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“Scene in LA” March 2022 by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

2022, Calendar, Column, Openings, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Concerns over Covid-19 are finally subsiding with new case numbers steadily declining and the Southern California theater scene is recovering too, with most theaters announcing the return of live productions with audiences inside the theater. Although Covid protocols are still being enforced, requiring proof of vaccination and face masks to be worn at all times during the performances in order to attend, the government mandates are changing almost every day now, so that could change at any time. The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should check 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 at this time:

OPENING

“The Play You Want” Fed-up by the theatre world’s desires to box him in, Mexican playwright Bernardo Cubría sarcastically pitches “Nar-Cocos” a play about drug dealers on Dia de los Muertos. Much to his surprise, the Public Theatre picks it up. With financial pressures mounting and a newborn at home, this is his chance at a commercial success. But when Scott Rudin offers him a Broadway run on the condition he further exploit his identity and the headlines, he must decide just how much he’s willing to compromise in order to finally be accepted. WORLD PREMIERE! Written by Bernardo Cubria, and directed by Michael John Garcés, it runs March 1 through June 19 at the Road Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-761-8838 or visit www.RoadTheatre.org.

“First Lady of Song: Alexis J Roston Sings Ella Fitzgerald” In a spellbinding concert performance, Alexis J Roston effortlessly emits the sultry swing and playful joy that made Ella an American treasure. Classic tunes include “Summertime,” “The Lady Is a Tramp,” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.” Written by Angela Ingersoll, and directed by William Kurk, it runs March 3 through March 20 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“Daughter of the Wicked” tells the story of Shanit Keter Schwartz returning to her homeland in search of her missing sister. She looks back at her upbringing as a Yemenite Jewish girl in the newly formed country of Israel, paying special tribute to her Kabbalistic mystical Rabbi father, as she comes to terms with her tumultuous past. This riveting new play features an original soundscape of authentic Yemenite tin drums and flutes composed by Israeli composer Lilo Fedida to transport us from the sands of Yemen to the tin huts of the Israeli settlement camps to life in the projects. James Newton Howard’s cello composition will support the Kabbalistic texts that guide us through the story. Written by Shanit Keter Schwartz, and directed by Zeke Rettman, it runs March 4 through April 10 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.

“Frank Ferrante’s Groucho” Award-winning actor/director/playwright and longtime Sierra Madrean, Frank Ferrante, recreates his PBS, New York and London acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in this fast-paced 90 minutes of hilarity. The two-act comedy consists of the best Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs including “Hooray for Captain Spalding,” and “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady.” The audience literally becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style. Accompanied by his onstage pianist Gerald Sternbach, Ferrante portrays the young Groucho of stage and film and reacquaints us with the likes of brothers Harpo, Chico, Zeppo and Gummo, Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields and Marx film foil Margaret Dumont. Directed by Dreya Weber, Frank Ferrante’s Groucho is perfect for all ages. Written and directed by Frank Ferrante, it runs March 4 through March 6 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

“Celestial Events” a fun, feel-good comedy about friendship, love and shared experience in the city of L.A. The paths of 12 Angelenos cross in mysterious ways on the eve of a once-in-a-millennia meteor shower. Written by Deborah S. Craig, Christian Durso, (co-writing captains), Anna Rose Hopkins, John Lavelle, Adriana Santos, and directed by Tom Amandes and Adrian Gonzalez, it runs March 5 through March 14 at the Actors Company LA in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.iamatheatre.com.

“Trayf” Zalmy lives a double life. By day, he drives a Chabad “Mitzvah Tank” through 1990s New York City, performing good deeds with his best friend Shmuel. By night, he sneaks out of his orthodox community to roller-skate and listen to rock and roll. But when a curious outsider offers him unfettered access to the secular world, is it worth jeopardizing everything he’s ever known? This road-trip bromance is a funny and heartwarming ode to the turbulence of youth, the universal suspicion that we don’t quite fit in, and the faith and friends that see us through. Written by Lindsay Joelle, and directed by Maggie Burrows, it runs March 10 through April 10 at the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.

“Branwell (and the Other Brontës)” The Brontës (Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne) created such masterpieces as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. However, it’s in their own private fantasy worlds, with clear rules, invented when they were children, that they find their most inspired outlets. As Branwell lays on his deathbed, they escape often and with urgency and change the rules to avoid the inevitable and try to keep both him and these cherished worlds alive. The play explores the pain and necessity of creation in the face of destruction and loss, and how misogyny contributes to the downfall of a family. Written by Stephen Kaplan, edited by Charlotte Brontë, and directed by Sarah Nilsen, it runs March 11 through March 26 at the Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.

“Escape from the Garden” What happens when Tracy Greene, star of stage and television, bombs at the Ahmanson with her Blanche DuBois? Will her self-inflicted exile in a crappy apartment at “Two Palms Villa” in Van Nuys — frantically scribbling away at her play about Marie Antoinette– lead to total oblivion or to something better? Written by Sarah Hunter, and directed by Marianne Davis, it runs March 11 through March 27 at the Two Roads Theater in Studio City. For tickets visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5309270.

“Jonathan Livingston Seagull: A Solo Flight” Banished to the Far Cliffs by his flock for daring to break with tradition, Jonathan spends his life in pursuit of his unbound passion for flight, not to scrape and scrabble for food—but for the joy of flight itself. Join Jonathan on his journey through the here and now, and all of eternity, as he soars to the heights of perfection, freedom, and Love. Jonathan’s path from awkward beginner to passionate student and eventually to patient master is both wonderfully familiar and extraordinarily unique. Written by Richard Bach, adapted by Andrew Thacher, and directed by Paul Millet, it runs March 11 through March 27 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets visit www.tinyurl.com/JLS-ASoloFlight.

“Hooded, or Being Black for Dummies” Marquis and Tru are both 14-year-old Black boys, but they exist in two completely different worlds. Marquis is a book smart prep-schooler living in the affluent suburb of Achievement Heights, while Tru is a street savvy kid from deep within the inner city of Baltimore. Their worlds overlap one day in a holding cell. Tru decides that Marquis has lost his “blackness” and pens a how-to manual entitled “Being Black for Dummies.” He assumes the role of professor, but Marquis proves to be a reluctant pupil. They butt heads, debate, wrestle and ultimately prove that Nietzsche and 2pac were basically saying the same thing. Written by Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm, and directed by Ahmed Best, it runs March 12 through April 18 at the Echo Theater Company Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 310-307-3753 or visit www.EchoTheaterCompany.com.

“I Don’t Have To Show You No Stinking Badges!” is about a Chicano family in the 1980s that is steeped in show business: the parents make their living as Hollywood extras playing non-speaking stereotypical roles such as gardeners and maids. They have achieved their American dream with a suburban house and academically successful children. But they are shattered when their son announces that he dropped out of Harvard Law to become an actor. Valdez sets the action in a staged recreation of a traditional television sitcom. The result is a sharp comedy and biting satire, skewering media images of Hispanic culture and exploring issues of racism and stereotyping. Written by Luis Valdez, and directed by Drina Durazo, it runs March 12 through March 27 at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets visit www.morgan-wixson.org.

“Love, Actually Cabaret” Theatre West is presenting two free cabaret evenings featuring the talented members of its Musical Theatre Workshop, singing songs of love. The cast includes Sara Ballantine, Sandra Tucker, Paul Cady, Sara Shearer, Arden Teresa Lewis, Constance Mellors, Mimi Kmet, Anne Leyden, Michael Van Duzer, Heidi Appe, Rick Simone-Friedland, Tessa Bell and Robert W. Laur. Music by Paul Cady, with music by Paul Cady, it runs March 12 through March 19 at the Theatre West in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-851-7977 or visit www.theatrewest.org.

“Muse/Ique & Rachel Worby: Sunrise on Sunset” features an ensemble of L.A.’s finest instrumentalists and singers in a night of fabulous music by artists reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand, The Eagles, and Duke Ellington, history, and a rediscovery of Los Angeles, the City of Angels. The performance spotlights Sunset Boulevard, birthplace of the music, the stars, the stories and the history of Los Angeles. No other street in Los Angeles can make that claim. Stroll north one mile from The Wallis and find yourself on Sunset where Leonard Bernstein and Arthur Laurents sat poolside at the Beverly Hills Hotel dreaming up the Jets and the Sharks. Where Pearl Bailey and Louis Bellson wowed the crowds at Ciro’s. From Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss’ renowned A&M Recording Studios to Berry Gordy’s earth-shattering Motown Records; from Wallich’s Music City to Tower Records and Amoeba Records to Frank Sinatra, Bob Marley and Jay-Z (not to mention the Beach Boys and the Byrds!). The music that comes to life along the gritty and glitzy 22-mile stretch called Sunset Boulevard inspires everyone. Written and directed by Rachel Worby, it runs March 12 through March 13 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Bram Goldsmith Theater. For tickets call 310-746-4000 or visit www.TheWallis.org/sunset.

“Little Parts Hunts a Baby-Daddy” Little Parts is a clown. She is also pregnant, and always has been. So, she’s not really sure she’ll ever give birth. But despite this conundrum, she is determined to find a good father for her Maybe-Baby — she is certain that at least one of the six applicants who applied online will be the perfect fit. Written and directed by Ann Noble, it runs March 15 through April 5 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 310-307-3753 or visit www.EchoTheaterCompany.com.

“The Revue” The production will introduce a new structure concept of a “Dynamic Plot,” assuring that no audience will actually see the same story twice. In the show, a director and producer audition the craziest musicals ever conceived in an effort to save their beloved theater from ruin with a sellout show. (Think: Jaws: The Musical as if Meredith Wilson was the composer). The opening and ending numbers are fixed scenes, however the body of the show will be completely malleable with over 50 different “modules” in three parts. Thus, a virtually unlimited permutation of plots can occur. If the audience needs an intermission, they can select that module as well. Because the songs and modules are themed with parody references to cinematic pop culture, audiences can also choose their “ratings” of G, PG, PG-13 or R based on how “family-friendly” they want the show to be (*however the Colony Premiere is recommended for audiences ages 16+). New modules are continually added to THE REVUE to entice the audience to return and see a brand new show. Shows can be performed by any quantity of group from 4 to 50 people – with no gender, race or ability requirements. Written by Jim Dooley, and directed by Matt Walker, it runs March 17 through March 27 at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. For tickets visit www.TheRevueMusical.com.

“Clue” Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie, which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, CLUE is a hilarious farce meets murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where blackmail and murder are on the menu! When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth (the butler), Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. CLUE is the comedy whodunit that will leave audience members in stitches as they try to figure out… WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT! Written by Sandy Rustin with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price, adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, and directed by Daniel Kruger, it runs March 18 through April 9 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play” Sarah Ruhl’s effervescent comedy about sex, intimacy and equality set in the 1880s — when enthusiasm for the electric light bulb gave rise to a handy new instrument to treat female hysteria. Written by Sarah Ruhl, and directed by Lane Allison, it runs March 18 through May 7 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 323-882-6912 or visit www.openfist.org.

“S.O.S. – Signs of Strength” Combining contemporary dance with martial arts, acrobatics, gymnastics and hip-hop and using meticulously designed architectural structures as the central inspiration for its gravity-defying work, DIAVOLO incorporates storytelling and movement to create socially relevant productions that celebrate the diversity and complexities of humankind. DIAVOLO’s stylistically varied and intensely physical choreography has become the hallmark of this truly original world-class company, which earned a Top 10 place in the 12th season of “America’s Got Talent,” attracting more than 90 million television viewers. A talkback with the company will be held after each performance. Written and directed by Jacques Heim, it runs March 18 through March 19 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Bram Goldsmith Theater in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-746-4000 or visit www.TheWallis.org/Diavolo.

“Can’t Pay? Don’t Pay!” Hungry and fed up by rising prices and stagnant wages, Antonia joins a revolt of women at the local supermarket. Determined to live with dignity and rejecting an austerity diet of dog food and birdseed, the women’s protest escalates, and looting ensues. As police search door to door, Antonia and her friend Margherita frantically try to hide their ‘liberated’ goods from their husbands and the police. ‘Can’t Pay? Don’t Pay!’ questions why, in a world of bailed-out banks and overpriced prescription drugs, theft is only a crime when it is committed by those truly in need. Written by Dario Fo and Franca Rame, and directed by Bob Turton, it runs March 19 through June 11 at the Ivy Substation in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-838-4264 Ext. 1 or visit www.TheActorsGang.com.

“Antiman” charts the course of one boy’s coming-of-age in St. Croix, the Virgin Islands. His mom is the black sheep of the family — a hippie drop-out whose boyfriend is a drug runner fugitive from Georgia — and he’s the only white kid in his school. Sometimes he lives in the shack on the wharf, and other times, it’s the station wagon. Written and directed by Sky Paley, it runs March 20 through April 10 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 310-307-3753 or visit www.EchoTheaterCompany.com.

“Ann” Tough as nails. Funny as hell. Emmy Award winner Holland Taylor (The Practice, Legally Blonde and Two and a Half Men) brings the legendary Ann Richards to the stage in this dynamo Tony-nominated performance that captures the fire, heart, and brains of Ann herself. Ann’s down home charm and passion for fair play fuel her uncanny leadership and capacity for caring. Always ready with a laugh out loud zinger or a telling observation, this superstar in Texas politics ultimately became a national figure. A vividly remembered force of nature, Ann continues to inspire us still. Written by Holland Taylor, and directed by Benjamin Endsley Klein, it runs March 22 through April 24 at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-7529 or visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org.

“Can’t Get Next to You – A Temptations Experience” Motown Records dominated music in the 1960s on the strength of vocal groups such as the Temptations. In their heyday, the quintet boasted dynamite choreography and soulful, elegant harmonies spanning the entire spectrum of vocal timbres: high and middle tenor, baritone and bass. CAN’T GET NEXT TO YOU brings the music of the Motown super group to the stage. Written by Larry Johnson, Terry Horn, Michael White, Steve Wood and Greg Woods, it runs March 24 through March 27 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“The Prisoner of Second Avenue” Mel Edison is a well-paid executive of a high-end Manhattan firm, which has suddenly hit the skids, and he gets the ax. His wife Edna takes a job to tide them over, then she too is sacked. Compounded by the air-pollution killing his plants, and with the walls of the apartment being paper-thin (allowing him a constant ear-full of his neighbor’s private lives), things can’t seem to get any worse…Then he’s robbed and his psychiatrist dies with $23,000 of his money. Mel does the only thing left for him to do: he has a nervous breakdown. And it’s the best thing that ever happened to him. Written by Neil Simon, and directed by Gail Bernardi, it runs March 25 through May 1 at the Theatre Palisades in Pacific Palisades. For tickets call 310-454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org.

“Anna in the Tropics” weaves the tale of a Cuban-American cigar factory in 1929 Florida where cigars are still rolled by hand and “lectors” are employed to transport and inspire the workers as they toil on the factory floor. As a handsome and debonair new lector, Juan Julian, reads the words of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, the lives of the workers begin to parallel the novel. Old traditions and new ways collide while longing, love, and betrayal spark a volatile flame that signals the end of an era. Written by Nilo Cruz, and directed by Jonathan Muñoz-Proulx, it runs March 26 through April 17 at A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3121 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.

CONTINUING

“Macbeth” In this story, we see everything a homecoming is not supposed to be. Macbeth comes home to his wife to begin plotting instead of embracing. Duncan is killed in his friend’s home, where he should be his most secure. Macduff’s home is attacked, betraying war ethics. Even Burnham Wood seems to travel unnaturally toward Macbeth’s home. In seeing every way the concept of home is perverted, we see everything a home should be. Written by William Shakespeare, it runs through March 19 at the Helen Borgers Theatre in Long Beach. For tickets visit www.LBShakespeare.org.

Our local theme parks are operating at full capacity. Most require advance reservations online, as well as advance ticket, and possibly food, purchases. You will need an app in some to be able to take full advantage of all attractions and restaurants. Please check their websites for details, restrictions, and availability before planning a visit:
Disneyland Resort
Disney’s California Adventure 		www.disneyland.disney.go.com
Knott’s Berry Farm www.knotts.com
Legoland California www.legoland.com/california
SeaWorld San Diego www.seaworld.com/san-diego
Six Flags Magic Mountain www.sixflags.com/magicmountain
Universal Studios Hollywood www.universalstudioshollywood.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:
3-D Theatricals www.3dtheatricals.org
www.thereceiptswithd.com
A Noise Within www.anoisewithin.org
Antaeus Theatre www.antaeus.org
“Blood/Sugar” www.dianawyenn.com
Boston Court Pasadena www.bostoncourtpasadena.org
CaltechLive! www.events.caltech.edu
www.youtube.com
Chalk Repertory Theatre www.chalkrep.com
Coeurage Ensemble www.coeurage.org
East West Players www.eastwestplayers.org
Echo Theater Company www.echotheatercompany.com
El Portal Theatre www.elportaltheatre.com
Films.Dance www.films.dance
For the Record Live www.ForTheRecordLive.com
Fountain Theatre www.fountaintheatre.com
Garry Marshall Theatre www.youtube.com
Hero Theatre www.herotheatre.org
IAMA Theatre Company www.iamatheatre.com
www.woollymammoth.net
www.queenstheatre.org
International City Theatre www.InternationalCityTheatre.org
“John Cullum: An Accidental Star” www.vineyardtheatre.org/an-accidental-star
Kentwood Players www.kentwoodplayers.org
www.youtube.com/kentwoodplayers
Laguna Playhouse www.lagunaplayhouse.com
L.A. Chamber Orchestra www.laco.org/laco-at-home
L.A. Theatre Works (fee & free) www.latw.org/black-voices
www.latw.org/broadcasts
www.latw.org/hd-screenings
www.latw.org/setting-stage-learning
Loft Ensemble www.loftensemble.org
Long Beach Opera www.longbeachopera.org
“Lovers and Other Strangers” www.showtix4u.com/event-details/52157
Morgan-Wixson Theatre www.morgan-wixson.org
www.youtube.com
Moving Arts www.movingarts.org
Odyssey Theatre www.OdysseyTheatre.com
Pepperdine University www.arts.pepperdine.edu
Robey Theatre Company www.therobeytheatrecompany.org
Rogue Artists Ensemble www.rogueartists.org/rogue-lab
Rubicon Theatre www.rubicontheatre.org
Sacred Fools www.sacredfools.org
Santa Monica Playhouse www.santamonicaplayhouse.com
Segerstrom Center for the Arts www.scfta.org
Shakespeare Center LA www.shakespearecenter.org
Sierra Madre Playhouse www.sierramadreplayhouse.org
South Coast Repertory www.scr.org
The Actors Gang “We Live On” www.theactorsgang.com
The Blank Theatre (fee)
The Blank Theatre (free) 		www.patreon.com/TheBlankTheatre
www.youtube.com/TheBlankTheatreCo
The Broad Stage www.thebroadstage.org
The Geffen Playhouse (fee) www.geffenplayhouse.org
The Latino Theatre Company www.latinotheaterco.org
The Road Theatre Company www.roadtheatre.org
www.youtube.com
The Soraya www.thesoraya.org
The Victory Theatre Center www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org
The Wallis Center for the Performing Arts
The Wallis Studio Ensemble 		www.thewallis.org
www.thewallis.org/streaming
Theatre 40 www.theatre40.org
Theatre 68 www.youtube.com/68centcrewtheatre
Theatre West www.theatrewest.org
Our best wishes go out to all of our readers as always, but please continue to exercise caution, and follow whatever directions the venues may require regarding Covid-19.
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. We hope this year will be a safe and healthy one for theatergoers, reviewers, and everyone everywhere.
Sincerely,
Steve Zall, Publisher
Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor

“Scene in LA” February 2022 by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

2022, Calendar, Column, Openings, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
It appears that the Omicron variant of Covid-19 has reached its peak as far as new case numbers goes, but the damage it has done still reflects on the Southern California theater scene, with many major venues still canceling or delaying their productions until the numbers subside. Those venues that have managed to stay open are enforcing strict Covid protocols so PROOF OF VACCINATION IS REQUIRED, AND FACE MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES DURING THE PERFORMANCES AT MOST THEATERS IN ORDER TO ATTEND PERFORMANCES. The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should check with the theater to confirm it before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates or are already running this month:

OPENING

“Teenage Dick” a brilliantly hilarious take on Richard III. Professionally filmed in HD with multiple cameras in front of a live audience during the in-person run in Boston. Teenage Dick will be made available as a digital stream exclusively. Written by Mike Lew, and directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel, it runs February 3 through February 27 at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena. For tickets visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org.

“A Little Night Music” Inspired by the 1955 Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night, this Tony Award-winning Broadway musical involves the romantic lives of several couples in Sweden around the year 1900. This new production will look at what it means to present gender on stage in the American musical theatre in 2022, with some fresh takes on several of the classic roles in the show. Written by Hugh Wheeler, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Ryan O’Connor, it runs January 22 through February 27 at the Greenway Court Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-673-0544 or visit www.greenwaycourttheatre.org.

“Coloropolis” Welcome to Coloropolis, where individuals are identified only by the color of their clothes. This is a constantly growing community, changing with every stroke of The Writer’s quill. After setting the stage and providing their characters with “free-will,” The Writer leaves Coloropolis to the whims of its inhabitants. What follows is an abstract, funny, biting, satirical “lord of the flies” amongst the Primaries and Non-primaries in their newly developing world. Despite its absurdity and humor, the play tackles a broad spectrum of issues societies face as they develop. Written by A.P. De La Caridad, and directed by Travyz Santos Gatz and Tor Brown, it runs February 4 through February 27 at the Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.

“How We Got On” Set in 1988, the highly theatrical play tells the story of three African-American teens in a wealthy, Mid-Western suburb as they struggle with cultural isolation, family pressures, and the elusive adolescent task of discovering, asserting, and valuing themselves. Written by Idris Goodwin, and directed by Jaime Robledo, it runs February 4 through February 19 at the Broadwater Black Box in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.sacredfools.org.

“Something Rotten” is the hilarious Broadway smash hit that tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers desperate to write a hit play. When a local soothsayer convinces them that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting all at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the very first musical! Shakespeare is the “rock star” of plays and works hard to make sure the brothers fail in their efforts to produce what they are calling “a musical.” Written by John O’Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick, with music by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick, and directed by Richard Israel, it runs February 4 through February 13 at the Kavli Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets call 800-745-3000 or visit www.5startheatricals.com.

“All’s Well That Ends Well” focuses on a young healer, Helena, as she ropes in a fantastic cast of fools, romantics, and cynics to pursue Bertram, her runaway groom, in a clash of wit and deception. Capturing both a fairytale essence and human complexity, Shakespeare’s bittersweet comedy goes on a journey of forgiveness, hope, and love where you least expect it. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Nike Doukas, it runs February 6 through March 6 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3121 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.

“The Andrews Brothers” A USO performance from the Andrews Sisters is in jeopardy when they fail to appear shortly before curtain. Thankfully, three earnest stagehands are determined to go on with the show! Written by Roger Bean, with music by Roger Bean, Michael Borth, and Jon Newton, and directed by Jeffrey Polk, it runs February 11 through February 27 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-856-1999 or visit www.musical.org.

“Marry Me A Little” a bittersweet musical two-hander that weaves 17 of Sondheim’s lesser-known songs into a tale of love and loneliness. The story of two single strangers who unknowingly live one floor apart is told entirely through songs written early in Sondheim’s career or cut from his groundbreaking Broadway musicals. A must-see for Sondheim aficionados, this smart, funny, sophisticated and moving evening is a fascinating look at the Sondheim songs that “got away.” Written by Craig Lucas and Norman René, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Kari Hayter, it runs February 11 through February 27 at the INTERNATIONAL CITY THEATRE Long Beach Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

“You Haven’t Changed a Bit, and Other Lies” From the hilarious “The Role Reversal Tango,” to the tongue-firmly-in-cheek tribute to the not-so-firm “Upper Arms” of the over 60s set, to the heart-wrenching “Whatever Happened to Our Love Song,” the Mayer team’s brilliance shines through as audiences follow the adventures of aging – lovingly dissected, shredded, massaged and put back together again – through the eyes of three married couples – Jewish, Italian, Irish – who have known each other for over 35 years. It’s time for a renewal of vows. But much has changed…perhaps too much? Will all three couples make it to the altar again? Only time, and the Mayer team, will tell. Written by Jerry Mayer, and directed by Chris DeCarlo, it runs February 12 through March 27 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 Ext. 1 or visit www.SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/andotherlies.

“Assassins” examines the motives of the nine notorious Americans who took their shot at the President of the United States, Assassins is the twelfth Sondheim musical mounted by East West Players in its fifty-six-year history of producing theatre in Los Angeles. This wickedly subversive spectacle explores the national fixation on celebrity and its violent intersection with the American dream. Written by John Weidman, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Snehal Desai, it runs February 17 through March 20 at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center of the Arts in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-609-7006 or visit www.eastwestplayers.org.

“Power of Sail” Distinguished Harvard professor Charles Nichols (Emmy & Tony Award winner Bryan Cranston) finds himself in hot water after inviting an incendiary white nationalist to speak at his annual symposium. His colleagues are concerned, his students are in revolt, but Charles is undeterred in his plot to expose and academically thrash his invited guest. Written by Paul Grellong, and directed by Weyni Mengesha, it runs February 17 through March 27 at the Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.

“Marvin’s Room” tells the story of two sisters, Lee and Bessie, who could not be more different and, though sisters, have not seen each other for almost two decades. During that time, Lee has been raising two challenging boys on her own. Bessie has been caring for their father, along with his soap opera-obsessed sister. Now the two are thrown together as Bessie has just been diagnosed with leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. Written by Scott McPherson, and directed by Thomas James O’Leary, it runs February 18 through March 27 at the Actors Co-op David Schall Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-462-8460 or visit www.ActorsCo-op.org.

“Detained” is based on interviews with longtime U.S. residents held in immigration detention, and with their family members, advocates, attorneys and representatives of ICE. Inspired by their stories, Detained explores how families fight to stay together as increasingly cruel U.S. immigration legislation keeps them apart through mass deportations and immigration detention centers. It offers a heart-wrenching and in-depth look at the human lives behind the policies, and celebrates the strength and determination of the ordinary people who must fight against an unjust system while keeping their hope and faith in humanity intact. Written by France-Luce Benson, and directed by Mark Valdez, it runs February 19 through May 15 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-663-1525 or visit www.FountainTheatre.com.

“It’s Alive, IT’S ALIVE!” Joined onstage by music director John Snow on upright bass; Scott Peter on piano; and singer/dancers Kyle G. Fuller and Tomoko Karina, Fleck uses musical numbers, dance sequences and broad characters to create a hilarious and uniquely ribald theatrical rollercoaster that skewers our fears and assumptions about everything from COVID-19 to our identity as earth dwellers at this precarious moment. Written by John Fleck, and directed by David Schweizer, it runs February 19 through March 20 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.

“The Rage Fairy” In this absurdist comedy, a manic fairy with a chaotic attachment style goes looking for love in all the wrong places–including in the arms of a literal murderer. Subsequently, she is haunted by a cadre of murdered girls, even as she tries to maintain the illusion that all is well with her dream man. The play deals with issues of love and codependency and what happens when we are unable to integrate the good and the bad. It’s wildly funny and oddly relatable in a way that will have audience members leaving the theater laughing and then unable to sleep for a week. Written and directed by Antonia Czinger, it runs February 19 through March 13 at the Sherry Theater in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/e/the-rage-fairy-tickets-246986261557.

“Billie! Backstage with Lady Day” Actor-singer-playwright Synthia L. Hardy brings the story of Billie Holiday to vibrant life. In Billie! Backstage with Lady Day, Billie is being interviewed by unseen reporters as she unfolds the story of her turbulent life. Billie, accompanied by a live four-piece combo, sings her greatest hits, including God Bless the Child, Strange Fruit, Good Morning Heartache, Lover Man, many more. Written by Synthia L. Hardy, and directed by Bryan Rasmussen, it runs February 25 through February 27 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

“Celestial Events” a fun, feel-good comedy about friendship, love and shared experience in the city of L.A. The paths of 12 Angelenos cross in mysterious ways on the eve of a once-in-a-millennia meteor shower. Written by Deborah S. Craig, Christian Durso, (co-writing captains), Anna Rose Hopkins, John Lavelle, Adriana Santos, and directed by Tom Amandes and Adrian Gonzalez, it runs February 25 through March 13 at the Actors Company LA in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.iamatheatre.com.

“This Joint Is Jumpin’” Together with a group of talents from a new generation of performers, she’ll present lots of dancing (with dancers who know how), lots of singing (with great songs from a time where lyrics made sense and melodies were tuneful), live music, and comedy sketches (funny stuff with no four-letter expletives) that keep things fast-paced. Written by Maybin Hewes, with music by Ron Rose, and directed by Judy Rose, it runs February 26 through March 6 at the Theatre West in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-851-7977 or visit www.theatrewest.org.

CONTINUING

“Native Gardens” In this brilliant new comedy, cultures and gardens clash, turning well-intentioned neighbors into feuding enemies. Pablo, a rising attorney, and doctoral candidate Tania, his very pregnant wife, have just purchased a home in the suburbs of Washington D.C. which is a bit of a fixer-upper, and Tania, a botanist, plans to transform the yard with native plants. However, their new neighbors Frank and Virginia are a well-established D.C. couple with a prize-worthy English garden. An impending barbeque for Pablo’s colleagues and a delicate disagreement over a long-standing fence line soon spirals into an all-out border dispute exposing both couples’ notions of race, taste, class and privilege. Written by Karen Zacarias, and directed by George Kondreck, it runs through February 12 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“The Spitfire Grill” Recently released from prison, feisty parolee Percy Talbott steps off the bus in Gilead, a location she selected because of a picture she found in an old travel book. Sheriff Joe Sutter takes Percy to the local restaurant, a run-down place, since it’s the only guest room in town and because he doesn’t know what else to do with her. Soon she finds herself working at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill. It’s for sale, but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town, so Percy suggests to Hannah that she raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars and the best essay on why you want the grill wins. Soon, mail is arriving by the wheelbarrow full and things are definitely cookin’ at The Spitfire Grill. A heartfelt musical about healing the wounds of the past and finding your chosen family. Written by James Valcq, with music by Fred Alley, and directed by Steve Steiner, it runs through February 13 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“The How and The Why” Evolution and emotion collide in this thought-provoking and sharp play about science, family, and survival of the fittest. On the eve of a prestigious conference, an up-and-coming evolutionary biologist wrestles for the truth with an established leader in the field. This intimate and keenly perceptive play explores the difficult choices faced by woman of every generation. Written by Sarah Treem, and directed by Allen Barton, it runs through February 20 at the Beverly Hills Playhouse in Beverly Hills. For tickets visit www.CrimsonSquare.org.

“To Grandmother’s House We Go” a timeless dramedy about grown children returning to the nest and the emotional toll these extended childhoods exact on parents and grandparents. Written by Joanna McClelland Glass, and directed by Linda Alznauer, it runs through March 6 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre – Main Stage in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

Our local theme parks now are operating at full capacity, which is a welcome relief to everyone! Most require advance reservations online, as well as advance ticket, and possibly food, purchases. You will need an app in some to be able to take full advantage of all attractions and restaurants. Please check their websites for details, restrictions, and availability before planning a visit:
Disneyland Resort
Disney’s California Adventure 		www.disneyland.disney.go.com
Knott’s Berry Farm www.knotts.com
Legoland California www.legoland.com/california
SeaWorld San Diego www.seaworld.com/san-diego
Six Flags Magic Mountain www.sixflags.com/magicmountain
Universal Studios Hollywood www.universalstudioshollywood.com
Some theaters still provide online offerings in addition to or in lieu of reopening, with many events to 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 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:
3-D Theatricals www.3dtheatricals.org
www.thereceiptswithd.com
A Noise Within www.anoisewithin.org
Antaeus Theatre www.antaeus.org
“Blood/Sugar” www.dianawyenn.com
Boston Court Pasadena www.bostoncourtpasadena.org
CaltechLive! www.events.caltech.edu
www.youtube.com
Chalk Repertory Theatre www.chalkrep.com
Coeurage Ensemble www.coeurage.org
East West Players www.eastwestplayers.org
Echo Theater Company www.echotheatercompany.com
El Portal Theatre www.elportaltheatre.com
Films.Dance www.films.dance
For the Record Live www.ForTheRecordLive.com
Fountain Theatre www.fountaintheatre.com
Garry Marshall Theatre www.youtube.com
Hero Theatre www.herotheatre.org
IAMA Theatre Company www.iamatheatre.com
www.woollymammoth.net
www.queenstheatre.org
International City Theatre www.InternationalCityTheatre.org
“John Cullum: An Accidental Star” www.vineyardtheatre.org/an-accidental-star
Kentwood Players www.kentwoodplayers.org
www.youtube.com/kentwoodplayers
Laguna Playhouse www.lagunaplayhouse.com
L.A. Chamber Orchestra www.laco.org/laco-at-home
L.A. Theatre Works (fee & free) www.latw.org/black-voices
www.latw.org/broadcasts
www.latw.org/hd-screenings
www.latw.org/setting-stage-learning
Loft Ensemble www.loftensemble.org
Long Beach Opera www.longbeachopera.org
“Lovers and Other Strangers” www.showtix4u.com/event-details/52157
Morgan-Wixson Theatre www.morgan-wixson.org
www.youtube.com
Moving Arts www.movingarts.org
Odyssey Theatre www.OdysseyTheatre.com
Pepperdine University www.arts.pepperdine.edu
Robey Theatre Company www.therobeytheatrecompany.org
Rogue Artists Ensemble www.rogueartists.org/rogue-lab
Rubicon Theatre www.rubicontheatre.org
Sacred Fools www.sacredfools.org
Santa Monica Playhouse www.santamonicaplayhouse.com
Segerstrom Center for the Arts www.scfta.org
Shakespeare Center LA www.shakespearecenter.org
Sierra Madre Playhouse www.sierramadreplayhouse.org
South Coast Repertory www.scr.org
The Actors Gang “We Live On” www.theactorsgang.com
The Blank Theatre (fee)
The Blank Theatre (free) 		www.patreon.com/TheBlankTheatre
www.youtube.com/TheBlankTheatreCo
The Broad Stage www.thebroadstage.org
The Geffen Playhouse (fee) www.geffenplayhouse.org
The Latino Theatre Company www.latinotheaterco.org
The Matrix Theatre “Scraps” www.youtube.com
The Road Theatre Company www.roadtheatre.org
www.youtube.com
The Soraya www.thesoraya.org
The Victory Theatre Center www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org
The Wallis Center for the Performing Arts
The Wallis Studio Ensemble 		www.thewallis.org
www.thewallis.org/streaming
Theatre 40 www.theatre40.org
Theatre 68 www.youtube.com/68centcrewtheatre
Theatre West www.theatrewest.org
“Who I Am” www.youtube.com
Our best wishes go out to all of our readers as always, but please continue to exercise caution in everything you do, and follow whatever directions the venues may issue regarding them. Most of all, if you haven’t been vaccinated yet, please consider the effect you are having on others by not doing so. We don’t want to lose anyone else, so please get vaccinated today if you haven’t done so already!
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. We hope this year will be a safe and healthy one for theatergoers, reviewers, and everyone everywhere.
Sincerely,
Steve Zall, Publisher
Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor

“Scene in LA” January 2022 by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

2022, Calendar, Column, Openings, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Well the New Year has finally arrived, but the Omicron variant of Covid-19 is wreaking havoc with new case numbers doubling almost every day, causing many major venues to cancel their productions until further notice. The smaller venues that are brave enough to stay open are enforcing strict Covid protocols so PROOF OF VACCINATION IS REQUIRED, AND FACE MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES DURING THE PERFORMANCES AT MOST THEATERS IN ORDER TO ATTEND PERFORMANCES. The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should check with the theater to confirm it before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates or are already running this month:

OPENING

“Coloropolis” Welcome to Coloropolis, where individuals are identified only by the color of their clothes. This is a constantly growing community, changing with every stroke of The Writer’s quill. After setting the stage and providing their characters with “free-will,” The Writer leaves Coloropolis to the whims of its inhabitants. What follows is an abstract, funny, biting, satirical “lord of the flies” amongst the Primaries and Non-primaries in their newly developing world. Despite its absurdity and humor, the play tackles a broad spectrum of issues societies face as they develop. Written by A.P. De La Caridad, and directed by Travyz Santos Gatz and Tor Brown, it runs January 8 through February 13 at the Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.

“Singing Revolution: The Musical” Featuring 20 triple-threat performers, a five-piece band and a crowd-pleasing Europop score, the world premiere of Singing Revolution: The Musical sets a tale of star-crossed lovers against the beautiful, moving and timeless true story of Estonia’s 1987 song-filled, peaceful uprising against the Soviet Union. Set in Talinn, Estonia and spanning four decades, Singing Revolution is inspired by actual events that led to Estonian independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The tiny country’s journey to freedom through the power of song acts as a reminder to us all that the power of peaceful resistance can change the world. Written by Tony Spinosa and James Bearhart, with music by Tony Spinosa, lyrics by James Bearhart, and directed by Tony Spinosa, it runs January 15 through February 20 at the Broadwater Theatre Main Stage in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.singingrevolutionthemusical.com.

“Marvin’s Room” Tells the story of two sisters Lee and Bessie who could not be more different and, though sisters, have not seen each other for almost two decades. During that time, Lee has been raising two challenging boys on her own. Bessie has been caring for their father, along with his soap opera-obsessed sister. Now the two are thrown together as Bessie has just been diagnosed with leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. Written by Scott McPherson, and directed by Thomas James O’Leary, it runs January 21 through February 27 at the Actors Co-op David Schall Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-462-8460 or visit www.ActorsCo-op.org.

“Och and Oy! A Considered Cabaret” It’s a collection of songs and stories compiled from our seemingly very disparate lives and personalities, but in the course of the show we find out that we aren’t so different after all. Starring Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro. Written and directed by Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro, with music by Henry Koperski, it runs January 21 through January 22 at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-434-3200 or visit www.thebroadstage.org.

“The Prisoner of Second Avenue” Mel Edison is a well-paid executive of a high-end Manhattan firm, which has suddenly hit the skids, and he gets the ax. His wife Edna takes a job to tide them over, and then she too is sacked. Compounded by the air-pollution killing his plants, and with the walls of the apartment being paper-thin (allowing him a constant ear-full of his neighbor’s private lives), things can’t seem to get any worse…Then he’s robbed and his psychiatrist dies with $23,000 of his money. Mel does the only thing left for him to do: he has a nervous breakdown, and it’s the best thing that ever happened to him. Written by Neil Simon, and directed by Gail Bernardi, it runs January 21 through February 20 at the Theatre Palisades in Pacific Palisades. For tickets call 310-454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org.

“A Little Night Music” Inspired by the 1955 Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night, this Tony Award-winning Broadway musical involves the romantic lives of several couples in Sweden around the year 1900. This new production will look at what it means to present gender on stage in the American musical theatre in 2022, with some fresh takes on several of the classic roles in the show. Written by Hugh Wheeler, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Ryan O’Connor, it runs January 22 through February 27 at the Greenway Court Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-673-0544 or visit www.greenwaycourttheatre.org.

“Boy Vey” An autobiographical solo show about how a Jewish girl’s quest for love unveils the bizarre connections between her misbegotten dating life and inherited Holocaust trauma. Written by Rachel Kaftan, and directed by Dana Resnick, it runs January 22 through March 12 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 Ext. 1 or visit www.santamonicaplayhouse.com/boyvey.

“Million Dollar Quartet” Is the Tony® Award-winning smash-hit musical inspired by the true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll jam sessions ever! Written by Colin Escott & Floyd Mutrux, and directed by Tim Seib, it runs January 22 through February 13 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets call 562-944-9801 or visit www.LaMiradaTheatre.com.

“This Joint Is Jumpin’” Together with a group of talents from a new generation of performers, she’ll present lots of dancing (with dancers who know how), lots of singing (with great songs from a time where lyrics made sense and melodies were tuneful), live music, and comedy sketches (funny stuff with no four-letter expletives) that keep things fast-paced. Written by Maybin Hewes, with music by Ron Rose, and directed by Judy Rose, it runs January 22 through January 30 at the Theatre West in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-851-7977 or visit www.theatrewest.org.

“Death, with Benefits” Two mature ladies bond over the awful emotional and financial situations their deceased husbands have left them. To fix their predicaments, they concoct a pernicious get rich plan: Take in sickly men, get them to sign lavish life insurance policies with the women as beneficiaries, and care for them until they pass away. The only problem is that their guests are not passing away quickly enough, so the ladies decide to speed up the process. Written by John Strysik, and directed by Jeff G. Rack, it runs January 27 through February 20 at the Theatre 40, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.

Our local theme parks are now operating at full capacity, which is a welcome relief to everyone! Most require advance reservations online, as well as advance ticket, and possibly food, purchases. You will need an app in some to be able to take full advantage of all attractions and restaurants. Please check their websites for details, restrictions, and availability before planning a visit:
Disneyland Resort
Disney’s California Adventure 		www.disneyland.disney.go.com
Knott’s Berry Farm www.knotts.com
Legoland California www.legoland.com/california
SeaWorld San Diego www.seaworld.com/san-diego
Six Flags Magic Mountain www.sixflags.com/magicmountain
Universal Studios Hollywood www.universalstudioshollywood.com
Some theaters still provide online offerings in addition to or in lieu of reopening, with many events to 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 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:
3-D Theatricals www.3dtheatricals.org
www.thereceiptswithd.com
A Noise Within www.anoisewithin.org
Antaeus Theatre www.antaeus.org
“Blood/Sugar” www.dianawyenn.com
Boston Court Pasadena www.bostoncourtpasadena.org
CaltechLive! www.events.caltech.edu
www.youtube.com
Chalk Repertory Theatre www.chalkrep.com
Coeurage Ensemble www.coeurage.org
East West Players www.eastwestplayers.org
Echo Theater Company www.echotheatercompany.com
El Portal Theatre www.elportaltheatre.com
Films.Dance www.films.dance
For the Record Live www.ForTheRecordLive.com
Fountain Theatre www.fountaintheatre.com
Garry Marshall Theatre www.youtube.com
Hero Theatre www.herotheatre.org
IAMA Theatre Company www.iamatheatre.com
www.woollymammoth.net
www.queenstheatre.org
International City Theatre www.InternationalCityTheatre.org
“John Cullum: An Accidental Star” www.vineyardtheatre.org/an-accidental-star
Kentwood Players www.kentwoodplayers.org
www.youtube.com/kentwoodplayers
Laguna Playhouse www.lagunaplayhouse.com
L.A. Chamber Orchestra www.laco.org/laco-at-home
L.A. Theatre Works (fee & free) www.latw.org/black-voices
www.latw.org/broadcasts
www.latw.org/hd-screenings
www.latw.org/setting-stage-learning
Loft Ensemble www.loftensemble.org
Long Beach Opera www.longbeachopera.org
“Lovers and Other Strangers” www.showtix4u.com/event-details/52157
Morgan-Wixson Theatre www.morgan-wixson.org
www.youtube.com
Moving Arts www.movingarts.org
Odyssey Theatre www.OdysseyTheatre.com
Pepperdine University www.arts.pepperdine.edu
Robey Theatre Company www.therobeytheatrecompany.org
Rogue Artists Ensemble www.rogueartists.org/rogue-lab
Rubicon Theatre www.rubicontheatre.org
Sacred Fools www.sacredfools.org
Santa Monica Playhouse www.santamonicaplayhouse.com
Segerstrom Center for the Arts www.scfta.org
Shakespeare Center LA www.shakespearecenter.org
Sierra Madre Playhouse www.sierramadreplayhouse.org
South Coast Repertory www.scr.org
The Actors Gang “We Live On” www.theactorsgang.com
The Blank Theatre (fee)
The Blank Theatre (free) 		www.patreon.com/TheBlankTheatre
www.youtube.com/TheBlankTheatreCo
The Broad Stage www.thebroadstage.org
The Geffen Playhouse (fee) www.geffenplayhouse.org
The Latino Theatre Company www.latinotheaterco.org
The Matrix Theatre “Scraps” www.youtube.com
The Road Theatre Company www.roadtheatre.org
www.youtube.com
The Soraya www.thesoraya.org
The Victory Theatre Center www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org
The Wallis Center for the Performing Arts
The Wallis Studio Ensemble 		www.thewallis.org
www.thewallis.org/streaming
Theatre 40 www.theatre40.org
Theatre 68 www.youtube.com/68centcrewtheatre
Theatre West www.theatrewest.org
“Who I Am” www.youtube.com
Our best wishes go out to all of our readers as always, but please continue to exercise caution in everything you do, and follow whatever directions the venues may issue regarding them. Most of all, if you haven’t been vaccinated yet, please consider the effect you are having on others by not doing so. We don’t want to lose anyone else, so please get vaccinated today if you haven’t done so already!
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. We hope this New year will be a safe and healthy one for theatergoers, reviewers, and everyone everywhere.
Sincerely,
Steve Zall, Publisher
Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor

“Scene in LA” December 2021 by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

2021, Calendar, Column, Openings, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
As we ring in the holidays here in Southern California, remember that Covid-19 protocols are still in place, so PROOF OF VACCINATION IS REQUIRED, AND FACE MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES DURING THE PERFORMANCES AT MOST THEATERS IN ORDER TO ATTEND PERFORMANCES. The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should check with the theater to confirm it before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates or are already running this month:

OPENING

“A Christmas Carol” Finally returning to our acclaimed presentation of A Christmas Carol allows families to once again take a supremely theatrical journey and celebrate the transformative power of forgiveness during the holidays. Ebenezer Scrooge’s rebirth from miserly curmudgeon to the epitome of love and generosity affirms our faith in the potent goodness of humanity during this beloved time of year. Written by Charles Dickens, adapted by Geoff Elliott, with music by Robert Oriol, and directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott and Geoff Elliott, it runs December 3 through December 23 at A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3100 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.

“And to All a Good Night: an Ever After Take 2” Holiday adventure is an interactive musical where audience members help Cookie Claus set the Fairytale world back on track! You may not know it, but Santa Claus needs the magic of the Fairytales to help him make his rounds each Christmas–and this year, we need YOUR help to save the stories! Join Cookie on a fanciful holiday adventure as she follows the real-life stories of Snowhite, Hansel and Gretel, Alice and Queens of Hearts, Puss in Boots, the Frog Prince and a host of other beloved characters. Get dressed up (or down) and get ready to step inside the theatre for an awesome in-person experience. Written by Graham Silbert, with music by Evelyn Rudie, and directed by Chris DeCarlo, it runs December 3 through December 17 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 or visit www.santamonicaplayhouse.com/goodnight.

“Robin Hood & Maid Marion: A Holiday Panto” has the ultimate adventure getting a modern makeover twist in this year’s Panto! Join our heroic outlaw defending the people as he robs from the rich and gives back to the poor. It’s a show packed full of boogie, comedy, action, audience participation and set to a soundtrack of Disco hits and dance anthems from the ‘70s (the 1170’s), including such disco favorites as Donna Summer’s “Bad Girls,” The Bee Gees’ “Jive Talkin’”, “He’s the Greatest Dancer” by Sister Sledge and many more! Book your tickets now for this sheriff-busting, tights-wearing extravaganza! Written by Kris Lythgoe, and directed by Bonnie Lythgoe, it runs December 3 through December 29 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Motown” Join us in the land of Smokey Miracles and Supreme Temptations, because at the North Pole there “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to keep us from bringing big laughs and live music to you. The Christmas festivities are getting turned up with the return of the award-winning Troubadour Theater Company, and an all-new production of their holiday musical parody, which brings the origin tale of Kris Kringle (aka Santa Claus) into the heyday of Motown records. It’s a laugh riot as the Rankin and Bass Claymation classic gets a Motor City makeover in this concert-style, Christmas event. Written and directed by Matt Walker, it runs December 3 through December 24 at the Garry Marshall Theatre in Burbank. For tickets call 818-955-8101 or visit www.garrymarshalltheatre.org.

“SANTASIA – A Holiday Comedy” The critically acclaimed musical sketch comedy show features Broadway musical parodies, heartfelt sentiment and classic Rankin and Bass inspired Claymation movies. The popular and celebrated live stage show has run in Los Angeles for past 22 years. Written and directed by Brandon and Shaun Loeser, it runs December 3 through December 25 at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks. For tickets visit www.santasia.com.

“The Ultimate Christmas Show (Abridged)” is festive, funny, physical, family fun in which the audience is welcomed to the Annual Holiday Variety Show and Christmas Pageant at St. Everybody’s Non-Denominational Universalist Church, where all faiths are welcome because we’ll believe anything. But there’s a problem: none of the acts scheduled to perform have arrived, so three members are pressed into service to perform the entire Variety Show and Christmas Pageant by themselves. This irreverent yet heartwarming trip through the holidays offers festive, funny, physical, family fun for ages 12 and above. Written by Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor, and directed by Alison Boole, it runs December 3 through December 19 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“Christmastime Origins” The four pieces being performed are radio plays and deal with the source origins of the most beloved things about Christmas. The Group Rep turns their upstairs theater venue into a radio studio (K-GRT) with actors at microphones, Foley sound and music. Written by Julio Martinez, with music by Paul Cady, and directed by Kathleen Delaney, it runs December 4 through January 2 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre – Upstairs in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“Mr. Yunioshi” A comedic solo performance piece that features an Asian actor playing Mickey Rooney as he attempts to create his infamously offensive character for “Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Written and directed by J. Elijah Cho, it runs December 5 through December 19 at the Santa Monica Playhouse Main Stage in Santa Monica. For tickets visit www.mryunioshi.com.

“Tick, Tick…BOOM!” Before Rent, there was the story of a composer and the sacrifices that he made to achieve his big break in theatre. Fourteen songs, ten characters, three actors and a live band, Tick, Tick… Boom takes you on the playwright/composer’s journey that led to a Broadway blockbuster. Adult language & subject matter suitable for mature audiences. Written by Jonathan Larson, with music by Jonathan Larson, and directed by Clint Foley, it runs December 5 through February 13 at the Atlas Space at Thymele Arts in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.Upnextprods.com.

“Good People” Margie is a woman from the working-class neighborhood of South Boston. She’s a single mom caring for a grown, severely autistic daughter. Margie has recently been fired and faces eviction. Her buddies at the local church Bingo game suggest that she look up an old fling and ask him for a job. Mike, the former beau in question, has gotten out of South Boston, become an M.D., and moved to the tony suburb of Chestnut Hill with his younger, beautiful Black wife and their daughter. When Margie arrives at his doorstep, what will he do? Written by David Lindsay-Abaire, and directed by Ann Hearn Tobolowsky, it runs December 8 through January 9 at the Theatre 40, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.

“American Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker” Its timeless music by Tchaikovsky and fairytale costumes and exotic dances, is the perfect way to introduce children to dance and even inspire them to study dance and become a little Clara or Nutcracker Prince. Written by E.T.A. Hoffmann, with music by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky, and directed by Alexei Ratmansky, it runs December 10 through December 19 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-556-2787 or visit www.SCFTA.org.

“Latina Christmas Special – An American Comedy of Latina Proportions” This Off-Broadway hit is a timely comedy about those of us who ride the edge between the culture of our immigrant parents and the culture of our home, America. Every ethnicity can relate to the feeling that their parents and families are a little “weird” (that’s a nice word) during the holidays when compared to the traditional American Christmases fed to us on TV. Three comedian friends: Sandra Valls (Showtime’s Latin Divas of Comedy), Maria Russell (Lt. Liz Salazar on TruTV’s Tacoma FD), and Diana Yanez (Margaret Cho’s Sensuous Woman) show us with their personal tales that every family has its own hilarious peculiarities, everyone wants to belong, and everyone, regardless of their background, has a hard time at some point in their life. Written by Maria Russell, Sandra Valls and Diana Yanez, and directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott and Geoff Elliott, it runs December 14 through December 15 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3121 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.

“The Nutcracker” This production boasts a full symphony orchestra, a flying sleigh, a real live horse, on-stage pyrotechnics, and a cast of over 200. Former Disney designers Elliot Hessayon and Scott Schaffer created the enchanting scenery, Australian artist Adrian Clark designed the detailed costumes, and renowned magician Franz Harary created the special effects. Written by E. T. A. Hoffmann, with music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and directed by David Wilcox, it runs December 17 through December 19 at the Terrace Theatre, Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center in Long Beach. For tickets visit www.LongBeachNutcracker.com.

CONTINUING

“@Playaz” While trying to balance respectful mid-life careers with a booming online gaming presence and a whole lot of viewers looking for guidance as they re-enter the world, Alan and Charlie find that real time challenges can be (almost) as exciting as a live gaming tournament, provided you surround yourself with a good team. The play explores modern relationships and the challenges that come with living our lives online. Combining real-life drama onstage with video game play on screen, @Playaz is a modern, immersive comedy with teeth. Written by Dana Schwartz, and directed by Darin Anthony, it runs through December 6 at the Atwater Playhouse in Atwater Village. For tickets call 323-472-5646 or visit www.movingarts.org.

“Christmas Classics with Puppets” Three talented actors sing and share these classic holiday stories along with their collection of puppet friends (marionettes, hand puppets, rod puppets, and shadow puppets). The Elves and the Shoemaker, The Origin of Poinsettias, The Happy Prince, and Twas the Night Before Christmas. Complete with 6-holiday songs, this show will bring joy to your heart, lift your spirits and send you out of the theatre full of holiday cheer. Fun for the entire family! The show runs through December 12 at the Helen Borgers Theatre in Long Beach. For tickets visit www.LBShakespeare.org.

“A Journal of the Plague Year” Defoe’s non-fiction book is an account of the pandemic which attacked London in 1664, lasting a year and killing more than half of the city’s population. Although the story took place three hundred years ago, it is amazingly relevant to our present COVID-19 circumstances. It is narrated by H.F., a businessman who has chosen to remain while multiples flee the plague-ridden city. H.F. re-enacts the terror of a helpless people caught in a tragedy they could not comprehend, with the weak preying on the dying, the strong administering to the sick, the wastrels partying in the bars and pavilions, the scientists battling the quacks and doubters. Written by Daniel Defoe, and directed by Daniel E. Keough, it runs through December 19 at the Brickhouse Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5303690.

“Alley of Misfits” In a lonely New York alley, Ruby and Pearl wait overnight to be the first in line for a free Thanksgiving dinner. Throughout the night they navigate disagreements, a lonely Build a Bear employee, a recovering drug addict, two wasted party girls, and seemingly sentient stuffed animals who share the landscape. A visit from Ruby’s estranged son triggers the women into an elaborate weaving of a deeper friendship, which shows that, in the end, anything can be put back together again. Written by Barbera Ann Howard and Marjorie Lewit, and directed by Bree Pavey and Marc Leclerc, it runs through December 19 at the Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.

“The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays” In December 1936, a Broadway star admired for his performances as Sherlock Holmes has cast members to his country home for a weekend when the festivities in his isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Danger and hilarity are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays. Written by Ken Ludwig, and directed by Larry Eisenberg, it runs through January 2 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre – Main Stage in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

Our local theme parks are now operating at full capacity, which is a welcome relief to everyone! Most require advance reservations online, as well as advance ticket, and possibly food, purchases. You will need an app in some to be able to take full advantage of all attractions and restaurants. Please check their websites for details, restrictions, and availability before planning a visit:
Disneyland Resort
Disney’s California Adventure 		www.disneyland.disney.go.com
Knott’s Berry Farm www.knotts.com
Legoland California www.legoland.com/california
SeaWorld San Diego www.seaworld.com/san-diego
Six Flags Magic Mountain www.sixflags.com/magicmountain
Universal Studios Hollywood www.universalstudioshollywood.com
Some theaters still provide online offerings in addition to or in lieu of reopening, with many events to 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 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:
3-D Theatricals www.3dtheatricals.org
www.thereceiptswithd.com
A Noise Within www.anoisewithin.org
Antaeus Theatre www.antaeus.org
“Blood/Sugar” www.dianawyenn.com
Boston Court Pasadena www.bostoncourtpasadena.org
CaltechLive! www.events.caltech.edu
www.youtube.com
Chalk Repertory Theatre www.chalkrep.com
Coeurage Ensemble www.coeurage.org
East West Players www.eastwestplayers.org
Echo Theater Company www.echotheatercompany.com
El Portal Theatre www.elportaltheatre.com
Films.Dance www.films.dance
For the Record Live www.ForTheRecordLive.com
Fountain Theatre www.fountaintheatre.com
Garry Marshall Theatre www.youtube.com
Hero Theatre www.herotheatre.org
IAMA Theatre Company www.iamatheatre.com
www.woollymammoth.net
www.queenstheatre.org
International City Theatre www.InternationalCityTheatre.org
“John Cullum: An Accidental Star” www.vineyardtheatre.org/an-accidental-star
Kentwood Players www.kentwoodplayers.org
www.youtube.com/kentwoodplayers
Laguna Playhouse www.lagunaplayhouse.com
L.A. Chamber Orchestra www.laco.org/laco-at-home
L.A. Theatre Works (fee & free) www.latw.org/black-voices
www.latw.org/broadcasts
www.latw.org/digital-season
www.latw.org/hd-screenings
www.latw.org/setting-stage-learning
Loft Ensemble www.loftensemble.org
Long Beach Opera www.longbeachopera.org
“Lovers and Other Strangers” www.showtix4u.com/event-details/52157
Morgan-Wixson Theatre www.morgan-wixson.org
www.youtube.com
Moving Arts www.movingarts.org
Odyssey Theatre www.OdysseyTheatre.com
Pepperdine University www.arts.pepperdine.edu
Robey Theatre Company www.therobeytheatrecompany.org
Rogue Artists Ensemble www.rogueartists.org/rogue-lab
Rubicon Theatre www.rubicontheatre.org
Sacred Fools www.sacredfools.org
Santa Monica Playhouse www.santamonicaplayhouse.com
Segerstrom Center for the Arts www.scfta.org
Shakespeare Center LA www.shakespearecenter.org
Sierra Madre Playhouse www.sierramadreplayhouse.org
South Coast Repertory www.scr.org
The Actors Gang “We Live On” www.theactorsgang.com
The Blank Theatre (fee)
The Blank Theatre (free) 		www.patreon.com/TheBlankTheatre
www.youtube.com/TheBlankTheatreCo
The Broad Stage www.thebroadstage.org
The Geffen Playhouse (fee) www.geffenplayhouse.org
The Latino Theatre Company www.latinotheaterco.org
The Matrix Theatre “Scraps” www.youtube.com
The Road Theatre Company www.roadtheatre.org
www.youtube.com
The Soraya www.thesoraya.org
The Victory Theatre Center www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org
The Wallis Center for the Performing Arts
The Wallis Studio Ensemble 		www.thewallis.org
www.thewallis.org/streaming
Theatre 40 www.theatre40.org
Theatre 68 www.youtube.com/68centcrewtheatre
Theatre West www.theatrewest.org
“Who I Am” www.youtube.com
Our best wishes go out to all of our readers as always, but please continue to exercise caution in everything you do, and follow whatever directions the venues may issue regarding them. Most of all, if you haven’t been vaccinated yet, please consider the effect you are having on others by not doing so. We don’t want to lose anyone else, so please get vaccinated today if you haven’t done so already!
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. We hope this next year will be a safe and healthy one for theatergoers, reviewers, and everyone everywhere.
Happy Holidays to all!
Sincerely,
Steve Zall, Publisher
Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor