SCENE IN LA
BY
STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH
November 2024
Cooler days have finally arrived, which means it’s time to spend an evening or two in one of our local venues where you can take in one of these fine productions. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!
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 a show 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
“DIVA The Play” DIVA is the story of world-renowned Australian opera singer Louisa McCrae reliving her life through the lens of a fractured mind. As she unpacks a suitcase full of memories, she is transported back to powerful moments that shaped her extraordinary life. As her mind starts slipping, can she hold onto the memories long enough to revive her broken heart? Written by Vivienne Powell, and directed by Leah Patterson, it runs November 1 through November 10 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.DIVAtheplay.com.
“A Doll's House” Witness the play that shook the theatre world and changed everything! This fresh adaptation of Ibsen’s intense drama as Nora Helmer, a woman ahead of her time, faces the ultimate test of courage and self-discovery. In a world that expects her to be nothing more than a devoted wife and mother, Nora dares to ask: What happens when a woman decides to reclaim herself? In her most lucid moment, Nora exclaims “I AM A PERSON”: a person who has never been seen or heard, like millions of women everywhere. Experience the revolutionary masterpiece that has captivated audiences for over a century. Written by Henrik Ibsen, and directed by Mia Christou, it runs November 1 through November 24 at the Beverly Hills Playhouse in Beverly Hills. For tickets visit www.bhplayhouse.com.
“Joan” Comedian. Trailblazer. Force of nature. From Greenwich Village nightclubs to “The Tonight Show” to Hollywood’s red carpets, Joan Rivers made and remade her career through triumph and tragedy. This is the story of a pioneer and the story of a mom—who were one and the same. Get up close and personal with the famously edgy, fearless and loving legend in this hilarious and heartbreaking account of an American icon. Written by Daniel Goldstein, and directed by David Ivers, it runs November 1 through November 24 at the South Coast Repertory Julianne Argyros Stage in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit www.scr.org.
“A Streetcar Named Desire” The Streetcar Project presents Williams’s complete, unabridged text with just four performers, no props, and no set. By stripping bare to the bones one of the greatest pieces of American drama ever written, The Streetcar Project has established itself as a genuine underground sensation throughout the past year by astonishing audiences in private homes, a SoHo fashion boutique, movie theatres, churches, barns, warehouses, art galleries, and factories in and around New York City. As the ghosts of Williams’s New Orleans prepare to haunt Los Angeles, West Coasters will now have the chance to grab the ticket for which New Yorkers have been clamoring. Written by Tennessee Williams, and directed by Nick Westrate, it runs November 1 through November 3 at the warehouse at 2100 Zeno Place in Venice. For tickets visit www.thestreetcarproject.com/tickets.
“A Doll's House Part 2” The story continues! Fifteen years after the door slammed shut, Nora Helmer returns to the home she once left behind. Now a successful author and advocate for women’s rights, she must confront the past she thought she had escaped. With sharp dialogue and surprising twists, this modern sequel delves into the complexities of marriage, identity, and the price of freedom. Don’t miss this powerful exploration of what it means to come back—and what it takes to move forward. Written by Lucas Hnath, and directed by Allen Barton, it runs November 2 through November 24 at the Beverly Hills Playhouse in Beverly Hills. For tickets visit www.bhplayhouse.com.
“One For the Road” is a chilling study of power and powerlessness. Set in an unnamed totalitarian country, the play presents a violent, disturbing portrait of political horror in which an interrogator torments a tortured prisoner and his imprisoned wife and child. Written by Harold Pinter, and directed by Miguel Perez, it runs November 2 through November 3 at the Art of Acting Studio Theatre 2 in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6459496.
“A View from the Bridge” delves into the complexities of family, love, and justice. Set in a tight-knit Italian-American community in 1950s Brooklyn, the play explores the lives of its characters with raw emotion and powerful storytelling. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, the audience is drawn into a world where loyalties are tested, and the consequences of one’s actions have far-reaching implications. With compelling characters and intense relationships, this timeless drama keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Written by Arthur Miller, and directed by David Ellenstein, it runs November 3 through November 17 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.
“It’s All Your Fault, Tyler Price!” follows Jackson, a middle school boy with big feelings who's in big trouble after punching his bullying classmate, Tyler Price, for mocking Jackson's sister, Lucy. Lucy, who attends the same school's special day class, has epilepsy and related learning challenges. To avoid expulsion, Jackson's principal insists he explain himself to the entire school. In response, Jackson stages a scrappy, heartfelt musical using music he "borrows" from his composer dad. Through each family member's bravery, we watch healing begin for all. Written by Ben Decter and Kristin Hanggi, with music by Ben Decter, and directed by Kristin Hanggi, it runs November 7 through December 15 at the Hudson Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.tylerpricemusical.com.
