SCENE IN LA
BY
STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH
June 2012
Summer is finally here, and so is all of the fun in the sun that goes with it! Our local theatres are also supplying tons of fun in June, so don’t miss out on these fabulous opportunities, including:
OPENING
“Judy Garland Live in Concert: Get Happy! A 90th Birthday Celebration” is a brand new show as Judy Garland (Peter Mac) takes you on a musical journey through her life from her days in Vaudeville , to her illustrious film career at MGM, her legendary concert comebacks in the 50’s and 60’s, her CBS television series and beyond. A theatrical experience featuring all of the Garland standards you love best, including The Trolley Song, The Man That Got Away, and Over the Rainbow. Written and directed by Peter Mac, it runs June 1 through June 30 at the Peter Mac’s Supper Club Theater in The French Market Restaurant in West Hollywood. For tickets call 310-871-7563 or visit www.friendofjudy.com.
“The Theory of Silence” The Johnsons, a popular family in town, have suddenly vanished. They’re just gone, nowhere to be found, and no one knows what happened to them. The early indications are that they haven’t moved away, so that possibility can be eliminated. Did they meet with foul play? If they did, there’s no shortage of potential suspects. Both Johnson spouses had extracurricular relationships, so there are their lovers. There’s the neighborhood watch guy; the garbage hunter; the crazy bag lady; the medium; the man who manipulated his way into the preteen dance class; the disgruntled waitress; and more. How could an entire family abruptly just vanish into thin air? Written by Jeff Folschinsky, Sean Kozma, Jason Britt, Dana Amromin, Brad Wilcox, and Chelsea Sutton, and directed by Chelsea Sutton, it runs June 1 through June 23 at the Eclectic Company Theatre in Valley Village. For tickets call 818-508-3003 or visit www.eclecticcompanytheatre.org.
“Vodka & Eurydice” Charles, living on his porch in his rural hometown, pours the best of himself into his guitar named Eurydice, while drinking everything else away, even his beloved daughter Abigail. Passionate Abigail will soon be in college, but first desperately needs to reconnect with her adored but untrustworthy father. Badgered by his drunken bar-mates, the family reunion does not go smoothly. Abigail faces another dilemma, choosing between her loving boyfriend Ryan, and fiery bad-boy, Jonny, even as the family demons threaten to drag her down. Written and directed by Rachel Orlikoff, it runs June 1 through June 24 at the Magic Mirror Theater in North Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-5521 or visit www.plays411.com/vodka.
“Measure for Measure” an unconventional comedy of ethics, sexuality and deception in California during the turbulent ‘60s when issues of women’s rights, religious freedoms and the emergence of Black and Latino pride were at the forefront of political debate. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Ellen Geer, it runs June 2 through September 1 at the Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.
“Refugee Nation” is the story of Laotian Americans: People from Laos and their immediate descendants. During the Vietnam War, Laos was situated between battling North Vietnamese and American forces. Laotians often supported the Americans, with resulting consequences. With the aid of Christian missionaries, some found their way to the U.S. Written by Leilani Chan and Ova Saopeng, and directed by Armando Molina and Rena Heinrich, it runs June 2 through June 24 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 866-811-4111 or visit www.thelatc.org.
“A Midsummer Night's Dream” Romp through the forest with our ardent young lovers, mischievous fairies and a ragtag band of tradespeople as they encounter a night filled with wonder, magic and romance. Will their hopes and dreams be realized? What adventures await as nature takes its course? There’s no more perfect setting than the leafy bower of Theatricum’s outdoor stage to experience this delightful tale of misguided mortals and naughty spirits. Every Thursday in August, Theatricum will serve Mediterranean buffet “Dream Dinners” in the theater's adjacent gardens at 6:30 pm, followed by an 8 pm performance. (Separate admission, or combination packages available). Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Willow Geer and Melora Marshall, it runs June 3 through September 30 at the Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.
