Trick or treat time is almost here, and though Halloween is a lot of fun, here are some more treats you can enjoy this month:
OPENING
 
“Going… Going… GONE!” Set in the press box of a major Los Angeles baseball stadium, a hilarious yet poignant new comedy from Emmy Award-winning writer (M*A*S*H*, Cheers, The Simpsons) and former ‘Dodger Talk’ host Ken Levine about four sports journalists whose lives are changed during the course of one game. Written by Ken Levine, and directed by Andrew Barnicle, it runs October 1 through November 6 at the Hudson Guild Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-960-5521 or visit www.plays411.com/gone.
“District Merchants” In Shakespeare’s play, the merchant Shylock loans money to Antonio, who promises that if he can’t repay, he’ll make good on the loan with a pound of his own flesh. The loan will enable Antonio’s friend, Bassanio, to woo an heiress, Portia. When Antonio can’t repay the loan, Shylock insists on collecting the bond. District Merchants is inspired by The Merchant of Venice, but sets the story in post-Civil War America. It’s a world of blacks, whites, Jews and Christians, where money changes hands with dangerously high stakes and would-be lovers hide their differences. Written by Aaron Posner, and directed by Michael Michetti, it runs October 2 through October 23 at the South Coast Repertory Julianne Argyros Stage in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit www.scr.org.
“Nevermore” is a fictional psychological thriller about the life of the greatest horror writer of all time. Once upon a midnight dreary, a young Edgar Allan Poe visits the crumbling estate of his old childhood friend Monty, and soon finds himself caught in a web of secrets and lies from the past which mirror his future stories…and threaten his life. Written by Matt Ritchey, and directed by Sean Fitzgerald, it runs October 6 through November 5 at the Belfry Stage – Upstairs at the Crown in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-849-4039 or visit www.theatreunleashed.org.
“Hollywood Premiere Party” brings the dazzle of Hollywood to the masses with an all-new, immersive theater experience in the heart of Tinseltown. The show offers the ultimate night-out in Hollywood, mixing humor, “celebrity” antics, dinner, live music and red carpet treatment all in one memorable night. Guests can be part of the “A-List” and witness the hilarious antics and banter of a Hollywood premiere party, rub elbows and schmooze with actors, directors and producers at this one-of-a-kind production. It’s “Tony & Tina’s Wedding” meets the Oscars®! Opening Friday, October 7, guests are invited to attend the exclusive premiere party for Hollywood’s latest romantic comedy parody, Love & Waffles. Written and directed by Kerry Logan, it runs October 7 through October 29 at the MANOR ON VINE in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.plays411.com/hpp.
“Life Expectancy” is about a 40-something couple who finally get pregnant. Narrated by the slightly smug authors of a “What to Expect” book, the couple is led on a nine month journey through their fears and fantasies, nightmares and secrets. The play’s extra layer is the screenwriting project the mother-to-be has (perhaps unwisely) taken on, which plays in the background as counterpoint and commentary in this hilarious and moving new play. Written by Catherine Butterfield, and directed by Ron West, it runs October 8 through October 23 at the Malibu Playhouse in Malibu. For tickets visit www.malibuplayhouse.org.
“Siamese Sex Show” is the world premiere hip hop musical that blends Lady Gaga-esque pop star theatricality with Blade Runner’s dark comic vision. In the dystopian future, Monocorp, a mysterious military/industrial/ entertainment complex, fabricates a global epidemic condemning the most innocent form of intimacy as deadly. By controlling the single most unavoidable human impulse in the world – sex – Monocorp creates an empire around a “safe” pseudo-sex product called the Love Light. As the world teeters on the brink of apocalypse, four fallen pop stars must overcome their difference and ban together to stop Monocorp’s evil agenda. The show humorously explores the importance of connecting and potential loss of intimacy in an increasingly technological world. Written by John Papageorge, with music by John Papageorge, and directed by Kiff Scholl, it runs October 8 through November 13 at the Lounge Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-960-7738 or visit www.plays411.com/siamese.
“Billy & Ray” Hollywood legends, director Billy Wilder and crime novelist Raymond Chandler, battled censors, and each other, to write the classic film noir “Double Indemnity.” Go behind-the-scenes on this deadly funny journey through a war of creativity between two brilliant writers who nearly killed each other during the making of this Academy Award nominated masterpiece. Written by Mike Bencivenga, and directed by Michael Matthews, it runs October 9 through October 30 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.
“Fritz Coleman’s Defying Gravity” Well known award winning weatherman and comedian Fritz Coleman puts on his funniest show ever! He makes baby boomers “LOL” Laugh out Loud with this charming, warm and wild tale of how to defy the odds and gravity on getting older. What happens when parts of your body begin having their own midlife crisis? Why do all your daily conversations include a medical update? Where are we going? Who knows, but if you are old, you made it! Don’t miss Fritz’ hilarious insight into our BOOMER generation! Written and directed by Fritz Coleman, it runs October 9 and November 27 only, at the El Portal Mainstage Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.
“The Imaginary Invalid” tells the story of Argan, a man whose mounting medical debts are due to his mental neuroses grossly outweighing his physical maladies. He will go to any length to reduce his growing pile of medical bills, and comes up with a scheme to marry off his daughter, Angélique, to a doctor. Angélique has other ideas — and high comedy ensues replete with thwarted love, false identities, dexterous wordplay, musical interludes, and a healthy dose of derision towards the most unscrupulous aspects of the medical profession. This merry-go-round of misplaced desires and hidden agendas takes center stage in Congdon’s 2007 translation, which was originally written for American Conservatory Theatre. Written by Molière, and directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, it runs October 9 through November 19 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3100 Ext. 1 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.
“Blood” the world premiere of a political thriller with music about the “Japanese Tainted Blood Scandal,” in which nearly 2,000 people died of AIDS after U.S. companies knowingly sold contaminated blood to Japan. Written and directed by Robert Allan Ackerman, with music by Nick Ackerman and Chris Cester, it runs October 14 through December 18 at The Complex in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-7745 or visit www.plays411.com/blood.
“Buyer & Cellar” this Off-Broadway hit is an outrageous comedy about the price of fame, the cost of things, and the oddest of odd jobs. Alex More, a struggling actor in LA, takes a job working in Barbra Streisand’s Malibu basement, as a solo shopkeeper of sorts for her mall-like collection of memorabilia. One day, the Lady Herself comes downstairs to play, and an unlikely friendship develops. Written by Jonathan Tolins, and directed by Dimitri Toscas, it runs October 14 through November 6 at the Falcon Theatre in Burbank,. For tickets call 818-955-8101 or visit www.falcontheatre.com.
“Evita” is the rags-to-riches story of Eva Duarte Peron, the actress-turned-First Lady of Argentina. Set in Buenos Aires between 1934 and 1952, Evita is presented almost entirely in song and editorialized on by the show’s narrator, Che. At a young age, Maria Eva Duarte leaves home to pursue stardom. Through dogged determination and cunning seduction, Eva finds herself at the right hand of rising political figure, Juan Peron. As a couple, the two became one of the most powerful and influential political couples in Argentina’s history. Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, and directed by Roger Castellano, it runs October 14 through October 23 at the Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks. For tickets call 805-497-8613 Ext. 6 or visit www.cabrillomusictheatre.com.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” This high-spirited musical rocks the stage with the classic Biblical saga of love and redemption in ancient times, as favored son Joseph with his coat of many colors becomes exiled by his jealous brothers, only to find his true calling in the strange new land of Egypt while coming to grips with the power of lies and injustice. Set to an engaging palette of musical styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock ‘n’ roll, this Old Testament tale emerges both timely and timeless and includes the popular songs “Go, Go, Go Joseph” and “Any Dream Will Do,” as sung by a cast of 22, plus a 35 member children’s choir. Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, and directed by Marc Kudisch, it runs October 14 through October 23 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in Cerritos. For tickets call 562-916-8500 or visit www.3dtshows.org.
“Late Night Catechism” is an uproarious piece of theatre that takes audience members back- sometimes nostalgically, sometimes fearfully to the children they once were, The irrepressible Sister teaches an adult cathecism to a roomful of “students” (the audience). Over the course of the play, Sister goes from benevolent instructor, rewarding the “students” for correct answers with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and laminated saint cards, to authoritative drill sergeant. These abrupt mood swings are bound to strike a resonant chord with everyone who survived the ups and downs of going to school with an omniscient authoritarian at the helm. Written by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan, it runs October 14 through October 22 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.
“Shipwrecked!” An Entertainment – The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) – Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Margulies celebrates the power of storytelling with this theatrical adventure based on the real-life autobiography of Louis de Rougemont. An intrepid explorer who became an instant celebrity upon his return to civilization, Rougemont’s amazing tales of bravery, survival and exotic locales left 19th century England spellbound. But was it real or just a figment of his imagination? Will he be vindicated or will his reputation be ruined forever? Written by Donald Margulies, and directed by Luke Yankee, it runs October 14 through November 6 at the INTERNATIONAL CITY THEATRE – Long Beach Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.
“Spindle City: The Lizzie Borden Musical” It’s 1892 in Fall River, Massachusetts, and Lizzie Borden is on trial for the murder of her father and stepmother. Did she do it? Spindle City, the Lizzie Borden musical, presents a whole backstory to this historical figure known for only one moment in her life. Fall River is home to the largest textile mills in the U.S., hence the nickname for Fall River of Spindle City. They are run by Lizzie’s father, Andrew, and his partners. Her father also owns the local funeral parlor. Lizzie’s family is one of the seven wealthiest that run the town. Her stepmother, Abby, is a nasty piece of work. Lizzie, meanwhile, spends her days as an advocate for the welfare and education of the local children, and teaches at a Sunday school. Her efforts are occasionally thwarted when some children are pressed into labor at the mill, which pays its workers starvation wages under unsafe conditions. Lizzie is distracted when she becomes enamored of another woman, the visiting Broadway actress Nance O’Neil. Meanwhile, her father’s aide, a young African-American named Tommy Thompson, pines for Lizzie. Tragedy befalls the mill in the wake of an appalling industrial accident, and people die. Andrew’s and Abby’s fortunes are about to change. Will Lizzie be the instrument of the people’s revenge? Written by Katrina Wood, with music by Katrina Wood, and directed by Trace Oakley, it runs October 14 through November 5 at the Secret Rose Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-7780 or visit www.Plays411.com/spindlecity.
“The Turn of the Screw” A young governess is responsible for raising two young children in a remote English manor house. But she is not the first one – and what has happened to her predecessor? Hatcher’s thrilling adaptation of the classic Henry James story uses just two actors to bring all the characters to life. The perfect ghost story to haunt your Halloween season! Written by Jeffrey Hatcher, from the Story by Henry James, and directed by Robertson Dean, it runs October 14 through November 20 at the Actors Co-Op Crossley Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-462-8460 or visit www.ActorsCo-op.org.
“Underneath” Olivier Award winners Pat Kinevane and Fishamble: The New Play Company return with the Irish writer/performer’s third solo work about life lived on the fringes of society. Underneath is a blackly comic, rich and vivid tale that is a testament to the people who live under the nose of everyday life. Written by Pat Kinevane, and directed by Jim Culleton, it runs October 14 through October 30 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.
“Vonnegut, USA” five Kurt Vonnegut short stories for the American mid-century landscape that is the background for this “narrative anthology” of simple human tales filled unique, hilarious, and touching characters. The incomparable voice of Kurt Vonnegut brings this world to life – highlighting the triumphs and pitfalls of ‘progress’ as it storms across the country during its post-war industrial boom. Written by Kurt Vonnegut, adapted by Scott Rognlien, and directed by Scott Rognlien, it runs October 14 through November 20 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater. For tickets visit www.vonnegutusa.bpt.me.
“Raise Me Up” Do you believe in love at first sight? Do you believe in soul mates? Do you believe in eternal love? By the time the final curtain falls, you’ll believe. This is a true story about a “moonstruck” couple’s forbidden love, the hilarity and drama from their deeply passionate Italian-Greek families, and how they spent their last day on Earth together. Written by Lisa Phillips Visca, and directed by Chris DeCarlo, it runs October 15 through November 20 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 or visit www.santamonicaplayhouse.com.
“The Stand-In” Two WW2 exiles — Billy Wilder, the picture’s director, and Kasia, an enigmatic young woman — struggle for identity as foreigners while the film is written, shot, and premiered in a strange new land: Los Angeles 1942. Appearing like some sort of siren, Kasia washes onto a beach, only to be rescued by the cinematographer Max. The two quickly fall into an affair as he hires Kasia to work on set. While their passion is genuine, Kasia’s ambitions in Hollywood challenge the strength of their relationship. Meanwhile, Billy Wilder acts as ring-leader, guiding everyone on set in an effort to create one of the greatest films ever made. Written by Alicia Adams & Peter Monro, and directed by Patrick Murphy, it runs October 15 through November 5 at the Bootleg Theater in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-389-3856 or visit www.bootlegtheater.org.
“A Time To Kill” tells the story of Jake Brigance, an idealistic white lawyer from Ford County, Mississippi, who sits in on a harrowing court case: A 10-year-old black girl named Tonya Hailey was brutally raped and beaten by two white men. Jake is shaken by the testimony of the girl’s father, Carl Lee Hailey, but when Carl takes the law into his own hands in the courtroom, the grieving father is suddenly under arrest and facing a trial of his own. Carl begs Jake to represent him, and although it’s a tough case, the young lawyer agrees to fight for the justice of Tonya, Carl and their family. With the help of his oft-inebriated mentor Lucien Wilbanks and a bright young law student named Ellen Roark, Brigance goes head to head against district attorney Rufus Buckley. As the controversial trial shakes the town to its core, Brigance finds himself–and his own beloved family–under attack. Written by John Grisham, adapted by Rupert Holmes, and directed by Ronnie Marmo, it runs October 15 through November 19 at the Theatre 68 in North Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-5068 or visit www.plays411.com/timetokill.
“The Model Apartment” Max and Lola are retiring to Florida, desperately hoping to live out their golden years in relaxation and respite. But the life they have left behind quickly comes calling, plunging their deluxe seaside condo into a nightmare tinged with the brutality of their past. We return to an early work by Pulitzer Prize winner and Geffen Playhouse favorite Donald Margulies (The Country House, Time Stands Still, Dinner with Friends) to bear witness to a haunting family history. Written by Donald Margulies, and directed by Marya Mazor, it runs October 19 through November 20 at the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-208-5454 or visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.
“1984” Greenway Arts Alliance Presents George Orwell’s 1984, adapted by Alan Lyddiard and directed by Kate Jopson. Greenway Court Theatre’s professional production of 1984 launches the premier of GREENWAY READS, a collaboration with the City of West Hollywood Public Library, Greenway Institute for the Arts, the Melrose Trading Post and Fairfax High School. Fairfax High School students and residents of West Hollywood are included in an all school and community reading of the novel 1984 culminating with Greenway Court’s theatrical production of Orwell’s 1984. Written by George Orwell, and directed by Kate Jopson, it runs October 21 through November 19 at the Greenway Court Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-655-7679 or email boxoffice@greenwayarts.org.
“Life Without Parole” At a parole hearing at the California Institution for Women in Chino in 1999, Helen Broker must fight to regain her freedom. She’s been jailed for killing the abusive husband who beat her, threatened to rape her daughter, and who pointed a pistol at her. She’s a member of a prison support group, CWAV (Convicted Women Against Violence). Her fellow group members are all women who have killed the husbands or boyfriends who beat them. According to the criminal justice system, they’re all guilty of second degree murder. But were they just defending themselves against perpetrators of domestic violence? Written by Warren John Doody, and directed by Susan K. Berkompas, it runs October 21 through November 5 at the Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-392-7327 or visit www.edgemarcenter.org.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” the lines between dreaming and waking are deliciously blurred. As the King and Queen of fairies do battle in a fantastical forest, they find their world interrupted by mortals: four young lovers on the run and a group of amateur actors preparing for the biggest performance of their lives. As the humans submit to the magic of the woods, they find themselves in the longest, wildest, most transformative night of their lives. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by David Melville, it runs October 21 through November 20 at the Independent Shakespeare Co. Studio in Los Angeles. For tickets call 818-710-6306 or visit www.iscla.org.
“Other People’s Money” offers a comic yet heartfelt look at loyalty, tradition, friendship…and money when a small factory in New England tries to protect itself from a hostile takeover. This compelling story explores whether corporate raiders are creatures from the black lagoon of Capitalism, or realists. Written by Jerry Sterner, and directed by Oliver Muirhead, it runs October 21 through November 20 at the Pico Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 818-765-8732 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2588643.
“Sylvia” Greg and Kate are empty-nesters in the big city. On a walk in the park, Greg is adopted by Sylvia, a bouncy, frisky poodle mix. But Kate comes to feel that she is losing Greg to his adoring new best friend who just loves to be petted, scratched, and talked to. This imaginative twist on Greg’s midlife crisis leads to lots of laughs and some thoughtful insights into the nature of love, marriage, jealousy, and dogs. Written by A.R. Gurney, and directed by Tanna Frederick, it runs October 21 through December 18 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 800-838-3006 or visit www.sylviatheplayinla.com.
“Destiny of Desire” The story follows two baby girls who are born–one to poverty, one to privilege–and then secretly switched by a scheming former beauty queen. Eighteen years later, the girls meet when they are brought together by misfortune. Or is it destiny? Forbidden love, revenge, infidelity and burning passion abound in this fast-paced comedy. Written by Karen ZacarÃas, and directed by José Luis Valenzuela, it runs October 22 through November 13 at the South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit www.scr.org.
“Lend Me A Tenor” Love a madcap screwball farce set in the glorious ‘30s? Who doesn’t!? Cue the belly laughs that rock the theatre for this high-octane, door-slamming comedy! When a fiery-tempered and world famous Italian tenor passes out and can’t play “Otello,” the high-strung opera impresario, his hapless assistant and a bevy of jealous, flirtatious and star struck wives, girlfriends and dowagers go into full-throttled mayhem. A sensation on Broadway, this nothing-but-funny knockout is guaranteed to leave audiences teary-eyed with laughter! Written by Ken Ludwig, and directed by Art Manke, it runs October 22 through November 13 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets call 562-944-9801 or visit www.lamiradatheatre.com.
“Sparkles and the Black Weeping Woman” Sparkles, a young Latina restaurant worker, lives with her impoverished and quirky mother Luisa in an old Highland Park house which moves downhill whenever a mortgage payment is missed. Set to marry her wealthy boyfriend Sang, Sparkles is not yet ready to settle down, even if such a union would bring security to her and her mother. Little does Sparkles know that Sang’s family hides a dark secret, and the legendary woman that Sparkles turns to for escape, La Llorona, has a mysterious and dangerous plan of her own. La Llorona is also embodied in the person of Cuca, a Colombian revolutionary on a personal mission to save her children. Sparkles feels a mysterious attraction to her: Is it just admiration, or is it erotic? Sparkles’ connection to Cuca places her own life in danger. Will Sparkles survive with the guidance of La Llorona and her guardian angel Tio Jose Angel? Written and directed by Alicia Madrid, it runs October 22 through November 13 at the McCadden Place Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 800-838-3006 or visit www.sparkles.brownpapertickets.com.
“Return to the Forbidden Planet” a fabulously campy send up of “Forbidden Planet” and other sci-fi film and TV shows from the 1950s, loosely based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Set on a space ship sometime in the future, the show features a galaxy of 1950’s and 1960’s rock and roll classics, including “Wipe Out,” “Good Vibrations,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “All Shook Up,” “Monster Mast,” and “We Gotta Get Out of this Place.” Winner of the Olivier Award for Best Musical, RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET follows the adventures of dashing spaceship Captain Tempest and his crew, who hit a meteor shower and then are mysteriously drawn off course to the mysterious planet of D’Illyria. There, they discover a mad scientist Dr. Prospero, his beautiful daughter Miranda, and the robot Ariel. As romance develops between Captain Tempest and Miranda, a monster threatens the spaceship, and a sacrifice must be made to ensure everyone’s safety. Written by Bob Carlton, and directed by Kirby Ward, it runs October 26 through November 13 at the Rubicon Theatre Company in Ventura. For tickets call 805-667-2900 or visit www.rubicontheatre.org.
“Juárez: A Documentary Mythology” Internationally renowned, New York City-based experimental theater company Theater Mitu explores the history, contradictions and mythology of the ever-complicated landscape of the US/Mexico border in a uniquely theatrical multi-media event. Led by Juárez born-and-raised artistic director Rubén Polendo, the company incorporates verbatim transcripts garnered during a two-year series of interviews and investigations to create a devastating portrait of two cities – Cd. Juárez, which emerged in 2008 as the “Murder Capital of the World,” and, directly across the border, El Paso, TX, named the “Safest Large City in America.” Written and directed by Rubén Polendo, it runs October 27 through November 13 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 866-811-4111 or visit www.thelatc.org.
“Like Blood from a Cheap Cigar” Margo is a perky aspiring comedian in her 20s. Her ex-boyfriend George, is significantly older but nonetheless immature, and coming to her apartment. Like Blood from a Cheap Cigar traces the history of the rocky on-again, off-again romantic relationship of these seeming opposites. In the past, they’ve shared sex, laughs, good times and bad times. Can their love be salvaged? Written by Genevieve Joy, and directed by Joseph Reitman, it runs October 27 through November 17 at the Sacred Fools Studio Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.Plays411.com/bloodfromacigar.
“Hansel & Gretel Bluegrass” A new version of the classic story set in depression-era Kentucky narrated by Bradley Whitford (in a special video performance) and featuring the rollicking bluegrass sounds of The Get Down Boys. Multiple award-winning 24th Street Theatre (Walking the Tightrope, Man Covets Bird) specializes in sophisticated theater with emotional depth that appeals to kids as well as adults – appropriate for ages 8+. Written by Bryan Davidson, and directed by Debbie Devine, it runs October 29 through December 11 at the 24th Street Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-745-6516 or visit www.24thstreet.org.
“Kid Magic” Kid Magician star KADAN BART ROCKETT (age 10) and his younger sister BROOKLYN (age 8) are coming to the El Portal Theatre MainStage direct from “Americas Got Talent 2016 Semi Finals”. The amazing magic that KADAN & BROOKLYN created for on Americas Got Talent was so astounding that the four judges voted over and over to keep them in the contest: Simon Cowell said “You are really another Harry Potter”. The other judges Howie Mandell, Heidi Klum & Mel B. were equally impressed with the youngest finalists in the history of the show. Don’t miss this fun-for-the-whole-family exclusive Los Angeles performance that will dazzle and surprise you! Written and directed by Bart Rockett, it runs October 29 through October 30 at the El Portal Theatre Mainstage in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.
“Unbound” It is the fall of 2011. A popular but divisive Tea Party senator wants to be the next President of the United States. A former Black Panther, after 36 years in prison, hopes to rebuild his fallen organization. And two young Occupy activists – Michael and Kate – wake up together in a hotel room, unable to remember how they got there. While piecing together clues from the previous night, they discover a controversial video recording that, if released to the public, could determine the outcome of the 2012 presidential election. But as these four characters chase down their individual dreams of revolution, they unwittingly open a Pandora ’s Box of hidden motives and desires that, once unleashed, threaten to destroy everything they’ve set out to accomplish. Unbound examines the intersection of race, sex, and power by posing the following question: “How far are we willing to go in our quest for a more perfect Union?”. Written by Daryl Watson, and directed by Jennifer Chambers, it runs October 29 through November 27 at the Hudson Backstage Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.iamatheatre.com.
CONTINUING
“Airport Encounters” is a comedic anthology of inter-connected vignettes centered around a central hub that take a hard and hysterical look at human behaviors and the problems we face, all in real time as both weary and excited passengers pass through an airport and onto their next adventure. Featuring individual stories of the eclectic but all too familiar passengers written by a team of top comedy writers, the stories comprise a bigger picture, a full show in itself, making for a truly unique theatrical experience. The play is made up of the following tales:
CONNECTIONS (written by Jessica Mathews): A neurotic accountant’s surprise encounter with the actress he idolizes is interrupted when a puzzling black duffle bag is left in their midst.
TERMINAL SITUATION (Larry Gene Fortin): Mama and Shirl are flying to a funeral…if they can survive each other’s company.
BORDER TOWNS (Starina Johnson): A woman struggling with a tough diagnosis meets a stranger who has surprising advice.
THE STATISTICIAN (Beth Polsky): An obsessive/compulsive mathematician must face his inner demons at the airport.
THERAPY DOG (Scott Mullen): When a nervous flyer meets the airport’s therapy dog, it goes in a direction he doesn’t expect.
SIMPLE AIR (Nancy Van Iderstine): As an Amish couple prepares to board an airplane for the first time, an outrageous secret is revealed that could turn their lives upside-down.
STUCK (Scott Mullen): A young waitress’s life changes when she meets a peculiar stranger who has been living in the airport.
THE GATE (Laura Huntt Foti): A couple attempts to hold their strained marriage together after a very rocky second honeymoon.
THE TEST (Rom Watson): A college student’s questions about his sexuality may be answered by taking “The Test.”
MEAD AND STU AT THE AIRPORT (Rom Watson): Two airport janitor’s friendship is challenged when one has an epiphany that he is genetically altered.
Written by the authors noted above in parentheses, and directed by Joe Ochman, it runs through October 16 at the Lounge Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.neoensembletheatre.org.
“Oktoberfest” An Almost True Story is a musical comedy to be enjoyed year-round, filled with spectacular songs, ranging from spirited oom-pah-pah polkas, jazzy burlesque numbers and delicate love duets to Broadway showstoppers. The audience enters a Munich beer hall complete with traditional long tables and benches and waiters and waitresses in Bavarian dress to enjoy a night of song, dance and merriment hosted by a jovial Emcee. However, the show’s producer unexpectedly shows up, outraged that the Emcee has subverted her historically accurate drama of the romance between a prince and princess, into an “almost true” musical romp. The battle between Emcee and producer sends the troupe of hapless performers spinning out of control into hilarious chaos. Written by Philip LaZebnik, and directed by Madeleine Dahm, with music by Harold Faltermeyer, and lyrics by Philip LaZebnik & Harold Faltermeyer, it runs through October 17 at the Crest Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-440-0221 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2582825.
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