By Steve ZALL and Sid FISH

August 2024

 There seems to be no end to this heat, so why not slip into the comfort of one of our local live theaters where you can cool off for a while? It’s time to treat yourself to the magic of live theater by going to see a show!

COVID protocols continue to be dictated by each individual venue, so bring a facemask to wear during the show in case the venue requires it. It’s a good idea to check with the theater before attending a show to find out what is their current policy.

The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing; however, it should be verified with the theater before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates for this month, or are already running:

Opening

“Balancing Act” is about an accountant who plans to escape with a large amount of embezzled money but is visited at his New York apartment on the eve of his planned departure by a shy once-young lady from his accounting department who suspects there may be foul play afoot and ostensibly seeks his advice. He tries every way he can think of to “keep her quiet” including escorting her to his bedroom.

Written by Frank Salisbury, and directed by David Datz, it runs Aug. 1 through Aug. 25 at the Theatre Forty in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets, call (310) 364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.

“Honeymoon Suite (with Apologies to Neil Simon)” There are certain obvious parallels to “Honeymoon Suite” and three of the late Simon’s plays: There are three couples and each of them will experience pivotal moments in their relationship that will affect their marital destiny. The stories in this show, however, are all new. Evy and Oscar have eloped. One of them is a soldier who is about to be deployed. Evy and Oscar will have to cram a honeymoon into a severely restricted amount of time. Mike is with his new (and second) wife Katie. Mike isn’t sure whether or not he had carnal relations with another woman at his bachelor party. It’s all a haze now. Did he or didn’t he? The answer comes from an unexpected quarter. Becca’s besties are there to console her as it looks like Jeff jilted her at the altar. But is that what happened really?

Written by Kelli Bowlden and directed by Jenna Hoffmann, it runs Aug. 2 through Aug. 25 at the 905 Cole Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets, visit www.onstage411.com/newsite/show/play_info.asp?show_id=7138.

“Murder After Hours” Part “Downton Abbey,” part Noel Coward, this is Agatha Christie at her champagne-escapist-mysterious best. A weekend in the country leads to long-hidden love revealed, a lover’s triangle exposed, movie star confessions and – of course – deadly deeds. An impatient, cantankerous Scotland Yard inspector puts a wonderful froth to the investigation and wild-mouse-ride of unravelings. Miss Christie felt that this was her best play and it differs from the book substantially.

Written by Agatha Christie and directed by Jules Aaron, it runs Aug. 2 through Sept. 8 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre Main Stage in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“Chicken Stories” A collection of hilarious and at times biting vignettes that examine the culture and times through the unexpected yet undeniably relatable (and historically relevant) lens of chicken. Some of the stories are fictitious. Some of the content is based on real events. Folmar is African American and his show to some extent is about the important place that chicken occupies in considerations of Black American cuisine, in terms of its history and its centrality in Black culture. The vignettes that comprise the “Chicken Stories” lean in the direction of humor, yet deal substantively with significant themes like Black entrepreneurship and empowerment, the generational shifting of values, loss, cultural appropriation, modern dating and more. Chicken brings people together: families, friends, neighbors, schoolmates, coworkers. It is comforting, nourishing and delicious. It can also spark tensions (e.g., “My mother’s chicken is better than your mother’s chicken.” “Which local establishment makes the better wings?”)

Written and directed by Marcus Folmar, it runs Aug. 3 through Aug. 18 at the Broadwater Main Stage in Hollywood. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/chicken-stories-at-the-broadwater-mainstage-world-premiere-%0Dtickets,-910734420167?%0Daff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=email&utm_medium=sparkpos.

“Grease” Get ready to rev up your engines and slick back your hair because TACFA and GiveKidsPanto are producing “Grease!” Join us for a high-energy, electrifying journey back to the 1950s where romance, rock ‘n’ roll, and teen rebellion collide in this timeless classic. With unforgettable songs like “You’re the One That I Want,” “Summer Nights” and “Greased Lightnin'” and dazzling choreography, this production promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Don’t miss out on the excitement – grab your poodle skirts and leather jackets, and get ready for a night of fun, laughter and pure entertainment.

Written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, with music by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey, and directed by Barry Pearl, it runs Aug. 6 through Aug. 10 at Peppertree Park in Tustin. For tickets, visit www.tacfa.org.

“Are You Listening” Follow Ruth, a determined aspiring actress from small-town Mississippi, as she faces the challenges of loneliness, failed relationships and identity crisis while pursuing success in Los Angeles, finding solace and guidance through prayers whispered from her small apartment window.

Written by Mary Leeholland and directed by Chloe Babbes and Mary Leeholland, it runs Aug. 9 through Aug. 25 at the David Schall Theater in Hollywood. For tickets, call (323) 462-8460 or visit www.ActorsCo-op.org.

“No Desire to Suffer Twice” Two brothers dream of going to Harvard Business School. Brendan was accepted but Cedric, the better student, was rejected. When Cedric learns that Brendan has been hiding his acceptance letter and the truth of how he was admitted, the brothers must face a betrayal from which they may never recover.

Written by Cris Eli Blak and directed by Matt Lorenzo, it runs Aug. 9 through Sept. 1 at the Loft Ensemble’s Sawyer’s Playhouse in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.

“Human Error” Madelyn and Sameer are NPR-listening, latte-sipping blue-staters who are planning a family. Or they were until they learn that because of a mix-up at the fertility clinic, Madelyn’s embryo was accidentally implanted in another client’s uterus. That news is hard to take; fostering a relationship with the other couple, NASCAR-loving NRA cardholders, is even harder. Can these polar opposites make it through nine months of gestation without killing one another?

Written by Eric Pfeffinger and directed by Joshua Bitton, it runs Aug. 10 through Sept. 8 at the Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets, call (855) 585-5185 or visit www.roguemachinetheatre.org.

“The Brothers Size” Drawing from the rich tradition of the Yoruba people of West Africa, “The Brothers Size” is a modern-day fable about two brothers in the Deep South. Ogun, the elder brother, embodies hard work and reliability while Oshoosi, formerly incarcerated, is seemingly carefree and unpredictable. Their relationship is tested when the charismatic Elegba arrives, tempting Oshoosi back to his old habits. As the brothers wrestle with loyalty, freedom and duty, their humanity is revealed through a raw and heartfelt exploration of the bonds of brotherhood.

Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney and directed by Bijan Sheibani, it runs Aug. 14 through Sept. 8 at the Geffen Playhouse Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater in Westwood. For tickets, call (310) 208-5454 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.

“Mourning Song” Musical epilepsy caused by a stroke uncovers a voice from Brigid’s forgotten past. Born in Ireland and brought to America after her mother and father died Brigid, now in her 70s, has no memories of her childhood until a haunting Irish melody awakens visions of the lost lineage of her fragmented family.

Written by Brent Beerman and directed by Mareli Mitchel-Shields, it runs Aug. 15 through Sept. 15 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre Upstairs Stage in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“Patient 13” Chronically single, Gail has always been good at staying busy, setting boundaries and avoiding intimacy. That is until a scary diagnosis makes her realize that she might just need to slow down, chill out and get some help. But who can she trust? She has already gotten rid of all the toxic people in her life, so there is nobody left. This dark comedy solo show tracks Gail’s quest to find the line between herself and others while participating as Patient #13 in a ground-breaking FDA study that gave psilocybin (magic mushrooms) to cancer patients with anxiety and depression. The study has blazed a trail for the potential legalization of psychedelics for use as a medical treatment.

Written by Gail Thomas and directed by Dan Oliverio, it runs Aug. 16 through Sept. 1 at the Matrix Theatre Upstairs on the Henry Murray Stage in Los Angeles. For tickets, call (855) 585-5185 or visit www.roguemachinetheatre.org.

“Happy Fall: A Queer Stunt Spectacular” follows the professional and romantic rise and fall of two queer, closeted stuntmen in the Hollywood world of faux masculinity bringing to center stage the intoxication of film trickery and its toll on the body and psyche through life-size and miniature puppetry, live video, cinematic illusions and heart-pumping physical acts. Based on true-life stories and direct testimonies, this exuberant production is a joyful tribute to the resiliency of the LGBTQIA+ community. “Happy Fall” illuminates issues of racial and cultural identity in the industry and uncovers the real price of a love story, unmasking the importance ­­­– and danger – of being true to oneself.

Written by Lisa Sanaye Dring and directed by Sean Cawelti, it runs Aug. 17 through Sept. 8 at the Los Angeles LGBT Center in Los Angeles. For tickets, visit www.bit.ly/happyfall24.

“The Double V” In 1942, his attempt to enlist in the Army rejected because of his color, 26-year-old James G. Thompson of Wichita, Kansas wrote a letter to the editor of The Pittsburgh Courier, at the time the most highly circulated Black newspaper with a readership of over 350,000. “Should I sacrifice my life to live half American?” he asked leading the Courier to kick off the “Double V” campaign. Building on the popular “V for Victory” slogan that called for triumph in the war, the super-imposed, second “V” called for victory in the fight for racial equality – in the Army, the Navy and in all aspects of segregated daily life. Other Black newspapers, including the Chicago Defender and the Amsterdam Star-News, soon took up the call. Under pressure from the campaign, and against the advice of J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI, the U.S. was forced to adopt a policy of “proportional representation” that allowed Black Americans to participate in the military in direct proportion to their percentage of the population.

Written by Carole Eglash-Kosoff and directed by Michael A. Shepperd, it runs Aug. 23 through Sept. 8 at the International City Theatre Beverly O’Neill Theater in Long Beach. For tickets, call (562) 436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

“The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latiné Vote” University Professor Paola Aguilar is drowning in debt from years of fertility treatments. So, when THE Political Party offers her a substantial paycheck to help them understand the Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine vote, she reluctantly takes the job. Can she help these political strategists understand all of the nuances of her community to save the election? Or will her own journey ultimately be more important than who controls the White House?

Written by Bernardo Cubría and directed by Bernardo Cubría and Willow Geer, it runs Aug. 24 through Oct. 20 at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets, call (310) 455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.

“The Civility of Albert Cashier” In August of 1862, Private Albert Cashier enlisted in the Union Army and fought valiantly during the Civil War, until being honorably discharged on Aug. 17, 1865 at which point he received a military pension in recognition of his service. But there was more to Albert than most people knew … he had a secret. This heroic American soldier was actually born a female.

Written by Jay Paul Deratany, with music by Coyote Joe Stevens& Keaton Wooden, lyrics by Stevens, Wooden, and Deratany, and directed by Richard Israel, it runs Aug. 31 through Sept. 22 at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. For tickets, visit www.colonytheatre.org.

“God Will Do the Rest” Karaoke, chicken adobo and Santo Niño prayers. “We can only do our best, diba (right)?” Artists at Play and Latino Theater Company present “God Will do The Rest,” a warm, funny new play about a multigenerational Filipino American household. Strong, glamorous family matriarch Maggie is celebrating a milestone birthday and the de Dios family has gathered to celebrate in true FilAm style. Get ready for a warm, loving, hilarious – and explosive – family reunion.

Written by Nicholas Pilapil and directed by Fran de Leon, it runs Aug. 31 through Sept. 29 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets, call (213) 489-0994 or visit www.latinotheaterco.org.

Continuing

“The Last Illusion” You won’t believe what you see! Never attempted before, a cast of all-blind actors will take the stage and perform magical illusions in the upcoming production of “The Last Illusion.” Derived from the actual facts of Harry Houdini’s life, “The Last Illusion” captivates the audience with its unique staging, intimacy and honesty. Theatre by the Blind pulls the curtain back on the man known as the world’s greatest magician. Told through the memories and voices of those who knew and loved the man for the magic he brought to their lives, “The Last Illusion” is a touching portrait of the man behind the magic.

Directed by Greg Shane, it runs through Aug. 3 at the Blue Door Theater in Culver City. For tickets, visit www.tinyurl.com/thelastillusion.

“2024 Pageant of the Masters – À La Mode: The Art of Fashion” The Pageant of the Masters is an annual theatrical celebration that brings famous works of art to life through live reenactments, transforming classical and contemporary pieces into living masterpieces accompanied by original live music and storytelling. Featured works to be re-created include paintings by American artist John Singer Sargent, French artists Edouard Manet and James Tissot, as well as British painters Thomas Gainsborough and David Hockney. Three-dimensional works will also appear in next summer’s production such as brooches and pendants from early 1900s jewelers and various figurines by artist and designer Erté. Legendary Hollywood designer Edith Head will be recognized as well, with sketches and movie posters from her collaboration with director Alfred Hitchcock. Part of the annual Festival of Arts held in the same location. To stay up-to-date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts, follow the Festival on social media at @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com.

Written and directed by Diane Challis Davy, it runs through Aug. 30 at the Festival of Arts Grounds in Laguna Beach. For tickets, call (800) 487-3378 or visit www.PageantTickets,.com.

Steve Zall, Publisher – Scene In LA
Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor