THEATER:
The lights come up at the Huntington Beach Playhouse this weekend as the theater launches its 45th season with a rip-roaring musical comedy, long absent from local stages.
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,†a semi-accurate story of the Lone Star State’s infamous Chicken Ranch brothel, opens Friday and will run through Jan. 27. This lively musical recounts the hot times and eventual demise of the celebrated pleasure palace.
Next up, playing from Feb. 22 through March 9, is just what the doctor ordered  “The Good Doctor,†that is, Neil Simon’s take on the comedy of Anton Chekhov. The show consists of a number of vignettes inspired by the Russian dramatist but “Simonized†for American audiences.
As one of the few local theaters not having produced Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias,†the playhouse will shed that distinction April 4 when the Southern-fried comedic drama opens. The Louisiana beauty shop, which houses this all-female show, will be open for business through April 20.
“Under Papa’s Picture†by George Tibbles and Joe Connelly will be new to most audiences. The story of a young businessman recruiting a suitor for his pregnant, widowed mother is scheduled from May 16 through June 1.
Huntington Beach may be “Surf City,†but the playhouse is borrowing a surfing story from Dana Point, “Born to Ride the Waves,†for its July 4 through 20 production, a musical comedy by Joseph Mulroy, Mimi Leahey and Larry Nangle. It’s set over Labor Day weekend in 1964, a few miles to the south.
Ayn Rand’s compelling courtroom drama, “Night of January 16th,†gives its audience a say in the outcome.
Twelve playgoers will compose the jury deciding the fate of an accused murderess in this oldie, running from Aug. 22 through Sept. 7.
Just in time for Halloween will come “Dracula-La,†a horror spoof by David Hayes and Max Forseter about a vampire who’s “trying to quit†the bloodsucking life. Production dates are Oct. 10 through 26.
In addition to its regular schedule, the playhouse has lined up three shows in its Family Series. These are:
?“Luann†by Greg Evans, a musical based on the popular comic strip. This show runs from Aug. 4 through 8.
?“Lady Pirates of the Caribbean†by Craig Sodaro, an adventure yarn about stolen gold doubloons earmarked for the care of orphaned children. It’ll be on stage Nov. 17 through 23.
?A Christmas show yet to be announced will be playing from Dec. 8 through 14. The playhouse still is considering a list of family-oriented holiday plays.
The Huntington Beach Playhouse is located in the Library Theater of the main city library, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach. Further information and show reservations may be obtained by calling the box office at (714) 375-0696.
TOM TITUS reviews theater for the Independent.
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