SCENE IN LA

 

BY

 

STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH

 

May 2015

As you start preparing for your Mother’s Day celebrations, why not make her happy by taking her to see one of these great shows:

OPENING

“Abigail/1702” Whatever happened to Abigail Williams? It’s 1702, a decade after The Crucible‘s infamous seductress danced with the devil in Salem. Imagining the destiny of the immortal stage villain who cried “Witch!,” this thrilling next chapter by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Fox’s Glee, Broadway’s Spider-man: Turn off the Dark) finds Abigail living under an assumed name in a village far from Salem, trying to start afresh. But now her past is about to catch up with her. Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, and directed by caryn desai, it runs May 1 through May 24 at the International City Theatre - Long Beach Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

 

“Our Lady of 121st Street” A comedic tragedy surrounding the lives of twelve people returning to Spanish Harlem for the funeral of the neighborhood's patron saint, Sister Rose... whose body has gone missing. Their journey to bury the past and find redemption results in riotously hilarious confrontations and heart-wrenching confessions. Written by Stephen Adly Gurgis, and directed by Ruman Kazi, it runs May 1 through June 7 at the Victory Theatre Center in Burbank. For tickets call 818-841-5422 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1410190.

 

“Circus Ugly” Step right up and see the Girl Made of Paper! Visit with the Bearded Lady! At an underground strip club, two lovers confront the nightmares of their past and discover that being Circus Ugly can be sexier than sexy! Written by Gabriel Rivas Gomez, and directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera, it runs May 2 through May 25 at the Playwrights’ Arena at Atwater Village Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 800-838-3006 or visit www.circusuglyla.brownpapertickets.com.

 

“The LAF Supper” is a comedy/musical about a disillusioned yet hopeful idea-machine-of-a-man who after years of Hollywood rejection attempts to join a monastery convinced they'll embrace his brilliance as he singlehandedly sets out to rebrand the church's long-suffering image. Written and directed by Steve Mackall, it runs May 2 through May 9 at the Santa Monica Playhouse the Main Stage in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 Ext. 1 or visit www.SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com.

 

“The Still Alarm & Black Comedy”

 

THE STILL ALARM by Peter Shaffer 

The hotel bedroom is on fire. In the face of crackling flames, deadly heat, and imminent catastrophe, the guests, the bellboy, and the firemen remain resolutely British. 

 

BLACK COMEDY by George S. Kaufman

When light illuminates the stage for the audience, the characters can’t see -- they plunge into a world of darkness. Unfortunately, this happens to be the night when desperate sculptor Brindsley Miller has “borrowed” furniture and art from the absent collector next door to impress his fiancée’s intimidating father and a wealthy art dealer. When the collector unexpectedly returns, only to be joined by a tipsy tee-totaling spinster, a horny ex-girlfriend, and a German electrician, Brindsley frantically tries to keep everyone in the dark long enough to return the stolen items before light is restored, illusions are shattered, and his lies are revealed. When the lights go out, the laughter begins.

 

Written by Peter Shaffer & George S. Kaufman, and directed by Paul Guay, it runs May 2 through May 24 at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-828-7519 or visit www.morgan-wixson.org.

 

“Den of Thieves” Maggie is a newly single, junk-food-binging shoplifter looking to change her life and her self-hating ways. Paul is her passionately convicted, formerly four-hundred-pound compulsive-overeating sponsor in a twelve-step program for recovering thieves. Maggie's jealous ex-boyfriend is a charismatic wannabe Puerto Rican small-time thief of uncertain ancestry named Flaco who spins a grammatically challenged but persuasive yarn about $750,000 in unprotected drug money sitting in a safe in a downtown disco guarded by an easily distracted crackhead. This dubious and ragtag would-be criminal crew is rounded out by Flaco's new girlfriend, the fabulous Boochie—a malaprop-slinging topless dancer who refuses to let her troubled childhood or her third-grade reading level stand in the way of her inevitable path to fame, fortune, and fur. When things don't quite go according to plan, this bickering quartet of hapless thieves finds themselves at the mercy of Louie "The Little Tuna" Pescatore, a reluctant, donut-ingesting heir to the criminal empire run by his father—"The Big Tuna"—who has left him in charge for the weekend. Tied to chairs, they must now fight for their lives by out-arguing each other as to who deserves to live. Verbal gymnastics and the struggle for self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-love produce a high-octane battle for survival that's not resolved until the last donut falls. Written by Stephen Adly Guirgis, and directed by Alex Aves, it runs May 8 through May 31 at the Stella Adler Theatre – Studio C in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-873-5149 or visit www.denofthieves.bpt.me.

 

“The Odd Couple” Two guys, both with broken marriages, move in together. Oscar has an eight-room, rent-controlled New York apartment. There’s plenty of space, so this should work out, right? They even share the same poker-playing buddies. But Oscar lives comfortably and easily and is rather a slob. Felix, on the other hand, is a neat freak, to the extent that Freud would call him anal-retentive (Oscar might at some point just want to call Felix anal). Worlds collide and hilarity ensues. Oscar sets Felix and himself up with a double date with two willing, eager and attractive sisters who happen to live in the same building. Sounds great, right? After all, what could possibly go wrong? Just wait. Can Oscar and Felix continue to live together without killing each other? Written by Neil Simon, and directed by Alan Brooks, it runs May 8 through June 27 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

 

“Peter and the Starcatcher” They call him Boy, the orphan without a name. One day he’s whisked onto the good ship Neverland, and recruited by a young Starcatcher named Molly to save the “starstuff” from Black Stache and his pirate crew. If the starstuff falls into Black Stache’s hands, his every wish could become reality. See how the Boy becomes Peter in a swashbuckling tale of yesteryear, infused with pop culture imagery of today. Written by Rick Elice, based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, with music by David O, and directed by Art Manke, it runs May 8 through June 7 at the Segerstrom Stage at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit www.scr.org.

 

“Untethered” is a wacky new love story, not the Hallmark variety, the messy, screwing up, begging for mercy kind. Plagued by nightmares of her love’s demise, Ellie pops the question out of the blue & Ari spirals into a commitment-phobic panic. Enter Ari’s estranged father, a siren from the sea, and a portal into the time-bending fourth dimension. Suddenly Ellie’s life hangs in the balance as Ari attempts to tether himself to what truly matters. Written by Julia Edwards, with music by Steven Kai van Betten, and directed by Jen Bloom, it runs May 8 through June 7 at the Mountain View Mausoleum in Altadena. For tickets call 323-960-1054 or visit www.plays411.com/untethered.

 

“The Elliots” Young, refined but spirited Anne Elliot, at 19, has fallen in love with the dashing Captain Frederick Wentworth. She at first consents to his proposal of marriage, but reverses herself after her father and older sister express their disapproval of the match, as Wentworth has no money. After eight years, Wentworth has distinguished himself in naval battles and has become a wealthy man. Anne hopes to renew her relationship with Frederick, but he seems indifferent to her, enjoying the attention of other women. In fact, he has not been able to quite forgive Anne for her initial rejection of him, even though she was putting familial duty before love. Meanwhile, the fortunes of the Elliot family are in jeopardy, as Anne’s father, Sir Walter, has allowed future ownership of the family estate to fall within the potential control of a careless cousin, an opportunist who cares little about family history. Will the Elliot family ultimately prevail? Will Anne forgive herself for the tragic mistakes of her past? Can Anne and Frederick heal from old wounds and attain the true love for which they should have been destined? Written by A.J. Darby, based on the novel Persuasion by Jane Austen, and directed by Karissa McKinney, it runs May 9 through June 7 at the Fremont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena. For tickets call 866-811-4111 or visit www.fremontcentretheatre.com.

 

“The House of Yes” As a violent hurricane swirls outside the Pascal’s Kennedy estate-adjacent home in McLean, VA, the storm of the century — brewing since JFK's assassination — is about to erupt inside. Mrs. Pascal, daughter Jackie-O and younger son Anthony await the arrival of Jackie’s twin brother for the holiday. But when Marty brings along his new fiancée, secrets unravel and the family’s elegant veneer begins to crack. What could be funnier than love, incest and murder? Written by Wendy MacLeod, and directed by Lee Sankowich, it runs May 9 through June 14 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-960-5563 or visit www.plays411.com/houseofyes.

 

“I Gelosi” The impoverished company, led by director Francesco, suddenly becomes an overnight sensation when, for the first time, it allows a female performer, Isabella, to join its ranks. She also becomes the troupe’s principal playwright. Francesco marries her for expediency, although she loves him. More women join their ranks, including Vittoria, mistress of the Duke of Mantua, the company’s wealthy patron; and Sylvia, who saves the company at a dangerous moment with her skill with a blade. She becomes Francesco’s mistress. I Gelosi has another patron in the King of France, until Francesco writes a play critical of the Pope. They return to the prosperity of the court of the Duke of Mantua until professional and other jealousies threaten to tear the company apart. Can the company survive? As the troupe’s fortunes begin to teeter on the edge, can the wayward Francesco return to Isabella’s arms and reclaim her love? Written by David Bridel, and directed by Marjo-Riikka Makela, it runs May 9 through May 31 at the Studio Six01 in Burbank. For tickets call 800-838-3006 or visit www.gelosi.brownpapertickets.com.

 

“Annie” a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss (Agnes) Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and finds a new family and home in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. The beloved score includes, “Maybe,” “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You” and the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.” Written by Thomas Meehan, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and directed by Martin Charnin, it runs May 13 through May 24 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-556-2787 or visit www.SCFTA.org.

 

 

“Accomplice” A woman, having an affair with her husband’s junior business partner, contrives to seize control of a significant portion of her husband’s company assets and dispose of her annoying spouse by poisoning his drink. Of course, if the plot was this simple, this would be a remarkably short entertainment. However, the play manipulates our perceptions of who will be the perpetrator and who will be the victim with plot twists that occur with increasing frequency and velocity. Central to the action is the fact that there’s an accomplice in there somewhere, whose participation ensures the success of the whole criminal undertaking. Just exactly who is the accomplice? Unless you’re already a dedicated mystery buff, you won’t see this one coming. Written by Rupert Holmes, and directed by Martin Thompson, it runs May 14 through June 14 at the Theatre 40, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.Theatre40.org.

 

“Boxes” medical student Sigourney Cushing has lost her research grant due to temporary cutbacks, but finds a research position with a doctor with an unusual scientific experiment. Sigourney is not merely smart. She’s intuitive and sensitive. She’s attractive and sensuous, if not a movie star. She has no money, but she has a boyfriend, Marvin, even if he is something of a commitment-phoebe. She is also self-critical, which makes her vulnerable. Her new boss, Dr. Robert Eden, assigns her to record her responses to a series of objects presented in boxes (hence the title). The objects stimulate her intellect and open her to sensual desires and she soon begins to pursue her erotic attraction to Dr. Eden. But Dr. Eden has a stunning colleague, Dr. Kelly Banford, the woman who initially referred Sigourney to her new job, and who is apparently Eden’s mistress. It soon becomes evident that Sigourney is being manipulated by Eden and Banford in a sinister scheme that can ultimately lead to no good. Soon, Sigourney will be standing over a body on the floor with a literal smoking gun in her hand. Make no assumptions. The story has more twists, turns and dangerous curves than the Topanga Canyon Highway, and you will not foresee the surprising conclusion. Written by Jule Selbo, and directed by Mary Lou Belli, it runs May 14 through May 31 at the Theatre West in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-851-7977 or visit www.theatrewest.org.

 

“4000 Miles” After suffering a major loss while he was on a cross-country bike trip, 21 year-old Leo seeks solace from his feisty 91 year-old grandmother Vera in her spacious rent-controlled Greenwich Village apartment that hasn't been redecorated since 1968. The key decorative element is books. Over the course of the month of September in current time, these unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder, and ultimately reach each other in many ways. This play looks at how two outsiders find their way in today's hectic world. Written by Amy Herzog, and directed by Gail Bernardi, it runs May 15 through June 20 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

 

“Love Again” features a series of three engaging musical playlets, each with its own storyline about making difficult choices in love with a brand new pop/Broadway score from the creative team of the well-received Off-Broadway hit Inside Out. Written by Doug Haverty, with music by Adryan Russ, lyrics by Russ and Haverty, and directed by Kay Cole, it runs May 15 through June 28 at the Group Rep/Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

 

“Andre & Dorine” In a small room where memories hung over the walls, sound the keys of a typewriter and the notes of a cello. They are André and Dorine, an elderly couple that lives just like many old couples do: gently decaying from routine and neglect, with passion once so huge for each other now fading into indifference. But an event comes to break the monotony: Alzheimer’s, our greatest antagonist, devourer of memories and of identity itself. The couple needs to remember who they were, so as not to forget who they are. Uplifting and thought provoking, “Andre & Dorine” explores important themes with warmth and humor. Written by Kulunka Teatro (Garbiñe Insausti, José Dault, Iñaki Rikarte, Rolando San Martin, Edu Cármaco), with music by Yayo Cáceres, and directed by Iñaki Rikarte, it runs May 23 through June 7 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 866-811-4111 or visit www.thelatc.org.

 

“Curious Conversations” The worlds of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass provide the inspirations and springboard for an entertainment comprised of eight new short plays: 

An Alice of a Certain Age by Nancy Cooper Frank - Decades later, Alice rediscovers the rabbit hole. She meets up again with the Caterpillar, eternally young—in his own mind at least. And she meets up again with the Duchess, whom age has certainly not improved. Will she let these two define the limits of growing older? Or will she, instead, rediscover wonder?  

The White Rose by Gabi Rodriguez – Usually, the Mad Hatter keeps to himself. Well, himself, the March Hare, and anyone unlucky enough to stumble upon his perpetual tea party. So what happens when he drops by Wonderland’s finest tavern, the White Rose, to have a chat with the Cheshire Cat?

Meet the Tweedles by Eric Duhon- A day in the life of the Brothers Tweedle as they attempt to perform their magnum opus, a five-and-a-half hour masterpiece (sans intermission) of their personal history, fistfuls of philosophy, and just a touch of poetry.

Looking Through the Glass by Michael Maiello- As Alice prepares for her wedding, she receives a visitation from the woman within the looking glass.

Hard Boiled Alice by Suzie Heaton - Has Sam Spade met his match when he meets Alice from Wonderland? 

Toke by Marni L.B. Troop- The Blue Caterpillar seeks catharsis by attending an addiction meeting.

Of Cabbages and Kings- by Natasha Troop- A briefly historical tragicomedy about the fates of the Walrus and the Carpenter after they consume their oyster appetizer.

Quit While You’re a Head by Rochelle Perry- After losing most of his business due to the Queen's tyranny, the Hatter needs to figure out a way to stay alive (and even get ahead) in this cruel mad world.

Directed by Madelyne Heyman and Shane Labowitz, it runs May 29 through June 28 at the Eclectic Company Theatre in Valley Village. For tickets call 818-508-3003 or visit www.eclecticcompanytheatre.org.

 

“The Idiot Box” tells the story of six sitcom characters whose lives are shaken when reality crashes into their perfect world. A play about war & betrayal! It’s about the deterioration of a TV sit-com and the collision of reality and denial. A glittering absurdist farce with a sinister undertow that takes hold early and never lets go. As the artifice of their lives unravels, each character discovers powerful truths about race, love, sexuality and the America outside they never knew existed - resulting in a theatrical experience. The colorful six couldn’t-be-happier, or so it seems, as penthouse-mates and include the neurotic paramedic, the spoiled rich girl, the sex-crazed male model, a new-age hippie acupuncturist, the cynical hubby and control-freak, and a stereotypical romance novelist wife. And since every sitcom must have its guest stars, “this week’s episode” features appearances by a Naval Reserves doctor, and also a cabaret singer. This disparate group and their idiosyncrasies provide comic fodder, as they become embroiled in familiar sitcom foibles — innocuous spats and predicaments such as the training of a hostile puppy — all purposely embellished with laugh tracks. Just when you get the impression that this is all nothing more than an amusing but pointless sitcom run amok, the mood subtly darkens, the sound effects cease and reality intrudes, forcing these characters to confront weightier issues of racism, sexual identity and the value of love. Written by Michael Elyanow, and directed by Rick Shaw, it runs May 29 through June 27 at the NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-5068 or visit

 

“Oedipus Machina” A plague grips the city of Thebes. Desperate to save his people, King Oedipus sends a messenger to the oracle at Delphi and discovers that the city's salvation lies in finding and punishing the murderer of the former king, Laius, who was brutally slain by a stranger at a crossroads years ago. When Oedipus orders a manhunt, he unknowingly sets the wheels of his own destruction in motion. Written by Ellen Mc Laughlin, and directed by Ron Sossi, it runs May 30 through June 26 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.

           

CONTINUING

“Grace” New to Florida from Minnesota, Steve and Sara are ready to start their new life creating a chain of Gospel-themed hotels. An agitated neighbor and a caustic exterminator complete the eclectic foursome as destinies collide. Written by Craig Wright, and directed by David Fofi, it runs through May 2 at the Electric Lounge Theatre in Venice. For tickets call 323-960-5773 or visit www.plays411.com/grace.

 

“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” Based on the popular 1988 MGM film, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels takes us to the French Riviera for high-jinx and hilarity. Two con men discover the town is not big enough for the two of them. A hilarious musical full of schemes, masquerades and double-crosses that will keep you laughing and guessing to the end! Music by Steven Applegate, with music by Steven Applegate, it runs through May 3 at the Glendale Centre Theatre in Glendale. For tickets call 818-244-8481 or visit www.glendalecentretheatre.com.

 

 

“Boy Gets Girl” What started as an innocent blind date has quickly turned into a dangerous obsession. For Theresa, an accomplished journalist, her life is now spiraling chaotically out of control as she experiences a violent terror that’s all too familiar. Written by Rebecca Gilman, and directed by Jacob Smith, it runs through May 9 at the Belfry Stage in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-849-4039 or visit www.theatreunleashed.org.

 

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” A barber who was unjustly imprisoned for years by a corrupt judge returns to England bent on revenge — a revenge that turns indiscriminately murderous, leading his resourceful accomplice, Mrs. Lovett, to bake the victims into meat pies. Written by Hugh Wheeler and Patrick Quentin, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Kristin Towers-Rowles, it runs through May 10 at the El Portal Theatre - Monroe Forum Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.

 

“5863” A convict in a solitary cell has been reduced to a number, 5863, his former identity erased. He’s lost his name, his woman, his son, his job, his home. All he has left to him is incarceration (and much worse) for life. He swears he did not commit that particularly heinous crime for which he has been convicted. He is certain of his innocence in that regard. Now that he has lost the treasures of love and family, is there any possible redemption left for him? Written by Rudi Stroebel, and directed by Angela Grillo and Dominique Sire, it runs through May 17 at the Eclectic Company Theatre in Valley Village. For tickets call 818-508-3003 or visit www.eclecticcompanytheatre.org.

 

“Betrayal” Blending inventive touches like a live, on-stage band and a photography exhibit showcasing the actors’ creative process, director Aaron Craig is putting his own inspired spin on the play. In a twist even Pinter himself couldn’t have planned, Elizabeth Kimball (Emma) and Brian Graves (Robert) are husband and wife in the play and in real life. Kimball and Greg Crooks (Jerry) attended PCPA with Craig years earlier and the trio is thrilled to reunite for this novel approach to a play they have all long admired. Written by Harold Pinter, and directed by Aaron Craig, it runs through May 17 at the NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-7773 or visit www.plays411.com/betrayal.

 

“Women On Time” presents seven original short plays, featuring funny, moving and provocative moments with women -- from suffragettes to corporate execs -- as they navigate through an American century. Produced by 5inaHive – award-winning actors, writers and directors producing theatre by and about women – the world premiere of WOMEN ON TIME stars Joanna Miles, Julie Janney and Kimberly Alexander, who bring to life 21 unforgettable characters in an acting tour de force:

SUFFRAGE, ca. 1917 by Susanna Styron In a kitchen in Pennsylvania, a mother’s sewing skills provide the ammunition in the battle for the 19th amendment. (Directed by Iris Merlis)

ROSIES, ca. 1945 by Bridget Terry Driving home from their last day at the aircraft factory, the riveters bid farewell to jobs and paychecks, as their men sail home from the war. (Directed by Bridget Terry)

DEFINING MOMENTS, ca.1955 by Lorin Howard In a Brooklyn tenement kitchen, three women with three viewpoints have one life to save. (Directed by Iris Merlis)

TO BRA OR NOT TO BRA, ca.1969 by Nikki McCauley In a fitting room, a mother and a “foundations” sales lady go tit to tit with the braless generation. (Directed by Jenny O’Hara)

FLIGHT SCHOOL, ca. 1992 by Bonnie Garvin It takes more than Anita Hill’s testimony to bring justice and change to three flight attendants. (Directed by Jenny O’Hara)

LUNCH, ca. 2011 by Joanna Miles A politician’s wife lunches with friends who have seen far more of her husband than she realizes. (Directed by Maria Gobetti)

INVALUABLE, ca. 2015 by Deborah Pearl In a boardroom, a hardened executive shows two voracious younger colleagues that she plays to win. (Directed by Maria Gobetti).

The show runs through May 17 at the Working Stage Theater in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-7724 or visit www.plays411.com/wotime.

 

“Words by Ira Gershwin” Meet the man behind the lyrics you love. With "Fascinating Rhythm," " ‘S Wonderful," "The Man That Got Away," "Long Ago And Far Away," "A Foggy Day," "I Got Rhythm," and many more, the other half of the famous Gershwin duo guides us on a trip through some of the greatest American songs ever written. Insights and tales about his legendary collaborations all frame this fascinating and inspiring evening of music and theatre. Written by Joseph Vass, with music by George & Ira Gershwin, Musical Director Kevin Toney, Musical Arranger Joseph Vass, and directed by David Ellenstein, it runs through May 17 at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. For tickets call 818-558-7000 Ext. 15 or visit www.ColonyTheatre.org.

 

 

“Imagining Brad” Nashville – graffiti - a ball of flesh - a tuft of blue hair – hymnals -beer in Styrofoam mugs - respectable orgasms…In this absurd, poignant, uncomfortably funny play, two women grow a unique friendship of compassion, support, and survival. Dana Sue Kaye, a voluble and seductive southerner with a gift for creative lying, and Brad's Wife (Valerie), a soft spoken northerner with the singing voice of an angel, surprise us time and again in this 80 minute journey through outrageous suffering that finds relief in the most unexpected exquisite form. This show beautifully reveals the often-disquieting dynamics in the relationship of men and women in contemporary society. Written by Peter Hedges, and directed by Clare Carey, it runs through May 27 at the Asylum Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.imaginingbrad.brownpapertickets.com.

 

“Stronger Than The Wind” After giving birth to her twin boys, Alice Manning finally has everything she wants. But a twist of fate and a hospital error leaves her newborn son, Aidan, fighting for his life. Through anger, humor, and tears, Alice fights to keep her family afloat in the midst of unspeakable trauma and fear. On this personal rollercoaster ride, she discovers the power of laughter and how to choose love during even the darkest times. Written by Alice Manning, and directed by Jim Petosa, it runs through May 28 at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks. For tickets call 818-687-8559 or visit www.bpt.me/1465483.

 

“Row After Row” When two civil war re-enactors arrive for their annual Gettysburg beer and find a stranger sitting at their table, their time-honored traditions are called into question in a dark comedy about choosing one’s cause and finding the courage to embrace it. Written by Jessica Dickey, and directed by Tara Karsian, it runs through May 31 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 310-307-3753 or visit www.EchoTheaterCompany.com.

 

 

“A Small Fire” A moving story about the beauty and complexity of enduring relationships. John and Emily Bridges have stumbled their way through three decades of marriage, but when Emily is overcome by a mysterious illness that slowly strips away each of her senses, the couple must reinvent themselves. Written by Adam Bock, and directed by Alana Dietze, it runs through May 31 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 310-307-3753 or visit www.EchoTheaterCompany.com.

 

 

“63 Trillion” Money. Sex. Bad behavior….just another day at the stock exchange. When global financial markets go radioactive, predators stand poised for a fight to the finish. Partnerships prove to be perilous and laws are meaningless in the jungle of scheming money managers, where the cleverly crafted characters of this dark comedy dwell. Written by John Bunzel, and directed by Steve Zuckerman, it runs through June 7 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 or visit www.NewAmericanTheatre.com/tickets.html.

 

Enjoy life more – see a show tonight!