Whatever the season, it’s always a great 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

“DIE HEART: The Director’s Cut” This holiday season, the Troubies leave no stone unturned and no glass un-shot – as they blow the roof off the Colony Theatre and hold the audience hostage with the classic Christmas film Die Hard combined with the music of Heart – in a newly revised version of DIE HEART: The Director’s Cut with new songs, previously deleted scenes left on the rehearsal room floor and actual director’s commentary! Don’t spend the holidays “Alone,” run barefoot to the Colony Theatre and see the Troubies “Kick it Out,” but remember, don’t be late-comers or we’ll go “Crazy on You!” Hans Gruber and his “Bara-crewda” will be gunning for laughs in Burbank as they take on that tempestuous “Magic Man,” John McClane in this can’t-miss Troubie extravaganza! Written and directed by Matt Walker, with music by Ryan Whyman, it runs December 5 through December 21 at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. For tickets call 818-558-7000 or visit www.troubie.com.

“A DIY Holiday Musical starring Rex & Friends” a remarkable performance ensemble of uplifting neurodiverse and disabled artists led by musician Rex-Lewis Clack, the 28-year-old blind and autistic pianist and vocalist hailed as a musical savant. This spirited, joyful musical celebrates creativity, community, and the magic of the holiday season featuring Christmas and Hanukkah favorites performed live, both a cappella and acoustic, with humor, storytelling, DIY stage magic, and audience sing-alongs! Written and directed by Laurie Grant, with music by Laurie Grant and Devin Weitz, it runs December 5 through December 7 at the Blue Door in Culver City. For tickets visit www.artsupla.org.

“Frost my Life” Equal parts irreverent and heartwarming, this new holiday musical comedy delivers nonstop laughs, catchy original songs, and just enough Christmas spirit to melt even the frostiest hearts. It’s a festive fever dream filled with small-town charm, big-city burnout, and a whole lot of yuletide mayhem. Julie, a “high-powered marketing exec” whose life falls apart faster than Santa’s sleigh on black ice, flees Los Angeles after losing her dream promotion. She resigns herself to visiting her mother for Christmas in Small Town, Ohio. There, she meets a handsome, widowed dollmaker and his knife-juggling daughter, and things take a delightfully chaotic turn. Cue love songs, Christmas clichés, death by reindeer, demonic dolls, and a Greek chorus that won’t stop singing carols about capitalism. A send-up of every holiday movie you’ve ever hated to love to loved to hate, FROST MY LIFE is a frosted cocktail of camp, chaos, and Christmas cheer. Expect pop-infused show tunes, inappropriate jokes, absurd twists, and a surprisingly sweet message about love, loss, and letting go. The show runs December 5 through December 21 at the Wisteria Theater in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-237-4643 or visit www.wisteriatheater.com.

“Mrs. Christmas” this heartwarmingly irreverent, laugh-out-loud musical offers a relatable holiday experience for adults seeking fresh, festive entertainment—just don’t bring the whole family! It explores the journey of a woman who inherits the holiday traditions of her recently deceased, estranged mother. Known in their small town as Mrs. Christmas, her mother left behind a legacy of festive cheer and complex emotions for her daughter. Through an evening of song and over-the-top stories, the daughter navigates the complexities of their relationship, delving into themes of tradition, loss, legacy, and questioning how we begin to heal the complicated relationships with our families. Written by Tom Jacobson, and directed by Karole Foreman, it runs December 5 through December 21 at the Aurora Theatre in Long Beach. For tickets visit www.buytickets.at/signalhillsandboxinc.

“A Snow White Christmas” Experience the magic of A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS! This festive panto from the Lythgoe Family blends timeless fairy-tale charm with dazzling pop tunes – from Lady Gaga to Bruno Mars – in a laughter-packed, interactive journey. With Muddles the jester guiding the fun – complete with zany audience banter – and a wicked Queen to boo and hiss, every moment is a riot of song, slapstick, and sparkle. Add in awe-inspiring dancing, the playful puppetry of the dwarfs, and sing-along moments perfect for all ages, and you’ve got a joyous holiday treat. Don’t miss the mirth, magic, and merry-making—grab your tickets now for a Christmas full of enchantment! Written by Kris Lythgoe, with music by Michael Sobie, and directed by Bonnie Lythgoe, it runs December 7 through December 28 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“Holiday Soirée & Cabaret” celebrating theater, music and community. Written and directed by Imani Branch, it runs December 12 through December 14 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-663-1525 or visit www.FountainTheatre.com.

“Kinky Boots” Based on true events, KINKY BOOTS follows the journey of two people with nothing in common… or so they think. Charlie Price reluctantly inherits his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As Charlie and Lola work together to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they realized and discover that you change the world when you change your mind. Written by Harvey Fierstein, with music by Cyndi Lauper, and directed by Jerry Mitchell, it runs December 12 through December 14 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets visit www.BroadwayInThousandOaks.com.

“Santasia” This Los Angeles sensation and Off-Broadway New York hit critically acclaimed musical sketch comedy show features Broadway musical parodies, classic Rankin and Bass inspired Claymation movies, and heartfelt sentiment. The popular and celebrated live stage show has run in Los Angeles for the past 25 years, playing to Sold Out audiences. Written by Brandon Loeser and Shaun Loeser, and directed by Shaun Loeser, it runs December 12 through December 27 at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks. For tickets visit www.santasia.com.

“A Sleighful of Songs” Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with songs made famous by Michael Buble, Harry Connick Jr., Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey, Eartha Kitt, Jessy J, John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, Paul McCartney, the Jackson 5, and more…Giddyup, let’s go! Featuring the same amazing cast from The Age of Aquarius, including Constance Mellors, Scottie Nevil, Meg Lin, David Mingrino, Anibal Silveyra, Michael Van Duzer, Donald Moore, Harleigh Ford, Cody Kelepolo, Roni Williams, Auriana Chisholm, Vertreace Sanders, Preston Simon, and Aaron Gillis. Written by John A. Goux, and directed by Victoria Lavan, it runs December 12 through December 14 at the Theatre West in Studio City. For tickets visit www.theatrewest.org/tickets.

“The Wonderful Winter of Oz” is a holiday version of America’s favorite modern fairy tale, in the style of a traditional British family panto. On Christmas Eve, Dorothy gets swept away by a ‘freak’ Kansas blizzard and lands in a world of munchkins and witches. With songs from Lady Gaga to Earth, Wind and Fire, THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ is the perfect family experience at the holiday time. No rainbows will be hurt in this production. Written by Kris Lythgoe, and directed by Becky Lythgoe, it runs December 12 through December 28 at the Scherr Forum Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets visit www.TOpanto.com.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters enroute to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial title song, “White Christmas,” is an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages. Written by Irving Berlin, with music by Irving Berlin, and directed by Actors Repertory Theatre of Simi, it runs December 18 through December 21 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.

CONTINUING

“Cinderella Magical Christmas” In Cinderella Magical Christmas, the stepmother is not the stereotypical villain, but a woman wrestling with misplaced anger, and the stepsisters are not grotesque caricatures, but teenagers finding their way. The production retains the magic of the pumpkin carriage, the stroke of midnight, and the glass slipper—but it also invites us to reconsider family dynamics, identity, and forgiveness in a gently modern light. Written and directed by Terry Hill, with music by Irving Berlin, George & Ira Gershwin, and Jerome Kern, it runs through December 7 at the Helen Borgers Theatre in Long Beach. For tickets visit www.lbshakespeare.org.

“Heisenberg” is a love story of two people, Alex (Paul Eiding) and Georgie (Juls Hoover) who have relinquished the possibility of ever truly being known. Through observing and sharing space and time, they alter each other’s trajectories and evolve away from the safety of stasis. Written by Simon Stephens, and directed by Cameron Watson, it runs through December 21 at the Skylight Theatre in Los Feliz. For tickets visit www.bravespaceproductions.ludus.com.

“Madam Scrooge: A Christmas Carol Musical” The annual award-winning holiday musical is back for 2025! This Broadway-style musical takes an original twist on Charles Dickens’ famous tale! Madam Scrooge: A Christmas Carol Musical recounts the story of Madam Eleanore Scrooge, a miserly spinster, who is visited by the ghost of her former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. This unique holiday adaptation written by Justin Patrick Meyer features a Broadway-style musical score by Hollywood film composer Chris Thomas; over-the-top costume, ghost and creature FX by costume designer Tanya Cyr; and stars rock vocalist Stephanie Hodgdon as Madam Scrooge. Written by Justin Patrick Meyer, with music by Chris Thomas, and directed by Melissa Meyer, it runs through December 21 at the Nocturne Theatre in Glendale. For tickets call 818-839-0984 or visit www.thenocturnetheatre.com.

“Bob Baker’s Nutcracker” The enchanting production – a cherished yuletide tradition for Angelenos of all age – features more than 100 handcrafted puppets, including original characters from the ballet, such as Clara, the Nutcracker, the Rat King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy, along with many of Baker’s own whimsical creations. Written and directed by Bob Baker Marionette Theatre, it runs through January 4 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

“A Christmas Carol” SCR marks the anniversary with enhancements designed to spread holiday joy, including a hot chocolate bar at every performance with 45th anniversary souvenir mugs and visits from Santa Claus on most weeknight performances. Other surprises are forthcoming. Written by Charles Dickens, adapted by Jerry Patch, and directed by Hisa Takakuwa, it runs November 29 through December 28 at the South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. For tickets “Bob Baker’s Nutcracker” The enchanting production – a cherished yuletide tradition for Angelenos of all age – features more than 100 handcrafted puppets, including original characters from the ballet, such as Clara, the Nutcracker, the Rat King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy, along with many of Baker’s own whimsical creations. Written and directed by Bob Baker Marionette Theatre, it runs through January 4 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

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 thanks to the publicists who supply us with this content, to the editors and publishers who deliver it to you, and most importantly, to our readers who use the information we provide. Have a very happy holiday season!

Sincerely,

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

Whatever the season, it’s always a great 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

“Bluebeard’s Castle” The long years of war are over, and the towns and villages lie in ruins. The air is filled with the wails of widows and mothers in mourning, but also with the peal of wedding bells as a young girl is married off to a war hero with a wicked past — it’s rumored that his previous wives were killed or buried alive in his castle. Who would give a girl to be the bride of a monster? Written and directed by Sofia Streisand, with music by Sergey Rubalsky and Artem Petaykin, lyrics by Elena Hanpira, it runs November 1 through November 30 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.

“Grease” Featuring 2 alternating casts of impressive local and regional performers and accompanied by the VOPA Vinyl band, led by Music Director Lindsay Aldana, Grease tells the story of a group of high school seniors who find unexpected friendship and undeniable love, all against a backdrop of iconic 1950s nostalgia. With all the sass of the Pink Ladies, swagger of the Burger Palace Boys, and toe-tapping hits like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” and “You’re the One That I Want,” this show delivers an irresistible mix of humor, heart, and high-energy fun. Written by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey, with music by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey, and directed by Dylan F. Thomas, it runs November 1 through November 16 at the Debbie Reynolds Mainstage in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.

“The Heart Sellers” We meet the women—one Filipino, one Korean—during their chance meeting at a supermarket on Thanksgiving Day, 1973. Longing for connection, Luna invites Jane to her apartment. While their medical-resident husbands work through the night, the women bond over life in America, the families they left behind and how to cook a frozen turkey. Written by Lloyd Suh, and directed by Jennifer Chang, it runs November 1 through November 16 at the South Coast Repertory Julianne Argyros Stage in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit www.scr.org.

“Perfect World” A new musical, based on the life story of Barbara Follett, a precocious and prodigious child writer, who had an extraordinary love of writing and words. Since age 4, she wrote copiously and prolifically, all on a typewriter. She specifically wrote about Farksolia, her Perfect World where happiness reigns and people live in harmony with nature. Barbara wants nothing more than for people to read her books and turn her perfect inner world into reality. But, life, and even love, conspire to thwart her every move. Despite publishing two full-length novels to wide literary acclaim by age 14 in the 1920s, Barbara struggles in all attempts to put the rest of her dream down onto the page. At age 25, she succumbs to life’s many pressures and disappears, leaving her brilliance unfulfilled. Written by Alan Edmunds, with music by Richard Winzeler, lyrics by Alan Edmunds, and directed by Kay Cole, it runs November 1 through November 9 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.perfectworldthemusical.com.

“Peter Pan Goes Wrong” The team behind the hilarious hit, The Play That Goes Wrong, bring their trademark comic mayhem to the J. M. Barrie classic Peter Pan. The much-loved members of “The Cornley Drama Society” once again battle against technical hitches, flying mishaps, and cast disputes on their way to Neverland with hilarious and (of course) disastrous results. Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, & Henry Shields, and directed by Eric Petersen, it runs November 1 through November 23 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets call 562-944-9801 or visit www.LaMiradaTheatre.com.

“Beside Myself” Step into the brilliantly inventive world where modern anxiety meets magical possibility, as a revolutionary medical procedure creates an unexpected double dose of identity crisis. This witty, surreal comedy sparkles as two versions of one woman wrestle for control with hilarious and profound results. Written by Paul Slade Smith, and directed by David Ellenstein, it runs November 2 through November 16 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“Hello, My Name Is…” What do you do when the world makes no sense? Some people meditate. Some people travel. And some people… join a cult. In this razor-sharp satire, a ragtag group of seekers stumble into community, purpose, and even a little joy in the unlikeliest of places. But as devotion twists and the “truth” grows harder to swallow, each must decide: are they finally becoming who they are, or are they disappearing entirely? Funny, unsettling, and brutally honest, it explores the human hunger for meaning, the comedy of misplaced faith, and the strange, surprising places where we end up finding ourselves. Written by Amy Dellagarino, and directed by Darin Anthony, it runs November 6 through December 15 at the Moving Arts Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets visit www.movingarts.ludus.com.

“Chicago” Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids. Written by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and directed by David Hyslop, it runs November 7 through November 9 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets visit www.BroadwayInThousandOaks.com.

“Le Switch” is a romantic comedy that explores the anxieties and changing identities within the gay community following the rise of marriage equality. Set between 2011 and 2014, the story centers on David, a 35-year-old commitment-phobic New Yorker, who must re-evaluate his identity and relationships after gay marriage becomes legal. Written by Philip Dawkins, and directed by Spenser Davis, it runs November 7 through November 15 at the Broadwater Blackbox in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.onstage411.com/leswitch.

“Pointy Scissors” Arnie is a barber in the shop owned by his loving sister Betty. Ernie is a sweet man with self-esteem issues, and he’s possibly mildly autistic. One day, he’s giving a haircut to the meanest, nastiest gangster in town, Carlos, when Ernie accidentally sticks his new pair of pointy scissors into Carlos’ ear. Ernie tries to conceal Carlos’ body when Betty arrives. They are soon joined by Sammy, a fellow who clearly has a yen for Betty and who also owes Carlos a considerable sum of money. Written and directed by Clara Rodriguez, it runs November 7 through December 7 at the Theatre West in Studio City. For tickets visit www.theatrewest.org.

“Border Crisis” An average American family suddenly finds themselves at the center of an international border dispute. As the crisis unfolds, their home is invaded by a succession of government agents, diplomats, and border guards who quickly turn everything upside down. The family–good, loyal citizens who just want to get along and be left alone—try their best to comply. But with the ever more complicated rules, regulations, and the demands of a new authoritarian order, they find it harder and harder to do the right thing. Written by Charles A. Duncombe, based on The House on the Border by Sławomir Mrożek as translated by Pavel Rybak-Rudzki, and directed by Frédérique Michel, it runs November 8 through December 13 at the City Garage at Bergamot Station Arts Center in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-453-9939 or visit www.ticketleap.events/tickets/city-garage/border-crisis.

“Mariology” In a mythical fifth-grade classroom, indoctrination explodes into fantasy and rebellion in Nancy Keystone and Critical Mass Performance Group’s form-busting and exuberantly theatrical West Coast Premiere. Mariology explores the Virgin Mary both as a source of faith and a weapon of control, illuminating Mary’s roles in systems of gender, power, and personal agency. Written and directed by Nancy Keystone, it runs November 8 through December 7 at the Boston Court Pasadena in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-683-6801 or visit www.bostoncourtpasadena.org.

“An Inspector Calls” 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 November 13 through December 14 at Theatre Forty, in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.

“Table 17” If your ex called, would you answer? Jada and Dallas were once engaged—now, they’re meeting for dinner to untangle the past. Between cheeky waiters, old wounds, and the undeniable spark that still lingers between them, their “casual” reunion may ignite a bomb neither of them can defuse. Fresh off its hit Off-Broadway debut and from the creative minds of Douglas Lyons and Zhailon Levingston this witty new play serves up romance, regrets, and the unexpected possibility of second chances. Written by Douglas Lyons, and directed by Zhailon Levingston, it runs November 13 through December 7 at the Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.

“42nd Street” 42nd Street follows Peggy Sawyer, a small-town dancer who uses her naïve charm to win her way into the hearts of the audience and onto the chorus line of the biggest show on Broadway. Beloved by generations, 42nd Street celebrates the “hip hooray and ballyhoo” of musical theatre and the courage to chase one’s dreams. Written by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, with music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin, and directed by Doug Vasquez, it runs November 14 through December 13 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“Passion” Set in Risorgimento-era Italy, the plot concerns a young soldier and the changes in him brought about by his obsessive love of Fosca, his Colonel’s homely, ailing cousin. Passion is notable for being one of the few projects that Stephen Sondheim himself conceived (along with Sweeney Todd and Road Show). After opening on Broadway in 1994, it was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning four, including Best Musical. Written by James Lapine, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by James Esposito, it runs November 14 through November 30 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.chrtheatre.com.

“Bias” A professor accuses a student of cheating. Suddenly, the professor finds himself being investigated for discrimination. His reputation and livelihood are on the line. What will the investigation’s findings be? Written and directed by Art Shulman, it runs November 21 through December 14 at the Hudson Guild Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.onstage411.com/bias.

“Impact” There are no coincidences… only connections. Shortly after the 30th anniversary of the bombing of PanAm Flight 103, a remarkable chain of “follow-signs” led award-winning playwright/composer/performer Amy Engelhardt to Lockerbie, Scotland. What began as a bucket-list trip to honor lost friends evolved into a personal and global exploration of grace, kindness and simplicity. Moving, soul-stirring, hopeful and uplifting, IMPACT is a multimedia scrapbook of Engelhardt’s journey that unfolds through photographs, video, storytelling and original songs. Written and directed by Amy Engelhardt, with music by Amy Engelhardt, it runs November 21 through November 23 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-663-1525 or visit www.FountainTheatre.com.

“Our Town” Emily Webb begins the play overjoyed at a successful speech she gave at school. She interacts briefly with her possible suitor/next-door neighbor George Gibbs, and suddenly they’re getting married. After giving birth to their second child — and through a strange twist of fate — Emily gets to relive a special day of her life, but finds the experience illuminating and simultaneously tormenting, realizing she took her wonderful life for granted. Our Town beautifully and poetically re-creates a theatrical picture of small town, USA and the precious nature of life we all seem to take for granted. Themes of family, home, cycles, and the value of companionship resonate profoundly as they are woven lovingly into this tapestry/ portrait of life in America. Written by Thornton Wilder, it runs November 21 through December 21 at the Group Rep Theater in North Hollywood. For tickets visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“Robin Hood and the White Arrow: The Holiday Feast of Stephen” Majestic, humorous, and deeply moving, Robin Hood and the White Arrow: The Holiday Feast of Stephen follows Robin Hood, Maid Marian, and their band of merry outlaws as they defy tyranny, fight for justice, and discover that love is the truest treasure of all. Written by Kent Johnson, with music by Tim Nelson & Kent Johnson, and directed by Tim Nelson, it runs November 21 through December 21 at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster. For tickets visit www.rosecentertheater.com.

“A Christmas Carol” With its stirring original music, vivid storytelling and exuberant cast, A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within continues to capture the timeless magic of Dickens’ classic—and the enduring hope that kindness can redeem us all. Written by Charles Dickens, adapted for the stage by Geoff Elliott, with music by Robert Oriol, and directed by Geoff Elliott and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, it runs November 30 through December 24 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3100 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.

CONTINUING

“Million Dollar Quartet” tells the story behind a seminal moment in rock history, when four rock-and-roll legends—Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis—met by pure chance at Sun Records in Memphis. That serendipitous meeting on Dec. 4, 1956, turned into one of the most memorable jam sessions in the history of music. The Memphis Press-Scimitar newspaper chronicled the session the next day under the headline “Million Dollar Quartet.” Written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, with music by Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, it runs through November 9 at the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura. For tickets call 805-667-2900 or visit www.rubicontheatre.org.

“Paper Walls” A family, profoundly affected by Hitler’s rise to power, finds themselves desperately fleeing persecution while awaiting entry into the United States. Restrictive U.S. immigration policies and antisemitism intensified their struggle. This poignant drama explores themes that are strikingly relevant to contemporary times, offering audiences profound reflection on resilience, hope, and the quest for finding their place in an ever-changing world. Written by Elliot Shoenman, and directed by Darin Anthony, it runs through November 9 at the Broadwater Main Stage in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-551-0918 or visit www.inkwelltheater.com.

“What Ever Happened to Baby Groundlings” delivers a wild mix of original characters, outrageous scenes, and razor-sharp satire that is performed by some of the funniest comedians in the city. Expect the unexpected as the legendary comedy troupe dives into the campy, twisted, and delightfully unhinged world of “Baby Groundlings.” Written by Groundlings, and directed by Kevin Kirkpatrick, it runs through November 22 at the Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.groundlings.com.

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 thanks to the publicists who supply us with this content, to the editors and publishers who deliver it to you, and most importantly, to our readers who use the information we provide! Have a fabulous fall this year!

Sincerely,

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

Fall is finally here now, and the weather is cooling off, which means it’s time to go see 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

“Haunted Soiree: Vampire” A Halloween Party Set in a World of Seductive Shadows and Eternal Night. A Vampire-Themed Immersive Experience with Cocktails, Theatre, and Dark Delights. Roam through the hauntingly beautiful world of Haunted Soiree: Vampire — an immersive Halloween party in Los Angeles, where craft cocktails, live performances, and a vampire-themed theatrical experience create a night unlike any other. This isn’t a haunted house or a pop-up bar. It’s immersive Halloween entertainment for adults, featuring interactive vampire characters, live music, illusionists, aerial performers, and cinematic creature effects built by artists who live for the night. This is Halloween, reimagined — elegant, immersive, and dripping with blood-soaked glamour. General admission allows attendees 90 minutes in the venue. Premium admission allows attendees 2 hours in the venue, plus a welcome drink. Inner Circle admission has all the perks of premium admission, plus exclusive happy-hour pricing at the bar, and an exclusive character-led ceremony that ends with a special Vampire elixir served to guests. Only those aged 21 and over with a valid ID can enter. Conceived and created by Meyer2Meyer Entertainment, it runs October 3 through November 1 at the Nocturne Theatre in Glendale. For tickets visit www.hauntedsoiree.com.

“Disney’s The Little Mermaid” Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends — Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull, and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea. Written by Doug Wright, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and directed by James Esposito, it runs October 3 through October 12 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.chrtheatre.com.

“anthropology” This high-stakes AI thriller is wrapped in emotional urgency while questioning just how far we’ll go to uncover truth and what technology can and can’t help us resolve in our relationships. Merril is one of Silicon Valley’s leading software engineers, but her life disintegrates when her younger sister Angie vanishes on her way home from college. A year later, when the police have long abandoned their search, Merril assembles all the digital material Angie has left behind and sets about building herself a digital simulation of her sister. The resultant ‘virtual Angie’ offers her some solace – until, that is, it starts to reveal new details about the real Angie’s disappearance. The title of this play is deliberately styled and published as anthropology, in all lowercase. Written by Lauren Gunderson, and directed by John Perrin Flynn, it runs October 4 through November 9 at the Rogue Machine at the Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 855-585-5185 or visit www.roguemachinetheatre.org.

“I’ll Give You My Heart” Five years after her fiancé is killed on their wedding day, a traumatized young woman fights to keep her promise to never leave him, while protecting her grief-stricken heart from opening for a familiar stranger. Written by Tamara Steren, and directed by James Mellon, it runs October 4 through October 19 at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. For tickets visit www.colonytheatre.org.

“The Little King of Norwalk” is a modern barrio fable about power, politics and the price of survival, set against a real-life scandal that unfolded last year when Norwalk imposed a ban on shelters, supportive housing, and businesses that traditionally serve the poor. Following a DUI, Juan attends his first mandated AA meeting — where he’s mistaken for someone powerful and influential who might be of use to the ambitious mayor and his inner circle. Juan wields his new power to benefit himself but soon goes too far. Can he find redemption by confessing the truth? Written by Israel López Reyes, and directed by Geoffrey Rivas, it runs October 4 through November 2 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-489-0994 or visit www.latinotheaterco.org.

“An Evening with Eartha Kitt Live Tribute” An Evening with Eartha Kitt Live Tribute honors the life and work of Eartha Kitt. Slip into the velvet-draped world of Eartha Kitt. A sensual, subversive, and unforgettable icon brought to life in this electrifying one-woman cabaret starring Broadway’s Thomasina Gross (Mamma Mia!, Hairspray Live!). Thomasina channels the legendary icon with smoldering vocals, biting wit, and magnetic charm — all backed by a sensational live band. From the sultry purr of “Santa Baby” to the delicious defiance of “I Wanna Be Evil”, it’s an evening of raw glamour, intimate storytelling, and timeless allure. It’s a celebration of everything she was — and everything she dared us to be. Thomasina E. Gross brings Eartha Kitt back to life. Unapologetic. Fierce. Fearless. (An Evening with Eartha Kitt Live Tribute includes original monologues and dramatizations based on publicly available information. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Eartha Kitt estate.) Written by Thomasina E. Gross, and directed by Nohely Quiroz, it runs October 7 through October 9 Upstairs at Vitello’s in the Velvet Martini Lounge in Studio City. For tickets visit www.vitellosrestaurant.com.

“Littleboy/Littleman” When Nicaraguan brothers Fíto and Bastian clash over their visions of the American Dream, their choices send them on a collision course with fate—risking not just their futures, but their bond. Fíto, a poet, is impulsive and ambitious, willing to take risks to get what he wants. Bastian, a telemarketer, is steady and principled, holding onto caution as a guide. Blending poetry, live music, and ritual, this electrifying tale of brotherhood and belonging pulses with rhythm and emotion, pulling us into a world where family is everything, but dreams come at a cost. Written by Rudi Goblen, and directed by Nancy Medina, it runs October 9 through November 2 at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.

“Hairspray” Set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, the production follows teenage Tracy Turnblad’s dream to dance on “The Corny Collins Show,” a local TV dance program based on the real-life Buddy Deane Show. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight, leading to social change as Tracy campaigns for the show’s integration. The songs include 1960s-style dance music and “downtown” rhythm and blues. Written by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, based on the John Waters film, with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and directed by Marissa Jaret Winokur, it runs October 10 through October 26 at the Scherr Forum Theatres at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets call 805-449-2787 or visit www.Ticketmaster.com.

“A Life Behind Bars” As a young man in New York, establishing himself as a writer and actor, he took on a job to pay for his rent and groceries until his big break would come. That job was bartending. Dan found he had a certain proficiency for it and was in demand. He also enjoyed the social aspects of it, meeting people, talking to people, the party atmosphere, the occasional gay fling. Being behind the bar put him in proximity to the adult beverages his clientele loved. He enjoyed the libations, too, sometimes too much. 9/11 happened. The gentrification and Disneyfication and Giulianification of Manhattan followed. Dive bars ceased to be in fashion. New York wasn’t fun anymore. There are eight million stories in the naked city, and Dan will introduce you to a bunch of colorful characters in the course of his narrative. New York was a party, and you’ll get to join in on the fun. Written by Dan Ruth, and directed by Tanya Moberly, it runs October 10 through October 17 at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks. For tickets visit www.whitefire.stagey.net/projects/11435?tab=tickets.

“The Great Lover” the Duke de Richelieu proposes a wager: he can—and will—seduce the first beautiful woman who crosses his path. Women have always found the silver-tongued rascal irresistible, and rarely has he failed in his conquests. But this time, the clever Marquise de Prie has pledged to protect and mentor the virginal Gabrielle de Belle-Isle. Complicating matters further, both Gabrielle and Richelieu are drawn to the newly commissioned nobleman, Lieutenant Raoul Sevran. The promise of passionate love proves difficult to restrain once temptation opens the door. The game is afoot, and it is impossible to predict who will triumph in this playful labyrinth of foreplay, intrigue, and danger. This delightful romp unfolds in the château of Chantilly, 17th-century France. Written by Alexandre Dumas. English translation by Barnett Shaw, and directed by Ben Guillory, it runs October 11 through November 9 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center, Theatre Four in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.therobeytheatrecompany.org.

“Mascogos” pronounced (Mahs-KO-gohs) are descendants of Black Seminoles who escaped slavery in Florida and Georgia to settle in northern Mexico, predominantly in Coahuila. There, the Mexican government granted them land in exchange for military service: they helped defend the northern frontier from raids. In 1852, the Mascogos established Nacimiento de los Negros, a village that still exists today. They lived alongside Kickapoo, Seminole and Mexican neighbors, developing a unique Afro-Indigenous-Mexican culture. They retained English and Gullah-influenced songs, dances, and oral traditions, while also adopting Spanish and Catholic practices. In this bold, historical sci-fi drama, 18-year-old Jamari is fighting an unknown illness that takes him through worlds he’s never seen before, time-traveling from 1864 Mexico to today’s West Side of Chicago. Unsure of where he belongs, trapped in a historical cycle, Jamari and his loved ones— his 15-year-old cousin Gechu, Mama Luz and Padre Jose—seek answers as they try to break free from the shackles of time. Written by Miranda González, and directed by Jose Luis Valenzuela, it runs October 11 through November 9 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-489-0994 or visit www.latinotheaterco.org.

“Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared” Arriving in New York City on a steamer, 17-year-old Karl Rossmann strives to make his own way, even as he encounters a series of increasingly strange and bewildering experiences that turn his world upside-down. Written by Dietrich Smith from the novel by Franz Kafka, and directed by Dietrich Smith, it runs October 17 through November 22 at the Open Fist Theatre Company at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 323-882-6912 or visit www.openfist.org.

“Breathe” is a story of two sons from different families involved in separate acts of violence. The consequences they face are based not only on evidence, but also on the color of their skin. Not only must the sons rationalize their actions for themselves, but their families must now find a way to break through the social prejudices and differences in order to assist each other in their efforts to pin down a catalyst for their sons’ violence and find enough answers to move forward with their own lives. This play reminds us of our shared humanity and the differences that continue to keep us apart. Written by Javon Johnson, and directed by Levy Lee Simon, it runs October 17 through November 2 at the Mark Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets visit www.marktheatre.com.

“Hello Dolly!” follows the larger-than-life matchmaker Dolly Levi as she sets out to arrange the romantic affairs of New York’s elite, while plotting a match of her own. With unforgettable Jerry Herman songs including “Put on Your Sunday Clothes,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” “It Only Takes a Moment,” and the iconic title number, this Tony Award-winning classic is a joyous celebration of love, laughter, and the indomitable spirit of one legendary woman. Written by Michael Stewart, with music by Jerry Herman, and directed by Cynthia Ferrer, it runs October 17 through November 2 at Musical Theatre West in the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets visit www.musical.org.

“Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson–Apt. 2B” In this fast-paced and wildly entertaining comic escapade, the classic tales of Sherlock Holmes get a sharp, sassy twist, thanks to what Hamill calls her “cheerful desecration” of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective series. Written by Kate Hamill, and directed by Amie Farrell, it runs October 17 through November 2 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.

“UnRavelled” centers on Dr. Anne Adams, who, in her fifties and at the height of her prestigious career exhibited radical personality changes, abandoning her life’s work to paint. Starting out with simple subjects — houses, strawberries — she became suddenly, inexplicably obsessed with Maurice Ravel’s symphonic masterpiece, Boléro, launching into a wildly different and masterful painting style. Through her stunning paintings, Dr. Adams’ work may offer clues to unlocking mysteries about the brain’s networks and creativity. Similarly, Ravel’s most famous work, his captivating, single-movement, orchestral piece Boléro, deviated significantly from his deeply honed musical style. He composed it as a ballet for Russian dancer Ida Rubinstein in 1928, when Ravel himself was experiencing dramatic shifts in his personality. Boléro was one of the last works Ravel completed before dementia ultimately stripped him of his ability to compose. FTD is the most common form of dementia in people under age 60, which manifests with behavioral alterations – not memory loss or paralysis typical of other types of dementia. FTD is the same kind of dementia that afflicts actor Bruce Willis. Written by Jake Broder, with music by Mark Grey, and directed by James Bonas, it runs October 17 through October 19 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-746-4000 or visit www.unravelledplay.com.

“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” Set in a Pittsburgh boarding house in 1911 during the Great Migration, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone introduces us to a group of men and women teetering on the brink as they search for lost family, identity and purpose in the aftermath of slavery. Owners Seth Holly (Alex Morris) and his wife, Bertha (Veralyn Jones) play host to a makeshift family, as residents come and go during a time when descendants of former slaves were moving North in large numbers. When tormented Herald Loomis (Kai A. Ealy) arrives with his young daughter, Zonia (Jessica Williams), he is a free man after seven years’ hard labor on Joe Turner’s chain gang. Loomis is looking for the wife he left behind (Tori Danner), believing she can help him reclaim his identity. But through his encounters with the rootmaker, Bynum (James. T. Alfred), and the other residents (Brandon Gill, Briana James, Nija Okoro), he comes to realize that what he really needs is to “find his song” — and it will take more than the local people finder (Bert Emmett) to discover it. Also in the cast is Jared Bennett as the neighbor boy, Reuben. “Seth and Bertha’s boarding house is a way station where souls come on their way to find redemption,” explains Daniel. “Thousands of former slaves and their descendants moved from the South into the jungles of the northern cities after the end of the Civil War. They needed to find each other, to reconnect with their heritage, their ancestry and their culture. Written by August Wilson, and directed by Gregg T. Daniel, it runs October 18 through November 9 at A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3100 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.

“नेहा & Neel” Neha (नेहा), an Indian immigrant and single mom, worries that she’s failed to pass her language and traditions down to her 17-year-old American-born son, Neel (नील). Could a cross-country college tour be her last shot? If only she can convince Neel to visit the historic Hope Diamond and witness a piece of Indian history for himself, perhaps it will turn their trip into something more. A funny, heartfelt, intergenerational tale about love, family and heritage. Written by Ankita Raturi, and directed by Lily Tung Crystal, it runs October 18 through November 16 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-489-0994 or visit www.latinotheaterco.org.

“The Heart Sellers” We meet the women—one Filipino, one Korean—during their chance meeting at a supermarket on Thanksgiving Day, 1973. Longing for connection, Luna invites Jane to her apartment. While their medical-resident husbands work through the night, the women bond over life in America, the families they left behind and how to cook a frozen turkey. Written by Lloyd Suh, and directed by Jennifer Chang, it runs October 26 through November 16 at the Julianne Argyros Stage at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit www.scr.org.

CONTINUING

“The Night of the Iguana” tells the story of the Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon, a defrocked minister now conducting guided tours through Mexico on the verge of a nervous breakdown. As he struggles with his connection to God and yearns to escape his own tortured existence, he is surrounded by two equally imperfect women, one of whom offers him sensuality, the other spirituality as a means of easing his tormented soul. Taking place over the course of one turbulent night at the Costa Verde hotel on the verge of a world war, the play asks what constitutes escape, what bargains are we willing to make with ourselves, and how much we yearn for real human connection – especially when we’re at the end of our rope. Written by Tennessee Williams, and directed by Jessica Kubzansky, it runs through October 19 at the Boston Court Pasadena in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-683-6801 or visit www.bostoncourtpasadena.org/events/iguana.

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 thanks to the publicists who supply us with this content, to the editors and publishers who deliver it to you, and most importantly, to our readers who use the information we provide! Have a fabulous fall this year!

Sincerely,

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

Autumn is quickly approaching now, the kids are back in school again, and that means it’s time to go see 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

“Adolescent Salvation” Over the course of one night, through a haze of tequila, texting, and Taylor Swift, three teens banter, bicker and push each other to the edge of danger – with consequences that could prove lethal by morning. This searingly funny and fearlessly inquisitive play examines the moral complexity of the kinds of characters we judge most harshly – and the fatal consequences of ignoring our own complicity in the deeds that we condemn. Written by Tim Venable, and directed by Guillermo Cienfuegos, it runs September 5 through October 12 at the Matrix Theatre – Upstairs on the Henry Murray Stage in Los Angeles. For tickets call 855-585-5185 or visit www.roguemachinetheatre.org.

“Fly Me to the Sun” When Abuela Julia arrives from El Salvador to live with her family in a Chicago suburb, her grandson learns to see America through his grandmother’s eyes — while also teaching her to enjoy simple American pleasures. Relaying the story in the style of a late-night talk show in which the young BQ (Gerardo Navarro) is the host and Julia (magically portrayed as a hand puppet) is his special guest, Fly Me to the Sun weaves Quijada’s beautiful, semi-autobiographical story about the moments that move us and what calls us home. Meanwhile, older brother Marvin (Noe Cervantes) deejays, with a playlist that pays homage to R&B, hip-hop, Latin-American music and American standards. Written by Brian Quijada, with music by Marvin Quijada, and directed by Raymond O. Caldwell, it runs September 6 through October 12 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-663-1525 or visit www.FountainTheatre.com.

“One Man, Two Guvnors” Things start to look a little brighter for Francis Henshall, a hapless, out of work musician in England’s seaside town of Brighton, when he lands two jobs in one fantastic day. But now he’s working for two bosses at the same time, all the while keeping each unaware of the other’s existence. They, meanwhile, are just as busy — separated lovers on the run from the mob, they end up at the same pub, neither knowing that the other is there… which isn’t difficult, because one of them is in drag. Packed with physical comedy, quick wit and a live skiffle band, One Man, Two Guvnors is an evening of witty, irreverent social commentary, music and unapologetic farce. Written by Richard Bean, adapted from The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni, with music by Gary Olding, and directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott and Geoff Elliott, it runs September 6 through September 28 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3100 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.

“Pericles” Part adventure, part fairytale, and full of heart, this immersive production of Shakespeare’s Pericles invites audiences to travel through mystical lands, meet pirates and nuns, and dance alongside a cast of unforgettable characters. When Pericles leaves home in search of fortune, they cross paths with a cast of strange and wondrous characters — wacky kings, mysterious nuns, evil queens, and the love of their life. But when tragedy strikes and that love is lost at sea, Pericles keeps moving to outrun grief. Will they find their way home or something even better? Running time is 90 minutes. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Amanda McRaven, it runs September 6 through September 21 at the Kings Road Park in West Hollywood. For tickets visit www.pericles-weho2025.eventbrite.com.

“Right” From 2024 to 2025 the number of measles cases in the US has grown almost 450%; there have been 3 deaths so far this year. Over a quarter of a million kindergarteners are not vaccinated against measles. Fewer than 40% of Americans say they trust doctors. RIGHT examines what happens when an expectant couple risks fracturing their family when they refuse to let their unvaccinated nephew near their baby, igniting a relentless battle over science, safety, and loyalty. Written by Darryl Vinyard, and directed by Bryan Rasmussen, it runs September 6 through October 18 at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks. For tickets call 818-687-8559 or visit www.whitefiretheatre.com.

“Am I Roxie?” In this fiercely funny one-woman tour-de-force based on her own life, writer/actor Roxana Ortega navigates the chaos of her mother’s mental decline with outrageous humor and unbreakable spirit. Playing everything from a mermaid-obsessed aunt to a prickly sherpa, Roxie takes us on a wild ride into an opera house, up a killer mountain, and through the doomscape of her own mind. Heartfelt and hilarious, Am I Roxie? explores duty, destiny, and how facing your darkest fears can reveal who you truly are. Written by Roxana Ortega, and directed by Bernardo Cubría, it runs September 11 through October 5 at the Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Westwood. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.

“Ragtime the Musical” At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing… and anything is possible. Set in the volatile melting pot of turn-of-the-century New York, three distinctly American tales are woven together – that of a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician – united by their courage, compassion and belief in the promise of the future. Together, they confront history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair… and what it means to live in America. With a Tony Award-winning score which blends ragtime, blues, jazz and show tunes, it’s a powerful, sweeping saga of America! Written by Terrence McNally, with music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and directed by David Ralphe, it runs September 12 through September 21 at the El Portal Theatre Debbie Reynolds Mainstage in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.

“Real Women Have Curves” A young Hispanic woman navigates culture, tradition, expectations and her own dreams to forge an identity and inspire those around her. Set in an East LA garment factory, Real Women Have Curves captures the struggles five women face with immigration agents, partners, and social judgment while they strive to meet impossible production deadlines. Both touching and funny, Real Women Have Curves speaks to the journey we all travel to find our true selves. Written by Josefina Lopez, and directed by Marco Rivera, it runs September 12 through October 4 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“Annie” a spunky Depression-era orphan, determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss (Agnes) Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and finds a new family and home in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Written by Thomas Meehan, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and directed by Tim Nelson, it runs September 13 through September 28 at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster. For tickets call 714-793-1150 or visit www.rosecentertheater.com/annie.

“Million Dollar Quartet” tells the story behind a seminal moment in rock history, when four rock-and-roll legends—Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis—met by pure chance at Sun Records in Memphis. That serendipitous meeting on Dec. 4, 1956, turned into one of the most memorable jam sessions in the history of music. The Memphis Press-Scimitar newspaper chronicled the session the next day under the headline “Million Dollar Quartet.” Written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, and directed by James Moye and Kim Martin-Cotton, it runs September 13 through October 11 at the South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit www.scr.org.

“Danny Boy” Danny showed promise as a talented writer. Crushed by publishing house rejections and a troubled past, he now ekes out a living as a street clown, entertaining children in the park. At least he gets to make them smile. Written and directed by Michael J. Harney, it runs September 19 through October 19 at the Other Space @ The Actors Company in West Hollywood. For tickets visit www.onstage411.com/DannyBoy.

“Parallel Process” The play is about two estranged brothers — Dennis, a respected clinical psychologist, and Bobby, a former District Attorney — who are reunited decades after serving together in Vietnam. Bobby’s unexpected arrival forces them to confront the brutal childhood and wartime trauma they’ve long buried, along with a devastating shared secret that could shatter the life Dennis has built. As the night unfolds, their reunion becomes a tense battle of wills, peeling back layers of guilt, betrayal, and the moral injuries that still bleed long after the war’s end. Written and directed by David Kohner Zuckerman, it runs September 19 through October 26 at the Odyssey Theatre in West Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.

“The Age of Aquarius ’67 to ’72: The Songs of Rock N’ Soul” 1967 to 1972 – The Age of Aquarius – An era when Rock N Roll evolved from popular music into a powerful force set against the backdrop of introspection, social unrest, and military action under a burgeoning umbrella of peace and love. Theatre West’s THE AGE OF AQUARIUS is a joyful celebration of the music of the soul of this extraordinary time. Highlighting artists like Tina Turner, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, The Mama’s and the Papa’s, The Beach Boys, Aretha Franklin, Simon & Garfunkel, Roberta Flack, Carole King, The Beatles, The Who, Jimi Hendrix and more! With songs performed including California Dreamin’, San Francisco, Good Vibrations, The Sound of Silence, Happy Together, Proud Mary, Respect, Pinball Wizard, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Hey Jude, Born to Be Wild, Foxy Lady, and Take It Easy to name just a few. Audience members will be dancing in the aisles and singing out loud as they leave the theatre. This is a Theatre West Concern Event NOT TO BE MISSED! So, join us for a Concert Event of Beautiful, Fun & Cool!! See you there! Written by Victoria Lavan and John A. Goux, and directed by Victoria Lavan, it runs September 20 through September 21 at the Theatre West in Studio City. For tickets call 323-851-4839 or visit www.theatrewest.org.

“Come from Away” is based on the true story of how, unexpectedly, the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar, and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family. Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, with music by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and directed by Richard J. Hinds, it runs September 20 through October 12 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets call 562-944-9801 or visit www.LaMiradaTheatre.com.

“Go Play!” is a poignant comedy about three strangers and their dogs meeting for the first time at a dog park. The flamboyant show poodle, pampered Yorkie, and scrappy rescue have plenty to say behind their clueless owners’ backs and often make more sense than they do. As the humans fumble through personal crises and unexpected connections, their four-legged sidekicks watch—and comment—on it all. Written and directed by Barra Grant, it runs September 20 through November 2 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.odysseytheatre.com.

“The Night of the Iguana” tells the story of the Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon, a defrocked minister now conducting guided tours through Mexico on the verge of a nervous breakdown. As he struggles with his connection to God and yearns to escape his own tortured existence, he is surrounded by two equally imperfect women, one of whom offers him sensuality, the other spirituality as a means of easing his tormented soul. Taking place over the course of one turbulent night at the Costa Verde hotel on the verge of a world war, the play asks what constitutes escape, what bargains are we willing to make with ourselves, and how much we yearn for real human connection – especially when we’re at the end of our rope. Written by Tennessee Williams, and directed by Jessica Kubzansky, it runs September 20 through October 19 at the Boston Court Pasadena in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-683-6801 or visit www.bostoncourtpasadena.org/events/iguana.

“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” dukedom? Eliminate the eight relatives standing in his way – of course! With charm, wit, and just a dash of homicide, A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER takes you on a madcap romp through Edwardian England where the bodies pile up, the laughs roll in, and love proves to be the deadliest weapon of all. Experience the Tony Award-winning musical that’s a perfect blend of big laughs, wicked plot twists, and impossibly quick costume changes. This show features snappy dialogue, surprising twists, and a cast of quirky characters. Whether you’re here for the drama, the romance, or the body count… this show slays… (literally)! Written by Robert L. Freedman, based on a Novel by Roy Horniman, with music by Steven Lutvak, and directed by Noelle Marion, it runs September 21 through October 5 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“All These Women” This world premiere play examines the almost insurmountable struggle women faced to get the right to vote in America. It is 1913, and women in America have been fighting for suffrage since 1848. Now that a new Democratic President, Woodrow Wilson presides over a Democratic Congress, has the time finally come for women to win the right to vote? Hopes are high until a World War looms, and divisions among the women themselves threaten to unravel it all. If they are to succeed, it’s time for desperate measures …Written and directed by Melanie MacQueen, it runs September 25 through October 19 at the Theatre Forty, in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call www.theatre40.org.

“My Spirits Soar” A young coed from America encounters more challenges than she bargained for as she embarks on her junior year abroad. The once fearless, problem-solving, undaunted wunderkind astounds everyone with her ingenuity, bravery and creativity until she is confronted with the one thing she swore she’d avoid doing at all costs: fall in love. Ghosts. Magic. Art. Music. Love. Dancing. It all spins together in a sometimes humorous, sometimes chilling effervescent evening in the theater. This is a contemporary take on a beloved short story, and the music style is Broadway-Pop. Perfect for the entire family. Written by Doug Haverty, with music by Adryan Russ, lyrics by Doug Haverty and Adryan Russ, and directed by Kathleen R. Delaney, it runs September 26 through November 2 at the Group Rep Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“Otherkin” Olive is 14 years old and identifies as a dragon. It’s three weeks till the end of the world and all hell has broken loose. Olive is searching for her biological mother, just met her biological father and his husband and, on top of everything, she is visited by three “Elemental Guardians” who inform her that she’s the one who must save mankind. Written by N.T. Vandecar, and directed by Christina Carlisi, it runs September 26 through November 2 at the Road Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-761-8838 or visit www.roadtheatre.org.

“Torch Song” the life of Arnold Beckoff, a torch song-singing, Jewish drag queen living in New York City, is dramatized over the span of the late 1970s and 1980s. Torch Song follows Arnold’s odyssey to find happiness and lasting love. His desires take him on a universal journey to find a loving relationship to share his life, a child, and even a pair of bunny slippers that fit. A visit from his overbearing mother challenges his life and makes him realize that more than anything he requires respect. With fierce honesty and touching vulnerability, Torch Song is a celebration of chosen family and the enduring power of self-expression. Written by Harvey Fierstein, and directed by Jeffrey Lesser, it runs September 26 through October 12 at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-828-7519 or visit www.morgan-wixson.org.

CONTINUING

“A Doll’s House” A groundbreaking work when it premiered in 1879, A Doll’s House shocked audiences with its unflinching look at gender roles, marriage, and personal freedom. More than a century later, its themes remain as urgent and relevant as ever. The play centers on Nora and Torvald Helmer, a seemingly perfect middle-class couple. Torvald, a respected bank lawyer, prides himself on being the moral compass of his home. But when a long-buried secret comes to light—that Nora once committed fraud to secure a loan to save her husband’s life—their carefully curated world begins to unravel. Blackmail, deception, and shifting loyalties ignite a storm that forces Nora to make a life-altering decision: to break free from her marriage and discover her own identity. Written by Henrik Ibsen, and directed by Michael Hovance, it runs through September 14 at the Helen Borgers Theatre in Long Beach. For tickets visit www.lbshakespeare.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. Wisteria reimagines Sondheim’s beloved Into the Woods like you’ve never seen before – where classic fairytales intertwine with bold new twists, unexpected turns, and a touch of theatrical magic only Wisteria can conjure. Familiar characters. Unfamiliar choices. A spellbinding journey that reinvents happily ever after. Come experience the woods in a whole new light. Written by James Lapine, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Brayden Hade, it runs through September 28 at the Wisteria Theater in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-237-4643 or visit www.wisteriatheater.com.

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 thanks to the publicists who supply us with this content, to the editors and publishers who deliver it to you, and most importantly, to our readers who use the information we provide! Have a great time this fall!

Sincerely,

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

Summer is here at last, and that means it’s time to go see 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

“Festival of Arts Fine Art Show & Pageant of the Masters ‘Gold Coast: Treasures of California’” Southern California’s most anticipated art events return this summer, bringing a season of creativity, culture, and unforgettable experiences to Laguna Beach. The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show opens Tuesday, July 2, followed by the premiere of this year’s all-new Pageant of the Masters production, Gold Coast: Treasures of California, on Friday, July 5. Together, these two iconic events transform Laguna Beach into the ultimate summer destination, welcoming visitors from around the world to explore exceptional artwork, enjoy daily live music, take part in hands-on activities, and witness the Pageant’s legendary theatrical illusions under the stars.

From July 2 through August 30, the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show will showcase over 100 of Orange County’s most accomplished visual artists—including 16 first-time exhibitors—in a juried exhibition of original works ranging from painting and sculpture to photography, ceramics, and jewelry. Many are award-winning artists at the top of their field, offering an extraordinary range of styles and perspectives. All artwork is available for purchase, making the Festival a must-visit for collectors and art lovers alike. Visitors can meet the artists, learn about their creative process, and experience firsthand the very best of Southern California’s art scene.

The Festival will also present a robust lineup of special events, including the all-new Battle of the Arts, the return of annual favorites like Family Art Day and the ever-popular Festival Runway Fashion Show. Daily live music performances, sponsored by City of Hope Orange County and Yamaha, will feature an exciting mix of genres, with new themed series debuting this summer—Southern Nights: Country & Blues, Soulful Sundays, and an expanded lineup of fan-favorite Tribute Nights. The Festival’s Art Center, sponsored by Bank of America, will offer hands-on art classes for all ages Friday through Sunday, plus free drop-in workshops available every day. For the full list of exhibiting artists, event highlights, and live music schedule, visit www.foapom.com/summer-art-show.

Then, on Friday, July 5, the curtain rises on the 2025 Pageant of the Masters, where art steps out of the frame and onto the Pageant stage. This year’s theme, Gold Coast: Treasures of California, features a collection of masterpieces from California’s most prestigious museums, collections, and iconic monuments from the state’s most recognizable cities. Audiences will embark on a visual journey up and down the California coast, with featured works from the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, de Young Museum, Timken Museum of Art, and more—all brought to life through the Pageant’s signature blend of live narration, original music, and breathtaking “living pictures.”

Tickets are available at www.foapom.com/pageant-of-the-masters.

The Festival and Pageant are proudly sponsored by Volvo Cars, City of Hope Orange County, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, and KOST Radio 103.5. The 2025 Pageant of the Masters production “Gold Coast: Treasures of California” will run nightly from July 5 through August 29, 2025. A Pageant ticket also serves as a season pass to the 2025 Festival of Arts Fine Art Show, taking place from July 2 to August 30, 2025 (closed July 4). To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts, follow the Festival on social media at @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com. The show runs July 2 through August 30 at the Festival of Arts Grounds in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-494-1145 or visit www.foapom.com.

“Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Offers Military Discounts All July and Extends Hours for Holiday Weekend” The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will operate with extended hours July 4in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. On Friday, July 4, the first tramcar up will be at 8:00 a.m., the last tramcar up will be at 9:00 p.m. and the last tramcar down will be at 10:30 p.m. Join the Mount San Jacinto State Park rangers on a guided nature walk along the 1½-mile Desert View Trail on Sunday, July 6 at 11:00 a.m. or the ¾-mile Long Valley Nature Trail loop at 1:30 p.m. Those interested should meet at the bottom of the cement walkway located just outside the Mountain Station after riding the Tram to the top. Guided Nature Walks are free to attend with general Tram admission. Beat the heat and celebrate the Fourth of July Holiday Weekend in the cool mountain air at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway!

During the entire month of July, all U.S. military personnel with valid military identification—active, former, and retired—receive free admission to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, along with a special gift for “Military Days.” Spouses of deployed military members, as well as military widows and widowers, also qualify for the promotion. Military personnel are encouraged to bring friends and family and receive 25% off regular Tram admission for up to four guests.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram car. Opened in 1963, the Tram’s 80-passenger cars travel along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon from the Valley Station (elevation 2,643 ft.) to the Mountain Station (elevation 8,516 ft.) in approximately 10 minutes. For more information, please call 888-515-TRAM or 760-325-1391, or visit www.pstramway.com. Also, download the Tramway’s free mobile tour in the App Store or Google Play. The extended hours run July 4 through July 6 at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in Palm Springs. For tickets call 760-325-1391 or visit www.pstramway.com.

“Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story” charts the rise of one of rock ‘n’ roll’s earliest icons, from his small-town Texas roots to becoming a cultural phenomenon. Featuring timeless hits like “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day,” and “Everyday,” this toe-tapping musical will have audiences dancing in their seats while gaining insight into the man behind the music. This is not just a show, it’s a full-blown concert experience, with actors performing every note live on stage as they bring Buddy Holly’s legendary music to life. Written by Alan Janes, with music by Ryan O’Connell, and directed by Keith Andrews, it runs July 11 through July 27 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-856-1999 or visit www.musical.org/events/the-buddy-holly-story.

“Disney’s FROZEN The Broadway Musical” For the first time in forever, experience the musical phenomenon that has taken the world by storm! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s FROZEN The Broadway Musical includes all the film’s beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage! Written by Jennifer Lee, with music by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez, and directed by Yvette Lawrence, it runs July 11 through July 20 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.

“The Impact of Dildos on a Funeral” Close friends find themselves locked inside a funeral home with no cell signal after the staff goes missing. As they try to honor the deceased’s mostly humorous wishes, secrets surface, grudges are rehashed, and hard decisions must be made. This dark comedy of errors will challenge audiences to examine how we handle the past to create a better future. Written by Emma J. Latimer, and directed by Natasha Renae Potts and Madylin Sweeten Durrie, it runs July 11 through August 3 at the Sawyer’s Playhouse at Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.

“Xanadu” the cult roller-disco musical reimagined as a neon-lit fever dream. It’s got Muses, love, betrayal, killer vocals, and yes… roller skates. Whether you’re here for the 80s nostalgia, the absurd comedy, or just want to see a fog machine work overtime, you’re in for a ride! Expect live vocals, high-energy choreography, and campy chaos. Come for the roller skates, stay for the divine absurdity. Written by Douglas Carter Beane, with music by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, and directed by Lexi Lou, it runs July 11 through August 10 at the Wisteria Theater in N9rth Hollywood. For tickets call 818-237-4643 or visit www.tickettailor.com/events/wisteriatheater/1726548.

“The Marriage Zone” What if you had a second chance? What if you were a struggling 40-something couple who got a glimpse into the future and could see how it all turned out? What if you had a chance to do it all differently to try to make it work? Beth and Cal get that chance one afternoon while selling their house — as their past, present, and future all collide. The results are both hysterical and poignant. Written and directed by Jeff Gould, it runs July 12 through August 30 at the 905 Cole Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.onstage411.com/marriagezone.

“The Seagull: Malibu” With the crashing waves of Malibu as both a literal and metaphorical backdrop, Chekhov’s tragicomic masterpiece about fame, art and unrequited love is emblematic of the societal and artistic upheavals of a culture in flux. As in the original, the beautiful, sun-soaked locale belies the turbulent emotions of its inhabitants: Constantine loves Nina even as Trigger pursues her. Nina, longing for fame, is hypnotized by Trigger’s success. Irina clings to her fading youth and celebrity — and to Trigger. Masha loves Constantine, while Ted loves Masha. Paulina yearns for Dr. Dore, and Thad longs to return to the lights of New York City. Written by Ellen Geer, adapted from The Seagull by Anton Chekhov, and directed by Ellen Geer, it runs July 12 through October 5 at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.

“The Bridges of Madison County” is about a forbidden love affair between a photographer and a housewife that changes them forever. The show ran on Broadway in 2014 and won two Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations. Written by James Waller, with music by Jason Robert Brown, book is by Marsha Norman, and directed by Richard Van Slyke, it runs July 18 through August 3 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.chrtheatre.com.

“She Kills Monsters” Agnes’ family has been killed in a car crash. But that’s not what this play is about. Instead, it’s about Agnes discovering who her sister was (and maybe some new things about herself as well) while playing through an original Dungeons and Dragons ® adventure her sister wrote. Written by Qui Nguyen, and directed by Shawn Summerer, it runs July 18 through August 9 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“Berta, Berta” In 1920s Mississippi, Leroy has committed an unforgivable crime and is ready to accept his punishment: incarceration at notorious Parchman Farm. He has just one final wish before he’s caught – a chance to make amends with his long-lost love, Berta. Their reunion swells from a quarrelsome conjuring of the past to an impassioned plot to escape their impending fate. Written by Angelica Chéri, and directed by Andi Chapman, it runs July 19 through August 25 at the Echo Theater Company at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 747-350-8066 or visit www.EchoTheaterCompany.com.

“Menage A Quatre” This witty, fast-paced world premiere comedy set in Los Angeles, involves two married couples – Gary and Jeannie, and Reuben and Meg – whose long-time friendship implodes when Gary, acting on a gnawing suspicion that Jeannie is having an affair, hires an eccentric private detective named Ezra Pound (no relation), who discovers that Jeannie is indeed having an affair, and it happens to be with his best friend, Reuben. In an attempt to deal with the fallout, they come up with a novel solution which they hope will salvage their friendship and their marriages…and of course, major shit hits the fan. Written by Peter Lefcourt, and directed by Ryan O’Connor, it runs July 19 through August 17 at the Davidson/Valentini Theatre at the Los Angeles LGBT Center in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.Onstage411.com/Quatre.

“A Jukebox for the Algonquin” The residents at the Placid Pines Senior Care Center really want a jukebox. When it costs more than the center can raise, a small band of former Brooklyn and Bronx residents hatch a plot to prove that aging is not a New York state of mind. Don’t miss the West Coast premiere of this serious comedy about sex, drugs, and rocking chairs! Written by Paul Stroili, and directed by Larry Eisenberg, it runs July 24 through August 24 at Theatre Forty, in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.

“The Opposite of Love” A down on his luck hustler and a trust fund baby form an unlikely bond when she hires him to help her move past her sexual trauma. But their search for intimacy must survive darker inclinations in a world where love is a commodity. Written by Ashley Griffin, and directed by Melora Marshall, it runs July 24 through August 31 at the Hudson Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.hudsontheatre.com.

CONTINUING

“Sorry” In present day, Francine, a lawyer, looks the other way from the harassment of a female colleague. Oh, and then she murders her husband. From the 19th century, Lillian terminates pregnancies with herbs. And she gets institutionalized for being a lesbian. Persephone, of Ancient Greece, fights breast cancer AND domestic violence. Three mythical Furies reflect these women to themselves, championing their power and questioning their participation in their own oppression. Sorry. challenges the many ways women defer, adapt, comply, and apologize in a man’s world. What if they just couldn’t anymore? Written by Melissa R. Randel, and directed by Larry Biederman, it runs through July 19 at the Moving Arts Theatre in Atwater. For tickets visit www.movingarts.org.

“Sister Act” Set in 1970s Philadelphia, the plot follows Deloris, who witnesses a mob hit and is placed in witness protection at a convent, posing as a nun. Initially out of place in the quiet, conservative world of the church, Deloris uses her lively, secular personality to rejuvenate the convent’s struggling choir, turning it into a powerhouse that brings the community together. Written by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional material by Douglas Carter Bean, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and directed by Ruben Gabriel Hernandez, it runs through July 27 at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-828-7519 or visit www.morgan-wixson.org/mainstage/sister-act.

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 thanks to the publicists who supply us with this content, to the editors and publishers who deliver it to you, and most importantly, to our readers who use the information we provide! Have a safe and sane 4th of July!

Sincerely,

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