SCENE IN LA
BY
STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH
July 2018
Here are some of the shows you can see in our local theatres this month:
OPENING
“Dead Boys” It’s the end of the world. Two millennials are trapped in the basement of their old high school - the only gay kid in school, and the guy who used to beat him up. Provocative, hilarious, and heartbreaking, it is about two modern American young men who have no choice but to face fate, race, sexuality – and each other. Written by Matthew Scott Montgomery, and directed by Christopher James Raymond, it runs July 1 through July 31 at the Celebration Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-957-1884 or visit www.CelebrationTheatre.com.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” It’s hard to tell where reality ends and dreams begin in this intoxicating joyride of a play. Otherworldly creatures, lovers on the run, and a group of amateur actors all converge in a deep forest outside of Athens. When their worlds collide, chaos ensues and nothing but magic has the power to set things right before the sun comes up. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Melissa Chalsma, it runs July 7 through September 2 at the Old Zoo at Griffith Park in Los Angeles. For tickets call 818-710-6306 or visit www.iscla.org.
“Million Dollar Quartet” explodes on stage with a monumental night of rock ‘n’ roll. Inspired by the most famous jam session in recording history, this smash-hit musical tells the story of legendary music icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins as they come together on December 4, 1956 at the famous Sun Studios. Featuring 21 timeless hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “Fever,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “See Ya Later, Alligator,” “Fever,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Hound Dog,” this thrilling musical brings you inside the recording studio to experience an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations. Written by Colin Escott & Floyd Mutrux, with music by Jon Rossi, and directed by Tim Seib, it runs July 8 through July 29 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.
“Three Days in the Country” a handsome new tutor brings reckless, romantic desire to an eccentric household. Over three days one summer the young and the old will learn lessons in love: first love and forbidden love, maternal love and platonic love, ridiculous love and last love; the love left unsaid and the love which must win out. Written by Patrick Marber, and directed by Andrew Paul, it runs July 12 through August 26 at the Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center in Glendale. For tickets call 818-506-1983 or visit www.Antaeus.org.
“Daddy's Dyin' Who's Got the Will” Set in a small Texas town, this comedy stages the reunion of a family gathered to await the imminent death of their patriarch, who has recently suffered a physically as well as mentally disabling stroke. They’ve wanted their father’s love, but they’ll settle for his money! It is not so much the story of the impending demise of the father or of the drafting of his will, but of a rebirth of the spirit of the family unit. Written by Del Shores, and directed by Kirk Larson, it runs July 13 through August 18 at the Westchester Playhouse in Westchester. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.
“Mary Poppins” is practically perfect in every way and includes all of your favorite songs including, “Spoonful of Sugar,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite!” Mary Poppins is breathtakingly beautiful, and full of dancing and heart. It is simply Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Written by Julian Fellowes, based on a book by P.L. Travers, with music by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, it runs July 13 through August 25 at the Glendale Centre Theatre in Glendale. For tickets call 818-244-8481 or visit www.GlendaleCentreTheatre.com.
“Arrival & Departure” a Deaf man and a hard-of-hearing woman, two married strangers, meet accidentally in a New York City subway station. As their casual friendship develops into something deeper, each is forced to confront how their simmering relationship could forever change their lives — and the lives of those they love. The play is performed simultaneously in spoken English and American Sign Language with additional use of open captioning, so that both Deaf and hearing audiences can enjoy the production. Written by Stephen Sachs, inspired by the screenplay Brief Encounter, and directed by Stephen Sachs, it runs July 14 through September 30 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-663-1525 or visit www.FountainTheatre.com.
“Cry It Out” Cooped up on maternity leave and eager for conversation, Jessie invites the funny and forthright Lina for coffee in their neighboring backyards. They become fast friends, quickly bonding over their shared “new mom” experience—and arousing the interest of a wealthy neighbor hoping for a similar connection. This insightful comedy takes an honest look at the absurdities of new motherhood, the dilemma of returning to work versus staying at home, and how class impacts parenthood and friendship. Written by Molly Smith Metzler, and directed by Lindsay Allbaugh, it runs July 14 through August 19 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-307-3753 or visit www.EchoTheaterCompany.com.
“Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook” Something terrible happened to Junie B. Jones at school today! Someone stole her new furry mittens! So when Junie B. finds a wonderful pen of many colors, she should be allowed to keep it, right? Because finders keepers, losers weepers. And guess what? There's a new boy in kindergarten and he is the handsomest. The only thing is both Grace and Lucille want him to be their boyfriend. Maybe he will love Junie B. when he sees her wonderful pen! It is okay to keep it, right? Junie B. Jones is not a crook . . . Or is she? Written by Allison Gregory, based on the book series by Barbara Park, and directed by Gil Santoscoy, it runs July 14 through July 29 at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-828-7519 or visit www.morgan-wixson.org.
“The Motherf**ker with the Hat” Jackie is a former drug dealer out on parole who is trying to stay clean. His girlfriend is coke-addicted Veronica, whom he has loved since 8th grade. Visiting her, he sees a man’s hat in her apartment, a hat that does not belong to him. He surmises who the man might be and visits him with a gun (a violation of Jackie’s parole, among other things). Jackie asks his supportive cousin Julio to hide his gun. Jackie also visits his 12-step sponsor Ralph, whom he believes to be a friend. Ralph ingests healthy food, but his dedication to a clean body belies the fact that, underneath, he is entirely willing to backstab anyone for his personal gain. His unhappy wife Victoria rounds out the cast of characters. Will Jackie reconcile with his true love Veronica? Will he be able to stay out of jail? What will Ralph do? Written by Stephen Adly Guirgis, and directed by Gloria Gifford, it runs July 14 through August 25 at the Gloria Gifford Conservatory in Hollywood. For tickets call 310-366-5505 or visit www.tix.com.
“Mutt House” Featuring 20 original songs and a cast of 10, Mutt House is the story of quirky outsider Eddie Corbin. Bullied all his life, Eddie has finally found a place to call home — a neglected downtown animal shelter. When the city threatens to close the shelter, Eddie must do something he’s never done before: stand up for himself and fight for what’s right. With the help of six zany mutts, he faces his fears and makes an unexpected human connection in the process. This life-affirming musical, in the tradition of Annie, is filled with singing and dancing fun for the whole family. Written by Tony Cookson, with music by John Daniel, Tony Cookson, Robb Curtis Brown, and directed by Ryan Bergmann, it runs July 15 through August 5 at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. For tickets call 213-628-2772 or visit www.MuttHouseTheMusical.com.
“The Jungle Book” From Mowgli to Baloo the Bear, Kaa the snake and more, this Jungle Book re-imagines Kipling’s classic stories and brings to life the known and loved characters, while also introducing some of the other colorful inhabitants of Kipling's books, and even today's urban jungle. Through eye-popping video, interactive technology and the whimsical and soulful stories, poems and songs from the original novel, this time-honored tale transports audiences of all ages world of adventure in the jungle. Written and directed by Craig Francis and Rick Miller, it runs July 17 through July 29 at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-7529 or visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.
“Screwball Comedy” The year is 1938, and newly laid-off perfumier, Mary Hayes is trying to break into the male dominated world of newspaper journalism. Editor-In-Chief Bosco Godfrey sets a competition between his egotistical star reporter Jeff Kincaid and plucky Mary assigning them to cover a society wedding. If Jeff writes the better story, he gets to keep his job. If Mary wins, she will replace the ace newshound. Super-rich lady Delores suspects that her son Chauncey’s fiancée Gloria is a fortune hunter and wants the reporters to expose her. Chauncey is not the brightest bulb in the chandelier, and Delores suspects he’s being played for a patsy. Can Jeff or Mary dig up the dirt? Written by Norm Foster, and directed by Howard Storm, it runs July 19 through August 19 at the Theatre 40, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.
“Beauty and the Beast” Susan Egan will reprise her iconic performance once again when we welcome you to “Be Our Guest” through the brand-new retelling of the classically enchanting tale as old as time. This much-anticipated production will transform your spirit, leaving you captivated by adventure, revenge, true friendship and love that knows no limitations. Written by Linda Woolverton (based on the Disney film), with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice, and directed by Yvette Lawrence, it runs July 20 through July 29 at the Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks. For tickets call 800-745-3000 or visit www.5startheatricals.com.
“Famous” Through the eyes of Hollywood’s biggest star, Jason Mast, we witness a world fueled by sex, money, and power, where image is everything. On the heels of Jason’s first Oscar nomination, he plans a hot party to celebrate. The night unfolds with an adrenaline-rushed pace, ultimately revealing one of Jason’s darkest secrets. His attempt to control the outcome ignites a chain of events that pushes the boundaries of real friendship and reveals the true cost of fame. Written and directed by Michael Leoni, it runs July 20 through August 19 at the 11:11 in West Hollywood. For tickets call 323-378-6969 or visit www.FamousThePlay.com.
“Mayakovsky and Stalin” is a dramatic character study incorporating historical footage and photos to explore two distantly connected relationships: that of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin and his wife Nadya, and of Soviet poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and his married lover and “muse” Lilya Brik. Written and directed by Murray Mednick, it runs July 21 through August 19 at the Lounge Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-4443 or visit www.plays411.com/stalin.
“Side by Side by Sondheim” features a dazzling array of songs from landmark shows that revolutionized the art of musical theater with their masterful craft and astounding creativity, including Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anyone Can Whistle and Pacific Overtures — as well as songs from the classics Sondheim wrote with musical theater giants Leonard Bernstein, Jule Styne and Richard Rodgers, such as West Side Story, Gypsy and Do I Hear a Waltz? Written by Stephen Sondheim, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Dan Fischbach, it runs July 21 through September 16 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.
“What Happened When” On a snowy night in a rural farmhouse, three siblings huddle together in the dark with a flashlight, while the audience (unseen by them) gathers closely around. Expect to be fully immersed in this beautiful, provocative and disturbing memory play. Written by Daniel Talbott, and directed by Chris Fields, it runs July 26 through August 23 at the Echo Theater Company Atwater Village Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-307-3753 or visit www.EchoTheaterCompany.com.
“Annie” the classic story of a young girl overcoming adversity, features a beloved score of hits (including “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life”) and is a delightful experience for the entire family. Written by Thomas Meehan, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and directed by Michael Arden, it runs July 27 through July 29 at the Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-850-2000 or visit www.hollywoodbowl.com.
“Under Milk Wood” recounts the dreams, gossip and waking hours of the sleepy, Welsh seaside town of Llareggub — a name that seems innocent enough until you read it backwards. Unforgettable characters such as Captain Cat, Myfanwy Price, the Reverend Ely Jenkins, Organ Morgan, Polly Garter and Dai Bread populate this odd place, and their affectionate charm and humor still captivate and entertain 65 years after it was written. Written by Dylan Thomas, and directed by Ben Martin, it runs July 27 through August 25 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater. For tickets call 323-882-6912 or visit www.openfist.org.
CONTINUING
“The Marvelous Wonderettes” takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! As we learn about their lives and loves, the girls serenade us with classic ‘50s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” Featuring over 30 classic ’50s and ’60s hits, The Marvelous Wonderettes will keep you smiling in this must-take musical trip down memory lane! Written by Roger Bean, and directed by Robert Marra, it runs through July 7 at the Glendale Centre Theatre in Glendale. For tickets call 818-244-8481 or visit www.glendalecentretheatre.com.
“Slaughter City” follows the lives of a group of workers laboring at a slaughterhouse. Tensions rise as the work gets tougher and more dangerous, their wages are cut, and their benefits reduced. The play was inspired by a number of labor-related incidents including the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911 and the 1993 strike at Fischer's meat packing plant in Louisville, Kentucky. Written by Naomi Wallace, and directed by Jer Adrianne Lelliott, it runs through July 14 at the Lankershim Arts Center in North Hollywood. For tickets call 323-944-2165 or visit www.coeurage.org/slaughtercity.
“Rumors” Five neurotic couples gather for a dinner party celebrating one couple’s 10th anniversary. The best laid plans go wildly awry when guests arrive early only to discover their host has shot himself, the hostess and servants are missing, and dinner not ready. As confusions and miscommunications mount, the evening spins off into farcical hilarity. Written by Neil Simon, and directed by Doug Engalla, it runs through July 29 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.
“Mary Poppins” The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family how to value each other again. Mary takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises, “Anything can happen if you let it!” Written by Julian Fellowes, based on the stories by P.L. Travers, with music by Richard Sherman & Robert Sherman, and directed by Kristie Mattsson, it runs through August 4 at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-828-7519 or visit www.morgan-wixson.org.
Enjoy life more – see a show tonight!