Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [166]
Ahmanson Theatre (Map; 213-628-2772; www.taperahmanson.com; Music Center, 135 N Grand Ave, Downtown; ) Much larger than the Taper, this grand space is another Center Theatre Group venue in the Music Center. It’s used primarily for big-time musicals on their way to or from Broadway.
Kirk Douglas Theatre (Map; 213-628-2772; www.taperahmanson.com; 9820 Washington Blvd, Culver City) An old-timey movie house has been recast as a 300-seat theater, thanks to a major cash infusion from the Douglas family. Since its opening in 2004, it’s become an integral part of Culver City’s growing arts scene. The Center Theatre Group (see above) uses it primarily as a showcase of new LA plays, and for theater by and for children.
East West Players (Map; 213-625-7000; www.eastwestplayers.org; 120 N Judge John Aiso St, Little Tokyo, Downtown; ) Founded in 1965, this pioneering Asian-American ensemble seeks to build a bridge between Eastern and Western theatrical styles. Its repertory of Broadway to modern classics takes a backseat to acclaimed premiers by local playwrights. Alumni have gone on to win Tony, Emmy and Academy awards.
Pasadena Playhouse (Map; 626-356-7529; www.pasadenaplayhouse.org; 39 S El Molino Ave, Pasadena; ) In business since 1924, this venerable theater underwent a serious sprucing up in the ’80s and has been thriving ever since. Shows are a mix of tried-and-true classics by Sondheim and Coward as well as new works by contemporary playwrights such as Scott Schwarz (of Bat Boy: The Musical fame).
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum (Map; 310-455-3723; www.theatricum.com; 1419 N Topanga Canyon Blvd, northwest of Santa Monica; ) TV’s Grandpa Walton founded this beloved theater as a refuge for blacklisted actors like himself during the 1950s McCarthy years. The woodsy setting is a perfect backdrop for such classic crowd-pleasers as Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The season runs from June to mid-October. To get there, head north on Pacific Coast Hwy, turn inland on Topanga Canyon Blvd and proceed for 6 miles; the theater will be on your left.
Geffen Playhouse (Map; 310-208-5454; 10886 Le Conte Ave, Westwood) David Geffen forked over $17 million to get his Mediterranean-style playhouse back into shape and, boy, is it gorgeous. Just the perfect venue to show off his Hollywood clout. A recent lineup included the West Coast premiere of Third by Wendy Wasserstein and the US premiere of Joanna Murray-Smith’s Female of the Species starring Annette Bening.
Redcat (Map; 213-237-2800; www.redcat.org; 631 W 2nd St, Downtown; wi-fi), This is the city’s finest venue for avant-garde and experimental theater, performance art, dance, readings, film and video. The large gallery showcases cutting-edge local and international talent (Tuesday to Sunday), and there’s a sexy lounge for pre- or post-show drinks. The curious name, by the way, is an acronym for Roy and Edna Disney/Cal Arts Theater.
Smaller Stages
Actors’ Gang (Map; 310-838-4264; www.theactorsgang.com; Ivy Substation, 9070 Venice Blvd, Culver City) The ‘Gang’ was founded in 1981 by Tim Robbins and other renegade UCLA acting-school grads. Its daring and offbeat reinterpretations of classics have a loyal following, although it’s the bold new works pulled from ensemble workshops that make this socially mindful troupe one to watch.
Hudson Theatres (Map; 323-856-4249; www.hudsontheatre.com; 6539 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood; ) This quartet of stages (plus a cute café) is a driving force on Hollywood’s Theater Row and has catapulted a number of productions to Broadway, TV and the big screen, including Reefer Madness and Sweet