SCENE IN LA
BY
STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH
November 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 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 communicate 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 verify it 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
“44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned Obama Musical” Barack Obama's election changed history. And as we can clearly see, it also ended racism forever! But 44 - The unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL is the story of Obama you won't read about in history books...because history books are now banned in most states. But also because 44 is the story of Obama as Joe Biden kinda sorta remembers it... 44 is a melting pot of music that delivers everything you'd come to expect from a Musical about the Obama Era - Sarah Palin scream-singing "Drill Me Baby" like Ozzy Osbourne, President Obama crooning "How Black Is Too Black?" over a smooth Motown groove, and of course, a 90's R&B Slow Jam where Mitch McConnell declares his unquenchable passion for his beloved musket. Written and directed by Eli Bauman, with music by Eli Bauman and Jon “Bowzer” Bauman, it runs November 3 through November 15 at the Bourbon Room in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.44ObamaMusical.com.
“The Sweet Delilah Swim Club” a story of five Southern women whose friendships began many years ago on their college swim team, who set aside a long weekend every August to recharge their relationships with each other. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage, the "Sweet Delilah on North Carolina's Outer Banks", to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other's lives. "The Sweet Delilah Swim Club" is a hilarious and touching comedy about friendships that last forever. Written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, and directed by Martha Hunter, it runs November 4 through December 11 at the Theatre Palisades in Pacific Palisades. For tickets call 310-454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org.
“Warrior Queen Anahit the Brave” a world premiere, family-friendly musical inspired by an Armenian fairy tale. Filled with song, multi-media, interactive elements and spectacle, the story of Anahit’s transformation from peasant rug weaver to sword-wielding Queen of the Armenian Highlands is sure to empower girls and transfix boys ages six and up. Written and directed by Armina LaManna, with music by Shahen Hagobian, it runs November 5 through November 18 at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. For tickets call 818-649-9474 or visit www.imaginetheatreca.org.
“Mindplay” Drama Desk Award–nominated theater maker and mentalist Vinny DePonto leads us on a raucous romp through the back channels of our innermost thoughts, exploring the fragmented and flawed nature of our memories, and asks us to question whether we can trust the voice inside our heads. In the spirit of the Geffen’s long tradition of magic comes an entirely new theatrical event in which your thoughts play a leading role. Written by Vinny DePonto & Josh Koenigsberg, and directed by Andrew Neisler, it runs November 8 through December 18 at the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater - Geffen Playhouse in Westwood. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.
“9 TO 5 the Musical” Based on the hit 1980 movie starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, 9 TO 5 the Musical tells the story about three workmates pushed to a boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Outrageously funny, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic, this musical is about friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. And remember, long before there was #MeToo, there were #WeThree. Written by Patricia Resnick, with music by Dolly Parton, and directed by Kirk Larson, it runs November 11 through December 10 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.
“Smile” A kid from the inner city whose mother moved her in order to attend a White, affluent public school in Philadelphia’s Main Line, Rachel is a young girl still dreaming of her first kiss; she’s ill-equipped to navigate a world which defines her solely by gender, race and class. When an “incident” at school lands Rachel in the guidance counselor’s office, her situation sparks the young mother’s own questions and insecurities. Soon, Rachel and Helen find themselves developing a complicated relationship. Written by Melissa Jane Osborne, and directed by Michelle Bossy, it runs November 12 through December 5 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-380-8843 or visit www.iamatheatre.com.
“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” A progressive white couple’s proud liberal sensibilities are put to the test when their daughter brings her Black fiancé home to meet them in this fresh and relevant stage adaptation of the iconic film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. Blindsided by their daughter’s whirlwind romance and fearful for her future, Matt and Christina Drayton quickly come to realize the difference between supporting a mixed-race couple in your newspaper and welcoming one into your family---especially in 1967. But they’re surprised to find they aren’t the only ones with concerns about the match, and it’s not long before a multi-family clash of racial and generational difference sweeps across the Draytons’ idyllic San Francisco terrace. At the end of the day, will the love between young Joanna and John prevail? With humor and insight, the play begins a conversation sure to continue at dinner tables long after the curtain comes down. Written by Todd Kriedler, adapted from the screenplay by William Rose, and directed by Cate Caplin, it runs November 17 through December 18 at Theatre Forty in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.
“Anatomy of Gray” Set at the end of the 19th century in the small town of Gray, Indiana, The Wizard of Oz meets Our Town in the Open Fist Theatre Company production of Anatomy of Gray, a funny and touching “children’s story for adults.” Following the death of her father, 15-year-old June prays for a “healer” so no one in town will ever have to suffer again. When a man literally blows into town in a hot air balloon, she thinks her prayer has been answered. At first, the new doctor cures anything and everything; but soon his presence leads to a clash between faith and science. Written by Jim Leonard, and directed by Ben Martin, it runs November 19 through January 21 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 323-882-6912 or visit www.openfist.org.
“The Brothers Paranormal” After a nationwide increase in sightings of “Asian-looking ghosts,” two Thai brothers struggle to launch a ghost-hunting business. The two brothers–one born in Thailand and the other in the American Midwest–are called to investigate the paranormal hauntings at the home of an African American couple displaced by Hurricane Katrina in this supernatural thriller. A suspenseful, humorous, and compassionate exploration of the trauma of leaving home, whether crossing the country, the globe, or over from the other side. Written by Prince Gomolvilas, and directed by Jeff Liu, it runs November 20 through December 11 at the East West Players in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-625-7000 or visit www.eastwestplayers.org.
“Invincible - The Musical” This inventive new work weaves the four-time GRAMMY® Award and 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees’ legendary catalogue and inspired new songs throughout a reimagining of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Invincible – The Musical is set in the modern, war-torn metropolis of Verona where the newly elected Chancellor Paris vows to destroy the progressive resistance and return the city to its traditional roots. The star-crossed lovers’ story, exploring how love and equality battle for survival in times of great transformation, envisions peace in a divided world. Written by Bradley Bredeweg, with music by Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, and directed by Tiffany Nichole Greene, it runs November 22 through December 18 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.
“Disney's Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation” In a new story from the Hundred Acre Wood, this fresh stage adaptation is told with impressive life-size puppetry, telling exciting new stories featuring characters that have played iconic roles in the lives of children for generations. Accompanying the magical, modern narrative is an original score from Nate Edmondson, which features some of the songs written for the animated feature from The Sherman Brothers', including Winnie the Pooh, The Blustery Day, The Wonderful Thing About Tigger’s, Whoop-De-Dooper Bounce, and A.A. Milne's The More It Snows. Written and directed by Jonathan Rockefeller, with music by Nate Edmondson, it runs November 23 through December 30 at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. For tickets visit www.winniethepoohshow.com.
“Patsy Cline Holiday Concert” One of the biggest box-office hits and critical successes in the history of Sierra Madre Playhouse was its 2015 production of the musical “Always…. Patsy Cline.” Now, the Playhouse is bringing back that show’s dynamic star and musical director, reuniting them for an extraordinary concert entertainment, Patsy Cline Holiday Concert. Written by Cori Cable Kidder, it runs November 25 through December 23 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.
CONTINUING
“Farragut North” about behind-the-scenes election intrigue. No trick is too dirty, no lie is too outrageous, no spin is too ingenious if it gets your candidate over the top. Titled after the metrorail stop closest to Washington D.C.’s geographic center for think tanks, lobbyists, power plays and spin-doctoring, Farragut North is a classic tale of hubris set against a contemporary landscape. Written by Beau Willimon, and directed by Peter Allas, it runs through November 5 at the Theatre 68 Arts Complex - The Rosalie in North Hollywood. For tickets visit www.onstage411.com/farragutn.
“In the Heights” is a heartfelt, hopeful, high-energy musical about community, neighborhood and finding where you belong. The story takes place over three days in a close-knit neighborhood in Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan, New York City – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythms of three generations of music. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes, and directed by Luis Salgado, it runs through November 13 at the Karyn Jackson Theatre in Ventura. For tickets call 805-667-2900 or visit www.rubicontheatre.org.
“Rent” follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves, and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical. Written by Jonathan Larson, with music by Jonathan Larson, and directed by Reena Dutt, it runs through November 19 at the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-576-8193 or visit www.coeurage.org/rent.
“Belleville” A newly married American couple seem to be living an enviable life in the colorful, multi-ethnic neighborhood of Belleville, Paris... But when a series of small, unexpected encounters escalates the tension between them, some surprising cracks in the foundation of their isolated yet idyllic life begin to show. What do you believe when you aren't even sure of those whom you trust most? Written by Amy Herzog, and directed by Benjamin Burt, it runs through November 20 at the Beverly Hills Playhouse in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 323-657-5992 or visit www.crimsonsquare.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 oflive 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. We also want to send our heartfelt thanks to our Public Relations representatives who supply us with this important 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
