November 2024

Cooler days have finally arrived, which means it’s time to spend an evening or two in one of the local venues to take in one of these fine productions. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

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

 “DIVA The Play” DIVA is the story of world-renowned Australian opera singer Louisa McCrae reliving her life through the lens of a fractured mind. As she unpacks a suitcase full of memories, she is transported back to powerful moments that shaped her extraordinary life. As her mind starts slipping, can she hold onto the memories long enough to revive her broken heart?

Written by Vivienne Powell and directed by Leah Patterson, it runs through Nov. 10 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets, visit www.DIVAtheplay.com.

“A Doll’s House” Witness the play that shook the theatre world and changed everything! This fresh adaptation of Ibsen’s intense drama as Nora Helmer, a woman ahead of her time, faces the ultimate test of courage and self-discovery. In a world that expects her to be nothing more than a devoted wife and mother, Nora dares to ask: What happens when a woman decides to reclaim herself? In her most lucid moment, Nora exclaims, “I AM A PERSON” – a person who has never been seen or heard like millions of women everywhere. Experience the revolutionary masterpiece that has captivated audiences for over a century.

Written by Henrik Ibsen and directed by Mia Christou, it runs through Nov. 24 at the Beverly Hills Playhouse in Beverly Hills. For tickets, visit www.bhplayhouse.com.

“Joan” Comedian. Trailblazer. Force of nature. From Greenwich Village nightclubs to “The Tonight Show” to Hollywood’s red carpets, Joan Rivers made and remade her career through triumph and tragedy. This is the story of a pioneer and the story of a mom – who were one and the same. Get up close and personal with the famously edgy, fearless and loving legend in this hilarious and heartbreaking account of an American icon.

Written by Daniel Goldstein and directed by David Ivers, it runs through Nov. 24 at the South Coast Repertory Julianne Argyros Stage in Costa Mesa. For tickets, call (714) 708-5555 or visit www.scr.org.

“A Doll’s House Part 2” The story continues! Fifteen years after the door slammed shut, Nora Helmer returns to the home she once left behind. Now a successful author and advocate for women’s rights, she must confront the past she thought she had escaped. With sharp dialogue and surprising twists, this modern sequel delves into the complexities of marriage, identity and the price of freedom. Don’t miss this powerful exploration of what it means to come back – and what it takes to move forward.

Written by Lucas Hnath and directed by Allen Barton, it runs through Nov. 24 at the Beverly Hills Playhouse in Beverly Hills. For tickets, visit www.bhplayhouse.com.

“A View from the Bridge” delves into the complexities of family, love and justice. Set in a tight-knit Italian-American community in 1950s Brooklyn, the play explores the lives of its characters with raw emotion and powerful storytelling. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, the audience is drawn into a world where loyalties are tested and the consequences of one’s actions have far-reaching implications. With compelling characters and intense relationships, this timeless drama keeps audience members on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Written by Arthur Miller and directed by David Ellenstein, it runs through Nov. 17 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets, call (949) 497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“It’s All Your Fault, Tyler Price!” follows Jackson, a middle school boy with big feelings who’s in big trouble after punching his bullying classmate, Tyler Price, for mocking Jackson’s sister Lucy. Lucy, who attends the same school’s special day class, has epilepsy and related learning challenges. To avoid expulsion, Jackson’s principal insists he explain himself to the entire school. In response, Jackson stages a scrappy, heartfelt musical using music he “borrows” from his composer dad. Through each family member’s bravery, we watch healing begin for all.

Written by Ben Decter and Kristin Hanggi, with music by Ben Decter and directed by Kristin Hanggi, it runs Nov. 7 through Dec. 15 at the Hudson Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets, visit www.tylerpricemusical.com.

“The Goddamn Couple Down the Hall (Oh …. and Merry Christmas!)” It’s Christmas in Pasadena. And the Woodruff clan is gathering at the condo of elder daughter Dana. Her fiancé Chad is preparing a gourmet feast for the holiday. The guests include Dana’s parents, Jerry and Maureen, as well as her younger sister Sydney and her boyfriend Lance. What promises to be a beautiful day spent with loved ones gets turned on its head by the goddamn couple down the hall, Lucinda and Kenny, who clearly hate each other and whose screaming matches – funny and foul-mouthed – can be heard loud and clear by the Woodruffs. When things down the hall suddenly go quiet, the Woodruffs wonder if that means Kenny and Lucinda have kissed and made up? Or could there be foul play? The family’s divided on whether they should investigate. Is it better to let sleeping dogs lie or should they dig in and try to unravel what actually happened between their feuding neighbors?

Written by Mark Wilding and directed by Charlie Mount, it runs Nov. 8 through Dec. 15 at Theatre West in Studio City. For tickets, call (323) 851-4839 or visit www.theatrewest.org.

“Private Eyes” Matthew believes his wife Lisa is having an affair with Adrian. Or is he just imagining it? Or is it actually a play they are rehearsing? Or is it something to keep his therapist entertained? The twists and turns keep coming as the audience is left to determine what is actually true in this self-styled “relationship thriller.”

Written by Steven Dietz and directed by Michael Keith Allen, it runs Nov. 8 through Dec. 15 at the Theatre Palisades at the Pierson Playhouse in Pacific Palisades. For tickets, call (310) 454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org.

“Adventures In the Great Beyond” A 20-year-old rebellious devotee of new age philosophy drops out of college to follow a gregarious guru and a band of soul-searching pranksters in the middle of the Arizona desert. In this 90-minute immersive pop rock production, the stage is set for a divine musical comedy of karmic proportions. Girl meets boy and in the story’s unconventional twist – a mother-guru romance that transcends lifetimes – offers a comical and provocative lens through which to examine intergenerational dynamics and spiritual soul-searching. This clever plot device underscores the cyclical nature of human experience, a theme that resonates with the musical’s exploration of mysticism and self-realization. For truth-seekers of all ages, “Adventures in the Great Beyond” is a refreshing romp through life six decades into the Age of Aquarius. Featuring musical numbers about karma, meditation, miracles and more.

Written and directed by Tom Chiodo, with music by Joe Nedder and lyrics by Tom Chiodo, it runs Nov. 9 through Dec. 8 at the Hudson Mainstage Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets, visit www.greatbeyondmusical.com.

“Fiddler on the Roof” Jason Alexander stars in a Broadway classic! Overflowing with musical hits you know and love, including “Tradition,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life (L’Chaim!),” “Fiddler on the Roof” is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and laughter. Our beautiful production will introduce a new generation to this uplifting celebration that raises its cup to joy! To love! To life!

Written by Joseph Stein, with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and directed by Lonny Price, it runs Nov. 9 through Dec. 1 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets, call (562) 944-9801 or visit www.LaMiradaTheatre.com.

“The Girl Who Made the Milky Way” The Khoisan, an ancient ethnic group with a long and intriguing history, are believed to be the oldest human inhabitants of southern Africa. In the play, a young girl, Little Sister (Stakiah Lynn Washington), evolves from struggling with her place and duties among her people to embracing her uniqueness, voice, courage and identity. Supported by a cast of archetypal characters in the form of animals, trees, mountains and spirits (Jamela Asha, Edward Hong, Max Lawrence, Carter Michael and Makha Mthembu), Little Sister braves the dangers of the African savanna and confronts the unfair expectations the world has of her because she is a girl. Not only does she help find her father by creating the stars of the night skies but she also discovers her true self.

Written by June Carryl and directed by Armina LaManna, it runs Nov. 9 through Nov. 17 at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. For tickets, call (818) 649-9474 or visit www.imaginetheatreca.org.

“Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” is a thrilling tale of greed, blackmail and murder most foul. This ingenious 1926 novel cemented Christie’s reputation as the greatest mystery novelist of all time. The story’s shocking twist ending has thrilled readers for generations and has been called “the best and most cunning solution devised in her storied career.” Now the landmark novel comes to the stage in a new and fast-moving adaptation. Filled with colorful characters, outrageous laughter and nail-biting suspense, this Christie classic is sure to leave audiences guessing, gasping and delighting in the case long after the curtain has come down.

Written by Mark Shanahan, based on the book by Agatha Christie, and directed by Jules Aaron, it runs Nov. 14 through Dec. 15 at Theatre Forty in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets, call (310) 364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.

“Waiting for Godot” As Vladimir and Estragon wait and wait for the arrival of the elusive Godot, a cast of mysterious misfits interrupt their endless vigil in Samuel Beckett’s tragi-comic masterpiece that has captivated audiences for decades.

Written by Samuel Beckett and directed by Judy Hegarty Lovett, it runs Nov. 14 through Dec. 15 at the Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Westwood. For tickets, call (310) 208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.

“Arms Around America” Staged as if a radio theater company is performing a live broadcast, the evening-length shows will include four actors navigating a forest of microphones while voicing dozens of characters. Froot will create live foley sound effects with an eclectic collection of everyday objects. Wholly contributing to the experience is a three-piece band. The performers will share the stage with eight audience members seated at a kitchen table who will provide real-time commentary on the unfolding action.

Written and directed by Dan Froot with music by Julio Montero, it runs Nov. 15 through Nov. 16 at the UCLA Nimoy Theater in Los Angeles. For tickets, visit www.cap.ucla.edu/event/dan-froot-company-0.

“First Date” When blind date newbie Aaron is set up with serial-dater Casey, a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner.

Written by Austin Winsberg, with music by Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner, and directed by James Esposito, it runs Nov. 15 through Dec. 1 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets, visit www.chrtheatre.com.

“The Producers” A down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby bilking their backers (all “little old ladies”) out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit!

Written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, with music by Mel Brooks, and directed by Susan Weisbarth, it runs Nov. 15 through Dec. 14 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets, call (310) 645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“Broadway Showstoppers in Concert” features one Broadway showstopper after another, performed by a splendid cast of Broadway and Hollywood veterans, 12 spectacular dancers, all accompanied by Fred Barton’s 16-piece orchestra!

Written and directed by Scott Thompson, with music by Fred Barton, it runs Nov. 16 through Nov. 17 at the El Portal Theatre Debbie Reynolds MainStage in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.

“Clue” Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, “Clue” is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.

Written by Sandy Rustin, Hunter Foster and Eric Price, with music by Michael Holland, and directed by Casey Hushion, it runs Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets, visit www.BroadwayInThousandOaks.com.

Continuing

 “Beehive: The 60’s Musical” is a wailing musical tribute to the groundbreaking female voices of the 1960s. Featuring such beloved hits as “Natural Woman,” “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “One Fine Day,” “Proud Mary” and more, “Beehive: The 60’s Musical” features six extraordinary women performing more than two dozen timeless hits from Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Janis Joplin, Carole King, Tina Turner and more. Complete with a live onstage five-piece band and funkadelic ’60s fashions, “Beehive: The 60’s Musical” will have audiences of all ages movin’ and groovin’ and shouting for more.

Written by Fred Helsel and directed by Augusto Guardardo, it runs through Nov. 10 at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center in Simi Valley. For tickets, call (805) 583-7900 or visit www.simi-arts.org.

“Summertime, An Interlude” The hottest day of summer is interrupted when a community leader is rushed to the hospital. As Red fights for his life, the neighborhood bands together to hunt down his wannabe executioner. Through belly laughs, cold beer and blunt smoke, the truth about the shooting at “Red’s Deli” bleeds out. Relationships are tested, lies are told, questions are answered, confessions are made – and before sundown the neighborhood loses a piece of its heart forever.

Written by Aniello Fontano and directed by Dayo Ade, it runs through Nov. 10 at Sawyer’s Playhouse in Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.

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