If you survived the torrential rainstorms we had recently, and now you’re wondering how to beat the unusually hot weather we have now, why not take some time to cool off while you enjoy one of these fantastic productions 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

“Dragon Mama” Broadway star Sara Porkalob returns to Geffen Playhouse for the second installment of The Dragon Cycle. In this next chapter, Maria Porkalob, Jr. dreams of a bigger, gayer life beyond Bremerton, WA. But when an unexpected chance to escape arises, she faces an impossible choice—stay with her struggling family or chase freedom in the wilds of Alaska. Packed with ghosts, Filipino gangsters, and a killer ’90s R&B soundtrack, this award-winning, high-octane solo show is a raw, hilarious, and deeply moving story of resilience, queer love, and what it takes to break free and find home. Written by Sara Porkalob, and directed by Andrew Russell, it runs March 4 through April 12 at the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Westwood. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.

“Antony and Cleopatra” this bold reimagining of William Shakespeare’s tragedy strips away spectacle to reveal the raw human core beneath the legend. Rome and Egypt do not merely clash as superpowers — they fracture inside the hearts of two rulers trying to be everything at once: warrior and lover, sovereign and soul. The political machine surrounding them is equally formidable. Justin Valine embodies the calculating precision of Octavius Caesar. Julianne Holmquist portrays Octavia, whose quiet strength underscores the personal cost of political alliance. Connor Bowen appears as Domitius Enobarbus, Antony’s loyal confidant and moral compass, whose choices echo with devastating consequence. At its heart, Antony and Cleopatra is an exploration of love and duty — and how devotion to one demands the sacrifice of the other. The greatest soldier of the ancient world and its most powerful queen bind their empires — and their fates — together, chasing a fleeting sense of eternity found only in the quiet of midnight. Written by William Shakespeare, adapted by Christian Lee Navarro, and directed by Christian Lee Navarro, it runs March 7 through March 22 at the Helen Borgers Theatre in Long Beach. For tickets visit www.LBShakespeare.org.

“You Can’t Take It with You” is a classic American comedy that celebrates individuality, love, and the joy of living life on your own terms. Set in 1930s New York, the play follows the eccentric Sycamore family, whose quirky hobbies and free-spirited lifestyle stand in sharp contrast to societal norms. Chaos and hilarity ensue when their daughter Alice brings her straight-laced fiancé and his conservative parents home for dinner. The play is a timeless reminder that happiness isn’t found in wealth or status. With sharp wit and heartwarming moments, it highlights the beauty of embracing one’s passions and differences. As the two families clash and connect, the story unfolds with charm, laughter, and unexpected wisdom. You Can’t Take It with You remains a beloved theatrical gem that inspires audiences to live fully and authentically. Written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, and directed by Cate Caplin, it runs March 7 through March 29 at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-828-7519 or visit www.morgan-wixson.org.

“The Shark Is Broken” The first summer blockbuster movie is being filmed – but no one working on the film would know it. Dive deep into the tumultuous, murky waters of the making of a major motion picture with testy, feuding co-stars, unpredictable weather, and a shark prop whose constant breakdowns are looking like an omen for the future of the movie. In this comedy co-written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, the short tempers of Jaws stars Robert Shaw (father of co-writer Ian Shaw), Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider take center stage as they bond, argue, drink, gamble, and pray for an end to the shoot, not knowing it will change their lives forever. Written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, it runs March 8 through March 22 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“MALICE: Stories of Injustice” a series of monologues inspired by true stories of families and communities affected by ICE. Tuesday night will be performed in English, Wednesday night will be performed in Spanish. Written by Vivianne Nacif and Juan Pablo Oubina, and directed by Vivianne Nacif, it runs March 10 through March 11 at the Odyssey Theatre in West Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit OdysseyTheatre.com

“The Color Purple” tells the powerful story of Celie, a young Black woman in rural Georgia, who endures immense abuse from men in her life but finds her voice, strength, and self-love over 40 years (1909–1949). She discovers hope and healing through deep friendships with courageous women as she navigates heartbreak, betrayal, and eventually finds independence, all set to a vibrant score of gospel, blues, jazz, and ragtime. The show opened on Broadway in 2005 and received 10 Tony Award nominations. It was revived in 2015, winning the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical. Written by Marsha Norman, with music by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray, and directed by Elijah Green, it runs March 13 through March 29 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.chrtheatre.com.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” retells the last week of Jesus’s life from the perspective of Judas Iscariot, focusing on the political and personal struggles between Jesus, Judas, and Mary Magdalene. Initially released as a successful concept album in 1970, its popularity led to a Broadway debut in 1971, becoming a global phenomenon known for its rock score and anachronistic, modern sensibility. Written by Tim Rice, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, and directed by Justin Meyer, it runs March 13 through April 26 at the Nocturne Theatre in Glendale. For tickets visit thenocturnetheatre.com/box-office.

“The Play That Goes Wrong” What could possibly go wrong? Absolutely everything – in the most hilarious way imaginable! THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG is a sidesplitting farce where a cast of earnest actors struggle to keep their disaster of a murder mystery on track. Expect collapsing sets, missed cues, and nonstop laughter from start to finish. Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields, and directed by Larry Raben, it runs March 13 through March 29 at the Scherr Forum Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets call 805-449-2787 or visit www.5startheatricals.com.

“Fairview” At the Frasier household, preparations for Grandma’s birthday party are underway. Beverly is holding onto her sanity by a thread to make sure this party is perfect, but her sister can’t be bothered to help, her husband doesn’t seem to listen, her brother is MIA, her daughter is a teenager, and maybe nothing is what it seems in the first place. Written by Jackie Sibblies Drury, and directed by Oz Scott, it runs March 14 through April 19 at the Rogue Machine at the Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 855-585-5185 or visit www.roguemachinetheatre.org.

“The Unexpected Guest” Lost in the fog, a stranger seeks refuge in a nearby house, only to find a man shot dead and his wife standing over him with a smoking gun. But the woman’s dazed confession is anything but convincing, and the unexpected guest decides to help. Remarkably, the police clues point to a man who dies two years previously, but as the ghosts of a past wrong begin to emerge, a tangled web of lies reveals family secrets and chilling motives, where the real murderer turns out to be the greatest mystery of all. Written by Agatha Christie, and directed by Warren Davis, it runs March 19 through April 19 at the Theatre Forty, in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit theatre40.org.

“Sex, Lies and Harold Pinter” an evening of two rarely staged Pinter one-acts—both darkly comic, both unmistakably unsettling. In Party Time, affluent guests at a chic London gathering (John Coady, Larry Eisenberg, Michelle Ghatan, Brenda James, Isaac W. Jay, Paul Marius, Michelle McGregor, Christopher Louis Parker and Mouchette Van Helsdingen) trade gossip and brag about wealthy pursuits while, just beyond the half-open door, an unjust regime enforces “order” with brutal force. In the second half of the evening, the tone shifts with The Lover. Susan Priver, who previously appeared at the Odyssey in Tennessee Williams’ Kingdom of Earth and A Streetcar Named Desire and in Pinter’s A Slight Ache (the latter two directed by Heller), stars as Sarah opposite Ron Bottitta, recently seen in Fatherland at the Fountain and Corktown ’39 at Rogue Machine, as Richard. A married couple, Sarah and Richard enliven their relationship by exchanging intimate accounts of their affairs—until Pinter’s sly, bittersweet twist reveals how fragile the boundaries between fantasy, power and desire truly are. Written by Harold Pinter, and directed by Jack Heller, it runs March 20 through April 26 at the Odyssey Theatre in West Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit OdysseyTheatre.com.

“Steel Magnolias” Heartfelt, humorous, and moving, this sharp comedy celebrates the unbreakable bond of friendship and the search for family, not necessarily by blood. Set in a small-town Louisiana beauty salon, six strong, witty, Southern women navigate life’s triumphs and tragedies with humor, sarcasm, support and grace. Written by Robert Harling, and directed by Kathleen R. Delaney, it runs March 20 through April 26 at the Group Rep Theatre – Main Stage in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit thegrouprep.com.

“My Uterus: A Womb with a View” In My Uterus: A Womb with a View, Dina digs deep into her pelvic cavity to explore what the Uterus really is, what it means to own one, and to probe and examine how and why it continues to get screwed over, again and again, by those who have no business being in there. Written by Dina Morrone, and directed by Peter Flood, it runs March 21 through March 22 at the Theatre West in Studio City. For tickets call 323-851-4839 or visit theatrewest.org.

“Cast Out” What does a pirate submarine, a rigged chariot race, a priest searching for absolution from a fallen angel, a lonesome love train and a doomed wedding have in common? Only renowned film maker Sanjay Ratnam knows, and he’s not telling. Yet. Have faith in the chaos as you delve into the workings of a unique creative process. And if you understand even a little bit of Hindi, you’ll be privy to some special secrets much earlier on than anyone else.​ Written by Evelyn Rudie, with music by Sergei Stern, and directed by Chris DeCarlo, it runs March 23 through March 24 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets visit www.SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/Cast-Out.html.

“Death of a Salesman” unfolds over a single, combustible 24-hour period in the life of an American family on the brink. Aging salesman Willy Loman has spent his life chasing the promise of success, believing that charisma and ambition would guarantee prosperity and respect. But as financial pressures mount and his career collapses into obsolescence, the widening gap between Willy’s dreams and reality threatens to consume him and everyone he loves. Written by Arthur Miller, and directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, it runs March 28 through April 19 at A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3100 or visit anoisewithin.org.

“Somebody to Love: A New Musical” is set to the soundtrack of a generation: this funny, heartfelt new jukebox musical follows four friends who meet freshman year of college and vow to change the world, and to be there for each other… always. This World Premiere rock ‘n’ roll musical is a timely story about the choices we make, the trials, triumphs, and turning points that define a lifetime – and the one thing that matters most – somebody to love. Written by Robert Sternin and Prudence Fraser, and directed by Sean Daniels, it runs March 28 through April 12 at the Karyn Jackson Theater in Ventura. For tickets call 805-667-2900 or visit www.rubicontheatre.org.

CONTINUING

“Lifeline” In the aftermath of an unforeseen, life-changing event, Patti, a well-meaning mother, becomes a volunteer at a suicide hotline. Over the course of the intense and emotional training, through laughter and tears, a new understanding bridges the divide between people from very different perspectives and walks of life. Written by Robert Axelrod, and directed by Ken Sawyer, it runs through March 14 at the Road Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-761-8838 or visit ci.ovationtix.com/35065/production/1258741.

“Off Key” Set in a smoky, late-night jazz club, the play follows Candi (Maliaka S. Mitchell), a once-celebrated matchmaker whose business – and confidence – are falling apart. As Marvin (Marvin Dexter Moore) the jazz piano player underscores the action, she juggles a series of disastrously mismatched dates, each couple revealing more about her own fears of failure, loneliness, and control. When fantasy collides with reality, Candi’s trainee Doreen (Joslyn Marquez) is forced to confront a painful truth – she has been searching for love instead of living inside it. Through music and honesty, Doreen’s journey culminates in an unexpected revelation about her own life. Between improvised music and overheard confessions, the matchmaker begins to realize that her obsession with perfect pairings has kept her from listening to the messy human rhythms of real connection. By the final set, the club becomes a place not of romance solved, but of vulnerability shared – and a chance for Candi to start over. Written by Christopher Ureña, and directed by Greg Shane, it runs through March 14 at the Blue Door Theater in Culver City. For tickets visit www.artsupla.org.

“Octopus’s Garden” follows two marine biologists and a struggling composer whose lives are upended when an octopus in their cephalopod lab composes a piece of music of unparalleled beauty. As ambitions collide and creative egos fray, the characters are drawn into a richly theatrical fable that questions what it means to confront the unknown. Innovative puppetry brings the titular octopus to life, heightening the play’s blend of humor and heart. Written by Weston Gaylord, and directed by Jessica Kubzansky, it runs through March 29 at the Boston Court Pasadena in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-683-6801 or visit bostoncourtpasadena.org.

“The Price” In Arthur Miller’s 1968 tour de force masterwork, THE PRICE, two brothers reunite in the attic of a New York brownstone to sort through their late father’s possessions. What begins as a long overdue reunion becomes an intense exploration comparing the price of professional success to the cost of personal integrity, as four indelible characters struggle to make sense of the past and create a future. Written by Arthur Miller, and directed by Elina de Santos, it runs through April 12 at the Pacific Resident Theatre in Venice. For tickets call 310-822-8392 or visit pacificresidenttheatre.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 great time this month!

Sincerely,

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

Here in Southern California we are enjoying fair weather as usual, which means it’s time to go out and enjoy one or more of these fabulous shows playing currently in our local theaters!

Covid protocols continue to be dictated by each individual venue, so bring a face mask to wear during the show in case the venue requires it. It’s a good idea to check with the theater before you attend a show to find out what their current policy is.

The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should verify it with the theater to confirm it before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates for this month, or are already running:

OPENING

“Here Be Dragons” In this powerful new play, a high school classroom becomes a courtroom battleground between two estranged brothers (Jim Beaver and Charlie Mount) on opposing sides of the Evolution/Intelligent Design issue. With Meg Lin, Anne Leyden and John Combs as the school board members, whose decision on whether or not to accept the state’s re-definition of science (allowing for the legal introduction of Creationism into their science classrooms) is being carefully watched by the country’s media and may influence school systems across the country. George Tovar and Corrine Shor play parents of a child whose teacher was killed while teaching a Bible Literacy class. Adding her sly wisdom to the debate is the Board Secretary (Scottie Nevil) looking for a “lost cause” of her own to champion. As the brothers engage in their battle of wits, the tension builds, and it becomes increasingly unclear who will win. Will the School allow the teaching of Intelligent Design? It’s a question being asked in actual school boards across the country right now! Written and directed by Charlie Mount, it runs February 4 through March 11 at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks. For tickets visit whitefire.stagey.net/projects/13156.

“Guards at the Taj” Set centuries ago, yet piercingly relevant today, Guards at the Taj follows two low-ranking imperial guards stationed outside the Taj Mahal before its grand unveiling. An impossible task will test their lifelong friendship, shake their faith, and shatter their lives forever. This darkly funny and deeply moving play asks us: follow duty or follow beauty? Written by Rajiv Joseph, and directed by Behzad Dabu, it runs February 5 through February 22 at the El Portal Theatre Monroe Forum in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit elportaltheatre.com.

“Three Coconuts” is set is Chicago, 1968, during the Democratic National Convention. Downtown, cops are fighting demonstrators in the streets. Meanwhile, in the Albany Park neighborhood, Ida Blumenthal is preparing for sabbath dinner. Ida’s husband is long-gone. So, Ida, looking for a new husband for herself and, most importantly, a new father for her young son Sammy, has taken out an ad in the Jewish newspaper, the Forward. She has invited three gentlemen to her first-floor apartment for her home-cooked Shabbat dinner. Three candidates arrive. Her brother, Irving, noting their eccentricities, dubs them Three Coconuts. Meanwhile, Ida’s second-story neighbor, Maury, has been operating a bordello on his premises. When the local constabulary comes calling, Ida, Sammy, and the Three Coconuts risk being swept up in the vice cops’ dragnet. It was just supposed to be Shabbat dinner. What could possibly go wrong? Written and directed by Howard Teichman and Steven G, it runs February 6 through March 29 at the Miles Memorial Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 323-821-2449 or visit wcjt.org.

“Sylvia Sylvia Sylvia” Sally, a once-celebrated novelist grappling with writer’s block and overshadowed by her husband Theo’s rising literary fame, seeks solace and inspiration in the iconic Boston apartment once inhabited by Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes. But when eerie encounters begin to blur the line between inspiration and madness, Sally is forced to question what’s real, what’s imagined, and what her art may truly cost her. A darkly funny, gripping world premiere from rising playwright Beth Hyland, this tragicomic thriller explores creativity, obsession, and our ghosts that refuse to be ignored. Written by Beth Hyland, and directed by Jo Bonney, it runs February 12 through March 8 at the Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Westwood. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit geffenplayhouse.org.

“Incitation to the Dance” Includes frank discussion of sexual themes. Leave the kids at home. Malcolm is a film professor teaching a class on Queer Coding in Film Noir. Asher is his husband, depressed as he faces a career crisis. Finn is a determined young man who upends their comfortable world with his provocative blend of sexuality and menace. As Malcolm reveals the homoerotic undertones in the seminal Film Noir, GILDA, to his class, his personal life threatens to become a mirror image of the tangled trio in the film. This show is a sexy, dark comedy filled with witty banter, rising sexual tension, stylish dance numbers, and the radiant vitality of Rita Hayworth. Written and directed by Michael Van Duzer, it runs February 13 through March 15 at the Theatre West in Studio City. For tickets call 323-851-4839 or visit eventbrite.com/e/incitation-to-the-dance-tickets-1975939145174.

“Man of La Mancha” unfolds as a story within a story, following Miguel de Cervantes as he invites a community of prisoners to help him bring his tale to life. What begins as a stark, stripped-down world transforms through imagination, humor, and shared belief, as the characters become co-creators in Don Quixote’s quest to see the world not as it is, but as it could be. Blending whimsy with emotional depth, the production celebrates resilience, dignity, and the power of storytelling to set us free. By the final moments, audiences will be left to wonder whether Don Quixote was mad…or simply brave enough to dream out loud. Written by Dale Wasserman, with music by Mitch Leigh, lyrics by Joe Darion, and directed by James Vásquez, it runs February 13 through March 1 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-856-1999 or visit musical.org.

“The 39 Steps” A missing spy. A mysterious woman. A man on the run. When Richard Hannay, a seemingly ordinary man, makes the split-second decision to stop and help a stranger, he is catapulted into a high-speed chase across the Scottish countryside – with only his wits (and a trench coat) to survive. This fast-paced farce features over 150 characters played by just four actors in a whirlwind of costume changes, clever staging, and nonstop laughs. Equal parts Hitchcock homage and theatrical tour de force, this is a masterclass in imagination, precision, and play. Written by John Buchan, adapted by Patrick Barlow, and directed by Jenny Sullivan, it runs February 14 through March 1 at the Rubicon’s Karyn Jackson Theatre in Ventura. For tickets call 805-667-2900 or visit rubicontheatre.org.

“Honour” A sharp and authentic examination of love, betrayal, and the fragile agreements that hold marriages together. When a celebrated writer can’t seem to “do the right thing,” decades of loyalty, intimacy, and compromise unravel in a single evening. With wit and emotional precision, the play explores the personal cost of truth and the reverberations of a single, life-altering choice – asking whether honesty is always an act of courage, or sometimes one of cruelty. Written by Joanna Murray-Smith, and directed by Max Mayer, it runs February 14 through March 22 at the Ruskin Group Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-397-3244 or visit ruskingrouptheatre.com.

“Luca & Uri” opens with a breakup between two men fiercely bound by love yet unable to hold on, tracing the fractured arc of their decade-long relationship in Los Angeles. As their dreams and desires pull them apart, their intimacy dissolves into quiet compromises and mounting silences, exposing the gradual erosion of self. Unfolding like a fractured memory through moments of tenderness, passion, and resentment, the play confronts the cost of staying, the quiet courage it takes to leave, and the heartbreak of loving someone so deeply you begin to disappear inside them. Written by Nicholas Pilapil, and directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera, it runs February 14 through March 15 at the Victory Theatre Center in Burbank. For tickets call 818-841-5421 or visit ci.ovationtix.com/35020/production/1262804.

“OY! What They Said About Love” In this warm, witty, and deeply personal performance, Budd explores the universal search for love and connection. Wondering why others seem to find lasting relationships while he remains on the sidelines, Budd interviewed couples from all walks of life – from a Jewish pair who met on Craigslist to an interfaith couple who connected at a Halloween party – and brings their real words to life onstage. Wearing many hats (and voices), he embodies a dozen characters and weaves together a narrative that is as hilarious as it is heartfelt. Written by Steve Budd, and directed by Mark Kenward and Kenny Yun, it runs February 14 through February 15 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 or visit thevictorytheatrecenter.org.

“Red Harlem” Based on true events when the Communist Party courted African Americans in 1932 by championing their civil rights and opposing racist injustices, four Harlemites fleeing racial injustice and the economic fallout of the great depression, win roles in a blockbuster film financed by Joseph Stalin. Once in the Soviet Union, they pursue the dreams denied them in the US, but when they discover the country is hiding a devastating secret, they’ll be forced to escape it with their lives. Written by Kimba Henderson, and directed by Bernadette Speakes, it runs February 14 through March 15 at the Company of Angels in Boyle Heights. For tickets call 323-270-6325 or visit companyofangels.org.

“Richard III” Charismatic and contemptible in equal measure, burdened by physical challenges and consumed by ambition, Richard claws his way to the crown with unrelenting ferocity, removing all obstacles, and all people, in his path. Manipulating, marrying and murdering his way to the top with unmatched charm and zeal, Richard turns the audience into his unwitting accomplice: we root for him even as his plans grow ever more monstrous. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Guillermo Cienfuegos, it runs February 14 through March 8 at A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3100 or visit anoisewithin.org.

