Morna Martell

THE PILOT WHO CRASHED THE PARTY – Hollywood

This new play is set in a mansion in the Santa Monica Mountains on a stormy night where Sally is celebrating her 50th birthday. Suddenly a pilot in a small, single engine plane literally crashes the party. Who, exactly, is this surprise guest? Written and directed by Award winning actor and Second City alum Paul Sand (now 91), who states, “I’m always struck by how people who barely know me project a part of themselves onto who they think I am. That’s what happens with the pilot. As the partygoers take turns caring for him, each projects a part of themself onto the pilot as they try to figure him out.”

Starring Marcia Lynn Anthony, Lee Boek, Francis C. Edemobi, Claudia Ferri, Debra Lane, Sol Mason, Jacqueline Wright and Marcia Lynn Anthony. Produced by Carrie-Ann Pishnak and Amanda Weier. At The Broadwater Theatre, 6320 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood. Tickets: www.onstage411.com/Pilot

SCINTILLA – North Hollywood

 In this drama, Michael travels to visit his mother Marianne, a reclusive artist who lives at the edge of the woods in California’s Wine Country. As a raging wildfire approaches, Michael must deal with Marianne’s stubborn refusal to leave. The rising tension exposes a complicated family history erupting into a larger question about our very survival on this planet.

Playwright Alessandro Camon is best known for the film “The Messenger” for which he and co-writer Oren Moverman won the Berlin Film Festival Best Screenplay Award as well as Academy Award and Spirit Award nominations. The film, starring Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson, dealt with Army officers on duty during the Iraq war.

Directed by Ann Hearn Tobolowsky, the cast includes Taylor Gilbert, Kris Frost, Krishna Smith, David Gianopolis and Carlos Lacamara. Produced by Danna Hyams. The Road Theatre, NoHo Senior Arts Colony, 10747 Magnolia Blvd. NoHo. Tickets: 818-761-8838 or www.RoadTheatre.org

MOOSE ON THE LOOSE – Cahuenga

Like generations of immigrant families, the Tappino family left Calabria, Italy, decades ago for America, in search of a better life. They settled in a remote little town in Canada, and they had kids. Daughter Gina, who left home to establish herself in the professional world, has come home to visit. The day she arrives, a moose wanders into the neighborhood, and, in that town, this is big news. However, the Tappinos discover that the moose is not the only one displaced and confused.

Cast includes James Lemire, Stuart H. Howard, Constance Mellors, Richard Reich, Laura James, Erica Piccinini, Rick Simone, Deanna Gandy, Nick McDow-Musleh, Cecil Jennings, Darby Winn and Meg Lin. Playwright Dina Morrone states that her play is loosely based on true events. Directed by Peter Flood, produced by Dina Morrone and Benjamin Scuglia. At Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Los Angeles. Tkts: (323) 851-7977 or www.theatrewest.org

BATTLESONG OF BOUDICA – Hollywood

Taken from the history and legend of the British Warrior Queen Boudica, famous for her bloody uprising against the invading Romans in 47 A.D. here is a spectacle of power and revenge told in song, spoken verse, and dance. Boudica, a significant historical figure of the ancient world, was a devoted mother who was wronged and sought an epic revenge. Note: Features bloody violence, suicide, depictions of animal sacrifice and verbal description of sexual assault.

Written and directed by Christopher William Johnson, the show stars fight choreographer and actor Jen Albert, as Boudica. Cast: Daniel Adomian, Tom Block, Colin A Borden, Payton Cella, Sara Gorsky, Brad C. Light, Chloe Madriaga, Chrisopher Neiman, Tristan Rewald, Lacey Rosewall, Lucy Schmidt, Allegra Rodriguez Shivers, Jack TenBarge, Jesse James Thomas, Frank Tirimacco and Dan Wingard. Presented by The School of Night at Hudson Backstage, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood.

Tickets, https://school-of-night.ticketleap.com/battlesong-of-boudica.