While much of the anticipated drama this year is in the political realm, there’s also plenty happening on our local stages. Here, we preview some potential standouts coming up in the next couple of months.
World Premieres
West Adams
Skylight resident playwright Penelope Lowder premiers her new play about gentrification and the changing face of the block party in a local neighborhood. Opens February 1 at the Skylight Theatre in Los Feliz.
Revenge Song
Commissioned by the Geffen, the genre-bending Vampire Cowboys have created a shows based on the life of Julie d’Aubigny, a gay 17th century French swordswoman and opera singer. February 4-March 8, at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood.
A Body of Water
The premiere of Lee Blessing’s new ending to this show about three people searching for answers to fundamental life questions about purpose, the past and the future. February 7-March 15, at Actor’s Co-Op in Hollywood.
Frankenstein
This new take on Mary Shelley’s 200-year-old classic, from LA-based Four Larks, spotlights the dangers of unregulated technology. February 12-March 1 at the Wallis in Beverly Hills.
Human Interest Story
A newspaper columnist retaliates against his lay-off with a fake letter to his column that becomes a viral sensation, forcing him to see the lie through. February 15-April 5, at the Fountain Theatre in Hollywood.
Local Premieres
First chance to see these without traveling.
What the Constitution Means to Me
Playwright Heidi Schreck earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions around the U.S. She now channels her childhood memories into a unique theater experience, tying the lives of four generations of women to the document that guides their country. January 12-February 23, at the Mark Taper Forum downtown.
The Last Ship
Sting stars in this story inspired by his hometown. When the local shipyard announces it’s closing, tensions flare. Foreman Jackie White (Sting) rallies the workers to take over the shipyard and build one last ship. January 14-February 16, at the Ahmanson downtown.
Earthquakes in London
A tale of three sisters navigating familial fractures, societal disconnect and corporate greed against a nihilistic backdrop.
Opens January 16Â at the Rogue Machine Theatre in Venice.
Until the Flood
Interviews conducted by Dael Orlandersmith in Ferguson, Missouri after the shooting of Michael Brown inform her script and performance. January 24-February 23, at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver CIty.
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
A concert/theater/documentary experience chronicles the amazing journey shared by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. February 21-23 at the Pantages in Hollywood. (The actual Art Garfunkel performs at the Wallis on Jan. 12.)
Classic Revivals
Great shows are prisms that reveal new angles and enlighten in new ways. These are worth seeing anew or for the first time.
Pacific Resident Theatre brings back All My Sons starring TV veteran Richard Fancy (Jan. 10-26). (See the Buzz review here.)
In The Manor: Murder and Madness at Greystone, a return engagement at Greystone Mansion, scandal envelops a Beverly Hills family during the Harding Administration. (Feb. 6-March 1)
The Book of Mormon brings side-splitting comedy to the Ahmanson (Feb. 18-March 29).