“Fiddler on the Roof” Set in the village of Anatevka at the turn of the 20th century, Fiddler on the Roof follows Tevye, a devoted husband and father striving to uphold tradition as his family and community face profound social change. Through humor, heart, and unforgettable music, the musical explores enduring themes of family, faith, love, and resilience. The score includes some of musical theater’s most celebrated songs, including “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Matchmaker,” and “Sunrise, Sunset.” Written by Joseph Stein, with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and directed by Tim Nelson, it runs February 20 through March 8 at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster. For tickets visit rosecentertheater.com.

“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” By turns endearing, hilarious and deeply relatable, the musical explores the thrills and pitfalls of dating, romance, marriage and long-term commitment, from first dates and second guesses to in-laws and everything in between, capturing nearly every stage of romantic life with warmth and humor. Written by Joe DiPietro, with music by Jimmy Roberts, and directed by Barry Pearl, it runs February 20 through March 8 at the International City Theatre in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit InternationalCityTheatre.org.

“Uncle Vanya” Set in a rural estate at the end of the 19th century, the lives of Vanya, his niece Sonya, the retired Professor Serebryakov and his young wife Yelena intertwine, leading to complex jealousies, romantic rivalries, and emotional breakdowns as they confront their wasted lives and failed dreams. Vanya and Astrov, a local doctor, both fall in love with Yelena, a spoiled, self-centered beauty; Sonya pines hopelessly for the doctor, while the oblivious Professor disrupts everyone’s lives with his egotistical demands. This classic play, rendered here by LaBute in a new, contemporary version, uses deceptively ordinary dialogue to reveal deep human frailties and a poignant, yet hopeful message about how we find the strength to endure life’s struggles. Written by Neil LaBute, and directed by Frédérique Michel, it runs February 20 through March 29 at the City Garage in Santa Monica. For tickets visit ticketleap.events/tickets/city-garage/uncle-vanya.

“Freda Payne Sings All That Jazz and More” ONE NIGHT ONLY: Legendary vocalist Freda Payne brings her elegance, power, and unmistakable voice to All That Jazz and More. Best known for her timeless hit “Band of Gold,” Payne is also a celebrated jazz stylist whose career spans decades of acclaimed recordings, Broadway, film, and live performances worldwide. In this intimate evening, she delivers classic jazz standards, soulful ballads, and select favorites from her rich repertoire, blending storytelling with sophisticated musicality. With warmth, charm, and impeccable phrasing, Freda Payne invites audiences on a journey through jazz traditions and beyond, celebrating the artistry that has made her an enduring icon. Starring Freda Payne, with music by Josh Nelson, it runs February 26 at Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill & Jazz Club in Bel Air, Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-474-9400 or visit www.vibratogrilljazz.com/music.

CONTINUING

“Julius Caesar” A gripping exploration of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal, Julius Caesar examines the rise and fall of one of history’s most iconic figures. As conspirators strike in the name of freedom, the consequences reshape Rome—and immortalize Caesar as a symbol of power whose legacy echoes across centuries. As the opening production of The Stuff of Legends, Julius Caesar sets the tone for a season dedicated to stories that endure – tales whose impact is so extraordinary they can never be forgotten. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Glenn Kelman, it runs through February 7 at the Helen Borgers Theatre in Long Beach. For tickets visit lbshakespeare.org.

“My Son the Playwright” In his bold and intimate new solo show, L.A. cult icon and Rogue Machine resident playwright Justin Tanner dives headfirst with courage and sharp humor into a story that centers around the strained relationship between a playwright and his estranged father. In his most autobiographical play yet, two men in different apartments prepare for a meeting that they would rather avoid – but desperately need. What begins as a messy and comic struggle against pride and past resentments becomes a reckoning with vulnerability and forgiveness. Written by Justin Tanner, and directed by Lisa James, it runs through March 1 at the Rogue Machine at the Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 855-585-5185 or visit roguemachinetheatre.org.

“God of Carnage” satirizes parenting, marriage and upper-middle class dynamics in an oft-hilarious manner that is as cutting as it is clever. In gentrified Brooklyn, a playground fight between 11-year-old boys brings four parents together to resolve their sons’ conflict. At first, diplomacy rules. But as each parent reveals their demands, the living room peace summit spirals into a riotous free-for-all of opposing parenting styles, conflicting personalities and marital tensions. A brilliant and biting comedy of manners (without the manners). Written by Yasmina Reza, and directed by Marco Barricelli, it runs through March 21 at the South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit scr.org.

