean colors, rhythms and dance, the story transforms the reality of a tropical village devastated by a storm into a fantastic world alive with hope. Written by Lynn Ahrens, with music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and directed by Elijah Green, it runs May 10 through June 8 at the Westchester Playhouse in Westchester. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“American Mariachi” It’s the 1970s and women can’t be mariachis…or can they? Lucha spends her days caring for her mother and yearning for more. Defying expectations, Lucha and her spunky cousin hunt for bandmates and take up instruments. A loving gesture for a mother becomes much more as the young women dream big and embrace the transcendent power of music. Written by José Cruz González, and directed by Jose Luis Valenzuela, it runs May 11 through June 9 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-489-0994 or visit www.latinotheaterco.org.

“The Last Five Years” Set against a backdrop of soaring melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the play delves into the highs and lows of love, dreams, and the passage of time. Double cast due to the length of the run, the featured actors are Bryan Mittelstadt, Jayde Mitchell, Margaret Berkowitz, and Jackie Bonsignore. Written by Jason Robert Brown, with music by Jason Robert Brown, and directed by Josh Shaw, it runs May 17 through June 16 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

“Misalliance” Eight marriage proposals and a plane crash, all in one afternoon. Much to the delight of bourgeois underwear tycoon John Tarleton and his wife, their sweet, seemingly proper daughter is set to cement the family’s entry into Edwardian aristocracy with her upcoming marriage to the son of Lord Summerhays. But the unexpected arrival of uninvited guests suddenly changes everything in this wildly subversive comedy. Written by George Bernard Shaw, and directed by Guillermo Cienfuegos, it runs May 18 through June 9 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3100 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.

“Mix-Mix: The Filipino Adventures of a German Jewish Boy” Grand in scale, exciting, touching, and at times hilarious, Mix-Mix centers on 13-year-old Rudy Preissman, whose newfound tropical refuge in the Philippines after escaping Nazi Germany is upended when Japan invades the islands — forcing his family and their Filipino friends to hide out in the heights and depths of sacred Mount Banahao. Written by Boni B. Alvarez, and directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera, it runs May 18 through June 16 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-489-0994 or visit www.latinotheaterco.org.

“My White Husband” Omar, a young writer with a great script about his life with his husband, has been trying to get his show “Omar Loves Ricky” made for years. Ricardo, a successful lawyer who gave up his practice in Atlanta to support Omar’s dreams, is trying to stay supportive. But waiting for this particular dream to pan out is taking them both to the end of their patience. And their savings. Salvation comes with a call from Susan, VP of Programming at Phoenix Studios, who wants to make Omar’s show. She loves the script and wouldn’t change a thing. Well, one tiny thing. She wants to change Omar’s very real Black husband to a White husband, specifically to White actor Julian Fisher, an Emmy winning teen heart throb who 20 years later is in need of a comeback. Bouncing back and forth between reality and Omar’s black and white fantasy world, he has to decide how far he’s willing to go to make those fantasies real. My White Husband looks at classic sitcom tropes, what they cost us, and asks – can a Black, gay couple survive a White husband? Written by Leviticus Jelks, and directed by Melissa Coleman-Reed, it runs May 18 through June 23 at the Moving Arts Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets visit www.movingarts.org/project/my-white-husband.

“Pang Spa” Daniel Pang returns home to L.A.’s Koreatown stepping into an unexpected life. Twenty years after the L.A. Uprising, the family business is gone, his brother is gone, and his parents are disappearing with dementia. As Daniel juggles his parents’ care and idiosyncratic neighbors a flinty young army vet arrives on a mission forcing him to confront his past. PANG SPA is a Los Angeles, K-town dramedy celebrating family, memory and identity through a journey of healing. Written by David Johann Kim, and directed by Reena Dutt, it runs May 19 through June 9 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets visit www.chalkrep.com.

“The Explorers Club” London, 1879. The prestigious Explorers Club is in crisis: their acting president wants to admit a woman, and their bartender is terrible. True, this female candidate is brilliant, beautiful, and has discovered a legendary Lost City, but the decision to let in a woman could shake the very foundation of the British Empire, and how do you make such a decision without a decent drink? Grab your safety goggles for some very mad science involving deadly cobras, irate Irishmen and the occasional airship. Written by Nell Benjamin, and directed by Melanie MacQueen, it runs May 23 through June 23 at the Theatre Forty in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.

“R.U.R. Cabaret” R.U.R. is an abbreviation for “Rossum’s Universal Robots.” Capek is credited with coining the term “robot” and introducing it to the English language. In Capek’s original concept, robots were constructed of synthetic organic materials and would be what we now call androids, rather than the clanky, metallic mechanical men of 1950s science fiction. In a dystopian future, robots are created by humans to do the work of humans and labor for them indefinitely. However, the robots have been created too well and begin to think independently. They start to rebel against their human masters. What will that portend for the future of the human race? Written by Kai Cofer, based on the play by Karel Capek, with music by Larry Evans, lyrics by Kai Cofer, and directed by Larry Evans, it runs May 30 through June 2 at the Porticos Art Space in Pasadena. For tickets visit www.rurcabaret.bpt.me.

“Private Parts” is a collection of personal true stories, some funny and some moving, that make a difference. There is nothing more powerful than the truth, in life and in art. The sharing of true and personal stories is a gift to the ones who share and the ones who receive. It is a connection that brings us together with renewed energy and makes us all value the memorable moments in our own lives. Written by Theatre West Associates, and directed by Laura James, it runs May 31 through June 2 at the Theatre West in Studio City. For tickets call 323-851-4839 or visit www.theatrewest.org.

CONTINUING

“The Green Book Wine Club Train Trip” During a weekend train trip with her wine and book club, Marie accidentally time travels to the 1940s, where she stays in a boarding house mentioned in her grandmother’s copy of “The Negro Motorist’s Green Book.” Not only has she traveled to Jim Crow Missouri, but she also finds herself staying in a boarding house that is actually a bordello, and where one of the working girls might be someone she knows. Written by Michelle Tyrene Johnson, and directed by Jazmine Nichelle, it runs through May 5 at the Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.

“Hitler’s Tasters” A dark comedy based on the largely unknown story of young German women conscripted to taste Adolf Hitler’s food for poison, this fictional account explores the way girls navigate sexuality, friendship, and patriotism during the Third Reich. Using an anachronistic retelling of a historical footnote, Hitler’s Tasters considers what girls discuss as they wait to see if they will survive another meal. Inspired by a 2014 interview with 94-year-old Margot Wölk who, for the first time, revealed her harrowing past as one of Adolf Hitler’s food tasters. Margot, a German secretary at the time, was among fifteen young women selected for this “honor” at Hitler’s Wolf’s Lair. Written by Michelle Kholos Brooks, and directed by Sarah Norris, it runs through June 3 at the Henry Murray Stage upstairs at the Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 855-585-5185 or visit www.roguemachinetheatre.org.

Our local theme parks are operating at full capacity. Most require advance reservations online, as well as advance ticket, and possibly food, purchases. You will need an app in some to be able to take full advantage of all attractions and restaurants. Please check their websites for details, restrictions, and availability before planning a visit:

Some theaters still provide online offerings in addition to or in lieu of live performances, with many events you can experience on a virtual basis. A few of these online events are only available on a one-time basis, while others are ongoing and can be viewed on-demand anytime. Visit each of the web sites below to see what they are currently offering. You will find free content as well as pay-per-view to choose from. Here are the links to web sites with online offerings:

Please help keep our theaters open by supporting live theater whenever you can. On behalf of the publisher Steve Zall, and the co-publisher & editor Sid Fish, we want to send our heartfelt thanks to the publicists who supply us with this content, the editors and publishers who deliver it to you, and most of all, to our readers who enjoy our columns. We wish everyone good health, prosperity, and joyful times throughout the new year!

Sincerely,

Steve Zall, Publisher
Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor

Our local theaters have lots of new offerings. It’s time to treat yourself to the magic of live theater by going to see a show!

Covid protocols continue to be dictated by each individual venue, so bring a face mask to wear during the show in case the venue requires it. It’s a good idea to check with the theater before you attend a show to find out what their current policy is.

The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should verify it with the theater to confirm it before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates for this month, or are already running:

OPENING

“Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical” Prepare for an epic tale exploring the eternal struggle between good and evil. The narrative revolves around two men—Dr. Jekyll is a passionate and romantic doctor, and Mr. Hyde is a terrifying and unpredictable madman. As the story unfolds, murder and chaos clash with themes of love and virtue, creating a hauntingly beautiful and thought-provoking experience. Immerse yourself in the sweeping gothic landscape of “Jekyll & Hyde” where boundaries between light and darkness blur, and the thin line between sanity and madness is explored. The Nocturne Theatre invites you to witness an intense journey filled with suspense, passion, and the complexities of the human soul. Written by Leslie Bricusse, conceived for the stage by Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn, with music by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, and directed by Meyer2Meyer Entertainment, it runs April 5 through April 21 at the Nocturne Theatre in Glendale. For tickets visit www.thenocturnetheatre.com.

