We, Steve and Sid, hope that those who lost their homes in the recent historic wildfires have found a way to start rebuilding or relocating so that they can move on with their lives.

    COVID protocols continue to be dictated by each individual venue so bring a facemask to wear during the show in case the venue requires it. It’s a good idea to check with the theater before attending a show to find out what is their current policy. 

    The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing; however, it should be verified with the theater before making definite plans. 

    Here are the shows that have announced opening dates for this month, or are already running:

Opening

“Bat Boy: The Musical” This horror rock musical cult favorite is based on a June 23, 1992 Weekly World News story about a half-boy, half-bat who grew up living in a cave. 

Written by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming, with music by Laurence O’Keefe, and directed by Pat Towne, it runs through April 6 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets, call (323) 882-6912 or visitwww.openfist.org.

“Frou-Frou: A Menagerie of Sorts” By turns raucous, poetic, touching and dangerous, “Frou-Frou: A Menagerie of Sorts” riffs on Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie” in this story of two queer siblings yearning to be understood. 

Written by John Anthony Loffredo and directed by Zi Alikhan, it runs through March 30 at the Boston Court Pasadena in Pasadena. For tickets, visit www.bostoncourtpasadena.org.

“You Cannot Know the Hour” Mr. Brown is a grumpy, peevish, ailing, aging man. A widower, he has a housekeeper to keep his home running smoothly. One day, Brown finds that a nurse has been engaged to look after him on a full-time basis. Brown frequently sees and speaks with the ghost of his dead wife Helen. She rebukes him for terrible crimes in his past. He responds by protesting his innocence of any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, he finds himself at odds with his nurse. She frequently contradicts his instructions, almost gleefully. Could she possibly be pursuing a sinister hidden agenda? If so, what is her objective? Is Brown irredeemably evil or is he an innocent? 

Written by Katrina Wood and directed by Trace Oakley, it runs through March 16 at the Sherry Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets, visitwww.cannot-know-hour.brownpapertickets,.com.

“Feast” is a vivid reimagining of the epic poem “Beowulf” as a cautionary tale. True to the ancient myth Grendel, a monstrous creature, described as “mankind’s enemy,” is killed by Beowulf, but it is here that “Feast” diverges. In this immersive and visceral theatre experience, Grendel’s mother throws a dinner party to seek justice for her son’s murder only to confront her own guilt and rage. Oscillating between witty banter and pointed exploration, this heightened high fantasy crashes into the contemporary political landscape, asking the audience to collectively contemplate climate change, income inequality and the rising forces of authoritarianism. Experience this humorous, thought-provoking one-woman live theatrical event uniquely curated with an actual “feast” of charcuterie/small bites and themed drinks. 

Written by Megan Gogerty and directed by Laura Covelli, it runs March 8 through April 6 at the Count’s Den in Los Angeles. For tickets, visitwww.leonixtheatre.org.

“The Remarkable Mister Holmes” Sherlock Holmes is back with an all-new madcap mystery to solve … and a new sidekick! In this fast-paced, wildly comedic musical Holmes must solve a series of baffling crimes without the help of his trusted partner. Packed with wild wordplay, red herrings, and zany surprises, this over-the-top rollercoaster of musical mayhem is perfect for fans of Arthur Conan Doyle, Mel Brooks, musical theater or anyone who loves a fun night out. 

Written by Omri Schein and David Ellenstein, with music by Daniel Lincoln, lyrics by Omri Schein and directed by David Ellenstein, it runs March 9 through March 30 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets, call (949) 497-2787 or visitwww.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations” Featuring the Grammy® winning songs and Tony® winning moves, “Ain’t Too Proud” is the electrifying musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and unmistakable harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 top ten hits with 14 reaching number one – and being voted the greatest R&B group of all time by Billboard Magazine in 2017. The rest is history – how they met, the groundbreaking heights they hit and how personal and political conflicts threatened to tear the group apart as the United States fell into civil unrest. This thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty and betrayal is set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and many more. 

Written by Dominique Morisseau, with music by The Temptations, and directed by Des McAnuff, it runs March 14 through March 16 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets, visitwww.BroadwayInThousandOaks.com.

“Cabaret” A thrilling and up-to-date production of a classic show that is now more relevant than ever – sexy, melodic and unforgettable. The seedy glamour of the Kit Kat Club, with its bawdy emcee, provides an unsettling but fitting backdrop to the story of the hard-living entertainer Sally Bowles in the decadent nightlife of Germany in the early ’30s. Come hear some of the most memorable songs in theatre history including “Cabaret,” “Willkommen” and “Maybe This Time.” 

Written by Joe Masteroff, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, it runs March 14 through March 30 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center – Scherr Forum Theatre in Thousand Oaks. For tickets, call (805) 449-2787 or visitwww.5startheatricals.com.

“Love! Valour! Compassion!” explores friendship, love, betrayal and the struggles of gay men navigating life and relationships. Set over three summer weekends at a lakeside home, the play captures the humor, heartbreak and humanity of a group of eight friends as they confront their fears, desires and mortality. 

Written by Terrence McNally and directed by Aric Martin, it runs March 14 through April 5 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets, call (310) 645-5156 or visitwww.kentwoodplayers.org.

“One for My Baby” is a song and dance extravaganza featuring the brilliant music of Harold Arlen – the favorite composer of Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand. Hear one song hit after another including “Get Happy,” “Blues in the Night,” “That Old Black Magic,” “Stormy Weather,” “The Man that Got Away” and many more! 

Written by Scott Thompson and Fred Barton, with music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by Ted Koehler, Johnny Mercer, E.Y. Harburg and Ira Gershwin, it runs March 14 through March 23 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 508-4200 or visitwww.elportaltheatre.com.

“Two Small Bodies” Two children have disappeared. The mother is a voluptuous, sexy hostess at a strip joint and the tough-talking detective investigating the possible kidnap or murder case plays a cat-and-mouse game with her. He is relentless and their relationship becomes an unusual and intimate dance. He pushes her and pushes her to confess that she murdered her children but he gets more than he bargained for. It is seductive. It is provocative with twists and turns and surprises. Sometimes sexually explicit. Takes place around 1972. 

Written by Neal Bell and directed by Gloria Gifford, it runs March 15 through April 26 at the GGC Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets, call (310) 366-5505 or visitwww.onstage411.com/newsite/show/play_info.asp?show_id=7351.

“Beatnik Girl” tells the story of a young woman of vision and principle, Edi Gordon, as she struggles with misogyny, antisemitism and an unwanted pregnancy while trying to be a Beat poet. Set in New York’s lower east side in 1957, this sweet and touching new play is filled with lyrical original poetry, poignant humor and insight into the human condition that will stir the heart and take you back to the time of the Beat Generation – Kerouac, Ginsberg, Miles – and women too! Get in the groove! 

Written by Leda Siskind and directed by Ann Hearn Tobolowsky, it runs March 20 through April 20 at the Theatre Forty in Beverly Hills. For tickets, call (310) 364-0535 or visitwww.theatre40.org.

“Unreconciled” is the true story of an adolescent actor cast as Jesus in a school play directed by a parish priest. The story chronicles a survivor’s journey as he confronts his past, navigates a victims’ reparations program set up by the Catholic Church, and discovers the courage to use his voice. This 80-minute piece is a poignant and at times humorous exploration of family, place and the meaning of reconciliation. 

Written by Jay Sefton and directed by Geraldine Hughes, it runs March 21 through March 31 at the Moving Arts in Los Angeles. For tickets, visitwww.movingarts.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200471467.

“One Jewish Boy” This funny, biting, bittersweet story is about two young people in love who are faced with the world’s unpredictable cruelty. Jesse, a nice Jewish boy from North London, falls hopelessly for Alex, a young woman of mixed race. Navigating any relationship is difficult enough. What happens when you factor in politics and rising prejudices? 

Written by Stephen Laughton and directed by Chris Fields, it runs March 22 through April 28 at the Echo Theater Company in Atwater Village. For tickets, call (747) 350-8066 or visitwww.EchoTheaterCompany.com.

“Rhinestone Cowboys” Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) presents a bedazzled country music celebration covering the gamut of country from Dolly Parton, Shania Twain and Chris Stapleton to Lil NasX, Brandi Carlile, Chappell Roan and Beyonce! 

Directed by Ernest H. Harrison, it runs March 22 through March 23 at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets, visit www.GMCLA.org.

“Into the Woods” is a mesmerizing musical that intertwines the adventures of iconic fairy tale characters on a journey of dreams, adventure and consequence. As Cinderella flees the ball, Jack climbs to new heights and Little Red embarks on a daring path, they cross paths with the Baker and his Wife, who are desperate to lift a curse. With Stephen Sondheim’s iconic score and a story filled with heart, humor and surprises, this production is a must-see for audiences of all ages. 

Written by James Lapine, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Kari Hayter, it runs March 28 through April 13 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets, call (562) 856-1999 or visitwww.musical.org.

“Jane Eyre” Orphaned as a child, the strong-willed Jane takes a position at Thornfield Hall working as a governess for the brooding Edward Rochester. There she falls in love with her mysterious employer … until the discovery of a dark secret leads to a devastating aftermath. 

Written by adapted by Elizabeth Williamson from the novel by Charlotte Brontë and directed by Geoff Elliott, it runs March 29 through April 20 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets, call (626) 356-3100 or visitwww.anoisewithin.org.

Continuing

“Constellations” A theoretical physicist named Marianne and a beekeeper named Roland cross paths at a party, sparking a relationship that unfolds across a series of alternate realities. With each choice and action leading to multiple divergent outcomes, Payne’s profound and poetic script challenges audiences to consider the power of free will, the fragility of human connection and the vastness of possibility. 

Written by Nick Payne and directed by Jonathan Fox, it runs through March 9 at the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura. For tickets, call (805) 667-2900 or visitwww.rubicontheatre.org.

“Bounds” Five women are stranded on a beach in an unknown country. They might be displaced persons, refugees, unhoused, undocumented immigrants. What we do know is that they are unwanted. They pass the time by playing games and singing songs, they fantasize about belonging, and they compete. One of them, they know, will be selected. But who will that be? While they wait, bonds are created, ties of affection. “Bounds” is a story about us, about the truths we take for granted and about a society unable to exist without bonds. It is also about “the others,” about those to whom we open our doors – or refuse. It is a story about cages, violence, dreams, a story that reflects our time, a time when we struggle with the rules, obligations and prejudices that keep us from looking in the eyes of our neighbors. 

Written by Tino Caspanello, translated by Haun Saussy, and directed by Frédérique Michel, it runs through March 14 at the City Garage in Santa Monica. For tickets, call (310) 453-9939 or visitwww.ticketleap.events/tickets,/city-garage/bounds.

“I Want a Country” A group of people huddle in the darkness, clutching suitcases and umbrellas. They have lost their country. Where did it go? They wander in search of a new one. They complain, argue, debate, talk about what makes a place feel like home. Together they imagine what the country of their dreams would be like: a place where they could find peace, justice and kindness at last. Though written by Flourakis about the Greek financial crisis of the early 2010s, this haunting and poetic text speaks just as powerfully to our own political moment here in the United States where so many long to replace division and enmity with connection and understanding. 

Written by Andreas Flourakis, translated by Eleni Drivas, and directed by Frédérique Michel, it runs through March 16 at the City Garage in Santa Monica. For tickets, call (310) 453-9939 or visitwww.ticketleap.events/tickets,/city-garage/i-want-a-country.

“West Side Story” Inspired by Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” this timeless tale is set in the streets of 1950s New York City where two young lovers are caught between rival gangs – the Jets and the Sharks. 

Written by Arthur Laurents, with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Justin Meyer, it runs through March 30 at the Nocturne Theatre in Glendale. For tickets, visitwww.thenocturnetheatre.com.

Sincerely,

Steve Zall, Publisher – Scene in LA

Sid Fish, Co-Publisher & Editor – Scene in LA