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
“Judy Collins Live” Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism. In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminescent presence shines brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic 50-album body of work, and heed inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century. Judy Collins, now 85, is as creatively vigorous as ever, writing, touring worldwide, and nurturing fresh talent. She is a modern-day Renaissance woman who is also an accomplished painter, filmmaker, record label head, musical mentor, and an in-demand keynote speaker for mental health and suicide prevention. She continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart. Starring Judy Collins, it runs one night only on April 6 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets visit www.BroadwayInThousandOaks.com.
“Buddies” Is it possible for two adult males to form a meaningful platonic relationship? David doesn’t have friends so much as he has an obligation to hang out with his wife’s friends’ husbands. When his sister-in-law brings over her new boyfriend Adam, the two men realize they’re friendship soul mates. As they try to figure out how to make a new friend at this stage of life, they realize they have no idea what they’re doing. They must embark of a journey of self -discovery just to try to figure out what grown men even do with each other. Written by Ben Abbott, and directed by Morris Schorr, it runs April 4 through May 4 at the 905 Cole Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.skypilottheatre.com.
“The Civil Twilight” A twisty thriller, THE CIVIL TWILIGHT takes place over a single night during a once-in-a-century storm when a popular radio personality winds up trapped in a motel room in the Midwest with his biggest fan and a deadly game of trust and recrimination is played. Written by Shem Bitterman, and directed by Ann Hearn Tobolowsky, it runs April 5 through May 11 at the Broadwater Studio Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 818-761-8838 or visit www.theciviltwilight.ludus.com.
“You Are Cordially Invited to the End of the World” is an irreverently funny celebration through the cosmos. Since Greg’s terminal diagnosis, he’s felt a deep connection to the Earth—and to save himself, he’ll need to save the planet. Viv desperately wants to savor every last minute with her husband. Meanwhile M, our emcee, searches desperately to find meaning in the chaos of their final year with Dad. A heartfelt and joyful theatrical event, as magical as the world itself. Written by Keiko Green, and directed by Zi Alikhan, 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.
“In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel” shines an undeniable light on the chasm between spiritual ambition and carnal need. The central characters, a debilitated painter and his lonely, desperate wife, express their anguish through plaintive notes of poetry recalling Tennessee Williams at his very best. Written by Tennessee Williams, and directed by Jack Heller, it runs April 11 through May 18 at the Hudson Backstage Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.onstage411.com/bartokyo.
“Little Shop of Horrors” Dive headfirst into the quirky, thrilling world of Little Shop of Horrors at The Nocturne Theatre, where the ordinary collides with the extraordinary. This timeless musical comedy follows the misadventures of Seymour Krelborn, a meek and underappreciated floral assistant, as he stumbles upon an unusual plant he names “Audrey II,” after his coworker and secret crush – Audrey II isn’t your average houseplant. This sassy, R&B-singing carnivore has an insatiable appetite for human blood and a devious plan for world domination. As Seymour feeds the plant to keep it alive, he finds himself caught in a spiraling web of fame, fortune, and moral dilemmas. The stakes rise as Audrey II’s true origins come to light, pushing Seymour to make choices that could change his life — and the world — forever. Featuring an unforgettable score that blends rock, Motown, and R&B, Little Shop of Horrors delivers non-stop laughs, heartfelt moments, and toe-tapping musical numbers. This production at The Nocturne Theatre promises an immersive experience full of dazzling performances, imaginative set designs, and the hilariously menacing Audrey II. Don’t miss the chance to witness the outrageous spectacle of Little Shop of Horrors at The Nocturne Theatre. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, this iconic musical will leave you spellbound and grinning from ear to ear. Get your tickets today and discover why everyone’s talking about Little Shop of Horrors – a show that’s equal parts heartwarming and horrifying! Written by Howard Ashman, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman, and directed by Justin Meyer, it runs April 11 through May 11 at the Nocturne Theatre in Glendale. For tickets call 818-839-0984 or visit www.thenocturnetheatre.com.
“Corktown ‘39” entire story takes place over a span of four days in early May 1939, with the play’s discussive element landing on the ethical dilemma and a moral debate of employing terrorist tactics as a means of achieving a noble goal. Joe McGarrity’s branch of the Clan na Gael was, and still is, a secret organization formed for the purpose of supporting Irish Republicanism in America, both financially and militarily. Written by John Fazakerley, and directed by Steven Robmanv, it runs April 12 through May 25 at the Rogue Machine at the Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 855-585-5185 or visit www.roguemachinetheatre.org.
“Hellas” Spanning decades, and viewed over a single day, the birth of western civilization and democracy takes form in the Greek epic, Hellas. Never before seen on stage, this sweeping, visceral production with a cast of twenty-three is set in early fifth-century B.C. when a tiny, backward and disunited region faced invasion by the mightiest empire the world had ever known … and triumphed. The story is vast, split into two parts of compelling entertainment while encompassing the evolution of societal structures, revenge along with unlikely alliances, and an emerging system of justice. Weekend performances offer the complete saga (with three intermissions), and Friday night performances offer viewing choices of Part I or Part II on alternating weeks. Hellas is a marathon theatrical epic, presented as in ancient Greece, depicting the story over a single day. Hellas weaves historical and compelling narratives of individual and collective struggle, illustrating both the strength and fragility of democracy. Told in verse, mask, rhythm, dance and stage combat, it is a drama exploring flawed but resilient humanity, of vendetta and great battles fought upon land and sea, of oaths and betrayals, familial trauma and struggle, friendship, loyalty, love and sacrifice. This is a tale of the invention of theatre itself by a firsthand witness and participant, the Athenian playwright Aeschylus. Written and directed by Christopher William Johnson, it runs April 12 through May 11 at the Broadwater Mainstage in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.ticketleap.events/tickets/school-of-night/hellas.
“It’s Just a Wedding” Step into the wonderfully chaotic world of “It’s Just a Wedding,” a black comedy that captures the essence of a generation navigating love and friendship during the early 2000s recession. Follow a tight-knit group of college friends as they reunite and untangle the complexities of their relationships. With an unexpected engagement sparking waves of chaos, the countdown to the wedding becomes a rollercoaster of calamities and surprising revelations. In a world where nothing seems certain, alliances shift and secrets unravel. Who will stand as friend or foe? Written by Cabrina Peer, and directed by Oliver Klein, it runs April 12 through April 13 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 Ext. 2 or visit www.SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/Its-Just-a-Wedding.
“Last Night at Mikell’s” James Baldwin is writing himself into bad health. After two heart attacks, the author returns to New York City for some rest, relaxation and much-needed TLC. First on his itinerary is the iconic jazz club Mikell’s, a favorite hangout, where his brother David tends bar. But things have changed. Mikell’s is closing, and his entourage this night consists of just Maya Angelou and Miles Davis. What’s intended as a celebration turns into an Irish wake for the not-yet deceased, instigated by Miles as James impulsively, on the spot, starts writing an elegy to his beloved old joint. It’s time to par-taayy!! Written by Larry Muhammad, and directed by Ben Guillory, it runs April 12 through May 11 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center, Theatre 4 in Los Angeles. For tickets email office@therobeytheatrecompany.org.
“The Totality of All Things” When a hate crime rocks a small Indiana town, an act of vandalism escalates into something with potentially deadly consequences, and the search for answers only leads to uncertainty about the very nature of truth itself. Written by Erik Gernand, and directed by Taylor Nichols, it runs April 18 through May 25 at the Road Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-761-8838 or visit www.roadtheatre.org.
“Just Like Us” This true coming-of-age story about four Latina girls is more timely now than ever, posing difficult, yet essential questions about what makes us American. Reporter Helen Thorpe (Elyse Mirto) follows the lives of four Latina girls in Denver who straddle two worlds: Clara (Noelle Franco) and Elissa (Valerie Vega) hold legal documents, while Yadira (Newt Arlandiz) and Marisela (Blanca Isabella) do not. Against the odds, each finds her way into a good college, but the hurdles only mount from there. Student loans are not an option when you don’t have a Social Security number, and if your parents face deportation, your siblings may be moving into your dorm. Written by Karen Zacarías, and directed by Fidel Gomez, it runs April 19 through May 18 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-489-0994 or visit www.latinotheaterco.org.
“The Violin Maker” Israeli violin maker Amnon Weinstein gathered and restored ruined violins that survived the Holocaust, creating a remarkable collection known throughout the world as the “Violins of Hope.” His extraordinary story and the true tales behind each of the violins are masterfully interwoven with music in this powerful and uplifting new play. Written by Lisa Pearl Rosenbaum and Ronda Spinak, and directed by caryn desai, it runs April 23 through May 11 at the International City Theatre in Long Beach. For tickets visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.
“The Secret Comedy of Women” celebrates the joys of the journey from girlhood to womanhood. An immersive theatrical experience that rejoices in the challenges of being a woman — from boys to bras and pantyhose to menopause — this two-woman show explores the universal female experience through a rollicking spectacle of sweetly sharp comedy, songs, dances, stories, and spontaneous moments of discovery that all women share. Written by Barbara Gehring and Linda Klein, it runs April 24 through May 18 at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. For tickets call 855-448-7469 or visit www.playhouseinfo.com.
“The Winter’s Tale” This is a vibrant retelling of the original story about love, loss, and rebirth. Written by William Shakespeare, adapted by Tracy Young, and directed by Tracy Young, it runs April 24 through June 14 at the Skylight Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.skylighttheatre.org/thewinterstale.
“The Last Play by Rickérby Hinds” Rickérby Hinds has the unique ability to challenge conventional notions of the stage while taking advantage of its history and traditions. In this Latino Theater Company-commissioned, meta-theatrical comedy that was developed in the company’s Circle of Imaginistas playwriting group, an Afro-Latino playwright, blocked by the challenge of writing what he believes will be his final play, summons characters from some of his previous plays for inspiration — only to confront chaos, comedy, and a deeper understanding of his identity and the true meaning of success. Written by Rickérby Hinds, and directed by Daphnie Sicre, it runs April 26 through May 25 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-489-0994 or visit www.latinotheaterco.org.
CONTINUING
“CRAZY MAMA: A True Story of Love & Madness” This exquisitely crafted, emotionally riveting tale begins with young Sharon racing home a few days after her 8th birthday for the last piece of cake. But when she enters the kitchen, she finds her mother wielding a knife and lost in a frenzy. As the Sheriff escorts her mother away, the deputy tells Sharon that her mama “is not right in the head.” As Sharon’s mother becomes more delusional and lost in the soul-crushing grip of mental illness, Sharon, her father, and teenage brother Spikey hope and pray for a cure. As Mama continues to be committed to mental institutions, convinced she’s working for the FBI, her father blurs his pain with Kentucky bourbon and her brother struggles with his faith. For 46 years, Sharon lives shackled to her Mama’s pain and her own suffering. Written by Sharon Scott Williams, and directed by Anson Williams, it runs through April 6 at the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura. For tickets call 805-667-2900 or visit www.rubicontheatre.org.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Set in a mystical forest where fairies meddle in mortal affairs, A Midsummer Night’s Dream follows the intertwining fates of four young lovers, a group of bumbling amateur actors, and the magical beings who manipulate their destinies. The play is a whirlwind of mistaken identities, playful trickery, and dreamlike adventure, making it a perfect evening of laughter and wonder for audiences. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Mark Sacks, it runs through April 13 at the Helen Borgers Theatre in Long Beach. For tickets visit www.LBShakespeare.org.
“Aristotle/Alexander” When star philosopher Aristotle accepts the coveted position of court tutor for an adolescent Alexander the Great, an intellectual battle of wits between teacher and student collides with high stakes Hellenistic realpolitik bearing life and death consequences. Both then and now, the question of how best to rule reaches a chilling conclusion: democracies are far more fragile than we realize. Written by Alex Lyras, and directed by Danny Cistone, it runs through May 4 at the Company of Angels in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.AristotleAlexander.com.
