The long list of upcoming productions includes new works debuting in The Blank Theatre’s Young Playwrights Festival, which is running now through June 24 at the Stella Adler Theatre, and established shows like “The Producers,” being mounted at the Hollywood Bowl in late July.
For those preferring gasps of fright to witty repartee, the first stage adaptation of “The Exorcist,” starring Brooke Shields, is premiering at The Geffen Playhouse July 3. And it wouldn’t be summer without a production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which is being staged in leafy Topanga Canyon by The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum.
Plays that did well in New York are also being welcomed with open arms on the West Coast.
International City Theatre (ITC) is mounting the Southern California premiere of "Ghost-Writer,” a play by Michael Hollinger. The story centers on Franklin Woolsey, an acclaimed novelist who’s recently died. His loyal secretary, Myra Babbage, also the play’s narrator, takes up Woolsey’s manuscript and claims the author is dictating to her from beyond the grave. Mary Woolsey, the deceased’s jealous spouse, however, believes otherwise.
The ICT's auditions for the three-character one-act are scheduled for July 9-10, with submissions going through Michael Donovan Casting. Callbacks for the play, which is being directed by Caryn Desai, are set for July 16, with rehearsals starting July 31.
Meanwhile, the Center Theatre Group, which is currently staging a production of “War Horse,” is looking for actors this summer for three productions.
"Red," by playwright-screenwriter John Logan, tells the story of artist Mark Rothko and features two characters bantering about the influence of commerce on art. The play begins its run Aug. 1.
Those in the mood for political comedy can check out David Mamet’s “November,” which begins its run in early fall. The play, which has five starring roles, centers on President Charles H.P. Smith, who is days away from what looks to be a jarring defeat at the polls.
The other CTG play with Equity casting this summer is "Other Desert Cities," although it doesn’t begin its run until November. The Jon Robin Baitz drama is about an estranged family coming together at Christmas. The play, which features about five major parts, revolves around the family’s differing political views and a secret they’ve kept for years. Specific details on the auditions aren't yet available, but CTG traditionally holds general Equity auditions each month on the first or second Monday. Interested actors should check its website for more details.
Looking further ahead, the Latino Theater Company will be holding Equity auditions in September for its fall show "Faith: Part I of A Mexican Trilogy," which explores the rites of Mexican culture. The show is the world premiere of a play by Evelina Fernandez, who has enjoyed success recently with “Charity: Part III of a Mexican Trilogy.”
It will be performed in the 499-seat Theatre 1 of Los Angeles Theatre Center under a Hollywood Area Theatre (H.A.T.) contract.
