Pierson Playhouse, which housed Theatre Palisades burned in the January 7 Palisades Fire.
Theatre Palisades, the much beloved community theater based in Pierson Playhouse between Temescal Canyon Road and Haverford Avenue, was ready to open the comedy Jest a Second, on January 10.
Then the January 7 Palisades Fire destroyed the theater, which contained a massive costume collection, a downstairs greenroom/rehearsal area, a 125-seat stage and a ticket lobby, sound booth and prop room.
Now, dedicated actors/performers and residents are fighting not only to keep theater alive, but to raise funds to rebuild the lovely 37-year-old building. https://theatrepalisades.org
Support Theatre Palisades by attending one or both of the two upcoming shows.
UNDER THE JELLO MOLD:
Under the Jello Mold, a one-woman show starring Jennie Fahn, promises to be highly entertaining. There are two shows only, June 7 at 8 p.m. and Sunday June 8 at 4 p.m. One hundred percent of ticket sales will go towards rebuilding the Palisades theater.
This award-winning, one-woman comedy is a heartwarming exploration of mother-daughter relationships that will resonate with everyone. Due to the recent Palisades Fire, Fahn’s performance will be at The Blue Door Theatre at 9617 Venice Boulevard in Culver City. Parking is available in nearby Culver City municipal lots. Box Office (310) 902-8220.
JEST A SECOND:
Jest A Second, the sequel to last year’s hit comedy Beau Jest, was to open on January 10, just three days after the fire, said show producer Martha Hunter.
After searching for a space for the play, “a sister theatre, Westchester’s Kentwood Playhouse, offered to give us two weekends,” Hunter said.
The cast has been rehearsing at Kentwood, and also at the Morgan-Wixson Theater in Santa Monica.
This funny family drama opens as Sarah and Bob, who are expecting their first child, are hosting a party for Sarah’s mother.
Sarah’s brother, Joel, who is in a relationship with Randy, is hiding his news from his parents. Bob, fearing a negative reaction from Sarah’s conservative Jewish parents, uses his acting skills to pretend that Randy is a Jewish girlfriend, but ultimately, Joel has to face his parents himself.
The show opens on June 12 for nine performances: Thursdays June 12 and 19, Fridays, June 13 and 20, and Saturdays, June 14 and 21 at 8 p.m. There are also matinees on June 14 and 21 and Sunday, June 15 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $22, seniors and students $20. Call (310) 454-1970. The Westchester Playhouse is located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, L.A. 90045
The Palisades Theatre group is already looking ahead to the future. “We will be presenting our show that was to go up in April, The Wisdom of Eve by Mary Orr and directed by Sherman Wayne, who turns 90 in August,” Hunter said. “It is the play version of the film All About Eve from 1950 starring Bette Davis.”
She added, “There will be many familiar Theatre Palisades faces in the cast including me.”