August 2021

California had fully reopened and removed all capacity limits and physical distancing requirements regardless of setting, but now we have a new COVID-19 variant that is wreaking havoc on us – the Delta variant. Just when we were at the point where we could safely remove our masks if fully vaccinated, we are now faced with the new mandate to start wearing them again, regardless of vaccination status, since this new variant produces 100 times the viral load of the original virus and is sending people to hospitals and ICU wards in record numbers … again.

This puts theatres in a difficult situation and some are choosing not to proceed with their plans to reopen. Government authorities will ultimately determine the fate of these venues but, until we receive an official announcement, it is being left to us to decide on the safety of attending live performances. The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing; however, you should check with the theater to confirm before making definite plans.

Here are the shows that have announced opening dates or are already running this month:

“Stand Up If You’re Here Tonight” You’ve tried everything. Yoga. Acupuncture. Therapy. You floated in salt water in the pitch-black dark. You juiced, you cleansed, you journaled, you cut, you volunteered. You got a mattress that fitted itself to your fetal form. You ate only rinds for three days and nights. You reached out, you looked within, you have tried and yet here you are.

Note: These are all fully vaccinated performances and will require proof of vaccination at the door. Seating will be socially distanced and limited. Written and directed by John Kolvenbach, it runs Aug. 12 through Sept. 28 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/e/stand-up-if-youre-here-tonight-tickets-161947454195.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” Note: In addition to the live, in-person performances, the show will also be livestreamed.

It is the story of two bachelors, John “Jack” Worthing and Algernon “Algy” Moncrieff, who create alter egos named Ernest to escape their tiresome lives. They attempt to win the hearts of two women who, conveniently, claim to only love men called Ernest. The pair struggles to keep up with their own stories and become tangled in a tale of deception, disguise and misadventure. The elaborate plot ridicules Victorian sensibilities with some of the best loved, and indeed bizarre, characters to be found on the modern stage.

Written by Oscar Wilde and directed by Jack J. Bennett, it runs Aug. 20 through Sept. 24 at the Fremont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena. For tickets visit www.ttp://www.youngstarstheatre.org/tickets.

“Wait Until Dark” The hunter or the hunted – who is the prey? A classic American play about a woman in peril and tables that are turned. A blind housewife confronts a trio of nefarious men in search of a doll she does not know she has – its contents being a fortune in illicit goods. A suspenseful battle of wits leads to a confrontation between the lady and the devil, culminating in a thrilling climax!

Written by Frederick Knott and directed by Tony Torrisi, it runs Aug. 27 through Oct. 3 at the Theatre Palisades Pierson Playhouse in Pacific Palisades. For tickets, call (310) 454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org.

While keeping mindful of what we said at the opening of this column about the Delta variant, our local theme parks continue to operate at high 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. Ticket buyers 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 their websites for details, restrictions and availability before planning a trip to them:

Area theaters continue to expand their online offerings with more and 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. Visit each of the websites below to see what is currently being offered. Free as well as pay-per-view content is available to choose from. Here are the links to websites with online offerings:

Our best wishes go out to all of readers as we continue to navigate the uncertain sea of pandemic waves, so please be cautious regarding this new Delta variant that is causing the current crisis, and follow whatever modified directions that may be issued regarding them.

Steve Zall, Publisher

Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor