It’s great to see that some of the theaters that were feared lost during the pandemic closure are opening their doors again with new shows. 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 an event to find out what is its current policy.

The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing; however, it should be verified before making definite plans.

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

_______________________________________________________________

Opening

“The First Deep Breath” Pastor Albert Jones and his family are proud leaders of the Mother Bethel Baptist Church and pillars of their community. Plans are being made for a special memorial service to honor their late daughter Diane on the sixth anniversary of her passing. But when Abdul-Malik, the eldest son whom Albert blames for her death, returns home from prison the family’s veneer begins to crack as shocking revelations come to light.

Written by Lee Edward Colston II and directed by Steve H. Broadnax III, it runs Feb. 9 through March 5 at the Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets, call (310) 208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.

“Call Me Elizabeth” A child star at age 12 (in “National Velvet”), she was the virgin bride at 18 of hotel heir Nicky Hilton (she quipped that she was the only virgin in Hollywood) but would marry three more times within a decade to: dashing British actor Michael Wilding, to whom she bore two sons; producer Mike Todd, who died tragically in a plane crash and who may have been her truest love; and immensely popular crooner Eddie Fisher. It’s at this point in her history that “Call Me Elizabeth” picks up her narrative.

It’s 1961 and Taylor is being interviewed by renowned journalist Max Lerner (one of her flings). Having previously received three Oscar® nominations (for “Raintree County,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “Suddenly, Last Summer”), this is the year she will win the gold statue for “Butterfield 8.” She’ll become the highest paid actress in Hollywood as well as one of its most controversial. While the general public’s obsession with the private lives of celebrities has nowhere nearly approached the dimensions as today, there was nonetheless enough interest in the lives of stars to sustain a collection of gossip columns, movie magazines and publications called scandal sheets (e.g., Confidential). Taylor has been called a homewrecker for allegedly derailing Fisher’s earlier marriage to Debbie Reynolds. Her fame as a performing artist is outshining the career of her singer-husband. Her marriage to Fisher is also now clearly on shaky ground. The focus of the media on her not-so-private-anymore life is overshadowing her achievements on screen. 1961 is also the year she will bounce back from a life-threatening illness. A tracheotomy will leave a scar on her neck. Her illness is one factor causing the delay of the start of production of her next feature, “Cleopatra.” Her co-stars will be Rex Harrison and Richard Burton.

Written by Kayla Boye and directed by Erin Kraft, it runs Feb. 10 through Feb. 19 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets, call (626) 355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

“Garbo’s Cuban Lover” The lover of the title is Mercedes de Acosta (1893-1968), a contract screenwriter for MGM who was also a playwright, poet and costume designer. She had affairs with some of the most illustrious actresses and writers in America, including Edith Wharton, Adele Astaire, Katherine Cornell, Pola Negri, Alla Nazimova, ballerina Tamara Karsavina, a young Tallulah Bankhead, Eva La Gallienne, dancer Isadora Duncan, Marlene Dietrich and the love of her life Greta Garbo. Born to a Cuban father and Spanish mother, de Acosta’s ability to move in social circles and her position as a writer for MGM put her in contact with many of the most beautiful and important women in Hollywood. “Garbo’s Cuban Lover” focuses on two of the most important relationships of her life – with Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo, professional adversaries who become rivals for de Acosta’s love. Garbo holds an erotic power over de Acosta that the Cuban cannot resist nor control. She returns to Garbo no matter how often she is betrayed. But Garbo and Dietrich both have secrets from de Acosta. It will be many years before she learns the whole truth about her two greatest loves.

Written by Odalys Nanin and directed by Angela Nicholas, it runs Feb. 10 through Feb. 25 at the CASA 0101 Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/garbos-cuban-lover-tickets,-467303747087.

“Harold and Maude” This “offbeat, upbeat comedy” is about a about Harold, a troubled 19-year-old who finally learns how to truly live when he meets a delightfully wacky and deliciously eccentric octogenarian, Maude. Harold’s self-attained alienation has caused him to cry out for attention in an escalating series of strange scenarios. His peculiar attachment to Maude, whom he meets at a funeral (a mutual passion), is what ultimately saves him and what thoroughly captivates the audience. This stage version will certainly delight both aficionados of the film and newcomers to the story.

Written by Colin Higgins and directed by Larry Eisenberg, it runs Feb. 10 through March 19 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre – Main Stage in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“Nimrod” is the meeting place between Julius Caesar and “The Simpsons Movie.” It explores the breakdown of language (the fact that we’re speaking two languages) in this tendentious modern political age – this age of stupid lies, un-fake fake news, alternate facts and real bone chilling tragedy. “Nimrod” is a brute farce written in verse that follows an imagined final year of an uncouth, bloviating, orange-hued President’s administration from the point of view of the beleaguered First Lady. It’s a wild ride full of betrayals, unexpected violence and grand soliloquies (larded with even grander fart jokes).

Written by Phinneas Kiyomura and directed by Alina Phelan, it runs Feb. 10 through March 19 at the Theatre of NOTE in Hollywood. For tickets, visit www.theatreofnote.com.

“Former Ladies of the Supremes at Catalina Jazz Club” Scherrie Payne and Susaye Greene, “Former Ladies of the Supremes” with Joyce Vincent will be performing for one night only at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. This is an event not to be missed for those who love music from the ’60s and ’70s! Scherrie Payne and Susaye Greene, formerly of the Supremes, are genuine former members of The legendary Motown recording trio. The third singer in this trio is Joyce Vincent. This group can be traced to the group of yesterday – the history, the songs and most importantly the talent is there! Since their formation in 1986 they have acquired an impressive biography with recordings and sold-out performances all over the world. The Ladies have performed alongside a host of other legendary Motown acts including The Temptations, The Four Tops and Martha Reeves and The Vandellas. In the summer of 2000 Scherrie Payne had the honor of uniting with the Supreme diva, Miss Diana Ross, for the Diana Ross and The Supremes “Return To Love” Tour. In April 2016 the ladies celebrated their 30^th anniversary with a special performance in Hollywood, California. Scherrie and Susaye are proud of their Supreme history and continue to present this beautiful music to audiences worldwide as “Scherrie Payne & Susaye Greene, Formerly of The Supremes!” Respected author and Motown historian Sharon Davis noted that this trio is “authentically keeping the legend alive.” The show runs one night only on Feb. 11 at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. For tickets, call (323) 466-2210 or visit www.CatalinaJazzClub.com.

“Much Ado About Nothing” Claudio is pursuing the hand of the lovely young Hero. Meanwhile, Beatrice and Benedick want nothing of love. Beatrice and Benedick’s verbal jousts are witty and sharp, each one calculated to wound. Yet beneath their animosity lies a mutual attraction that neither dares confess – until circumstances force them to admit their true love. Filled with romance, intrigue and surprising plot twists, “Much Ado About Nothing” is the ultimate screwball comedy, a precursor to those famous movies of the ’30s and ’40s.

Written by William Shakespeare and directed by Guillermo Cienfuegos, it runs Feb. 11 through March 12 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets, call (626) 356-3100 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.

“The Dreamer Examines His Pillow” Tommy has isolated himself in a sparsely furnished, crummy apartment. There’s a reclining chair, a refrigerator stocked with beer, a surreal self-portrait nailed to the wall and that’s it. He’s recently broken up with Donna, who’s come pounding on his door. Donna is erotically obsessed with Tommy and wants Tommy back, but she’s upset that he’s been seeing her 16-year-old kid sister. Tommy would sort of like to be back with Donna but waffles on the subject. Donna seeks advice from her widowed father, an artist who will never win a prize as dad of the year nor husband of the year. Dad does have some surprises for her (e.g., he reveals to her what sex is for) and he has some ideas as to how Donna can resolve her situation with Tommy. You’ll have to see the play to see what happens next.

Written by John Patrick Shanley and directed by Anne Kathryn Parma, it runs Feb. 17 through Feb. 26 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets, visit www.odysseytheatre.com.

“How I Learned to Drive” The play focuses on the progress of Li’l Bit between the ages of 11 and 18. Her intellectual and physical development are both accelerated and she is on her way to becoming a young woman of considerable potential. Lacking a father at home, her uncle Peck steps in to counsel her and teach her things, like how to drive (hence the title). They are both in their way somewhat troubled individuals, and they find some comfort in each other’s company. Can they become close without crossing a line?

Written by Paula Vogel, and directed by Steve Jarrard, it runs Feb. 17 through March 19 at the Sherry Theater in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (323) 860-6569 or visit www.howilearnedtodrive.brownpapertickets,.com.

“tick, Tick … BOOM!” is about the courage it takes to follow one’s dreams. Funny and moving, this autobiographical work about an aspiring composer trying to write the great American musical before time and life pass him by offers a revealing look at the man who would go on to posthumously receive three Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his revolutionary rock musical, “Rent.”

Written by Jonathan Larson, with music by Jonathan Larson, and directed by Kari Hayter, it runs Feb. 17 through March 5 at the International City Theatre – Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center in Long Beach. For tickets, call (562) 436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

“Calvin Berger a Musical” Loosely based on the story of Cyrano de Bergerac, the musical “Calvin Berger” is the contemporary and hilarious story of unrequited feelings, love notes and physical insecurity among high school seniors. Smitten with the beautiful Rosanna, Calvin is paralyzed by self-doubt due to the size of his nose. No words of encouragement coming from his quirky best girlfriend Bret seems to help. Rosanna finds her head turned by the good-looking new student, Matt, who is painfully shy and unable to voice his mutual attraction to her. Hoping to forge a closer relationship to his love, Calvin offers to pen Matt’s eloquent love notes to Rosanna. As deceptions unravel and truths are revealed, Calvin is about to learn that sometimes what you’re looking for is right under your nose.

Written by Barry Wyner, with music by Barry Wyner, and directed by Richard Israel, it runs Feb. 18 through March 26 at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. For tickets, call (866) 811-4111 or visit www.colonytheatre.org.

“Disney’s The Little Mermaid” Featuring all of the beloved songs from the 1989 animated film like “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea,” as well as new music written by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, this live musical performance of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” promises to be a must-see Orange County family event. With stunning sets, breathtaking costumes and a talented cast of performers, this stage production is sure to transport audiences to a world of magic and wonder.

Written by Hans Christian Andersen, Roger Allers, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and directed by Tim Nelson, it runs Feb. 18 through March 5 at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster. For tickets, call (714) 793-1150 Ext. 1 or visit www.rosecentertheater.com/disneys-the-little-mermaid.

“The Lifespan of a Fact” This highly entertaining, very funny new play follows young intern Jim Fingal whose first assignment at an elite New York magazine is to fact check an essay written by a highly celebrated and cantankerous author. What Jim finds turns his world upside down. Thought-provoking, with zinging one-liners, “The Lifespan of a Fact” explodes into a hilarious slugfest between “facts” and “truth,” making it hard to imagine a play ever being more timely.

Written by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell and Gordon Farrell, and directed by Simon Levy, it runs Feb. 18 through April 12 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets, call (323) 663-1525 or visit www.FountainTheatre.com.

“Sunday in the Park with George” On a Sunday afternoon on La Grande Jatte, French artist George Seurat is hoping to find the inspiration to create a masterpiece. As the piece comes together, the people come alive: his mother, his friends, his critics, the woman he loves. Stroke by stroke, dot-by- dot, will George create something lasting, something new?

Written by James Lapine, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Sarna Lapine, it runs Feb. 19 through March 19 at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena. For tickets, call (626) 356-7529 or visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org.

“Di Lady Di” The narrative begins when Diana is still a girl. Her family is torn apart by divorce, and she is separated from her mother. Born into a noble family, she is accorded the title of Lady. Blonde, beautiful and a virgin at 19, she attracts the attention of the Prince of Wales who, a decade her senior, is under pressure to marry and generate heirs to secure the royal line. He had been dating her older sister. Diana marries the prince and does her duty by giving birth to two sons. The prince rewards her love with betrayal. He has a mistress. His unfaithfulness sends her into a spiral of depression and she is ultimately granted a divorce. She refuses to remain a victim, however. She is prominent as an activist for a variety of humanitarian causes, notable among them advocacy for AIDS patients and a push for the abolition of land mines. She becomes the public’s favorite royal and regains her own agency as The People’s Princess.

Written by Charlotte Munson, with music by Richard Munson, lyrics by Charlotte Munson, it runs Feb. 24 through March 5 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets, call (626) 355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

“Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen” is an evening filled with song, stories and humor that takes the audience on a journey with tributes to Broadway, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Stephen Schwartz and splash of reggae and rock ‘n’ roll. The show features hit songs such as “Magic to Do” from “Pippin,” “Defying Gravity” and “For Good” from “Wicked” and “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries.” The show won the prestigious Cabaret Award after playing New York’s 54 Below in 2015.

Few entertainers today are as accomplished or as versatile as Ben Vereen. His legendary performances transcend time and have been woven into the fabric of this country’s artistic legacy. His first love and passion is and always will be the stage. On Broadway, Vereen starred in “Pippin,” “Wicked,” “Fosse,” “I’m Not Rappaport,” “Hair,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Grind,” “Jelly’s Last Jam” and “A Christmas Carol.” His role in “Pippin” garnered him both the prestigious Tony Award and the Drama Desk Award for best actor in a musical. He performed his show “An Evening with Ben Vereen” to Jazz at Lincoln Center as an exclusive eight-performance run at Dizzy’s Club. The New York Times raved, “Everything finally coalesced in ‘Mr. Bojangles,’ when he became an archetypal vaudevillian: singing, dancing, whistling – doing it all.”

Written by Ben Vereen, it runs Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. For tickets, call (323) 466-2210 or visit www.CatalinaJazzClub.com.

“Let Me In” Life takes an unpredictable turn for the bride’s best friend and the intended groom when a wedding becomes a funeral in this new comedy that is (most probably) based on true events.

Written and directed by Brynn Thayer, it runs Feb. 25 through April 2 at the Theatre 68 Arts Complex in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 691-3001 or visit www.theatre68artscomplex.com.

_______________________________________________________________

Continuing

“Staged” Taylor and Burton, Olivier and Leigh … Fennington and Haverly. After an acrimonious divorce, can a famous, high-maintenance acting couple work together again 20 years later? Rita Rudner stars as revered actress Fenella Fennington, with Mike McShane starring as her ex-husband Jarvis Haverly, in this delightful world premiere comedy.

Written by Martin Bergman and Rita Rudner, and directed by Martin Bergman, it runs through Feb. 12 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets, call (949) 497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“Other Desert Cities” A story about Brooke Wyeth who returns home to Palm Springs after a six-year absence to celebrate Christmas with her parents, her brother and her aunt. Brooke announces that she is about to publish a memoir dredging up a pivotal and tragic event in the family’s history – a wound they don’t want reopened. In effect, she draws a line in the sand and dares them all to cross it.

Written by Robin Baitz and directed by Chloe King, it runs through Feb. 18 at the Theatre Palisades in Pacific Palisades. For tickets, call (310) 454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org.

“Katrina” When two desperate strangers find themselves trapped in an abandoned hospital on the verge of collapse during Hurricane Katrina, they must remember how they got there before they can get out.

Written by LaDarrion Williams and directed by Jazmine Nichelle, it runs through Feb. 19 at the Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.

“Ubu the King” Killing Wenceslaus and his entire family are not enough for old Ubu, his greed and insatiable appetite lead him into a spiraling series of events that result in murder, war and ultimately the restoration of the King’s son, Boggerlas, to the throne of Poland. Meanwhile, Ubu and his conspirators sail off to safety at the end of the play facing no consequences for their reign of terror. You must be 18 or older to attend.

Written by Alfred Jarry, translation by Cyril Connolly and Simon Watson Taylor, and directed by Tim Robbins, it runs through Feb. 25 at the Actor’s Gang Theater in Culver City. For tickets, call (310) 838-4264 or visit www.TheActorsGang.com.

“And If I Don’t Behave Then What” If I resist, if I cross that line, if I don’t conform … what then? Open Fist Theatre Company presents the West Coast premiere of the 2021 Eurdram English-language Committee Award-winning “And If I Don’t Behave Then What” by Berlin-based Serbian playwright Iva Brdar. This is a provocative, explosively funny and moving exploration of how “being good” can shape our lives.

Written by Iva Brdar, translated by Ana Brdar, and directed by Beth F. Milles, it runs through March 4 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets, call (323) 882-6912 or visit www.openfist.org.

Steve Zall, Publisher

Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor