SCENE IN LA
BY
STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH
May 2022
Most theaters have returned to fairly normal operations again. Covid protocols vary from venue to venue, so you may still have to show proof of vaccination, and/or wear a mask during the show, so please check with the theater before you attend an event to find out what their policy is. The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should check with the theater to confirm it before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates for this month, or are already running at this time:
OPENING
“Afterglow” is a raw, one-act play exploring the emotional, intellectual, and physical connections between three men and the broader implications within their relationships. When Josh and Alex, a married couple in an open relationship, invite Darius to share their bed one night, a new intimate connection begins to form and all three men must come to terms with their individual definitions of love, loyalty, and trust as futures are questioned, relationships are shaken, and commitments are challenged. Written and directed by S. Asher Gelman, it runs May 5 through June 19 at the Hudson Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.afterglowla.com.
“She” Growing up in a small town filled with poverty and neglect, SHE escapes by re-imagining her reality through poetry. Her dreams take flight when she’s presented with the opportunity to attend the prestigious Vanguard Academy. Forced to make her own way, SHE discovers that dreams cost... and you don't always pay with money. Written by Marlow Wyatt, and directed by Justin Lord, it runs May 6 through June 5 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-489-0994 or visit www.latinotheaterco.org.
“The Play’s the Thing” a playwright named Sandor Turai comes up with a plan to save the engagement between his nephew Albert and an actress named Ilona after Albert overhears a flirtatious conversation between Ilona and Almady, an obnoxious actor (and Ilona’s former lover). Sandor has only hours to rescue Ilona and Albert’s romance from utter devastation. Sandor goes to work and hilarity ensues. Written by P.G. Wodehouse, adapted from a play by Ferenc Molnar, and directed by Melanie MacQueen, it runs May 12 through June 12 at the Theatre 40, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.
“What a Fool Believes - The Doobie Brothers Experience” performs the full range of DOOBIE BROTHERS top hits, including some of the most complex and challenging songs performed for live audiences. Comprised of some of the best musicians and performers in the industry, WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES also introduces Sean Byrne, a world-class vocalist who is no stranger to commanding the stage. WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES - The Doobie Brothers Experience consistently delivers a remarkable show that will exceed your expectations! The show runs May 12 through May 15 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.
“Who Are You” offers a window into a transformative period of her life – which by then had encompassed successful careers in the acting and fashion realms, including stints at Vogue and Elite Models – and the ripple effect that her change of direction had on the women who came through the doors of Shareen Vintage. She founded the one-of-a-kind Los Angeles store in 2004, surrendering the art of acting for the art of real life. More than a store, Shareen Vintage was an experience, a unique haven for cool girls who celebrated their original style and were tastemakers in their own right. They came for an answer to the eternal question – “What am I going to wear?” As Shareen fashioned vintage clothing into new creations for them, talk often turned to another eternal question: “Who are you?” Bonds were forged and a sense of community grew, as chronicled by the likes of The New York Times, Vogue, Los Angeles Magazine, Racked, Lucky Magazine and others. The stories Shareen shares are touching, funny, hopeful and inspiring – intensely personal yet universal. Written by Shareen Mitchell, and directed by Kate Jopson, it runs May 12 through June 19 at the Greenway Court Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-673-0544 or visit www.GreenwayCourtTheatre.org.
“Beloved” Dorothy and Stephen are married co-owners of a failing real estate company. They’re shocked when they learn that their teenage son has committed a disturbing crime - and they’re devastated when they find out why. In three successive waiting rooms, accompanied by three young professionals, Dorothy and Stephen must overcome confusion, acrimony and bitter regret as they struggle to find a way forward. Written by Arthur Holden, and directed by Cameron Watson, it runs May 13 through June 19 at the Road Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-761-8838 or visit www.RoadTheatre.org.
“Fun Home, the Musical” is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family's Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father's hidden desires. Written by Lisa Kron, based on the novel by Alison Bechdel, with music by Jeanine Tesori, lyrics by Lisa Kron, and directed by Kathy Dershimer, it runs May 13 through June 11 at the Westchester Playhouse in Westchester. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.
“God of Carnage” When two 11-year-old boys have a playground fight, Henry’s parents invite Benjamin’s mother and father for cocktails, hoping to discuss the situation civilly. But the evening deteriorates into an intense and darkly funny train wreck of finger-pointing, name-calling, tantrums and tears. And that’s before they break out the rum. Written by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton, and directed by Peter Allas, it runs May 13 through May 29 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit www.Onstage411.com/Carnage.
“King Lear” This theatrically adventurous production of perhaps the greatest play in English literature features original music, videos, and projections that will transform the theater into a not-too-distant-future United States ravaged by environmental catastrophes. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by John Gould Rubin, it runs May 14 through June 5 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Bram Goldsmith Theater in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-746-4000 or visit www.TheWallis.org/lear.
“Metamorphoses” A charming re-envisioning of ancient Greek myths for a modern audience, Metamorphoses is set entirely in and around an on-stage swimming pool (front row patrons: beware of errant splashing!). Adapted from David R. Slavitt's free-verse translation of “The Metamorphoses of Ovid,” the play’s locations, like the characters, are constantly shifting and transforming—from a swimming pool, to a wash basin, to the River Styx, to the sea. Gods and mortals alike endure love, loss, and transformation—all while immersed in a pool of water. Written by Mary Zimmerman, and directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, it runs May 14 through June 5 at A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-353-3100 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.
“Naturally Tan” Told through the bold perspective of a vivacious drag queen named Tanvi, Naturally Tan follows Tanya Thomas’ desperation to fit in as a minority in Singapore and her search for acceptance in America. Fueled by assimilation pains, Tanya delves into the heart of colorism that plagues the Asian diaspora, the complexities of racial identity, and the consequences of damaging beauty standards. Will Tanya hide behind her insecurities forever or will she embody her worth as a woman of color, mother, and artist? Written by Tanya Thomas, and directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson, it runs May 14 through May 28 at the ARTSpace Black Box Theater in Simi Valley. For tickets visit www.tanyathomas.com/artspace.
“Newsies” Based on the true story of the Newsboys Strike of 1899, this family-friendly Tony-winning Disney musical centers on Jack, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of being an artist far away from the big city. When a publishing giant raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack and his fellow newsies band together in protest with the help of a new reporter hungry for her first story, making New York wake up to the power of “the little man.” It’s the perfect show for the whole family! Written by Harvey Fierstein, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and directed by T.J. Dawson, it runs May 14 through May 29 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in Cerritos. For tickets call 562-916-8500 or visit www.3Dtheatricals.org.
“Hamlet” Following the death of his father, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, returns home to find his uncle now occupies the throne and the queen's bed. Spurred by the ghost of his father and surrounded by spies, Hamlet must choose between moral integrity and vengeance. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Elizabeth Swain, it runs May 20 through June 20 at the Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center in Glendale. For tickets call 818-506-1983 or visit www.antaeus.org.
“Man of God” During a mission trip to Bangkok, the four members of a Korean Christian girls’ youth group discover that their revered pastor has hidden a camera in their hotel bathroom. Samantha is personally wounded that Pastor would do this to her. Jen is worried about how this might affect her college applications. Mimi’s out for blood, as usual. And Kyung-Hwa thinks everyone needs to have lower expectations for men. Their communal rage and disillusionment fuel increasingly violent revenge fantasies amidst the no-holds-barred neon bubblegum sex-tourism mecca of Bangkok. Written by Anna Moench, and directed by Maggie Burrows, it runs May 20 through June 19 at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.
“King of the Yees” For nearly 20 years, playwright Lauren Yee’s father Larry has been a driving force in the Yee Family Association, a seemingly obsolescent Chinese American men’s club formed 150 years ago in the wake of the Gold Rush. But when her father goes missing, Lauren must plunge into the rabbit hole of San Francisco Chinatown and confront a world both foreign and familiar. At once bitingly hilarious and heartbreakingly honest, King of the Yees is an epic joyride across cultural, national and familial borders that explores what it means to truly be a Yee. Written by Lauren Yee, and directed by Tim Dang, it runs May 21 through June 12 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.
“Untitled Baby Play” Libby is having a baby, and a group of friends is planning her shower over email. What starts out as a comedy of manners for the digital age deepens as her longtime friends from childhood and college deal with cyber miscommunications and email chain snubs, even as they face their own existential angst surrounding the “baby question”. Written by Nina Braddock, and directed by Katie Lindsay, it runs May 26 through June 27 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 323-380-8843 or visit www.iamatheatre.com.
“Sleep with the Angels” injects a dollop of magical realism into the everyday lives of two working women. Molly, a busy attorney, has just separated from her husband and is in desperate need of a childcare provider. Juana has recently arrived from Mexico and is looking for a job. It’s a perfect match! Soon, Molly and her kids are swept up into Juana's magical and charming ways. But just who is Juana, really? Written by Evelina Fernández, and directed by José Luis Valenzuela, it runs May 27 through June 26 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-489-0994 or visit www.latinotheaterco.org.
CONTINUING
“Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992” One moment can change the course of history. On April 29, 1992, at 3:15 p.m., in Simi Valley, four police officers were acquitted of any wrongdoing after having been caught on video brutally beating and kicking Rodney King, an African-American motorist who had resisted arrest, long after he had been subdued. Within hours, South Central L.A. erupted in what has been described alternately as “the riots,” “the uprising,” and “the revolution.” Protestors blocked freeway traffic, attacked motorists, wrecked and looted numerous downtown stores and buildings and set hundreds of fires. More than 50 people were killed, more than 2,300 were injured. Thousands were arrested. Property damages totaled more than $1 billion. . Written by Anna Deveare Smith, and directed by Karyl Lynn Burns, it runs through May 15 at the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura. For tickets call 805-667-2900 or visit www.latinotheaterco.org.
Our local theme parks are operating at full capacity. Most require advance reservations online, as well as advance ticket, and possibly food, purchases. You will need an app in some to be able to take full advantage of all attractions and restaurants. Please check their websites for details, restrictions, and availability before planning a visit:
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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 live performances, with many events you can experience on a virtual basis. A few of these online events are only available on a one-time basis, while others are ongoing and can be viewed on-demand anytime. Visit each of the web sites below to see what they are currently offering. You will find free content as well as pay-per-view to choose from. Here are the links to web sites with online offerings:
Our best wishes go out to all of our readers as always, and we want to wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day this month! We also want to send heartfelt 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
