By Steve ZALL and Sid FISH

Here are some great new shows coming soon to our Southern California theater scene!

COVID protocols continue to be dictated by each individual venue, so in case the venue requires it bring a face mask to wear during the show. 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 definite plans are made. 

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

Opening

“Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Presents Military Days” During the entire month of July, all U.S. military personnel with valid military identification – whether active, former or retired – receive free admission to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway along with a special gift during Military Days. Spouses of deployed military members, as well as military widows and widowers, also qualify for the promotion. Military personnel are encouraged to bring friends and family and receive 25% off regular Tram admission for up to four guests. 

While visiting the Tramway, guests can enjoy: 

• Fine dining with breathtaking views at Peaks Restaurant or casual, family-friendly fare at Pines Café. 
• More than 50 miles of hiking trails within Mount San Jacinto State Park (MSJSP) 
• Guided nature walks led by MSJSP volunteers every Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. through Labor Day weekend. 

For the latest information on park programs and events, follow @mountsanjacintosp on Instagram. In addition, educational programs and instructor-led hikes are presented by the Mount San Jacinto Natural History Association. Learn more at www.msjnha.org/events. 

The event runs from July 1 through July 31 at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in Palm Springs. For more information, call (760) 325-1391 or visitwww.pstramway.com/military-days-2026.

“Pageant of the Masters’: The Greatest of All Time” Each year, the Pageant challenges its team to re-create some of the world’s most celebrated works of art on a monumental scale. This summer’s theme, “The Greatest of All Time” (G.O.A.T.) raises the bar, spotlighting legendary artists and masterpieces that have shaped art history across centuries and styles. Audiences will be taken on an unforgettable journey through the works of Michelangelo, Picasso, Monet, van Gogh, Velázquez, Norman Rockwell, Kahlo and more to determine who truly deserves the title of G.O.A.T. 

Masterpieces will come alive in a breathtaking blend of art, music and theatrical wonder presenting a dynamic series of living tableaux where real people step into and embody these iconic works. 

Directed by Diane Challis Davy, it runs from July 7 through Sept. 4 at the Festival of Arts Grounds in Laguna Beach. For tickets, call (800) 487-3378 or visitwww.foapom.com.

“If/Then” centers on a woman in her late 30s who moves back to New York City for a fresh start after a divorce. The story explores themes of choice, chance and fate, suggesting that while choices have profound impacts, both paths involve joy, pain, struggle and the possibility for new beginnings. 

Written by Brian Yorkey, with music by Tom Kitt, lyrics by Brian Yorkey, and directed by Brayden Hade, it runs from July 10 through July 26 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets, visitwww.chrtheatre.com.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” is one of the sharpest and most enduring comedies in the English language. Wilde’s deliciously constructed farce follows Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, two young men whose invented identities create a whirlwind of romantic complications, social absurdities and family revelations. At first glance, the play is a glittering comedy of mistaken identities, cucumber sandwiches, engagements and impeccably timed wit. But beneath Wilde’s laughter lies a surprisingly modern question: Who are we when society expects us to be someone else? 

Written by Oscar Wilde and directed by Rebekah Walendzak Slepski, it runs from July 10 through July 25 at the Helen Borgers Theatre in Bixby Knolls. For tickets, visitLBShakespeare.org.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” From rags to riches, dreams to destiny, Joseph’s extraordinary journey will captivate audiences of all ages. Witness his meteoric rise from favored son to betrayed brother, from Egyptian prisoner to Pharaoh’s right-hand man. Sing along to iconic hits like “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door” and let the infectious rhythms of country-western, calypso and French balladry carry you away. It stars Broadway performer and viral vocal sensation Brian Justin Crum in the title role. 

Written by Tim Rice, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Tim Rice and directed by Larry Raben, it runs from July 10 through July 26 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets, call (562) 856-1999 or visit musical.org.

“Significant Other” Jordan Berman is on the hunt for Mr. Right. The only wrinkle is each of his trio of close girlfriends is beating him to the altar! As his inner circle warps beyond expectation, Jordan must learn to navigate his newfound isolation while showing up as the companion his friends need. 

Written by Joshua Harmon and directed by Elijah Green, it runs from July 10 through Aug. 1 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets, call (310) 645-5156 or visitwww.kentwoodplayers.org.

“The Wizard of Oz” There’s no place like 5-Star! Join Dorothy and friends on a whirlwind adventure over the rainbow in “The Wizard of Oz” in this all-time timeless classic tale of courage, friendship and finding the way home. 

Written by L. Frank Baum, with music by Harold Arlen and E.Y Harburg, and directed by Richard Israel, it runs from July 10 through July 19 at the Fred Kavli Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets, call (805) 449-2787 or visitwww.5startheatricals.com.

“Waiting in the Wings” Set in “The Wings,” a charity home for retired actresses, Coward’s 50th play is a witty and poignant portrait of nine opinionated, funny, difficult and full of life women, each of whom once basked in public admiration – but who must now learn to face old age together, long after the curtain has fallen. A tribute to the theater that evokes the lives of aging stars, their lingering jealousies and the enduring power of friendship, it is a meditation on community and forgiveness. Old grievances linger here like half-remembered roles, but this suggests that bitterness is heavy to carry and that reconciliation, no matter when, can be liberating. 

Written by Noël Coward and directed by Willow Geer, it runs from July 11 through Oct. 3 at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets, call (310) 455-3723 or visit theatricum.com.

“The Curse of the Banshee” Halloween night – 1925. Hank O’Brien enlists the help of his long-lost World War I buddy Otto to prevent Hank’s mother from being killed by his criminally insane father, who is hiding out in the local cemetery. 

Written and directed by Tom Dugan, it runs from July 17 through Aug. 2 at the Dugan’s Backyard Playhouse in Woodland Hills. For tickets, send an email to dbptickets,@gmail.com.

“The Full Monty” The Nocturne Theatre’s 2026 production of “The Full Monty” delivers laughter, heart and an unforgettable story of connection and courage. At its core, this beloved Broadway musical is a deeply human tale about a father’s desperate and tender journey to reconnect with his son in the face of uncertainty and change. Struggling with pride, identity and the fear of being overlooked, he and his group of unlikely heroes band together to take a leap of faith – not just for the laughs but for love. What makes this production resonate so powerfully is its heart. Amid the razzle-dazzle and uproarious moments, real people with real hopes are introduced: a dad trying to bridge the gap between himself and his child, workers navigating economic hardship, and friends learning to find strength in vulnerability. Audiences will laugh at the outrageous antics, boisterous choreography and cheeky humor, but they’ll also find themselves genuinely moved by the earnest, emotional beats woven throughout the story. At the same time, “The Full Monty” thrives on its comedic energy – from the unforgettable audition scenes to the riotous build-up toward the show’s daring climax. The Nocturne Theatre’s production leans into the musical’s irreverent spirit with spirited performances, smart timing and a joyful embrace of the absurd, making for an experience that’s as side-splitting as it is soul-warming. This staging is a celebration of resilience, friendship and the messy, beautiful work of opening your heart to those you love – all wrapped in a parade of laughs that will have audiences cheering from start to finish. 

Written by Terrence McNally, with music by David Yazbeck, and directed by Justin Meyer, it runs from July 17 through Aug. 16 at the Nocturne Theatre in Glendale. For tickets, call (818) 839-0984 or visit thenocturnetheatre.com.

“F**king Strangers” Ru hasn’t left his bedroom in six years. Mick can’t stop paying for affection. Julianne mourns the life she never pursued. Dylan sells companionship to anyone who can afford him. As real-life and online obsessions blur into genuine intimacy, long-buried truths begin to surface. What starts as role-playing and fantasy spirals into a wildly unpredictable collision of sex, secrecy, family and redemption – with consequences that are both shocking and wickedly funny. 

Written by Erik Patterson and directed by Chris Fields, it runs from July 18 through Aug. 24 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets, call (747) 350-8066 or visit EchoTheaterCompany.com.

“Lakefront” Retirees Christina and Robert were feeling like they lost their moxie when they meet at a recent wedding. During the reception, their intoxicated selves concoct an idea to help them get over their respective anxieties. Renting a lakefront cabin seemed like a great idea at the time – but now that they’re sober, they have to go through with it. They have rented a lakefront cabin together to see if spending a night or two together, to test the intimacy waters, can help them find their mojo again. What could go wrong? 

Written by Norm Foster and directed by Larry Eisenberg, it runs from July 23 through Aug. 23 at Theatre Forty in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets, call (310) 364-0535 or visit theatre40.org.

“Applause” This musical is based on the 1950 film “All About Eve.” An earnest, respectful understudy endears herself to a Broadway actress and then engineers a way to go on in place of the star and steal all the thunder. The musical adaptation team is top flight: Strouse, who wrote “Annie” and Adams, who wrote “Bye Bye Birdie.” Comden and Green also wrote many hits for stage and screen including the classic “Singin’ in the Rain.” Great story, wonderful score. 