“Language Rooms” Ahmed is fiercely loyal to his adopted country, the United States of America. He believes that he works hard and well at his job. However, he finds that loyalty called into question. Why? Beyond the fact that some people are scared of the facts that his name is Ahmed and that he is a Muslim, he doesn’t quite fit in. He has a few quirks that get in the way of his connecting socially with his associates. His work is important to him: He’s a translator (and interrogator) at a CIA “black site”, an interrogation facility at an undisclosed location, part of the Homeland Security apparatus. But his job status is not secure. He has a chance to remove himself from suspicion. All he has to do is successfully pull off the interrogation of a new-suspected terrorist sympathizer. Nevertheless, Ahmed can’t imagine his own shock and surprise when he discovers who the new prisoner really is...and what the captive’s motives actually are. Written by Yussef El Guindi, and directed by Evren Odcikin, it runs June 3 through June 24 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 866-811-4111 or visit www.thelatc.org.
“No Way around but Through” When Jacob discovers that his girlfriend Holly might be pregnant, he drags his friend Frank into the maddening wormhole that is his psyche, a venture that lands them on the doorstep of Lulu: Jacob’s mother and the matriarch of madness herself. However, Holly and her friend Rachel are one step ahead of them, making this a dark, thoughtful, and quirky romantic comedy about facing the inevitable dysfunctions of life and love head-on, and a reminder to never let where you’ve been, get in the way of where you’re going. Written by Scott Caan, and directed by Val Lauren, it runs June 3 through July 8 at the Falcon Theatre in Burbank. For tickets call 818-955-8101 or visit www.falcontheatre.com.
“The Addams Family” Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met. And if that weren't upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he's never done before - keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents. Written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Andrew Lippa, and directed by Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch, it runs June 5 through June 17 at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 800-982-2787 or visit www.broadwayla.org.
“D is for Dog” Mixing puppetry, live actors, original music and video projection, D is for Dog takes audiences from the absurd to the terrifying and everywhere in-between, using iconic imagery from early television along with startling elements of horror and sci-fi. In the seemingly innocent home of the Rogers family, life is like a 1950s sitcom—or is it? All is not as perfect as it seems. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers and their two darling children, Dick and Jane, must face their history and identity before it’s too late, with only mysterious phone calls and a forbidden book as clues. Written by Katie Polebaum, Sean T. Cawelti, and Rogue Artists Ensemble, with music by Ben Phelps and John Nobori, and directed by Sean T. Cawelti, it runs June 8 through August 4 at the Hudson Mainstage in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-596-9468 or visit www.rogueartists.org.
“Leading Ladies” A rollicking comedy about two down-on-their-luck actors who dress as women to con a dying woman out of her millions. A cross between Twelfth Night and Some Like It Hot, this hilarious comedy finds two actors, Leo Clark and Jack Gable, so down on their luck that they are performing “Scenes from Shakespeare” on the Moose Lodge circuit in the Amish country of Pennsylvania. When they hear that an old lady is about to die and leave her fortune to her two long lost English nephews, they resolve to pass themselves off as her beloved relatives and get the cash. Mayhem ensues when they find out that the relatives aren't nephews - but nieces! Written by Ken Ludwig, and directed by Richard Israel, it runs June 8 through July 1 at the International City Theatre in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit www.internationalcitytheatre.org.
“Modern Drama” Woman betrays Man. Man writes play to get revenge. Play becomes a success. Man and Woman find themselves trapped with each other. Then a stranger comes between them and changes everything in this comedy of manners about infidelity and retribution. Written and directed by Bill Sterritt, it runs June 8 through July 1 at the Studio/Stage in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-463-3900 or visit www.studio-stage.com.
“That Beautiful Laugh” Set in a world in which everyone has forgotten how to laugh; the story follows a wise old man and a troupe of clowns on a poignant quest to rediscover that beautiful laugh. By encountering joy, love, mischief, pain, fear, and sadness, the ensemble delivers an audience-interactive and family-friendly performance as hilarious and touching as only Four Clowns can do. Written by Orlando Pabatoy, and directed by Turner Munch, it runs June 8 through June 23 at the Fringe Central at Open Fist Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 562-508-1788 or visit www.fourclowns.org.
“Trío Los Machos” The play explores the themes of music, aging and male camaraderie set against the backdrop of the Bracero guest worker program (1942 – 1964) between the United States and Mexico as it tells the story of a Guitar Trio in the vein of Trío Los Panchos who met during the Bracero program, and explores the 50-year friendship of its central characters, Lalo, Nacho and Paco. Written by Josefina López, with music by Danny Weinstein, and directed by Edward Padilla, it runs June 8 through July 8 at the Casa 0101 Theater in Boyle Heights. For tickets call 323-263-7684 or visit www.casa0101.org.
“Doomsday Cabaret: A Rock Musical of Apocalyptic Proportions” It is December 21, 2012 - the date when the Hopi Indians, the Egyptians, Nostradamus, and others predicted the world would end. An eclectic group of doomsday-obsessed freaks, geeks, and capitalists assemble in San Bernardino’s Community Center to argue their theories, hawk their books, and maybe even get laid. As the doomsday clock counts down, each character takes the microphone to deliver a unique rock n’ roll dissertation to the crowd. Grab a nametag and join the symposium to see which “doomer” will be right? How will the world finally end? What kind of damaged individual could possibly believe this lunacy? The truth shall be known in time. Written by Michael Shaw Fisher, with music by Michael Shaw Fisher, and directed by Chris Raymond, it runs June 9 through June 23 at the Lounge Theatre 1 in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-455-4585 or visit www.plays411.com/doomsday.
“Earthbound” In a dystopian future, the nations of Earth have been shattered by cataclysmic wars and plagues. People from Earth’s cities seeking shelter from catastrophe have sought refuge in Space. It’s been one hundred years since global tragedies befell Earth, and now Space is becoming a dangerous place. The inhabitants of Orbiting Body Miami want to return to the planet of their ancestors. Their spiritual leader has depicted Earth as a Heaven, where the dead will ultimately resurrect and the refugees will be reunited with their lost loved ones. What will the earthbound travelers find as they undertake their journey homeward? Written by Adam Hahn, with music by Jonathan Price and Chana Wise, and directed by Christian Levatino, it runs June 9 through July 15 at the T.U. Studios in North Hollywood. For tickets call 800-838-3006 or visit www.skypilottheatre.com.
“Geeks! The Musical!” follows the adventures of a gaggle of geeks though the Comic Book/Sci-Fi Convention. Will the geek boy find true love and a mint copy of Batman ‘92? Will the artist and Goth girl sell their avant-garde comic? Will the has-been sci-fi actor get cast in the remake of his old TV show? These questions and more will be answered as they sing, dance, and debate whether Batman could beat Spider-Man in a fight! Written by Thomas J. Misuraca, with music by Ruth Judkowitz, and directed by Bennett Cohon, it runs June 9 through July 8 at the Write Act Repertory Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-469-3113 or visit www.plays411.net/geeks.
“Heartbreak House” Young Ellie Dunn is invited to the country home of the eccentric Captain Shotover by his daughter Hesione. Soon the family is divided over Ellie’s decision to marry for money, not love. However, despite their brilliant debates about politics, economics, desire, war, education, religion, and science, they are all ignoring the greater cloud that is looming. Written by George Bernard Shaw, and directed by Ellen Geer, it runs June 9 through September 30 at the Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.
“The New Electric Ballroom” Three sisters trapped by the past, the future, and each other. In a remote fishing village on the west coast in Ireland, Breda, Clara, and Ada are haunted with days gone by at The New Electric Ballroom, They relive the time their dreams were crushed. Can love rescue one of them? Written by Enda Walsh, and directed by John Perrin Flynn, it runs June 9 through July 30 at the Rogue Machine in Los Angeles. For tickets call 855-585-5185 or visit www.roguemachinetheatre.com.
“Round Rock” is the Texas legend of the Sam Bass Gang, a group of notorious outlaws in the late 1800's best known for committing one of the largest train robberies in U.S. history. At the center of a jurisdictional crisis between the old and new law enforcement agencies of America, the gang must choose between a life of adventure and a life of convention. A story about love and friendship, this Western epic blends old-fashioned rustic charm with a darkly comic style. Written and directed by Aaron Kozak, it runs June 9 through June 23 at the Complex – East Theater in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.theatreunleashed.com.
“Into the Torrent Sea” O’Malley’s tale is the true story of adventure on the high seas off the coast of Britain. Her estate and home seized by the English nobleman Governor Bingham, O’Malley makes a pact with Queen Elizabeth I that affords Grace the ability to roam the seas near England, engaging and plundering foreign vessels and discouraging invasion. The pirate queen’s decades-long seafaring career extended well into her 70s. Marriage and children were also part of her rich, full life. Grace was a pre-feminist entrepreneurial career woman who had it all. Her triumphs are made all the more extraordinary as she overcame misogyny, violence, betrayal, incarceration, and attacks on her family. Written by M.E. Marino, and directed by Rhonda Kohl, it runs June 10 through June 24 at the East Theatre at the Complex in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-455-4585 or visit www.intothetorrentsea.eventbrite.com.
“Internment” is the first play to take an in-depth examination of the chaotic, hilarious, and riveting world of primetime television casting, while asking the question: how much are you willing to sacrifice to pursue your dream? The office of DRW Casting is seen through the eyes of up-and-coming casting director Jack Dempsey and two of his interns—Brooklyn-born Riddick and RADA-trained Charles, from London. Individually, these three disparate men lead the audience on an unpredictable and unforgettable training day in the office mailroom. Written by Joe Mahon, it runs June 11 through June 24 at the Elephant Studio in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/842.
“Robert E. Lee- Shades of Gray” Lee is noble, courageous, a brilliant tactician trained at West Point, a seasoned veteran of battle, a religious man, a family man, anti-secession, and anti-slavery. How did this man become the Confederate General, and why did he turn his back on the Union? As the General states, “I could have taken no other course without dishonor….History books may say hard things of me, but books are printed in black and white, while life is lived in shades of gray”. Written by Tom Dugan, and directed by Mel Johnson, Jr., it runs June 11 through June 27 at the Theatre 40, at the Reuben Cordova Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-3606 or visit www.theatre40.org.
“The Crucible” In the rigid theocracy of Salem, rumors that women are practicing witchcraft galvanize the town’s most basic fears and suspicions; and when a young girl accuses Elizabeth Proctor of being a witch, self-righteous church leaders and townspeople insist that Elizabeth be brought to trial. The ruthlessness of the prosecutors and the eagerness of neighbor to testify against neighbor brilliantly illuminate the destructive power of socially sanctioned violence. Written by Arthur Miller, and directed by Bill Voorhees, it runs June 15 through July 14 at the Elephant Stages - Lillian Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-4443 or visit www.plays411.com/crucible.
“Glennie & Maple Break Up” Glennie is recovering from an abusive relationship and fights episodes of deep depression. Maple loves to be supportive of her, mostly in ways that just piss Glennie off. She gets angry to cover up how miserable she feels. He plays his strength until it becomes a liability. They break up. They get back together when Maple helps Glennie out of a jam with another guy. They break up again. They get back together. However, they break up when Maple can't help being supportive of another girl. Will they hold on long enough to find out what they really have in each other, or will their next breakup be the last? Written and directed by Paul Hoan Zeidler, it runs June 14 through June 24 at the Elephant Stages in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-960-7770 or visit www.plays411.com/breakup.
