By Steve ZALL and Sid FISH

June 2021

The good news is that California is set to fully reopen our economy on June 15 by removing all capacity limits and physical distancing requirements regardless of setting. That means most theaters can open again at full capacity – if they choose to and are ready to do so. The bad news is that most of our local theater venues will not be ready to do that just yet. A lot of preparation and organization is needed to get things back up and running again, so we will have to be patient while things get organized. In the meantime, here are a few shows that are already running or have set opening dates this month.

“Love Note” Rogue Artists Ensemble presents a unique, interactive, in-real-life audio experience that guides audiences through a twisted collection of love stories, meditative romance and lost connections in West Hollywood’s Plummer Park. Using only your cellphone and headphones, you’ll discover and listen to stories “The Collector” has compiled about romance, compassion and connection, leading to a secret phone line where your own love story will become part of The Collector’s archive. This program is supported by a grant from the City of West Hollywood’s Arts Division as part of the City’s One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival (May 22 – June 30). More info at www.weho.org/pride or @wehoarts.

Written by Lori Meeker and directed by Sean Cawelti, it runs through June 30 at the Plummer Park in West Hollywood. For tickets call (213) 596-9468 or visit www.rogueartists.org/lovenote.

“Motel 66” Twelve new one-act plays set in different cities along “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” performed as two different programs. Program A: Head East runs Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Program 1 – Go West runs Fridays and Sundays at 8 p.m.

Written by various authors, it runs June 17 through Aug. 1 at The Yard at the Group Rep in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“An Octoroon” inaugurates the new outdoor stage at The Fountain Theatre. A spectacular collision of the antebellum South and 21st century cultural politics, “An Octoroon” is a gasp-inducing deconstruction of a moustache-twirling melodrama by 19th century playwright Dion Boucicault that twists a funhouse world of larger-than-life stereotypes into blistering social commentary.

Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, based on the 1859 play by Dion Boucicault, and directed by Judith Moreland, it runs June 18 through Sept. 19 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets, call (323) 663-1525 or visit www.FountainTheatre.com.

“The Everly Brothers Experience” features the Zmed Brothers as the famous duo. All performances will be adhering to all CDC guidelines and recommendations for safe activities regarding COVID-19. Facemasks required for all patrons while inside the venue.

The Zmed Brothers perform their loving tribute to one of the most influential duos of all time – The Everly Brothers! The Zmeds trace their careers, the careers of the people who influenced them, and those they influenced! Hear all the hits: “All I Have To Do Is Dream,” “Bye Bye Love,” “Problems,” “Bird Dog,” “Wake Up Little Susie” and more!

Written by The Zmed Brothers, with music by The Everly Brothers, and directed by 3000 Miles Off Broadway, it runs two shows, one-night only on June 20 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.

“Tevye in New York!” imagines the life of Tevye and his family after the curtain comes down in “Fiddler on the Roof.” Set in 1914, the play follows Tevye as he vies for his piece of the American dream, from his journey with his daughters across the Atlantic Ocean through Ellis Island past “the big green lady” and into the crowded streets of Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

Written by Tom Dugan and directed by Michael Vale and Tom Dugan, it runs June 26 through July 25 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Pop-Up Outdoor Terrace Performance Space in Beverly Hills. For tickets, call (310) 746-4000 or visit www.TheWallis.org/Tevye.

Our local theme parks continue to operate at limited capacity, which is a welcome relief to many enthusiasts who are flocking to them in droves. Most require advance reservations online as well as advance ticket purchases. You will need an app in many to be able to take full advantage of those attractions that have reopened. Attendance is limited to California resident visitors in most parks. Please check theme park websites for details and availability before planning a trip.

Area theaters continue to expand their online offerings with more events to experience on a virtual basis. Some of these online events are only available on a one-time basis while others are ongoing and can be viewed anytime on-demand. You will find free content as well as pay-per-view to choose from.

Here are the links to websites with online offerings:

Our warmest wishes go out to all of our readers as we sail on into calmer waters now.

Sincerely,

Steve Zall, Publisher

Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor