Openings & Extensions – and a job opening! (July 12)

The Lewis Family Playhouse in Rancho Cucamonga is seeking a dynamic and team oriented individual to act as an Asst. House Manager and support the Playhouse’s Front of House operations. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, have completed education the equivalent of 12^th grade. The ideal candidate would be of a theatre background. More info.

 

The 2011 Festival of New American Musicals extends over 16 new musicals and musical events presented in area theatres as part of their on-going programming including “The Trouble With Words” (into AUG) at Coureage Theatre; “Twist” (July) at Pasadena Playhouse; “Jerry Springer: The Opera” (July 1-August 7) at Chance Theatre; “Sherwood Forest” (July 25-27) at Theatre West; and Amanda McBroom at the Ford Amphitheatre (July 30). 

 

SUMMER: Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival – MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, HAMLET, LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST various dates at Griffith Park Old Zoo, 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, LA 90027, FREE. 818-710-6306 or website. There is no seating at the site so bring a blanket or low-backed chair and dress warmly for evening performances.

 

TUE JULY 12, 19, 26: Harry Hay organized America’s first gay-rights group, the Mattachine Society, from his apartment in 1948 Silver Lake. This July, Celebration Theatre will present Hay Days, an unseen picture of gay life before Stonewall and Harvey Milk. Celebration Theatre, 7051 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles 90038. 323-957-1884

  

 JULY 12-17: Music Circus in Sacramento (worth the trip) – THE PRODUCERS with Gary Beach, Bob Amaral, Matt Loehr and Michael Paternostro; Glenn Casale directs. JULY 19-24 OLIVER with Ron Wisniski and Jacquelyn Piro Donovan; Richard Stafford directs. JULY 26-31 ANYTHING GOES with Vicki Lewis, John Scherer and Jason Graae; Marcia Milgrom Dodge directs and choreographs. AUG 2-7 CAMELOT with Davis Gaines, Lisa O’Hare and Sean Hayden; Glenn Casale directs and Dan Mojica choreographs. AUG 9-14 ANNIE GET YOUR GUN with Beth Malone, Edward Watts and Heather Lee; Gary John La Rosa directs. AUG 16-21 I DO! I DO! With real life couple Matthew Ashford and Christina Saffran Ashford; Will Mackenzie directs. AUG 23-28 MISS SAIGON with Eric Kunze and Ma-Anne Dionisio; directed by Stafford Arima and choreographed by Bob Richard.  

 

JULY 12 & 19: CRE Outreach in association with the Lake Street Community Center will present “The Butterfly Effect’, a free workshop open to the public which uses theatre as a medium to transform lives. Blind adult actors will work with at-risk youth, demonstrating how theatre allows them to overcome their disability.  July 12 and July 19, 1:30pm – 3:00pm at the Lake Street Community Center located in Echo Park at 227 N. Lake St. LA, 90057.

 

JULY 12-31: SHREK THE MUSICAL Plays 3 weeks, July 12 to 31 at the PANTAGES THEATRE. A SHREKcation starts with a savings of up to $20 per Pantages tickets to see SHREK THE MUSICAL; families also have the opportunity to save up to 34% on some of L.A.’s Best Family Experiences including Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa, Madame Tussauds, L.A. Zoo, Aquarium of the Pacific, Pacific Park, iFly and even enjoy the sights and sounds of Hollywood courtesy of a special offer from Starline CitySightseeing Hop-on Hop-off.  Families can also enjoy special offerings at various retail locations including American Girl Place and Build-A-Bear Workshop.  

 

JULY 13 ONLY: Absolute Theatre holds a fundraiser for its production of INSIDIOUS ANTON. 9pm – Legendary Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s! “This isn’t your grandmother’s bingo!” Along with Bingo Boy and the drag queen hostess, we welcome our own special guest, the one and only Lee Meriwether! (Miss America! Catwoman! Barnaby Jones! … the list goes on …) It’ll be a fantastic evening of fun and prizes. A suggested donation of $20 gets you 10 games, and each game is a chance to win fabulous prizes!

 

 

JULY 13-15: LA Theatre Works presents NEW JERUSALEM by David Ives featuring Ed Asner, Amy Pietz and Richard Easton. Baruch de Spinoza is a successful merchant and would-be philosopher. But Amsterdam’s Jews have made a fateful arrangement with the city: to police their own for “unorthodox” beliefs. Special pre-CARMAGEDDON discounts. Use code LATWSAVES.

 

JULY 13-17: ClassicsFest 2011 – The Antaeus Company, L.A.’s classical theater ensemble, presents its 7th “summer splash” of actor-initiated workshops, readings, and special events. Audiences can choose from a veritable smorgasbord of the classics. This week: The Doctor’s Dilemma by George Bernard Shaw and The Lucky Chance by Aphra Behn. THE ANTAEUS COMPANY @ Deaf West Theatre 5112 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood CA 91601 (818) 506-1983 or www.Antaeus.org

 

JULY 13-AUG 21: The Antaeus Company, L.A.’s classical theater ensemble, presents ClassicsFest 2011, its popular “summer splash” of actor-initiated workshops, readings, and special events. This year’s ClassicsFest will include readings and workshop productions of The Doctor’s Dilemma and Caesar and Cleopatra by George Bernard Shaw; The Lucky Chance by Aphra Behn; Twelfth Night, Othello and Macbeth by William Shakespeare; Long Day’s Journey Into Night by Eugene O’Neill; A Delicate Balance by Edward Albee (rights pending); After the Dance by Terence Rattigan; The Legend of Oedipus by Kenneth Cavander; The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder; and You Can’t Take it With You by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. In addition, there will be a host of late night events, a cabaret, and other special surprise events.

 

JULY 13-27: Ray Abruzzo (Sopranos) leads the cast of QUAKE at Open Fist Theatre, along with Marc Aden Gray, Alex Pierce, Maxie Solters and Stephanie Terronez. Produced by Broadway actress Anjali Bhimani (Bombay Dreams, Metamorphoses) and directed by playwright Smith with Anjali Bhimani. The play is the first of three full-length world premieres to debut this summer at the Open Fist’s First Look Festival, a two-month celebration of new works.Open Fist Theatre is located at 6209 Santa Monica Blvd. in Los Angeles. For tickets and showtimes call (323) 882-6912 or visit http://www.openfist.org.

 

 JULY 14: one night only. 17th annual Culver City Music Festival – The Culver City Redevelopment Agency presents 8 free concerts on Thursday evenings in the intimate courtyard of Culver City City Hall. This week: reggae with Ghanaian star Rocky Dawuni and his 11-piece band. Enjoy dozens of dining options within walking distance. Even the parking is free. 7pm (courtyard opens at 4:30). 9770 Culver Blvd., Culver City 90232.

 

JULY 14-17: The 2010-2011 season of Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center continues its eighth season with five performances of American Ballet Theatre’s “The Bright Stream” on July 14-17. Choreographed by Alexi Ratmansky and staged by Tatiana Ratmansky, with music by Dmitri Shostakovich, “The Bright Stream” will be performed at the Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. American Ballet Theatre is under the artistic direction of Kevin McKenzie. This season also marks Jose Manuel Carreño’s final performances in Los Angeles as a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, and he will retire in August following performances on the post-Los Angeles Asian tour of the company.

 

JULY 15: One night only The Grove Theatre brings in ABBEY ROAD – A Tribute to the Beatles. With their tight harmonies, flawless note for note renditions of Beatles hits, custom–tailored costumes, vintage instruments, Liverpudlian dialect and precise attention to every detail, Abbey Road – A Tribute to the Beatles has honed their show to become one of the most musically and visually satisfying Beatle tribute acts in the world.

 

JULY 15: Covina Center for the Performing Arts opens I DO! I DO! The show begins with Michael and Agnes on their wedding day and traces their life together over a period of 50 years, until the day they leave their house to the next pair of newlyweds. Through August 14.

 

JULY 15-17: LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS is thrilled to present a very special (and quite the hilarious!) event – the Troubadour Theater Company presenting the tragic tale of FLEETWOOD MACBETH, a spectacular mash-up of the rocking music of Fleetwood Mac and the classic tale of the Bard’s Macbeth! FLEETWOOD MACBETH will feature musical direction by Eric Heinly, choreography by Nadine Ellis and will be directed by (and will feature) Troubadour Artistic Director, Matt Walker.

 

 JULY 15-AUG 7: Theatre of NOTE continues the celebration of its 30^th anniversary with an homage to its roots of producing orIginal one act plays:  Pity of Things, an evening of 5 one act plays written by, Jason Grote (Kawaisoo), Phinneas Kiyomura (The Little Darling), Bill Robens (Breaking), Tommy Smith (PTSD) and Delondra Williams (Desert Aria).  Pity of Things will preview on Thursday, July 14 at 8pm and will open on Friday, July 15th at 8pm and run through Saturday, August 7th at Theatre of NOTE, 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd. (just North of Sunset) in Hollywood.

 

JULY 15-SEPT 10: The Open Fist Theatre Company presents their third FIRST LOOK FESTIVAL OF NEW PLAYS, with new works written by D. Tucker Smith, Shoshana Bean, Eydie Faye, Laura Richardson, Rebecca Sue Haber, Philip William Brock, Richard Manley, Jesse Bernstein, Jim Bontempo.  The Festival is curated by Barbara Schofield, Martha Demson, Laura Richardson, and Caitlin Renée Campbell as Marketing Producer. The Festival will begin on Friday, July 15 and runs through Saturday, September 10 at The NEW Open Fist Theatre, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd. (former home of The Actor’s Gang) in Hollywood.  The festival is a 2 month celebration of contemporary American theatre and music. 

 

JULY 16-AUG 21: The World Premiere of DYSNOMIA, a fast-paced, real-life family comedy about what happens when a suburban housewife comes out of the closet to her delinquent teenaged son, her precocious daughter, her buttoned-up husband, and her wine-swilling best friend.  DYSNOMIA successfully brings to life two suburban families in crisis.  Themes of love, trust, and self fulfillment are carefully woven in through witty one-liners and perfectly flawed protagonists.  The Lounge Theatre 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., LA 90038.

 

 EXTENDED THROUGH JULY 16: In 100 Saints You Should Know, a priest who must reconcile his desires with his role in the church, a teenage boy confused about his own sexual identity, and a young woman desperate for spiritual validation, are all brought together on one fateful night in which they will discover the tenuous common ground they share. 100 Saints You Should Know is a compelling and heartbreaking journey in search for self in a discriminatory and alienating world. The Elephant Space, 6322 Santa Monica Boulevard (just west of Vine), inHollywood. Street parking available.

 

THROUGH JULY 17: The “All Join In” Festival  – centered around the world premiere production of the original Family Theatre Musical “All Join In – a Fairytale Sing-a-Long Afternoon” – offers free performances and workshops to bring members of many generations together in the life-affirming, community-building magic of a live theatre experience. FREE performances of All Join In will be presented Friday and Saturday at 6:30 PM, July 8 and 9, and Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 and 3:00 pm, July 9-10 and July 16-17. Tickets to all performances are FREE and reservations are required. Santa Monica Playhouse.

 

THROUGH JULY 17: THE ROAD THEATRE COMPANY and Taylor Gilbert, Founder/Artistic  Director together with Sam Anderson, Artistic Director, remain committed to their meaningful mission to produce and develop New Work for the Stage.  They are thrilled to announce in this, their 20^th season, the second annual SUMMER PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL. Opens Monday, July11 at  8pm and runs through Sunday July 17 at the Historic Lankershim Arts Center, 5108 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood, CA.

 

THROUGH JULY 17: I’m Just Wild About Harry is a musical based on Brandon Thomas’s hilarious English farce “Charlie’s Aunt” first performed in 1892.  Lamb and Reilly have placed this new adaptation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin circa 1910 and added some very fun songs from the early 1900’s.  Crown City Theatre at St. Matthews Church, 11031 Camarillo St., NoHo 91602.

 

JUY 20-24. ClassicsFest 2011 – The Antaeus Company, L.A.’s classical theater ensemble, presents its 7th “summer splash” of actor-initiated workshops, readings, and special events. Audiences can choose from a veritable smorgasbord of the classics. This week: Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare and Lysistrata by Aristophanes. 5112 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood CA 91601. See site for show times and ticket info.

 

 JULY 21: ONE NIGHT ONLY. Through storytelling, classic video footage, and family memorabilia, Kelly Carlin, the only child of iconoclastic comedian George Carlin, chronicles over 40 years of her life with her famous father. A funny, poignant and honest look at the man who not only redefined 20th century comedy, but inspired generations of comedy fans with such classic routines as Hippie Dippie Weatherman, Class Clown, The Seven Dirty Words, A Place for Your Stuff, and Modern Man. Santa Monica Playhouse, The Main Stage 1211 4th Street (between Wilshire & Arizona), Santa Monica, CA 90401-1391.

 

JULY 21: Maria de Barros kicks off the Skirball Cultural Center’s fifteenth annual Sunset Concerts series on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 8:00 PM.  The concert, free of charge, will be held in the Skirball’s festive main courtyard. De Barros’ joyous and uplifting music, which hails from her spiritual home, the islands of Cape Verde, is also influenced by the music of Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, France, and Spain.

 

JULY 21-AUG 25 THURSDAYS: The Skirball Cultural Center presents the fifteenth annual Sunset Concerts series on six consecutive Thursday evenings at 8:00 p.m., free of charge, in the Skirball’s festive outdoor courtyard. Curated by Skirball Music Director Yatrika Shah-Rais, the 2011 Sunset Concerts season features an eclectic line-up of artists representing music from around the globe: Maria de Barros (July 21), the West Coast premiere of Red Baraat (July 28), Yemen Blues (August 4), Nuriya (August 11), Thomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited (August 18), and Mr. Vallenato (August 25). 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310) 440-4500.

 

JULY 22: Absolute Theatre presents THE INSIDIOUS IMPACT OF ANTON, by David Hilder. Francesca is a 30-something urban dweller who knows who’s who and what’s what, and will be more than happy to tell you exactly which is which. She has it all, from the job that’s not too demanding, to the superintendent ex-boyfriend who still fixes her plumbing (so to speak), to the gay friend next door. Then she meets Anton, a mysterious stranger who keeps turning up, and the oddest things start happening. Directed by Absolute Theatre’s Artistic Director, Richard Tatum, and again co-producing with Full Circle Theatrics at El Centro Theatre. July 22 – August 24  Fridays and Saturdays at 8p and Sundays at 7p.  El Centro Theatre, Chaplin Stage: 804 North El Centro Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038. For tickets, directions and other information: www.AbsoluteTheatreLA.org.

 

THROUGH JULY 22: BASH’D! is loosely based on the real life spike in hate crimes in Alberta, Canada during the national debate on equal marriage for gays and lesbians. Since this debate, same sex marriage has been legalized in Canada, despite the fervent protests of the religious right. In America the struggle continues. BASH’d! explores the effect of homophobic violence and the emotions associated with being any marginalized population. Though the topic is serious, the play itself is fast paced, high energy and full of laughs. Celebration Theatre.

 

JULY 22: La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts is thrilled to announce the seventh and final production of National Theatre Live’s second season – broadcast live from the National’s Olivier Theatre in London, Zoë Wanamaker starring in Anton Chekhov’s THE CHERRY ORCHARD, directed by Howard Davies.  THE CHERRY ORCHARD will be broadcast on FRIDAY, JULY 22 at 8pm at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd. in La Mirada.

 

EXTENDED THROUGH JULY 22: The world premiere drama FIREHOUSE by Pedro Antonio Garcia, directed by Bryan Rasmussen, extends its run for a second time!   Fridays, 8pm, at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks.

 

JULY 22: The hills will be alive in Thousand Oaks as Cabrillo Music Theatre proudly announces its brand-new production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC, through Sunday, July 31^st, at the 1,800-seat Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

 

JULY 22: Absolute Theatre and Full Circle Theatrics opens THE INSIDIOUS IMPACT OF ANTON, directed by Richard Tatum and written by David Hilder, with Tracy Elliot and Mikhail Blokh. Through Aug 28 at El Centro Theatre 804 N. El Centro, LA 90038, 323-230-7261 or online.

 

JULY 23 – AUG 21: The Theatre @ Boston Court presents “Heavier than…” a world premiere play by Steve Yockey, directed by Abigail Deser. This mash-up of Greek myth unfolds in the heart of a labyrinth where Aster the Minotaur contemplates turning 30 in a world that sees him as nothing more than a murderous oddity. Aster has to navigate the impending arrival of warriors out to kill him, a deceptively enticing chorus, a plotting sister, and Icarus, a sexually obsessed boy with wings, all while pining to see his estranged Mother.  Previews July 14 – 22, opens July 23 at 8 p.m. and runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. through August 21 at Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 North Mentor, Pasadena. Tickets: $17 previews, $27 students & seniors, $32 regular, available online at bostoncourt.org, or the box office at 626-683-6883.

 

EXTENDED THROUGH JULY 23: The Interlopers is a Romeo and Juliet story set in the transgender world of Los Angeles. Through the theme of identity, the play explores a group of unique misfits who call themselves family, and who are brave enough to challenge the obstacle course called life. Examining these singular and special people, the play follows them on their journeys to being their whole and authentic selves. World premiere at The Bootleg Theater 2220 Beverly Boulevard, in Los Angeles, 90057 through July 17.

 

THROUGH JULY 23: The multi-award-winning NoHo Arts Center Ensemble (NoHo ACE) presents a newly revised version of the play developed by the company, DEPARTURES, written by Michael Catlin, Effie Hortis, Jim Lunsford, James J. Mellon, Duane Poole, Penelope Richards, Jed Schlanger and Mark Wyrick, and directed by James J. Mellon.  DEPARTURES will run through Saturday, July 23 at the NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd. (at Lankershim) in North Hollywood. 

 

 THROUGH JULY 24: Ojai’s Theater 150 presents Ann Gee Byrd and Brook Masters in Breadcrumbs, which probes the relationship between two very different women. Alida, a reclusive fiction writer who is diagnosed with dementia, must depend upon Beth, a troubled young caretaker, to complete her autobiography. In a symbiotic battle of wills, the two delve in the dark woods of Alida’s past, unearthing a secret tragedy that shatters their notions of language, loneliness, and essential self. Jessica Kubzansky directs. 316 E. Matilija Street, Ojai 93023. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 805-646-4300 or go to www.theater150.org.

 

THROUGH JULY 24: Musical Theatre West is proud to announce the professional regional premiere of THE WEDDING SINGER at the beautiful 1,070-seat Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. THE WEDDING SINGER previews July 8 and runs July 9 through July 24, 2011. This production will be directed by Larry Raben (Original Cast: FOREVER PLAID, Regional: MTW’s THE ANDREWS BROTHERS [West Coast Premiere], THE PRODUCERS, FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, Broadway: THE PRODUCERS, MTW Directing Credits: NEVER GONNA DANCE, THE THING ABOUT MEN and I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE). THE WEDDING SINGER’s musical director is David Lamoureux, choreography by Spencer Liff. Mary Jo Catlett will play Rosie.

 

THROUGH JULY 24: FCLO Music Theatre presents “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now change”, which tackles the truths and myths behind the contemporary conundrum known as the relationship. Hailed by critics as “Seinfeld set to music” and “a funny, witty escapade”, the show is intended for mature audiences.

 

THROUGH JULY 24: TWIST – An American Musical is a timely adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic with a contemporary score, set in New Orleans on the eve of the Great Depression. TWIST tells the story of a young orphan boy born of a courageous white mother and an incredibly talented black father, who navigates the colorful and sometimes rough waters of street life and racial intolerance in his quest to find his family and to find love. Tickets may be purchased online, at The Pasadena Playhouse box office or by calling 626-356-7529.

 

JULY 24: Stogie Kenyatta’s acclaimed show about African-American artist/activist Paul Robeson. Written and performed by Jamaican born and Brooklyn bred Stogie Kenyatta. July 24 at 7:00pm; Saturday, July 30 at 8:00pm; Sunday, July 31 at 7:00pm. Santa Monica Playhouse, The Main Stage 1211 4th Street (between Wilshire & Arizona), Santa Monica, CA 90401-1391.

 

JULY 24: The Fountain Theatre returns to Barnsdall Park for FOREVER FLAMENCO! One day only. The show is unusual because the singer, Jose Cortes, is a Gypsy from Almoria, Spain who arrived in this country only 2 months ago.  Authentic flamenco singers apparently are rare in this country. Gallery Theatre, Barnsdall Art Park 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027. (323) 663-1525 or www.FountainTheatre.com

 

JULY 28: Director BRUCE GRAY has announced his cast for AGATHA CHRISTIE’S SPIDER’S WEB, THEATRE 40’s first production of their new 2011-2012 Season.  Although the play is an original piece, Christie used three plot devices from earlier works she had written. producing a light, entertaining farce with a tale that will appeal to fans of old-school murder mysteries.  SPIDER’S WEB opens on July 28, 2011 in THEATRE 40’s Reuben Cordova Theatre located on the Beverly Hills High School Campus. Through Aug 28.

 

JULY 29: One night only – Shaun Landry and Hans Summers are the comedy duo Landry & Summers: skilled performers creating improvisational and sketch comedy since 1986. Both are founding members of the critically-acclaimed original African American Improv Ensemble Oui Be Negroes. 11pm iO West Mainstage 6366 Hollywood Blvd., LA. Tickets $5.00 (FREE for iO Students) Call our Box office at 323.962.7560 or online.

 

JULY 29: The Korean Classical Music Institute of America, the renowned school for traditional Korean folk music and singing, presents Sound of Korea, a stirring evening of performances featuring the spectrum of Korea’s traditional music, dance and song in several vignettes, on Friday, July 29, 2011, 8:00 p.m., under the stars at the Ford Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. The concert, led by Artistic Director Paul Lee, showcases Korean court/ritual music, the vocal and percussion genre known as Pansori, costumed folk celebrations and traditional Korean acrobatics.

 

THROUGH JULY 30: The Laguna Playhouse opens Athol Fugard’s MASTER HAROLD AND THE BOYS. Set against the backdrop of apartheid and family dysfunction, this award-winning drama paints a picture that is at once ugly and endearing. A white teen that has grown up in the affectionate company of two black waiters learns that his viciously racist father is coming home. A moving look at the way prejudices are passed from generation to generation and how we can stop the cycle of hate.

 

EXTENDED THROUGH JULY 30: Saturdays only but no performance July 23. LA RAZON BLINDADA at 24^th Street Theatre, 1117 W. 24^th Street, Los Angeles. Argentine-born playwright/director Aristides Vargas infuses Miguel de Cervantes’ classic novel, El Quijote with Franz Kafka’s, The Truth About Sancho Panza, and testimonies by Chicho Vargas and other political prisoners held in the 1970’s at the Rawson Prison during Argentina’s dictatorship. Two political prisoners, oppressed by physical and emotional abuse, find solace in meeting every Sunday at dusk to tell the story of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.

 

JULY 30: The Colony Theatre is thrilled to present the second production of its 37^th season of shows – its first ever with six productions instead of five!  Hal Linden & Christina Pickles will star in the classic, ON GOLDEN POND, written by Ernest Thompson and directed by Cameron Watson (Trying, Grace and Glorie).  ON GOLDEN POND will preview on Wednesday, July 27; Thursday, July 28; and Friday, July 29 at 8:00pm and will open on Saturday, July 30 at 8:00pm and continue through Sunday, August 28 at The Colony Theatre, 555 North Third Street (at Cypress) adjacent to the Burbank Town Center.

 

JULY 30: The San Gabriel Valley Music Theatre presents SWINGIN’ AND CROONIN’: A Night of Prima, Dino, and Bing at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse. Starring: Louis Prima Jr., Ricci Martin, & Phil Crosby; the famous sons of Legends: Louis Prima & Dean Martin and grandson of Bing Crosby.  2pm and 8pm. 626-282-1440.

 

JULY 30 – OCT 2: The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum presents the West Coast premiere of a comedy about our enduring need to belong, wherever we are and whatever the circumstances. Rose Cottages by Bill Bozzone opens on July 30 and continues through October 2, part of Theatricum’s “Outdoors and Inspired” 2011 Summer Repertory Season. The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 North Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Topanga, midway between Malibu and the San Fernando Valley. For tickets and information, call (310) 455-3723 or visit online at www.theatricum.com.

 

THROUGH JULY 31: Theatre Unleashed mounts Steven Dietz’ contemporary classic Fiction, running Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. through July 31 at The Underground Theater in Hollywood. Fiction tracks a married couple, both novelists, as they venture into their memories on separate trips to the same writers colony. Playing alongside Fiction is the return of the wildly popular original children’s show Super Sidekick from Gregory Craft.

 

THROUGH JULY 31: The Grove Theatre in Upland presents WILLIE WONKA with Vil Towers. Performances are on Saturdays and Sundays  at 2:00 PM through July 31^st. Tickets to see Willy Wonka are $15 for adults and $12 for students and children. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (909) 920-4343, by going to the Box Office at 276 E. Ninth Street, Upland, or by visiting The Grove’s website at http://www.grovetheatre.com. Box Office hours, except holidays, are 11 am – 4 pm weekdays, and 11 am – 2 pm Saturdays.

 

THROUGH JULY 31: Denise Crosby and Jamie Rose open REVISITING WILDFIRE by Kari Floren and directed by Eve Brandstein at The Odyssey Theatre 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles 90025. Through July 31.

 

THROUGH JULY 31: The world premiere of a funny, touching and thought-provoking new comedy about art by Stephen Sachs is next up at the multiple award-winning Fountain Theatre. Starring veteran actors Jenny O’Hara and Nick Ullett and directed by Sachs, BAKERSFIELD MIST, opens on June 11, the first in a series of productions set to take place at regional theaters across the U.S. as part of a National New Play Network rolling world premiere.

 

 THROUGH JULY 31: Katselas Theatre Company announces the World Premiere of A Death in Colombia by Shem Bitterman, Directed by Steve Zuckerman at The Skylight Theatre 1816 N. Vermont Ave. LA 90027.. Tickets are $30 or $20 for students/seniors. Tickets can be purchased by calling 702-KTC-TKTS (702-582-8587), or online at www.ktctickets.com

 

THROUGH JULY 31: MARGO VEIL– Len Jenkin’s noir fantasy entertainment is a cross between a surreal radio melodrama and wacky comedy filled with music and fantasy. Margo Veil is a young actress whose strange adventures lead her into an ever-changing landscape of dream and reality. An Odyssey Theatre Ensemble and Evidence Room co-production directed by Bart DeLorenzo. Through July 31.

 

 THROUGH JULY 31: The all new production of “Les Misérables,” featuring new staging and re-imagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, will play at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre.

 

EXTENDED THROUGH JULY 31: West Coast Ensemble is thrilled to announce that its smash-hit critically-acclaimed production of GYPSY, with music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Arthur Laurents, musical direction by Johanna Kent, choreography by John Todd and directed by Richard Israel, is EXTENDING through Sunday, July 31 at the Theatre of Arts Arena Stage, 1625 N. Las Palmas Avenue in Hollywood.

 

AUG 1: Theatre 40 re-0pens NAZI HUNTER – SIMON WIESENTHAL – TOM DUGAN’S Critic’s Choice solo play!!! New dates are August 1, 2, 3, 8 ,9, 10 and 22, 23, 24.  Curtain time 7:30 PM.  241 S. Moreno Dr., Beverly Hills 90212.

 

AUG 4-21: FCLO Music Theatre’s third and final show of the season “Las Vegas Live, A salute to Sin City Songs and Showgirls” features the music of famous Las Vegas entertainers, from Louis and Keely to Elvis and Streisand, a marriage of classic and contemporary Vegas hits.  Also featured will be the “Skyroom” leggy chorines, “The Skygirls”. Intended for mature audiences.

 

THROUGH AUG 5: HOW TO SURVIVE THE APOCALYPSE aka A Burning Opera, SYRUP loft LA in fashion District. 25 performances. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkbK7iGlXyM & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwGrNPLsmkY

  

AUG 5: David Maldonado’s “Noche de Pasion” – 100 Years of the Spanish Guitar takes place Friday, August 5, 2011 at 8:30 PM (doors open at 7:30 PM; grounds open at 6:30 PM). Tickets are $35 general admission. Limited VIP tickets are $100 and include a meet and greet, tapas, wine and beer and a private concert. Tickets may be purchased online at www.fordtheatres.org or by calling the Ford Box Office at 323 461-3673. The Ford Amphitheatre is located at 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood, CA 90068

 

 AUG 5-7: HAIRSPRAY comes to the Hollywood Bowl, reuniting the original Tony-winning stars Harvey Fierstein and Marissa Jaret Winokur. Directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. (This is Fierstein’s Hollywood Bowl debut.)

 

AUG 5-27: Racquel Lehrman, Theatre Planners presents the World Premiere dramedy, COUNTER MEN written by Chuck Faerber, directed by Richard Kuhlman.  The play previews Friday, August 5 at 8pm; show runs August 6 through August 27, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks.

  

AUG 6-14: South Coast Rep mounts INTO THE WOODS. Fairy tales begin “once upon a time” and end “happily ever after.”  Not so fast! After all the dreams come true in this Tony Award-winning musical masterpiece, everybody returns to the woods for a reality check.  Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (of beanstalk fame) and Rapunzel get tangled up with a bevy of other fairytale characters—and a few new ones created to add to the chaos—and discover the consequences of wishing for too much. Journey with SCR’s Summer Players into a fantastical world where traditional fairytales take on fractured new lives and teach important new lessons.

 

AUG 6-14: The City of West Hollywood and Free Shakespeare in the Park presents AS YOU LIKE IT, adapted and directed by Tony Tanner with musical direction and arrangements by David Kole.  The cast includes Tad Atkinson, John Copeland, Geryh Curtis, Noah Gillett, Rachele Gueli, Matthew Henerson, Louahn Lowe, Jill Maglione, Brandon Massey, Paul D. Masterson, Jessica Pennington, Steve Peterson and Henry Selvitelle.  Performances run Saturdays and Sundays July 9 – 31 at 6:00 PM in Plummer Park (7377 Santa Monica Boulevard,) and August 6 – 14 at 4:00 PM at Kings Road Park (1000 North Kings Road.)  Sunday August 7 is an 11:00 AM matinee.  Admission is free, but reservations are recommended.  Phone: 323-960-5691.  Website: classicaltheatrelab.org.

 

AUG 6-25: Santa Monica Playhouse announced today that Actors’ Repertory Theatre will kick off Part II of its 50^th Anniversary Festival of Theatre with the world premiere musical comedy “DOLLS! – Not Your Usual Love Story,” a cheerfully mysterious, unexpectedly amorous musical unveiling of the remarkable secret life of the dolls we left behind. The feel good musical previews Saturday, July 23, opens August 6 and plays weekends through September 25, 2011.

 

AUG 7 – 28: At the center of “This” is Jane (Burrows), a widow and single mom, who along with her circle of three friends, is warily approaching “middle age.”  As Jane’s long time friends — a jazz singer and carpenter struggling as new parents and an eccentric mnemonist, attempt to help Jane come to terms life without her husband, they begin to realize the unhappiness and lack of fulfillment in their own lives. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City.

 

EXTENDED THROUGH AUG 7: CAUGHT at the Zephyr Theatre, Regular performances are Fridays and Saturday at 8:00pm and Sundays at 7:00pm. There will no performance on Friday, July 15. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased by visiting www.CaughtThePlay.com or by calling (310) 945-5786. The Zephyr Theatre is located at 7456 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, 90046.

 

THROUGH AUG 7: Jerry Springer: The Opera is finally coming to Southern California. The only show in history to earn “Best Musical” from all four major British awards, Jerry Springer: The Opera is a fascinating mix of high art and low culture that is both hilarious and heart-breaking. Inspired by America’s most lurid TV talk show, this raunchy, high-energy production follows the famous talk show host as he suffers through the worst day of his career to wind up in the afterlife—and beyond. Featuring nappy fetishists, wannabe strippers and dancing Klansmen, this profane, cheeky musical has a sung-through score that ranges from pop and classical to contemporary opera. Chance Theater 5552 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills, CA 92807 through Aug. 7.

 

THROUGH AUG 7: Mashing the 1950s with science fiction in their signature Hyper-theatrical style, Rogue Artists Ensemble creates a uniquely theatrical event using puppetry, live actors, original music and video. D is for Dog begins a six-week run at Studio/Stage in Los Angeles. Rogue Artists Ensemble differs from other theater companies in that it’s run by a collective of multi-disciplinary artists and designers rather than by actors, writers or directors. Studio/Stage is located at 520 N. Western Ave, Los Angeles 90004 (corner Western and Maple).

 

THROUGH AUG 7: It was the Summer of 1947.  Hot off the success of his smash debut ‘The Glass Menagerie’, Tennessee Williams had written a play that would cement his legacy as America’s greatest playwright.  He needed to find the perfect star to play Stanley Kowalski in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’.  When a young unknown actor named Marlon Brando showed up to read for the role the rest, as they say, was history.  This is the untold story of the most infamous audition of them all. Through Aug. 7. The Two Roads Theatre, 4348 Tujunga Blvd. in Studio City.

 

AUG 9-14: THE OJAI PLAYWRIGHTS CONFERENCE (OPC) is thrilled to announce its 2011 Season – 14^th Annual program of playwrights, readings and special performances featuring some of the most talented, established and up-and-coming playwrights writing today. This year’s Conference includes new works by Bill Cain, Stephen Belber & Adam Duritz, Rick Cleveland, Sarah Treem, Ken Lin, Don Nguyen and Danai Gurira.

 

THROUGH AUG 10: Rizzo 39 Productions has announced a limited engagement of Donna/Madonna at the Lounge Theatre in Hollywood. This new solo show, written and performed by John Paul Karliak, is directed by Tiger Reel and Matthew Craig. Karliak wants desperately to be the perfect son for his adopted mother, a doting Catholic housewife from Scranton, PA. But realizing he will never be the ideal local boy, he seeks answers from a very different source: his fashion-writing, married-to-a-British-pop-star birth mother. At The Lounge Theatre 6201 Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood, 90038.

 

AUG 11-13: Chris Isaacson and Upright Cabaret proudly present the West Coast debut of Broadway diva and “Saturday Night Live” alum Ana Gasteyer in Elegant Songs from a Handsome Woman in a limited engagement of three shows only, August 11-13, at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. Showtime is 8:30pm, with dinner and drink service beginning at 7pm. Gasteyer brings her unique comic wit and style to the stage in her new classy, brassy and sassy club act, featuring Broadway ditties, beloved (if forgotten) standards, and movie melodies.

  

THROUGH AUG 14: NEW EYES tells the true story of Yafit Josephson, a young woman living in Israel who joins the  Israeli army to serve heroically for her country. Upon completing her service, she moves to Los Angeles to follow her dream of becoming an actress but finds herself constantly cast only as a Middle Eastern villain.  Through August 14 at the OdysseyTheatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in West Los Angeles. 

 

AUG 14, 21, 28: Three Sundays of Richard Hochberg’s GOOD, BAD, BUT BEAUTIFUL new musical review. Heidi Godt, Sylvia Maccalla and Carrie Stauber go mano a mano against Peggy Lee, Shirley Bassey, Vikki Carr and Eydie Gorme celebrating the best female ballads of the 1960s. The Comedy Store 8433 W. Sunset Blvd., LA 90069. Age 21, 2 drink min. 877-920-4343.

 

AUG 23-23: The Pasadena Playhouse, in association with Glynis Henderson and Jonathan Reinis, announced ENNIO, featuring Ennio Marchetto – The Living Paper Cartoon, will play an exclusive, one week only, limited engagment from August 23 – 28, 2011.

 

EXTENDED THROUGH AUG 27: After winning the Hollywood Fringe Festival’s “Best Musical,” Coeurage Theatre Company extends the World Premiere of Gregory Nabours’ The Trouble with Words, an exciting new song cycle for 3 men and 3 women that explores the relationships people have with words as well as with each other. Nabours’ sharp wit and distinct style are displayed with songs that range from devastating to laugh-out-loud funny. The Trouble with Words is part of the Festival of New American Musicals. Actor’s Circle Theatre 7313 Santa Monica Blvd., W. Hollywood. PAY WHAT YOU WANT.

 

SEPT 9: South Coast Repertory’s 48^th season begins with an adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice and will include works from some of theatre’s master craftsmen: Horton Foote’s touching The Trip to Bountiful, August Wilson’s powerful Jitney, Donald Margulies’ stimulating Sight Unseen and Suzan-Lori Park’s gripping Topdog/Underdog. The new work includes the Southland debut of Molly Smith Metzler’s comedy of class, Elemeno Pea, and the world premieres of three plays read at this year’s Pacific Playwrights Festival: Catherine Trieschmann’s pressure-cooker drama How the World Began, Steven Drukman’s family comedy The Prince of Atlantis and Octavio Solis and Adam Gwon’s emotional chamber musical, Cloudlands.

 

SEPT 9: Third Street Theatre opens William Finn’s FALSETTOS and is looking for fundraising help. 8142 W. 3^rd St., Los Angeles 90048. On Kickstarter and Facebook.

 

SEPT 18: POOR BEHAVIOR, a new play about lust and deception, marriage and fidelity by renowned playwright Theresa Rebeck, will have its world premiere at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum on September 18, as part of the Taper’s 2011 season. Directed by Doug Hughes, previews begin September 7 and performances will continue through October 16. This dark adult comedy asks the question: Is it adultery if they already think you’ve done it? It replaces the previously announced Rebeck play THE NOVELIST.

 

SEPTEMBER 19: The award-winning Musical Theatre Guild, a company of professional performers who present concert-staged readings of seldom seen musicals, will open its 16^th Anniversary 2011-2012 season with HIGH FIDELITY (September 19, 2011), FANNY (November 14, 2011), LITTLE WOMEN (February 13 and 19, 2012), A NEW BRAIN (April 16, 2012) and concludes with SHENANDOAH (June 11 and 17, 2012)  at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale.

 

SEPT 22-25: LA Theatre Works opens its 2012 season with A Doll House by Henrik Ibsen, translated by Rolf Fjelde, featuring Calista Flockhart and JoBeth Williams. Nora Helmer has everything a young housewife could want: beautiful children, an adoring husband, a bright future. But when a carelessly buried secret rises from the past, Nora’s well-calibrated domestic ideal starts to crumble. Ibsen’s masterpiece, in a powerful new translation, is as fresh today as when it first stormed the stages of 19th-century Europe. (Thursday @ 8 pm; Friday @ 8 pm; Saturday @ 3 pm & 8 pm; Sunday @ 2 pm & 7 pm)

 

SEPT 23: LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS & MC COY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT announce their 2011- 2012 season of shows!  For the first time ever, the company will offer its subscribers and audiences four weeks of performances this season (an additional week has been added to each run!) – with six must-see theatrical events: The 39 Steps and Noises Off; Miss Saigon and Cathy Rigby returning as Peter Pan; Life Could Be A Dream and a spectacular evening with Debby Boone reminiscing  about her mother-in-law Rosemary Clooney.

 

THROUGH OCT 1: The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum opens TARTUFFE with new songs by Ellen Geer and Peter Alsop. Considered by many to be his best work, Molière’s rich comic genius is epitomized in the character of the 17th century con artist whose excessively cultured manners and religious devotion mask his true aim—to defraud a naïve gentleman, seduce his wife, marry his daughter, and steal the deed to an elegant estate. Every Friday in September, audiences are invited to feast on a French Provençal buffet dinner in the theater’s adjacent gardens at 6:30 pm, followed by an 8 pm performance. (Separate admission, or combination packages are available.)

 

OCT 1-16: With the success of four previous Festivals (1999, 2002, 2005, 2008), the 2011 World Festival of Sacred Music (WFSM) has established itself as one of the premiere arts festivals of Los Angeles. For 16 days and nights from October 1 through 16, 2011, WFSM fills L.A.’s historic theaters, churches, temples and public spaces with 32 performances featuring local and international artists with disciplines ranging from sacred traditional music to contemporary dance.  Of the 52 artists and groups performing, 32 are making their festival debut.  For more information on WFSM, please visit.

 

THROUGH OCT 2: RICHARD III opens at The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Cyn Blkd., Topanga CA 90290. 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 performances.

 

OCT 20-23: LA Theatre Works presents Completeness by Itamar Moses, featuring Mandy Siegfried. This brand new play by the author of Bach at Leipzig will be recorded to air as part of L.A. Theatre Works’ Relativity science series, with lead funding provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Just how does a computer scientist romance a molecular biologist? Elliot offers to build a computer program to help Molly with her latest research project, but they discover that love just might be the winning formula – if they can only move beyond their fears and past heartbreaks. (Thursday @ 8 pm; Friday @ 8 pm; Saturday @ 3 pm & 8 pm; Sunday @ 2 pm & 7 pm)

 

NOV 17-20: LA Theatre Works presents Copenhagen by Michael Frayn. How different would the world have looked had the Nazis been first to build an atomic bomb? Werner Heisenberg, one of Hitler’s lead nuclear scientists, famously and mysteriously met in Copenhagen with his colleague and mentor, Niels Bohr, one of the founders of the Manhattan Project. Michael Frayn’s Tony Award-winning drama imagines their reunion. Joined by Niels’ wife, Margrethe, these three brilliant minds converge for an encounter of atomic proportions. Copenhagen will be recorded to air as part of L.A. Theatre Works’ Relativity science series, with lead funding provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. (Thursday @ 8 pm; Friday @ 8 pm; Saturday @ 3 pm & 8 pm; Sunday @ 2 pm & 7 pm)

 

DEC 8-11: LA Theatre Works presents Buried Child by Sam Shepard, featuring Amy Madigan
An instant classic, Buried Child was the recipient of the first Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1979. When Vince brings his girlfriend Shelly home to meet his family, it’s a curious homecoming for the son nobody seems to remember. Violence is never far from the surface as his unexpected return uncovers a deep, dark secret that triggers catastrophe. (Thursday @ 8 pm; Friday @ 8 pm; Saturday @ 3 pm & 8 pm; Sunday @ 2 pm & 7 pm)

 

JAN 19-22, 2012: LA Theatre Works presents Next Fall by Geoffrey Nauffts, featuring Jean Smart and original off-Broadway cast member Patrick Breen. Two men in love, two parents in denial, and two friends on speed dial. Luke believes in God; Adam believes in everything else. When an accident changes everything, Adam must turn to Luke’s family and friends for support… and answers. Next Fall captured the hearts and minds of Broadway, winning a 2010 Outer Critics Circle Award as Best New American Play and a Tony Award nomination for Best Play. (Thursday @ 8 pm; Friday @ 8 pm; Saturday @ 3 pm & 8 pm; Sunday @ 2 pm & 7 pm)

 

MAR 15-18: LA Theatre Works presents Look Back in Anger by John Osborne, featuring Sarah Drew and Matthew Rhys. Set in the UK at the dawn of the ‘60s social unrest, this savage morality tale spawned the phrase “angry young man.” Jimmy Porter barely ekes out a living running a candy stall by day and playing jazz trumpet by night. Although he usually takes his frustrations out on his emotionless wife, Jimmy’s scathing tongue and self-loathing seems destined to destroy everything. (Thursday @ 8 pm; Friday @ 8 pm; Saturday @ 3 pm & 8 pm; Sunday @ 2 pm & 7 pm)

 

APR 19-22: LA Theatre Works presents Frost/Nixon by Peter Morgan, featuring Stacy Keach who
reprises his starring role as Richard Nixon in this look at the disgraced president’s interviews with legendary British talk show host, David Frost. Over a one week period, the former president’s desperate attempt to withstand a defacto trial of his legacy degenerates into a personal struggle with his inner demons. (Thursday @ 8 pm; Friday @ 8 pm; Saturday @ 3 pm & 8 pm; Sunday @ 2 pm & 7 pm)

 

MAY 17-20: LA Theatre Works presents Opus by Michael Hollinger. Sex, drugs and chamber music! Talent and temperaments collide in this amusing and compelling behind-the-scenes look at a “high-strung” string quartet. A world-famous ensemble threatens to unravel as it prepares for a high-profile performance at the White House when its most talented member goes missing. Hiring a gifted young woman as a replacement, however, unleashes a maze of backstage maneuvering that tests loyalty, morality and the group’s very passion for music itself.  (Thursday @ 8 pm; Friday @ 8 pm; Saturday @ 3 pm & 8 pm; Sunday @ 2 pm & 7 pm)

 

JUNE 21-24: LA Theatre Works presents The Browning Version by Terence Rattigan, featuring Martin Jarvis, Ian Ogilvie and Joanne Whalley. Terence Rattigan’s 1948 masterpiece about a schoolmaster who must give up his 18 year post at an English public school. Brilliantly exploring the complexity of the human heart, it also predates Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? in its scathing examination of a marriage. A contemporary of Noël Coward and Somerset Maugham, Rattigan’s wit and depth remain timeless. (Thursday @ 8 pm; Friday @ 8 pm; Saturday @ 3 pm & 8 pm; Sunday @ 2 pm & 7 pm)

 

JULY 19-22: LA Theatre Works presents Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco. What do you do when everyone around you is turning into a rhinoceros?  In Eugene Ionesco’s farcical French classic that defines Theatre of the Absurd, Stanley Berenger is an unhappy clerk who faces this odd reality in his daily life. Written during the German occupation of Paris, this masterful comedy became a metaphor for conformity and culture that still resonates today. (Thursday @ 8 pm; Friday @ 8 pm; Saturday @ 3 pm & 8 pm; Sunday @ 2 pm & 7 pm)