The Geffen Playhouse’s new
Geffen Stayhouse initiative has a hit with
its first full-length production a full week before previews even begin. The initial run of the world premiere
The Present, a live, virtual and interactive theatrical experience, sold out in less than an hour and has been extended four weeks, through July 5th.
The show, written and performed by illusionist and storyteller Helder Guimarães, was inspired by Guimarães’ own childhood experience with quarantine. It will take place virtually via the Zoom platform with a maximum of 25 participants per show. Each participant will be mailed a sealed mystery package in advance, the contents of which will only be revealed during the course of each performance, as the story unfolds.
The Present marks the second collaborative effort between Guimarães and director Frank Marshall, who first worked together on
Invisible Tango, which made its world premiere at the Geffen in May 2019.
Tickets are $85 per household and are available by phone at 310.208.2028 or
online. Tickets must be purchased at least 10-14 days in advance of a performance.
Other Online Theater Options
Note that theater performances available online typically are available one time only live or expire after a set time, so take advantage of what interests you.
– Dubbed the “first great drama of the pandemic,” the premiere performance of Richard Nelson’s What Do We Need To Talk About? from New York’s Public Theater is available to stream on YouTube through Sunday, May 3rd.
– On Sunday, May 3rd at 2:00 pm, LA’s own Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights (ALAP) will hold virtual readings of its members’ 10-minute plays via Zoom–and in a twist, the playwright must be one of the readers.
– Currently available from London’s National Theatre Live program (until May 7th): Frankenstein adapted by Danny Boyle, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller. Available May 8th for one week, Shakespeare’s Anthony and Cleopatra, starring Ralph Fiennes.
– The Wallis in Beverly Hills shares a wide range of theater and dance programs, its own and others, on its website, including an exclusive performance by Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin: Live from Florence, Italy, live-streaming on Mother’s Day, May 10th at 5:00 pm. Tickets are $50 per household.
– Even if you’ve already watched last Sunday’s live Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration, there are many wonderful performances that bear repeat viewing.
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