SCENE IN LA

BY

 

STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH

 

October 2015

 

Halloween is fast approaching, but not so fast that you can’t get out to see some of these great shows around town this month, such as:

           

OPENING

 

“The Money Fi$h” From Army Airborne Ranger to commercial fisherman on the Bering Sea: the true story of one man's harrowing journey to a better life. A natural raconteur with a baby face that belies the depth of his experience, Cox relates the gripping tale of his search for fortune and adventure. His yearning to belong propels him from boot camp to the Bering Sea; along the way, he must pass brutal tests and conquer his greatest fears. We learn that hell isn't hot. Hell is freezing cold, wet — and stinks like fish. Written by John Cox, and directed by Michael Arabian, it runs October 1 through November 22 at the Hudson Theatres in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-960-7780 or visit www.themoneyfishplay.com.

 

“Detroit ’67” It’s 1967 in Detroit. Motown music is getting the party started, and Chelle and her brother Lank are making ends meet by turning their basement into an after-hours joint. However, when a mysterious woman finds her way into their lives, the siblings clash over much more than the family business. As their pent-up feelings erupt, so does their city, and they find themselves caught in the midst of the ’67 riots. Written by Dominique Morrisseau, and directed by Joy Hooper, it runs October 2 through October 18 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 866-811-4111 or visit www.thelatc.org.

 

“Green Day’s American Idiot – RELOADED” DOMA Theatre Company remounts its smash hit production — with a few new surprises — about three lifelong friends who are forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia. Featuring the music of Green Day and the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong including “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “Holiday” and the blockbuster title track, “American Idiot.”. Written by Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Mayer, with music by Green Day, lyrics by Billie Joe Armstrong, and directed by Marco Gomez, it runs October 2 through October 18 at the MET Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-802-9181 or visit www.domatheatre.com.

 

“Happy Armenians” Levon, a teacher from Los Angeles, suddenly finds himself transported to an Earth in an alternate version of history. In this new set of circumstances, Armenia has been the dominant world empire for over 600 years, the tragedies of 1915 never happened, Armenia is on the brink of war with Switzerland, and Africa manipulates the global economy. He’s essentially been abducted to this parallel world, as he is the heir apparent to the Armenian Empire, as the current king prepares for his own imminent death. Facing attacks from abroad and tensions from within, King Levon must now guide his newfound realm. His closest advisor is a beautiful scientist, with whom he has fallen deeply in love. Written and directed by Aram Kouyoumdjian, it runs October 2 through October 25 at the NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood. For tickets call 626-869-7328 or visit www.itsmyseat.com/happy.

 

“Breathing Room” A humorous and lyrical tapestry of words, music, movement and quantum physics. A science teacher with a mysterious past (Charles Reese) and a visual artist overwhelmed by life (Eileen T’Kaye) explore our modern culture of “technological vertigo” in a series of playful and intriguing scenes infused with music — played live at every performance by playwright/composer Newmark on her trademark neon-green electric violin. Written by Mary Lou Newmark, with music by Mary Lou Newmark, and directed by Dan Berkowitz, it runs October 3 through October 25 at the Greenway Court Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-655- 7679 Ext. 100 or visit www.greenwaycourttheatre.org/breathing-room.

 

“DREMPELS: The Short but Happy Life of the Drempel Hieronymus Aloisius Plonk” an allegorical tale of remembrance and renewal. Told from the point of view of the Drempels - the tiny sub-species of human who live in the cracks of the earth and are caretakers to the Green - DREMPELS, a new monomyth for a modern age, takes audiences on an all-encompassing theatrical journey, rooted in old-world European storytelling and physical theatre juxtaposed with contemporary socio-political satire. A troupe of seven actors jumps into the theatrical tomfoolery with glee, breathing life into dozens of separate characters and creatures and a panoply of spaces and places, environs and curiosities, conjuring up a dark miniature world. Laced with biting comedy, the tale of the DREMPELS caresses notions of environmentalism, genocide, gentrification, revitalization, rebirth, and political, as well as literal, bulldozing. Come with us now for a peek at the miraculous hidden world beneath your feet, as you experience firsthand the woe and the wonder. Written by Chris DeCarlo & Evelyn Rudie, with music by Chris DeCarlo & Evelyn Rudie, and directed by Serena Dolinsky, it runs October 3 through November 29 at the Santa Monica Playhouse the Other Space in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310- 394-9779 Ext. 1 or visit www.SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com.

 

“The War of the Worlds” Fake Radio, L.A.’s Premiere Old-Time Radio Comedy Troupe, now in its 11th year, announces the return of its popular Halloween show, running every Saturday night in October: a re-creation of the historic 1938 “War of the Worlds” broadcast originally performed by Orson Welles and his Mercury Radio Theatre Troupe, with a well-known surprise guest artist in the cast each week. David Koff, Artistic Director of Fake Radio since 2005, says “The War of the Worlds goes down in history as the single greatest entertainment broadcast with Orson Welles actually fooling the entire nation into believing that a Martian invasion was underway in New Jersey!” Fake Radio frequently includes celebrity guest stars in its casts. Previous celebrity guest stars have included John Larroquette, Fred Willard, The Kids in the Hall, Phil Proctor (Firesign Theatre), Jeff Garlin, John Lynch , Dean Cain, Maria Bamford, Rick Overton, George Wendt and Laraine Newman. For over a decade, Fake Radio has been delighting audiences and critics alike with their unique re-creations of classic radio shows from 1938-1958, the Golden Age of the art form. Their shows transport audiences to a live taping of an old-time radio show. The troupe performs in the same fashion popularized during the Golden Age: cast members dressed in period clothing stand before old microphones, scripts in hand, re-creating classic stories while all of the old sound effects and music cues are perfectly synchronized. The troupe’s well-known hallmark is expertly blending the original broadcast scripts---even the absurd commercials!----with unexpected improvisation. Written by Howard E. Koch, based on the novel by H.G. Wells, and directed by David Koff, it runs October 3 through October 31 at the Trepany House at the Steve Allen Theater in Hollywood. For tickets call 800-595-4849 or visit www.trepanyhouse.org.

 

“Watching O.J.” Tensions run high as people in the wide cross-section of L.A.’s diverse population awaited the verdict in the O.J. Simpson murder case. No matter what you thought or what your feelings were regarding O.J.’s guilt or innocence, they will be represented here as people come in and out of the Perfect Fit Cleaners and its environs. A passionate multi-racial perspective during that crucial day of October 3, 1995 brings a volatile discussion about race and social classes to the surface, but one that is essential for us to continue. Written by David McMillan, and directed by Keith Szarabajka, it runs October 3 through November 8 at the Ensemble Studio Theatre - Los Angeles in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.watchingoj.brownpapertickets.com.

 

“Seven Spots on the Sun” A fable of revenge and redemption, the people of a Latin American village are reeling from the impact of a devastating civil war when a mysterious plague begins to ravage their children. An embittered doctor discovers that he could be their savior, but he must wrestle with his own soul to discover whether he wants to offer compassion or retribution. Written by Martín Zimmerman, and directed by Michael John Garcés, it runs October 4 through November 1 at the Boston Court Performing Arts Center in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-683-6883 or visit www.BostonCourt.org.

 

“Vietgone” The funny, irreverent and heartwarming story follows two very new Americans (Nguyen’s parents) as they meet and fall in love at an Arkansas refugee camp after the fall of Saigon. Their courtship led to marriage and to, well, Qui. Written by Qui Nguyen, and directed by Marc Masterson, it runs October 4 through October 25 at the South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708- 5555 or visit www.scr.org.

 

“Julia Migenes Sings Kurt Weill” Paring things down to the bare essentials of voice and piano, celebrated mezzo-soprano Julia Migenes takes the audience on a musical journey to the heart of Kurt Weill’s music, from Berlin to Paris to New York. Accompanied by Mitsuko Morikawa on piano and directed by Academy Award- nominated director Peter Medak, Migenes performs in the language of each “stopover” — German, French and English — exploring the work of this brilliant composer and the powerful lyrics that complement his music. Written by Julia Migenes, with music by Kurt Weill, and directed by Peter Medak, it runs October 9 through December 5 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.

