SCENE IN LA
BY
STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH
June 2023
It’s great to see that more of the theaters we feared had been lost during the pandemic closure are opening their doors again with new shows. Covid protocols continue to be dictated by each individual venue, so bring a face mask to wear during the show in case the venue requires it. It’s a good idea to 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 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:
OPENING
“Tootsie - the Comedy Musical” This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theatre tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. Written by Robert Horn, with music by David Yazbek, and directed by Dave Solomon, it runs May 30 through June 3 at the Plaza Theatre in the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets call 805-449-2787 or visit www.ticketmaster.com/tootsie-touring-tickets/artist/2728443?venueId=90196&global=true.
“Back Porch” Life imitates art when Hollywood descends upon a small Kansas town in 1955 to shoot scenes for the classic film, Picnic. Sparks fly in more ways than one in Anderson’s delightful homage to both moviemaking and the play that inspired the Columbia film. Written by Eric Anderson, and directed by Kelie McIver, it runs June 2 through July 9 at the Victory Theatre Center in Burbank. For tickets call 818-533-1611 or visit www.onstage411.com/BackPorch.
“Behind the Six” It’s 1947 in Hollywood. Nick has arrived on a bus to chase his dream — infiltrating the crime gang that murdered his brother. But he falls in love with a grifter partway through the con. Can Nick trust him or his heart? Written by Dan Perry, and directed by April Littlejohn, it runs June 2 through June 25 at the Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.
“Bell, Book & Candle” Gillian Holroyd is a witch! One of the few modern people who can actually cast spells and performs feats of magic. She casts a spell over an unattached publisher, partly to keep him away from a rival and partly because she is attracted to him. He falls head over heels in love with her at once and wants to marry her. But witches, unfortunately, cannot fall in love, and this minute imperfection leads to a number of difficulties. Ultimately, Gillian breaks with her companions in witchery, preferring the normal human love offered to her by the attractive publisher. But before the happy conclusion of the romance Gillian comes very close to losing him - but doesn't. She realizes that one has to stop living in terms of "self" if love is ever to be realized. Written by John Van Druten, and directed by Brandon Polanco, it runs June 2 through July 8 at the Theatre Palisades in Pacific Palisades. For tickets call 310-454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org.
“Kiki Ebsen's MY BUDDY: The Other Side of Oz” is an exciting new cabaret-style jazz show featuring singer, pianist and storyteller Kiki Ebsen. Buddy is Kiki's iconic father, Buddy Ebsen, of The Beverly Hillbillies and Barnaby Jones fame. But before TV, Buddy had a great career on stage and even had a brush with death as the original Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz! Kiki shares this and other stories of growing up in a Hollywood household. Backed by a seasoned jazz trio, the show will feature standards from the Great American Songbook. Recorded originally on her critically acclaimed, "Scarecrow Sessions" released on Father's Day 2014, each song sparks a different part of her father's life and career. Augmented by family pictures and nostalgic video clips, this lighthearted show is a look back at an American icon that brought so many smiles to people's faces. Family friendly. No age limit. Written and directed by Kiki Ebsen, it runs June 2 through June 30 at the El Portal - Monroe Forum in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.
“Starmites” A sci-fi fantasy musical adventure that’s a comic book come-to-life. Shy teenager Eleanor dreams her way into a comic book quest to save the galaxy, where teams up with Space Punk, The Starmites and a lizard man named Trinkulus to fight the evil Shak Graa and The Banshees — weird women with dangerous hair-dos — led by Diva. Written by Stuart Ross and Barry Keating, with music by Barry Keating, and directed by Scott Peterman, it runs June 2 through July 8 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater. For tickets call 323-882-6912 or visit www.openfist.org.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is a tuneful reimagining of the biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, 11 brothers, and his coat of many colors. This sensational musical features Andrew Lloyd Webber songs that have gone on to become pop and musical theatre classics, including “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door to Me,” “There’s One More Angel in Heaven,” and “Go, Go, Go Joseph.” The multi-award-winning show has been performed in over 80 countries worldwide and has become one of the world’s most beloved family musicals. Written by Tim Rice, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Tim Rice, and directed by Gerry McIntyre, it runs June 3 through June 25 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets call 562-944-9801 or visit www.LaMiradaTheatre.com.
“Murder on the Links” Something’s afoul on the private golf course at Merlinville-Sur-Mer, namely the body of Hercule Poirot’s newest client! Acclaimed playwright Steven Dietz brings the famed Belgian detective to life to solve one of Agatha Christie’s most intricate whodunits. Of course, there are the host of usual - and - unusual suspects. A cast of six versatile actors embody myriad characters as they navigate the twists and turns of this lively and fun new adaptation. You won’t want to miss a thrilling moment of this brand-new comic mystery. Written by Agatha Christie, adapted by Steven Dietz, and directed by Steven Dietz, it runs June 4 through June 18 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.
“Into the Breeches!” It’s 1942, and the leading men of Long Beach's Oberon Playhouse are off fighting overseas. With “The Show Must Go On!” as their battle cry, a band of passionate, yet inexperienced, performers rally together to produce the theater’s season opener — an all-female version of Shakespeare’s ambitious Henry IV and Henry V. Will their production be a victory on the home front, or a target for rotten tomatoes? A hilarious and moving story about what happens when we’re all in it together. Written by George Brant, and directed by Brian Shnipper, it runs June 9 through June 25 at the International City Theatre in the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.
“Love, Dolly” For the first time ever, Sierra Madre Playhouse presents Love, Dolly, the #1 Dolly Parton tribute act on the West Coast, on its stage! Kim Eberhardt talks and sings like country legend Dolly Parton, and performs her beloved hits like "9 to 5," "Jolene," "Islands in the Stream," and "I Will Always Love You" with her live band of musicians. This is a country party you've just got to see! Written and directed by Kim Eberhardt, it runs June 9 through June 18 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit
“Morning’s at Seven” focuses on four aging sisters living in a small Midwestern town in 1928, and it deals with ramifications within the family when two of them begin to question their lives and decide to make some changes before it’s too late. Written by Paul Osborn and directed by Doug Engalla, it runs June 9 through July 16 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.theGROUPrep.com.
“Forever Brooklyn! A Kosher Comedy with Music” Forever Brooklyn is a one-man kosher comedy about a Jewish American comic growing up in Brooklyn, New York during the 1950's and 1960's. Telling his story through song, dialogue and comedy, a successful comic recounts the challenges of his rise to stardom and the challenges of assimilation in an ethnic neighborhood full of quirky and funny characters. It's the heartwarming and hilarious story of a kid who dreams of becoming a star... and how he makes his dreams come true. Starring Yisrael Dubov, an ordained rabbi, son of a rabbi, and accomplished actor. Written and directed by Mark Wesley Curran, it runs June 10 through June 25 at the El Portal Monroe Forum in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.
“Macbeth” Full of murder, treason, ambition and greed, Macbeth is a brilliant political thriller about the rise and fall of a brave warrior who would be king at any price. Haunted by prophecies and goaded by his ambitious wife, Macbeth sets in motion an evil and bloody rise to the throne. A grand and gripping tale of murder, treason, ambition and greed that follows Macbeth’s transformation from battlefield hero to bloody tyrant, Shakespeare’s supernatural thriller remains startlingly relevant in today’s political climate. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Ellen Geer, it runs June 10 through September 23 at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Shakespeare’s most entertaining and beguiling comedy, Dream has been an annual staple at Theatricum going back decades. Each summer, Theatricum’s wooded stage morphs into the enchanted woods of Athens, where mortal lovers chase and are chased, players prepare, and fairies make magical mischief. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Melora Marshall, it runs June 11 through September 21 at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.
“The Mountaintop” It’s April 3, 1968, and Martin Luther King, Jr. returns to the Lorraine Motel after delivering his history-altering “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech. When he orders room service, a young maid arrives with a revelation that calls Dr. King to confront unwelcome truths. As a lightning storm rages outside, the legacy of America’s most revered civil rights leader is laid bare to reveal his profound humanity. A single night’s reckoning with racism, righteousness, and the rocky path toward justice, The Mountaintop imagines what Dr. King’s last night on Earth could have been. Written by Katori Hall, and directed by Patricia McGregor, it runs June 15 through July 9 at the Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.
“The Tempest” Antaeus Theatre Company brings out the musicality in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, presenting the Bard’s most poetic and magical comedy with original music, live musicians and on-stage Foley effects. An enchanted storm strands a banished Duke's enemies on his isle of exile. Through magic, misadventure and forgiveness, the Duke, his daughter, his foes and the island spirits are all liberated from the prisons of their pasts to the glorious promise of their futures. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Nike Doukas, it runs June 16 through July 17 at the Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center in Glendale. For tickets call 818-506-1983 or visit www.Antaeus.org.
“Last Summer at Bluefish Cove” Set in 1974, a group of queer women spend their summers together in a remote oceanfront town on Long Island. Their lesbian enclave is disrupted when Eva, a naïve straight woman recently separated from her husband, stumbles unaware into their circle and falls for the charming, tough-talking Lil. This heartfelt play, a landmark in lesbian history, is bursting with friendship, laughter, love and hope, bringing well-rounded, three-dimensional characters that transcend stereotypes and preconceptions to the stage. Written by Jane Chambers, and directed by Hannah Wolf, it runs June 17 through August 27 at the Fountain Theatre Outdoor Stage in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-663-1525 or visit www.FountainTheatre.com.
“Accommodation” A concerned parent, whose son is in danger of failing one of his classes, schedules a conference with Celeste Dawkins, her son's high school science teacher. When accused of not honoring the state and federal-mandated modifications required for her son's different learning style, Dawkins loses her cool in an explosive tirade, provoking a high-stakes lawsuit against the school district. With her job on the line, Dawkins raises questions about the inherent risks of making special considerations for students claiming to have unique needs in her classroom, when the real world outside its walls doesn't seem to care. Written by Greg Burdick, and directed by Brandon Baer & Garrett Baer, it runs June 18 through July 9 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit www.odysseytheatre.com/tickets?eid=96813.
“Queen Margaret’s Version of Shakespeare’s War of the Roses” follows 30 years of bitter infighting between the rival Lancaster and Plantagenet dynasties as they battle for power and the crown of England. Geer puts the focus on the women in court as they watch the bloody wars take the lives of their fathers, husbands and sons. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Ellen Geer, it runs June 24 through October 1 at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.
“The Ants” A breathtaking house on a hill—complete with the most state-of-the-art security that excessive wealth can buy—should feel like a refuge for Nami, whose recent firing and eviction have forced him to crash at his brother and sister-in-law’s luxury home. But on this dark and fateful night, a violent uprising outside leaves the three trapped in what they think is an impenetrable fortress. A horror play infused with darkly humorous social commentary, The Ants asks why we spend so much money protecting ourselves instead of investing in our shared humanity. Written by Ramiz Monsef, and directed by Pirronne Yousefzadeh, it runs June 29 through July 30 at the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.
“Mary Poppins” The story follows the Banks family as they receive a visit from the magical nanny Mary Poppins, who takes them on a series of unforgettable adventures. Along the way, they learn the importance of family and the power of imagination. As audiences join the Banks family on their adventure, they'll be swept away by classic songs such as "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," and "Chim Chim Cher-ee." Written by Julian Fellowes, with music by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, additional music and lyrics are by Anthony Drewe and George Stiles, and directed by Tim Nelson, it runs June 30 through July 16 at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster. For tickets call 714-793-1150 Ext. 1 or visit www.RoseCenterTheater.com/Disneys-MaryPoppins.
CONTINUING
“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” Set in idyllic Bucks County, Pennsylvania, it presents the problems, aspirations, and dreams of three aging siblings who hope for a better tomorrow in this rib-tickling and poignant play. Written by Christopher Durang, and directed by Victoria Pearlman, it runs through June 11 at the Pacific Resident Theatre in Venice. For tickets call 310-822-8392 or visit www.pacificresidenttheatre.org.
“The Darkness: Goddess Revealed” is told through the perspective of three vastly different characters, all played by Gillie: Glory Banks was a surgeon, Patrick Bartholomey was an outlaw, and Darrick Taylor was a Black Slave in the Mississippi cotton fields. As these characters enter the afterlife, their understanding of their own lives is utterly transformed in the presence of The Darkness, the infinite beauty of life and creation. Written and directed by Nick Gillie, it runs through June 17 at the Actors' Gang Theater in Culver City. For tickets call 310-838-4264 or visit www.TheActorsGang.com.
“Twelfth Night” In this romantic comedy, Viola and her twin brother are shipwrecked and lose each other. Viola then pretends to be a man who goes by the name of Cesario and gets a job from Duke Orsino. Orsino then tells Cesario to win Olivia for him, but Olivia falls in love with Cesario. When Sebastian comes into town, it takes the confusion to new heights. Written by William Shakespeare, it runs through June 17 at the Helen Borgers Theatre in Long Beach. For tickets visit www.LBShakespeare.org.
“A New Brain” brings us into the world of this queer musical with an intimate experience of pathos, humor, and just a little bit of magic—to bring us back to life. Composer Gordon Schwinn collapses into their lunch and awakens in the hospital, surrounded by their lover, mother, co-worker, doctor, and nurses. Coming face to face with their own mortality, Gordon sees their greatest fear: will they die with their greatest songs still unwritten? A NEW BRAIN reminds us that the power of music, love, and the creation of art can never be lost. Written by William Finn & James Lapine, with music by William Finn, and directed by Khanisha Foster, it runs through June 24 at the Davidson/Valentini Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.lalgbtcenter.org/tickets.
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:
On behalf of the publisher, Steve Zall, and the co-publisher& editor, Sid Fish, we want to thank the publicists who supply us with this content, the editors and publishers who deliver it to you, and most of all, our readers who rely on this information. We wish everyone continued good health, prosperity, and joyful times throughout the year.
Sincerely,
Steve Zall, Publisher
Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor
