Theater offers three themes

TOM TITUTS

The Huntington Beach Playhouse may have scratched its annual

“Shakespeare in the Park” production, but the theater group has three

other shows in the hopper this year that are calculated to raise some

much-needed funding for the future.

And the subject matter is geared toward a variety of audiences --

an adult comedy, a musical potpourri and a family holiday show.

First up, for a single performance only, will be Paul Zindel’s

biting comedy “Ladies at the Alamo,” scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 14.

And while it’s set in San Antonio, the story has nothing to do with

the women who helped their men battle the invading Mexican Army back

in the 1800s.

These ladies are the backbone of a community theater group, and

the Alamo is their theater. Passions and jealousies simmer and boil

to a comedic, and often farcical climax. The show has been presented

only once locally, back in 1979 in Irvine, so most audiences will

find it brand new.

The theme turns musical a few days later when the playhouse

presents “I’ve Heard That Song Before,” a compilation of songs from

the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s. This show will be staged Aug. 19 at 8 p.m.,

Aug. 20 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Aug. 21 at 2 p.m.

Finally, the playhouse will offer a family holiday comedy titled

“Cancel Christmas,” scheduled appropriately for Dec. 20, 21 and 22

with performances at 3 and 7 p.m. This one is recommended for all age

groups and will be a local premiere.

Ticket prices vary. The tab for “Ladies at the Alamo” is $10, plus

a $2 city surcharge. For “I’ve Heard That Song Before,” the price is

$15, or $17 with the surcharge. “Cancel Christmas” is priced at $10

for adults and $5 for children, plus the extra two bucks for the

city.

All performances will be given at the playhouse’s Library Theater,

7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, in the city’s main library

complex.

Tickets may be ordered by calling the playhouse at (714) 375-0696.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.