“The Goddamn Couple Down the Hall (Oh…., and Merry Christmas!)” It’s Christmas in Pasadena. And the Woodruff clan is gathering at the condo of elder daughter, Dana. Her fiancé, Chad, is preparing a gourmet feast for the holiday. The guests include Dana’s parents, Jerry and Maureen, as well as her younger sister, Sydney, and her boyfriend, Lance. What promises to be a beautiful day spent with loved ones gets turned on its head by the goddamn couple down the hall, Lucinda and Kenny, who clearly hate each other, and whose screaming matches – funny and foul-mouthed -- can be heard loud and clear by the Woodruffs. When things down the hall suddenly go quiet, the Woodruffs wonder if that means Kenny and Lucinda have kissed and made up? Or could there be foul play? The family’s divided on whether they should investigate. Is it better to let sleeping dogs lie or should they dig in and try to unravel what actually happened between their feuding neighbors? Written by Mark Wilding, and directed by Charlie Mount, it runs November 8 through December 15 at Theatre West in Studio City. For tickets call 323-851-4839 or visit www.theatrewest.org.
“Private Eyes” Matthew believes his wife, Lisa, is having an affair with Adrian. Or is he just imagining it? Or is it actually a play they are rehearsing? Or is it something to keep his therapist entertained? The twists and turns keep coming, as the audience is left to determine what is actually true in this self-styled "relationship thriller"? Written by Steven Dietz, and directed by Michael Keith Allen, it runs November 8 through December 15 at the Theatre Palisades at the Pierson Playhouse in Pacific Palisades. For tickets call 310-454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org.
“Adventures In the Great Beyond” A twenty-year old rebellious devotee of new age philosophy drops out of college to follow a gregarious guru and a band of soul-searching pranksters in the middle of the Arizona desert. In this 90-minute immersive pop rock production, the stage is set for a divine musical comedy of karmic proportions. Girl meets boy, and in the story’s unconventional twist — a mother-guru romance that transcends lifetimes, offers a comical and provocative lens through which to examine intergenerational dynamics and spiritual soul-searching. This clever plot device underscores the cyclical nature of human experience, a theme that resonates with the musical’s exploration of mysticism and self-realization. For truth-seekers of all ages Adventures in the Great Beyond is a refreshing romp through life six decades into the Age of Aquarius. Featuring musical numbers about karma, meditation, miracles and more. Written and directed by Tom Chiodo, with music by Joe Nedder, lyrics by Tom Chiodo, it runs November 9 through December 8 at the Hudson Mainstage Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.greatbeyondmusical.com.
“Fiddler on the Roof” Jason Alexander stars in a Broadway classic! Overflowing with musical hits you know and love, including “Tradition,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” and “To Life (L’Chaim!),” Fiddler on the Roof is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love, and laughter. Our beautiful production will introduce a new generation to this uplifting celebration which raises its cup to joy! To love! To life! Written by Joseph Stein, with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and directed by Lonny Price, it runs November 9 through December 1 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets call 562-944-9801 or visit www.LaMiradaTheatre.com.
“The Girl Who Made the Milky Way” The Khoisan, an ancient ethnic group with a long and intriguing history, are believed to be the oldest human inhabitants of southern Africa. In the play, a young girl, Little Sister (Stakiah Lynn Washington), evolves from struggling with her place and duties among her people to embracing her uniqueness, voice, courage, and identity. Supported by a cast of archetypal characters in the form of animals, trees, mountains and spirits (Jamela Asha, Edward Hong, Max Lawrence, Carter Michael and Makha Mthembu), Little Sister braves the dangers of the African savanna and confronts the unfair expectations the world has of her because she is a girl. Not only does she help find her father by creating the stars of the night skies, but she also discovers her true self. Written by June Carryl, and directed by Armina LaManna, it runs November 9 through November 17 at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. For tickets call 818-649-9474 or visit www.imaginetheatreca.org.
“Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” is a thrilling tale of greed, blackmail and murder most foul. This ingenious 1926 novel cemented Christie’s reputation as the greatest mystery novelist of all time. The story’s shocking twist ending has thrilled readers for generations and has been called “the best and most cunning solution devised in her storied career.” Now, the landmark novel comes to the stage in a new and fastmoving adaptation. Filled with colorful characters, outrageous laughter and nail-biting suspense, this Christie classic is sure to leave audiences guessing, gasping and delighting in the case long after the curtain has come down. Written by Mark Shanahan, based on the book by Agatha Christie, and directed by Jules Aaron, it runs November 14 through December 15 at Theatre Forty in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.
“Waiting for Godot” As Vladimir and Estragon wait and wait for the arrival of the elusive Godot, a cast of mysterious misfits interrupt their endless vigil in Samuel Beckett’s tragi-comic masterpiece that has captivated audiences for decades. Written by Samuel Beckett, and directed by Judy Hegarty Lovett, it runs November 14 through December 15 at the Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Westwood. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.
“Arms Around America” Staged as if a radio theater company is performing a live broadcast, the evening-length shows will include four actors navigating a forest of microphones, while voicing dozens of characters. Froot will create live foley sound effects with an eclectic collection of everyday objects. Wholly contributing to the experience is a three-piece band. The performers will share the stage with eight audience members seated at a kitchen table, who will provide real-time commentary on the unfolding action. Written and directed by Dan Froot, with music by Julio Montero, it runs November 15 through November 16 at the UCLA Nimoy Theater in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.cap.ucla.edu/event/dan-froot-company-0.
“First Date” when blind date newbie Aaron is set up with serial-dater Casey, a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. Written by Austin Winsberg, with music by Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner, and directed by James Esposito, it runs November 15 through December 1 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.chrtheatre.com.
“The Producers” a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby bilking their backers (all "little old ladies") out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit! Written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, with music by Mel Brooks, and directed by Susan Weisbarth, it runs November 15 through December 14 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.
“Broadway Showstoppers in Concert” features one Broadway showstopper after another, performed by a splendid cast of Broadway and Hollywood veterans, 12 spectacular dancers, all accompanied by Fred Barton’s 16-piece orchestra! Written and directed by Scott Thompson, with music by Fred Barton, it runs November 16 through November 17 at the El Portal Theatre Debbie Reynolds MainStage in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.
“Clue” murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, CLUE is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist. Written by Sandy Rustin, Hunter Foster and Eric Price, with music by Michael Holland, and directed by Casey Hushion, it runs November 29 through December 1 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets visit www.BroadwayInThousandOaks.com.
CONTINUING
“House of Spirits” House of Spirits is a free-roam cocktail party inside the TRULY haunted Nocturne Theatre! Enjoy a night of themed cocktails, macabre magic, strange roaming specters, live music and interactive experiences. Take your experience to a deeper level by interacting with characters to discover a sinister story at the heart of it all. A truly unique haunted experience, unlike any other party in town!
Guests are encouraged to dress up for the evening, be it in costume, cocktail attire, or your favorite time-period clothing! All time periods will fit in at the House of Spirits, as the specters who roam the halls have been around throughout countless centuries.
-> Engage, interact and discover! By speaking with the specters and spirits who roam the halls, you’ll slowly uncover the mysteries of the house’s dark history. Clues, riddles and secrets to the nature of the hauntings are hidden throughout the premises, so always keep your eyes and ears open, you never know what you might discover.
-> Guests are free to experience the events of the evening at their own level and leisure. You may simply choose to indulge in the included cocktail tastings, while enjoying the live shows and roaming entertainment, or you might decide to dig a little deeper and explore the hidden mysteries of the house, to uncover the sinister story that lies at the heart of it all. The choices are up to you!
-> Our crafted cocktails are designed to elevate your spirit game! Themed specifically for House of Spirits, our cocktails are curated into a ‘tasting menu’, featuring a variety of unique flavor profiles unlike anything you’ve ever had before. Be bold, try them all and you may discover a new favorite spirit by the end of the night!
-> Ask the Giant Ouija Board questions as you commune and interact with the spirits of the house. If you feel like digging a little deeper, speak with the inhabitants of the house to reveal a sinister story that haunts the mansion.
Ticket Options:
* Bronze: Full access to the 2-hour experience + 4 mini craft cocktails.
* Silver: Full access + 4 mini craft cocktails and a bonus fifth cocktail.
* Gold: Full access + expedited entry, 4 mini craft cocktails, a bonus fifth cocktail, and decadent chocolates.
Produced by Justin & Melissa Meyer, it runs through November 2 at the Nocturne Theater in Glendale. For tickets visit www.thenocturnetheatre.com/shows.
“Beehive: The 60's Musical” is a wailing musical tribute to the groundbreaking female voices of the 1960’s.Featuring such beloved hits as Natural Woman, My Boyfriend's Back, One Fine Day, Proud Mary and more, BEEHIVE: THE 60’S MUSICAL features six extraordinary women performing more than two dozen timeless hits from Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Janis Joplin, Carole King, Tina Turner and more. Complete with a live onstage 5-piece band and funkadelic 60’s fashions, BEEHIVE: THE 60’S MUSICAL will have audiences of all ages movin’ and groovin’ and shouting for more. Written by Fred Helsel, and directed by Augusto Guardardo, it runs through November 10 at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center in Simi Valley. For tickets call 805-583-7900 or visit www.simi-arts.org.
“Summertime, An Interlude” The hottest day of summer is interrupted when a community leader is rushed to the hospital. As Red fights for his life, the neighborhood bands together to hunt down his wannabe executioner. Through belly laughs, cold beer, and blunt smoke, the truth about the shooting at "Red's Deli" bleeds out. Relationships are tested, lies are told, questions are answered, confessions are made — and before sundown, the neighborhood loses a piece of its heart forever. Written by Aniello Fontano, and directed by Dayo Ade, it runs through November 10 at Sawyer’s Playhouse in Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.
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:
Please help keep our theaters open by supporting live theater whenever you can. On behalf of the publisher Steve Zall and our co-publisher/editor Sid Fish, we want to send our heartfelt thanks to the publicists who supply us with this content, the editors and publishers who deliver it to you, and most importantly, to our readers who rely on the information provided in our columns.
Sincerely,
Steve Zall, Publisher
Sid Fish, Co-Publisher & Editor
