The Pearl Pulls Back the Curtain on Live Theater
To quote Hamlet, “The play’s the thing.” And there’s never been a better time to experience live theater in LA! Our stages are bursting with talent and innovation, from major award-winning shows, to critically-acclaimed small venue productions, and adventurous independent performing arts festivals. Our city also boasts a number of iconic historical venues, such as the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, Kirk Douglas Theatre, and the Tony award-winning Pasadena Playhouse. And for a more intimate experience, you’ll find countless live performing arts theaters in almost every part of town, such as the El Portal, Odyssey Theatre, and Zephyr Theatre, many not far from The Pearl. Here are some highlights curated with something for everyone to enjoy!
A Strange Loop The Ahmanson 135 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012
The ground-breaking and critically acclaimed winner of every ‘Best Musical’ award on Broadway, and the Pulitzer Prize, A Strange Loop bursts onto the stage for a limited engagement, direct from Broadway. Hell-bent on breaking free of his own self-perception, Usher, a young Black writer, grapples with identity and instincts he both loves and loathes, all brought to life on stage by a hilarious, straight-talking ensemble. Nominated for 11 Tony Awards, Michael R. Jackson’s blisteringly funny, “audacious and uproarious” (The Guardian) show is a heartfelt and thought-provoking masterwork that uses humor and honesty to explore themes of the human condition.
Center Theater Group (CTG) is the heartbeat of the LA theater scene, producing exceptional shows at the Ahmanson Theatre. Mark Taper Forum, Kirk Douglas Theatre, and more. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Snehal Desai and Managing Director/CEO Meghan Pressman, CTG creates the energy that feeds a city, a culture, and a society. As one of the nation’s most influential nonprofit theatre companies, CTG proudly continues their more than 50-year tradition of using the art of theatre to broaden horizons and illuminate new perspectives.
Magic Castle Live on Stage The United Theater on Broadway, 929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015
May 18 For a rare time in its 61-year history, the Academy of Magical Arts, whose home is the legendary Magic Castle®, is opening up its performances to the public. This will be a remarkable magic show, with appearances by some of the most mind-boggling magicians in the world today. And, even more amazing, with your ticket purchase, you’ll receive a personal invitation for up to 2 people to visit The Magic Castle®. This private club, with entrance usually allowed only to members and their guests, is one of the most sought-after dinner reservations in the country. But act fast, as tickets will inevitably quickly disappear.
Girl From The North Country Hollywood Pantages Theatre 6233 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028
Girl From The North Country is the Tony Award-winning new musical that the Chicago Tribune declares is “a Broadway revelation!” Written and directed by celebrated playwright Conor McPherson and featuring Tony Award-winning orchestrations by Simon Hale, Girl From The North Country reimagines 20 legendary songs of Bob Dylan as they’ve never been heard before, including “Forever Young,” “All Along The Watchtower,” “Hurricane,” “Slow Train Coming,” and “Like A Rolling Stone.”
Jelly’s Last Jam Pasadena Playhouse 39 S El Molino Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101
Opens May 29 When legendary musician Jelly Roll Morton’s soul is forced to face the music, the self-proclaimed “inventor of jazz” is left at the ultimate crossroads. Follow Jelly from the back alleys of New Orleans to the sparkling stages of New York, as his remarkable journey unfolds in a stunning display of song, dance, and music. With soulful melodies, electrifying tap dancing, and fiery tunes that will leave you breathless, get your groove on with this dazzling musical masterpiece.
Misalliance A Noise Within 3352 E Foothill Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107
George Bernard Shaw’s signature wit and warmth is woven throughout this high-flying comedy, the grand finale of A Noise Within’s 2023-24 season. When the arrival of uninvited guests disrupts an undergarment mogul’s quiet English countryside manor, tensions escalate and hidden truths come to light. Through lively debates and subsequent antics – including eight marriage proposals and one plane crash – the audience is treated to a satiric comedy of manners that exposes hilarious clashes of class, gender, and generations.
Hollywood Fringe Festival Various venues
June 13 – 30 The Hollywood Fringe Festival is an annual, open-access, community-derived event celebrating freedom of expression and collaboration in the performing arts community. Each June during the Hollywood Fringe, the arts infiltrate the Hollywood neighborhood: fully equipped theaters, parks, clubs, churches, restaurants and other unexpected places host hundreds of productions by local, national, and international arts companies and independent performers.
The Hope Theory Geffen Playhouse 10886 Le Conte Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90024
From the creators of Invisible Tango, The Present, and The Future comes an entirely new theatrical event. As a Portuguese immigrant, storyteller, and sleight-of-hand magician, Helder Guimarães arrived in America at age 29. Wide-eyed and full of ideas, he discovers a fascinating puzzle of cultural and professional challenges to solve while he tries to build a home. The Hope Theory offers a unique perspective on America through the eyes of an optimistic outsider.
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum 1419 N Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA 90290
Long before he founded Theatricum Botanicum in 1978, Will Geer was well-known for his work on the New York stage, in film, and on radio. Relocating to an acreage in Topanga, California, Mr. Geer established a theatre on the property, and because he held a degree in botany, he named it for the landmark botany text book, Theatricum Botanicum, which means garden theater. Today, under the creative supervision of Will’s daughter Ellen Geer, Theatricum has blossomed into a vital creative force that has been recognized internationally for its interpretation of Shakespeare’s work.
Photo Credits:
Photo #1: Center Theatre Group
Photo #2: Center Theatre Group
Photo #3: Center Theater Group
Photo #4: The United Theater on Broadway
Photo #5: Hollywood Pantages Theatre
Photo #6: Pasadena Playhouse
Photo #7: A Noise Within
Photo #8: Hollywood Fringe Festival
Photo #9: Geffen Playhouse
Photo #10: Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum