We hope that those who lost their homes in the recent historic wildfires have found a way to start rebuilding or relocating so that they can move on with their lives.
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
“Bat Boy: The Musical” the horror rock musical cult favorite based on a June 23, 1992, Weekly World News story about a half-boy, half-bat who grew up living in a cave. Written by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming, with music by Laurence O’Keefe, and directed by Pat Towne, it runs March 1 through April 6 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 323-882-6912 or visit www.openfist.org.
“Frou-Frou: A Menagerie of Sorts” By turns raucous, poetic, touching, and dangerous, Frou-Frou: A Menagerie of Sorts riffs on Tennessee Williams’s The Glass Menagerie in this story of two queer siblings yearning to be understood. Written by John Anthony Loffredo, and directed by Zi Alikhan, it runs March 1 through March 30 at the Boston Court Pasadena in Pasadena. For tickets visit www.bostoncourtpasadena.org.
“You Cannot Know the Hour” Mr. Brown is a grumpy, peevish, ailing, aging man. A widower, he has a housekeeper to keep his home running smoothly. One day, Brown finds that a nurse has been engaged to look after him on a full-time basis. Brown frequently sees and speaks with the ghost of his dead wife, Helen. She rebukes him for terrible crimes in his past. He responds by protesting his innocence of any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, he finds himself at odds with his nurse. She frequently contradicts his instructions, almost gleefully. Could she possibly be pursuing a sinister, hidden agenda? If so, what is her objective? Is Brown irredeemably evil, or is he an innocent? Written by Katrina Wood, and directed by Trace Oakley, it runs March 1 through March 16 at the Sherry Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets visit www.cannot-know-hour.brownpapertickets.com.
“Feast” is a vivid reimagining of the epic poem Beowulf, as a cautionary tale. True to the ancient myth, Grendel, a monstrous creature described as ‘mankind’s enemy’ is killed by Beowulf, but it is here that FEAST. diverges. In this immersive and visceral theatre experience, Grendel’s mother throws a dinner party to seek justice for her son’s murder, only to confront her own guilt and rage. Oscillating between witty banter and pointed exploration, this heightened high fantasy crashes into the contemporary political landscape, asking the audience to collectively contemplate climate change, income inequality, and the rising forces of authoritarianism. Experience this humorous, thought-provoking one-woman live theatrical event uniquely curated with an actual ‘feast,’ of charcuterie/small bites and themed drinks. Written by Megan Gogerty, and directed by Laura Covelli, it runs March 8 through April 6 at the Count’s Den in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.leonixtheatre.org.
“The Remarkable Mister Holmes” Sherlock Holmes is back with an all-new madcap mystery to solve…and a new sidekick! In this fast-paced, wildly comedic musical. Holmes must solve a series of baffling crimes without the help of his trusted partner. Packed with wild wordplay, red herrings, and zany surprises, this over-the-top rollercoaster of musical mayhem is perfect for fans of Arthur Conan Doyle, Mel Brooks, musical theater, or anyone who loves a fun night out. Written by Omri Schein and David Ellenstein, with music by Daniel Lincoln, lyrics by Omri Schein, and directed by David Ellenstein, it runs March 9 through March 30 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.
“Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations” Featuring the Grammy® winning songs and Tony® winning moves, AIN’T TOO PROUD is the electrifying musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and unmistakable harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one and being voted the greatest R&B group of all time by Billboard Magazine in 2017. The rest is history — how they met, the groundbreaking heights they hit, and how personal and political conflicts threatened to tear the group apart as the United States fell into civil unrest. This thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal is set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and so many more. Written by Dominique Morisseau, with music by The Temptations, and directed by Des McAnuff, it runs March 14 through March 16 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets visit www.BroadwayInThousandOaks.com.
“Cabaret” A thrilling and up-to-date production of a classic show that is now more relevant than ever. Sexy, melodic and unforgettable. The seedy glamour of the Kit Kat Club with its bawdy Emcee provide an unsettling but fitting backdrop to the story of the hard-living entertainer Sally Bowles in the decadent nightlife of Germany in the early ’30s. Come hear some of the most memorable songs in theatre history, including “Cabaret,” “Willkommen,” and “Maybe This Time.” Written by Joe Masteroff, with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, it runs March 14 through March 30 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center – Scherr Forum Theatre in Thousand Oaks. For tickets call 805-449-2787 or visit www.5startheatricals.com.
“Love! Valour! Compassion!” explores friendship, love, betrayal, and the struggles of gay men navigating life and relationships. Set over three summer weekends at a lakeside home, the play captures the humor, heartbreak, and humanity of a group of eight friends as they confront their fears, desires, and mortality. Written by Terrence McNally, and directed by Aric Martin, it runs March 14 through April 5 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.
“One for My Baby” is a song and dance extravaganza featuring the brilliant music of Harold Arlen – the favorite composer of Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand. One song hit after another including “Get Happy” “Blues in the Night” “That Old Black Magic” “Stormy Weather” “The Man that Got Away” and many more! Written by Scott Thompson and Fred Barton, with music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by Ted Koehler, Johnny Mercer, E.Y. Harburg, and Ira Gershwin, it runs March 14 through March 23 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.
“Two Small Bodies” Two children have disappeared. The mother is a voluptuous, sexy hostess at a strip joint, and the tough-talking detective investigating the possible kidnap or murder case plays a cat-and-mouse game with her. He is relentless and their relationship becomes an unusual and intimate dance. He pushes her and pushes her to confess that she murdered her children, but he gets more than he bargained for. It is seductive. It is provocative. Twists and turns and surprises. Sometimes sexually explicit. Takes place around 1972. Written by Neal Bell, and directed by Gloria Gifford, it runs March 15 through April 26 at the GGC Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 310-366-5505 or visit www.onstage411.com/newsite/show/play_info.asp?show_id=7351.
“Beatnik Girl” tells the story of a young woman of vision and principle, Edi Gordon, as she struggles with misogyny, antisemitism, and an unwanted pregnancy while trying to be a Beat poet. Set in New York’s lower east side in 1957, this sweet and touching new play is filled with lyrical original poetry, poignant humor and insight into the human condition that will stir the heart and take you back to the time of the Beat Generation – Kerouac, Ginsberg, Miles … and women too! Get in the groove! Written by Leda Siskind, and directed by Ann Hearn Tobolowsky, it runs March 20 through April 20 at the Theatre Forty in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.
“Unreconciled” is the true story of an adolescent actor cast as Jesus in a school play directed by a parish priest. The story chronicles a survivor’s journey as he confronts his past, navigates a victims’ reparations program set up by the Catholic Church, and discovers the courage to use his voice. This 80-minute piece is a poignant and at times humorous exploration of family, place, and the meaning of reconciliation. Written by Jay Sefton, and directed by Geraldine Hughes, it runs March 21 through March 31 at the Moving Arts in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.movingarts.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200471467.
“One Jewish Boy” a funny, biting, bittersweet story about two young people in love who are faced with the world’s unpredictable cruelty. Jesse, a nice Jewish boy from North London, falls hopelessly for Alex, a young woman of mixed race. Navigating any relationship is difficult enough. What happens when you factor in politics and rising prejudices? Written by Stephen Laughton, and directed by Chris Fields, it runs March 22 through April 28 at the Echo Theater Company in Atwater Village. For tickets call 747-350-8066 or visit www.EchoTheaterCompany.com.
“Rhinestone Cowboys” Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) presents a bedazzled country music celebration covering the gamut of country from Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, and Chris Satapleton to Lil NasX, Brandi Carlile, Chappell Roan and Beyonce! Directed by Ernest H. Harrison, it runs March 22 through March 23 at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets visit www.GMCLA.org.
“Into the Woods” is a mesmerizing musical that intertwines the adventures of iconic fairy tale characters on a journey of dreams, adventure, and consequence. As Cinderella flees the ball, Jack climbs to new heights, and Little Red embarks on a daring path, they cross paths with the Baker and his Wife, who are desperate to lift a curse. With Stephen Sondheim’s iconic score and a story filled with heart, humor, and surprises, this production is a must-see for audiences of all ages. Written by James Lapine, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Kari Hayter, it runs March 28 through April 13 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-856-1999 or visit www.musical.org.
“Jane Eyre” Orphaned as a child, the strong-willed Jane takes a position at Thornfield Hall working as a governess for the brooding Edward Rochester. There, she falls in love with her mysterious employer… until the discovery of a dark secret leads to a devastating aftermath. Written by adapted by Elizabeth Williamson from the novel by Charlotte Brontë, and directed by Geoff Elliott, it runs March 29 through April 20 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3100 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.
CONTINUING
“Constellations” a theoretical physicist named Marianne and a beekeeper named Roland cross paths at a party, sparking a relationship that unfolds across a series of alternate realities. With each choice and action leading to multiple divergent outcomes, Payne’s profound and poetic script challenges audiences to consider the power of free will, the fragility of human connection, and the vastness of possibility. Written by Nick Payne, and directed by Jonathan Fox, it runs through March 9 at the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura. For tickets call 805-667-2900 or visit www.rubicontheatre.org.
“West Side Story” Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this timeless tale is set in the 1950s streets of New York City, where two young lovers are caught between rival gangs—the Jets and the Sharks. Written by Arthur Laurents, with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Justin Meyer, it runs through March 30 at the Nocturne Theatre in Glendale. For tickets visit www.thenocturnetheatre.com.