SCENE IN LA
BY
STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH
August 2020
As August begins, we are seeing mounting cases of Covid-19 in the midst of reversing the re-opening of local businesses, so there is little chance of Southern California theaters opening again anytime soon. As before, no live stage shows are allowed at venues by mandate from state and local authorities due to the escalating Covid-19 pandemic outbreak.
However, The Rubicon Theatre in Ventura has introduced a new workaround for the situation by creating their Safe Distance Drive-In Concert Series featuring live shows in their “Rubicon Goes Retro” series presented at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura where you stay in your car for the performance, and listen to the show on your car radio! Here is more information on the upcoming shows they are offering:
August 3-5: “30th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT OF FOREVER PLAID”
featuring performers from the original New York run (LEO DAIGNAULT, JASON GRAAE, DAVID ENGEL and LARRY RABEN)
August 17-19: “JIMMY MESSINA AND FRIENDS”
with special guests “sittin’ in” – JOHN McFEE of THE DOOBIE BROTHERS on August 17, TIMOTHY B. SCHMIT on August 18 and KENNY LOGGINS on August 19
September 7-9: “MUSIC OF THE KNIGHTS: THE SONGS OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, ELTON JOHN AND PAUL McCARTNEY”.
The Phantom of the Operaphenoms’ TERI BIBB and DAVIS GAINES are slated to appear, as well as two-time Golden Globe nominee TED NEELEY of Jesus Christ Superstar, who brings his rock wail to “Gethsemane” and other songs.
Tickets are going fast, and early reservations are highly recommended. A 15% series discount is available through Rubicon Guest Services. For tickets, go to
www.rubicontheatre.org or call 805.667.2900.
Of course, other theaters are continuing to offer online events instead. These online events are often available one time only, and are frequently not announced very far ahead of the event, so you will have to visit the venue’s web site to see what is available. Most are free to watch, some are charging a small fee. Here is a list of the web sites you can check to see what they are offering:
Until we emerge from these trying times, we encourage everyone to stay safe and practice social distancing at all times when outside in public. Our warmest wishes go out to all of you during this crisis! We also want to thank the Public Relation representatives and our readers for their ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Steve Zall and Sid Fish