“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” George and Martha invite a young couple to their home for a nightcap. As the clock ticks into the wee hours, Nick and Honey find themselves submerged in a cocktail of clever mind games, deep-seated resentments and broken promises. Hilarious and harrowing, this unflinching portrait of a marriage ceaselessly astonishes audiences with its razor-sharp dialogue and thrilling performances. Written by Edward Albee, and directed by Lisa Rothe, it runs through March 21 at the South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit scr.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 great time this month!

Sincerely,

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

Welcome to our brand-new year, which means it’s time to go out and enjoy one or more of these fabulous shows playing currently in our local theaters!

Covid protocols continue to be dictated by each individual venue, so bring a face mask to wear during the show in case the venue requires it. It’s a good idea to check with the theater before you attend a show to find out what their current policy is.

The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should verify it with the theater to confirm it before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates for this month, or are already running:

OPENING

“An Inspector Calls” Theatre Forty moves its production of An Inspector Calls to the beautiful, historic Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills for a strictly limited engagement. This play occurs when a young woman meets with an untimely demise and a respectable family is subject to a routine inquiry in connection with the death. An inspector calls to interrogate the family, and it is revealed that each member of the family is implicated lightly or deeply in the woman’s undoing. The friendly and close-knit family at the beginning of the evening is shown up to be selfish, self-centered, and cowardly. Good fellowship turns to acid and dislike. A surprising revelation turns up in the end which makes this thriller not to be missed. Written by J.B. Priestley, and directed by Cate Caplin, it runs January 8 through January 18 at the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. For tickets call www.theatre40.org.

“What Opa Did” follows Kate, a young New Yorker, as she confronts her Jewish grandparents’ past in Germany, where they were forced to hide with their baby during the war. As Kate uncovers the truth about her Opa leaving the family to fend for themselves for three years and the choices that he and her Oma had to make to survive, she grapples with the moral complexities of their actions and the impact of secrets on their identities. Written by Christopher Franciosa, and directed by James Paradise, it runs January 15 through February 15 at the Theatre Forty, in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.

“The Altruist” A happy, seemingly healthy bachelor discovers via his annual physical, that he has at least two terminal diseases. Seeking positivity, he decides he will donate all his organs (while they are still good) and save multiple lives. But this a not allowed, fso he sues the state. The media goes berserk and before you can say The Great White Way, a Broadway producer shows up wanting to turn his story into a great, big money-making musical! Written by Bill Fitzhugh, with music by Richard Allen, and directed by Bruce Kimmel, it runs January 16 through February 22 at the Group Rep in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“Lost in Yonkers” Two brothers, Jay and Arty Kurnitz, are left with their father’s estranged family while he hits the road to work off his debt to loan sharks. Little do the boys know that they’re about to get a crash course in complex, heartbreaking, and hilarious familial relations in classic Neil Simon style. This Pulitzer Prize winning comedic drama takes the boys – and the audience – on a journey through the laughter and tears that only family can provide. Written by Neil Simon, and directed by Jeremy Palmer, it runs January 16 through February 7 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“Kid Gloves” This world premiere musical comedy dives into the candy-colored chaos of a reality-TV competition where children’s entertainers compete for the chance to win their own show. Fast-paced, hilarious, and sneakily poignant, KID GLOVES skewers the utter depravity of reality TV and how it can corrupt even the most wholesome element of humanity. Written by Matthew Leavitt, with music by Nathan Wang, lyrics by Matthew Leavitt, and directed by Richard Israel, it runs January 17 through February 15 at the Skylight Theatre in Los Feliz. For tickets visit www.kidgloves.ludus.com.

“Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground” brings the 34th president, Dwight D. Eisenhower’s remarkable life to the stage in an extraordinary way. Through captivating storytelling and deep historical insight, the performance immerses audiences in Eisenhower’s personal reflections on leadership, war, and peace. With emotional depth and powerful nuance, it unpacks the complexities of a man who shaped the course of history during one of America’s most pivotal eras. A must-see theatrical experience. Written by Richard Hellesen, and directed by Peter Ellenstein, it runs January 18 through February 1 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“Jewish for Dinner” Ruth Cohen finally finds the perfect man to love, marry, and above all else, bring home to her Conservative family. But she neglected to ask one, small question: Is he Jewish? Or, can he at least fake it? Written by Lou Borenstein, and directed by Jeff Jackson, it runs January 18 through March 1 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 or visit www.SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/Jewish_for_Dinner.

“Kind Stranger … a memory play” depicts the poignant journey of Tennessee Williams as the legendary playwright recounts his life, art, and love affairs. Witness his wit and unflinching honesty as he writes his last chapter, revealing how his plays were his life and his life was his plays. Adapted directly from his memoir and using only his words, Kind Stranger could be the last original Tennessee Williams play. Written by Rick Simone-Friedland, and directed by Steven Simone-Friedland, it runs January 23 through February 8 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.theatreplanners.stagey.net/projects/13051?tab=tickets.

“Sweet Air” Robbie and Galen, two complete strangers on completely different paths in life, have both had a miserable Valentine’s Day. They’re both broke, lonely and stranded in a deserted subway station on a freezing cold New York City night, waiting for a train that never seems to be coming. With seemingly nothing to lose, they strike up a conversation, commiserate, bond, unravel the mysteries of the universe and romantic comedies and find a connection in this cruel and heartless world in this post-pandemic, platonic Valentine’s Day comedy. Written by Matt Morillo, and directed by Katie Oliver, it runs January 23 through February 15 at the McCadden Place Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.sweetairplay.com.

“Brownstone” Unfolding on the second floor of a classic New York brownstone at three distinct moments in its history, Brownstone’s structure is as striking as the architecture that inspired it. Three poignant, often funny stories, set in 1978, 1937 and 1999, take place in the same building, linked through time. Deena and Maureen (Rosie Byrne and Amber Tiara) are a pair of starry-eyed aspiring actresses, newly arrived to New York in the 1970s and struggling to get their big break. We meet Stephen and Davia (Matthew Goodrich and Chelsea Spirito), a pampered, rich young couple of the 1930s who long to move to Paris. Striving for success, Jason and Jessica (Isaac W. Jay and Jade Santana) are a chillingly self-absorbed “power couple” of the new millennium. Written by Catherine Butterfield, and directed by Ron West, it runs January 24 through February 28 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 323-882-6912 or visit www.openfist.org.

“Punish Me” A screenwriter struggling to make it in Hollywood becomes trapped in an increasingly abusive relationship with a narcissist who threatens both his career dreams and his legal status in America. The play explores the complexity of toxic relationships, narcissism, and obsession. It includes adult themes and simulated sex. Inspired by true events. Written by Michael Dukakis, and directed by Monique Sorgen, it runs January 28 through February 25 at the Hudson Backstage Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.onstage411.com/punishme.

“Poetry for the People: The June Jordan Experience” Born in Harlem in 1936, Jordan shattered boundaries as a poet, essayist, teacher and activist. Fiercely committed to civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ visibility and freedom from oppression in all its forms, she authored 27 volumes across genres and contributed to The Progressive, The Village Voice, The New York Times, Ms., Essence and The Nation. With language that embraced both the lyrical and the vernacular, Jordan insisted that poetry belong to the people. In 2019, her legacy was honored with induction on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor within the Stonewall National Monument. She died from breast cancer in 2002. Written by Raymond O. Caldwell and Adrienne Torf, with music by Adrienne Torf, and directed by Raymond O. Caldwell, it runs January 31 through March 29 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-663-1525 or visit www.FountainTheatre.com.

“Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” Attend the dark, witty, and Tony Award-winning tale of love, murder, and revenge set against the backdrop of 19th-century London. The story follows an unjustly exiled barber (Todd) as he returns to London to seek vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, the resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop above which he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up for more…and the carnage has only just begun! Written by Hugh Wheeler, from an adaptation by Christopher Bond, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Jason Alexander, it runs January 31 through February 22 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets call 562-944-9801 or visit www.LaMiradaTheatre.com.

“What the Constitution Means to Me” is the award-winning and thought-provoking play that explores the profound relationship between the U.S. Constitution and the lives of American women. Written by Heidi Schreck, and directed by Christian Wolf, it runs January 31 through February 1 at the Theatre West in Studio City. For tickets call 323-851-4839 or visit www.eventbrite.com/e/what-the-constitution-means-to-me-tickets-1920026794829.

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 January!

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

“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