“Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” written by Steve Martin and directed by Jim Hormel, runs through June 14 at the Torrance Theatre Company, 1316 Cabrillo Ave., downtown Torrance. It’s an absurdist comedy that places Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian cafe in 1904, just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter set the art world afire with cubism. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets, $25. Call (424) 243-6882 or go to torrancetheatrecompany.com.
After “Picasso,” the Torrance Theatre returns with their summer musical, “Hairspray,” based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters. We’ll head back to 1962 Baltimore for this one, taking place August 8-22 in the James Armstrong Theatre in Torrance. The opening night special is $25; thereafter it’s $35 general and $30 seniors, students.
“4,000 Miles,” by Amy Herzog, directed by Gail Bernardi, and presented by the Kentwood Players, runs from May 15 through June 20 at the Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., Los Angeles, in the community of Westchester. Reeling from a great loss while on a cross-country bike trip, 21 year-old Leo seeks solace from his feisty 91 year-old grandmother Vera in her spacious rent-controlled Greenwich Village apartment that hasn’t been redecorated since 1968. The key decorative element is books. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets, $20, less $2 students, seniors. Call (310) 645-5156 or go to kentwoodplayers.org.
Also presented by Kentwood Players, “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” a Neil Simon staple, directed by Valerie Ruel, runs from July 10 through August 15. The semi-autobiographical work is the first chapter in what is known as the Eugene trilogy, preceding “Biloxi Blues” and “Broadway Bound.” Same box office information as “4,000 Miles.”
“Bring It On: The Musical,” a big hit at the Ahmanson a couple of seasons ago about competitive cheerleading, is being presented by the Palos Verdes Performing Arts Conservatory for seven performances, July 10 through 19, at the Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Drive, Rolling Hills Estates. Caution: high energy! (310) 544-0403 or go to palosverdesperformingarts.com.
It’s a bit on the other side of summer, but the Norris Theatre will be hosting the Disney musical “Mary Poppins” in a professional production from Sept. 18 through Oct. 10. Tickets, $45 to $55 general, and $25 children under 12. Otherwise, same box office information as “Bring It On.”
“Tarzan,” yet another Disney musical, is being brought to the South Bay by the Fullerton-based 3-D Theatricals. It’s taking place in the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., R.B., beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, and concluding with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, August 9. For tickets, call (714) 589-2770.
“Moonlight and Magnolias” is being presented by Surf City Theatre for three weekends, August 15 through 30, with shows on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. They take place in the Second Story Theatre at 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. (424) 241-8040 or go to surfcitytheatre.com.
Elsewhere in this issue is information about Shakespeare by the Sea’s summer lineup, and one is encouraged to attend Little Fish Theatre productions in San Pedro and Long Beach Opera’s “Hydrogen Jukebox,” composed by Philip Glass with a libretto by Allen Ginsberg. It will have performances in San Pedro on May 30, June 6 and 7. Visit LBOpera.org. ER
