Does LA have a Comedic CLUE?

CLUE:   You already know the names of the characters in this stage mystery, just as you know the weapons they will find and the rooms they will explore in a brooding old mansion. But can murder be the basis for belly laughs? On a dark and stormy night, six colorful guests, plus a butler and a maid, assemble for a dinner party at the palatial home of Mr. Boddy. When their host turns up dead, it is clear that no one is safe! Soon the guests are racing to find the killer and keep the body count from stacking up. Based on the 1985 movie, the laughs pile up on top of laughs, the sets and costumes are gorgeous, and the stage business is hilarious. This is the type show community theatres attempt, but oh what a difference seeing it in the hands of seasoned comedic actors.  Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Center 7/20-28; and Los Angeles Ahmanson Theatre 7/30 – 8/25.

PETER PAN:  This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences ever since Jerome Robbins directed Mary Martin as the boy who won’t grow up and Cyril Richard as love-to-hate Captain Hook for the 1954 Broadway production. The classic tale has been reimagined by director Lonny Price (Sunset Blvd.) with the script adapted by Larissa FastHorse and choreography by Lorin Latarro. And unlike most early productions, they use a boy (with a changed voice) as Peter. The songs are fun and the arrangements that I’ve heard breathe new life into them. And I can’t wait to see Peter and the Darling Children flying in front of a video wall. Should be amazing! San Jose Center 6/25 – 30; Hollywood Pantages 7/9 – 28; San Diego Civic 7/20 – 8/4; and Costa Mesa Segerstrom 8/6 – 18.

HOLLYWOOD BOWL: This Southland icon has been wooing audiences since 1922 and it is still incredibly special and a place you definitely should visit.  The 18,000-seat venue is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and they play orchestral fare most Tuesdays and Thursdays, but they also back up artists such as Beck and Chaka Kahn for their concerts.  One of the biggest thrills of the season is any concert which features fireworks such as the 4^th of July Gala (plays July 2, 3 and 4) with Harry Connick Jr. The orchestra will play light classics for a half hour, intermission, and then Harry Connick Jr. with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. You’ll be amazed that they can tackle just about any sort of music.  And then the fireworks. Hands down they present the most spectacular pyrotechnic display I have ever seen – and it’s all synchronized to the orchestra playing a medley of patriotic tunes.  If you can afford it, spring for the box seats, and either bring a picnic or order one to be served to your box by the Bowl staff. They set up tables in the boxes, and yes, you can bring your own wine.  www.hollywoodbowl.com  

OLD GLOBE THEATRE:  This San Diego jewel box is known and respected around the world. It actually includes three theatres:  the 580-seat Old Globe, the 250-seat Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, and during the summer, the 620-seat Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. At least 26 Old Globe productions have transferred directly to Broadway, and every performance I have attended at any of the three theatres has been great.  Every summer they stage two Shakespeare plays in the outdoor Festival Theatre, and they are outstanding.  They are trimmed down to 120-150 minutes, and the professional actors make Elizabethan English as easily understood as the evening news (and much more interesting). Usually, they choose one comedy and one tragedy, but this year they are presenting Henry VI parts one and two.  Part One opens July 9, Part Two on July 16, with the two productions alternating until the end of August. Either part can stand on its own. The theatre complex is located in Balboa Park, which is gorgeous unto itself, and spending a few hours in the park (did someone say “Picnic”?) before the show, and then a glass of wine at their outdoor restaurant area before your Shakespeare.  www.TheOldGlobe.com