 

“Twintastic” Described as the most unique show in the world, twin brothers Anthony and Eddie Edwards take you on a journey of the most incredible reproductions of major stars in complete costumes, live singing, no gimmicks, just plain talent. Two Brothers, 100 Stars! Performing Live, no lip-synching fully embody such stars as Barbra Streisand, Cher, Bette Midler, Billy Joel, Ray Charles, Neil Diamond, Elton John and many more. When you come out of TWINTASTIC, you have been through a jaw- dropping, unbelievable never-before-seen experience. It is hard to believe that two gentlemen could be this talented ... You have to see it for yourself. In this special return engagement the twins will introduce some new celebrities to the El Portal audience. Written and directed by Anthony and Eddie Edwards, it runs October 9 through October 11 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818- 508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.

 

“Willy Wonka the Musical” A timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation, which features songs from the classic family film. Willy Wonka is a scrumdidilyumptious musical theatre treat guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth while taking you on a fantasy ride into the land of pure imagination! Written by Road Dahl, adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald, with music by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, it runs October 9 through November 8 at the Monroe Forum @ El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.

 

“Absolutely Halloween” the heartwarming tale of the aptly named "Candy”, a sweet young girl who learns some surprising lessons about life, love, laughter and sugar, from a delightful array of characters who take her on a magical All Hallows' Eve adventure, enlisting the audience's aid to help save Halloween for one more year. A delightful holiday tradition, back by audience demand. Written by Chris DeCarlo, Evelyn Rudie & Matthew Wrather, with music by Chris DeCarlo, Evelyn Rudie & Matthew Wrather, and directed by Chris DeCarlo, it runs October 10 through October 31 at the Santa Monica Playhouse Main Stage in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 Ext. 2 or visit www.santamonicaplayhouse.com/absolutely-halloween.html.

 

“The Addams Family” In the stage musical, 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, daddy Gomez 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 T.J. Dawson, it runs October 10 through October 25 at the Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton. For tickets call 714-589-2770 Ext. 1 or visit www.3dtshows.com.

 

“The Dock Brief” An unsuccessful barrister has been waiting for years to make a grandstand defense. He is overjoyed when he gets assigned to defend an innocuous little man accused for murdering his wife. Finally, he will have his chance to shine. However, in pleading his client “not guilty” the case may not quite go as planned. Written by Sir John Mortimer, and directed by Robert Bailey, it runs October 10 through November 15 at the Pacific Resident Theatre in Venice. For tickets call 310-822-8392 or visit www.PacificResidentTheatre.com.

 

“Cake” a socially awkward college senior finds a kindred spirit while taking the questionable advice of a tenured professor. A newly minted resident playwright sweats her latest production while her devoted husband tries to keep her sane. A frazzled new mother and her last remaining single friend envy each other’s lives. A mismatched pair of medieval monks try to find peace or a good conversation, depending on who you ask. This world premiere ensemble comedy follows the interwoven tales of family, friends and lovers trying to survive the absurdities and indignities of academia, art and adulthood through banter and baked goods. After all, in this unpredictable world, we all need someone to share cake with, even when we want to shove it in their face. Written by Wendy Gough Soroka, and directed by Lisa K. Wyatt, it runs October 15 through November 21 at the Belfry Stage Upstairs at the Crown in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-849-4039 or visit www.theatreunleashed.org.

 

“Uncle Vanya” classic tragicomedy bursts with passion and fierce humor in Pulitzer Prize and three-time Obie Award-winning playwright Annie Baker’s colloquial translation. Antaeus Theatre Company presents the West Coast premiere of Baker’s fresh new version, hailed as one of the top 10 shows of 2012 by both The New York Times and New York magazine, in a fully partner-cast production. On a country estate, Vanya's monotonous existence is thrust into chaos by the arrival of his brother-in-law’s beautiful new wife. Written by Anton Chekhov, adapted by Annie Baker, and directed by Robin Larsen, it runs October 15 through December 6 at the ANTAEUS THEATER in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-506-1983 or visit www.antaeus.org.

