California has fully reopened and removed all capacity limits and physical distancing requirements regardless of setting. That means most theaters can open again at full capacity – if they choose to and are ready to do so. Many of our local theaters venues are not ready to do that just yet. A lot of preparation is necessary to get things back up and running again, so we will have to be patient while things get organized. In the meantime, here are a few shows that are already running or have set opening dates this month:

“An Octoroon” Inaugurates the new outdoor stage at The Fountain Theatre. A spectacular collision of the antebellum South and 21st century cultural politics, An Octoroon is a gasp-inducing deconstruction of a moustache-twirling melodrama by 19th century playwright Dion Boucicault that twists a funhouse world of larger-than-life stereotypes into blistering social commentary. Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, based on the 1859 play by Dion Boucicault, and directed by Judith Moreland, it runs through September 19 at the Fountain Theatre Outdoor Stage in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-663-1525 or visit www.FountainTheatre.com.

“Taming the Lion” William Haines acted in 50 films between 1922 and 1934 and was the number one box-office draw at the end of the silent era. He was also the first openly gay movie star, a fact that the MGM studio attempted to conceal, fearing that Haines’ gayness would prove to be box-office poison. Studio executives Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg attempt to force Haines to marry a woman, to please the fans. But Haines is devoted to his male lover, Jimmie Shields. Mayer sends Haines’ best female friend, Joan Crawford, to try to persuade Haines to marry a woman. Mayer gives Haines an ultimatum: marry a woman and continue to be a movie idol, or turn his back on his movie career and lose everything so that he can stay with Jimmie. Written by Jack Rushen, and directed by Melanie MacQueen, it runs July 9 through August 1 at the Theatre 40, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.

“Julius Caesar” A thriller about power, politics and the elusive nature of truth, through a slightly different lens, with the iconic tale told from the vantage point of the Soothsayer. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Ellen Geer and Willow Geer, it runs July 10 through October 30 at the Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” A new take on its signature production, infusing the Bard’s beautiful language with song to heighten the pleasure. Select sections of Shakespeare’s text will be sung to original music by Ellen Geer. Prepare to be transfixed as the most magical outdoor setting in Los Angeles is transformed into an enchanted forest inhabited by lovers both fairy and human, a world of wonder, magic, romance and comedy where misunderstandings and the pain of unrequited love are resolved through midsummer night revelries and the enduring power of nature. Written by William Shakespeare, with music by Ellen Geer and Marshall McDaniel, and directed by Melora Marshall, it runs July 11 through November 7 at the Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.

“The Last, Best Small Town” In this modern-day “Our Town” by L.A.-based Latinx playwright John Guerra, two neighboring families, one Latinx and one White, live in the town of Fillmore — the self-proclaimed “Last, Best Small Town in Southern California.” As the first decade of the 21st century unfolds, the children of these families come of age, fall in love and suffer loss, as they continually hunt for their place in a world that can no longer promise them a better life than their parents had. Written by John Guerra, and directed by Ellen Geer, it runs July 31 through November 6 at the Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang explore life’s great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship. Written by Clark Gesner, with music by Clark Gesner, and directed by Christian Lebano, it runs July 31 through August 29 at the Sierra Madre Memorial Park in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

Our local theme parks have opened to higher capacity, which is a welcome relief to many enthusiasts who are flocking to them in droves. Most require advance reservations online as well as advance ticket purchases. You will need an app in many to be able to take full advantage of those attractions they have reopened. Attendance is limited to California resident visitors in most parks. Please check their websites for details and availability before planning a trip to them:

Area theaters continue to expand their online offerings with more and more events to experience on a virtual basis. Some of these online events are only available on a one-time basis, while others are ongoing and can be viewed anytime on-demand. 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:

Our warmest wishes go out to all of our readers as we continue to sail into calmer waters now, but please be cautious regarding the new variants recently discovered in the Covid-19 virus, and follow whatever modified directions issued regarding them.

As always, we also want to send out a very special thanks to our Public Relations representatives who supply us with this great information, and to our editors who continue to publish these columns.

Sincerely,

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

The good news is that California is set to fully reopen our economy on June 15 by removing all capacity limits and physical distancing requirements regardless of setting. That means most theaters can open again at full capacity – if they choose and are ready to do so. The bad news is that most of our local theater venues will not be ready to do that just yet. A lot of preparation and organization is needed to get things back up and running again, so we will have to be patient while things get organized. In the meantime, here are a few shows that are already running or have set opening dates this month:

“Love Note” Rogue Artists Ensemble presents a unique, interactive, in-real-life audio experience that guides audiences through a twisted collection of love stories, meditative romance and lost connections in West Hollywood’s Plummer Park. Using only your cell phone and headphones, you’ll discover and listen to stories The Collector has compiled about romance, compassion and connection, leading to a secret phone line where your own love story will become part of The Collector’s archive. This program is supported by a grant from the City of West Hollywood’s Arts Division as part of the City’s One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival (May 22 – June 30). More info at www.weho.org/pride or @wehoarts. Written by Lori Meeker, and directed by Sean Cawelti, it runs through June 30 at the Plummer Park in West Hollywood. For tickets call 213-596-9468 or visit www.rogueartists.org/lovenote.

“Motel 66” twelve new one-act plays set in different cities along ‘Get Your Kicks on Route 66’, performed as two different programs. Program A – HEAD EAST runs Thursdays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm. Program 1 – GO WEST runs Fridays and Sundays at 8:00 pm. Written by various authors, it runs June 17 through August 1 at The Yard at the Group Rep in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“An Octoroon” Inaugurates the new outdoor stage at The Fountain Theatre. A spectacular collision of the antebellum South and 21st century cultural politics, An Octoroon is a gasp-inducing deconstruction of a moustache-twirling melodrama by 19th century playwright Dion Boucicault that twists a funhouse world of larger-than-life stereotypes into blistering social commentary. Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, based on the 1859 play by Dion Boucicault, and directed by Judith Moreland, it runs June 18 through September 19 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-663-1525 or visit www.FountainTheatre.com.

“The Everly Brothers Experience” Featuring the Zmed Brothers as the famous duo. All performances will be adhering to all CDC guidelines and recommendations for safe activities regarding Covid-19. Face Masks required for all patrons while inside the venue. The Zmed Brothers perform their loving tribute to one of the most influential duos of all time – The Everly Brothers! The Zmeds trace their careers, the careers of the people who influenced them, and those they influenced! Hear all the hits: All I Have To Do Is Dream, Bye Bye Love, Problems, Bird Dog, Wake Up Little Suzy and more! Written by The Zmed Brothers, with music by The Everly Brothers, and directed by 3000 Miles Off Broadway, it runs two shows, one-night only on June 20 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.

“Tevye in New York!” Imagines the life of Tevye and his family after the curtain comes down in Fiddler on the Roof. Set in 1914, the play follows Tevye as he vies for his piece of the American dream, from his journey with his daughters across the Atlantic Ocean, through Ellis Island, past “the big green lady,” and into the crowded streets of Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Written by Tom Dugan, and directed by Michael Vale and Tom Dugan, it runs June 26 through July 25 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Pop-Up Outdoor Terrace Performance Space in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-746-4000 or visit www.TheWallis.org/Tevye.

Our local theme parks continue to operate at limited capacity, which is a welcome relief to many enthusiasts who are flocking to them in droves. Most require advance reservations online as well as advance ticket purchases. You will need an app in many to be able to take full advantage of those attractions they have reopened. Attendance is limited to California resident visitors in most parks. Please check their websites for details and availability before planning a trip to them:

Area theaters continue to expand their online offerings with more and more events to experience on a virtual basis. Some of these online events are only available on a one-time basis, while others are ongoing and can be viewed anytime on-demand. 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:

Our warmest wishes go out to all of our readers as we sail on into calmer waters now. As always, we also want to send out a very special thanks to our Public Relations representatives who supply us with this great information, and to our editors who continue to publish these columns.

Sincerely,

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

Covid-19 vaccinations will be available to everyone who wants one starting April 15, which will certainly help us along on the road to recovery, although it will still be some time before we see live theatre returning to local venues. Case rates are still high but seem to be on a steady decline overall, and we are seeing gradual reopening in other sectors such as theme parks and movie theaters. The state is also constantly re-evaluating their guidelines and we could see live theater approved anytime at limited audience capacity, so keep following the local news to find out if anything changes.

A few brave theaters are already offering live performances:

“The Ghosts of Mary Lincoln” an evening of blood, madness and murder. There are tales of White House séances, presidential grave robbers, warnings from the undead, and that fateful night at Ford’s Theatre. The widow Lincoln has been freed from the asylum! Tom Dugan in a solo performance depicts an array of incidents and characters.
Written by Tom Dugan and directed by Shelby Sykes, it runs April 2 through May 1 at Dugan’s Backyard Playhouse in Woodland Hills. Physical distancing will be observed. Out of necessity, the audience will be strictly limited in size. Hand sanitizers will be readily be available, Outdoor fans will be in use and audience members will be required to wear masks. For tickets email: dbptickets@gmail.com.

“Little Women” will be presented as the grand re-opening production of the Glendale Centre Theatre in Glendale on dates to be announced soon. The City of Glendale has notified the theatre that they may reopen at limited capacity to ensure social distancing and patrons will be required to wear facemasks and be subject to temperature testing to ensure the safety of all guests. For more information, visit their website at www.glendalecentretheatre.com.

The rest of the theaters continue to expand their online offerings with more and more events to experience on a virtual basis. Some of these online events are only available on a one-time basis, while others are ongoing and can be viewed anytime on-demand. Visit each of the web sites below to see what they are offering. You will find free content as well as pay-per-view to choose from.

