Arts Briefs: More days of ‘Ruin’
The Victory Theatre Center’s world-premiere production of political comedy “The Engine of Our Ruin” has extended its run once again, now playing through July 31.
The play by Jason Wells tells a story of “miscommunication in an unnamed Middle Eastern country” which “turns a sensitive trade negotiation into a humorous morass of misguided idealism, manipulation, and one-upmanship,” says Marquee’s Lynne Heffley.
With a cast that includes Brian Abraham and Ryan P. Shrime, the play is energized by fast-paced dialogue as a diplomatic mission goes comically bad. Politics has played a part in Wells’ other works, including “Men of Tortuga” and “Perfect Mendacity,” both of which debuted at Chicago’s esteemed Steppenwolf Theatre.
“The Engine of Our Ruin” is performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 4 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $24 to 34. The Victory Theatre Center is at 3326 W. Victory Blvd. in Burbank. More information at (818) 841-5422 and www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org.
Imagining ‘Tennessee’
The Impro Theatre’s “Tennessee Williams Unscripted” is now playing at the Falcon Theatre in Burbank, directed by Brian Lohmann.
The Impro theatre company creates full-length, completely improvised plays around various themes. In the past, the company has tackled the likes of Shakespeare, Chekhov and Jane Austen to hilarious results. With “Tennessee Williams Unscripted,” the group will dive into the Southern culture and particular qualities of the great playwright Tennessee Williams, author of “Cat On a Hot Tin Roof” and “The Menagerie,” among other Broadway classics.
The show continues through July 31. The Falcon Theatre is at 4252 Riverside Drive, in Burbank. More information at (818) 955-8004 and falcontheatre.com.
Staging Summer Camp
“Panto Camp at the Playhouse” is a summer camp hosted by the Pasadena Playhouse and Lythgoe Family Productions, offering kids ages 8 to 13 a week of song, dance and improvisation. The interactive week has kids exploring modernized versions of Grimm fairy tales and other stories. The Panto Camp offers two separate sessions on July 18 through 23, and July 25 through 30. The cost is $425 per child. More information at (626) 737-2867 and PantoCamp@pasadenaplayhouse.org.
Country Jamboree
Humans and other beasts will get an earful of country music at the Los Angeles Zoo July 29 during a special edition of the ongoing “Roaring Nights” music series. Performances by Highway Starr, Rocky Neck Bluegrass Band and Grant Langston and the Supermodels, will be accompanied by line-dancing lessons, games, animal feedings and more.
The music performed by Highway Starr will be a mix of old and new songs, including cover versions of modern country hits by the likes of Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban and Eric Church. The gathering is for music and zoo fans age 18 and above, with a full-service bar and various food trucks. Zookeeper talks onsite will introduce visitors to the zoo’s permanent residents.
Other upcoming “Roaring Nights” feature indie rock on Aug. 26, and tributes to David Bowie and Prince on Sept. 16. Tickets are $25 ($22 for GLAZA members). The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is at 5333 Zoo Drive, in Griffith Park. More information at (323) 644-6001 and www.lazoo.org/roaringnights.