Whatever the season, it’s always a great time to go out and enjoy one or more of these fabulous shows playing currently in our local theaters!
Covid protocols continue to be dictated by each individual venue, so bring a face mask to wear during the show in case the venue requires it. It’s a good idea to check with the theater before you attend a show to find out what their current policy is.
The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should verify it with the theater to confirm it before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates for this month, or are already running:
OPENING
“Bluebeard’s Castle” The long years of war are over, and the towns and villages lie in ruins. The air is filled with the wails of widows and mothers in mourning, but also with the peal of wedding bells as a young girl is married off to a war hero with a wicked past — it’s rumored that his previous wives were killed or buried alive in his castle. Who would give a girl to be the bride of a monster? Written and directed by Sofia Streisand, with music by Sergey Rubalsky and Artem Petaykin, lyrics by Elena Hanpira, it runs November 1 through November 30 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.
“Grease” Featuring 2 alternating casts of impressive local and regional performers and accompanied by the VOPA Vinyl band, led by Music Director Lindsay Aldana, Grease tells the story of a group of high school seniors who find unexpected friendship and undeniable love, all against a backdrop of iconic 1950s nostalgia. With all the sass of the Pink Ladies, swagger of the Burger Palace Boys, and toe-tapping hits like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” and “You’re the One That I Want,” this show delivers an irresistible mix of humor, heart, and high-energy fun. Written by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey, with music by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey, and directed by Dylan F. Thomas, it runs November 1 through November 16 at the Debbie Reynolds Mainstage in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.
“The Heart Sellers” We meet the women—one Filipino, one Korean—during their chance meeting at a supermarket on Thanksgiving Day, 1973. Longing for connection, Luna invites Jane to her apartment. While their medical-resident husbands work through the night, the women bond over life in America, the families they left behind and how to cook a frozen turkey. Written by Lloyd Suh, and directed by Jennifer Chang, it runs November 1 through November 16 at the South Coast Repertory Julianne Argyros Stage in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit www.scr.org.
“Perfect World” A new musical, based on the life story of Barbara Follett, a precocious and prodigious child writer, who had an extraordinary love of writing and words. Since age 4, she wrote copiously and prolifically, all on a typewriter. She specifically wrote about Farksolia, her Perfect World where happiness reigns and people live in harmony with nature. Barbara wants nothing more than for people to read her books and turn her perfect inner world into reality. But, life, and even love, conspire to thwart her every move. Despite publishing two full-length novels to wide literary acclaim by age 14 in the 1920s, Barbara struggles in all attempts to put the rest of her dream down onto the page. At age 25, she succumbs to life’s many pressures and disappears, leaving her brilliance unfulfilled. Written by Alan Edmunds, with music by Richard Winzeler, lyrics by Alan Edmunds, and directed by Kay Cole, it runs November 1 through November 9 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.perfectworldthemusical.com.
“Peter Pan Goes Wrong” The team behind the hilarious hit, The Play That Goes Wrong, bring their trademark comic mayhem to the J. M. Barrie classic Peter Pan. The much-loved members of “The Cornley Drama Society” once again battle against technical hitches, flying mishaps, and cast disputes on their way to Neverland with hilarious and (of course) disastrous results. Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, & Henry Shields, and directed by Eric Petersen, it runs November 1 through November 23 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets call 562-944-9801 or visit www.LaMiradaTheatre.com.
“Beside Myself” Step into the brilliantly inventive world where modern anxiety meets magical possibility, as a revolutionary medical procedure creates an unexpected double dose of identity crisis. This witty, surreal comedy sparkles as two versions of one woman wrestle for control with hilarious and profound results. Written by Paul Slade Smith, and directed by David Ellenstein, it runs November 2 through November 16 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.
“Hello, My Name Is…” What do you do when the world makes no sense? Some people meditate. Some people travel. And some people… join a cult. In this razor-sharp satire, a ragtag group of seekers stumble into community, purpose, and even a little joy in the unlikeliest of places. But as devotion twists and the “truth” grows harder to swallow, each must decide: are they finally becoming who they are, or are they disappearing entirely? Funny, unsettling, and brutally honest, it explores the human hunger for meaning, the comedy of misplaced faith, and the strange, surprising places where we end up finding ourselves. Written by Amy Dellagarino, and directed by Darin Anthony, it runs November 6 through December 15 at the Moving Arts Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets visit www.movingarts.ludus.com.
“Chicago” Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids. Written by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and directed by David Hyslop, it runs November 7 through November 9 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets visit www.BroadwayInThousandOaks.com.
“Le Switch” is a romantic comedy that explores the anxieties and changing identities within the gay community following the rise of marriage equality. Set between 2011 and 2014, the story centers on David, a 35-year-old commitment-phobic New Yorker, who must re-evaluate his identity and relationships after gay marriage becomes legal. Written by Philip Dawkins, and directed by Spenser Davis, it runs November 7 through November 15 at the Broadwater Blackbox in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.onstage411.com/leswitch.
“Pointy Scissors” Arnie is a barber in the shop owned by his loving sister Betty. Ernie is a sweet man with self-esteem issues, and he’s possibly mildly autistic. One day, he’s giving a haircut to the meanest, nastiest gangster in town, Carlos, when Ernie accidentally sticks his new pair of pointy scissors into Carlos’ ear. Ernie tries to conceal Carlos’ body when Betty arrives. They are soon joined by Sammy, a fellow who clearly has a yen for Betty and who also owes Carlos a considerable sum of money. Written and directed by Clara Rodriguez, it runs November 7 through December 7 at the Theatre West in Studio City. For tickets visit www.theatrewest.org.
“Border Crisis” An average American family suddenly finds themselves at the center of an international border dispute. As the crisis unfolds, their home is invaded by a succession of government agents, diplomats, and border guards who quickly turn everything upside down. The family–good, loyal citizens who just want to get along and be left alone—try their best to comply. But with the ever more complicated rules, regulations, and the demands of a new authoritarian order, they find it harder and harder to do the right thing. Written by Charles A. Duncombe, based on The House on the Border by Sławomir Mrożek as translated by Pavel Rybak-Rudzki, and directed by Frédérique Michel, it runs November 8 through December 13 at the City Garage at Bergamot Station Arts Center in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-453-9939 or visit www.ticketleap.events/tickets/city-garage/border-crisis.
“Mariology” In a mythical fifth-grade classroom, indoctrination explodes into fantasy and rebellion in Nancy Keystone and Critical Mass Performance Group’s form-busting and exuberantly theatrical West Coast Premiere. Mariology explores the Virgin Mary both as a source of faith and a weapon of control, illuminating Mary’s roles in systems of gender, power, and personal agency. Written and directed by Nancy Keystone, it runs November 8 through December 7 at the Boston Court Pasadena in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-683-6801 or visit www.bostoncourtpasadena.org.
“An Inspector Calls” This play occurs when a young woman meets with an untimely demise and a respectable family is subject to a routine inquiry in connection with the death. An inspector calls to interrogate the family and it is revealed that each member of the family is implicated lightly or deeply in the woman’s undoing. The friendly and close-knit family at the beginning of the evening is shown up to be selfish, self-centered, and cowardly. Good fellowship turns to acid and dislike. A surprising revelation turns up in the end which makes this thriller not to be missed. Written by J.B. Priestley, and directed by Cate Caplin, it runs November 13 through December 14 at Theatre Forty, in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.
“Table 17” If your ex called, would you answer? Jada and Dallas were once engaged—now, they’re meeting for dinner to untangle the past. Between cheeky waiters, old wounds, and the undeniable spark that still lingers between them, their “casual” reunion may ignite a bomb neither of them can defuse. Fresh off its hit Off-Broadway debut and from the creative minds of Douglas Lyons and Zhailon Levingston this witty new play serves up romance, regrets, and the unexpected possibility of second chances. Written by Douglas Lyons, and directed by Zhailon Levingston, it runs November 13 through December 7 at the Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.
“42nd Street” 42nd Street follows Peggy Sawyer, a small-town dancer who uses her naïve charm to win her way into the hearts of the audience and onto the chorus line of the biggest show on Broadway. Beloved by generations, 42nd Street celebrates the “hip hooray and ballyhoo” of musical theatre and the courage to chase one’s dreams. Written by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, with music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin, and directed by Doug Vasquez, it runs November 14 through December 13 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.
“Passion” Set in Risorgimento-era Italy, the plot concerns a young soldier and the changes in him brought about by his obsessive love of Fosca, his Colonel’s homely, ailing cousin. Passion is notable for being one of the few projects that Stephen Sondheim himself conceived (along with Sweeney Todd and Road Show). After opening on Broadway in 1994, it was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning four, including Best Musical. Written by James Lapine, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by James Esposito, it runs November 14 through November 30 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.chrtheatre.com.
“Bias” A professor accuses a student of cheating. Suddenly, the professor finds himself being investigated for discrimination. His reputation and livelihood are on the line. What will the investigation’s findings be? Written and directed by Art Shulman, it runs November 21 through December 14 at the Hudson Guild Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.onstage411.com/bias.
“Impact” There are no coincidences… only connections. Shortly after the 30th anniversary of the bombing of PanAm Flight 103, a remarkable chain of “follow-signs” led award-winning playwright/composer/performer Amy Engelhardt to Lockerbie, Scotland. What began as a bucket-list trip to honor lost friends evolved into a personal and global exploration of grace, kindness and simplicity. Moving, soul-stirring, hopeful and uplifting, IMPACT is a multimedia scrapbook of Engelhardt’s journey that unfolds through photographs, video, storytelling and original songs. Written and directed by Amy Engelhardt, with music by Amy Engelhardt, it runs November 21 through November 23 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-663-1525 or visit www.FountainTheatre.com.
“Our Town” Emily Webb begins the play overjoyed at a successful speech she gave at school. She interacts briefly with her possible suitor/next-door neighbor George Gibbs, and suddenly they’re getting married. After giving birth to their second child — and through a strange twist of fate — Emily gets to relive a special day of her life, but finds the experience illuminating and simultaneously tormenting, realizing she took her wonderful life for granted. Our Town beautifully and poetically re-creates a theatrical picture of small town, USA and the precious nature of life we all seem to take for granted. Themes of family, home, cycles, and the value of companionship resonate profoundly as they are woven lovingly into this tapestry/ portrait of life in America. Written by Thornton Wilder, it runs November 21 through December 21 at the Group Rep Theater in North Hollywood. For tickets visit www.thegrouprep.com.
“Robin Hood and the White Arrow: The Holiday Feast of Stephen” Majestic, humorous, and deeply moving, Robin Hood and the White Arrow: The Holiday Feast of Stephen follows Robin Hood, Maid Marian, and their band of merry outlaws as they defy tyranny, fight for justice, and discover that love is the truest treasure of all. Written by Kent Johnson, with music by Tim Nelson & Kent Johnson, and directed by Tim Nelson, it runs November 21 through December 21 at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster. For tickets visit www.rosecentertheater.com.
“A Christmas Carol” With its stirring original music, vivid storytelling and exuberant cast, A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within continues to capture the timeless magic of Dickens’ classic—and the enduring hope that kindness can redeem us all. Written by Charles Dickens, adapted for the stage by Geoff Elliott, with music by Robert Oriol, and directed by Geoff Elliott and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, it runs November 30 through December 24 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3100 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.
CONTINUING
“Million Dollar Quartet” tells the story behind a seminal moment in rock history, when four rock-and-roll legends—Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis—met by pure chance at Sun Records in Memphis. That serendipitous meeting on Dec. 4, 1956, turned into one of the most memorable jam sessions in the history of music. The Memphis Press-Scimitar newspaper chronicled the session the next day under the headline “Million Dollar Quartet.” Written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, with music by Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, it runs through November 9 at the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura. For tickets call 805-667-2900 or visit www.rubicontheatre.org.
“Paper Walls” A family, profoundly affected by Hitler’s rise to power, finds themselves desperately fleeing persecution while awaiting entry into the United States. Restrictive U.S. immigration policies and antisemitism intensified their struggle. This poignant drama explores themes that are strikingly relevant to contemporary times, offering audiences profound reflection on resilience, hope, and the quest for finding their place in an ever-changing world. Written by Elliot Shoenman, and directed by Darin Anthony, it runs through November 9 at the Broadwater Main Stage in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-551-0918 or visit www.inkwelltheater.com.
“What Ever Happened to Baby Groundlings” delivers a wild mix of original characters, outrageous scenes, and razor-sharp satire that is performed by some of the funniest comedians in the city. Expect the unexpected as the legendary comedy troupe dives into the campy, twisted, and delightfully unhinged world of “Baby Groundlings.” Written by Groundlings, and directed by Kevin Kirkpatrick, it runs through November 22 at the Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.groundlings.com.