“Marlene”
nocturne
LA THEATRE BEAT Summer is in full heat this month, but our local theatres are burning up with these new shows:
STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH
“SHOUT, SISTER, SHOUT” tells the story about the life and music of legendary gospel singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, whose hits include “Down by the Riverside,” “This Train,” and “Strange Things Happen Every Day.” Tharpe, known as The Godmother of Rock & Roll, was a trailblazer in the history of American music and influenced some of the greatest Rock & Roll and R&B singers of all time, including Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Little Richard, Bob Dylan, Tina Turner and Johnny Cash. Written by Cheryl West, and directed by Randy Johnson, it runs July 26 through August 20 at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-7529 or visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.
“THE DREAM ON ROYAL STREET” Egeus, who owns the hotel, wants his daughter Hermia to marry Demetrius, the assistant manager. Hermia loves Lysander, a lowly desk clerk, and the switchboard girl Helena loves Demetrius. When Oberon and Titania, the fabulous Las Vegas pop stars appearing in the hotel’s nightclub, have a failing out, the four lovers become involved in Oberon’s scheme for revenge. Written by June Walker Rogers, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by David Rogers, and directed by Alison Kalmus, it runs August 3 through August 13 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.
“ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY” Oscar Jaffe, an egomaniacal Broadway producer who has sustained a string of recent flops and is now dodging creditors, boards the train heading to New York. On the train, he spots his former Broadway leading lady and muse, Lily Garland, now a Hollywood movie star, and schemes to have her signed to star in his new play and thereby save his career and stay out of jail. But she’s on her way to meet with his competitor, Max Jacobs, to sign up for his play. Written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and directed by Trace Oakley, it runs August 4 through August 27 at the Pan-Andreas Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 800-838-3006 or visit www.ProofDoubtCloser.com.
“SPAMALOT” Rude Frenchmen, cancan dancers, the Lady of the Lake and her Laker Girls, killer rabbits, catapulting cows, and the somewhat odd Knights who say “ni” are just part of the adventures and dangers awaiting King Arthur and his knights of the very very very 38 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
“The Dream on Royal Street”
round table in their quest for the holy grail. Written by Eric Idle, with music by John Du Prez & Eric Idle, and directed by Carol Bentley, it runs August 4 through August 13 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Redondo Beach (for tickets call 714-589-2770 Ext. 1) then August 18 through August 27 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in Cerritos (for tickets call 562-916-8500). For more information or tickets visit www.3dtshows.org.
“TILDA SWINTON ANSWERS AN AD ON CRAIGSLIST” Walt is a gay wallflower. After a devastating break-up, Walt innocently places an ad on Craigslist for a new roommate. When other-worldly star Tilda Swinton shows up at his door and insists on moving in to “study” Walt for her next big movie role, things gets hysterically chaotic. Written by Byron Lane, and directed by Tom DeTrinis, it runs August 10 through August 31 at the Celebration Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.celebrationtheatre. com.
“REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE - THE SAL MINEO STORY” He was a prominent figure for gay rights before he was tragically murdered. Some say his murder was directly related to his gay activism. After living the high life of luxury with mansions, butlers, maids and fast cars as well as providing an extravagant lifestyle for his parents, Sal Mineo died with only $20 in his pocket. Written by Dean Ghaffari, and directed by Tom Waters, it runs August 11 through August 26 at the Promenade Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-656-8070 or visit www.promenadeplayhouse.com.
“MAGICMANIA” An immersive four-day, five performance festival of magic featuring a rotating roster of over 25 world-class, master magicians and outstanding variety acts. Each performance is different – no repeats. Prepare for a weekend of amazement! Written