Today’s Highlights:

  An Evening with Tituss Burgess concert, at 7:3-0 PM at NYC’s 92nd Street Y.

  The Peterson Show, world premiere by Janine Nabers, directed by Michelle Bossy, featuring Kelly McCreary, Tamberla Perry,and, John Clarence Stewart, Kristen Ariza, Deanna Reed-Foster, and Journee Rose, closes at LA’s Atwater Village Theatre.

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   Grace Notes Quiz:  Murder Weapons, by Jim Bernhard

Provide the missing weapon in these show titles:

Scroll down for the answers…

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   A reading of Barba: Brazilian Body percussion Musical, by Kim Bixler, Carlos Bauzys & Cernando Barba, with music direction by Carlos Bauzys. will take place Tues. Nov. 17 at Noon at NYC’s Open Jar Studios, directed by Carlos Armesto.

  Kianna Batista, Amy Sabrina López Conde, Elias Husiak, Nathan Leitão, Max Pollak, Senna Prasatthong, Vin Ramos, Alyssa Redenburg, Jon Rodéz, Corina Sabbas, Hikari Salgado, Alice Reys, André Sguerra and Aimara Torres.

 An ensemble-driven theatrical experience inspired by the real-life Brazilian body music group Barbatuques and their founder, Fernando Barba. After a life-altering diagnosis, the group is invited to perform a make-or-break concert that could secure—or end—their future. Divided by grief and uncertainty, they must decide if they can continue without the man who defined their sound. Blending explosive rhythm with storytelling, BARBA: Brazilian Body Percussion Musical builds to a powerful realization: the heartbeat of their sound was never one man—it was always the collective.

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   The Who’s Tommy will run Oct. 27 – Nov. 15 at  the Pantages Theatre. directed by Des McAnuff.

   Collin Matthew Flanagan (Tommy Walker), Zach Fogel (Captain Walker), Mia Bergstrom (Ms. Walker), Peyton Cassity (Uncle Ernie), Myle McFalls (Cousin Kevin), Kris Lyons (Acid Queen), Audrey Fisher (Sally Simpson), and Mari Grossman (Little Tommy).

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    Gertrude, Or Asparagus Soup In August, a historical horror fantasy, by Daphne Rubin-Vega, will run Feb, 3 – 14, 2027, at 59E59 Theatres,       directed by Aaron Mark.

   Daphne Rubin-Vega.

   In 1914, Gertrude Carlton’s husband, Julian, murdered seven people at Frank Lloyd Wright’s personal home and studio in Wisconsin. She was held in custody for two weeks, given $7, put on a train to Chicago, and was never heard from again. Finally, Gertrude reveals her side of the infamour story that’s been debated for over a hundred years. The playconfronts class, race ,celebrity, and the bloody consequences of the American Dream.

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   LA Opera‘s Candide, conducted by Lina González-Granados, will run  Nov. 21 – Dec. 13 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

  Duke Kim (Candide), Meghan Picerno (Cunegonde), Patti LuPone (Old Lady), Mario Manzo ( (Maximilian / Father), Kristen Choi (Paquette), Katie Trigg (Baroness / Vanderdendur), Vinícius Costa (James / Martin), Samuel Wallace (Cacambo), and Bernard Holcomb (Barron/Don Issachar/Govenor), with Erin Alford,  Erin Alford, Andrea Beason, Julia Harnett, Amber Liekhus, Peter Murphy, and David Prottas.

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   A reading of Christopher’s Franciosa will take place Mon. Nov. 16 at 7 PM at Beverly Hills’ Theatre Forty (link TBA), directed by Randy Brenner.

  Marissa Burgoyne, Christopher Franciosa, Lilli Passero, Meagan Prahl, John Shartzer and Kristin Towers-Rowles.

   A typical Westside L.A. family dealing with typical problems: race riots, running for the Senate, white privilege, liver transplantation, and feng shui.  And it’s a comedy.

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   Grace Notes Quiz Answers:  Murder Weapons, by Jim Bernhard

 1-D. The Big Knife, play by Clifford Odets

 2-H. The Poison Tree, play by Ronald Ribman

 3-J. Rope’s End, play by Patrick Hamilton

 4-I. The Silver Cord, play by Sidney Howard

 5-A. The Terrible Swift Sword, play by Arthur Steuer

 6-C. The Dagger and the Cross, play by Brownlow Hill

 7-F. Handful of Fire, play by N. Richard Nash

 8-G. The Girl Behind the Gun, musical by P. G. Wodehouse, Guy Bolton, and Ivan Caryll

 9-E. Arsenic and Old Lace, play by Joseph Kesselring

10. ‘Twixt Axe and Crown,play by Tom Taylor

This Weekend’s Highlights:

Friday, Oct. 23

  American Sound Takes Flight –  from Aaron Copland to Paul Simon, with music direction by Rachael Worby, featuring Brandon Victor Dixon, and Liv Redpatth, opens at LA’s The The Wallis.

Saturday, Oct. 24

  Thelma & Louise, world premiere reimagined by Raphael Amahl Khouri, directed by Trip Cullman, featuring Amy Lennox (Thelma) and Rachel Tucker Louise),with Trevor Dion Nicholas, Jordan Luke Gage,  Samuel Edwards, Alex Gibson-Giorgio, Letita Hector, Tamlyn Henderson and Jack Butterworth, closes at London’s Young Vic.

  American Sound Takes Flight –  from Aaron Copland to Paul Simon, with music direction by Rachael Worby, featuring Brandon Victor Dixon, and Liv Redpatth, closes at LA’s The The Wallis.

Sunday,  Oct. 25

  Goodtime Charlie, by Ryan J. Haddad, directed by Danny Sharron, featuring  Sherz Aletaha, Timothy Bagley (Lou), , Nicholas Barrón, Michael Cristoferr (Sheldon), Ryan J. Haddad (Ryan), Beth Malone (Janice), Nael Nacer (Charlie Sr./ Bob), Artemis Pebdani (Joan / Judy), and Jonathan Raviv (Charlie), with Doug Shapiro, closes at Off-Broadway’s Public Theatre.

  All My Sons, directed by Scott Edmiston, featuring Bill Mootos (Joe Keller), Laura Marie Duncan (Kate Keller), Mark Souza (Chris Keller),  Ann Ceever (Josephine Morshiri Elwood), Quinton Kappel (Geroge Deever), Allison Beauregard (Sue Bayliss), Chris Heuisler (Dr. Jim Bayliss), Cara Clough (Lidia Lubey), Eric mcGowan Frank Lubey), and Julian Hirshfield (Bert), closes at Boston’s Lyric Stage.

  Buyer and Cellar, by Jonathan Tolins, directed by Jamie Torcellini, featuring Brian McDonald, closes at Santa Barbara’s Ensemble Theatre.

  Gingold Theatrical Group‘s readings of Bernard Shaw’s Village Wooing, directed by David Staller, featuring Maryann Plunkett and Jay O. Sanders, concludes at Off-Broadway’s Symphony Space.

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  The Dog Show: Come. Sit. Stay, by David Javerbaum, directed by Richard Israel, continues through Feb. 2, 2027 at the TheTriad.

  Seth Rudetsky,  Gizel Jiménez, Angela Reed, and .J. Shively.

   Actors perform a series of monologues from the dogs’ perspective, giving voice to the thoughts, feelings, opinions, and obsessions that humans can only imagine. How do dogs really feel about taking baths? Sticking their heads out of car windows? Working as police dogs? And, most importantly, sniffing another dog’s behind? Trhough these imaginded
canine perspectives, The Dog Show explores the wonderfully strange world of dogs, and the very human tendency to see ourselves in them through loyalty, love, and zest for life.

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   North Hollywood’s El Portal Theatre celebrates 100  years with a Star-studded Birthday Spectacular, directed by Jason Graae, on Sat. Nov. 28 at 7 PM.

   Frank Ferrante, Jason Graae, Heather Lee, Beth Malone, Lesli Margherita, Faith Prince, Jenna Lea Rosen and Natalie Wachen, with Aunt Chippie, Ed Begley, Jr., Fritz Coleman, Ruta Lee, Jo Anne Worley and more.

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   Red Bull Theater’s How Shakespeare Saved My Life, written & performed by Jacob Ming-Trent, directed by Tony Taccone, continues through Oct. 25   at the   Theater.

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   A free reading of Michael Fishman’s The Bird is Done will take place Mon. Nov. 7 at 7 PM at Off-Broadway’s Theater for the New City, followed by a talk-back.

Donations will be greatly appreciated.

  Marilyn Chris, Mitch Poulos and Liz Keifer.

  What happens when a family gathers for Thanksgiving hoping to bury old grudges, only to discover that some wounds run deeper than anyone imagined?  This new family dramedy  serves up a holiday feast of combustible personalities, long-simmering resentments, uncomfortable revelations and unexpected tenderness.

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   Elysians Fields – A New Musical, world premiere by Steve Fisher & Marc Fliedner, continues through Nov. 1 at the American Theatre of Actors (Cullum Theatre), directed by Andrew Coopman.

  Anthony Wayne (Black-Eyed Suzie), Harrison Drake (Abe/Lincoln), and Alexander Ullian (Josh/Speed), with Matt Allen, Kobe Brown, Melanie Gertzman, Dinanda Klaassen, Ethan Mathias, Madison Merlenti, and Franca Vercelloni, and ensemble members Charley Bazz, Kim Hale, Jaymi Horn, Ryan John, Casey Johnson, Jillian Mustillo, Jeff Parsons, Elizabeth Rose, and Rew Starr.

   The pice tells two love stories across two centuries: the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Joshua Fry Speed in 19th-century America, and a modern-day couple, Abe and Josh, preparing to marry in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2016, the year marriage equality reached all 50 states. Black-Eyed Suzie, the larger-than-life drag queen hostess of the Blue Moon Kentucky Club, guides audiences between eras.

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    Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Jamie Lloyd, will open Nov. 19 at the Wintergarden Theatre.

 Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell, with Mason Alexander Park.

Today’s Highlights:

  PHYL, by Cecily Hamilton, directed by Britt Berke, featuring Tessa Bilmes, Jennifer Blood, Curaon Dobell, Katie Firth Lily Ganser, Livvy Marcus, Anthony Michael Martinez, Zalia Sulla, and Charlotte Ledtje, opens at Off-Broadway’s Mint Theatre.

  Gingold Theatrical Group‘s readings of Bernard Shaw’s Village Wooing, directed by David Staller, featuring Maryann Plunkett and Jay O. Sanders and a rotating cast, begins at Off-Broadway’s Symphony  Space.

  Fallen Angels (Broadway production), featuring Rose Byrne (Jane Banbury), Kelli O’Hara (Julia Sterroll), Gracee Chimo (Saunders), Mark Consuelos (Maurice Duclos), Christopher Fitzgerald (Willy Banbury), andAsaif Mandvi (Fred Sterroll, with Max Gordon Moore, christopher Innvar, and Larua Shoop, released in movie theaters worldwide.

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   Purpose, by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, will run Nov. 11- Dec. 20 (opening Nov. 19) at the Geffen Playhouse, directed by Phylicia Rashad.

   Alana Arenas (Morgan Jasper), Glenn Davis (Solomon “Junior” Jasper) Jon Michael Hill (Nazareth “Naz” Jasper), LaTanya Richardson Jackson (Claudine Jasper)  Harry Lennix (Solomon “Sonny” Jasper) and Kara Young (Aziza Houston), with Jon Michael Hill, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Harry Lennix, Nija Okoro & Kara Young.

    Alana Aren (Windfall), David Makes  (Morgan Jasper),  Glenn Davis (Solomon Junior” Jasper; )Jon Michael Hill (The Mountaintop, Superior Donuts) as Nazareth “Naz” Jasper; LaTanya Richardson Jackson (Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous; A Raisin in the Sun) as Claudine Jasper; Harry Lennix (The Matrix series, Justice League) as Solomon “Sonny” Jasper; and Kara Young (Is God Is, Purlie Victorious) , with Nija Okoro.

  The Jaspers: generations of a powerful Black political family under one roof where nothing stays buried for long. When their youngest son returns home, instincts kick in to protect their public image of leadership and moral authority, and fractures soon appear as private grievances, betrayals, and long-simmering questions of identity rise to the surface.

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   Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins’ Purpose will run Nov. 11 – Dec. 20  (opening Nov. 19)  LA’s Geffen Playhouse, directed by Phylica Rashad.

  Alan Arenas, Glenn DAvis, Jon Michael Hill, LaTanya Richardsonn Jackson, Harry Lennix, Nija Okofo, and Kara Yount.

   Meet the Jaspers: generations of a powerful Black political family under one roof where nothing stays buried for long. When their youngest son returns home, instincts kick in to protect their public image of leadership and moral authority, and fractures soon appear as private grievances, betrayals, and long-simmering questions of identity rise to the surface.

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   The Group Rep‘s Motel 66, by Lee Redmond, offering new short one-act plays, continues through Nov. 2 upstairs at North Hollywood’s Lonny Chapman Theatre.

Click the link above for complete details.

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   The Dog Show: Come Sit Stay, by David Javerbaum,will run Nov. 3, 4 & 25 at TheTriad, directed by Richard Israel.

  Seth Rudetsy  Gizel Jiménez, Angela Reed, and .J. Shively,  Note: Jordan Matthew Brown will not perform on the evenings that Seth appears due to prior commitments.

  Actors perform a series of monologues from the dogs’ perspective, giving voice to the thoughts, feelings, opinions, and obsessions that humans can only imagine. How do dogs really feel about taking baths? Sticking their heads out of car windows? Working as police dogs? And, most importantly, sniffing another dog’s behind?

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   2 Dudes & Their Teach: Singing, a new musical, will be presented Nov. 13 & 14 at LA’s Hudson Guild Theatre, with music direction by Stuart Elster.

  Kevin Spirtas, Christian Maltez, and Gloria Gifford.

   Instead of a narrative storyline, the performance is structured around an evening of music, laughter, love, and memories, showcasing the real-life dynamic and exceptional vocal talents of the three performers.

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   The Dog Show,: Come, Sit, Stay,  by David Javerbaum , will run Jan. 31 – Feb. 3, 2027 at the Triad Theatre, directed by Richard Israel.

  Gizel Jiménez, Angela Reed, and and A.J. Shively.

  Actors perform a series of monologues from the dogs’ perspective, giving voice to the thoughts, feelings, opinions, and obsessions that humans can only imagine. How do dogs really feel about taking baths? Sticking their heads out of car windows? Working as police dogs? And, most importantly, sniffing another dog’s behind?

Today’s Highlights:

  860, starring Billy Crystal, directed by Scott Ellis, opens at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre.

  The The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttton, by Jethro Compton & Darren Clark, directed by Compton, featuring Andrew Durand (Benjamin Button / Reberthi.),  Kelsee Kimmel (Elowen Keene / Sterenow), Britney Coleman (Gwyns), Matt Wolpe (Tir), Andrew Durand (Benjamin Button/Reverthi), Kelsee Kimmel  with Trevor Lindley Craft Craft, Brandon J. Ellis, and Andrew Furand (Elowen Keene / Sterenow), opens at Off-Broadway’s Public Theatre.

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  Ragtime, directed by Scott Lapp, featuring, Carter Michael (Coalhouse Walker J.), Danny Becker (Tatah),Chelle Denton (Mother), and Chelle Denton (Mother), with Hillary Boyd, Chance Challen, Deja Fields, Angela Griswold, Jacob Haren, Christopher James Hester, Anna Melendrez, Ben Michael, and Guy Noland, opens at Venice, CA’s Rubicon Theatre.

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  Broadway Grosses for the week ending  Sunday, Oct. 18.

Click here for the complete analysis.

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  The 39 Steps, adapted by Patrick Barlow, will run Oct. 27 – Nov. 22 at Laguna Playhouse, directed by Hunter Foster.

  Jon Root (Richard Hannay), Ashley Margaret Morton (Woman), Jennifer Cody  (Clown #2)  and Jeremy Webb (Clown #1), with Caitlin Gallogly, Johnny DiGiorgio  Emily Nash.

   The play takes the intrigue and suspense of a spy thriller and turns it into a wildly inventive night of live theatre. When an ordinary man is suddenly swept into an international espionage plot, he finds himself racing across England and Scotland while trying to outrun danger, deception and mistaken identity.

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   Our Sinatra, The 25th Anniversary Original Cast Reunion continues through Nov. 29 at the The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater, directed by  David Zippel.

   Eric Comstock, Christopher Gines and Hilary Kole.

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   The 39 Steps will continue through Nov. 22 at Laguna Playhouse, directed by Hunter Foster.

 Jon Root (Richard Hannay), Ashley Margaret Morton (Woman), Jennifer Cody (Clown #2) and Jeremy Webb (Clown #1), with Caitlin Gallogly, Johnny DiGiorgio and Emily Nash.

  The play akes the intrigue and suspense of a spy thriller and turns it into a wildly inventive night of live theatre. When an ordinary man is suddenly swept into an international espionage plot, he finds himself racing across England and Scotland while trying to outrun danger, deception and mistaken identity.

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   Group Rep’s  Motel 66 Oct.continues throughNov. 22 at North Hollywood’s Lonny Chapman Theatre, offering short one-act plays.

Click the link above for details.

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   Dolly: A True Original Musical, by DollyParton & Maria S. Schlatter, will begin previews Dec. 7 and open Jan. 19, 2027 at the St. James Theatre, directed by Bartlett Sher.

  Katie Rose Clarke (Dolly Parton), Carrie St. Louis (Dolly), Norah Nunes (Little Dolly), Crystal Kellogg (Judy Ogle), John Behllmann (Carl Dean), Gabriel Ebert (Porter Waggoner), Crystal Kellogg (Judy Ogle), Norah Nunes (Little Dolly), John Behlmann as ‘Carl Dean,’ and Gabriel Ebert as ‘Porter Wagoner, with Piper Allen, Bill Army, Josh Canfield, Lincoln Cohen, Ryan Demoville, Haley Fish, Sarah Hunt, Erin Kei, Evan Kinnane, Ryland J. Mar, Jenny Mollet, James Moye, Julian Ramos, Larkin Reilly, Maddie Robert, Alex Ross, and Quinn VanAntwerp. Swings for the production are Sarah Bockel, Sadie Daniels, Tiffany Engen, Michael Milkanin, and Rixey Terry.

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   To Kill a Mockingbird will run Nov. 9-29 at Long Island’s Bay Street Theatre, directed by Stephen Hamilton.

 Kendra Foster McBride (Scout Finch), Ryan Schaeffer (Jem Finch), Matthew Schiavoni (Dill Harris), and J.Stephen Brantley (Atticus Finch), with Judah Josiah Alexander Fabre as Tom Robinson, Erin Margaret Pettigrew as Calpurnia, Hope Hamilton as Mayella Ewell, Mitchell Cetuk as Bob Ewell, Matthew Conlon as Judge Taylor, Joe Pallister as Sheriff Heck Tate, Michael Santora as Horace Gilmer and Dr. Reynolds, and Kirk Koczanowski as Mr. Cunningham, Link Deas, and Boo Radley.

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   Spring Awakening, by Steven Sater & Duncan Sheik, will run Nov. Nov. 27 – Apr. 4, 2027 (opening Dec. 13) at  Studio Seaview,  directed by Danya Taymor.

  George Abud ( Adult Men),  Jack Bateman (Georg,), Jada Simone Clark Thea),  Leif Coomer (‘Ernst),  Lilli Cooper (The Adult Women),  Ryo Kamibayashi ( Moritz),n Ashlyn Maddox (Wendla), Nando Morland )Otto) Antonio Porciello ( Hanschen), Khadija Sankoh (‘Martha),  Grace Slear (Anna), Tyler Jordan Wesley (Melchior), and Amalia Yoo (Ilse), with a Acoba, Christiana Clark, Lilly David, EriHouck, Hennessy Winkler,and Sam Yousuf Lilly David.

Today’s Highlights:

  Pride and Prejudice, Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley, world premiere by Ken Ludwig, directed by Emily Man & Reg Roger, featuring Lucy Austin (Lydia Wickham), Delphi Borich (Elizabeth Darcy), Carson Elrod (Mr. Collins/Major Hudson Lowe),  Mathias Goldstein (Lieutenant), Kristine Nielsen (Lady Catherine de Bourgh),  Tony Roach (Fitzwilliam Darcy), Reg Rogers (Napoleon Bonaparte), and Allison Wick (Anne de Bourgh), opens at Westport Country Playhouse.

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My apologies for the unusually short newsletter.

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  The 24 Hour Plays on Broadway will take place Mon. Nov. 2 at 7 PM at the Todd Haimes Theatre.

  Eboni Booth (Primary Trust), Sarah Burgess (Dry Powder), Julia Jordan (Murder Ballad), Steven Levenson (Dear Evan Hansen), David Lindsay-Abaire (Kimberly Akimbo), and Jonathan Marc Sherman.

  Eden Barber, Nichole Greene, David Ruttura, Tiffany Kate Sullivan, Patrick Vassel , and Deanna Weiner.

  Justin Bartha, David Burtka, Chris Chalk, David Cross, Hugh Dancy, Crystal Dickinson, Jin Ha, Josh Hamilton, Alano Miller, Keith Nobbs, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Amber Tamblyn, and Nia Vardalos.

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  NYC’s York Theatre will present the 34th annual Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala on Mon. Nov. 16 at 6 PM at the Edison Ballroom, directed by Stephen Nachamie.

  Kelli O’Hara and Drama Desk Co-President Charles Wright.

  Featuring  Brian d’Arcy James, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Arian Moayed, James Naughton, Patrick Wilson

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   The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival has announced its 2027 season:

Casting TBA.

  A Midsummer Night’s Dream (June 2 – Sept. 25), directed by Ryan Quinn.

  The Cherry Tortured (June 4 – July 31), by Aaron Posner, directed by Davis MaCallum.

  The Cherry Tortured … Or the Parable of the Great Unsticking, directed by Davis McCallum.  After five years away, Miss Lulu is coming home. The ancestral home she remembers is crumbling, but the family drama is right where she left it. As old grudges resurface, fresh calamities loom, and the future of their beloved family estate teeters on the brink of change, one question remains: how do you move forward when everything you love is on the line?

   Sunday in the Park with George (June 6 – Sept. 4), directed by Amanda Dehnert

   Macbeth  Aug. 7 – Oct. 3, directed by Jenn Thompson.

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   Boomer, written & performed by Ken Straus, will take place Thurs. Oct. 29 at 7 PM at Theatre Row.

  A non-top Tour-de-Force of a Boomer’s cultural odyssey through the turbulent decades.

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   Boomer, written & performed by Ken Straus, will take place Tues. Oct. 29 at 7 PM at Theatre Row.

   A baby boomer’s raw, comedic cultural odyssey through a mad world of his own creation.

Today’s Highlights

Down State, by Bruce Norris, directed by Joe Mantello, featuring K. Todd Freemann Francis Guinan, Cassie Beck, Adrian Martinez, Al’Jaleel McGhee,  Thomas Sadoski, Ivy Wolk, and Liza Colón-Zayas, begins previews at Broadway’s Booth Theatre.

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   Eat Your Vegetables  by Jim Bernhard

Provide the missing veggie in these titles.

Scroll down for the answers…

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  Reviews for Other Desert Cities at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre:

Click here for all the reviews.

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   Copperfield, by Jeffrey Scharf, continues through Dec. 6 at the Duke on 42nd Street, directed by Gabriel Barre.

  Bobby David (Bobby Conte), Amelia Cormack, Jed Feder, Calvin Knegten, Kent M. Lewis, Kara Mikula, Miyuki Miyagi, Nancy O’Connor, Dan Piering, Aaron Michael Ray, Will Reynolds, Owen Squire Smith, Alexander Sovronsky, Erica Spyres, Andy Taylor, Cathryn Wake, Tatiana Wechsler, and Henry Witcher.

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   Road Show, by John Weidman, will run  Nov. 20 – Dec. 6 at the Chromolume Theatre at the Zephyr, directed by by Joanna Syiek.

   Amy Anderson, Stephanie Bentley, Giana Bommarito, Renee Cohen, James Graham, Alexander Hall, Tamra Harkley, Josh Hillinger, Naledi Miga, Trey Murray, Richard Osborn, Leilani Rodriguez, Kelsey Schulte, and Jack Searer, with  Andrew Jacobson and Brendan Lynch.

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   Off-Broadway’s Labyrinth Theatre has announced its 2026-27 season:

Casting and additional information TBA.

   The Glass Box reading series (Oct. 9-10), by Stephen Belber.  Rajan Brewer, incarcerated since age 16, is the subject of an indie film directed by a millennial named Chloe and starring a movie star named Terry. When Terry and Chloe meet with two relatives of Rajan’s victim at a restorative justice center in Brooklyn, not everything goes as planned.

  Gertrude or Asparagus Soup in August (Nov. 16), by Aaron Mark & Daphne Rubin-Bega.  In 1914, Gertrude Carlton’s husband, Julian, murdered seven people at Frank Lloyd Wright’s personal home and studio in Wisconsin. Gertrude was held in custody for two weeks, given $7, put on a train to Chicago, and never heard from again. Finally, Gertrude reveals her side of an infamous story that has been debated for more than a hundred years. Gertrude is a one-woman historical horror fantasy that confronts class, race, celebrity, and the bloody consequences of the American Dream.

   Pretty Enough To Be An Astronaut workshop, by Kelley Rae O’Donnell (dates TBA.  In 1914, Gertrude Carlton’s husband, Julian, murdered seven people at Frank Lloyd Wright’s personal home and studio in Wisconsin. Gertrude was held in custody for two weeks, given $7, put on a train to Chicago, and never heard from again. Finally, Gertrude reveals her side of an infamous story that has been debated for more than a hundred years. Gertrude is a one-woman historical horror fantasy that confronts class, race, celebrity, and the bloody consequences of the American Dream.

   Los Abandonados (Jan. 12-23, 2027):  Barn Series, featuring new plays by David Anzuelo, Cusi Cram, Stephen Adly Guirgis, Florencia Lozano and Chris McGarry along with Dominic Colón.  An ensemble drama that explores the gentrification and shifting demographics of a working-class neighborhood. Rather than focusing strictly on the physical transformation of the area, the play delves into the human cost of urban development. It centers on the demolishing of a community originally built by the blood, sweat, and flesh of families who migrated or moved there to build better life.

   Gertrude or Asparagus Soup in August (Feb. 3-14), by Aaron Mark & Daphne Rubin-Vega, featuring Daphne Rubin-Vega.    The play center on the untold perspective of Gertrude Carlton, the wife of the man respnsible for the infamous 1914 mass murder of Frank Lloyd Writht’s Taleisein estage.

  LaByrinth’s Annual Celebrity Charades Gala (date & additional information TBA).

 …and more TBA.

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  Answers:  Eat Your Vegetables by Jim Bernhard:

1-C. Sweet Potato, revue by Noël Coward

2-G. The late Christopher Bean, play by Sidney Howard

3-I. “Not for All the Rice in China,” song from As Thousands Cheer

4-H. Red Peppers, revue by Noël Coward

5-F. “The Story of the Carrot,” song from Barefoot Boy With Cheek

6-A. Humming Birds and Onions, burlesque by Edgar Smith and W. T. Francis

7-D.  Alien Corn, play by Sidney Howard

8-B. “I Say It’s Spinach,” song from Face the Music

9-J. “Peas in a Pod,” song from Grey Gardens

10-E. “Where Do You Get Your Greens?”, song from Two for the Show

This weekend’s highlights

Friday, October 16

  Like Father, by Jacob Ryan Smith & Caroline Pernick, directed by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden, featuring Charity Angél Dawson (Lillian Clark),  Hannah Elless (Michelle),  Benjamin H. Moore (Ben), Sophie Pollono (Chris), Frankie Rodriguez (Trevor), and Billy Harrigan Tighe (John Grady), with Mila Bolash, Aavyn Lee, and Nevaeh Riddle, opens at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre.

Saturday, October 17

  LA Opera‘s Carmen, onducted by Domingo Hindoyan, featuring  Rihab Chaieb (Carmen), Joshua Guerrero (Don José), Kathleen O’Mara ( Micaëla), and James Karai (Escamillo) opens at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

  Theater 40‘s Crone Creed, world premiere by John Epstein, Casey Morgan & T. Theresa Scarano, directed by Marc Morgenstern, featuring Brennen Amonett (Noble), Corey Dorris (Wiley), Carolina Hoyos (Roya), Matt Kirkwood (Supervisor), Vivianna McCormick (Robert Cohen Vita), April Nixon (Dara), Avery Norris (Tessca), Jacquelyn Ritz (Reika), and Ben Ubinas (Yanni), with Austin Peytonand Evah Elizabeth Doheny, closes at North Hollywood’s El Portal Theatre.

 Sunday, October 18

  Other Desert Cities, by Jon Robin Baitz, directed by John Benjamin Hickey, featuring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ed Harris, Allison Janney, Joe Keery, and Lily Rabe, opens at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre.

  Betty Buckley in Concert, with John Jacob, at 3 PM at CA’s La Mirada Theatre.

   How Shakespeare Saved My Life, written & performed by Jacob Ming-Trent, directed by Tony Taccone, closes at Off-Broadway’s Public Theater.

  The Outsiders, byAdam Rapp, Justin Levine, and Jamestown Revival Revival, directed by Danya Taymor, featuring Noah Pacht (Ponyboy Curtis), Johnny Cake (Caleb Mathrua), Dan Berry (Darrel Curtic), SeQuoiia (Dallas Winston), Emma Pittman (Cherry Valance), Sutton James Kaylor (Sodapop Curtis), Daryl Tofa (Two-Bit Matthews), and Victor Carrillo Tracey (Paul), closes at LA’s Pantages Theatre.

  The Snow Goose, adapted by Claire McKenzie & Scott Gilmour, direced by Marshall Pailet, featuring Eric Graise  (Philip Rhayader), Ashlyn Maddox (Frith), Sam Sherwood (The Bard), Charlie Webb (Wilf), and Ally Monino (Harper), with Alan Chandler, David Aron Damane,  Matthew Davies, Leah Hofmann, Kiersten Kelly, Amy Hillner Larsen, Sophia Anna O’Brien; Gabriel Marcus Omlor; Ayanna Nicole Thomas, Patrick Tombs, and John Viggiano, closes at CT’s Goodspeed Musicals.

  Crazy Mama, world premiere by Sharon Scott Willams, directed by Anson William, featuring Linda Purl and Will Huse, closes at Off-Broadway’s 59E. 59 Theaters.

  5-Star Theatricals‘ Les Miserables, directed by Doug Kreeger, featuring Richard Bermudez (Jean Valgean), Peyton Crim (Javert), Emma Hunton (Fantine), Maile Masako Brady (Eponine), Joey richter (Thénardier), Francesca Barletta (Madame Thénardier), Jenna Allen (Colette), Jefflorenz Barrido (Marius), Julian comeau (Enjolras), Santiago rodrigiruez (Cavoche), Julian Bomeau(Enjolras),  Santiago rodriguez (Gavroche), Danica Caocino (Young Gosette), Brodie Cleventer (Young Éponine), Richard B. Rosales (The Bishop of Digne), Jena Allen (Cosette), Jefflorezo Garrico (Marius), Julian Comeau (Enjolras), Natiago Rodiguez (Gavroche), Danica Cosino (Young Éponine), and Richard B. Rosales (The Bishop of Digne), closes at CA’s 5 Star thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center.

  Catch Me If You Can, by by Terrence McNally & Marc Shaiman, directed by Michael Donovan, featuring Blake Jenner, Joe Abraham, Kevin Bailey, Leslie Stevens, Gabbie Adner, Brad Griffith and Whitney Kathleen Vigil, with The ensemble includes (in alphabetical order) Leonel Ayala, Matthew Mason Baker, Johnisa Breault, Luc Clopton, Sophie Liu David, Spencer Del Carmen, Jesse Graham, Anne Hart, Caleb Kocsis, Samantha Lawrence-Mata, Almand Martin Jr., and Lucy Schene, closes at Burbank’s Colony Theatre.

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   Comedian Preacher Lawson will will appear Fri. Nov. 25. at 7:30 PM at LA’s The Wallis, offering his Stand-up presentation.

  Lawson delivers an evening of fast-paced stand-up drawn from family life, and dating. With his unmistakable physicality and quick comic instincts, he transforms personal experience into vivid, sharply observed storytelling that finds humor in the details of everyday life.

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 Rent will run Dec. 2 – 20 (opening Dec 5),  at Santa Barbara’s New Vic, directed by Pesha Rudnick.

 Nick Apostolina (Mark), Julian Comeau (Roger). Angelica Lozada Ramos (Mimi),  Brandon Halvorsen a(Angel), Bake Brewer (Collins), Ryan Salazar (Benny), Samantha Tullie (Maureen), and Kasper (Joanne.), with    Aguilar, Adam Lendermon, Chase Lowary, and Yuka Takara.

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   Advent Carolandar  (yes, that’s the correct spelling), will take place Mon. Dec. 14 at 8 PM at NYC’s Town Hall, directed by Joel Waggoner and Julia Mattison.

  Neil Patrick Harris, Megan Hilty, and Allen René Louis (and more TBA.

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   A Few Good Men, by Aaron Sorkin, currently in previews, will open Oct. 29 and close Jan. 10, 227  at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, directed by Michael Arden.

  Tom Blyth (Lt. Daniel Kaffee), Bradley Whitford (Co. Nathan Jessep), Krysta Rodriguez (Lt. Commander JoAnne Galloway, Stephanie Berry (Judge Randolph), Nick Blaemire (Lt. Sam Weinberg), and Michael Braugher (Cpl. Jeffrey Howard).

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  Jason Robert Brown in concert will take place Thurs. Dec. 17 at 7:30 PM at The St. Louis Muny.

Today’s Highlights:

  Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen, by Duncan Sheik & Leah Nanako Winkler, directed & choreographed by Rob Ashford, opens Off-Broadway’s “The Night Egg” at the Culture Club.

  Unconditional, A Musical Memoir, by William Mellon, directed by Anne Kenny, featuring Margot Rose, opens at Off-Broadway’s Club La Mama.

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   The Music Man, directed byJoshua Bergasse, will run Oct. 27 – Nov. 8 at LA’s Ahmanson Theatre.

  Elliott Andrews (Professor Harold Hill), Elizabeth D’Aiuto  (Marian Paroo), Paul Urriola (Marcellus Washburn), Savannah Stevenson (Mrs. Paroo), Patrick Blashill (Mayor Shinn), Emmanuelle Zeesman (Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn), Dylan Patterson (Winthrop Paroo), Addie Jaymes (Amaryllis), Michael Santora (Charlie Cowell), Charles Antenen (Tommy Djilas), and more.

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   Gingold Theatrical Group will present it’s Gala 26 on Fri. Dec. 18 at 6 PM at NYC’sThe Players, directed by David Staller.

  Dr. Mary L. Trump

   TBA.

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  Betty Buckley in Concert, with John Jacob  will take place Sat. Oct. 18 at 3 PM at CA’s La Mirada Theatre.

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  The world premiere of Ken Ludwig’s Pride and Prejudice, Part. 2: Napoleon at Pemberley, will run Oct. 20 – Nov. 7 at Westport Country Playhouse, directed by Emily Man. and Reg Roger.

  Lucy Austin (Lydia Wickham), Delphi Borich (Elizabeth Darcy), Carson Elrod (Mr. Collins/Major Hudson Lowe),  Mathias Goldstein (Lieutenant), Kristine Nielsen (Lady Catherine de Bourgh),  Tony Roach (Fitzwilliam Darcy), Reg Rogers (Napoleon Bonaparte), and Allison Wick (Anne de Bourgh).

   The story picks up with Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy happily married at Pemberley, only to have their tranquil estate upended when a fallen Napoleon Bonaparte arrives as an unexpected houseguest while awaiting exile. 

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   Gingold Theatrical Group will present readings of Bernard Shaw’s Village Wooing Oct. 22-25 at Off-Broadway’s Symphony Space, directed by David Staller.

  Maryann Plunkett and Jay O. Sanders.

   In this charming play, two people determined to remain single meet on an around-the-world cruise. This chance encounter changes their lives in the most unexpected ways! Written by Bernard Shaw in 1933 while he was, himself, taking his first world cruise.

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  Little Women will run Nov. 6-22 at CA’s Musical Theatre West, directed by Cate Caplin.

  Jenna Lea Rosen (Jo Marsh), Katie roche (Meg March), Haven Watts (Beth March), Jordan Cruz (Amy March), Tammi Tappan Damiano (Marmee March), Ariel Neydavoud (Theodore “Laurence), Jonathan Mering (Prfessor Bhaer), Araon Gibbs (Mr. John Brooke), Barabara Carlton Heart IAunt March), and Martin Kildare (Mr. Laurenc).

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  Burbank’s Colony Theatre will present Scrips & Sips, a play- reading series, offering The Romeo and Juliet Senior Citizen Project – A Comedy, by Jamie Brandli, Ann Hearn Tobolowsky Annon & Nina Sallien, and directed by Michael Donovan, on Sun.  Nov. 22 at 3 PM.

   TBA.

  Lucas, a recent Yale MFA graduate, is hired to direct an abridged production of Romeo and Juliet for a local senior citizens retirement facility. Hilarious complications arise among the elder actors during rehearsals as an unexpected romance re-blossoms between Rich and Rose, the two star-crossed lovers/residents at the facility. As this comedy about second chances unfolds, we watch both Lucas and his cast of headstrong seniors wrestle with Shakespeare and real-life drama. Will they be able to come together as a team and pull off opening night? The odds are against them, but the play must go on … no matter what.

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   LA’s Musical Theatre West has announced its 2027 season.

Creative teams and casting TBA.

  Prince of Egypt (Feb. 19 – Mar. 7, 2027)

   West Side Story (Apr. 9-25)

   School of Rock  (July 9-25)

   Kimberly Akimbo (Oct. 8-24)

   white Christmas (Dec. 3-19)

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   Heist by Arun Lakra, will run Nov. 17 – Dec. 20 at Milwaukee Rep, directed by Blake Robison.

  Brian Thomas Abraham (Krueger), Jessica Fishenfeld (Angi), Kate Goehring (The Spider), Angel Lin (Fiona), Alex Purcell (Ryan), and Brian Vaughan (Marvin.

 A high‑tech adventure packed with sharp dialogue, clever surprises, and unexpected laughs, Heist follows a crew with secrets and one last job that could change everything. Part Ocean’s Eleven, part mystery‑whodunnit, and all heart‑pounding theatrical fun, this genre‑bending thriller keeps audiences guessing until the final moment. Perfect for the holiday season, Heist offers the ultimate escape into suspense, humor, and high‑stakes entertainment.

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   Preacher Lawson will be presented Fri. Nov. 13 at 7:30 PM at LA’s Wallis Annenberg Center.

  An evening of fast-paced stand-up drawn from family life, and dating. With his unmistakable physicality and quick comic instincts, he transforms personal experience into vivid, sharply observed storytelling that finds humor in the details of everyday life. Expect an unfiltered night of comedy shaped by his unique perspective and relentless sense of play. Lawson meets ordinary moments with outsized energy, turning them into stories that land with surprise and recognition.

Today’s Highlights: 

Relax  — let go —– let fly

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  The world premiere of Anne Washburn’s Anon continues through Nov. 1 at MCC Theatre, directed by Anne Kauffman.

   Jeff Biehl (Adam), Crystal Finn (Jeanie), Andrew Garman (Michael), Izabel Mar (Delia), Jeremey Shamos (Will), and Joel Van Liew (Host).

    Jeanie is a digital patriot, fighting every day for the future of her nation. But as fantasy and reality blur, the difference between justice and conspiracy starts to disintegrate. Experience this chilling thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And with some theatrical tricks and acting treats, it’s the perfect addition to your Halloween line up.

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   Carmen will run Oct. 17 – Nov. 11 at LA’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, conducted by Domingo Hindoyan.

   Rihab Chaieb (Carmen), Joshua Guerro (Don José) Kathleen O’Mara (Micaëla), and Liam James Karai (Escamillo).

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  Arthur Miller’s A View From the Bridge will run Nov. 27 – Feb. 27 , 2027 (opening Dec. 13) at  La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club (66 East 4th Street), directed by Neil Pepe.

  Sam Rockwell (Eddie Carbone), Carla Gugino (Beatrice), Alfred Molina (Alfieri), Fred Hechinger (Rodolpho), Tom Pecinka (Marco), and Riley Prio (Catherine).

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    Motel 66, short new one-act plays by Group Rep member Lee Redmond, will run Oct. 17 – Nov. 22 at North Hollywood’s Upstairs at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, directed by Kathryn Johnson Schwartz.

  Casey Alcoser, Lareen Faye, Shelby Hopkins and Cynthia Payo.

   8  brand-spanking new short one-act plays, written by GRT member Lee Redmond, to commemorate the 100 th Anniversary of Route 66! set in different cities along ‘Get Your Kicks on Route 66’. Why Route 66? Well, Route 66 starts in the heart of the country and goes west like the path of the dreamer where you run into all types of people and all kinds of stories as humans take to the highway. Sometimes in search of something; sometimes transitioning; sometimes reflecting.

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   A  Few Good Men, by Aaron Sorkin,  continues at the Lincoln Center Theatre, directed by Michael Arden.

  Tom Blyth, Krysta Rodriguex, and Bradley Whitford, with Stephanie Berry  (CAPT J. A. Randolph,),Nick Blaemire (LTJG Sam Weinberg,), Michael Braugher (Cpl Jeffrey Howard,  Christopher Gurr (CDR Walter Stone), Billy Eugene Jones (CAPT Isaac Whitaker), Collin Kelly-Sordelet (PFC Louden Downey),  Shunté Lofton (Orderly),  Michael Oberholtzer,  (Capt Jack Ross(, Lavel Schley (LCpl Harold W. Dawson), Thom Sesma (Maj Matthew Markinson), Daniel Velez (PFC William T. Santiago), John Zdrojeski (1stLt Jonathan Kendrick), with Brendan Behm, Alex Ekker, Drew Elhamalawy, Miles Fowler, Quentin Nguyen-duy, and Stephen Michael Spencer (  ‘Marine/Military Personnel), with Peter Bradbury, Tim Creavin, Mahira Kakkar, and Austin Phillips.

  Military lawyer Daniel Kaffee is known for his wit, charm, and uncanny talent for closing cases before they ever get to trial. When assigned to defend two young Marines accused of murder, his typical strategy is upended by Lt. Commander JoAnne Galloway, a sharp attorney determined to prove the men’s innocence. But the evidence soon leads them to a cover-up, putting them on a collision course with the entire chain of command

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   The Who’s Tommy, directed by Des McAnuff, continues through Nov. 15 at the Pantages Theater.

  Collin Matthew Flanagan (Tommy Walder), Zach Fogel (Captain Walker), Mia Bergstrom (Ms. Walker), Payton Cassity (Uncle Ernie), and Kyle McFalls (Cousin Kevin).

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  Ivories, by Riley Elton McCarthy, will run Nov. 6-22, (opening Dec.  at the East Village Basement (321 East 9th St.), directed by Evan Michael Woods.

  John Yi, Christine Carmela (Sloane), Noah Pyzik (Gwyn), John Yi (Beckham), and Aster Drewe (Neighbor), and Hope Johansen (Neighbor).

  Prodigal playwright Sloane is summoned back to her childhood home to care for her grandmother, whose severe dementia has left the family estate in their hands. Accompanied by her botanist husband Gwyn, Sloane attempts to settle into a new routine and begin the painful work of sorting through her grandmother’s belongings. When Gwyn’s childhood best friend Beckham arrives to help settle the estate, the reunion initially offers Sloane a welcome connection to the life they left behind. But as the three uncover secrets hidden throughout the house, long-buried memories and childhood trauma begin to resurface. Beneath the floorboards and within Sloane’s own fractured memories, something is waiting.

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   The Music Man will run Oct. 27 – Nov. 8 at the Ahmanson Theatre, directed by Joshua Bergasse.

  Elliott Andrews (Professor Harold Hill), Elizabeth D’Aiuto  (Marian Paroo), Paul Urriola (Marcellus Washburn), Savannah Stevenson (Mrs. Paroo), Patrick Blashill (Mayor Shinn), Emmanuelle Zeesman (Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn), Dylan Patterson (Winthrop Paroo), Addie Jaymes (Amaryllis), Michael Santora (Charlie Cowell), Charles Antenen (Tommy Djilas), and more…

Today’s Highlights:

  Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody, by Dylan MarcAurle, directed by Alan Kliffer, featuring Zheng Xi Yong, Joseph Dann, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, with Andrew Berlin, Sylvie Stenson, and May Tether, opens at London’s Underbelly Theatre.

  The Unbelievers, by Nick Payne, directed by Knud Adams, featuring Lauren Ambrose, Jaspal Binning, Brittany Bradford, Jack DiFalco, Marjan Neshat, Tom Riley, Nina Ross, Hadi Tabbal, Elizabeth Yeoman, begins previews at NYC Center Stage 1.

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    My apologies for the very short newsletter today.  Many computer issues.

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  Goodspeed Musicals has announced it’s 2027 season:

Creative teams and casting TBA.

   Into the Woods (Apr. 30 – July 4 ).

   The Heart of Rock and Roll  (6 – Sept. 19.)

   The King and I (Oct. 1 – Dec. 5)

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   North Hollywood’s El Portal Theatre will celebrate 100 years with a Star-studded Birthday Spectacular on Sat. Nov. 28 at 7 PM. The event will be directed by Jason Graae, with music direction by Michael Orland.

   Frank Ferrante, Jason Graae, Heather Lee, Beth Malone, Lesli Margherita, Faith Prince, Jenna Lea Rosen and Natalie Wachen, with  Aunt Chippie, Ed Begley, Jr., Fritz Coleman, Ruta Lee, Jo Anne Worley and more.

  It’s a momentous occasion for El Portal Theatre—and a celebration worthy of its place in Los Angeles history! For this once-in-a-century occasion, El Portal Theatre is bringing together some of the most celebrated performers to have graced its stages. Artists who have appeared on the Debbie Reynolds Mainstage and the Monroe Forum will return for an evening filled with special performances, tributes, surprises and plenty of memories.

A Special Treat:  The celebration  brings together three of Broadway’s original Tessie Turas — Faith Prince, Heather Lee, and Lesli Margherita, along with Natalie Wachen.

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  Mary Poppins will run Dec. 2-20 at ME’s Ogunquit Playhouse, directed by Shaun Kerrison.

  Talia Suskauer (Marry Poppins), A. J. Shively (Bert), and more TBA.

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  The world premiere of Anon, by Anne Washburn, continues through Nov. 1  at MCC Theatre, directed by Anne Kauffman.

  Jeff Biehl, Crystal Finn, Andrew Garman, Andrew Garman, Izabel Mar, and Jeremy Shamos.

Jeanie is a digital patriot, fighting every day for the future of her nation. But as fantasy and reality blur, the difference between justice and conspiracy starts to disintegrate. Experience this chilling thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And with some theatrical tricks and acting treats, it’s the perfect addition to your Halloween line up.