“Fat Ham” Meet Juicy, a young, queer Black man with a Shakespearean-sized dilemma. When the ghost of his dead father shows up at his family’s BBQ wedding reception demanding his murder be avenged, does the poetic and sensitive Juicy have it in him to do the deed, or will he “to thine own self be true?” Written by James Ijames, and directed by Sideeq Heard, it runs April 4 through April 28 at the Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.

“The Pillowman” This show is a stunner of a play! In a totalitarian state a writer is interrogated by the authorities about a series of murders that bear a striking similarity to his work. Is this life imitating art or something more sinister? When the writer’s mentally impaired sibling is also brought in for questioning this police procedural takes spellbinding twists and turns. Written by Martin McDonagh, and directed by Brian Allman, it runs April 4 through April 14 at the Broadwater Main Stage in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.onstage411.com/pillowman.

“Unsavory Fellow” Nick James was originally from Cleveland but spent his pivotal formative years growing up in Santa Monica, near the beach and the sunshine. In school, he wanted to be one of the cool kids, but the Midwestern transplant sometimes felt like more of a geek. His stepfather had warned him against falling in with the bad boys or, as he termed them, “unsavory fellows.” Guess what happened? Falling in with the bad crowd, he transforms, and his confidence and charisma expand exponentially. Possessed of an overactive imagination, his geographic proximity to Hollywood leads him to believe that he can become a star. In pursuit of a glamorous career in Hollywood, he then proceeds to make every mistake imaginable. His handsome looks and abundant charm lead him into side gigs as a gigolo and as a supermodel in Japan. Inclinations towards brawling and substance abuse derail his progress. He becomes an independent filmmaker. He gets roles on film and television. Along the way, he woos and wins a beautiful wife, and they have a son. Will the Unsavory Fellow finally realize his dreams, or will his tendency towards self-sabotage bring his world crashing down? Written and directed by Nick James, it runs April 4 through April 27 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/e/unsavory-fellow-a-one-man-show-starring-nick-james-tickets-789781677257?aff=oddtdtcreator.

“Fear of Heights” the story of an Irish American kid’s phobias, family life and the meaning of success. Flynn’s grandfather, a tough, Irish steelworker, may have been unafraid to perch precariously on a steel beam high above the New York skyline — but young Kevin finds himself dreaming of the bright lights of Hollywood instead. Tim Byron Owen directs this funny, moving autobiographical solo show in which Flynn, a former professional soccer player and current award-winning stand-up comedian, actor, writer and television host, examines the American experience through the lens of his Irish immigrant family. Written by Kevin Flynn, and directed by Tim Byron Owen, it runs April 5 through April 14 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.

“Prelude to a Kiss, The Musical” explores what happens when a mysterious guest requests a kiss at Peter and Rita’s wedding—and their lives are forever changed. Refreshed, reimagined and elevated by a breathtaking score, this modern fable soars through the peaks and valleys of love—the perfect salve for our disconnected times. Written by Craig Lucas, with music by Daniel Messé, lyrics by Daniel Messé and Sean Hartley, and directed by David Ivers, it runs April 5 through May 4 at the South Coast Repertory Segerstrom Stage in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit www.scr.org.

“Twelfth Night” Stranded on the coast of Illyria, the quick-witted Viola assumes the disguise of a page boy for Duke Orsino and finds herself at the center of an explosive love triangle in which identity, passion and gender all threaten to come undone. Bursting with vitality and romance, Twelfth Night gives us one of Shakespeare’s most remarkable heroines matching wits with a host of captivating characters—from the love-struck Olivia to the puritanical Malvolio. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Michael T. Kachingwe, it runs April 5 through May 12 at the Actors Co-op David Schall Theater in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-462-8460 or visit www.ActorsCo-op.org.

“Aleichem Sholom: The Wit and Wisdom of Sholom Aleichem” this musical is performed in English with just a taste of Yiddish and follows the life of the beloved Yiddish storyteller Sholom Aleichem and his mespoche, spinning tales of his loves and losses, his fame and his failures, his travels, his travails and the tremendous joy and optimism that kept him going against all odds. It is said that Sholom Aleichem wrote from dawn till dusk, his pen never still, the characters swirling and whirling about in his mind, dancing from his thoughts to the page to the hearts of readers all over the globe. In addition to being the “father of modern Yiddish literature” and one of the most widely read authors of all time, he was also a great lover of music, a lyricist, a poet, a speaker, a mischief-maker, the class clown, a romantic in spite of himself, and a consummate mimic. Written by Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie, with music by Emery Bernauer, E. Rudie and Sholom Aleichem, and directed by Arthur R. Tompkins, it runs April 6 through May 19 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 Ext. 1 or visit www.SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/aleichem-sholom.

“In the Heights” is an exhilarating journey into the lives of the residents of the Dominican-American neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City – a vibrant community where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, with music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and directed by Ariella Salinas Fiore and Fred Helsel, it runs April 6 through May 5 at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center in Simi Valley. For tickets call 805-583-7900 or visit www.simi-arts.org.

“King Hedley II” After seven years in prison, King Hedley re-enters society eager to rebuild his life, but quickly confronts the inescapable challenges facing Black men in Reagan-era Pittsburgh. King’s disenfranchisement comes into conflict with the stories he’s been telling himself. Yet he continues to plant seeds where nothing can grow. Written by August Wilson, and directed by Gregg T. Daniel, it runs April 6 through April 28 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3100 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.

“Kairos” is the story of two people falling in love during a tectonic shift in society. Their nascent relationship is tested by the advent of Prometheus, a procedure that grants immortality to a select few. What happens to commitment, meaning, and care when linear time breaks open? At once a dystopian science-fiction play and a dark-comedy love story, Kairos is a deeply sensitive investigation of two humans whose ideal “happily-ever-after” is terrifyingly outpaced by relentless technological and societal upheaval. Written by Lisa Sanaye Dring, and directed by Jesca Prudencio, it runs April 7 through April 28 at the David Henry Hwang Theater in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-625-7000 or visit www.eastwestplayers.org.

“A-Train” Set against the backdrop of an imagined subway station, “A” TRAIN takes audiences on an exhilarating theatrical ride as the character of Amy struggles to understand why her young son can memorize the names of every subway stop in the correct sequence but doesn’t seem to want to play with his brother. When her son is diagnosed with autism, she tries to understand just what that means and struggles with her preconceptions of what “happiness” looks like. As we travel with Amy on her hilarious and sometimes emotional journey, we meet other parents, family members, educators, medical professionals, and individuals who identify as autistic. Written by Annie Torsiglieri, with music by Brad Carroll, and directed by Risa Brainin, it runs April 10 through April 28 at the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura. For tickets call 805-667-2900 or visit www.rubicontheatre.org.

“Can’t Live Without ‘Em” Tom was a charming philanderer. Tom is in a coma, but he can still hear. But does he want to hear what the various women in his life have to say, especially when they are all in the room at the same time? Written by Lee Redmond, it runs April 11 through May 12 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre – Upstairs in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“High Maintenance” A recently disgraced actor makes her comeback in a production of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House – opposite a robot that could bring about the end of the acting profession. HIGH MAINTENANCE raises questions about the relationship between art and AI, and how the status quo can turn both against each other, but really. It’s just funny. After all, when a robot built to act is “the product of theatre and big tech,” an ego is inevitable. Written by Peter Ritt, and directed by Stan Zimmerman, it runs April 12 through May 19 at the Road Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-761-8838 or visit www.RoadTheatre.org.

“Little Women – The Musical” follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March, each determined to live life on their own terms. This touching musical presents an engaging and uplifting theatrical journey filled with heartache and joy, adventure and personal discovery amidst the never-ending quest for everlasting love. Written by Louisa May Alcott, it runs April 12 through April 14 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets visit www.BroadwayInThousandOaks.com.

“Million Dollar Quartet” On December 4, 1956, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley, all found themselves at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, and came together for an impromptu jam session that changed the face of rock and roll. This story recounts that single night with the meaningful and humorous story of five men’s journeys through the music business. The score features major hits such as “Great Balls of Fire”, “Hound Dog”, “I Walk the Line,” all performed live on stage by these legendary characters. Written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, with music by Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and directed by Tim Seib, it runs April 12 through April 28 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-856-1999 or visit www.musical.org.

“The One” alone and facing 50, Joe is desperate to find “the one” that he’s going to spend the rest of his life with – while he’s still got some life to spend! Hernandez-Kolski’s latest autobiographical show finds him tackling the age-old question…can an old dog learn a new trick? Joe’s search for “the one” may just depend on it. A mix of comedy and spoken word poetry, The One tackles ideas of monogamy and faithfulness in a world where polyamory and consensual non-monogamy are more accepted. When you’re a 50-year-old cis-hetero man, is it you who needs to change? Written by Joe Hernandez-Kolski, and directed by Benjamin Byron Davis, it runs April 12 through May 11 at the Broadwater Black Box in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.tinyurl.com/45p7xh4v.

