SCENE IN LA
BY
STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH
June 2014
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
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel's favorite son. The show blends pop, country and rock into an uplifting, technicolored story of biblical proportions. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colors, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door. Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, it runs June 3 through June 22 at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 866-755-2929 or visit www.hollywoodpantages.com.
“Stoneface” Chronicled through the lens of his own silent films, STONEFACE recreates some of Buster Keaton’s most memorable gags live on stage, capturing the legend of a bygone era and telling the tale of the redemption of one of Hollywood’s greatest performers. It explores the Buster Keaton we never knew: over-the-hill, alcoholic, and struggling to regain the magic that once made him one of the greatest stars of Hollywood and the silent film era. Written by Vanessa Claire Stewart, with music by Ryan Johnson, and directed by Jaime Robledo, it runs June 3 through June 29 at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-7529 or visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.
“Things Being What They Are” Finds Bill preparing a condo for his soon-to-move-in wife when he gets an unexpected visit from his divorced neighbor Jack. What unfolds over the full-length play is a funny and insightful look into these two men’s lives—the ones they dreamed of having versus the ones they are really living. Written by Wendy MacLeod, and directed by Darin Anthony, it runs June 5 through June 29 at the Dorie Theatre at The Complex in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-455-4585 or visit www.hff14.org/1766.
“Yoshiba” A fictional one-act that utilizes computer-related customer complaints as a jumping-off point to explore the characters and narratives behind their claims. Together, these stories present a glimpse into the kind of pervasive, absurd, sometimes destructive, and ultimately revealing relationship we humans have with our computers. Written and directed by Joshua Morrison, it runs June 5 through June 28 at the Theatre Asylum Lab in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/1831.
“Drop Dead!” A cast of desperate actors attempts to revive their careers in a potboiler murder mystery directed by "Wonder Child of the Broadway Stage" Victor Le Pewe. When several actors are murdered during the opening night performance, the remaining thespians must save the show and their careers, solve the mystery and stay alive long enough to get their curtain calls. Written by Billy Van Zandt & Jane Milmore, and directed by Billy Van Zandt, it runs June 6 through June 28 at the NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood. For tickets, call 323-960-5068.
“Harold & Stella- Love Letters” In 1942 Stella Adler (queen of modern acting) and Harold Clurman (dean of American theater) were living on opposite coasts of the country as the U.S. entered the Second World War. They began a steady stream of correspondence to buttress their long distance romance, letters that reveal times as tempestuous as their relationship. Through their words, we enter the lives of two artists unflinchingly committed to their work while struggling through creative, financial and romantic uncertainty. Written by Sheana Ochoa, and directed by Sydney Walsh, it runs June 6 through June 28 at the Bliss Art House Café in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/1654?tab=dates.
“Hot August Night: A Tribute to Neil Diamond” Dean Colley will perform his special salute to Neil Diamond, Hot August Night, backed by his top-‐notch show band. The evening will recreate the legendary concerts performed by Neil Diamond at the Greek Theater in August of 1972. Written and directed by Dean Colley, it runs June 6 through June 15 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.
“Independence” The dysfunctional Briggs family of small town Independence, Iowa is reunited when estranged eldest daughter Kess returns home at the bequest of middle daughter Jo, who has found herself at a breaking point in her ability to handle the mental instability of their mother, Evelyn. Along with youngest sister, Sherry, who is desperate to escape the family for good, the three Briggs sisters must decide whether to pursue their own personal freedom at the cost of destroying their mother’s life. Written by Lee Blessing, and directed by Vernée Watson, it runs June 6 through June 28 at the Lounge Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.hff14.org/1588.
“The Mermaid who Learned how to Fly” From the moment Victoria could speak, she began telling stories. She weaved whimsical worlds of magic and fairy tales that traveled from her imagination to the page with ease. A lifelong dream of writing guided a clear path that no relationship could ever distract her from…until she meets the enigmatic Luna while still with her first love, Michael. Victoria is forced to decide which love is most important: the love for her high school sweetheart, the love for her soul mate, or the love of her destiny. This one-woman show takes patrons on a journey into one proverbial mermaid’s descent into magic and madness. Written by Kyla Garcia, and directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson, it runs June 6 through June 28 at the Elephant Theater@Theater Asylum in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/1887?tab=tickets.
“Other Desert Cities” The manicured life of an actor-turned-politician and his impeccable wife is upset when relatives arrive at their Palm Springs home for the holidays — including daughter Brooke who’s about to publish a tell-all memoir. Written by Jon Robin Baitz, and directed by caryn desai [sic], it runs June 6 through June 29 at the International City Theatre in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.com.
“Shame Based Fun” Is a semi-one woman show about feminism, masturbation and pirates, this multimedia performance is fun for everyone because most people like two out of three things on that list and because nobody likes feminism. OR DO THEY? Written and directed by Sasha Fisher, it runs June 6 through June 27 at the Theatre Asylum Elephant Studio in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/1729.
“The Twylight Zone: Back to the 6th Dimension” The Twylight Zone is back and all new with its twisted but gut-wrenchingly hysterical parodies of four famous Twilight Zone episodes. In Nightmare at 20,000 Feet, an air traveler recovering from a nervous breakdown sees a creature outside on the wing of his plane and battles with what’s real and what’s an illusion. In Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up, a police officer tries to determine who might be a “visitor” amongst a busload of passengers stranded at a diner. In Living Doll, a frustrated father battles with his stepdaughter’s macabre talking doll. And in The Four of Us are Dying, a man who can change his appearance uses his ability to improve his life despite its effect on others. But like the show itself…each of these pieces is not what it seems. Written and directed by David Gallic, it runs June 6 through June 29 at the studio/stage in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/1801?tab=tickets.
“The Brothers Size” Recently paroled Oshoosi Size seeks to jumpstart his life. Working in an auto repair shop for his brother Ogun, however, was not what he had in mind. When his old friend Elegba rolls up, offering a different direction, Oshoosi quickly finds himself torn between his brother, his loyalties and his dreams. It’s an exuberantly theatrical drama that weaves together the pulsing rhythms of the Louisiana bayou with African Yoruba mythology to create a stylized story of love and heartache. Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney, and directed by Shirley Jo Finney, it runs June 7 through June 27 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-663-1525 or visit www.FountainTheatre.com.
“The Dental Society Midwinter Meeting” Following a scandal of molar-sized proportions, the Chicago Dental Society has gathered to debate the future of Midwestern dentistry as they know it. After CDS president Morris J. Morris, Jr., is caught with his pants down – and his dental drill up – the dentists can’t help but question: in a field obsessed with profit over health, where morality has taken a backseat to the latest fads in composite fillings, how can a group of upright dental professionals (looking for something more… filling) actually make a difference? Written by Laura Jacqmin, and directed by Craig Anton, it runs June 7 through July 13 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater. For tickets call 323-960-4420 or visit www.plays411.com/dentalsociety.
“Friends like These” Takes a candid and poignant look at the staggering issue of violence in our high schools. Garrett is an outsider who spends most of his troubled existence in a fantasy world called Haven…that is until he meets Nicole, the popular cheerleader with a curious mind. As quickly as things begin looking up for Garrett, they come crashing down, forcing him to face both his past mistakes and his harsh present reality while he struggles for redemption. This gut-wrenching piece will unswervingly explore the emotional trauma brought on by social mores during high school, forcing a confrontation with the causes and tragic consequences that left us staggered as a nation during Columbine and other high school shootings. Written by Gregory Crafts, and directed by Wendy Gough Soroka, it runs June 7 through June 28 at the Elephant Space @ Theatre Asylum in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/1594?tab=tickets.
“Lear” Ellen Geer takes on the title role in a new production that sees Lear divide her kingdom and test the loyalty of her three sons. Shakespeare's sublime poetry infuses this towering tragedy, a tale of madness, tyranny, loyalty and love. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Ellen Geer and Melora Marshall, it runs June 7 through September 28 at the Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.
“Jesus H: A Solo Show for the Zealot in all of Us” In this heartfelt, true life comedy, Mariah travels back to the days of her Catholic School upbringing encountering questionable teachers, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Theresa Caputo, a very Italian Grandmother, a six year old religious fanatic and the Devil himself. Through laughs and investigations on the existence of mermaids, Mariah manages to uncover a bit of truth beneath all the madness. Written by Mariah Freda, and directed by Samantha Jones, it runs June 8 through June 29 at the Elephant Studio @ Theatre Asylum in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-455-4585 or visit www.hff14.org/1659.
“Meet & Greet” Is a one-act comedy about four actresses of a certain age - a Broadway diva (Carolyn Hennesy), an unhinged ex-sitcom star (Vicki Lewis), her ditzy blonde bombshell former co-star (Teresa Ganzel), and a volcanically tempered African-American reality show star (Daniele Gaither) — are all up for the same part in a new sitcom pilot. They meet at a network casting office in the San Fernando Valley presided over by a catty, gay young male assistant (Paul Iacono). Old rivalries come screaming to the surface, egos clash, hair is pulled and a shocking revelation forces them to question their entire existences. Written by Stan Zimmerman & Christian McLaughlin, and directed by Stan Zimmerman, it runs June 8 through June 28 at the Theatre Asylum in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.hff14.org/1517.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Fairies and mortals alike are beguiled by midsummer passions and puckish potions. In this signature Theatricum production, Shakespeare’s most beloved comedy pits mischievous sprites against heartsick humans for a magical night of revelry, chaos, love and comedy. Mediterranean buffet dinners, with a costumed cast of fairies in attendance, take place every Thursday in Aug. at 6:30 p.m. in the theater's adjacent gardens, followed by an 8 p.m. performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream (separate admission, or combo packages available). Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Willow Geer and Melora Marshall, it runs June 8 through September 27 at the Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.
“The Perfect Lover” Men, women, friends, lovers, all sharing the precariousness of love life. A married man in the highest step of his professional career opposite to his feelings that are very unstable. His wife, she is giving up on the marriage because of the men’s superficiality. The other easy mistress young woman, who will break down all the habits of this marriage. A new play that will highlight the instability of our everyday life. Written and directed by Fabio Zito, it runs June 8 through June 29 at the Theatre Asylum in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-962-1632 or visit www.hff14.org/1904.
“Woof-Woof” Jimmy, an Iraq war vet grappling with a traumatic brain injury and PTSD, is discharged from a Warrior Transition Unit at a U.S. Army hospital in Washington, D.C., on a cold winter day. Instead of returning to his family in Philadelphia, he hitchhikes to New York and searches out his childhood friend. Chuck is surprised by his visit--he hasn't seen Jimmy in 8 years--but when he learns it's his first day out of the Army he convinces his roommate Brandon to bring him along on a wild night of clubbing. When a long forgotten, brutally violent incident involving Chuck and Jimmy is revealed, conflicts escalate before the three can get out the door. Written and directed by Paul Hoan Zeidler, it runs June 8 through June 28 at the Asylum Lab Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/1494?tab=dates.
“Ligature Marks” Jill can’t live without Terry. So it’s up to both of them – and Terry’s favorite online multiplayer game NOIR – to make sure she never has to. This dark and sometimes unsettling comedy from critically acclaimed, award-winning New York playwright Mac Rogers charts a twisted romance between two of life’s losers as they take one final shot to be something other than who they are. Written by Mac Rogers, and directed by Jordana Williams, it runs June 9 through June 18 at the Stephanie Feury Studio Theater in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/1562?tab=tickets.
“The Wake” Love and loss nearly always intertwine, but never as closely as when you discover your one true love is a dead body. Pete’s girlfriend dumped him two months ago. He still can’t figure out how to move on without her, until a chance encounter at a late-night party puts him on a collision course with love like he’s never known it before. Written by Ben Moroski, and directed by Nick Massouh, it runs June 9 through June 28 at the Theatre Asylum in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/1637?tab=tickets.
“The Girl who Loved the Beatles” Running low on funds having fled to New York from Oak Harbour, Ohio (and her husband), Loretta applies for a position with a one-man advertising firm - only to have owner Leonard greet her with the news that he is going out of business. In fact, he has to scratch to refund the carfare she spent coming to see him. This chance encounter should be over as soon as it began, but Loretta, who has come to the big city to find her place in life, senses that this man may be just what she was looking for. Despite his resistance, Leonard finds himself drawn deeply into a very funny and progressively revealing conversation that makes both of them face the inescapable truths about love, life, and the need to find your own way, whatever the obstacles. Written by D.B. Gilles, it runs June 13 through June 28 at the Theatre Asylum – The Elephant Space in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.hff14.org/1905.
“Small Parts” Part cautionary tale, part irreverent skewering of Show Business, this uproarious, multi-media show chronicles the ins-and-outs, highs-and-lows, and astounding absurdity of twenty years as an actor “in the trenches.” Written by Richard Tanner, and directed by Jim Fall, it runs June 13 through June 28 at the Lounge Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.smallPARTStheshow.com.
“The Crackerjack” Is a one-person-show about the #1 tugboat captain in NYC through the 1940’s. My Great Uncle Jimmy boldly navigated his way through life, never knowing the wondrous impact he would make on mine - a curious 7 year old from NJ. A true story of history, of family, of discovery, and what it all meant to me. Written by Mike Rad, and directed by David Robinson, it runs June 14 through June 28 at the Lounge Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-314-3186 or visit www.hff14.org/1565.
“The True Life Adventures of Barbie and G.I. Joe” Takes the world's toughest super-soldiers and America’s iconic blonde bimbo through a steamy true story of media terrorism, life as a mega-toy, and the fleecing of families worldwide. Hang out in the recording booth with the TV Cartoon voice of G.I. Joe’s “Flint,” and follow media terrorists into the toy store for the wildly funny, true story of the most effective mega-merchandising campaigns (and the sneakiest voice transformations) in the history of toydom. Witness their humiliation as Barbie finds out that neither Ken nor Warrant Officer Flint have very much going on down there. No longer just a 12-inch male Barbie-doll, G.I. Joe morphed into a team of 3 1/2-inch master-fighters who would battle world terrorism, and together with Barbie overpower the wallets of children everywhere. From the darkest Christmas night ever, to the G.I. Joe voiceover auditions, and the gathering of real live troops at G.I. Joe/Con, hear the story of Barbie and G.I. Joe as it’s never been told before. Written and directed by Bill Ratner, it runs June 18 through June 28 at the Complex Ruby Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/1688.
“The Curse of Oedipus” A curse lies upon the land of Thebes and its ill-fated rulers Oedipus the King, Jocasta the Queen and Creon the high counselor—a curse that reiterates generation upon generation. The suffering of the people provides a battleground against which Apollo and Dionysus contend for power over the mortal realm. Playwright Kenneth Cavander, director Casey Stangl and the actors of Antaeus Company have distilled the legends of three generations into a single evening of drama, telling the story of a land and people caught in a web of pride and self-destruction. Written by Kenneth Cavander, and directed by Casey Stangl, it runs June 19 through August 10 at the Antaeus Theater in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-506-1983 or visit www.Antaeus.org.
“Indefinite Articles: A Libertarian Rage” Featuring playwright, actor and director Phillip Andrew Bennett Low, this political satire will fill the room with maximum verbosity, rage and comedy. Written and directed by Phillip Andrew Bennett, it runs June 19 through June 27 at the Theatre Asylum (Elephant Studio) in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.hff14.org/1480.
“All’s Well That Ends Well” The beautiful but lowborn Helena heals the king, winning the right to marry the man she loves – a count above her station. But no one is prepared for the severity and ruthlessness of Bertram’s rejection of Helena as his royally decreed wife, nor for the lengths to which Helena will go in order to win his love. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Ellen Geer and Christopher W. Jones, it runs June 21 through September 27 at the Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.
“Jersey Boys” Is the story of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sound and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were thirty. Written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe, and directed by Des McAnuff, it runs June 24 through July 13 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-556-2787 or visit www.scfta.org.
CONTINUING
“Frank Marino's Diva Las Vegas” Who knew you could see Britney, Rihanna, Madonna, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga – in drag - all in one show? For an unforgettable Las Vegas show experience, look no further than Frank Marino's Diva Las Vegas. Bursting with energy, the 75-minute production stars Frank Marino, Las Vegas' longest-running headliner. Marino's all-star cast – all female impersonators - is much more than your average drag show. These star performers replicate the likenesses of your favorite females, from legends like Diana Ross, Cher and Madonna to today's hottest like Katy Perry, Britney and Rihanna. And while all of these divas lip sync, you'll still have the time of your life. Besides, it's all about performance and flashy attire anyway. Marino kicks the show off as comedienne Joan Rivers, and then changes outfits between each act. With all his dazzling wardrobe collection, you'll have a hard time picking a favorite. After the show, stop by Frank Marino's own Divas Las Vegas gaming table and bet on your favorite Diva. Comedy, couture and crazy fun – what more could you ask for in a Vegas show? Written and directed by Frank Marino, it is running indefinitely at the Quad Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. For tickets call 702-794-3261 or visit www.thequadlv.com.
“The Music Man” Con man Harold Hill promises a boys’ band to counteract the possibility of a pool table coming to River City. His persuasive patter fools everyone except the town librarian, Marian Paroo. Meredith Willson’s score includes the timeless, “Goodnight, My Someone”, “Seventy-Six Trombones,” and “Till There Was You.” Written by Meredith Willson, with music by Meredith Willson, and directed by Valerie Rachelle, it runs May 17 through July 5 at the Glendale Centre Theatre in Glendale. For tickets call 818-244-8481 or visit www.glendalecentretheatre.com.
So brush the sand off your feet, grab your friends and family, and go out to see a show tonight!
