Summer Stages: BWW's Top Summer Theatre Picks - Los Angeles Part 2!

The summer months will not only usher in perfect beach weather for Los Angeles (and surrounding enclaves), but they will also offer up some entertaining theatrical offerings--some exclusive only to the Southland! Browse through our Top 5 Big Summer Picks below, plus a few more shows worth checking out.

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1. The Producers - Live at The Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood
July 27 – 29

What is fast becoming one of the most anticipated annual summer events in Los Angeles, the 17,000-seat Hollywood Bowl's all-star, fully-staged summer musical is known for its grandiose concert stagings and often high-profile casting choices. The tradition continues with their production of Mel Brook's smash hit THE PRODUCERS, which won a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards including 2001's Best Musical. The Bowl's production will feature Richard Kind as Max Bialystock and Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Leo Bloom. Joining them will be Rebecca Romijn (as Ulla) plus both Gary Beach and Roger Bart—who will be reprising the roles they originated on Broadway as well as in the 2005 film adaptation. Tony winner Susan Stroman will also be on hand to direct and choreograph this three-show presentation.

For more information, visit HollywoodBowl.com.

2. War Horse
Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles
June 14 – July 29

Winning 5 Tony Awards last year, including Best Play, The National Theatre of Great Britain jaw-dropping production of this epic tale finally gallops into L.A.

For more information, visit centertheatregroup.org.

3. Red
Mark Taper Forum, Los Angeles
August 1 – September 9

The winner of 2010's Tony Award for Best Play, this Los Angeles transfer of the Donmar Warehouse production of John Logan's critically-acclaimed drama stars Tony nominees Alfred Molina (reprising his role) and Jonathan Groff (Spring Awakening, TV's Glee).

For more information, visit centertheatregroup.org.

4. The Exorcist
Geffen Playhouse, Los Angeles
July 3 – August 12

Curiosity is likely the main motivator for theatergoers who will want to take a peek at this world premiere production by John Pielmeier to be directed by Tony winner John Doyle. Adapted from the novel by William Peter Blatty, the haunting drama will feature Richard Chamberlain and Brooke Shields.

For more information, visit geffenplayhouse.com.

5. The Addams Family: The Musical
Pantages Theatre, Hollywood
June 5 – 17

Based on the creepy and cooky TV sitcom about a ghoulishly unconventional family, the national touring company of this stage musical adaptation will, heehee, finally slay audiences for a two-week run at the Pantages Theatre.

For more information, visit BroadwayLA.org.

Photos (from top): 'The Producers' logo courtesy of The Hollywood Bowl; Alfred Molina in RED by Johan Persson/Arena PAL; War Horse 2011 London Cast by Brinkhoff and Mo?genburg.

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Also worth checking out:

Follies – Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles, Ends June 9
Young Playwrights Festival – The Blank Theatre, Los Angeles, through June 24
Spamalot – Musical Theatre West, Long Beach, June 29 – July 15
The Government Inspector – Theatre@Boston Court, Los Angeles, July 28 – August 26
Memphis (National Tour) – Pantages Theatre, July 31 – August 12

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