“Ophelia” is an existential dramedy dealing with time-shifting, finding one’s destiny and the quest to fix a “broken life.” Written and directed by Stefan Marks, it runs April 12 through May 18 at the Odyssey Theatre in West Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.stefanmarks.com/ophelia.

“Stalin’s Master Class” Can artistic expression be forced to conform to political ideology? In this darkly funny satire, Pownall imagines a chilling encounter — Prokofiev and Shostakovich are subjected to the rant and bullying of Stalin and Zhdanov, who accuse the composers of anti-democratic, “formalist” musical tendencies that are alien to the Soviet people and their artistic tastes. “Music that could make a whole population sick!” Post-war Soviet society may be the backdrop for Stalin’s Master Class, but the themes raised about the relationship between art and politics remain universally relevant. Written by David Pownall, and directed by Ron Sossi, it runs April 13 through May 26 at the Odyssey Theatre in West Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.

“King” Luther, a man from Cork named in honor of his Granny’s hero, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., only leaves his apartment for essential journeys — and to perform as an Elvis impersonator. Luther struggles to live life to the fullest in this deeply moving exploration of prejudice, privilege and resilience. Written by Pat Kinevane, and directed by Jim Culleton, it runs April 19 through May 5 at the Odyssey Theatre in West Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.

“Jersey Boys” follows the fascinating evolution of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop-music history. Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards® and Olivier Awards®, JERSEY BOYS takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to discover the secret of a 40-year friendship as the foursome work their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom. Audiences will be thrilled with electrifying performances of chart-topping hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Dawn,” and “My Eyes Adored You,” which brought The Four Seasons the highest honor: induction into the Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame! Recommended for Mature Audiences only. Explicit language. Written by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe, and directed by T.J. Dawson, it runs April 20 through May 12 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets call 562-944-9801 or www.LaMiradaTheatre.com.

“Galilee, 34” looks at what happened to the disciples after the Crucifixion of Yeshua or Jesus. The healer from Nazareth is dead—and his followers are determined to keep sharing his message. The problem is the Roman Empire wants them out of the picture. And they don’t have a leader. And they can’t quite agree on exactly what that message is. With wit and intelligence, one of the country’s most exciting writers takes audiences back to the start of a world-changing movement for a deeply personal look at those who made it happen. Written by Eleanor Burgess, and directed by Davis McCallum, it runs April 21 through May 12 at the South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit www.scr.org.

“Tartuffe” This astonishingly clever adaptation bursts with fun as the charlatan Tartuffe worms his way into a wealthy family causing disruption and pandemonium. With wicked precision and brilliantly rhyming verses, this highly satiric comedy skewers religious hypocrisy, duplicity, lust, and self-inflicted chaos. Anyone who loves watching a fraud get his due will revel in this classic comedy! Written by Molière, translated into English verse by Richard Wilbur, and directed by Richard Baird, it runs April 21 through May 5 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“Singularities or the Computers of Venus” The stars? The past? The future? Our own limits? Set in three different time periods, looks at the lives of women astronomers in three different time periods as they grapple with light, love and the infinite. Written and directed by Laura Stribling, it runs April 26 through June 2 at the Road Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-761-8838 or www.RoadTheatre.org.

“The Body’s Midnight” What does it mean to discover America? Anne and David are determined to find out, as they embark on the perfect American road trip. They have a map, an impressive list of sights to see, and an itinerary that should get them to St. Paul, home of daughter Katie and son-in-law Wolf, just in time for the birth of their first grandchild. But their perfect plan is derailed by a troubling diagnosis and the beautiful impermanence of the world around them. As Anne and David veer off their intended path, they are forced to grapple with the unavoidably messy and breathtaking journey of their lives. Written by Tira Palmquist, and directed by Jessica Kubzansky, it runs April 27 through May 26 at the Boston Court Pasadena in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-683-6801 or www.bostoncourtpasadena.org.

CONTINUING

“Freud on Cocaine” Trust me, I’m a doctor.” Jonathan Slavin (Santa Clarita Diet, Dr. Ken, Better Off Ted) stars in an outrageous new comedy based on the documented letters, notes, dreams, and recollections of neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud that attest to his decade-long use of cocaine, both in his practice and personal life. Written and directed by Howard Skora, it runs through May 3 at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks. For tickets call 818-687-8559 or visit www.FreudOnConcaine.com.

Our local theme parks are operating at full capacity. Most require advance reservations online, as well as advance ticket, and possibly food, purchases. You will need an app in some to be able to take full advantage of all attractions and restaurants. Please check their websites for details, restrictions, and availability before planning a visit:

Some theaters still provide online offerings in addition to or in lieu of live performances, with many events you can experience on a virtual basis. A few of these online events are only available on a one-time basis, while others are ongoing and can be viewed on-demand anytime. Visit each of the web sites below to see what they are currently offering. You will find free content as well as pay-per-view to choose from. Here are the links to web sites with online offerings:

Please help keep our theaters open by supporting live theater whenever you can. On behalf of the publisher Steve Zall, and the co-publisher & editor Sid Fish, we want to send our heartfelt thanks to the publicists who supply us with this content, the editors and publishers who deliver it to you, and most of all, to our readers who enjoy our columns. We wish everyone good health, prosperity, and joyful times throughout the new year!

Sincerely,

Steve Zall, Publisher
Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor

Our local theaters have lots of new offerings. It’s time to treat yourself to the magic of live theater by going to see a show!

Covid protocols continue to be dictated by each individual venue, so bring a face mask to wear during the show in case the venue requires it. It’s a good idea to check with the theater before you attend a show to find out what their current policy is.

The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should verify it with the theater to confirm it before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates for this month, or are already running:

OPENING

“Power to the Queendom” Four women of the 1970s Black Panther Party find themselves in hot water after a protest goes awry, causing them to hold a Houston police officer hostage in the chapter headquarters. The cops assaulted an unarmed Black man, and the ladies won’t release their hostage until he answers their questions. Written by ShaWanna Renee Rivon, and directed by Diane Reneé, it runs March 1 through March 24 at the Sawyer’s Playhouse at Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.

“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast the Broadway Musical” An arrogant young prince (Robby Benson) and his castle’s servants fall under the spell of a wicked enchantress, who turns him into the hideous Beast until he learns to love and be loved in return. The spirited, headstrong village girl Belle enters the Beast’s castle after he imprisons her father, Maurice. With the help of his enchanted servants, including the matronly Mrs. Potts, Belle begins to draw the cold-hearted Beast out of his isolation. Written by Linda Woolverton, with music by Alan Menken, Tim Rice and Howard Ashman, and directed by Victoria Koenig and Kevin Frank Myers, it runs March 2 through March 10 at the Lewis Family Playhouse in Rancho Cucamonga. For tickets call 909-477-2775 or visit www.cityofrc.us/news/beauty-and-beast.

“Footloose: The Musical” Moving in from Chicago, a newcomer is in shock when he discovers the small Midwestern town he now calls home has made dancing and rock music illegal. As he struggles to fit in, he faces an uphill battle to change things. With the help of his new friends, he might loosen up this conservative town if the local Reverend will get out of the way. Written by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, with music by Tom Snow, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, with additional music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman, and directed by Barry Pearl, it runs March 2 through March 17 at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. For tickets visit www.colonytheatre.org/footloose.

“Stew” tells a captivating, funny, and intimate story about the relationship between mothers, daughters and the realities that bind them together. Written by Zora Howard, and directed by Jade King Carroll, it runs March 7 through March 24 at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-964-9766 or visit www.ebonyrep.org.

“Ybor City” Ybor City in Tampa, Florida which dates from the 1880s, was founded by Vincente Martinez-Ybor, who moved his cigar factory from Cuba to Florida; others followed. Ybor built the community including housing for cigar factory workers, then a highly specialized trade. The area was populated by thousands of Cuban immigrants in addition to immigrants from Spain, Italy, and other countries – and for the next half century, it annually stocked the world with hundreds of millions of cigars. The entire enterprise — a town owned and populated by immigrants — was highly successful and had a strikingly multi-racial and multi-ethnic population. Written and directed by Mariana Da Silva, it runs March 7 through March 30 at the Actors’ Gang in Culver City. For tickets call 310-838-4264 or visit www.theactorsgang.com.

“Faithless” On a snowy winter night this family starts their journey towards possible reconciliation. John Idakitis as Gus (seen at the Victory in A Terminal Event), his stepson Jon Sprik (recently seen as Bottom in Theatricum Botanicum’s A Midsummers Night’s Dream and on TV in Lifetime’s series As Luck Would Have It), his stepdaughter Melissa Ortiz (seen as Regan in SF Shake’s King Lear and as Sofia in Circle X Theatre’s Do You Feel Anger), and Joseé Gourdine taking on the role of Rosie, Gus’s 16 year old adopted daughter —all four star in this comedy drama. Written by Jon Klein, and directed by Maria Gobetti, it runs March 8 through April 14 at the Victory Theatre Center in Burbank. For tickets call 818-841-5421 or visit www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org.

“A Froggy Becomes” This coming-of-age story is told through the eyes of Bumpy Diggs (Sandra Kate Burck), a scrappy little weirdo struggling to survive the troubles at home and the horrors of seventh grade. Through a rinky-dink science fair project gone awry, she ultimately discovers how she wants to live her life. It is a memory play steeped in magical realism. Replete with an ogre (Peter Breitmayer), flying priests, Satan worshippers, beer, Dorito’s bags, and of course, Madonna. A tale for grownups, Froggy is written from a middle schooler’s perspective. The world seems stacked against Bumpy, but her fight for self-determination inspires us to celebrate our own awkwardness and failures. Written by Becky Wahlstrom, and directed by Pat Towne, it runs March 9 through April 13 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 323-882-6912 or visit www.openfist.org.

“One of the Good Ones” When the “perfect” Latina daughter brings her boyfriend home to meet the parents, her family’s biases and preconceptions are put on full display. As tensions run high and hilarity ensues, everyone must navigate the ins and outs of family dynamics and the boundaries of acceptance — all while tackling the age-old question: what does it truly mean to be an American? Meet your new favorite family in this laugh-out-loud, heartfelt story. Written by Gloria Calderón Kellett, and directed by Kimberly Senior, it runs March 13 through April 7 at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-7529 or www.pasadenaplayhouse.org.

“Our Dear Dead Drug Lord” this play explores themes of friendship, rebellion, and the complexity of adolescence with a fresh and unapologetic voice. Set against the backdrop of an abandoned treehouse, four teenage girls embark on a mystical journey to summon the spirit of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. As their intense and unpredictable séance unfolds, the lines between reality and fantasy blur, leading to unexpected revelations and self-discovery. Written by Alexis Scheer, and directed by Alana Dietze, it runs March 13 through March 23 at the CSULB Studio Theater in Long Beach. For tickets visit www.tix.com/ticket-sales/csulb-theatre-arts/6797.

“A Shayna Maidel” (which means “a pretty girl” in Yiddish) is a touching memory play about two sisters reconnecting after years of separation and a hopeful story about the resiliency of the human spirit. The play, set in New York City in 1946, explores family, faith, and forgiveness in the pursuit of a better future. Written by Barbara Lebow, and directed by David Ellenstein, it runs March 13 through March 31 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“Million Dollar Quartet” offers an extraordinary twist of fate when Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley come together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. Million Dollar Quartet brings that legendary December day to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations that is both poignant and funny. Relive the era with the smash-hit sensation featuring an incredible score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits, performed live onstage by world-class actors and musicians. Written by Colin Escott & Floyd Mutrux, and directed by Tim Seib, it runs March 15 through March 24 at the Kavli Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets call 805-449-2787 or visit www.5startheatricals.com.

“Steel Magnolias” follows the trials and tribulations of six sassy and formidable women in 1980’s Chinquapin Parish, Louisiana. Truvy’s Beauty Salon is where all the ladies who are anybody in town meet every Saturday to have their hair done and exchange news and gossip. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle, the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to Ouiser, the town’s rich curmudgeon; Miss Clairee, an eccentric millionaire with a raging sweet tooth; and M’Lynn, the local social leader whose daughter Shelby, the prettiest girl in town, is about to get married. Written by Robert Harling, and directed by Jon Sparks, it runs March 15 through April 6 at the Westchester Playhouse in Inglewood. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“A Weekend with Pablo Picasso” Pablo Picasso was (among many things) an obsessive creator, self-proclaimed clown, and a flamboyantly opinionated philosopher — whose passionate views about love, death, war, beauty, eternity, and creativity are captured in this beautiful work depicting a weekend of intense work prior to a looming Monday deadline for delivery of several new works to his art dealer. Written by Herbert Sigüenza, and directed by Anna Lyse Erikson, it runs March 15 through March 16 at the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-434-3200 or visit www.broadstage.org.

“Into the Breeches!” is set during World War Two. Oberon Playhouse’s director and leading men are off at war with the Axis. Determined to press on, the director’s wife sets out to produce an all-female version of Shakespeare’s Henriad, assembling an increasingly unexpected team united in desire, if not actual theatre experience. Together they deliver a delightful celebration of collaboration and persistence when the show must go on! Written by George Brant, and directed by Louis Fantasia, it runs March 21 through April 27 at the Theatre Forty in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.

“WE ❤️ BOY BANDS!” is a tribute to boy band legends of the 1990’s – *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and Boyz II Men; recent chart-toppers – One Direction and BTS; and the timeless – Bee Gees, The Temptations and The Beatles! Classic four-part harmonies will explode with energy and joy when 200 voices perform brand new arrangements, as we sing and dance, for the boys we love! If ever there was a perfect pop cannon of songs for GMCLA, this is it! Directed by Ernest H. Harrison, it runs March 23 through March 24 at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets visit www.GMCLA.org.

“The Witness Room” This searing life and death drama centers around the confines of a witness room in Manhattan Criminal Court as four hardened New York City Police Officers led by a calculating prosecutor battle each other over charges of corruption, racism, morality, loyalties, and the blue wall of silence. Written by Pedro Antonio Garcia, and directed by Bryan Rasmussen, it runs March 23 through April 27 at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks. For tickets call 818-687-8559 or visit www.whitefiretheatre.com.

“Power and Light” is the story of Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla and how the battle for the development of electricity between these two great minds created sparks of tension as they illuminated the world. Written by John Strysik, and directed by Jeff G. Rack, it runs March 28 through April 30 at the Theatre Forty in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-3606 or visit www.theatre40.org.

“Could I Have This Dance?” This award-winning comedy-drama looks at modern love, complicated relationships, working-from-home and a family that is actually functional. This play was voted by the American National Critics Association as the Best Regional Play of 1992. What starts as a delicious, fast-paced romantic comedy pivots, as a medical crisis forces the family members to ask serious questions, and not everyone wants to know the answers. Written by Doug Haverty, and directed by Kathleen R. Delaney, it runs March 29 through May 5 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre – Main Stage in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“A View from the Bridge” Eddie Carbone, a Brooklyn longshoreman, makes room in his home for two of his wife’s cousins that have been smuggled into the country. When one of the men falls in love with Catherine, Eddie’s teenage niece he raised as his own, a jealousy takes hold in Eddie that can only lead to tragedy. Written by Arthur Miller, and directed by Cate Caplin, it runs March 29 through April 28 at the Theatre Palisades Playhouse in Pacific Palisades. For tickets call 310-454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org.

CONTINUING

“Middle of the World” Victoria was an important person in Ecuador. Now broke, disgraced and separated from her son, she is determined to get back home and regain what she has lost. Glenn worked his way from low-income housing to the verge of closing the biggest deal of his impressive career in finance. But is business success what he’s really chasing? Middle of the World means you cannot be in two places at once. You must choose. And when you choose, it means giving something up. What are they willing to sacrifice? For power, for principles and for love? On a night in NYC, when Glenn steps into Victoria’s Uber, the course of both their lives will change in an instant. Written by Juan José Alfonso, and directed by Guillermo Cienfuegos, it runs through March 4 at the Rogue Machine in the Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 855-585-5185 or visit www.roguemachinetheatre.org.

“Coney Island Land or The Great Existential Actuality at The End of The Universe” It is Memorial Day Weekend 2021, and two high school sweethearts are meeting in person for the first time in 30 years. They have come to the Best Western Plus Brooklyn Bay Hotel in Coney Island to see what the future holds for them. Coney Island Land is about memory, nostalgia, middle age, and love in the time of a pandemic. Running time is 90 minutes with no intermission. Written by Timothy Braun, and directed by Lucy Smith Conroy, it runs through March 17 at the Theatre 68 Arts Complex in North Hollywood. For tickets visit www.Onstage411.com/ConeyIsland.

Our local theme parks are operating at full capacity. Most require advance reservations online, as well as advance ticket, and possibly food, purchases. You will need an app in some to be able to take full advantage of all attractions and restaurants. Please check their websites for details, restrictions, and availability before planning a visit:

Some theaters still provide online offerings in addition to or in lieu of live performances, with many events you can experience on a virtual basis. A few of these online events are only available on a one-time basis, while others are ongoing and can be viewed on-demand anytime. Visit each of the web sites below to see what they are currently offering. You will find free content as well as pay-per-view to choose from. Here are the links to web sites with online offerings:

Please help keep our theaters open by supporting live theater whenever you can. On behalf of the publisher Steve Zall, and the co-publisher & editor Sid Fish, we want to send our heartfelt thanks to the publicists who supply us with this content, the editors and publishers who deliver it to you, and most of all, to our readers who enjoy our columns. We wish everyone good health, prosperity, and joyful times throughout the new year!

Sincerely,

Steve Zall, Publisher
Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor