Celebration Theatre has been producing LGBTQ shows for the past 31 years and every year, their season presents innovative, provocative and relevant works. They challenge society’s perception of the often marginalized and misunderstood community and also give a vibrant voice to the LGBTQ experience and identity. A recent steep rent hike pushed the West Hollywood-based company out of their Santa Monica Boulevard space and saw Celebration take up residency at the more spacious and parking-friendly Atwater Village Theatre district. On Feb. 4, Celebration Theatre is staging "Tonya & Nancy: The Rock Opera" at King King nightclub. It's a benefit for the company, coinciding (appropriately) with the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
We're pretty lucky here in Southern California—there's certainly no lack of high-class entertainment. Fine theater productions happen all across LA, from Hollywood to the Valley, to Pasadena and Boyle Heights. The region's vibrant stage companies satiate the appetites of theater lovers with ongoing rosters of new plays, old standards, classic works and culturally revelant fare. You may not even need to leave your 'hood to get to a major performing arts centers—and great storefront theater is probably happening around the corner wherever you live. 2014 feels full of promise, with some of the finest companies in the city offering a slate of thrilling theater and dance (we couldn't resist including one of LA's most exciting and theatrical dance companies). Keep an eye out for these eight LA companies this year.