Author Archive: Glamour

Magic for Animals

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WHAT: MAGIC FOR ANIMALS

DESCRIPTION: Magician Blends Artistry and Activism to Redefine the Magic Experience. In a vibrant fusion of magic, activism, and entertainment, Liz Toonkel presents “Magic For Animals,” a groundbreaking theatrical experience captivating audiences with humor, wit, and social commentary. As a queer female magician and animal rights activist, Toonkel offers a fresh perspective. The show challenges traditional magic norms, exploring human autonomy, consent, and animal rights. Through seamless tricks and storytelling, it prompts reflection on our relationships with animals and each other. Drawing on Jewish values and feminist art, “Magic For Animals” sparks dialogue on social justice and change.

WHO: Written and performed by Liz Toonkel

WHERE: Los Angeles LGBT Center (Davidson / Valentini Theatre) 1125 North McCadden Place, Los Angeles, CA

PERFORMANCES:

Saturday, June 8, 2024, 9:30 PM

Thursday, June 13, 2024, 8:00 PM

Saturday, June 22, 2024, 5:00 PM

Friday, June 28, 2024, 10:30 PM

Sunday, June 30, 2024, 3:30 PM

TICKET PRICE: $15.00

TICKET LINK: The Hollywood Fringe Festival – magic for animals

Ages 14+. Show runs 60 minutes.

Wendy’s Peter Pan Brings Neverland to Life at Theatricum

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NEWS RELEASE

 ‘Wendy’s Peter Pan’ brings

Neverland to life at Theatricum

WHAT:
Calling all young-at-heart: Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum has transformed its uniquely beautiful outdoor amphitheater into the imaginary isle of Neverland for a magical production of Wendy’s Peter Pan.

WHO:
• Adapted from J.M. Barrie’s 1904 play by Ellen Geer
• Directed by Ellen Geer
• Presented by Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum

WHEN:
Performances: June 22 – October 4
• Saturday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, June 29 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, July 21 at 8 p.m.
• Friday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m. * **
• Friday, Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
*Prologue (pre-show discussion): Friday, July 26 from 6:30 p.m.–7 p.m.
**Pay-What-You-Will performance: Friday, July 26

WHERE:
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Topanga CA 90290
(midway between PCH in Santa Monica Canyon and the 101 in the San Fernando Valley)
Topanga Canyon Blvd is currently closed between the theater and PCH; to access Theatricum from the Valley, exit the 101 at Topanga Canyon Blvd. South.

TICKET PRICES:
• Adults: $48 (lower tier); $30 (upper tier); $60 (premium seating)
• Seniors (65+), Students, Military Veterans, Teachers, AEA Members: $35/$20
• Children (5-15): $15
• Children 4 and under: Free
• Friday night, July 26: Pay-What-You-Will (cash only at the door)

OTHER:
• The outdoor amphitheater at Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is terraced into the hillside of the rustic canyon. Audience members are advised to dress casually (warmly for evenings) and bring cushions for bench seating.
• Patrons are welcome to arrive early to picnic in the gardens before performances.

PHOTOS:
Click here to download photos of Theatricum’s one-of-a-kind outdoor setting in the heart of Topanga Canyon.

HOW:
theatricum.com
(310) 455-3723

The Complete History of the American Musical Theater of the 1960s

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Image
NEWS RELEASE

‘Music at the Odyssey’ presents ‘The Complete History
of the American Musical Theater of the 1960s’

One night only: Saturday, June 1

WHAT:
“The Complete History of American Musical Theater” series is back with an evening devoted to the 1960s: a journey through the Broadway musicals that shaped the decade. Featuring Tony nominee Sharon McNight, Broadway and musical veterans Mary Gordon Murray and Scott Harlan, and up-and-comers Sophie Beck and Hayden Kharrazi, along with narrators Dan Fishbach and Mark D. Kaufmann.

WHEN:
Saturday, June 1 at 8.p.m.

WHERE:
Odyssey Theatre
2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90025

PARKING:
Free in the on-site parking lot

TICKETS:
$40

HOW:
www.OdysseyTheatre.com
(310) 477-2055 ext. 2

CASA FUEGO World Premiere Play

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CASA FUEGO

World Premiere Play

Los Angeles, CA. May 15, 2024. A Handmade Mansion, sheltering a First Generation Latinx/e Family – filled with Clairvoyance, Expectations, and a Violent Incandescence that has been in brew for centuries. Will a Visitor from the Past – the Root of all their Heightened Conditioning – Spark more Turmoil? Or, can they Extinguish their Turbulent Ways for Good? “Casa Fuego” opens Saturday, June 8 at the McCadden Theatre Place as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival.

The narrative revolves around Vergara and Salma, sisters whose turbulent relationship drives the plot. As they gear up for a double date with Ruben and Gabriel, tensions simmer fueled by their contrasting personalities. Vergara’s carefree spirit contrasts with Salma’s soulful nature, causing them to drift apart despite their familial bond.

Meanwhile, their parents, Guzman and Flori, along with detached brother Esteban, worsen the family discord. Conflicts escalate during the evening, with Flori’s clairvoyance hinting at danger. Armed with this knowledge, the sisters brace for the peril of their date. However, a divine intervention disrupts fate as a visitor from their past arrives to mend their bonds. Through this transformative experience, they discover the power of unconditional love, breaking down barriers. CASA FUEGO blends drama, comedy, and mysticism, delving into family dynamics.

“CASA FUEGO is being brought to life because it’s deemed vital. Within the Latinx Culture, there are entrenched cycles that perpetuate harmful patterns affecting everyone involved. These include domestic violence, both physical and verbal, as well as the sexualization of inherited neuroses. Additionally, there’s a pervasive fear of the unknown stemming from historical and personal traumas, impacting both physical and mental health,” exclaimsAmaya Navaro. “However, amidst these challenges, there’s also immense beauty to celebrate within the culture. Customs marked by grace and selflessness, manners that convey love and respect, and a work ethic coupled with clairvoyance capable of monumental achievements. With these aspects in mind, the CASA FUEGO Cast/Crew are enthusiastic about sharing this story with the world.”

WHO: Presented by: Krystal Anaís Amaya Navarro. Directed by: Krystal Anaís Amaya Navarro. Cast: Aleta Soron, Krystal Anaís Amaya Navarro, German Anselmo, Derlin Moncada.

WHERE: McCadden Theater. 1157 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90038.

WHEN:

Saturday, June 8th at 1:30PM
Saturday, June 22nd at 4:30PM
Saturday, June 29th at 8:30PM

TICKET PRICE: 15$ https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/10879?tab=tickets

Admission Age: 15+. Running time: 90 minutes

Echo Theater Company’s Theater Truck

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NEWS RELEASE

Echo Theater Company’s Theater Truck comes to
Ladera Park with family-friendly ‘Much Ado About Nothing’
 

WHAT:
All the magic of Shakespeare in under one hour. Bring a basket and a blanket and enjoy a free, family friendly, 40-minute version of Shakespeare’s screwball comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, courtesy of Echo Theater Company’s THTR TRUK.

WHO:
• Written by William Shakespeare
• Directed by Robert Lee Hart and Sky Paley
• Presented by The Echo Theater Company

WHEN:
• Saturday, June 1 at 5 p.m.

• Sunday, June 2 at 5 p.m.
• Saturday, June 8 at 5 p.m.
• Sunday, June 9 at 5 p.m.

WHERE:
Ladera Park Amphitheatre
4777 W. 62nd Street
Windsor Hills, CA 90056

ADMISSION
FREE

HOW
• www.echotheatercompany.com
• For more information and latest updates follow @thtrtruk on instagram.

Germany at Raindance Festival

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Germany is Guest of Honour at this year’s Raindance Festival in London

©Neon

The 32nd edition of the Raindance Film Festival will be a special one this year since Germany will be the “Guest of Honour”. The UK’s largest independent film festival will be held in London from 19 to 28 June, 2024. Together with Raindance, German Films will join forces with Raindance in not only presenting current productions by German filmmakers, but also looking back on seven decades of successful German films at the cinema as part of the 70th anniversary celebrations.

“We are delighted that Germany will be the Guest of Honour at Raindance,” Simone Baumann, Managing Director of German Films explains. “This is particularly a double honour for us in 2024 when German Films is celebrating its 70th anniversary. There aren’t that many German films in British cinemas. So this is a great opportunity to put a spotlight on German cinema and showcase German filmmakers for a British audience. German Films also holds the Raindance Festival in great esteem because it gives first-time filmmakers a chance and provides a forum for emerging independent and arthouse talent to present their projects.”

The film CUCKOO (Fiction Park Entertainment) by Tilman Singer will open the Raindance Film Festival at the Curzon Mayfair cinema. The horror film centres on 17-year-old Gretchen (starring Hunter Schafer) who has to move from her American home to join her father and the new family at a resort in the German Alps. But something doesn’t seem quite right here as Gretchen is plagued by strange noises and disturbing visions. Director Tilman Singer will present his film in person in London.

The rest of the festival’s line-up includes the German productions and co-productions ETERNAL YOU (Beetz Filmproduktion) by Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck, FALLING INTO PLACE by Aylin Tezel (Weydemann Bros.), IT’S BURNING by Erol Afsin (Stereo Films Medienproduktion) and WHAT YOU SEE OF ME by Isabelle Caps-Kuhn. Directors Hans Block, Aylin Tezel and Erol Afsin will also be travelling to the UK to present their films at the festival.

The German focus will also feature the short film programme Next Generation Short Tiger 2024 as well as the 2009 film THE WHITE RIBBON (X Filme Creative Pool GmbH) by Michael Haneke from the ‘70 Years Of German Cinema – A Success Story’ retrospective. The German actor and the lead actor in the film, Christian Friedel, who is now also known for his performance in the recent Oscar® winner THE ZONE OF INTEREST, will be coming to the film festival and holding a masterclass in conversation with the film curator Sandra Hebron, currently Head of Screen Arts at NFTS and former Artistic Director of the London Film Festival, before the film’s screening.

“We are privileged to be welcoming Germany as our special Guest of Honour this year – especially since this is a significant year for the 70th anniversary of German Films,” Elliot Grove, the founder of Raindance Festival, says. “All of us at Raindance are looking forward to the future of German cinema and supporting future generations of filmmakers from Germany because we can hardly wait to see what the next 70 years will bring.”

As part of the supporting programme, German Films Managing Director Simone Baumann and a BFI representative will give a talk on the subject of ‘German film funding models for international co-productions’. Mona Cathleen Otterbach, a production designer and ambassador of this year’s FACE TO FACE WITH GERMAN FILMS campaign, will take a closer look at her work in the field of production design and also present the Face To Face programme at an industry event.

The festival, including the German focus, is being organised with the support of the Goethe-Institut London and the German Embassy in London where a festive reception will also be held in honour of the German filmmakers during the film festival.

More information about this year’s Raindance Festival here.

An overview of all the German productions and co-productions at the Raindance Festival:

Opening Film
Curzon Mayfair
CUCKOO by Tilman Singer (Fiction Park Entertainment)

ETERNAL YOU (DE/USA, Gebrüder Beetz Filmproduktion) by Hans Block, Moritz Riesewieck
FALLING INTO PLACE by Aylin Tezel (DE/UK, Weydemann Bros.)
IT’S BURNING (ES BRENNT) by Erol Afsin (Stereo Films Medienproduktion)
WHAT YOU SEE OF ME (WAS DU VON HIER SEHEN KANNST) by Isabelle Caps-Kuhn (Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg)

70 YEARS OF GERMAN CINEMA WORLDWIDE (1954 – 2024)
THE WHITE RIBBON (DAS WEISSE BAND) by Michael Haneke (DE/FR/AT/IT, X Filme Creative Pool GmbH)

NEXT GENERATION SHORT TIGER 2024

Theatre Review: Misalliance

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A Noise Within presents Misalliance to close out its 2023-2024 “Balancing Act” season. Written by George Bernard Shaw. Directed by Guillermo Cienfuegos. Geoff Elliot and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott are the producing artistic directors.

What can women do in Edwardian England to defy conventions? In the case of Hypatia (Erika Soto), she aggressively chases down the man she likes and rejects marriage proposals. As for Lina (Trisha Miller), she flies a plane and also rejects marriage proposals left and right. In George Bernard Shaw‘s world, these two characters symbolize the beginning of the new female image taking shape in the post-Victorian England, a stark contrast to the passiveness and intellectual inferiority expected from women in previous periods.

To recreate the Art Nouveau interior design from the Edwardian period, designer Angela Balogh Calin used an impressive glass wall and a massive painting to simulate an expansive background garden. Calin’s artisan skills are evident in the multiple details around the set. The walls, the floor, and the furniture décor they all exhibit organic shapes and floral motifs that give off an air of sophistication to the ample stage.

Bear in mind that Misalliance is a wordy play with long monologues. Shaw used some of the characters as an audience for his social and political views. In a few scenes, some characters just sit passively, listening to the other characters go on and on with their monologues. Fortunately, these scenes lead to some of the finest comedy lines in the history of theatre. This play is a masterful combination of inventive dialogue and physical comedy. One of the benefits of having a fine director like Guillermo Cienfuegos is that he allows his superb cast to let loose and bring their craft to another level. The performances of Josey Montana McCoy as the intellectually superior but physically inferior Bentley and Joshua Bitton as the socialist Baker are as hilarious and entertaining as they can be. Add to this the skills of Peter Van Norden, Deborah Strang, and Frederick Stuart and you have the human capital to stage a magnificent production to bring alive the fun madness of Shaw’s study on class, gender, and generation.

Soto, always a lively performer, unlocks that irresistible sense of hysteria that explodes at the first opportunity. She delivers consistent performances and is building up an impressive resume, participating in some of the most iconic productions of ANW.

The Misalliance billboard shows a picture of Trisha Miller as Lina Szczepanowska, which is indeed, the central character in the play. With her commanding stage presence, Miller embodies the perfect Lina, a willful and determined woman with no time for superfluous romanticism. Even though Lina only appears in the second act, it is immediately obvious that this character is the one that turns things upside down. She defies norms and is an inspiration not only to Hypatia but to the male characters as well. Lina is a fearless woman who pushes the limits. With her free spirit, she challenges conventions and is a sneak peek of the things to come for the place of women in society. With this play, Miller adds another stellar performance to her brilliant career at ANW.

Misalliance is another big win for A Noise Within, a company committed to stage relevant and majestic productions, setting a high standard of quality to the theatre scene.

Misalliance

A Noise Within
3352 E Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107

Performances May 18 – June 9
• Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.: May 15 ONLY (Preview)
• Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.: May 23, May 30, June 6 (dark May 16)
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: May 17 (Preview); May 24*; May 31*; June 7*
• Saturdays at 2 p.m.: May 25; June 1; June 8 (no matinee on May 18)
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: May 18 (Opening Night); May 25; June 1; (No 8 p.m. performance on June 8)
• Sundays at 2 p.m.: May 12 (Preview); May 19; May 26*; June 2; June 9
*Post–performance conversations with the artists take place every Friday (except the preview) and on Sunday, May 26.
A student matinee will take place on Thursday, May 16 at 10:30 a.m. Interested educators should email education@anoisewithin.org.

Tickets: anoisewithin.org

Written by George Bernard Shaw. Directed by Guillermo Cienfuegos. Geoff Elliot and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, producing artistic directors.

Cast: Joshua Bitton, Dan Lin, Josey Montana McCoy, Trisha Miller, Riley Shanahan, Erika Soto, Deborah Strang, Frederick Stuart, Peter Van Norden.

Creative team: Scenic designer Angela Balogh Calin; lighting designer Ken Booth; composer and sound designer Christopher Moscatiello; costume designer Christine Cover Ferro; wig and make up designer Tony Valdés; properties designer Stephen Taylor; dialect coach Andrea Odinov; and dramaturg Miranda Johnson-Haddad. The assistant director is Rachel Berney–Needleman. The production stage manager is Angela Sonner, assisted by Hope Matthews.

Theatre Review: Going Mad: Alice in Hollywoodland

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Odyssey Theatre Ensemble and Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy present Going Mad: Alice in Hollywoodland. Written by Richard Alger. Directed by Tina Kronis. Produced for Odyssey Theatre Ensemble by Beth Hogan.

The topsy-turvy world of Alice in Wonderland is re-imagined by Playwright Richard Alger. This time, Wonderland is the backlot of a Hollywood studio. Alice (Norene Flowers) is about to start principal photography of her project when Virginia (Victoria Davidoff), the studio executive, decides that the beginning of the script needs to be changed. Encouraged by Whitey Lepus (Cristian Venegas), a desperate Alice enters a door that leads her to the underworld, a place of strange characters that are supposed to help her navigate the treacherous environment of the studio system.

This production showcases the talent from the Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy, a full-time professional training conservatory for actors, technicians and costumers. Some of the actors have participated in other professional productions and this is evident in their performances. They deliver their lines fluidly and their movements show the excellence of their training.

There was a bit of a hiccup at the beginning of the show and the music was a bit too loud to hear the actors in the first scene. However, things got better as the actors warmed up. Scene by scene the actors got into the rhythm of the play and started to show off their potential. Flowers is the star of the show and she delivers an exceptional and consistent performance throughout the play. Davidoff and Venegas were also excellent in their characterizations. Four of the actors that also show great confidence and theatrical skills are Tony Gonzalez as Humphry, delivering a convincing monologue, Cara Schell Sandefur as Blanche, Alex Bravo as Tuttle Lloyd/Max, and Elizabeth Mackessy as Chessie.

Director Tina Kronis makes this play highly kinetic. There is plenty of dancing and singing with a modern feel and a homage to old Hollywood. The blocking, with special effects included, adds a visual element that translates the surrealism of the script into moving images. A similar approach was observed in TINY LITTLE TOWN, a new musical, also produced by Theatre Movement Bazaar, a musical that also blended comedy with energetic movement.

Although this play features college actors, their performances and the production in general is a well-developed endeavor that shows the level of commitment from the producers, the playwright, the director, and of course, the future thespians. It is also an example of the productive training received at the Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy, an institution preparing theatre artists since 1929.

Going Mad: Alice in Hollywoodland

Odyssey Theatre
2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90025

May 16 – May 25, 2024
• Thursdays at 8 p.m.: May 16 and May 23
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: May 17 and May 24
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: May 18 and May 25

Tickets: odysseytheatre.com

Written by Richard Alger and directed by Tina Kronis, co-founders of Theatre Movement Bazaar. Produced for Odyssey Theatre Ensemble by Beth Hogan. Presented by the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, Ron Sossi Artistic Director, and Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy.

Cast: Emma Baker, Alex Bravo, Victoria Davidoff, Norene Flowers, Delfin Gamboa, Tony Gonzalez, Tracy Chapman Kamenga, Kal Karnchananasej, Adam Lopatka, Elizabeth Mackessy, Manuel Marin, Cara Schell Sandefur, Art Sandoval, Markel Sealy, Lucas Sheppe, Cristian Venegas, and Sam Sooin Yang.

Creative team: Set Design by Maureen Weiss, Light Design John A. Garofalo, Costume Design Luz Stehelin, Sound Design Rebecca Kessin, Tina Kronis, Richard Alger, Assistant Costume Design Raquel Muñoz & Johnny Hagan, Stage Manager Jasmine White, Assistant Stage Manager Chris Avedis, and Prop Master Tim Christian.

The Last Five Years

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Sierra Madre Playhouse Presents
Jason Robert Brown’s Acclaimed Musical
The Last Five Years

 Captivating Love Story Explores Complex Dynamics of a Relationship through the Lens of Time

May 17 – June 16, 2024

WHAT:

Sierra Madre Playhouse Presents
The Last Five Year
Book/Music/Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown

 PRODUCTION TEAM:

Director/Set/Props: Josh Shaw

Music Director/Piano: Joshua Foy

Costume Design: Hailey Springer

Lighting Design: Grace Berry

Stage Manager: Bri Westad

Assistant Stage Manager: Carolyn Wasson

Substitute Stage Manager: Colton Bassett

CAST (double cast)

Cathy: Margaret Berkowitz

Cathy: Jackie Bonsignore

Jamie: Jayde Mitchell

Jamie: Bryan Mittelstadt

WHEN:

Friday, May 17, 8:00 PM – With Ensemble

Saturday, May 18, 4:00 PM – With Live Piano

Saturday, May 18, 8:00 PM – With Live Piano

Sunday, May 19, 2:00 PM – With Live Piano

Friday, May 24, 8:00 PM – With Ensemble

Saturday, May 25, 4:00 PM – With Ensemble

Saturday, May 25,8:00 PM – With Ensemble

Sunday, May 26, 2:00 PM – With Live Piano

Friday, May 31, 8:00 PM – With Ensemble

Saturday, June 1, 4:00 PM – With Live Piano

Saturday, June 1, 8:00 PM – With Live Piano

Sunday, June 2, 2:00 PM – With Live Piano

Friday, June 7, 8:00 PM – With Live Piano

Saturday, June 8, 4:00 PM – With Live Piano

Saturday, June 8, 8:00 PM – With Ensemble

Sunday, June 9, 2:00 PM – With Live Piano

Friday, June 14, 2024, 8:00 PM – With Live Piano

Saturday, June 15, 4:00 PM – With Live Piano

Saturday, June 15, 8:00 PM – With Live Piano

Sunday, June 16, 2:00 PM – With Live Piano

WHERE:

Sierra Madre Playhouse
87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard
Sierra Madre, CA 91024

 RUN TIME:

Approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

 TICKETS & INFORMATION:

Tickets are $12 – $45

626.355.4318

www.sierramadreplayhouse.org

Fancy Nancy, The Musical

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Chance Theater is bringing fantabulous back with…

Fancy Nancy, The Musical

The wildly popular musical adaptation of the best-selling book series is back for the 7th time!

WHAT: Fancy Nancy, The Musical

This TYA favorite returns to the Chance for the seventh time. Bring the family and watch as Fancy Nancy and her friends Bree, Rhonda, Wanda, and Lionel get ready to perform in their very first show, “Deep Sea Dances.” Nancy is positive, that’s fancy for 100 percent sure, that she and Bree will be picked to be mermaids. When another girl wins the coveted role of the mermaid, Nancy is stuck playing a dreary, dull tree. Can Nancy bring fancy flair to her role, even though it isn’t the one she wanted?

WHEN:

Previews: May 24-26, 2024; Friday 7 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. & 6 p.m., Sunday at 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.

Performances: May 24 – June 9, 2024

Fridays 7 p.m (only May 24), Saturdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. & Sundays at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m.

RUNNING TIME: 1 hour, 10 minutes

WHERE: Chance Theater @ Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage

5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807

TICKETS: $31-35

MORE INFO: www.ChanceTheater.com or call (888) 455-4212