Live theater, followed by a sweet nightcap

WHILE Starbucks and other chain establishments now pepper Lankershim and Magnolia boulevards, the NoHo Arts District in North Hollywood remains awash in indie art galleries, gritty shops, dance studios, mom-and-pop eateries and smaller theaters. The area is currently experiencing the “SoHo Effect” (more commonly known as a face-lift in Tinseltown); and for now all that construction’s not such a bad thing -- except when it comes to finding street parking on a Saturday night.

But for those of us on a non-Broadway budget, a night in NoHo spent at the theater with an apres-show snack is still a bargain, so we’re not going to complain too much.

Undaunted by the production’s less-than-stellar reviews, we obtain half-price tickets (though the online LA Stage TIX outlet [www.theatrela.org]) for the Kritzerland Theater Company’s murder-mystery “Deceit,” at El Portal Forum Theatre.

Inside the 95-seat theater, the entire audience is within spitting distance of the three actors. And since this is Hollywood, you’ll never know who’ll do a turn on stage. On this particular night, “Deceit’s” leading man, Matthew Ashford, is better known to soap opera fans as Jack Devereaux on NBC’s “Days of Our Lives.”

El Portal first opened in 1926 as a 1,400-seat vaudeville house, but it’s since been redeveloped with a 360-seat main stage and a 42-seat studio in addition to the Forum. The Judith Kaufman Art Gallery also calls the theater home, so during the play’s intermission, attendees may wander to the lobby where the gallery is displaying the photography of Russ Fega and the oil paintings of Jason Adkins.

Besides El Portal, there are 21 other theaters to choose from within a square-mile area. The before- and after-theater options are also numerous, from pizza joints to the venerable Sitton’s Restaurant (NoHo Diner), a good place to people watch 24/7.

For a little more artsy atmosphere, we opt for the Eclectic Wine Bar & Grille, a loud, open and inviting eatery that doubles as an art space. Numerous works (for sale) decorate the walls of the 15-year-old restaurant. The outdoor patio serves as the perfect place for quiet conversation with late-night dining, drinks or coffee and dessert.

While the Eclectic’s apple pie and vanilla ginger creme brulee were tempting, it was a behemoth brownie and fresh-baked cookies that caught our attention. Two endless coffees capped a Saturday night in NoHo that didn’t cost a fortune.

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The tab

Theater tickets $33

What: Two tickets (purchased through www.theatrela.org) for “Deceit” at El Portal Forum Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. (818) 508-0281. Runs until March 5.

Dessert and coffee $12

What: Two coffees, a brownie and a chocolate chip oatmeal cookie, including tip, at Eclectic Wine Bar & Grille, 5156 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. (818) 760-2233.

Total $45