Written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams, it runs from July 24 through Aug. 30 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“How High the Moon” It’s July 4, 1952. The lives of two neighboring families in the San Fernando Valley will never be the same. It’s the 25th birthday of beautiful Amy who is questioning her marriage to Russell. But Harris – Russell’s older brother and Amy’s former love interest – unexpectedly shows up and turns everyone’s life upside down. It’s the dawn of the housing boom in the Valley. Times are changing. People have new dreams and some old ways may be left behind, to the chagrin of folks clinging to their old traditions. Sibling conflicts and long-buried family secrets come to the fore and decisions must be made: Will Russell follow his father’s path as a dentist or pursue his real estate dreams? Will Harris remain a member of the Silent Generation or sign a Loyalty Oath? Will it be a Happy 4th of July? 

Written by Barbara Nell Beery and directed by Asaad Kelada, it runs from July 24 through Aug. 16 at the Theatre West in Studio City. For tickets, call (323) 851-4839 or visitwww.eventbrite.com/e/how-high-the-moon-tickets,-1991900688580.

“Matt & Ben” What would you do if a script that you’ve never seen before fell from the sky into your living room? And that script just so happened to the screenplay for “Good Will Hunting”? Oh, and it’s 1995 and you’re Matt Damon or Ben Affleck – and you’re definitely not famous yet. Would you try to make the movie and keep its origin a secret? Would you pick a fight with your best friend? Or would you keep chugging along as if none of this ever happened? You can expect so-so guitar playing, very fictionalized versions of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck (and perhaps some other celebs?) and a vintage computer that hopefully lasts through the entire run. Oh, and snacks. Lots of snacks. 

Written by Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers, and directed by Max Downs, it runs from July 31 through Sept. 5 at the Sherry Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets, visitwww.eventbrite.com/e/matt-and-ben-tickets,-1990745462267.

Continuing

“Painted Ponies” Honoring human resilience, “Painted Ponies” spotlights the story of a parent who is haunted by past mistakes. While making peace with regret, a fiercely determined mother becomes an affecting portrait of a woman who tried her best to be human in an inhumane world – refusing to let loss have the final word. 

Written by Ian McRae and directed by Elina de Santos, it runs through July 19 at the Ruskin Group Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets, call (310) 397-3244 or visitwww.ruskingrouptheatre.com.

“Shrek The Musical” is a hilarious and heartwarming fairy-tale adventure about an unlikely hero. When a group of banished fairy-tale creatures suddenly appear in the swamp of the grumpy ogre Shrek, he sets out to confront the ambitious ruler Lord Farquaad and reclaim his home. In order to do so Shrek agrees to rescue Princess Fiona, a princess locked away in a tower and guarded by a fearsome dragon. Joined by the endlessly talkative Donkey, Shrek embarks on a journey that quickly becomes more than a simple quest. Along the way, unlikely friendships form and surprising truths are revealed. Filled with comedy, spectacle and a host of beloved fairy tale characters, this musical celebration is a reminder that real beauty – and real love – comes from embracing who we truly are. Behind all the fairytale adventures and swamp jokes, “Shrek the Musical” hits on something we all need to hear right now: choosing authenticity over perfection, building community instead of division, and celebrating the differences that make us who we are. With our culture and beauty norms being defined by TikTok and Instagram beauty influencers, Shrek reminds us that our quirks, imperfections and differences are not things to hide, but rather the very things that make us interesting and lovable. Every character in the story feels like an outsider in some way. Yet together, they create a community where everyone belongs. This especially rings true in the song “Freak Flag,” which is a reminder that magic actually happens when people come together as a collective. 

Written by David Lindsay-Abaire, with music by Jeanine Tesori, lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, and directed by Micheal Heimos, it runs through July 26 at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets, call (310) 828-7519 or visitwww.morgan-wixson.org.

“My Lawyer is an Angel” is a serious comedy that underscores the importance of family and how terribly things can go awry when we place the bottom line at the top of the list. “Angel” fulfills Mayer’s life-long crusade against ambulance chasers, those predators whose faces leer down at us from every billboard in town, and the angel of an attorney (yes, there is such a thing) who’s on a mission to chase them off the road. 

Written by Jerry Mayer, with music by Steve Mayer, and directed by Chris DeCarlo, it runs through Aug. 23 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets, call (310) 394-9779 or visitSantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/My-Lawyer-is-an-Angel.html.