Here are the links to web sites that we know have online offerings:

The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter every day now, but until we finally reach the other side of this pandemic, we encourage everyone to continue to stay safe by wearing a facemask and practicing proper social distancing whenever you are outside in public, and always when required by a place of business.

Our warmest wishes go out to all of our readers as we all continue to navigate the turbulent waters of this ever-changing world we live in! We also want to send out a very special thanks to our Public Relations representatives who supply us with this great information, and to our editors who continue to publish these columns.

Sincerely,

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

The downward trend in Covid cases continues, and vaccinations are in full swing for eligible groups of people, giving us more hope for the future. Once vaccinations are opened up to everyone for a few months, we may see more things returning to some sense of normalcy but the experts are projecting that theaters will not be resuming operation for live performances anytime soon, unless they make some radical changes to allow for social distancing. We will just have to wait and see what happens.

Until then, most theaters continue to expand their online offerings with more events to experience on a virtual basis. Some of these online events are only available on a one-time basis, which are often not announced far enough in advance to be included in this monthly column, while others are ongoing and can be enjoyed on-demand, so you will have to visit the venue’s web site to see what’s available. Many are free to watch and some are charging a fee.

Here are the links to the theater web sites that have advertised online offerings:

Until we emerge from this recent spike in cases, we encourage everyone to stay safe by wearing a facemask and practicing proper social distancing at all times when possible and especially when outside in public.

Our warmest wishes go out to all of our readers as we all continue to navigate the surging waters of this ever-changing pandemic! We also want to send out a very special thank you to our Public Relations representatives who supply us with this great information, and to our editors who continue to publish our columns.

Sincerely,

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

Southern California experienced the highest number of Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic last month, and our hospitals had reached their peak capacity, but now finally we are seeing a downward trend, which we all can be relieved about. Vaccinations have started in the hopes that sometime this year we can return to some sense of normalcy and perhaps we will soon see our theaters resume operation for live performances, although they will undoubtedly need to make adjustments to allow for social distancing when they do reopen.

Until then, most theaters continue to expand their online offerings with more events to experience on a virtual basis. Some of these online events are only available on a one-time basis, which are often not announced far enough in advance to be included in this monthly column, while others are ongoing and can be enjoyed on-demand, so you will have to visit the venue’s web site to see what’s available. Many are free to watch and some are charging a fee.

Here are the links to the theater web sites which have advertised online offerings:

Until we emerge from this recent spike in cases, we encourage everyone to stay safe by wearing a facemask and practicing proper social distancing at all times when possible and especially when outside in public.

Our warmest wishes go out to all of our readers as we all continue to navigate the surging waters of this ever-changing pandemic! We also want to send out a very special thank you to our Public Relations representatives who supply us with this great information, and to our editors who continue to publish our columns.

Sincerely,

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

Well, the holidays are over, but Los Angeles County is under lockdown once again with the highest number of cases since the start of the pandemic last March, and our hospitals are at zero capacity, all of which means that theaters are still not likely to resume operation anytime soon for live performances.

As such, most surviving theaters continue to expand their online offerings with more events to experience on a virtual basis. Some of these online events are only available on a one-time basis, which are often not announced far enough in advance to be included in this monthly column, while others are ongoing and can be enjoyed on-demand, so you will have to visit the venue’s web site to see what’s available. Many are free to watch and some are charging a fee.

Here are the links to the theater web sites which have advertised online offerings:

Until we emerge from this recent spike in cases, we encourage everyone to stay safe by wearing a facemask and practicing proper social distancing at all times when possible and especially when outside in public.

Our warmest wishes go out to all of our readers as we all continue to navigate the surging waters of this ever-changing pandemic! We also want to send out a very special thank you to our Public Relations representatives who supply us with this great information, and to our editors who continue to publish our columns.

Sincerely,

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

As Los Angeles County enters the holiday season, the virus continues to be the focus of everyone’s attention, and unfortunately means that theaters are still not allowed to operate for live performances.

However, theaters continue to expand their online platforms with more and more events to experience on a virtual level. These online events are often available one time only, and are frequently not announced far ahead of the event, so you will have to visit the venue’s web site to see what is available. Most are free to watch, some are charging a small fee. Here is a list of the theater web sites you can check to see what they are offering:

Until we emerge from this recent spike in cases, we encourage everyone to stay safe by wearing a facemask and practicing proper social distancing at all times when possible and especially when outside in public.

Our warmest holiday wishes go out to all of our readers and we hope you manage to enjoy them without indulging in the usually group gatherings that seem to be causing most of the problems during this crisis! We also want to send out a very special thank you to our Public Relations representatives who supply us with this great information, and to our editors who continue to publish our columns. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and Happy Kwanza to all!

Sincerely,

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