“Gary Peterson's Supernatural Magic Show” Gary Peterson will bring the magic and illusions of a Las Vegas show right here on the intimate stage of the El Portal Theatre. Presenting master tricks never before seen on stage Gary Peterson will thrill audiences with breath taking magic and mind boggling illusions. Perfect entertainment for the entire family. The show also features the talents of International German Opera Singer MAVI, the award winning Magician Danny Cole and Scott Land’s world renowned Marionettes, for an unforgettable evening of fun for the whole family. Written by Gary Peterson, and directed by Tony Clark, it runs June 15 through June 24 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 866-811-4111 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.
“Six Characters Looking for an Author” In what begins as a realistic play he introduces six figures who make the extraordinary claim that they are the incomplete but independent products of an artist's imagination—"characters" the artist abandoned when he couldn't find the will or have the talent to complete their story. These "characters" have arrived on the stage in a random theater, during a rehearsal, to find an author themselves, someone who will give them the fullness of literary life that their original author has denied them. Furthermore, these "characters" claim that they are more "real" than the actors who eventually want to portray them. This piece turns funny and devastating, and the final scene is unsettling and thought provoking. Six Characters is a different kind of theatrical experience; one that will stay with you and make you wonder about the illusions that take place in every day theater. It is a mind-bending play with a play to challenge an audience's perception of what is real and re-enacted and how dreamed-up characters can become frighteningly real and achieve a sense of immortality, but do their realities make better tales than fiction? Written by Luigi Pirandello (a new version by David Harrower), and directed by Douglas Matranga, it runs June 15 through July 21 at the Promenade Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-656-6070 or visit www.plays411.com/6characters.
“Million Dollar Quartet” is set on December 4, 1956, when an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley together. Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock and Roll” who was responsible for launching the careers of each icon, brought the four legendary musicians together at the Sun Records storefront studio in Memphis for the first and only time. The resulting evening became known as one of the greatest rock and roll jam sessions in history. Written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, with music by Chuck Mead, and directed by Eric Schaeffer, it runs June 19 through July 1 at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 800-982-2787 or visit www.broadwayla.org.
“Jitney” Cheering audiences rose to their feet and critics throughout the Southland spun superlatives as the curtain fell on Fences, but that was only the beginning for SCR and August Wilson. Now it's the 1970s, and urban renewal threatens a storefront station, where the drivers of gypsy cabs (known as jitneys) share their funny stories about the day's fares and meddle in each other's lives. Cronies drop in, fights break out, a son faces his father after 20 years in prison, lovers make up, and just as we get to know them, we are asked to look again. Written by August Wilson, and directed by Ron OJ Parson, it runs June 21 through July 15 at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-7529 or visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org.
“The Irish Curse” a new comedy about guys with one tiny problem. In this wicked, rollicking, and very funny new play, size matters to a group of Irish-American men who meet weekly in the basement of a Catholic church. The focus of their self-help group? A certain anatomical “shortcoming”—an alleged Irish trait they all feel has ruined their lives. From its blistering language to its brutally honest look at sex and body image, The Irish Curse is a revealing portrait of how men, and society, define masculinity. The show runs June 23 through August 12 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 or visit www.odysseytheatre.com.
“The Late Henry Moss” Two brothers, Ray and Earl, are brought together after their father, Henry Moss, is found dead in his seedy New Mexico home. Their reunion starts out amicably enough with their determination to reach some reconciliation. Reunited in Henry’s dilapidated bungalow in rural New Mexico there is clearly deep resentment between the two brothers which is temporarily put aside while they try to piece together the circumstances of Henry's' death. Henry is considered to be a harassing, arrogant drunk and suddenly he receives a lot of money. At the same time, Henry has taken up with a local Mexican woman, Conchalla, hired a taxi, and gone fishing. Part detective story, part domestic drama, the story unfolds through a series of flashbacks, while the brothers attempt to reach some resolution and solid ground with each other and create a future that does not mirror their father’s tumultuous life. Written by Sam Shepard, and directed by David Fofi, it runs June 23 through July 29 at the Theatre 68 in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-960-5068 or visit www.plays411.com/henrymoss.
“My Romantic History” Work romances are tricky. One moment you’re colleagues, then a quick grope after Friday night drinks and suddenly you’re in a relationship. When Tom and Amy get together after an office social, they find themselves living in each other’s pockets. However, it’s not their lack of chemistry that’s the problem: it’s that neither of them have moved past their childhood sweethearts. Written by DC Jackson, and directed by Alejandro Romero, it runs June 28 through July 29 at the Renegade Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-874-1733 or visit www.plays411.com/mrh.
“Komitas” Komitas Vardapet (1869-1935) is a hero to Armenians everywhere. To the world at large, he is an important figure in world music. Born in Kutahya, Ottoman Empire, his first language was Turkish. Orphaned at 11, he was looked after by his grandmother until selected at 16 for priesthood in the Armenian Church, becoming at monk at 24. His early interest in music was encouraged by the Church, and after he established a monastery choir, he was sent to Berlin, where he attained a Doctorate in Musicology. He collected and published some 3000 Armenian folk songs and dances. He contributed to the Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Church, arranging traditional music cleansed of foreign influences. In addition, he is renowned for his original orchestral compositions. He is revered by Armenians today as the man who rescued Armenian musical culture from oblivion. Although his accomplishments make him historically worthy, it’s the legends surrounding his private life that make him a fascinating figure today. Although ordained a celibate priest, he had a beautiful female musical protégé, a gifted Armenian opera singer who performed in Paris, named Margaret. Artistic soul mates, the two spent so much time together that people began to talk. Written by Lilly Thomassian, with music by Ara Dabandjian, and directed by Pavel Cerny, it runs June 29 through August 5 at the Circle X Theatre at Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 818-551-1234 or visit www.itsmyseat.com/komitas.
“Spamalot” spoofs the legendary tale of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail. However, diverting a bit from the true story, this hilarious musical features such oddities as a line of beautiful dancing girls, flatulent Frenchmen, and killer rabbits. Throughout the show King Arthur, traveling with his servant Patsy, recruits several knights to accompany him on his quest, including Sir Bedevere, Sir Robin, Sir Lancelot and Sir Galahad. Besides the rabbits and farting Frenchmen, they meet such iconic Monty Python characters as the Lady of the Lake, Prince Herbert, Tim the Enchanter, Not Dead Fred, the Black Knight and the Knights Who Say Ni. Written by Eric Idle, with music by Eric Idle and John Du Prez, and directed by Steven Glaudini, it runs June 30 through July 15 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-856-1999 or visit www.musical.org.
“The Women of Lockerbie” Inspired by a true story, this is a stunning tribute to the triumph of love over hate. A mother from New Jersey roams the hills of Lockerbie Scotland, looking for her son's remains, which were lost in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am 103. There, she meets the women of Lockerbie who are fighting the U.S. Government to obtain the clothing of the victims found in the plane's wreckage. Determined to convert an act of hatred into an act of love, the women want to wash the clothes of the dead and return them to the bereaved families. Written by Deborah Bevoort, and directed by Melora Marshall, it runs June 30 through September 29 at the Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.
CONTINUING
“Take Me Out” Darren Lemming, a baseball player with the Empires, is one of the game’s golden boys. The biracial young man is so gifted at the sport that he has a firm belief in his own invincibility. He is also gay, and comes out publicly. He’s such a highly regarded player that he is able to shrug off the occasional homophobic insult. He’s one more different person on a highly diverse team. Then, one day, Shane Mungitt, a bigoted hillbilly with an unstoppable throwing arm, joins the team. Mungitt’s athletic abilities approach the supernatural. It becomes obvious that Mungitt’s bigotry and homophobia stem from ignorance rather than malice: Someone with a childhood as horrific as Mungitt’s would have to emerge a bit twisted. Does race enter into this at all? Of course. This story happens in America. Lemming decides to avenge himself against Mungitt’s slights. It’s a path sure to lead to blood and death. Can the players and the team survive? Written by Richard Greenberg, and directed by Kenne Guillory, it runs through June 10 at the Sky Lounge in North Hollywood. For tickets call 800-838-3006 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/236234.
“Fellowship!” A musical based on the movie "The Fellowship of the Ring.” Long ago and far away, a little fellow, Frodo the Hobbit, goes on a long journey to rid himself of a ring that is repository of evil power. Those who seek unchecked destructive power want possession of the ring, but Frodo is aided by companions (hence the title) in his mission to dispose of it. Written by Kelly Holden-Bashar and Joel McCrary, with music by Allen Simpson, and directed by Joel McCrary, it runs through June 29 at the Trepany House at Steve Allen Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 800-595-4849 or visit www.fellowshipthemusical.com.
“Beautified” A riotous new romp through four decades in a Massachusetts beauty parlor. It's Spring 1969, and hairdresser Mike's opening day gets off to an unexpected start when a beautiful but dour young Republican, Candy, stumbles in looking for anything but a change of hairdo. But change it he does, and the subsequent years of loyal trips back to Mike's chair prove that a professional relationship such as these two share goes way beyond curing split ends. True friends emerge in a most unlikely place, with the sights and sounds of the last forty years as backdrop to their bonding. Written by Tony Abatemarco, and directed by Jenny Sullivan, it runs through July 1 at the Skylight Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 702-582-8587 or visit www.ktctickets.com.
“The Long Weekend” Max and Wynn Trueman have a lovely country home. They’re being visited by their longtime friends, Roger and Abby Nash. Ah, for a relaxing weekend in the company of bosom friends. Well, they won’t find that here. Each of them, you see, desires the other’s spouse. Be careful of what you wish for, as the old saying goes. There are other considerations. The men, essentially at the effect of the wives, come up with a plot to enable them to regain control of things. It’s a silly scheme but these are, in some regards, silly men. There’s also a surprise ending to this very naughty but side-splittingly funny narrative. Written by Norm Foster, and directed by Bruce Gray, it runs through July 1 at the Theatre 40, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.
“Grace Notes & Anvils” uses the intimacy of theatre to explore the heartbreak, everyday heroism and surprising hilarity connected with loss. The production features the two playwrights along with a series of alternating notable guest actresses. The first guest star will be Roxanne Hart, playing May 26 through June 3. Other guests will include: Morgan Fairchild, Glenne Headly, Annie Potts, JoBeth Williams with others to be announced. Written by Ron Marasco and Brian Shuff, and directed by Ron Marasco, it runs through July 15 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 or visit www.odysseytheatre.com.
“The Immigrant” is the story of writer Mark Harelik’s grandparents, their flight from the pogroms of Russia, and their settling in Hamilton, Texas in 1909. They are befriended by a Gentile couple, the Perrys, who help establish the Hareliks as they cope with being the only Jews in a Texas town. Haskell Harelik believes in the promise of America, a land of opportunity and safety. Safe that is, until local toughs shoot at him. Leah Harelik worries that Haskell’s rush to assimilate will separate them from their Jewish culture. Ima and Milton Perry’s welcoming of the Jewish couple is a reflection of their Christian faith. Well, maybe not in Milton’s case. As things get worse for Jews in Europe, Haskell finds his thoughts going to his co-religionists overseas, to the extent that it places a strain on his friendship with Milton. Written by Mark Harelik, with music by Steven M. Alper, and directed by Howard Teichman, it runs through July 15 at the Pico Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-860-6620 or visit www.Wcjt.org.
So brush the sand off your feet, grab your friends and family, and go out to see a show tonight!
