SCENE IN LA
BY
STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH
August 2022
Most theaters have returned to normal operations again, however county mandates for mask requirements are still being decided as we go to press, so please check the current guidelines before you leave to attend any performances. Covid protocols also 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 current 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
“Xanadu” XANADU follows Clio, the lovely and precocious Greek muse who decides to don her roller skates and legwarmers to become Kira in order to help Sonny Malone, a chalk artist with half a brain and a heart of gold, rediscover his own creativity. With both help and hindrance from the other muses -- and from a clarinetist-turned-real estate mogul named Danny Maguire -- Sonny and Clio work to rebuild their “apex of the arts,” a roller disco. XANADU is the rare musical with a big heart, an even bigger funny bone, and a tongue stuck firmly in its cheek. The smash-hit score includes “I’m Alive,” “Magic,” “Have You Never Been Mellow,” and “Xanadu.” Written by Douglas Carter Beane, with music by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, and directed by Paula Hammons Sloan, it runs August 7 through August 21 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.
“A Salute to Sondheim” countertenor John Holiday has performed at world-renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall and London’s Barbican Centre. Known for his star turn on The Voice, Holiday has curated The John Holiday Experience to showcase his affinity and talent for many different genres, from pop to jazz and R&B. Holiday has released three pop singles: “Alive in Me,” Waste Mine” and “Love Finds a Way.” In the 2021–2022 Hollywood Bowl season, Holiday made his debut at the premier venue, under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel, in an all-Gershwin program with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, followed by his Metropolitan Opera debut in Matthew Aucoin’s Eurydice. Written by Stephen Sondheim, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Ernest H. Harrison, it runs August 13 through August 14 at the UCLA’s Royce Hall in Westwood. For tickets call 310-267-4465 or visit www.GMCLA.org.
“Mud” After the collapse of society, a group of people band together for safety, survival, and community. As they begin to rebuild, they examine the failures of the past with an eye on Truth. But can they escape the Beast that haunts them and avoid falling into the holes humanity has left behind? Written and directed by Bree Pavey, it runs August 19 through September 11 at the Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.
“Nunsense” is a hilarious spoof about the misadventures of five nuns trying to manage a fundraiser. Sadly, the rest of the sisterhood died from botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia Child of God. Thus, the remaining nuns - ballet-loving Sister Leo, streetwise Sister Robert Anne, befuddled Sister Mary Amnesia, the Mother Superior Sister Regina, and mistress of the novice Sister Mary Hubert, stage a talent show in order to raise the money to bury their dearly departed. With catchy songs and irreverent comedy, NUNSENSE is sure to keep audiences rolling with laughter. Written by Dan Goggin, with music by Dan Goggin, and directed by Alta Abbott, it runs August 26 through October 2 at the Theatre Palisades in Pacific Palisades. For tickets call 310-454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org.
“Valley Song” In this poignant and hope-filled coming-of-age story that transcends politics, a young girl seeks the courage to embrace the future while her grandfather searches for the wisdom to let go of the past. Written by Athol Fugard, and directed by Caryn Desai [sic], it runs August 26 through September 11 at the International City Theatre in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.
CONTINUING
“Pageant of the Masters: Wonderful World” The Pageant of the Masters is arguably one of the most unique productions in the entire world. Each evening during the summer season, classic and contemporary works of art are faithfully re-created with theatrical illusion and real people posing as living pictures. Enjoy art that comes to life under the stars in the Pageant’s outdoor amphitheater. A kaleidoscope of international art becomes your passport to distant lands, cultural celebrations, and fascinating history in the 2022 production of Wonderful World. Transported through the theatrical art of living pictures, the Pageant sets sail in pursuit of seasonal festivities, ancient and modern, promising new surprises at every turn. Prepare to be amazed by the Pageant’s intoxicating blend of original music, storytelling, and stage illusions. Wonderful World is a love letter to our common humanity, and the countless ways in which artists have asked the eternal question: "Why are we here?" The show runs through September 2 at the Festival of Arts Grounds in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-6582 or visit www.PageantTickets.com.
“90th Annual Festival of Arts” This summer the Festival of Arts is celebrating a major milestone: its 90th anniversary. On Saturday, August 13th, 1932 the Festival of Arts opened its doors for the very first time as two dozen artists hung their paintings on fences, trees, and buildings along Laguna’s main street hoping to lure tourists to the first Festival of Arts. This summer, on Tuesday July 5th, 2022, the world-renowned Festival of Arts Fine Art Show will open its doors to celebrate 90 years of art, welcoming hundreds of patrons to relish in one of the nation’s top fine art festivals. The Festival of Arts is sponsored in part by Volvo, Fidelity Investments, Celebrity Cruises, KOST Radio 103.5, and The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.
In celebration of its 90th anniversary, the Festival of Arts will host 120 award-winning artists from July 5th through September 2nd. This professionally juried fine art show features a diverse selection of artwork including paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and more from artists around Orange County. Since opening in 1932, thousands have shown and sold their artwork at the Festival and many have their work featured in the private collections of leading art collectors, celebrities, and museums around the world. For a full list of the 2021 participating artists, please visit www.foapom.com/exhibitor-gallery.
The Festival has been rated one of the top festivals in the nation and each year hosts over one hundred of Orange County’s most talented artists. Recent accolades include Orange County Register’s Best Place to Buy Original Art, Art Fair Calendar’s Top Five Art Fairs in the West and Top 5 Art Festival in the nation voted by USA Today readers. “Avid art collectors and festival-goers will have an outstanding variety of fine art to browse and purchase as they walk among the artists’ displays,” says Marketing and Public Relations Director Sharbie Higuchi.
In addition to the variety of artwork, the Festival of Arts offers a wide range of daily activities that the whole family can enjoy. The calendar includes nightly live music, guided art tours, art workshops and weekly series including Concerts on the Green, and Art, Jazz, Wine, and Chocolate (sponsored by Charles Schwab and Cambria Estate Winery). Several special one-day events will return this year, including the very popular Festival Runway Fashion Show and Family Art Day. On August 13, the Festival of Arts will celebrate its 90th anniversary with a Birthday Bash filled with fun activities including a concert with Stray Cat Lee Rocker in partnership with the City of Laguna Beach. The Festival’s Art Center, sponsored by Bank of America, will be a buzz with creative energy with art classes for all ages Friday – Sunday and free drop-in art workshops offered daily.
“Looking back at the original Festival of Arts in 1932, there was something for everyone to enjoy. That tradition continues today,” said Higuchi. “With beautiful art, nightly live music, workshops for all ages, and unique events, the Festival is truly a full arts experience.”
EVENT INFORMATION
Special Events
For a complete list visit www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org. Free with admission unless otherwise noted.
That Girl Can Sing! Music Series
Tuesdays, July 12 - Aug 30, 5:30pm
Laguna’s Finest Music Series
Wednesdays, July 13 - Aug 31, 5:30pm
Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate
Thursdays, July 7 – Sept 1, 5:30pm
$20 additional fee for tastings
Sponsored by Charles Schwab & Cambria Estate Winery
Tremendous Tributes Music Series
Fridays, July 8 – Aug 26, 5:30pm
Concerts on the Green
Saturdays, July 9 – Aug 21, 1pm
Spotlight on the Grand Piano Music Series
Sundays, July 10 – Aug 28, 5:30pm
90th Anniversary Birthday Bash
Saturday, Aug 13, 12pm
Family Art Day
Sunday, July 10, 12pm
Festival Runway Fashion Show
Sunday, Aug 21, 12pm
Special Fundraising Event
Saturday, August 27
Art Workshops for Everyone
For schedule and reservations visit www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org.
Creativity runs wild at the Festival’s Adult and Teen Art Classes where students will make their own masterpieces under the instruction of professional artists. ($65)
Uncork your creativity Friday nights at Wine and Painting Nights or Saturday nights at Pints, Pinots and Prints. Create a work of art with easy-to-follow instruction by Festival artists and enjoy complimentary wine or beverages. Must be 21 and up. ($80)
Friday through Sunday, the Festival hosts Youth Art Classes, art classes for children ages 5 to 12. Classes include sculpture, printmaking, painting, and much more. ($25)
The Festival Art Center, sponsored by Bank of America, will be open weekdays from 4pm to 8pm and weekends from 12noon to 8pm for hands-on artistic fun. Reservations not required, drop in anytime!
ART TOURS
Free art tours, sponsored by PBS SoCal, are held Monday through Thursday at 4:30pm and Friday through Sunday at 12noon and 4:30pm. Meet the artists and learn firsthand about their techniques through discussions and artist demos.
SPECIAL EXHIBITS
The Festival’s Junior Art Exhibition, sponsored in part by the FOA Foundation, California First Leasing Corporation and Mark Porterfield of Laguna Beach, will be comprised of almost 400 pieces of artwork from Orange County school children (grades PK to 12). The quality of art represented in the exhibit will astound art lovers of all ages.
Support the arts by purchasing artwork from the Art-to-Go Exhibit themed “What the World Needs Now” donated by Festival artists with proceeds benefiting The Artists Fund at the Festival of Arts.
DINING OPTIONS / GIFT SHOP
Terra Laguna Beach is the on-property dining destination and focuses on California cuisine with sustainable food practices and utilizes farm stand fresh ingredients and artfully crafted meals. For reservations, call (949) 494-9650.
Intermission by Terra is a grab-to-go concession stand where patrons can purchase food to enjoy on the Festival grounds.
The Festival of Arts boutique-style gift shop is the perfect place to find t-shirts, art books, posters, and many other items to remember your visit.
The show runs through September 2 at the Festival of Arts Grounds in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-6582 or visit www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org.
Our local theme parks are operating atfull 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 Father’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 and publishers 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
