Are you speaking more theatrically? Have you been bursting into song? Do you catch yourself dancing all alone while imagining an ensemble around you? You should probably check your temperature, because you might have musical fever.
However, remedies are available. If you need a song and dance fix, there are a variety of local shows to experience in the weeks to come.
Musical Theatre West is presenting “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” at the Carpenter Center, weekends July 8-24. MTW has been a prominent local production company since they first began performances at the CPAC in 1997, and they take the stage again this weekend to bring us a musical remake of a classic comedy.
Based on the 1988 film starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” is a story of two con men in the French Riviera, which is apparently only big enough for one of them. To settle who will leave town, the two make a wager on who can be the first to swindle $50,000 out of an American soap heiress.
MTW’s stage performance will not shy away from the risque humor the film is popularly known for, so it’s recommended to mature audiences only. The performance is directed by Billy Sprague, Jr., where he puts actors Davis Gaines and Benjamin Schrader in the contest for best con man. Evening performances begin at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees starting at 2 p.m..
Tickets cost anywhere from $17-90 depending on the night and seat section, and are available on MTW’s website.
If one show is not enough to cure the fever, then you can spend an evening at the Long Beach Playhouse. Every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., the Playhouse will stage the Broadway classic “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
The play first opened in 1961, ran for 1,417 shows and won seven Tony awards. The story follows the meteoric rise of J. Pierrepont Finch from window washer to high-powered executive through the aid of his business success handbook.
The Playhouse production, directed by Anthony Galleran, will be on stage until August 6 at 5021 E. Anaheim Street. Tickets cost $20 on the Long Beach Playhouse website.
If you miss your opportunity to see these upcoming plays, but still crave theatrical fulfillment, then why not enjoy in one of Long Beach’s long-running cultural institutions. “Rocky Horror Picture Show” is performed live every Saturday at midnight at the Art Theatre of Long Beach located on 2025 E 4th St..
Rocky Horror takes place in a transgender mad scientist’s mansion. When a newlywed couple’s car breaks down they stumble upon the scientist and his cast of unusual guests having a wild party.
The production may keep audiences out until 3 a.m. but tickets are only $11, and the interactive show extends the on-stage party into the audience.
Musical fever may be spreading, but the cure is out there.