Summer 2022 has become a season of uncertainty for Los Angeles theater. A number of performances have been postponed (reasons are sometimes unclear, but COVID among cast members is often the culprit), though in all cases runs continue — the show must go on!
For the bold, there is still plenty of theater to try, including some outdoor options (although those also are not immune to cancellation). Support LA theater by seeing a performance. All theaters are requiring proof of vaccination and masks worn at all times. Here’s a look at what’s happening, subject to change.
Premieres
Theatre of Note presents the world premiere of Clownfish. a dark comedy about mental illness, social stigmas, and the misguided desire to be “normal.” While the show experienced a performance cancellation last week, Clownfish is currently scheduled to run through Aug. 6. Theatre of Note is at 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd. in Hollywood.
The opening of the world premiere Trouble the Water at Theatricum Botanicum was delayed due to COVID and is scheduled to open July 23. The show was inspired by the story of Robert Smalls, who escaped slavery to become an American hero. It was adapted by Ellen Geer from the 2019 award-winning historical novel by Rebecca Dwight Bruff.
The Geffen Playhouse’s A Wicked Soul in Cherry Hill, a world premiere on the mainstage, experienced a Covid-induced performance cancellation but is now running through July 24. The West Coast premiere of basketball-themed King Liz runs through August 14 in the Geffen’s Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater.
The world premiere of Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man and the Pool is scheduled for the Mark Taper Forum August 3-28. It follows the comedian’s award-winning Broadway show The New One, which made its West Coast premiere at the Ahmanson Theatre. Birbiglia chronicles a coming-of-middle-age story that isn’t afraid to ask the big questions.
A con-artist duo’s latest scheme turns their world upside down, forcing them to make life-altering decisions. The world premiere of Mommie & Clyde runs August 5-21, at the Hudson Backstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd. Tickets are $35.
Every Groundlings show is a world premiere and Captain Groundlings All You Can Eat Krab Shack is no exception. Click here for tickets.
Shakespeare
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival: The Knight of the Burning Pestle, Francis Beaumont’s rarely performed but delightful satire. By the Independent Shakespeare Company. The Knight of the Burning Pestle is performed July 6-July 31 at 7:00pm. Reservations for free tickets can be made here. Macbeth runs August 6-Sept. 4.
For another take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, head to Open Fist Theatre in Atwater Village. Read our interview with director James Fowler here.
Oedipus
The Getty Villa offers Oedipus, produced with Deaf West Theatre, in English and American Sign Language from Sept. 1-Oct. 1.
And More
The Fringe Continues
Select shows from the Hollywood Fringe Festival continue their runs, including the winner of this year’s Best Comedy award, A Terrible Show for Terrible People by Bonnie He and Di Lady Di by Charlotte and Richard Munson. And truly, couldn’t we all use a little comedy and music in our lives right now?
Athol Fugard
A young girl seeks the courage to embrace the future while her grandfather searches for the wisdom to let go of the past. International City Theatre in Long Beach presents Valley Song by South African playwright Athol Fugard. ICT artistic director caryn desai [sic] directs for an August 26 opening; the show runs p through September 11. Two low-priced previews take place on August 24 and August 25. Information and tickets are available here.
Also:
The joyous musical The Prom runs August 9-Sept. 22 at the Ahmanson.
Moulin Rouge: The Musical runs through Sept. 4 at the Pantages in Hollywood.
The Ruskin’s Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner has been extended through August 31 in Santa Monica; see our review here.
