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Best 2015 Spring Theater Productions In Los Angeles

theater play 610
(credit: shutterstock)

People from all over the country flock to Los Angeles to break into the movie industry. But building a Hollywood career takes times, patience and a whole lot of down time. So while most of these actors are waiting for that once-in-a-lifetime shot, they usually wait tables and get into theater. Sure, LA can't compare to NY's Broadway, but it holds its own when it comes to theater productions. And 2015's theater line up already promises to be highly entertaining. Whether you live in Los Angeles or are just here to visit, you might want to catch one of these 2015 spring theater productions.

Hollywood Pantages
(Credit: ©Disney. Photo by Deen van Meer)

'Newsies'
Pantages Theater Hollywood
6233 Hollywood Blvd.  
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 468-1770
www.hollywoodpantages.com
Date: March 24 - April 19, 2015

A show for the whole family, "Newsies" is a high-energy musical that will make you want to sing and dance along with the actors. Newsies, based on real life events of the paperboy strike in 1899 New York City, is the story of a group of paperboys that stand up to the injustice of powerful business men and fight for what's right. There's also a love story mixed in. "Newsies" is also the winner of the 2012 Tony Awards for best score and best choreography.

Related: Best Drive-In Movie Theaters in Los Angeles

The 67th Annual Tony Awards - Show
(Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

'Motown the Musical'
Pantages Theater Hollywood
6233 Hollywood Blvd. 
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 468-1770
www.hollywoodpantages.com
Date: April 28 - June 7, 2015

"Motown the Musical" is the feel good production for the spring of 2015. Dance the night away with replicated performances from Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson. It's based on the life and times of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy from his humble beginnings to the legendary acts he discovered. Fall in love with the Motown classic like “My Girl,” “What's Going On” and “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” all over again.

Falcon Theatre
(CBS)

'Class'
Falcon Theatre
4252 Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 955-8101
www.falcontheatre.com
Date: March 18 - April 19, 2015

"Class" portrays the intimate and often love-hate relationship between an actor and acting teacher. In this scenario, Sara is a successful film actress looking to be taken seriously. Elliot is a middle-aged acting teacher who once had a promising career but had it all tragically fall apart. These two worlds come together with a barebones two-act play carried by stellar performances and stage direction. The cast is TBA but with renowned Hollywood icon Garry Marshall at the help of the production, the performances won't disappoint.

Writer/composer Tim Minchin performs onstage with the cast of 'Matilda'
(Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

'Matilda The Musical'
Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-2772 
www.centertheatregroup.org  
Date: May 29 - July 12, 2015

A young girl named Matilda, armed with intelligence, a sassy nature and the gift of telekinesis, leads the audience through an adventure of hijinks and hilarity in the four Tony Award-winning production of "Matilda the Musical." Outstandingly casted and brilliantly performed, audiences of all ages will be captivated from beginning to end. Winner of 50 international awards, "Matilda the Musical" has sold out every show and Los Angeles is to be no exception.

rsz_groundlings.jpg
(credit: RSZ)

'The Crazy Uncle Joe Show'
The Groundlings Theatre & School
7307 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 934-4747
www.groundlings.com
Date: Now through May 27, 2015

While most theater productions can be wonderful experiences, they often lack spontaneity. Sure, the actors need lines and direction and musical cues for song and dance numbers, but what would you have if you took all that away? You would have "The Crazy Uncle Joe Show" at The Groundlings. The audience suggests three movie titles or activities and the cast runs with them in what's called “long-form” improv that lasts 40 minutes. Every action, joke, scenario and flub are off the cuff in a fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants performance that guarantees a non-stop laugh fest that only The Groundlings can deliver. And after the intermission they do it all over again. Get there on time as there is absolutely no late seating.    

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Kristine G. Bottone is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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