 

“Abundance” The story follows two women in the American West of the late 19th century. It is the story of Bess and Macon, mail-order brides, who are tenaciously hopeful as they head to the Wyoming Territory to meet their new husbands. Their epic adventure—that unfolds over the course of 25 years—is filled with joys, challenges and erratic twists of fate. Written by Beth Henley, and directed by Martin Benson, it runs October 16 through November 15 at the South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit www.scr.org.

 

“Disconnection” is a powerful indictment of contemporary religious intrusions into personal relationships. A successful lawyer, his classical piano mentor, and his estranged daughter all confront the dark side of dedication to a Church whose aged founder faces the end of his life in isolation and regret. Written by Allen Barton, and directed by Joel Polis, it runs October 16 through November 8 at the Beverly Hills Playhouse in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 213-761-7061 or visit www.skylighttix.com.

 

“Inhale Harmonica” Long buried family secrets flare up within Isaiah Wilks’ pious Kentucky family when a wealthy black man comes into town claiming a connection to one of the darkest nights in the family’s history. New tragic secrets are born as Isaiah furiously fights to keep his family together, just like his Pappy did before him. And like HIS Pappy did before HIM. The line between love and suffocation blurs as the family scrambles to keep their daughter safe... and to keep her from leaving them. Written by Nathan Wellman, and directed by Pat Towne, it runs October 16 through November 15 at the Studio/Stage in Los Angeles. For tickets call 800-838- 3006 or visit www.SkyPilotTheatre.com.

 

“Marilyn Forever Blonde” The amazing Sunny Thompson returns with this fantastic portrayal of the final days of Marilyn Monroe. Writer/Director Greg Thompson has taken everything in the show directly from interviews and comments from the star, herself. This incredible recreation of Marilyn transcends imitation, as Sunny truly transforms her look and voice, and seemingly channels the tortured, playful soul of Hollywood's greatest star. She also sings 17 of Marilyn's songs and changes into the star's famous, sexy outfits - all without ever leaving the stage! Written and directed by Greg Thompson, with music by Sunny Thompson, it runs October 16 through October 18 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818- 508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.

 

“Sondheim on Sondheim” Writing songs that reflect the complexity of his characters, Stephen Sondheim changed the way we define a great musical. Yet even though millions of fans know his songs by heart, few know much about Sondheim himself. Until now. Conceived by frequent Sondheim collaborator James Lapine, this intimate evening combines exclusive interview footage offering an inside look at Sondheim’s personal life and artistic process with sparkling-new arrangements of over two dozen Sondheim tunes ranging from the celebrated to the obscure. A unique theatrical experience. Rating: A Major. Written by James Lapine, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by DJ Gray, it runs October 16 through November 8 at the INTERNATIONAL CITY THEATRE - Long Beach Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

 

“Disinherit The Wind” Dr. Bertram Cates, a renowned neurobiologist, has been removed from his position at the University of California because he has dared to suggest that spirituality is an innate component of human existence, thus running afoul of neo-Darwinian orthodoxy and its advocates. He sues to regain his job at the University, and calls upon a brilliant young scientist, Howard Blair, to testify as an expert witness on his behalf. Complicating matters for Howard is the fact that he’s in love with Melinda Brown, daughter of Dr. Jared Brown, the man who fired Dr. Cates. Cates and Blair will have to face off against Dr. Brown’s expert witness, scientist and atheist Dr. Robert Hawkins (rhymes with Richard Dawkins). Who will prevail? Written by Matt Chait, and directed by Caitlin Rucker, it runs October 23 through November 29 at the Ruby Theatre at The Complex in Hollywood. For tickets call 323- 960-4420 or visit www.Plays411.com/disinherit.

 

“The Shoplifters” When the 60-something Alma is caught by a gung-ho security guard-in-training stuffing a 16-oz. rib eye steak under her skirt at the supermarket where he has just been hired, she and her younger-and decidedly more traumatized-accomplice Phyllis are herded into the backroom of the store, only to have the novice guard quickly be placed more on the defensive than the offensive. Alma, who admits she is "at the top of her game" in the petty theft business, immediately begins to blast the young rookie for his impertinence rather than exhibiting any contrition, reminding him that even Prometheus stole fire from the gods-and after all is said and done, that didn't turn out to be such a bad thing. There's nothing in Dom's training manual that helps him deal with the situation, as the chapter on what to do when meat falls out of a customer's underwear seems to have been omitted. Luckily, Dom is confident he can rely on the expertise of his colleague Otto, the older security guard who's been showing him the ropes. Unfortunately, that lesson might still be hard to come by, as Otto not only has been watching Alma steal from the market on a regular basis without ever stopping her, his professional duties are compromised because he has developed a massive crush on her right through the monitor of the store's surveillance system. Written by Morris Panych, and directed by Maria Gobetti, it runs October 23 through December 13 at the Big Victory Theatre in Burbank. For tickets call 818-841-5421 or visit www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org.

 

“Breaking Through” is told through the eyes of a young, talented singer/songwriter, as she tries to navigate the treacherous shark-filled waters of the music business. She embarks on a compelling journey to find her way back to her authentic self and in the process rediscovers the music that truly makes her alive. BREAKING THROUGH features a score by Emmy award-winning songwriter and producer Cliff Downs (“The Voice,” “American Idol,”), and Katie Kahanovitz (Girls Night Out Pop Radio), with a book by Kirsten Guenther (Mrs. Sharp, 2008 Richard Rodgers Award-winner; the upcoming Benny and Joon). Written by Kirsten Guenther, with music by Cliff Downs and Katie Kahanovitz, and directed by Sheldon Epps, it runs October 27 through November 22 at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-7529 or visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.

 

“The Addams Family” In the stage musical, 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, daddy Gomez 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 T.J. Dawson, it runs October 31 through November 8 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Redondo Beach. For tickets call 714-589-2770 Ext. 1 or visit www.3dtshows.com.

           

CONTINUING

 

“Guys and Dolls” This is a show with a mission, Sarah Brown’s that is. You’ll meet the guys, you’ll meet the gals as they sing hits such as: “If I Were a Bell,” “Bushel And a Peck,” “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “Luck Be A Lady,” and “I’ve Never Been In Love Before.” So grab your guy or doll and be here. Don’t gamble on this one. Odds are, you won’t want to miss it! Written by Jo Swerling & Abe Burrows, with music by Frank Loesser, and directed by Daniel Roebuck, it runs through October 10 at the Glendale Centre Theatre in Glendale. For tickets call 818- 244-8481 or visit www.glendalecentretheatre.com.

 

“The Best of Enemies” Meet Ann Atwater, an African-American civil rights activist, and C.P.Ellis, the Exalted Cyclops of the Ku Klux Klan. They are forced to work together by the federal government to achieve integration in their small North Carolina town fifteen years after Brown v. Board of Education. Clearly, they will never be friends, but over the course of the play, hearts, minds – and lives – are changed as they discover all the things they have in common. Ultimately, they forge an alliance based on respect and trust. Impossible to believe – except it's a true story! Written by Mark St. Germain, and directed by David Rose, it runs through October 18 at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. For tickets call 818-558-7000 Ext. 15 or visit www.ColonyTheatre.org.

 

“Cinderella Waltz” Rosey Snow is trapped in a fairy tale world that is, by turns, funny and a little frightening with her stepsisters Goneril and Regan, her demented stepmother, her lecherous father, a bewildered Prince, a fairy godmother who sings salty old sailor songs, a troll and a possibly homicidal village idiot. The play investigates the archetypal origins of the world’s more popular fairy tale, contrasting the familiar and charming Perrault version with the darker, more ancient and disturbing tale recorded by the brothers Grimm. Grotesque farce and romantic fantasy blend in a fairy tale for adults. Written by Don Nigro, and directed by William Wilday, it runs through October 18 at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-828-7519 or visit www.morgan-wixson.org.

 

“Double Door” In 1910 in New York, Victoria Van Bret controls the vast financial holdings of the Van Bret family from her favorite chair in the grand old Van Bret home. She maintains her dominance by browbeating her younger sister, Caroline, and half-brother Rip. Rip, recently recovered from a protracted illness, is taking himself a bride, a lovely young nurse named Anne. Victoria hates Anne, clearly believing her to be below Rip’s station. Victoria attempts to sabotage the marriage by various means. Anne loves Rip, however, and their relationship can’t be dislodged, despite Victoria’s worst efforts. Victoria will decide ultimately that there is only one way to remove Anne: she’ll have to kill her. Will Rip be able to save his lovely wife from a horrible death? Written by Elizabeth McFadden, and directed by Bruce Gray, it runs through October 19 at the Theatre 40, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.Theatre40.org.

 

“The Baker's Wife” What’s more important to France than love? Great food! From the creator of “Wicked” and “Pippin” comes the delicious musical about a French baker who stops making his mouth-watering bread when his young wife leaves him. Faced with the loss of the best food they have ever eaten, the town of misfits unites to rekindle the couple’s love! Written by Joseph Stein, with music by Stephen Schwartz, and directed by Richard Israel, it runs through October 25 at the Actors Co-op David Schall Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-462-8460 Ext. 300 or visit www.actorsco-op.org.

 

“Wizards and Fools: The Hallows’ Fool Moon Magic Show” Actors Forum Theatre and Magic Tree Productions present Brandon Scott’s Wizards and Fools: The Hallows' Fool Moon Magic Show produced by Audrey M. Singer and Brandon Scott. The show is centered around a quirky family preparing for a Hallows’ Eve and night of the Fools Moon, a very special night as it happens only once every 100 years. Excitement is in the air as relatives from both sides of the family. the wizards and the fools, gather from everywhere for this grand celebration. At the stroke of the Fool Moon, a magic show is performed that helps all remember the story of their ancestral make believe reality. This otherworldly magic show interweaves storytelling, magic, music, comedy and dance into a unique theatrical tapestry. Not your normal abracadabra. Written and directed by Brandon Scott, it runs through October 25 at the Actors Forum Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-506-0600.

 

“Dating: Adults Embracing Failure” Every relationship fails until one doesn’t. The trick is finding out which one that is. A hilarious and thoughtful take on what makes a relationship succeed or fail. Featuring Josh Lanzet and Lindy Voeltner as eight eclectic couples trying to discover if they have the right chemistry to make a match that lasts—with one unexpected couple emerging intact through it all, this punchy new comedy will leave you crying with laughter and looking for your own recipe for a successful relationship. Written by Josh Lanzet and Lindy Voeltner, and directed by Andy Eninger, it runs through October 29 at the Lounge Theatres in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-960-7788 or visit www.plays411.com/dating.

 

“Elvira’s Asylum” Elvira, the legendary Mistress of the Dark, returns to Knott’s Scary Farm in a spectacular all new show, Elvira’s Asylum, featuring insane dance and comedy performances. In honor of Elvira’s return to Knott’s Scary Farm, the Nautilus merchandise shop will temporarily become Elvira’s Boo-tique, where fans can purchase stylish apparel and sinfully fun products featuring and inspired by the Legendary Mistress of the Dark. Each night, a limited number of guests who spend at least $50 at Elvira’s Boo-tique during Knott’s Scary Farm will get a chance to meet Elvira between performances of Elvira’s Asylum and collect her signature on one of the purchased items. Knott’s Scary Farm is the only place Elvira can be seen this Halloween season, and Elvira’s Boo-tique offers fans a once in a lifetime meet and greet opportunity! Written and directed by Cassandra Peterson, it runs September 24 through October 31 at the Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park. For tickets call 714-220-5200 or visit www.knottsscaryfarm.com.

 

“Tartuffe by Moliére: A Reality Show” Welcome to the glitzy, gaudy Beverly Hills mansion of the delightfully deluded businessman Orgon Pernelle. He rescues a homeless hustler from the street who pretends to be a pious preacher, but his family sees in him what he doesn’t: a masterly con man. His trophy wife, his rebellious, spoiled children, and his naughty maid all want the cunning manipulator to be thrown out. Step by step, the imposter Tartuffe seduces his victim until the man is ready to sign over everything he owns to him—all in the name of purifying himself spiritually! Will Tartuffe get away with it or will the family expose his evil scheme? Written by Moliere, translated and adapted by Frédérique Michel & Charles Duncombe, and directed by Frédérique Michel, it runs through November 1 at the City Garage at Bergamot Station Arts Center in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-453-9939 or visit www.citygarage.org

 

 

Have a boo-tee-full time on Halloween!