South Bay arts calendar for July 26 – Aug. 1
Jungle Fire performs from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach. It’s part of the summer concert series, through Labor Day. (310) 802-5448 or go to citymb.info/concerts
The perfect nanny
The Aerospace Players are presenting the musical “Mary Poppins” at the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Performances are tonight (Thursday) at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., plus Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets, $24 general less $2 seniors and students. (310) 781-7171 or go to aeaclubs.org.
The Encore theater company presents their production of “Shrek: the Musical” from Friday through Sunday at the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets range from $46 to $60. Call (310) 896-6459 or go to Encoresouthbay.org
Out of season?
No matter! “The Winter’s Tale” is being performed at 7 p.m. at Charles H. Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, courtesy of Shakespeare by the Sea. Bring a blanket or a beach chair, and even a picnic. And then return on Saturday evening, same time and place, for the troupe’s take on “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” Free; donations appreciated. (310) 217-7596 or go to shakespearebythesea.org.
The big green ogre returns
Encore, a non-profit theater company based in Torrance, is presenting their production of “Shrek: the Musical” at the Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W. Sixth St., San Pedro, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets range from $46 to $60. Call (310) 896-6459 or go to Encoresouthbay.org.
Saturday, July 28
One-man musical
Bill Berry, a South High grad, is presenting “The Brick” at 8 p.m. in the Second Story Theatre, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. Directed by Kelly DeSarla, here’s the synopsis: “A man decides to end his relationship with his mother. She has been dead for thirty years.” (Sort of like “Psycho,” who knows). The play takes place locally, including Rat Beach. Berry’s a comedy songwriter and “The Brick” has already been highly praised, and not just by his friends. Tickets, $20 at the door. Berry can be reached at (310) 947-9019 or at billberrymusic.com. Tickets can also be purchased at Hermosabrick.BrownPaperTickets.com.
“The Humans,” by Stephen Karam, closes Sunday at the Ahmanson Theatre. May call to mind “The Fall of the House of Usher” by way of a complicated family drama. Pictured, Sarah Steele and Reed Birney. Photo by Brigitte Lacombe. (213) 972-4400 or CenterTheatreGroup.org
Humble Harry’s Johnny Cash tribute show. 9 p.m. Hermosa Saloon, 21 Pacific Coast Hwy., Hermosa Beach. Free
Sunday, July 29
Bard on the bluffs
Shakespeare by the Sea presents “The Merry Wives of Windsor” at 7 p.m. at the Terranea Resort, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes. It’s a free event, but parking is $10 and no outside food is permitted. But there’s lots of it for sale inside. (310) 217-7596 or go to shakespearebythesea.org. ER