L.A. Stage Insider
Celebrating the Best in Live Theater and Cabaret in the Greater Los Angeles Area
Written by Julio Martinez
September 27, 2023
NEWS
Aztec dance troupe Huitzilopochtli Photo by Cindy Marie Jenkins
24th Street Theatre returns Nov 2 with its annual, free “Dia de los Muertos” block party, headlined this year by Latin surf band, The Space Sanchos and, direct from México City, singer-songwriter Rafael Mendoza. Other performers set for the outdoor stage include Mariachi Calilajara; Aztec dance troupe Huitzilopochtli; ballet folklórico Sol de Fuego; the “Catrina Guapachosa” on stilts (Ismael Ramirez); and more. Enjoy homemade tamales, craft booths, and a graveyard where families can make their own altars for departed loved ones, plus a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round. The evening kicks off at 5:45 p.m. with a procession led by ceremonial dancers Comparsa de Chinelos Amigos de Morelos. The festival will extend beyond the stage at 24th Street Theatre to Hoover Street from 23rd to 25th Streets, running 5:45pm to 10pm. 24th Street Theatre is located at 1117 West 24th St., L.A.90007. For more information, go to, www.24thstreet.org
PREMIERES
Rogue Machine Presents the West Coast Premiere of “Baby Foot,” focusing on two seemingly mismatched souls who find themselves on the cusp of a life-changing connection, written and directed by Tim Venable. The cast features Daniel Dorr, Hope Lauren and Paul DeBoy. “Baby Foot” opens Oct 14 (5pm), running through Nov 20. Rogue Machine, (Upstairs at the Henry Murray Stage in the Matrix Theatre), is located at 7657 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 90046. Reservations: https://www.roguemachinetheatre.org/ or for more information, call 855-585-5185.
AROUND TOWN
JoBeth William & Peter Strauss
El Portal Theatre in NoHo will be hosting the romantic courtroom drama, “Love Among the Ruins,” adapted from the multi–Emmy Award winning ABC telepic of the same title (which starred Katherine Hepburn and Sir Lawrence Olivier), adapted for the stage by James G Hirsch and Robert A. Papazian, directed by Michael Arabian, now stars Globe Award nominee JoBeth Williams and Emmy Award winner Peter Strauss. Opens Oct 6 (8pm) and Oct 7 (3pm & 8pm), running through Oct 29. El Portal Theatre is locatad at 5269 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood. 91601. For tickets and more information, go here.
On Your Feet Ensemble
La Mirada Theatre announces full casting a brand-new production of the smash-hit musical, “On Your Feet! The Story Of Emilio & Gloria Estefan,” with music, lyrics & orchestrations by Emilio & Gloria Estefan, musical direction by , Daniel Alejandro Gutierrez and direction & choreography by Luis Salgado. The Cast of will feature Gaby Albo, Samuel Garnica, Kristen Tarragó, Max Cervantes, Adela Romero Emma Heistand, Sophia Yacap, Javier Iván and Jake Dylan. The Ensemble will feature Camila Aldet, Miguel Flores, Madelin Marchant, Sara McGuire, María Moreras, Ralphie Rivera De Jesús, Khi’Shawn Robinson, Angelliz M. Rosado Ramos, Cami Taleisnik, Glendaliris Torres-Greaux, Josué Torres Ortiz, Sebastian Treviño, Brian Márquez, Matt Rivera, and Maya Santiago. Press opening is Oct 7 (8pm), running Oct 29 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada. Tickets can be purchased at La Mirada Theatre’s website www.LaMiradaTheatre.com or by calling the La Mirada Theatre Box Office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-631
SOLO MOJO
Kevin Flynn
Odyssey Theatre is presenting, “Fear of Heights.” “His tough, Irish steelworker grandfather may have been unafraid to perch precariously on a steel beam high above the New York skyline...but young Kevin finds himself dreaming of the bright lights of Hollywood instead.” Written and performed by Kevin Flynn, directed by Tim Byron Owen, the production opens Oct 12 (8pm), continuing through Oct 29. Odyssey Theatre is located at 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd, L.A 90025. For tickets and More information, go here
HOLIDAY SEASON
Cori Cable Kidder
Sierra Madre Playhouse will be presenting Cori Cable Kidder’s Holiday Spectacular. A 1940s Christmas Revue, starring Cori Cable Kidder. With Sean Paxton and his live combo. Musical direction by Paxton. Plays Nov 24-Dec 23 (F ri & Sat, 8pm; Sun (2pm). Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra Madre, 91024. For reservations and more information, call (626) 355-4318 or go here.
Ensemble
Rockefeller Productions is presenting Drama Desk Award nominated “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Holiday Show,” a holiday version of the acclaimed stage adaptation, making its Los Angeles debut this holiday season The El Portal Theatre. Created and directed by Jonathan Rockefeller, each performance features four Eric Carle stories brought to life by a menagerie of 75 award-winning puppets. The production runs Nov 25-Jan 21, 2024. Tickets available at hungrycaterpillarshow.com or by calling (818) 508-4200 (M-F, 9am-4:30pm).
Arts in Review, hosted by arts journalist Julio Martinez, celebrating the best in theater and cabaret in the Greater Los Angeles area, airs on KPFK90.7fm on Fridays (2-2:30pm), streamed live around the world in real time over KPFK.org. On Sep 29, Arts in Review welcomes cast members from Interact Theatre Company’s “Life Sucks,” opening Sep 30 at The Broadwater Main Stage, 1076 Lillian Way in Los Angeles.