June is Bustin’ Out all Over, and that includes our local theatre scene. Just look at all the shows for you to see, such as:

OPENING

 

“Hedda Gabler” one of literature’s most compelling characters in this complex and enigmatic story about the newly married, beautiful and inscrutable wife of an academic trapped in a world she cannot bear. Longing to break free, Hedda jumps at the opportunity to destroy a former lover and rival of her husband, which ultimately leads to her own demise. Hedda Gabler marks the Antaeus Theatre Company’s final production in North Hollywood as the company prepares to move to a newly renovated cultural arts complex in Glendale this fall. Written by Henrik Ibsen, and directed by Steven Robman, it runs June 2 through July 17 at the Antaeus Theatre Company in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-506-1983 or visit www.Antaeus.org.

“The Madwoman in the Volvo” In the throes of her own mid-life change, Loh wrote an essay for the Atlantic Monthly, which later became the basis for her memoir, The Madwoman in the Volvo: My Year of Raging Hormones. She identified herself as someone who is from the “Triple M Generation–menopausal, middle-aged and a mother.” The New York Times selected Madwoman as one of the paper’s 100 Notable Books of 2014. Booklist called it “hilarious, comforting and enlightening.” The memoir’s three-character stage adaptation is a bumper-car ride through mid-life madness, all sparked by an unlikely trip to Burning Man. Written by Sandra Tsing Loh, and directed by Lisa Peterson, it runs June 2 through June 26 at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-7529 or visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org.

 

“Casting Confessions From La to LA” is an outrageous and comical insight into Snowden’s formative years in a small town in Louisiana, getting chewed up and spit-out in Hollywood and her secret ways of finally making money to survive and rise in the OC. Amy’s wild ride is full of hilarious and terrifying stories of nightmare roommates, nowhere jobs, public transportation, and non-traditional “happy endings”. Amy Snowden’s Casting Confessions From La to LA is an outlandish journey from innocence to guilty in a few short years. Written by Amy Snowden, and directed by Joe Salazar, it runs June 3 through June 26 at the Actors Company in West Hollywood. For tickets visit www.hff16.org/3696.

“Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz” Based on characters created by L. Frank Baum, the originator of the first fourteen Oz books, DOROTHY’S ADVENTURES IN OZ explores the author’s most oft visited themes – love, friendship, family, truth, honor and self-esteem. Follow the escapades of Dorothy and her companions along the windy road to that mystical place where dreams really do come true and nothing is as it seems. Along the way, they will do battle with the vain but glorious Queen Coo-ee-oh (and her little blue companion), join forces with a vagabond princess who is revolting (although she doesn’t look it), meet a Patchwork Girl, a Rainbow Maiden, face such looming monsters as war, drought and mortgages. No lions or tigers – though there may be a bear or two – in this wild ride back over the Rainbow. Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne (or sparkling juice!) with admission. Written by Chris DeCarlo & Evelyn Rudie, with music by Evelyn Rudie, and directed by Chris DeCarlo, with Graham Silbert, it runs June 3 through July 9 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 Ext. 1 or visit www.SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com.

“A Feast of Snacks” is an anthology of four bite-sized comedic musicals from acclaimed playwright Michael Gordon Shapiro that span a number of different styles, working together to create an hour of laughter and sing-out-loud theatre.

In “The Charmed Life” (Co-written with Mark Harvey Levine), Margie has experienced unnaturally good luck her entire life. One afternoon she discovers the source of her good luck: a secret admirer, who for years has been covertly making her life better.

In “Climb the Smallest Mountain”, miniature golf legend Darius “Duke” McGovern seems poised to win his seventh world championship until a competitor finds a loophole in the rules that allows him to disrupt Duke’s game.

In “HMS Headwind”, the merry crewmembers of an 18th century British frigate have one problem: their failure to capture a single enemy vessel.

And in a brand new piece, “The Escape Artist”, making its WORLD PREMIERE, the overly confident Scotty shows us the ropes of getting out of jury duty… until he meets a stubborn judge and a potential rival.

Written by Michael Gordon Shapiro, with music by Michael Gordon Shapiro, and directed by Julia Plostnieks, it runs June 3 through June 25 at the Lounge Theater Lounge 2 in Los Angeles. For tickets call 818-849-4039 or visit www.theatreunleashed.org.

“A Thorn in the Family Paw” As we opens, it is 1945 and Eddie Goodman has recently returned from the European Theatre of World War II. Though he and his young wife Susie have been married for three years, they only got to spend about a month-and-a-half together before Eddie was whisked off to fight for his country. Finally back together after a two-and-a-half year absence, all appears to idyllic for this young couple. But as we all know, nothing is ever exactly as it seems. As we move forward to 1969, America is once again involved in a war, only now Ed and Sue are watching from the sidelines, along with their 23-year-old daughter Samantha and 19-year-old son, Jamie. And though the battles of Vietnam dominate the headlines, it’s the family skirmishes that are front and center here. And though Samantha and Jamie are tuned in enough to understand that “the times they are a changin’,” Ed and Sue are not as quick to accept the changes, and specifically the reality, that their children’s lives, loves, and sexuality are changing too. As we head to 1980, women’s roles are changing. And because of that, Sue is becoming more assertive, causing hers and Ed’s relationship to tumble in many, varied, directions as they face new and differing challenges. As our story ends in 1992, it is with a surprising and unexpected conclusion. For what we find is that the plans that the Goodmans have made for themselves don’t always follow what life, and fate, had long ago decided for them. Which family member is ultimately the titular thorn in the paw? The audience will have to view events through the differing perspectives of the characters to achieve the answer to that for themselves. Written by Garry Michael Kluger, and directed by Arden Teresa Lewis, it runs June 3 through June 26 at the Theatre West in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-851-7977 or visit www.theatrewest.org.

“Adam and Eve” When a clown takes the stage to bring to life this biblical tale, God’s word is put on trial, and we quickly find ourselves taking a whimsical journey into the realm of “What if?” Forget all that you may think you know, because history is about to be dissected and reshaped in this play’s attempt to find new meaning in our origin. Written and directed by Blake Lewis, it runs June 4 through June 26 at the Theatre of NOTE in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.hff16.org/3624.

“Audition! The Musical” Movie stars, music, suspense, hilarity, pathos, and the truth behind the Hollywood mystique, as told by those who’ve been there and done that. The 10th Anniversary production, based on the all-too-true-life Hollywood experiences of the award-winning creative team of Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie, is back and brings ten years more harrowing, haunting and hilarious Hollywood horror stories than when it opened in 2006. Written by Evelyn Rudie and Matthew Wrather, with music by Evelyn Rudie and Matthew Wrather, and directed by Chris DeCarlo with Serena Dolinsky, it runs June 4 through June 26 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 Ext. 1 or visit www.SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com.

“Awkwardly Fabulous” Missy Hairston plays 30 characters in this solo comedy and we follow her progress as she grows up in the South, migrates to New York where she finds remarkable success on the comedy club circuit, then pursues a career in Hollywood, where she finds that she is starting over. With plenty on the ball, she gets agents, film and television roles, and yet, she is not denied a personal life. She attracts suitors with her effervescent personality, plus she’s funny (she’s a professional comedian, after all). Missy, at different points in her life, could be described as a woman of majestic proportions. It sometimes impacts her love life, and also her professional life. No matter how fabulous she is, it has an effect on the roles she can book. So, she strategizes on how to change her shape: Natural diet, exercise, a personal trainer. She eventually finds the inspiration to own her awkwardly fabulous self from another source. Written by Missy Hairston, and directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson, it runs June 4 through June 26 at the Studio C Theater in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-455-4585 or visit www.awkwardlyfab.com.

“Buyer and Cellar” Alex takes a job working in the Malibu basement “shopping mall” of a beloved “Funny Girl” megastar. One day, the Lady herself comes downstairs to play. It feels like real bonding in the basement, but will their relationship ever make it upstairs. BUYER AND CELLAR is an outrageous comedy about the price of fame the cost of things, and the oddest of odd jobs. Written by Jonathan Tolins, and directed by Larry Raben, it runs June 4 through June 26 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“The Little Mermaid” Full of Disney magic! In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on one of Hans Christian Anderson’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Written by Doug Wright, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and directed by Glenn Casale, it runs June 4 through June 26 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets call 562-944-9801 or visit www.lamiradatheatre.com.

“Overlay” is a one act play set in a dystopian future where the horrifying realities of war have been replaced with adorable video games. But no matter how remote the act of killing has become, can we ever be far from the burden of guilt below the surface? No one ever has to feel they have blood on their hands. Maybe they should. Written by Adam Hahn, and directed by Morry Schorr, it runs June 4 through June 22 at the Black Box Theatre at the new Sacred Fools Theatre Complex in Hollywood. For tickets call 800-838-3006 or visit www.skypilottheatre.com.

“Stopping By” Actress Barbara Tarbuck’s loving, touching and often hilarious solo show about a 74-year-old woman who sets out to take her husband’s ashes to Burning Man, where she encounters the vast open space, violent dust storms, glowing night skies and uninhibited joy of thousands. Written by Barbara Tarbuck, and directed by Brian Drillinger, it runs June 4 through June 25 at the Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-392-7327 or visit www.edgemarcenter.org.

“Uterine Affairs or the Inconceivable Conception” A hilarious, controversial, thought provoking play exploring the journey of a woman in a world where absurdity is the only thing closest to reality. Written and directed by Celine Nyanga, it runs June 4 through June 25 at the Lounge Theater in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/3480.

“Las García” Explores what it means to be an independent woman in a dependent world, where conflict is always looming around the corner. Starring Gabriela Ortega. Written by Gabriela Ortega, and directed by Alex Alpharaoh, it runs June 5 through June 25 at the Asylum @ Studio C Artists in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-533-7371 or visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/3451?tab=tickets.

“Titus Andronicus, Jr.” Mr. Benjamin, a recently divorced art teacher at upscale Dawson Middle School, is assigned the most unenviable task: to direct the Spring play! When he opts to mount Shakespeare’s bloodiest tragedy he gets caught in a darkly comic spiral as the students supplant the teacher and he learns the toughest lesson of them all…. Written and directed by Troy Heard, it runs June 5 through June 28 at the Sacred Fools Theater Second Stage in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.hff16.org/3410.

“Voices” Chances are, you’ve heard Carla Delaney’s voice before. A successful and acclaimed voice-over artist, her voice has featured in animation, video games and commercials everywhere. A gifted impressionist, she’s done everyone from Bart Simpson to Barbra Streisand to Martha Stewart to Lady Gaga, and the list goes on and on. A capable actor, she’s created her own gallery of quirky, memorable characters. She’s written and performed in the Groundlings Sunday Company, in the hit show Forbidden Broadway, on TV on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Conan, and much more. Entertaining and attractive, how she got to this point is a coming-of-age story as funny and insightful as the multitude of characters inside her. She became aware at an early age of an array of conflicting voices inside her head. She had to find which voice was her most genuine, the one that would best speak her innermost truth. Written by Carla Delaney, and directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson, it runs June 5 through June 25 at the Studio C Theater in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-455-4585 or visit www.HFF16.org/3386.

“Speaking in Tongues” A noir psychological thriller that is a theatrical jigsaw puzzle of parallel stories: two couples set out to betray their partners… a lover returns from the past… a husband doesn’t answer the phone… and a neighbor is the prime suspect when a woman disappears. Written by Andrew Bovell, and directed by Jeneffa Soldatic, it runs June 6 through June 27 at the Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-960-4443 or visit www.AustralianTheatreCompany.com.

“Tilt” A blistering dark comedy about the odds of reaching your destination when self-destruction is riding shotgun, Tilt is a world premiere play by Ben Moroski. Two strangers’ carpool from Los Angeles to Sacramento unravels when they decide to try to extort money from a Department of Motor Vehicles bribery scheme headquartered in Bakersfield. Written by Ben Moroski, and directed by Nick Massouth, it runs June 6 through June 25 at the Sacred Fools — Second Stage Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.hff16.org/3396.

“Ruben Guthrie” An affecting and darkly comic look at alcoholism and the impact of Australia’s drinking culture. A heady cocktail of fizzy humor and touching revelation about a Sydney adman who spirals high, then crashes hard, it’s the story not only of his battle with the bottle – but also of the city that won’t let him put it down. Is it un-Australian to refuse a drink? Written by Brendan Cowell, and directed by Peter Blackburn, it runs June 7 through June 28 at the Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-960-4443 or visit www.AustralianTheatreCompany.com.

“Bull” is a razor-sharp play about the fine line between office politics and playground bullying, offering ringside seats as three employees fight to keep their jobs. Winner of the 2013 UK Theatre Award for Best New Play and the 2015 Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre. Written by Mike Bartlett, and directed by Jennifer Pollono, it runs June 9 through June 26 at the Met Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 855-585-5185 or visit www.roguemachinetheatre.com.

“Home/Sick” a theatrical reimagining of the history of the Weather Underground, developed and devised by New York City theater collective The Assembly and members of the cast. Disgusted by the Vietnam War and the government’s repression of those seeking equality domestically, a handful of leaders from the 1960s student movement seized control of Students for a Democratic Society and reshaped it in the name of overthrowing the United States government. Believing violence to be the only means to transform American politics and society, these passionate idealists accelerated a movement to a revolutionary fervor, but left a country behind. Written by The Assembly, and directed by Jess Chayes, it runs June 9 through July 3 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.

“Psychosexual: A love Story” Brad and Sarah are sex and relationship experts on the way up. Best-selling authors, they’re about to be added as regulars on the Omeika show, the highest-rated daytime TV talk show, hosted by Omeika Carter, America’s favorite. All is not, well, however. Brad and Sarah’s own relationship is far from perfect. Brad has been going to a strip club, where he has developed a crush on an exotic dancer. Floyd, the sleazy club entrepreneur, sees a way to manipulate Brad and Sarah to his advantage. It also turns out that Omeika has a few secret longings of her own. Can Brad and Sarah’s marriage be saved? Written by Samuel Warren Joseph, with music by Jon Detherage, lyrics by Samuel Warren Joseph, and directed by L. Flint Esquerra, it runs June 9 through June 26 at the MET Theatre, downstairs in The Great Scott Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 800-838-3006 or visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/3997.

“Sex” January 5th, 1926. A sizzling ménage a trois awaits the ever so scandalous Peggy Hopkins Joyce as she boards the 20th Century Limited bound for New York. On her way to attend the premiere of her latest picture “The Skyrocket,” she finds herself caught in a sexual love triangle with a handsome struggling actor and a titled English duke. It’s a race against time with only 24 hours to choose the best lover. Who will she choose? A wealthy duke? The struggling actor? Or will they choose each other and leave Peggy out of it? Written and directed by Luchino Vecchio, it runs June 9 through June 25 at the Hudson Theatres (Guild) in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.hff16.org/3561.

“CarneyMagic” John Carney is a unique blend of comedian, actor and sleight of hand virtuoso. His approach is smart, engaging and often….hilarious. Carney is widely acknowledged by his peers as one of the finest sleight of hand performers in the world, with awards and accolades worldwide. Hollywood’s Magic Castle has awarded Carney more awards than anyone in their history, as well as the Academy of Magical Arts prestigious Performing Masters Fellowship. Television appearances include The Late Show with David Letterman and the Jerry Seinfeld HBO special. He has performed in theaters throughout the world, as well as casinos in Atlantic City, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas. He is an accomplished actor, with featured appearances on such TV shows as Spin City and Two and a Half Men, as well as numerous sketch comedy shows, plays and theatrical productions. He has done a number of television commercials including stints as spokesman for MasterCard, designing and performing dazzling visual effects for their television commercials. John often incorporates different characters, from silly to sentimental, into his performances, creating a complete theatrical experience. He is a tireless creator of original material and has shared may of his ideas, techniques and presentations in several books and instructional videos of advanced sleight of hand. He has lectured extensively throughout the world, and his books Magic by Design, Carneycopia, and The Book of Secrets are considered modern classics in instruction of the art form. Carney embodies the state of his art, combining exceptional skill and creativity….with pure entertainment. Prepare yourself for an evening of laughter and astonishment when you experience CarneyMagic. Written and directed by John Carney, it runs June 10 through June 11 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” witty mash-up of Chekhov characters and smart phones is a delightful new comedy for our hyper-connected era. Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia live an angst-ridden, melancholic existence on their family farm. House cleaner-cum-soothsayer Cassandra, whose hilariously ambiguous prophecies keep them befuddled, provides the only break from monotony. That is, until their glamorous movie-star sister, Masha, swans in for a surprise visit-along with her hunky 20-something boy toy, Spike. Written by Christopher Durang, and directed by Mary Jo DuPrey, it runs June 10 through July 3 at the INTERNATIONAL CITY THEATRE Long Beach Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

“30:30:60 A Competitive Birthday Event” Former tennis pro Skyler Strong is celebrating her 30th birthday by smashing 30 of her biggest goals on stage. As part of a long-standing tradition, Skyler and her twin sister (and former tennis teammate) Summer have thrown huge charity-fundraiser birthday parties. Skyler is celebrating alone this year, but she’s not giving up, she’s not whining, and she’s not quitting. Because growing up is all about winning. Written by Anne Brashier, it runs June 11 through June 20 at the Three Clubs Stage Room in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/1735?tab=tickets.

“Romeo and Juliet” With its one-of-a-kind outdoor setting in the heart of Topanga Canyon and its roots in the 1950s McCarthy-era Hollywood blacklist – when actor Will Geer created the theater as a haven for blacklisted actors – Theatricum is best known for its productions that frame contemporary social issues through the lens of classic literature. “Romeo and Juliet has been retold many times before with a myriad of backdrops, proving each time that it continues to resonate regardless of time or place,” says Geer. “We place the story in a city currently divided by political and cultural strife. The lovers are able to see beyond the narrow scope of the world in which they live and find each other in spite of it all.” Written by William Shakespeare, with music by Marshall McDaniel, and directed by Ellen Geer, it runs June 11 through October 2 at the Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.

“Big Sky” Five-star amenities and family fallout are on the itinerary as Jack races to land a life-changing deal during an Aspen getaway. But wide open spaces offer no place to hide as Jack’s family fails to keep the truth and elements at bay. CAST: Arnie Burton as Jonathan, Emily Robinson as Tessa, Jon Tenney as Jack, Jennifer Westfeldt as Jen. Written by Alexandra Gersten-Vassilaros, and directed by John Rando, it runs June 15 through July 17 at the Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-208-5454 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.

“Smoke” presents an intense sexual situation with adult language. “You know you get to choose what happens to you, right?” That’s what John tells Julie when they meet by accident at a kink-play party in New York City. She’s an aspiring college dropout living in the shadow of her famous artist parents; he’s her father’s intern, and the two instantly connect. But with ambitions bared, knives out, and sex an open question, their encounter pushes both of them further than they ever thought they’d go. Written by Kim Davies, and directed by Lisa James, it runs June 15 through June 25 at the Met Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 855-585-5185 or visit www.roguemachinetheatre.com.

“The Armadillo Necktie” The jet black comedy takes place on the border of Iraq and Iran where U.S. Army Colonel Ulysses Simpson Armadillo with help from his trusty Executive Officer Buckley Dunham, has been searching tirelessly for the native insurgents who, years ago, murdered his beloved wife. Written by Gus Krieger, and directed by Drina Durazo, it runs June 17 through July 31 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

 “Golden Boy” follows the life of a young Italian New Yorker in the late 1930’s, who pursues the American dream of fame and fortune.  Forced to choose between big money boxing and his dream of becoming a violinist, the young Italian runs the risk of losing everything he holds dear. Written by Clifford Odet, and directed by Rick Peters, it runs June 17 through July 10 at the Stella Adler Theatre — Gilbert Stage in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-455-3111 or visit www.StellaAdler-LA.com.

“Tennessee Williams UnScripted” Passionate, smoldering secrets lurk beneath the surface of genteel society — and explode in a comical climax of accusation, confession and calamity. Inspired by American master playwright Tennessee Williams’ rollicking storytelling and delicious language, Impro Theatre starts with a single audience suggestion and builds improvised, full-length plays that are hilarious, yet tender as a Southern belle’s broken heart. Williams’ best known plays include A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and The Glass Menagerie. Written by Tennessee Williams, and directed by Brian Lohmann, it runs June 17 through July 31 at the Falcon Theatre in Burbank. For tickets call 818-955-8101 or visit www.FalconTheatre.com.

“Tom” Ellen Geer’s free adaptation with music brings new eyes to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin.’ Long before Black Lives Matter was part of our lexicon, Stowe’s great novel demanded freedom and equality for all, changing forever how Americans viewed slavery, galvanizing the abolition movement and contributing to the outbreak of the Civil War. Written by Harriet Beecher Stowe, adapted for the stage by Ellen Geer, and directed by Ellen Geer, it runs June 18 through October 1 at the Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.

“The Addams Family” This magnificently macabre musical comedy features an original story, and it’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. Written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Adam Lippa, and directed by Anne Gesling, it runs June 25 through July 31 at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-828-7519 or visit www.morgan-wixson.org.

“Richard III” This season, the GRIFFITH PARK FREE SHAKESPEARE FESTVIAL will also feature various opening acts, a Salon Series of talk-backs, an art workshop and education workshops to make this iconic Los Angeles event this summer’s must-do, free, community get together! The Old Zoo is located in Griffith Park near the intersection of Crystal Springs Drive and Griffith Park Drive. In addition to the performances, education and engagement programs are presented for learners of all ages. Players in the Park/Teatristas en el parque are family education workshops presented on select evenings. These workshops are an interactive, energetic way to learn about the evening’s performance and to become more engaged in the overall live theater experience. For one special evening, Self Help Graphics will bring their Barrio Mobile Art Unit for an art-making workshop. Also returning this season is the Salon Series, pre-performance discussions led by experts in the field. Guests this year include Steven Leigh Morris, Executive Director of the LA Stage Alliance; John Frank, Senior Librarian with the Los Angeles Public Library and Ranger Mendibles, Park Ranger with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. Additionally, ISC is pleased to announce its Festival Arts Partners, local performing artists presenting pre-show performances. This season’s guests will include: Invertigo Dance Theatre, La Victoria and The Silver Lake Chorus. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Melissa Chalsma, it runs June 25 through July 24 at the Old Zoo in Griffith Park in Los Angeles. For tickets call 818-710-6306 or visit www.iscla.org.

“Bad Jews” follows Daphna Feygenbaum, the self-proclaimed most devout Jew in her family. When her less observant cousin Liam arrives to claim a treasured family heirloom, bringing along a surprisingly non-Jewish element in the form of Melody, a hilarious and devastatingly funny battle of Old Testament proportions ignites. The cousins sharpen their wit, familial vitriol, and humor, making this nasty, good fun. Written by Joshua Harmon, and directed by Sabrina Lloyd, it runs June 30 through July 24 at the Theatre of NOTE in Hollywood. For tickets call 310-502-0086 or visit www.badjewsinhollywood.com.

“A Few Good Men” is a gripping military courtroom thriller. A young marine, apparently unfit to endure the physical rigors of Marine duty, has died. Was it an accident, or were the circumstances of his death more sinister? Two marines in his unit are indicted for a variety of charges including murder. Their only defense against the prospect of long prison terms is mounted by their Marine attorneys, Lt. J.G. Daniel Kaffee (himself the son of a revered military attorney) and Lt. Cmdr. Joanne Galloway, neither of whom has successfully mounted a criminal defense in a courtroom before. It will take all their intelligence, skill and perseverance to fight a sadistic military cult within the walls of Guantanamo Bay if Kaffee and Galloway are to win their clients’ liberty and prevail against those who would subvert the Constitution and stain the honor of Marines stationed throughout the globe who serve America with courage and distinction. Written by Aaron Sorkin, and directed by Tony Pauletto, it runs June 30 through July 17 at the NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood. For tickets call 800-838-3006 or visit www.afewgoodmenplay.brownpapertickets.com.

CONTINUING

 

“Clarence Darrow” this intimate production, presented in the round, is a compelling one-man tour-de-force which provides insights into the life, loves, triumphs and disappointments of the man who defended the seemingly indefensible and championed the underdog with passion, eloquence and sharp humor. James O’Neil, whose acting credits include Pontius Pilate in the National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, and Rubicon productions of Hamlet and Our Town, has long aspired to play the role of Darrow, who is O’Neil’s great-grandfather’s first cousin. Written by David W. Rintels, and directed by Jenny Sullivan, it runs through June 12 at the Rubicon Theatre Company in Ventura. For tickets call 805-667-2900 or visit www.rubicontheatre.org.

“La Cage aux Folles” Featuring: Jon Jon Briones as Georges Gedde Watanabe as Albin Allen Lucky Weaver as Jacob Michael Hagiwara as Edouard Dindon Sharline Liu as Marie Dindon Jinwoo Jung as Jean Michel Audrey Cain as Anne Grace Yoo as Jaqueline Cesar Cipriano as Francis Christopher Aguilar Carlos Chang Jonathan Kim DT Matias Alex Sanchez This multiple Tony Award winner for Best Musical about a gay couple who own a glitzy drag club is given a fresh, sleek and racy look that only East West Players can deliver. The charmed lives of Georges, the suave owner, and Albin, his high-strung star performer, are turned upside down when George’s son, Jean-Michel, returns with his fiancée, Anne. Cultures collide as Georges and Albin are introduced to Anne and her ultra-conservative parents in this jubilant musical that inspired the movie, “The Birdcage.” Written by Harvey Fierstein, based on the book by Jean Poiret, with music by Jerry Herman, and directed by Tim Dang, it runs through June 26 at the East West Players – David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-625-7000 or visit www.eastwestplayers.org.

“John is a Father” Recovering alcoholic John Owens was estranged from his family for decades before his son, a Marine, was killed in Afghanistan. Now, six years later, he receives an invitation to meet his widowed daughter-in-law and his grandson for the first time. From the streets of Los Angeles to a cramped apartment in Phoenix, he prepares to face the ghosts of his past. But nothing can prepare him for the people he’ll really meet along the way — and their capacity for forgiveness. Written by Julie Marie Myatt, and directed by Dan Bonnell, it runs through July 16 at the Road on Lankershim in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-761-8838 or visit www.roadtheatre.org.

“The Boy from Oz” the musical focuses on the extraordinary life of legendary singer/songwriter Peter Allen, from his birth in 1944 and humble beginnings to his meteoric rise to fame as an international star. The story covers Peter’s life and career in Australia and the United States, as well as his relationships with the legendary singing stars Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli. Written by Martin Sherman, original Book by Nick Enright, with music by Peter Allen, and directed by Michael A. Shepperd, it runs through July 31 at the Celebration Theatre at the Lex in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-957-1884 or visit www.celebrationtheatre.com.

 

Summer officially starts this month, so celebrate it by seeing one of these great productions today!