Sacred Fools Season 21 Announcement
In the midst of their current season, Sacred Fools has announced the opening show for their 21st season. In the fall of 2017 they will be presenting the Los Angeles premiere of Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play by Anne Washburn and directed by Jaime Robledo. This dark comedy centers around the idea of keeping humanity, and what makes us human, alive by telling stories. A throwback to the oral history tradition of passing stories down from generation to generation, until they evolve into myth. The play will be told through different venues, each one catering to a different act. Visit sacredfools.org for more information.
The Latino Theatre Company World Premiere Comedy
The Latino Theatre Company launches its 2017 season with the world premiere comedy The Cruise by Jonathan Ceniceroz. Set entirely on a high-end cruise ship, the play is a literal vehicle with which to explore current cultural, political, and sexual topics. According to Ceniceroz, “I wanted to explore the sense of dislocation that so many of us feel in today’s society. We don’t usually see the immigrant experience from that perspective—the assimilated, ‘pocho’ point of view.” The cast is headed by Ric Salinas and includes Kenneth Miles Ellington, Carolyn Almos, Gary Lamb, and Brian Wallace. Directed by Heath Cullens. The Cruise runs March 10–April 9 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center. For more information visit TheLATC.org
41st Annual Excellence in Theatre Awards
The San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle announced this week the nominees for 2016’s 41st Annual Excellence in Theatre Awards. The San Francisco Playhouse leads the nominees with a total of 45 nominations. The Marin Theatre Company is a close second with 35. Chess (Custom Made Theatre Company) and Red Velvet (San Francisco Playhouse) lead with 12 nominations. Frances McDormand is also nominated for her work in Macbeth (Berkeley Repertory Theatre). The awards ceremony will take place on March 27 at the Victoria Theatre in San Francisco. For a full list of nominees, visit SFBATCC.org
Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights Panel Discussion
On February 11, the Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights will hold a free panel discussion on the future of L.A. playwriting following the new 99-seat theatre regulations. Confirmed panelists include playwrights and ALAP members Nancy Beverly and Tom Misuraca; SoCal representative of the Dramatists Guild Josh Gershick; co-artistic director of the Victory Theatre Maria Gobetti; and Steven Leigh Morris, executive director of the L.A. Stage Alliance. RSVP is not required, but recommended at [email protected].
Coming Soon to the Los Angeles Area:
Family Only
Written by Darryl Vinyard
Directed by Arden Teresa Lewis and featuring Riley Rae Baker, Roger Kent Cruz, Frank Gangarossa, Anne Leyden, Sheila Shaw, and Diane Travis
February 10–March 19
Theatre West
3333 Cahuenga Blvd West in Los Angeles
Will has just bought a new home and has invited his family over to celebrate, but on a blisteringly hot day it turns into nothing resembling a celebration.
God Looked Away
Written by Dotson Rader
Directed by Robert Allan Ackerman and featuring Takuma Anzai, Kevin Bailey, Garrett Clayton, Andrew Dits, Matt Gottlieb, Alexa Hamilton, Judith Light, Al Pacino, Eddy Rioseco, and Miles Gaston Villanueva
February 8–March 19
Pasadena Playhouse
39 S. El Molino Ave. in Pasadena
As his career is coming to an end, iconic playwright Tennessee Williams fights to open his last production in Chicago. All the while, another battle is raging in his hotel room as the aging artist comes to terms with endings and what legacy he will be leaving behind.
946: THE AMAZING STORY OF ADOLPHUS TIPS
Adapted by Michael Morpurgo and Emma Rice
Directed by Emma Rice and featuring Nandi Bhebhe, Seamas Carey, Emma Darlow, Ncuti Gatwa, Kyla Goodey, Chris Jared, Craig Johnson, Pat Moran, Katy Owen, Mike Shepard, Adam Sopp, and Akopre Uzoh
February 9–March 5
The Wallis
9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd in Beverly Hills
Kneehigh Theatre is returning to the Wallis with 946. Set in Slapton, England, in 1944, the D-Day landings are shown in a new and terrific light. Lily faces keep out signs, barbed wire, and soldiers as she searches for her beloved cat amidst the pivotal invasion of the war. Visit
Debussy: His Letters and His Music
Written and Performed by Julia Migenes
Directed by Peter Medak
February 10–26
Odyssey Theatre Ensemble
2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Los Angeles
The life of composer Claude Debussy is explored in this solo show. Based on Debussy’s own letters, the production delves into his childhood, his wit, and his struggle living and composing in a conservative musical atmosphere.
Die, Mommie, Die!
Written by Charles Busch
Directed by Ryan Bergmann and featuring Drew Droege, Andrew Carter, Gina Torrecilla, Julanne Chidi Hill, Pat Towne, and Tom Detrinis
February 10–March 26
Celebration Theatre at the Lex
6760 Lexington in Los Angeles
In an attempt to escape a terrible marriage and live happily with her young lover, an aging Hollywood star murders her husband. When her children discover what has transpired, revenge is plotted and hidden family secrets are brought into the light in this campy noir spoof.
King Lear
Directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliot
Featuring Geoff Elliott, Trisha Miller, Arie Thompson, Erika Soto, Christopher Franciosa, Jeremy Rabb, Apollo Dukakis, Stephen Weingartner, Rafael Goldstein, Freddy Douglas ,Craig Brauner, Kasey Mahaffy, Tyler Miclean, Troy Whiteley, Jonathan Padron, Mario Arciniega, and Marissa Ruiz
February 12–May 6
A Noise Within
3352 E. Foothill Blvd in Pasadena
Shakespeare’s explosive tale of aging and dealing with the loss of power coupled with the unraveling of family ties. How does one deal with encroaching madness, love, and the inevitable end we all must face?
Closing Soon in the Los Angeles Area:
Gulf View Drive
Written By Arlene Hutton
Directed by Katharine Farmer
Through February 12
Rubicon Theatre Company
1006 E. Main Street in Ventura
The final play in the “Nibroc Trilogy” focuses on the couple in 1953 Florida where they await the arrival of family. Certain events transpire a little too close to home which threaten their bright and comfortable way of life.
The Last Five Years
Written by Jason Robert Brown
Directed by Nick Degruccio and featuring Devin Archer and Natalie Storrs
Through February 12
La Mirada Theatre
14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada
A musical snapshot of a five-year relationship between a struggling actor and a young writer but with a twist—she tells her story from the tragic ending, and he tells his version from the beginning.
