SCENE IN LA
BY
STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH
February 2022
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 February 4 through March 13 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 13 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 April 10 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 5 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:
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Disneyland Resort Disney’s California Adventure |
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/
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Knott’s Berry Farm
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Legoland California |
https://www.legoland.com/california/
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SeaWorld San Diego |
https://seaworld.com/san-diego/
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Six Flags Magic Mountain |
https://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/
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Universal Studios Hollywood |
https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/
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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
