theatertimes.org
CLOSES JUL 6 AHM A CHORUS LINE conceived and originally choreographed and directed by Michael Bennett, book by James Kirkwood and
Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban; re-staged by Baayork Lee and Bob Avian
Winner of the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and nine Tony® Awards including Best Musical, A Chorus Line is the longest-running American Broadway
musical ever, playing more than 6,000 performances in its initial Broadway run from 1975-1990. The new Broadway production opened on October 5,
2006, and is now in its second year. CAST Clyde Alves, Colin Bradbury, Venny Carranza, John Carroll, Emily Fletcher, Stephanie Gibson, Michael
Gruber, Natalie Hall, Derek Hanson, Hollie Howard, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Julie Kotarides, Denis Lambert, Jessica Latshaw, Ian Liberto, Erica
Mansfield, Stephanie Martignetti, Sterling Masters, Pilar Millhollen, Colt Prattes, Rebecca Riker, Alex Ringler, Gabrielle Ruiz, Clifton Samuels, Kevin
Santos, Nikki Snelson, Brandon Tyler, Anthony Wayne, J.R. Whittington and Jessica Wu. TIX at 213-628-2772 or online (Previews 5/21, Opens 5/22,
Closes 7/6)
CLOSES JUL 6 A NEW BRAIN by William Finn and James Lapine, directed by Patrick Pearson
Rude Guerrilla, 202 North Broadway, Santa Ana
Gordon writes music for a corny children's television show and he's on deadline. The show's demanding star - a singing frog named Mr. Bungee - wants
a song about spring from him...yesterday; his lover is living the good life and out sailing; his best friend and business manager needs to talk about his
career over lunch; his mother is nagging him and Gordon has a splitting headache. What happens next in this cult musical is beautiful, inspiring, heart-
breaking and wickedly funny. TIX $25 ($20 seniors; $15 students) at 714-547-4688 (Closes 7/6, NP)
CLOSES JUL 6 ORANGE FLOWER WATER by Craig Wright, directed by Sharyn Case
Rude Guerrilla, 202 North Broadway, Santa Ana
Married couples David and Cathy and Brad and Beth live with their children in relative peace…until two of them begin an adulterous affair. Through a
series of scenes taking place on or around a single bed, we see the painful unraveling of both marriages and, eventually, the construction of a fragile,
but new, beginning. For Mature Audiences. CAST Jay Michael Fraley and Ryan Harris SKED Sat 4:30 p.m., Sun 7 p.m. TIX $20 ($15 seniors; $10
students) at 714-547-4688 (Opened 6/7, Closes 7/6, NP)
CLOSES JUL 6 THE SWEEPERS by John C. Picardi, directed by caryn desai [sic] West Coast Premiere
International City Theatre / Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 East Ocean Blvd., Long Beach
The West Coast premiere of John C. Picardi's comic drama, part of a ten-play cycle about Italian-American life in America. Bella, Mary and Dotty have
been friends and next door neighbors in Boston's North End Italian neighborhood since childhood. It's World War II, and husbands and sons are away
fighting - bringing unsettling pressure to assimilate and change with the times on those who cherish traditions, values and cultural heritage. CAST
Susan Giosa, James Hobert, Valerie Perri, Donna Ponterotto, Danielle Vernengo SKED Thurs-Sat at 8 p.m., Sun at 2 p.m. TIX $32-$42 (Previews
$29) at 562-436-4610 or online (Previews 6/10, Opens 6/13, Closes 7/6)
CLOSES JUL 6 SISSY by Ricardo A. Bracho, directed by Armando Molina World Premiere
Company of Angels / Alexandria Hotel, 501 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles
The time is July 19, 1979. Disco 45's revolve, the Sandinistas have gained power in Nicaragua, and in Culver City a young precocious youth is about
to turn 12. The dramas of sibling rivalry, teen pregnancy and progressive politics play as Sissy blows his candles out. Company of Angels proudly
presents the World Premiere of Ricardo Bracho’s Sissy – a strange tale of a Los Angeles Latino raised in a Marxist household, with the harassing cop on
the corner, and all the trials and adventures of growing up gay in L.A. in the 70s. SKED Fri Sat 8 p.m., Sun 7 p.m. TIX $20 at 323-883-1717 or
online (Opens 6/13, Closes 7/6, NP)
CLOSES JUL 12 OUTBURSTS! written and performed by Gordon James
Complex (The Flight) Theatre, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles
Consider Gordon James, a not-so-famous actor, whose mind was a blank page waiting to be typed on. He wasn't bad on the eyes either. He was an easy
target for possession. It was a match made in heaven, or at least Hell's Kitchen. The Result: Seventeen dead poets will inhabit one human body to
discuss life, love, and trying to get a cab in the big city.SKED Fri Sat 8 and 10 p.m. (Opened 6/6, Closes 7/12, NP)
CLOSES JUL 13 PROOF by David Auburn, directed by Elina de Santos
Macha Theatre, 1107 N. Kings Road, West Hollywood, CA 90069
The production that has been receiving positive notices and strong attendance has been invited to move from the Odyssey to the Macha. ‘Proof’ is
Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning drama about a brilliant mathematician whose mind has failed. He dies, leaving Catherine, his 25-year-
old daughter who took care of him, a legacy. She may be brilliant, ...or she may be crazy. Her father‚s former student shows up to search for valuable
work in the 103 notebooks her father left behind. He pursues Catherine romantically, which inspires her to reveal a notebook with a secret ... that
changes their lives. SKED Thurs-Sat 8 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. TIX $20-$25 at 800-595-4TIX or online www.rosalindproductions.com (Opens 6/19, Closes
7/13, NP)
CLOSES JUL 16 SHAME music and lyrics by Mark Governor, directed and choreographed by Janet Roston
King King, 6555 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
Wednesdays only, 'Shame' had its preview 5/2 by The Newly Formed Los Angeles Rock Opera Company (L.A. ROC) presents its inaugural production
with a rock adaptation of Hawthorne’s ‘The Scarlet Letter.” Set in New England during the time of the Puritans, ‘Shame’ tells the tale of Hester Prynne,
a woman scorned and banished for having a child out of wedlock. This is a completely re-worked version of the show which was produced at Luna Park
in 1994. CAST Kelly Becerra, Laura Darrell, Joe Donohue, Katrina Lenk, Daniel Lujan, Mark Luna, James W. Lynch, Danny Shorago, Trina Taylor,
Erin Zaruba SKED Wednesdays at 8 p.m. TIX $25 at 323-960-5775 or online (Previews 5/28, Opens 6/4, Closes, 7/16)
CLOSES JUL 19 KLÜB by Mitch Watson, songs by David Arnott, directed by Michael Schlitt
The Actors' Gang / Ivy Substation at 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City
A revival of The Actors' Gang's 1992 hit show ‘KLÜB’ continues The Gang's 25th Anniversary Season tribute to its artistic roots, and reunites the
company. ‘KLUB’ is an existential comedy in which 10 highly dysfunctional performers must audition with their life stories to escape from a play in
which they are trapped. Call it ‘A Chorus Line’ in reverse. CAST Reprising the roles they created in 1992 are Watson and Schlitt, along with Joseph
Grimm and Michael Neimand; additionally, and longtime company member Evie Peck. Also cast are Brian Allman, Hannah Eden Chodos, Emilia
Herman, Nathan Kornelis, Lauren Oppelt, Robert Shampain and Beth Tapper. SKED Thurs-Sat 8 p.m. Sat 10:30 p.m. (except opening night) TIX $25
(Thurs, Pay What You Can; Sat late show, $15) at 310-838-4264 or online www.theactorsgang.com (Previews 4/10, Opens 4/12, Closes 5/10; returns
6/19, Closes 7/19)
CLOSES JUL 19 DUPE by Alex Austin, directed by Bill Garrett
Two Roads Theatre, 4348 Tujunga Ave. Studio City 91604
Set in contemporary Los Angeles, the play follows photography collector Leonard Mits’s obsessive pursuit of Carol Fitch, a fabled rock star, who may be
an imposter pursuing him in order to obtain a priceless fashion photograph. Assisting Mist is the photograph‚s model, June Coffin, a perfect image who
has come to life. As Leonard and Carol repeatedly exchange their cat and mouse roles, momentum builds relentlessly, revealing the fiery depths of
both characters, climaxing in a stunning revelation in which art and artifice collide. SKED Fri. Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun 2:30 p.m. TIX $17 ($14.50 online;
$10 Students) Info at 866-811-4111 (Opens 6/27, Closes 7/19)
CLOSES JUL 20 COLD COFFEE & TURTLE SOUP written and directed by Brett Webster World Premiere
Avery Schreiber Theatre, 11050 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood
Cold Coffee and Turtle Soup is an evening of two new, exciting, humorous, and soulful plays. Cold Coffee follows best friends, George and Lenny,
through their 11-year morning ritual of coffee in city park. Funny and heartfelt, the two men tackle UFO's, the Muppets, deli meats, radical Buddhist
monks, popsicle stick jokes, the South, self-help, and being stuck in the circle of life. Turtle Soup finds two brothers, Hank and Enos, stuck in the middle
of nowhere with a turtle, a knife, a decaying tree, an enormous sack of soup cans, and the hope that Ma will come and find them. The play is an
absurdist take on loneliness, brotherhood, nourishment, and home. Together, the plays are an exploration of what it is to be brothers and friends, and
how difficult it can be to simply move on. CAST Jason Hillhouse, David Hussey (alternating roles nightly) SKED Fri Sat 8 p.m., Sun 7 p.m. TIX $15
online, $20 at the door. Info at 323-960-7738 (Opens 6/27, Closes 7/20, NP)
CLOSES JUL 20 ADAM BAUM AND THE JEW MOVIE by Daniel Goldfarb, directed by Paul Mazurski
The Hayworth Theatre, 2509 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
It’s 1946. Successful studio head, Samuel Baum wants to make a movie about anti-Semitism. He hires Oscar winning screenwriter and profoundly
gentile, Garfield Hampson, Jr. to write the script. When he discovers that a competing studio has nearly completed the screenplay to “Gentleman’s
Agreement”, he is desperate to be the first one out of the gate. As Samuel sees it, there's only room for one "Jew movie" a year. CAST Richard Kind,
Hamish Linklater and Gregory Mikurak SKED Thurs-Sat 8 p.m., Sun 7 p.m. (no perf 7/4-7) TIX $25-$30 at 323-960-4442 or online Produced by Gary
Blumsack and Danna Hyams (Opens 6/6, Closes 7/20, NP)
CLOSES JUL 20 IN HEAT by Malcolm Danare, directed by James Eckhouse
The Lost Studio, 130 S. La Brea, Los Angeles
One town. One night. One heat wave. ‘In Heat,’ a new world premiere comedy in four one-acts, in which ‘King Lear,’ Freddie Mercury, 12-step
programs and ‘West Side Story’ abound as eight diverse, charming and somewhat insane characters navigate their respective evenings. An intimate
snapshot of four couples captured over the course of one hot summer evening in Los Angeles. CAST Rebecca Klingler, Robin Thomas, Kyle T.
Heffner, Shana Sosin, John Kapelos, Jon Lindstrom and Mary Mara SKED Thurs-Sat 8 p.m., Sun 7 p.m. (Leave extra time to find street parking) TIX
$20 at 323-960-7724 or online www.plays411.com/inheat. (Previews 6/6t, Opens 6/14, Closes 7/20)
CLOSES JUL 27 THE NOTHING BOYS by Greg Siff, directed by Rick Sparks
Theatre Asylum, 6320 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood
On the ten-year anniversary of his adulthood, Gregory James goes back to school. And on this Long Island evening in June, he and the other nothing
boys will finally graduate. Inspired by a real event. A world premiere production returning after its initial run in May. CAST Greg Siff, Jason Weissbrod,
Christopher Tracy SKED Fri Sat 8 p.m., Sun 7 p.m. (No performances weekend of July 4th.) TIX $20 at 323-960-7863 or online (Opens 6/20, Closes
7/27, NP)
CLOSES JUL 27 THE VOICE OF THE PRAIRIE by John Olive, directed by David Rose
The Colony Theatre, 555 North Third St, Burbank
Before talk radio, before shock jocks, before Garrison Keillor, there was country boy
Davey Quinn. On the 1920s prairie, Davey Quinn's special storytelling grabs the ear of an early radio hustler who puts him on the air -- and a star is
born. Quinn's homespun yarns become a hit with the hearts of America, including one whose childhood memories are mysteriously stirred to life. An
epic adventure of young love and redemption -- with 3 actors playing more than 20 roles! TIX Available by subscription only ($75-$195) until closer to
the season at 818-558-7000 or online (Previews 6/18, Opens 6/21, Closes 7/27)
CLOSES AUG 3 GEF SHIPWRECKED! AN ENTERTAINMENT by Donald Margulies, directed by Bart DeLorenzo
Inspired by the true story of the unlikely hero who spellbound Victorian England – and subsequently the world – with his incredible tale of survival,
Shipwrecked! is a production that appeals to all ages with a wealth of fantastic characters. The story is narrated by adventurer Louis de Rougemont,
played by award-winning actor Gregory Itzin, who reenacts his lifetime of escapades for the audience. The various other players in Louis’ adventures –
including a giant octopus, a faithful dog, a curmudgeonly sea captain and some cagey natives, come to life through seasoned actors Melanie Butiu
and Michael David Cassady. (Previews 6/17, Opens 6/25, Closes 8/3)
CLOSES AUG 3 UNBEATABLE HAROLD by Randy Noojin, directed by John Ruskin
Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Rd., Santa Monica World premiere
Anything is possible for a guy who dreams big. Life seems full of potential, and Harold is about to pop the question after five months of dating (and
working with) Wanda. He lets her know that he has been training hard, his grades are competitive, and he “has more personality in my little finger than
most of those others guys have in their little fingers.” That’s key in hand puppetry. How could anything go wrong? The fun of this story is in the way it
will make you feel. CAST Maury Sterling alternates with Bradley Stryker as Harold, and Austin Highsmith alternates with Sarah Maine as Wanda SKED
Fri Sat 8 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. TIX $15 ($12 s/s) at 310-397-3244 or online (Opens 6/13, Closes 8/3, NP)
CLOSES AUG 3 BETRAYAL by Harold Pinter, directed by John DeMita
Andak Stage Company / New Place Studio Theatre, 10950 Peach Grove St., North Hollywood
‘Betrayal’ begins at the end of a nine-year love affair between a literary agent and his best friend’s wife, and follows its unraveling in reverse
chronological order. However, hindsight is anything but 20/20 for each of these characters. The stakes are high for two families and three relationships
as Pinter explores issues of fidelity, reproduction, friendship, betrayal, and unfathomable human behavior. CAST Daniel Reichert, Nike Doukas and
Leo Marks (pictured left to right) and Harris Matthews SKED Fri Sat 8 p.m., Sat Sun 2:30 p.m. TIX $25 at 866-811-4111 or online (Previews
6/26, Opens 6/28, Closes 8/3)
CLOSES AUG 10 SONGS FROM AN UNMADE BED lyrics by Mark Campbell, musical direction by Jake Anthony, directed by Patrick Pearson
Celebration Theatre, 7051-B Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood West Coast Premiere
One lyricist and 18 composers join forces to create a unique music/theatre event in SONGS FROM AN UNMADE BED, a solo work that propels a smart,
resilient, wry, and ultimately romantic gay New Yorker through the heartaches and triumphs of love in the big city. Mark Campbell's lyrics on the
endlessly surprising experience of urban romance have been set by an eclectic roster of today's musical artists, including Debra Barsha, Mark Bennett,
Peter Foley, Jenny Giering, Peter Golub, Jake Heggie, Stephen Hoffman, Lance Horne, Gihieh Lee, Steven Lutvak, Steve Marzullo, Brendan Milburn,
Chris Miller, Greg Pliska, Duncan Sheik, Kim D. Sherman, Jeffrey Stock, and Joseph Thalken. SKED Thurs-Sat 8 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. TIX $30 (Previews
$15; Opening $34, includes party) at 323-957-1884 or online (Previews 6/4, Opens 6/6, Closes 8/10)
CLOSES AUG 17 AMERICAN TALES book and lyrics by Ken Stone, music by Jan Powell, directed by Thor Steingraber
Antaeus Company, Deaf West Theatre, 5112 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood
As the main event of the Antaeus’ CLASSICSFEST 2008, this world premiere musical (also part of the ASCAP Festival of New American Musicals) takes
us on a musical journey through the world of Mark Twain and Herman Melville. In one act, ‘The Loves of Alonzo Fitz Clarence and Rosannah Ethelton’
offers a free adaptation of Twain’s wry look at that newly invented telephone. The other act is based on Melville’s ‘Bartleby the Scrivener,’ set in an
1840s law office where men eternally spend their days copying out the words of others. CAST John Apicella, Emily Bergl, Daniel Blinkoff, Josh Clark,
JD Cullum, Richard Miro, Philip Proctor, Devon Sorvari, Peter Van Norden and guest artist Jeremy Shouldis. SKED Fri Sat 8 p.m., Sun 3 and 7:30 p.m.
(previews: Thurs 8 p.m., Sun 7 p.m.) TIX $25 (previews $20) On sale 5/1 at 866-811-4111 or online (Previews 6/19, Opens 6/26, Closes 8/17)
CLOSES SEP 27 THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, directed by Ellen Geer
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga Sheridan's 18th Century masterpiece is a sparkling comedy of
manners that made its debut in 1776 - but its comic look at human frailty and hypocrisy is as relevant today as it was then. Brimming with witty
dialogue, mistaken identities, supposed infidelity, eavesdropping and scandal, both real and invented, The School For Scandal is a delightful, madcap
and malicious romp. After all, slander and gossip never go out of style. TIX $20-$28 (s/s,eq $15-$20) at 310-455-3723 or online (Opens 6/28, Closes
9/27, NP)
CLOSES SEP 28 MACBETH by William Shakespeare, directed by Ellen Geer and Chad Jason Scheppner
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga
William Shakespeare's thrilling supernatural tragedy is also a brilliant political thriller about the rise and fall of a brave warrior who would be king at any
price. Full of murder, treason, ambition and greed, Macbeth is a journey into the very heart of evil. The outdoor amphitheater at The Will Geer
Theatricum Botanicum is terraced into the hillside of the rustic canyon. Audience members are advised to dress casually (warmly for evenings) and
bring cushions for bench seating. Snacks are available at the Hamlet Hut, and picnickers are welcome before and after the performance. CAST Susan
Angelo, Aaron Hendry, William Dennis Hunt, Jim LeFave, Melora Marshall, Michael McFall, Mike Peebler, Elizabeth Tobias SKED Fri (8/15) 8 p.m.;
Sat (7/5, 12, 19, 26, 8/2, 9, 23, 30) 4 p.m. or (6/7, 14, 21) at 7:30 p.m.; Sun (6/29, 9/7, 14, 28) 7:30 p.m. TIX $20-$28 (discounts for children, students,
Iraqi War Vets, Equity) at 310-455-3723 or online (Opens 6/7, Closes 9/28, NP)
CLOSES SEP 28 AND AWAAAY WE GO TO WONDERLAND written and directed by Evelyn Rudie and Chris DeCarlo
Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th Street, Santa Monica
Kids 2 to 102 take a musical journey to save the fairytale world. SKED Saturdays & Sundays at 12:30 and 3:00pm TIX $10.50-$12.50 at 310-394-9779
ext 2 or online (Opens 6/21, Closes 9/28, NP)
Three-letter codes before play title link to venue information on THEATER page. Submit listings HERE (Southern California only)
CURRENT REVIEWS
Finding Eugene
TheaterTimes staff will be
heading east to attend the
O'Neill Festival for two weeks in
July. During that time we will be
unable to update our listings or
review new shows. However,
we look forward to returning with
more perspective and more
stories in August.
In the meantime, for a list of past
reviews, go here. For the
upcoming calendar, here.
DOWN TIME
Pictured - Richard Kind, Hamish Linklater ('Adam Baum and the Jew Movie,' Lipp)
IN PREVIEWS / OPENS THIS WEEK
OPENS SUNDAY KDT OF EQUAL MEASURE by Tanya Barfield, directed by Leigh Silverman World Premiere
‘Of Equal Measure,’ set in World War I America, provides an illuminating perspective of the Woodrow Wilson presidency as viewed through the character of
Jade Kingston (LisaGay Hamilton), an African American stenographer working in the White House. Jade witnesses first-hand the paradox of Wilson bringing
the United States into the “Great War” in order that “the world be made safe for democracy,” while trampling civil rights at home by ordering the
segregation of black federal employees and imprisoning individuals critical of the war effort. The effects that these actions have on Jade, her job, her
family and her country fuel a compelling story that resonates socially and politically today. CAST Christian Campbell, Dennis Cockrum, Scott Dawson,
LisaGay Hamilton, Michael Hyland, Joseph C. Phillips, Lawrence Pressman, T. Ryder Smith, Christopher Warren and Michael T. Weiss (Previews 6/29,
Opens 7/11, Closes 7/27)
Adam Baum and the Jew Movie by
Daniel Goldfarb, directed by Paul Mazursky,
The Hayworth Theatre through July 20
Hollywood provides the setting and the marquee
value for Goldfarb’s layered look at how a major
studio head in 1946 weighs his conflicted
responsibilities to his art, business and society
against the well-being of his nuclear and cultural
families.