Best Upcoming Musicals In Los Angeles
One of the more desirable perks about living in or visiting metro Los Angeles is that its hills and valleys are always alive with the sound of music. From local stage productions to touring Broadway musicals, theatergoers have a slew of sensational events to place on their calendars. Of L.A.'s many selections, here are a few top musicals you won't want to miss through the rest of 2014 and well into 2015.
'Memphis: The Musical'
Fred Kavli Theatre
2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
(800) 776-7469
www.theaterleague.com
Date: Opens Nov. 14, 2014
An electrifying show rocks its way to the Fred Kavli Theatre in a rip-roaring 10-day engagement. Set in the 1950s, "Memphis: The Musical" tells a scandalous story about a white radio DJ that falls in love with an African-American singer. His attraction to the performer is not the only concern he faces during this segregated era. The DJ must also deal with his employers and listeners that are having a difficult time grasping his passion for an emerging wave of underground music. The show, produced locally by Cabrillo Music Theatre, is based on real events that explore the birth of rock and roll. From the moment curtains open, theatergoers will be taken back to an exhilarating time when blues, jazz, gospel, swing and country collided to create a new and lasting musical genre.
'Ghost Brothers of Darkland County'
Saban Theatre
8440 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(323) 655-0111
www.sabantheatre.org
Date: Dec. 4, 2014
Prolific author Stephen King makes his debut as a playwright, promising to scare the dickens out of horror fans. "Ghost Brothers of Darkland County" is a southern gothic tale about two siblings that despise each other and are forced to spend some quality time inside a haunted cabin. Music and lyrics for King's libretto were composed by singer-songwriter John Mellencamp. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee provides a bluesy range of musical styles well-suited for a paranormal storyline that weaves its way through a span of four decades. Saban Theatre, an historic landmark in Beverly Hills, serves as a splendid venue for the spooky Cain and Abel-type tragedy. The eerie production has been hailed by theater critics as possibly being the first-ever musical written by men and for men.
'Kinky Boots'
600 Town Center Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
www.scfta.org
Date: Dec. 30, 2014 to Jan 11, 2015
Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Kinky Boots tells the inspirational story of a struggling shoe factory owner (Charlie Price) who strives to make his business a success. With a little help from an entertainer named Lola who is in need of stilettos herself, they endeavor to turn his luck around. Inspired by a true story, Kinky Boots brings together a stellar team including four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein, Grammy Award winning rock star Cyndi Lauper as well as Tony Award winning choreographer Jerry Mitchell and a slew of other top talent ranging from scenic design and hair design, to costume design, lighting design and sound design. Experience this hit musical that will leave you feeling inspired, energized and stirred with emotion.
'Tango Buenos Aires: Song of Eva Perón'
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
615 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
www.scfta.org
Date: Opens Jan. 17-18, 2015
To the delight of theatergoers that appreciate the blended art of musical theatre and dance, "Tango Buenos Aires" returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts in four performances slated for a two-day engagement in the luxurious Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. "Song of Eva Perón" takes audiences on an enlivening journey that explores the purposeful life of Eva Perón, Argentina's formidable First Lady. Before Perón achieved political greatness, she was a stage, radio and film actress. To this day, Perón, the subject of the 1976 musical "Evita," remains an integral part of international popular culture. This fast, furious and seductive production is choreographed by Susana Rojo, with music direction by Fernando Marzan.
'Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella'
Ahmanson Theater
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 628-2772
www.centertheatregroup.org
Date: Opens Mar. 17, 2015
Broadway's version of an evergreen happy-ending story finds its own little corner at the Ahmanson Theatre for a six-week spell. Staying true to the incredibly popular 1957 television musical, "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella" is about a young peasant woman that is forced into a life of servitude by her unkind stepmother and self-absorbed stepsisters. With some help from her endearing fairy godmother, Cinderella transforms into a lovely princess and finds her prince charming. After all these decades, hearts still melt when such tunes as "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?" are sung to heart-fluttering perfection. This touring production has even added delightful splashes of new melodies and fresh sparkle that are worth experiencing and sharing with the entire family.
Related: Best Big Theaters In Los Angeles
'The Phantom of the Opera'
Pantages Theatre
6233 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 468-1770
www.hollywoodpantages.com
Date: Opens June 11, 2015
Cameron Mackintosh's heart-grabbing rendition of "The Phantom of the Opera" masquerades into the Pantages Theatre on a 17-day performance schedule. Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony Award-winning musical revolves around a young soprano who becomes obsessed with a mysterious and disfigured musical genius. Boasting new choreography and staging, this spectacle promises to be more extravagant in scope than previous expositions. With state-of-the-art special effects, the legendary chandelier scene will leave audiences gasping for air. The beloved story, which is performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, is one of the largest productions currently on tour. The show's assembly of superlative performing artists represents musical theater at its absolute finest.
