Here are some great new shows coming soon to our Southern California theater scene!
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
“Ironbound” takes place over the course of 20 years, through three relationships, and in one location – at a New Jersey bus stop. Polish immigrant Darja negotiates for her future with men who can offer her love or security, but never both. Though the world of Ironbound is a world of constant less – less safety, less softness, less margin for error – Darja is determined to build a life that measures in more than just survival. Each negotiation is an act of hope and every win, no matter how small, serves as proof that even in a life defined by “less,” something can still be gained. Written by Martyna Majok, and directed by Kimberly Alexander, it runs May 1 through May 18 at the Madnani Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.ironboundplay.com.
“Carlota: Alhajero de Secretos” Part melodrama and part comedy, Carlota: Alhajero de Secretos is all corazón. Inside the home of Carlota and her three daughters, time seems to have stood still. But their cloistered world is suddenly shaken when the youngest daughter encounters a handsome stranger in town for his father’s funeral. What follows is a cascade of revelations as long-buried secrets emerge — like precious jewels hidden inside a jewelry box. Echoing the themes of Lorca’s play, in which he examined the abuse of power within a rigid, puritanical household, Carlota offers a sharp and often humorous critique of a moral code that suppresses desire in the name of respectability — a “righteousness” that often proves more hypocritical than virtuous. Written and directed by Rodrigo García and Ugho Badú, it runs May 2 through May 24 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-489-0994 or visit latinotheaterco.org.
“Hymn” At a moment when public conversation about men’s emotional lives, and the particular pressures facing Black men, has never been more charged, Hymn offers something rare: a portrait of male friendship that is tender, funny, and utterly without apology. Set against a background of R&B rhythms, boxing and rounds of scotch, Hymn stars Jason Delane (Safe Harbor, Bulrusher, Three Sisters After Chekhov at Lower Depth Theatre; One Night in Miami at Rogue Machine) and Chuma Gault (Gem of the Ocean at A Noise Within, The Gun Show at Moving Arts) as “Benny” and “Gill.” The two men meet at a funeral; Gill knew the deceased, Benny did not. Soon they, and their families, have become close. Written by Lolita Chakrabarti, and directed by Gregg T. Daniel, it runs May 2 through June 14 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit OdysseyTheatre.com.
“Millennials Are Killing Musicals” With a contemporary pop-rock score, this entirely original musical comedy offers a fierce, funny look at identity in the age of social media. Brenda, a single millennial mom, just wants to do better “adulting” (like the seemingly perfect Jake’s mom at her daughter’s school), when her younger #influencer sister Katrina shows up eight months pregnant and totally unprepared for motherhood. The three women work to shed the Greek Chorus of social media filters on their lives to achieve their dreams. Written by Nico Juber, with music by Nico Juber, and directed by Kristin Hanggi, it runs May 2 through May 17 at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. For tickets visit www.colonytheatre.org.
“Southern Fried Funeral” Dewey Frye is dead. He was a much-loved individual in his small Mississippi town. His sudden demise in embarrassing circumstances leaves the rest of the family to pick up the pieces of the clan’s unfinished business- if they don’t kill each other first. Funerals bring out the worst, the best, and the funniest in people, and the Fryes are no exception. Grieving widow Dorothy is surrounded by loving if neurotic family and friends—except for her snake-in-the-grass brother-in-law Dub, who plans to seize her home and evict her. There may be two individuals who will come to Dorothy’s aid—and they’re the people she’d least expect. Can they save the day? Written by Dietz Osborne and Nate Eppler, and directed by Kerr Lordygan, it runs May 2 through May 10 at the Ahiah Center in Pasadena. For tickets visit www.jewishsgpv.org/calendar/jfed-players-present-southern-fried-funeral.
“Blue Man Group” The beloved production will continue to showcase classic Blue Man favorites along with brand new content including the addition of a new character exclusive to the current Tour. The “Rockstar” is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist with striking blue hair who will join the Blue Men in creating a multi-sensory experience fans can remember for years to come. Featuring pulsing, original music, custom-made instruments, surprise audience interactions, and hilarious absurdity, showgoers will join the Blue Men in a joyful experience that unites audiences of all ages. Blue Man Group continues to redefine live entertainment through their combination of rhythmic artistry, groundbreaking technology, and immersive audience interaction. The upcoming tour showcases over three decades of creative evolution, with the iconic trio continuing their legacy as innovators of experimental performance while consistently delivering their signature blend of musical innovation, visual spectacle and spontaneous humor that has captivated millions of fans worldwide. Written and directed by Blue Man Group, it runs May 8 through May 10 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets visit BroadwayInThousandOaks.com.
“Broadway Bound! A Love Letter to American Musical Theatre” Experience the excitement, emotion, and fun found only on a Broadway stage with songs that make the heart soar from Wicked, Hamilton, Pippin, Hairspray!, Camelot, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Waitress, Funny Girl, Dreamgirls, Rent, and MORE! It’s time to raise the curtain and light the lights on the musical event of the season! Written by John A. Goux, and directed by Victoria Lavan, it runs May 8 through May 10 at the Theatre West in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-851-4839 or visit theatrewest.org.
“The Little Mermaid” A young mermaid risks everything for love and a life beyond the sea in this dazzling, high-fantasy stage spectacle where soaring songs, shimmering magic, and family heart collide beneath the waves. Written by Doug Wright, based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen, with music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and directed by Justin Meyer, it runs May 8 through June 28 at the Nocturne Theatre in Glendale. For tickets visit thenocturnetheatre.com/box-office.
“Next to Normal” explores how one suburban household struggles to find normalcy. Next to Normal centers around Diana Goodman, a wife and mother suffering from bipolar disorder, and how the family is impacted by this illness. Can the family unit survive? Written by Brian Yorkey, with music by Tom Kitt, lyrics by Brian Yorkey, and directed by Kirk Larson, it runs May 8 through June 6 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.
“Exit the King” King Berenger (Henri Lubatti) has ruled with absolute power, so why should the rules of death apply to him? As the king stubbornly denies the inevitable, his crumbling kingdom is held together by an eccentric court: his formidable first wife (Joy DeMichelle), his devoted second wife (Erika Soto), and a band of increasingly bewildered attendants (Lynn Robert Berg, Ralph Cole Jr., and KT Vogt). Absurd, witty, and unexpectedly touching, this modern classic becomes a poignant and surprisingly joyful reminder that even kings must face their final curtain. Written by Eugène Ionesco, translated by Donald Watson, and directed by Michael Michetti, it runs May 9 through May 31 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3100 or visit anoisewithin.org.
“Nine to Five” Set in 1979, this hilarious tale of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking, and a little romantic. Pushed to the brink, three coworkers plot to get even with their sexist, egotistical boss. In a wild twist, Violet, Judy, and Doralee turn the tables—taking control of the company and transforming it into the workplace they’ve always deserved. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she? Written by Janet Yates and Patricia Resnick, with music by Janet Yates and Dolly Parton, lyrics by Janet Yates and Dolly Parton, and directed by Amy Coles, it runs May 9 through June 7 at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-828-7519 or visit Morgan-wixson.org.
“Eleanor” Kandis Chappell brings First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to vivid life. Candid and commanding, vulnerable and visionary, from the shadows of the White House to the global stage, Eleanor finds her purpose at life’s greatest crossroads, shaping an extraordinary legacy. The play takes audiences from Hyde Park to The White House and beyond and provides a rich personal account of the Roosevelt family, dynasty, and presidency. Written by Mark St. Germain, and directed by David Ellenstein, it runs May 16 through May 31 at the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura. For tickets call 805-667-2900 or visit www.rubicontheatre.org.
“Crossing Delancey” Isabel is a modern young woman who lives alone and works in a book shop. When she is not pining after a handsome author, she is visiting her grandmother (Bubbe) in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This irascible granny and her friend the matchmaker have found a “good catch” for Isabel, whose initial reluctance gives way to a blossoming romance when she finally meets Sam, the pickle vendor, as the end of the play offers a new beginning. Written by Susan Sandler, and directed by Jonathan Fahn, it runs May 21 through June 21 at Theatre Forty, in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit theatre40.org.
“Ain’t Misbehavin’” is a musical tribute celebrating Fats Waller, the international jazz pianist and composer whose passion for his art helped create and define American popular music and swing. The tribute features songs like “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Your Feet’s Too Big,” “Black and Blue,” “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,” “The Jitterbug Waltz,” and the title song, “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” Written by Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby Jr., with music by Fats Waller, and directed by Wren T. Brown, it runs May 23 through June 8 at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. For tickets visit EbonyRep.org.
“Mrs. Doubtfire” Out-of-work actor Daniel Hillard will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the kindly alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father. A hysterical and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds, MRS. DOUBTFIRE is the musical comedy we need right now – one that proves we’re better together. Written by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, with music by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick, and directed by Steve Edlu, it runs May 28 through May 31 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets visit BroadwayInThousandOaks.com.
“Act Your Age!” Things change with the passage of time, and Jake is denying those changes for as long as he can. However, once the star player of the neighborhood Sunday basketball game, Jake struggles to keep up with the younger guys. Jake’s about to become a grandfather and he’s not quite ready for that either. This may have more to do with things other than his advancing age. Will Jake allow his age-denial to threaten his relationships with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law, or will Jake finally act his age? Written by Art Shulman, and directed by Stan Mazin, it runs May 29 through June 21 at the Two Roads Theatre in Studio City. For tickets visit bit.ly/actyourageplay.
“Cassatt” Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania and became a student at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia at the age of fifteen. Determined to make her own way in the world as a painter, she moved to Paris in 1866. Her paintings began to be featured at the Paris Salon. She became the first American woman to be accepted by the new Impressionist Movement and, exhibiting with them in 1879, she established an international reputation. On the grounds of her French country estate Mary Cassatt burns her early paintings. What led this celebrated American Impressionist to destroy such an important part of her legacy? In an age when men dominated the art world, Mary Cassatt made her mark in the salons of Paris, alongside great masters like Degas and Renoir. Her paintings celebrated the dignity and deeper meaning of women’s inner lives. Written and directed by Arden Teresa Lewis, it runs May 29 through June 28 at Theatre West in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-851-4839 or visit www.eventbrite.com/e/cassatt-tickets-1984650603380.