Welcome to our brand-new year, which means it’s time to go out and enjoy one or more of these fabulous shows playing currently in our local theaters!
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
“An Inspector Calls” Theatre Forty moves its production of An Inspector Calls to the beautiful, historic Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills for a strictly limited engagement. This play occurs when a young woman meets with an untimely demise and a respectable family is subject to a routine inquiry in connection with the death. An inspector calls to interrogate the family, and it is revealed that each member of the family is implicated lightly or deeply in the woman’s undoing. The friendly and close-knit family at the beginning of the evening is shown up to be selfish, self-centered, and cowardly. Good fellowship turns to acid and dislike. A surprising revelation turns up in the end which makes this thriller not to be missed. Written by J.B. Priestley, and directed by Cate Caplin, it runs January 8 through January 18 at the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. For tickets call www.theatre40.org.
“What Opa Did” follows Kate, a young New Yorker, as she confronts her Jewish grandparents’ past in Germany, where they were forced to hide with their baby during the war. As Kate uncovers the truth about her Opa leaving the family to fend for themselves for three years and the choices that he and her Oma had to make to survive, she grapples with the moral complexities of their actions and the impact of secrets on their identities. Written by Christopher Franciosa, and directed by James Paradise, it runs January 15 through February 15 at the Theatre Forty, in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.
“The Altruist” A happy, seemingly healthy bachelor discovers via his annual physical, that he has at least two terminal diseases. Seeking positivity, he decides he will donate all his organs (while they are still good) and save multiple lives. But this a not allowed, fso he sues the state. The media goes berserk and before you can say The Great White Way, a Broadway producer shows up wanting to turn his story into a great, big money-making musical! Written by Bill Fitzhugh, with music by Richard Allen, and directed by Bruce Kimmel, it runs January 16 through February 22 at the Group Rep in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.
“Lost in Yonkers” Two brothers, Jay and Arty Kurnitz, are left with their father’s estranged family while he hits the road to work off his debt to loan sharks. Little do the boys know that they’re about to get a crash course in complex, heartbreaking, and hilarious familial relations in classic Neil Simon style. This Pulitzer Prize winning comedic drama takes the boys – and the audience – on a journey through the laughter and tears that only family can provide. Written by Neil Simon, and directed by Jeremy Palmer, it runs January 16 through February 7 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.
“Kid Gloves” This world premiere musical comedy dives into the candy-colored chaos of a reality-TV competition where children’s entertainers compete for the chance to win their own show. Fast-paced, hilarious, and sneakily poignant, KID GLOVES skewers the utter depravity of reality TV and how it can corrupt even the most wholesome element of humanity. Written by Matthew Leavitt, with music by Nathan Wang, lyrics by Matthew Leavitt, and directed by Richard Israel, it runs January 17 through February 15 at the Skylight Theatre in Los Feliz. For tickets visit www.kidgloves.ludus.com.
“Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground” brings the 34th president, Dwight D. Eisenhower’s remarkable life to the stage in an extraordinary way. Through captivating storytelling and deep historical insight, the performance immerses audiences in Eisenhower’s personal reflections on leadership, war, and peace. With emotional depth and powerful nuance, it unpacks the complexities of a man who shaped the course of history during one of America’s most pivotal eras. A must-see theatrical experience. Written by Richard Hellesen, and directed by Peter Ellenstein, it runs January 18 through February 1 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.
“Jewish for Dinner” Ruth Cohen finally finds the perfect man to love, marry, and above all else, bring home to her Conservative family. But she neglected to ask one, small question: Is he Jewish? Or, can he at least fake it? Written by Lou Borenstein, and directed by Jeff Jackson, it runs January 18 through March 1 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 or visit www.SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/Jewish_for_Dinner.
“Kind Stranger … a memory play” depicts the poignant journey of Tennessee Williams as the legendary playwright recounts his life, art, and love affairs. Witness his wit and unflinching honesty as he writes his last chapter, revealing how his plays were his life and his life was his plays. Adapted directly from his memoir and using only his words, Kind Stranger could be the last original Tennessee Williams play. Written by Rick Simone-Friedland, and directed by Steven Simone-Friedland, it runs January 23 through February 8 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.theatreplanners.stagey.net/projects/13051?tab=tickets.
“Sweet Air” Robbie and Galen, two complete strangers on completely different paths in life, have both had a miserable Valentine’s Day. They’re both broke, lonely and stranded in a deserted subway station on a freezing cold New York City night, waiting for a train that never seems to be coming. With seemingly nothing to lose, they strike up a conversation, commiserate, bond, unravel the mysteries of the universe and romantic comedies and find a connection in this cruel and heartless world in this post-pandemic, platonic Valentine’s Day comedy. Written by Matt Morillo, and directed by Katie Oliver, it runs January 23 through February 15 at the McCadden Place Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.sweetairplay.com.
“Brownstone” Unfolding on the second floor of a classic New York brownstone at three distinct moments in its history, Brownstone’s structure is as striking as the architecture that inspired it. Three poignant, often funny stories, set in 1978, 1937 and 1999, take place in the same building, linked through time. Deena and Maureen (Rosie Byrne and Amber Tiara) are a pair of starry-eyed aspiring actresses, newly arrived to New York in the 1970s and struggling to get their big break. We meet Stephen and Davia (Matthew Goodrich and Chelsea Spirito), a pampered, rich young couple of the 1930s who long to move to Paris. Striving for success, Jason and Jessica (Isaac W. Jay and Jade Santana) are a chillingly self-absorbed “power couple” of the new millennium. Written by Catherine Butterfield, and directed by Ron West, it runs January 24 through February 28 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 323-882-6912 or visit www.openfist.org.
“Punish Me” A screenwriter struggling to make it in Hollywood becomes trapped in an increasingly abusive relationship with a narcissist who threatens both his career dreams and his legal status in America. The play explores the complexity of toxic relationships, narcissism, and obsession. It includes adult themes and simulated sex. Inspired by true events. Written by Michael Dukakis, and directed by Monique Sorgen, it runs January 28 through February 25 at the Hudson Backstage Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.onstage411.com/punishme.
“Poetry for the People: The June Jordan Experience” Born in Harlem in 1936, Jordan shattered boundaries as a poet, essayist, teacher and activist. Fiercely committed to civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ visibility and freedom from oppression in all its forms, she authored 27 volumes across genres and contributed to The Progressive, The Village Voice, The New York Times, Ms., Essence and The Nation. With language that embraced both the lyrical and the vernacular, Jordan insisted that poetry belong to the people. In 2019, her legacy was honored with induction on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor within the Stonewall National Monument. She died from breast cancer in 2002. Written by Raymond O. Caldwell and Adrienne Torf, with music by Adrienne Torf, and directed by Raymond O. Caldwell, it runs January 31 through March 29 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-663-1525 or visit www.FountainTheatre.com.
“Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” Attend the dark, witty, and Tony Award-winning tale of love, murder, and revenge set against the backdrop of 19th-century London. The story follows an unjustly exiled barber (Todd) as he returns to London to seek vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, the resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop above which he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up for more…and the carnage has only just begun! Written by Hugh Wheeler, from an adaptation by Christopher Bond, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Jason Alexander, it runs January 31 through February 22 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets call 562-944-9801 or visit www.LaMiradaTheatre.com.
“What the Constitution Means to Me” is the award-winning and thought-provoking play that explores the profound relationship between the U.S. Constitution and the lives of American women. Written by Heidi Schreck, and directed by Christian Wolf, it runs January 31 through February 1 at the Theatre West in Studio City. For tickets call 323-851-4839 or visit www.eventbrite.com/e/what-the-constitution-means-to-me-tickets-1920026794829.