The Inheritance – Part 1 & 2 at the Geffen Playhouse
The Geffen Playhouse hosted a fabulous opening event on Sunday for the west coast premiere of Matthew López’s masterpiece “The Inheritance – Part 1 & 2”. Invited media experienced the production starting with the premiere of “The Inheritance – Part 1” in the early afternoon, which was moving, evocative, and thought-provoking, with laughter, tears, and ending in thunderous standing ovations as the audience cheered for more!
The story is set in contemporary Manhattan, where Eric and Toby are 30-somethings who seem to be very much in love and thriving. But on the cusp of their engagement, they meet an older man haunted by the past, and a younger man hungry for a future. Chance meetings lead to surprising choices as the lives of three generations interlink and collide—with explosive results. A new perspective on today’s gay culture and how the AIDS crisis has affected the world we live in today. We saw Part 1 early in the afternoon.
The street was blocked off for our safety.
After this, we exited the theater to find Le Conte Avenue blocked off on both sides in front of the theater and decorated in a festive style, with a cherry tree as the centerpiece of the circle. This was followed by a lovely outdoor dinner and picnic held on the grounds of the UCLA campus and served up by the UCLA Event Catering staff along with a gourmet ice cream truck, a unique shaved ice truck, a specialty Churro cart and a high-end coffee stand.
There were also a number of information booths available for various LGBTQIA+ associations. Representatives from each group were on hand to answer questions and give out literature.
Beautiful music filled the air which was provided by a live guitarist at the event. Groups of people gathered together and chatted about what we had witnessed in Part 1 of this amazing show prior to the break. Everyone remarked at how moved they were by what they had seen, and agreed that they were anxiously awaiting what was yet to come in the upcoming Part 2 which was set to begin later that day. (During the run of the production, audiences will see Part 1 on one day and then see Part 2 separately on a subsequent day, but the media was being allowed to view both parts the same day for this special event.)
The center of the street was filled with huge semi-transparent plaques, on which were written significant quotes about gay acceptance, love, self-identity, and the many ways that AIDS has changed the world. These were potent images intended to get people thinking about things in a different way.
As the sun set, the group headed back into the Geffen patio and lobby to enjoy some more music and have a few drinks before Part 2 began. Just before 7 pm we all headed back into the theater.
When Part 2 of The Inheritance concluded, the entire audience was once again on their feet, with thunderous applause for the entire cast of this momentous production as they took their well-deserved bows. Most of the audience then headed to the after party at STK Steakhouse Los Angeles in The W Los Angeles hotel on Hilgard. There we were able to meet many members of the cast and enjoy some more fabulous food served by STK on a stunning buffet table.
We had a fantastic time at this incredible event, and want to send our special thanks to Gil Cates Jr., Executive Director, and Zenon Dmytryk, Director of Public Relations, and the entire staff of the Geffen Playhouse for organizing, producing and hosting this evening!
(left to right) Steve Zall and Sid Fish at the Grand Opening Gala of the Inheritance Part 1 & 2
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:
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:
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
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:
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:
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
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.
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“@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:
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:
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
Covid-19 cases are on the decline in the southern California area, and those theaters that survived the shutdown have reopened or will soon be opening. This is all good news, but Covid 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
“Comedy of Tenors” One hotel suite, four tenors, two wives, three girlfriends and a soccer stadium filled with screaming fans. What could possible go wrong? Almost everything! 1930s Paris is ready for the concert of the century – so long as producer Henry Saunders can keep the amorous Italian superstar, Tito, and his hot-blooded wife, Maria, from causing runway chaos. Prepare for an uproarious ride, full of mistaken identities, blissful romance and madcap delight! A sequel to the hit, Lend Me a Tenor, this is another laugh-out-loud play. Written by Ken Ludwig, and directed by Sherman Wayne, it runs November 5 through December 12 at the Theatre Palisades Pierson Playhouse in Pacific Palisades. For tickets call 310-454-1970.
“The Children” A taut and disquieting thriller about responsibility, reparation and what one generation owes the next. With the outside world in utter chaos following a devastating environmental disaster, two retired nuclear engineers live a quiet life in a remote cottage on the lonely British coast — until a surprise visit from a former colleague upends the couple’s equilibrium and trust. Written by Lucy Kirkwood, and directed by Simon Levy, it runs November 6 through January 23 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-663-1525 or visit www.FountainTheatre.com.
“Blues in the Night” Set in 1948 in a rundown Chicago hotel, three women and a man share their stories about the misery and humor of life, love and the dogged determination to do more than just survive. The drama reveals itself through 26 hot, torchy, glorious songs by Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Alberta Hunter, Harold Arlen, Jimmy Cox, Ida Cox and more. Written by Sheldon Epps, and directed by Wren T. Brown, it runs November 12 through December 5 at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-964-9766.
“Mamma Mia!” On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her birth father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island they last visited 20 years before. The magic of ABBA’s timeless songs combined with explosive dance numbers propel this enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship to create a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Written by Catherine Johnson, conceived by Judy Craymer, with music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and some songs with Stig Anderson, and directed by Kelly Todd, it runs November 12 through November 20 at the Smothers Theatre Pepperdine University in Malibu. For tickets call 310-506-4522 or visit www.arts.pepperdine.edu/events/2021-2022-season/pepperdine-musical-mamma-mia.
“Paradise Blue” A makeshift family and their troubled bandleader find themselves fighting for the future of Paradise. Welcome to the sultry, jazz-filled Paradise Club. It’s 1949 in Detroit, and trumpet-playing club owner Blue has a tough decision to make. Should he sell his jazz joint as gentrification is banging on the door? The house band is desperate to stay, Blue’s demons are tempting him to leave, and the arrival of a seductive stranger turns everything upside down. Written by Dominique Morisseau, and directed by Stori Ayers, it runs November 18 through December 12 at the Gil Cates Theater at The Geffen Playhouse in Westwood. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.
“Love Actually Live” uniquely brings together friends and family alike to experience the unforgettable holiday classic in a three-dimensional world where the film and live action seamlessly intertwine throughout the London setting. Iconic scenes displayed on screens that travel throughout the set, share the stage with an all-star cast of singers and 15-piece orchestra as they reimagine the film’s hit soundtrack including “Christmas is All Around,” “Trouble With Love,” and “Both Sides Now.” Written by Richard Curtis, and directed by Anderson Davis, it runs November 27 through December 31 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-746-4000 or visit www.TheWallis.org/Love.
“Another Night in the Catskills featuring Sandy Hackett (Buddy’s Son)” Laugh your way into the holidays with A NIGHT IN THE CATSKILLS! There will be music, comedy, and a few surprises. Sandy Hackett (Buddy Hackett the comedian’s son) returns with material sure to make your belly shake like a bowl full of jelly! Many of the 20th Century’s great performers honed their skills in the Catskills. In its heyday, the Catskills, or “Jewish Alps “(also called the Borscht Belt), consisted of 330 resort hotels of all sizes, a few hours north of New York City. The show runs November 28 only at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.
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“Seven Guitars” In 1948 Pittsburgh, old friends gather to mourn the death of a young guitarist and his dream of stardom. This heartrending blues opera combines touching elegy, humor, and emotional grit as the characters strike their own notes in a discordant world that threatens their hopes and lives at every turn. Bursting with musical lyricism and courage, Wilson’s Pulitzer-nominated play continues his theatrical saga that richly captures the spirit and heritage of Black Americans in the 20th Century. Written by August Wilson, and directed by Gregg T. Daniel, it runs through November 14 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3121 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.
“Mamma Mia!” Get swept away by the infectious music, funny story, and dazzling dance numbers that have made MAMMA MIA! a worldwide phenomenon. On the eve of her wedding on an idyllic Greek island, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings back three men from her mother’s past. Featuring over 20 ABBA songs, including the hits “Dancing Queen” and “Take a Chance on Me,” this fresh new look at the high-spirited, feel-good sensation will have you dancing in the aisles! Written by Catherine Johnson, conceived by Judy Craymer, with music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and some songs with Stig Anderson, and directed by T.J. Dawson, it runs through November 21 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets call 714-994-6310 or visit www.lamiradatheatre.com.
Our local theme parks continue to operate at high, if not 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 many to be able to take full advantage of those attractions they have reopened. Attendance is no longer limited to California residents only in most parks. Please check their websites for details, restrictions, and availability before planning a trip to them:
Some area theaters still continue to expand their online offerings in spite of reopening, with many 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 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 already!
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
It has been a long time coming, but finally we are seeing many theaters that are or will soon be reopening and announcing their upcoming schedules. However, the Covid-19 virus is still running rampant, so PROOF OF VACCINATION IS REQUIRED BY MOST THEATERS IN ORDER TO ATTEND PERFORMANCES, AND MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES DURING THE 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
“Aleichem Sholom: The Wit and Wisdom of Sholom Aleichem” Based on Sholom Aleichem’s letters and stories, the controversy surrounding his stories and plays, and his passionate involvement in the creation of a new homeland coupled with the personal recollections of those who knew him first hand, Aleichem Sholom is written by the internationally acclaimed duo of Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie, with lilting songs by Emery Bernauer, E. Rudie and Sholom Aleichem himself. Audiences are treated to an in-depth look at the joyous and poignant events that inspired the foolish philosophers, philosophical fools, comical shtetl folk and not-so-comical scoundrels that populated Sholom Aleichem’s world. Written by Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie, with music by Emery Bernauer, E. Rudie and Sholom Aleichem, and directed by Arthur R. Tompkins, it runs October 2 through October 30 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 Ext. 1 or visit www.SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/aleichem-sholom.
“Dionne Warwick in Concert” The legendary Dionne Warwick performs live on stage in an amazing lineup of hits from her long career. Some of her past chart toppers include “Alfie”, “Walk on By”, “Do You Know the Way to San Jose”, “That’s What Friends are For” and countless others. A performance not to be missed! Written by Dionne Warwick, with music by Dionne Warwick, it runs October 2 at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, and October 3 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center in Oxnard. For tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com/dionne-warwick-tickets/artist/734099.
“The Root Beer Bandits — A Rootin’ Tootin’ Wild West Musicale” This is the story of a woman with dreams of becoming a songwriter in 1860. In an effort to prove that women are capable of anything, she disguises herself to ride for the Pony Express. Her name is Pollyanna Peppercorn, and her adventure is just beginning. When Polly (Tiffany Daniels) delivers a letter to Sheriff Bailey (Clayton Snyder) of Sarsaparilla City, they discover that Copper Penny (Kelly Brandeburg) is scheming to steal the city’s famous gold label root beer supply, with her partner Zeke (Josey Montana McCoy). Alongside Sally Sue Tucker (Cloie Wyatt Taylor), a trailblazing entrepreneur, and Sheriff Bailey, Polly sets things right and makes it clear that everyone is capable of greatness, no matter what their circumstances may be. . Written by Joseph Leo Bwarie and Lori Marshall, with music by Rachael Lawrence, lyrics by Lori Marshall, and directed by Joseph Leo Bwarie, it runs October 2 through October 31 at the Garry Marshall Theatre in Burbank. For tickets call 818-955-8101 or visit www.garrymarshalltheatre.org.
“Ascension” Do you know about it? The Second Sun? It’s real. It’s going to take us home! The Echo Theater Company presents the world premiere of Ascension, an immersive, interactive sci-fi, futuristic cyber play that strikes at the heart of our assumptions about faith, memory and reality. Rebel is trapped inside a long, narrow pod. Nobody knows she’s in there… nobody but you, the audience. For some strange reason, your minds and hers are psychically linked, and only you can help her escape. Written by D. G. Watson, and directed by Ahmed Best, it runs October 6 through November 18 at the Echo Theater Company at Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater. For tickets call 310-307-3753 or visit www.EchoTheaterCompany.com.
“Holding Court” Court is a young woman who seems to have had every advantage: A loving, supportive family, a top-flight education. Yet, she’s troubled. She’s afflicted by shame and guilt because of failure to live up to her own expectations. A messy love life and self-destructive coping strategies like petty lies contribute to her emotional burdens. She runs through a gamut of therapists without doing the work that it takes to benefit from treatment until she encounters one particular practitioner who sees through her mechanisms and connects with her. Court understands that to achieve health, she has to become the hero of her own story. Can she forgive herself for all the stumbles she’s made on her life path? One extraordinary day, she finds herself in a situation of deadly danger. She must now become a hero for real, and damn fast, or someone will die. Will Court rise to the occasion? Written and directed by Courtney Scheuerman, it runs October 8 through October 16 at the Hudson Guild Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.onstage411.com/holdingcourt.
“Mamma Mia!” You can dance, you can jive and you’ll have the time of your life when 5-Star stages this massively popular musical for the first time! The impossible-to-resist hits of the Swedish pop group ABBA power this sunny, funny show about a young woman’s search for her birth father. Whether you grew up bopping to the beat of hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance On Me,” “Chiquitita” and “Money, Money, Money,” or you discovered ABBA on the big screen, 5-Star’s production will lift you higher than a pair of bedazzled platform boots. . Written by Catherine Johnson, conceived by Judy Craymer, with music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and some songs with Stig Anderson, and directed by Richard Israel, it runs October 15 through October 24 at the Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks. For tickets call 800-745-3000 or visit www.5startheatricals.com.
“The Book of Moron” Robert Dubac’s newest Off-Broadway solo hit, THE BOOK OF MORON, has been described as one of the most “Hilarious” “Intelligent” and “Scorching” satirical attacks on idiocracy since Mark Twain. (And “idiocracy” isn’t even a word. How dumb is that?) Are you are craving for some satire that cuts with a clever intelligent edge? Are you are tired of adolescent comedies generated by the mediocrity of television? Then buckle up for a hilarious joy ride over the pot-holed highways of cultural hypocrisy! It’s comedy on steroids. Think your funny bone can handle it? Written and directed by Robert Dubac, it runs October 16 only at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.
“Sh-Boom Life Could Be a Dream” Hey cool cats! Take a trip to Springfield and meet the Crooning Crabcakes as they prepare to enter the Big Whopper Radio contest and realize their dreams of making it to the big time! The ’60s hits say it all: “Fools Fall in Love,” “Tears on my Pillow,” “Runaround Sue,” “Earth Angel,” “Stay,” “Unchained Melody,” “Lonely Teardrops,” and “The Glory of Love.” This delightful, award-winning jukebox musical, written and created by Roger Bean (The Marvelous Wonderettes), will leave you laughing, singing, and cheering— let’s hear it for the boys! Written by Roger Bean, with music by Nick Guerrero, and directed by Jonathan Van Dyke, it runs October 17 through October 31 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.
“Terry Barber Sings the Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber” The world’s greatest countertenor returns to El Portal to sing the amazing songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Terry returns to El Portal by popular demand after his thrilling concert in 2019. Written and directed by Terry Barber, it runs October 17 only at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.
“Blues in the Night” Set in 1948 in a rundown Chicago hotel, three women and a man share their stories about the misery and humor of life, love and the dogged determination to do more than just survive. The drama reveals itself through 26 hot, torchy, glorious songs by Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Alberta Hunter, Harold Arlen, Jimmy Cox, Ida Cox and more. Written by Sheldon Epps, and directed by Wren T. Brown, it runs October 22 through November 7 at the International City Theatre Long Beach Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.
“Never Swim Alone” In the slyly witty and unexpectedly suspenseful Never Swim Alone, two men are locked in a ruthless competition of one-upmanship under the watchful eye of “The Referee,” a young woman with a secret connection to the boys these men used to be. Written by Daniel MacIvor, and directed by Amanda Weier, it runs October 23 through December 12 at the Open Fist Theatre Company @Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 323-882-6912 or visit www.openfist.org.
“Poor Clare” Clare is just a regular noblewoman living in 13th century Italy, trying out hairstyles and waiting to get married… until a man named Francis starts ranting in the courtyard. But what happens when your eyes are opened to the injustice of the world around you — and you can’t look away? Written by Chiara Atik, and directed by Alana Dietze, it runs October 23 through November 29 at the Echo Theater Company Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 310-307-3753 or visit www.EchoTheaterCompany.com.
“The Serpent” Go ahead – take the apple. The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble re-envisions the groundbreaking, Obie award-winning The Serpent by Jean-Claude van Itallie, a unique “ceremony/celebration/exploration” that delights in life as seen through the Book of Genesis and other iconic events. Written by Jean-Claude van Itallie, and directed by Ron Sossi, it runs October 23 through December 12 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.
“The Soldier Dreams” A darkly funny and moving play about life, death, grief — and dancing. As David lies in a virus-induced coma, his lover, Richard, plays host to David’s family members, each of whom feel they had the most special connection. In this poignant homage to those we love who have left us, the audience becomes witness to everyone’s — including David’s own — memories of David. Written by Daniel MacIvor, and directed by Amanda Weier, it runs October 23 through December 12 at the Open Fist Theatre Company @Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 323-882-6912 or visit www.openfist.org.
“That Lovin’ Feeling – Tribute to the Righteous Brothers” Gene Sironen & Larry G Jones have performed to standing ovations, especially in the senior marketplace. Their portrayal of the Righteous Brothers is not only a brilliant recreation of the Blue-eyed Soul Duo, but it also brings back the history and memories of a wonderful era gone by. Songs include “Unchained Melody” “Rock and Roll Heaven” “Little Latin Lupe Lu” “Ebb Tide” “Soul and Inspiration” and, of course, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”. Written by Gene Sironen and Larry G. Jones, it runs October 23 only at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.
“A Perfect Ganesh” Adult themes. No one under 12 admitted. The pilgrimage tradition is turned on its head when two outwardly unremarkable, middle-aged women throw themselves into a rousing tour of India, each one having her own secret dreams of what the fabled land of intoxicating opposites will do for the suffering she hides within. Margaret, an uptight example of WASP prerogative, has just discovered a lump in her breast but hasn’t told her friend. More adventurous Katharine seeks a respite from the haunting of her son, Walter, and even thinks of kissing the leprous hordes of Bombay to atone for the way she rejected him and maybe, she thinks, contributed to the gay-bashing in which he died. Faced with the women’s despair, who but Ganesh, the Hindu god with an elephant’s head, could intervene? Fluid in his power to assume any guise, at peace with all things, Ganesh is the spiritual center around which the play spins itself, drawing upon the tragic and the comic, the beautiful and the deplorable. Can Ganesh bring relief to the pain abiding within each of the women’s hearts? Written by Terrence McNally, and directed by David W. Callander, it runs October 29 through November 21 at the Pico (Formerly the Pico Playhouse) in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.onstage411.com/ganesh.
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“An Iliad” Deborah Strang (she/her/hers) and Geoff Elliott alternate performances as The Poet in An Iliad, reliving and recounting bloodshed through hundreds and thousands of years. The lone witness of an ancient and ravaged Trojan battlefield weaves a tale of tragedy and triumph, with an enduring love for every victim of war. The Poet, an eternal being tasked with a passionate examination of deadly conflict, grapples with grief and dualities of victory and loss, power and fragility, heroism and hubris in an unforgettable modern take on Homer’s classic. Written by Lisa Peterson & Denis O’Hare, and directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, it runs through October 3 at A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3121 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.
“Wait Until Dark” The hunter or the hunted, who is the prey? A classic American play about a woman in peril and tables that are turned. A blind housewife confronts a trio of nefarious men in search of a doll she does not know she has — its contents being a fortune in illicit goods. A suspenseful battle of wits leads to a confrontation between the lady and the devil, culminating in a thrilling climax! Written by Frederick Knott, and directed by Tony Torrisi, it runs through October 3 at the Theatre Palisades Pierson Playhouse in Pacific Palisades. For tickets call 310-454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org.
“Sex With Strangers” Ethan is a hot young 20’s writer whose online journals of “sexcapades” are the buzz of the blogosphere. Olivia is an attractive 30-something whose own writing career never took off. Attraction turns to sex when star sex blogger Ethan tracks down his idol, the gifted but obscure novelist Olivia. They find they each crave what the other possesses, but must confront the dark side of ambition and the trouble of reinventing oneself when the past is only a click away. Written by Laura Eason, and directed by Allen Barton, it runs through October 7 at the Beverly Hills Playhouse in Beverly Hills. For tickets visit www.crimsonsquare.org.
“It’s Alive, IT’S ALIVE!” NOTE: Proof of vaccination will be required of all patrons, and admittance is limited to ages 12+. All current CDC and local guidelines regarding seating and masks will be followed at each performance.
Joined onstage by a band and two singer/dancers, 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 through October 9 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.
“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” Please note: Everyone (adults and children over 12) who enters the Westchester Playhouse building must wear a face mask and needs to be prepared to show proof of vaccination.
Set in rural Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet life in the farmhouse where they grew up and cared for their elderly parents, while mourning their lost dreams and missed opportunities. When their often-wrong, fortune-telling maid warns of impending dangers, and their movie star sister, Masha, arrives unexpectedly with her young, sexy, boy toy, Spike, the family is launched into a rollicking weekend of one-upmanship, exposed nerves, and a lot of broken mugs. With wit and absurdity, the toils and troubles of celebrity, social networking, and age combine into a laugh-out-loud comedy that will tickle your funny bone and stimulate your mind. Written by Christopher Durang, and directed by Susan Stangl, it runs through October 10 at the Westchester Playhouse in Westchester. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.
“The Wolfe & The Bird” No time to sleep. No room for error. No pleasing mom. A young girl struggles to find herself against the backdrop of 1980s small town America.
Proof of vaccination required – no exceptions
Admittance is limited to ages 12+
Masks required throughout the performance as mandated by the County of L.A.
Written by Rachel Parker, and directed by Alina Phelan, it runs through October 10 at the Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5219775.
“As Good As Gold” Three female screenwriters, frustrated with the sexism and glass ceilings they encounter in Hollywood, decide to collaborate on a commercially surefire macho action epic screenplay with a studly hero. Now, they have a script. But, they’re women. How will they get a studio to buy it? They hire a young fellow to be their front. He will purport to be the author of their screenplay. Sure enough, their front/impostor becomes the toast of Hollywood, commanding millions of dollars in asking price for future scripts. Written by Marilyn Anderson, and directed by Roger K. Weiss, it runs through October 17 at the Theatre 40, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.
“Clue” It’s a dark and stormy night, and you’ve been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the cult 1985 Paramount movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist. Rated PG. Written by Sandy Rustin, based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, with music by Michael Holland, and directed by Casey Hushion, it runs through October 17 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets call 562-944-9801 or visit www.lamiradatheatre.com.
“Our Man in Santiago” A comic spy thriller inspired by the true story of a spectacularly botched U.S. attempt to overthrow Chile’s democratically elected leader. In this new political farce by two-time Emmy nominee and WGA award-winner Mark Wilding (Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Good Girls, Charmed), the CIA enlists an inexperienced, unsuspecting agent to follow up with a last-ditch, poorly conceived and wildly dangerous effort to hasten the 1973 Chilean coup d’état. Written by Mark Wilding, and directed by Charlie Mount, it runs through October 24 at the Theatre West in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.TheatreWest.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. A humorous, touching and powerful theatre piece. Written by Rachel Kaftan, and directed by Dana Resnick, it runs through October 30 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 or visit www.santamonicaplayhouse.com/boyvey.
“The Enigmatist” A highly inventive, immersive theatrical experience from renowned master illusionist and magician David Kwong, who returns to the Geffen after a successful run of his hit interactive show. Can you solve the enigma? Clues are everywhere, so keep your eyes open and be ready for surprises behind every multi-layered illusion. Written by David Kwong, it runs through October 30 at the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.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 through October 30 at the Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.
“Stand Up If You’re Here Tonight” You’ve tried everything. Yoga. Acupuncture. Therapy. You floated in salt water in the pitch- black dark. You juiced, you cleansed, you journaled, you cut, you volunteered. You got a mattress that fitted itself to your fetal form. You ate only RINDS for three days and nights. You reached out, you looked within, you have tried, and yet here you are. NOTE: These are all fully vaccinated performances and will require proof of vaccination at the door. Seating will be socially distanced and limited. Written and directed by John Kolvenbach, it runs through October 30 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/e/stand-up-if-youre-here-tonight-tickets-161947454195.
“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 through November 6 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 through November 7 at the Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.
Our local theme parks continue to operate at high, if not 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 many to be able to take full advantage of those attractions they have reopened. Attendance is no longer limited to California residents only in most parks. Please check their websites for details, restrictions, and availability before planning a trip to them:
Area theaters continue to expand their online offerings in spite of reopening, with many 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 best wishes go out to all of our readers as we slowly return to a somewhat normal existence, 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 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.
Sincerely,
Steve Zall, Publisher Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor
The Covid-19 Delta variant continues to wreak havoc on us, but there have been few new restrictions placed on us in spite of it. We just have to continue to wear our masks regardless of vaccination status when we are out in public. However, this new variant produces 100 times the viral load of the original virus, and is still sending people to the hospitals and ICU wards in ever-increasing numbers.
Most theaters are reopening and announcing their schedules. However, PROOF OF VACCINATION IS REQUIRED BY MOST THEATERS IN ORDER TO ATTEND, AND MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES DURING THE 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:
“Closely Related Keys” Living in New York shortly after September 11, Julia Dolan is an up-and-coming corporate attorney whose carefully constructed life begins to crumble when she learns she has a half-sister — a Muslim who has fled Iraq. Neyla plays the violin and wants to audition for Julliard, but Julia is wary. Is there more to Neyla’s story? Written by Wendy Graf, and directed by Saundra McClain, it runs through September 12 at the International City Theatre Long Beach Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.
“Birds in the Moon” A weary yet persistent Bird-Mother lands in a remote desert place, searching for shelter and water for herself and her child. There she encounters an aging circus Ringmaster and his traveling musicians, who live hand to mouth, entertaining passersby. Both souls seek escape from the peril of this dry desert, believing in the moon as the answer to their plight. This quest seals their fate as they make a pact that leaves them each forever changed. Written by Mark Grey and Júlia Canosa i Serra, and directed by Elkhanah Pulitzer, it runs September 1 through September 4 at The Broad Stage, outdoors on Santa Monica’s Lot 27 in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-434-3200 or visit www.thebroadstage.org.
“Kay Sedia in The Taco Chronicles” Kay Sedia’s The Taco Chronicles is sure to be a spicier-than-ever one-woman show as she takes the audience on a journey with stories, music and all her sexiness. Written and directed by Kay Sedia, it runs September 3 through September 11 at the Cavern Club Theater inside Castia Del Campo Restaurant in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.kaysedia.com.
“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. A humorous, touching and powerful theatre piece. Written by Rachel Kaftan, and directed by Dana Resnick, it runs September 11 through October 30 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 or visit www.santamonicaplayhouse.com/boyvey.
“David Dean Bottrell Makes Love: A One-Man Show” This well received, fast-moving evening of totally true “love stories” including tales of bad choices, worse choices, and other things he probably shouldn’t be talking about, returns to LA with the Tenth Anniversary Edition. Ages 16+. Current Covid Protocol observed. Written by David Dean Bottrell, and directed by Guy Stroman, it runs September 14 through September 22 at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks. For tickets call 818-687-8559 or visit www.whitefiretheatre.com.
“As Good As Gold” Three female screenwriters, frustrated with the sexism and glass ceilings they encounter in Hollywood, decide to collaborate on a commercially surefire macho action epic screenplay with a studly hero. Now, they have a script. But, they’re women. How will they get a studio to buy it? They hire a young fellow to be their front. He will purport to be the author of their screenplay. Sure enough, their front/impostor becomes the toast of Hollywood, commanding millions of dollars in asking price for future scripts. Written by Marilyn Anderson, and directed by Roger K. Weiss, it runs September 16 through October 17 at the Theatre 40, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.
“Shaadi” Blue13 Dance Company presents an outdoor, site-specific, audience immersive contemporary and Bollywood dance spectacular. The wedding party invites the audience to share in their happiness and drama as they dance the night away at one of Southern California’s most beautiful wedding venues: Heritage Square Museum in the Montecito Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. Blue13’s highly energetic and theatrical style draws from ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop, Bhangra, Kathak and Bollywood to tell unforgettable stories. Written and directed by Achinta S. McDaniel, it runs September 17 through September 18 at the Heritage Square Museum in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.blue13dance.com.
“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” Please note: Everyone (adults and children over 12) who enters the Westchester Playhouse building must wear a face mask and needs to be prepared to show proof of vaccination.
Set in rural Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet life in the farmhouse where they grew up and cared for their elderly parents, while mourning their lost dreams and missed opportunities. When their often-wrong, fortune-telling maid warns of impending dangers, and their movie star sister, Masha, arrives unexpectedly with her young, sexy, boy toy, Spike, the family is launched into a rollicking weekend of one-upmanship, exposed nerves, and a lot of broken mugs. With wit and absurdity, the toils and troubles of celebrity, social networking, and age combine into a laugh-out-loud comedy that will tickle your funny bone and stimulate your mind. Written by Christopher Durang, and directed by Susan Stangl, it runs September 17 through October 10 at the Westchester Playhouse in Westchester. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.
“It’s Alive, IT’S ALIVE!” NOTE: Proof of vaccination will be required of all patrons, and admittance is limited to ages 12+. All current CDC and local guidelines regarding seating and masks will be followed at each performance.
Joined onstage by a band and two singer/dancers, 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 September 18 through October 9 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.
“The Wolfe & The Bird” No time to sleep. No room for error. No pleasing mom. A young girl struggles to find herself against the backdrop of 1980s small town America.
Proof of vaccination required – no exceptions
Admittance is limited to ages 12+
Masks required throughout the performance as mandated by the County of L.A.
Written by Rachel Parker, and directed by Alina Phelan, it runs September 18 through October 10 at the Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5219775.
“Clue” It’s a dark and stormy night, and you’ve been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the cult 1985 Paramount movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist. Rated PG. Written by Sandy Rustin, based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, with music by Michael Holland, and directed by Casey Hushion, it runs September 24 through October 17 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets call 562-944-9801 or visit www.lamiradatheatre.com.
Our local theme parks continue to operate at high, if not full, 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, restrictions, 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 best wishes go out to all of our readers as we continue to navigate these ever-changing waves of the pandemic now, so please be cautious everywhere you go and in everything you do, and follow whatever new directions that the authorities 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 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.
Sincerely,
Steve Zall, Publisher Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor
California had fully reopened and removed all capacity limits and physical distancing requirements regardless of setting, but now we have a new Covid-19 variant that is wreaking havoc on us, the Delta variant. Just when we were at the point where we could safely remove our masks if fully vaccinated, we now are faced with the new mandate to start wearing them again, regardless of vaccination status since this new variant produces 100 times the viral load of the original virus, and is sending people to the hospitals and ICU wards in record numbers again.
This puts theaters in a difficult situation, and some are choosing not to proceed with their plans to reopen because of it. Governmental authorities will ultimately determine the fate of these venues, but until we receive an official announcement, it is being left to us to decide on the safety of attending live 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:
“Stand Up If You’re Here Tonight” You’ve tried everything. Yoga. Acupuncture. Therapy. You floated in salt water in the pitch- black dark. You juiced, you cleansed, you journaled, you cut, you volunteered. You got a mattress that fitted itself to your fetal form. You ate only RINDS for three days and nights. You reached out, you looked within, you have tried, and yet here you are. NOTE: These are all fully vaccinated performances and will require proof of vaccination at the door. Seating will be socially distanced and limited. Written and directed by John Kolvenbach, it runs August 12 through September 28 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/e/stand-up-if-youre-here-tonight-tickets-161947454195.
“The Importance of Being Earnest” NOTE: In addition to the live, in-person performances, the show will also be livestreamed. It is the story of two bachelors, John ‘Jack’ Worthing and Algernon ‘Algy’ Moncrieff, who create alter egos named Ernest to escape their tiresome lives. They attempt to win the hearts of two women who, conveniently, claim to only love men called Ernest. The pair struggle to keep up with their own stories and become tangled in a tale of deception, disguise and misadventure. The elaborate plot ridicules Victorian sensibilities with some of the best loved, and indeed bizarre, characters to be found on the modern stage. Written by Oscar Wilde, and directed by Jack J. Bennett, it runs August 20 through September 24 at the Fremont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena. For tickets visit www.ttp://www.youngstarstheatre.org/tickets.
“Wait Until Dark” The hunter or the hunted, who is the prey? A classic American play about a woman in peril and tables that are turned. A blind housewife confronts a trio of nefarious men in search of a doll she does not know she has — its contents being a fortune in illicit goods. A suspenseful battle of wits leads to a confrontation between the lady and the devil, culminating in a thrilling climax! Written by Frederick Knott, and directed by Tony Torrisi, it runs August 27 through October 3 at the Theatre Palisades Pierson Playhouse in Pacific Palisades. For tickets call 310-454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org.
While keeping mindful of what we said at the opening of this column about the Delta variant, our local theme parks continue to operate at high 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, restrictions, 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 best wishes go out to all of our readers as we continue to navigate the uncertain sea of pandemic waves now, so please be cautious regarding this new Delta variant that is causing the current crisis, and follow whatever modified directions that may be 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
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
