California had fully reopened and removed all capacity limits and physical distancing requirements regardless of setting, but now we have a new Covid-19 variant that is wreaking havoc on us, the Delta variant. Just when we were at the point where we could safely remove our masks if fully vaccinated, we now are faced with the new mandate to start wearing them again, regardless of vaccination status since this new variant produces 100 times the viral load of the original virus, and is sending people to the hospitals and ICU wards in record numbers again.

This puts theaters in a difficult situation, and some are choosing not to proceed with their plans to reopen because of it. Governmental authorities will ultimately determine the fate of these venues, but until we receive an official announcement, it is being left to us to decide on the safety of attending live performances. The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should check with the theater to confirm it before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates or are already running this month:

“Stand Up If You’re Here Tonight” You’ve tried everything. Yoga. Acupuncture. Therapy. You floated in salt water in the pitch- black dark. You juiced, you cleansed, you journaled, you cut, you volunteered. You got a mattress that fitted itself to your fetal form. You ate only RINDS for three days and nights. You reached out, you looked within, you have tried, and yet here you are. NOTE: These are all fully vaccinated performances and will require proof of vaccination at the door. Seating will be socially distanced and limited. Written and directed by John Kolvenbach, it runs August 12 through September 28 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/e/stand-up-if-youre-here-tonight-tickets-161947454195.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” NOTE: In addition to the live, in-person performances, the show will also be livestreamed. It is the story of two bachelors, John ‘Jack’ Worthing and Algernon ‘Algy’ Moncrieff, who create alter egos named Ernest to escape their tiresome lives. They attempt to win the hearts of two women who, conveniently, claim to only love men called Ernest. The pair struggle to keep up with their own stories and become tangled in a tale of deception, disguise and misadventure. The elaborate plot ridicules Victorian sensibilities with some of the best loved, and indeed bizarre, characters to be found on the modern stage. Written by Oscar Wilde, and directed by Jack J. Bennett, it runs August 20 through September 24 at the Fremont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena. For tickets visit www.ttp://www.youngstarstheatre.org/tickets.

“Wait Until Dark” The hunter or the hunted, who is the prey? A classic American play about a woman in peril and tables that are turned. A blind housewife confronts a trio of nefarious men in search of a doll she does not know she has — its contents being a fortune in illicit goods. A suspenseful battle of wits leads to a confrontation between the lady and the devil, culminating in a thrilling climax! Written by Frederick Knott, and directed by Tony Torrisi, it runs August 27 through October 3 at the Theatre Palisades Pierson Playhouse in Pacific Palisades. For tickets call 310-454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org.

While keeping mindful of what we said at the opening of this column about the Delta variant, our local theme parks continue to operate at high capacity, which is a welcome relief to many enthusiasts who are flocking to them in droves. Most require advance reservations online as well as advance ticket purchases. You will need an app in many to be able to take full advantage of those attractions they have reopened. Attendance is limited to California resident visitors in most parks. Please check their websites for details, restrictions, and availability before planning a trip to them:

Area theaters continue to expand their online offerings with more and more events to experience on a virtual basis. Some of these online events are only available on a one-time basis, while others are ongoing and can be viewed anytime on-demand. 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:

Our best wishes go out to all of our readers as we continue to navigate the uncertain sea of pandemic waves now, so please be cautious regarding this new Delta variant that is causing the current crisis, and follow whatever modified directions that may be issued regarding them.

As always, we also want to send out a very special thanks to our Public Relations representatives who supply us with this great information, and to our editors who continue to publish these columns.

Sincerely,

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