NoHo Arts District, CA] – Theatre Palisades returns to the stage at Weschester Playhouse with a production of James Sherman’s Jest a Second!, running June 12-21.
About Jest a Second!
In this follow-up to Beau Jest, Sarah and Bob are now married and expecting their first child. However, Sarah’s brother, Joel, is now the one having trouble admitting something to their parents – and Bob once again steps in to “help.” Hilarity once again ensues as the family deals with its latest drama.
The farcical comedy Jest a Second! by James Sherman features mistaken identity, lots of laughs, and light-hearted messages about family, love and acceptance.
The Theatre Palisades production of Jest a Second! will open Thursday, June 12 – five months late. The show was originally scheduled to start on January 9, just three days after the theatre’s building was lost in the Palisades wildfire. Fellow community theatre Kentwood Players is opening its home venue, the Westchester Playhouse, to the Theatre Palisades cast, crew and audience to allow the company to return to the stage.
“We knew the gift of performing again was something only another theatre could offer,” said Kentwood Players president Martin Feldman. Theatre Palisades president Philip Bartolf agreed, “Raising money to rebuild is crucial, but if you love live theatre, there’s nothing like being back on stage or in the audience.”
Relocating the production required extensive coordination and flexibility from all involved. Identifying dates that worked for both theaters, shifting rehearsal location and dates, collaborating on sets and production space were all part of the challenge. Both Bartolf and Feldman agree the effort was well worth it. “Finally bringing this show to the stage has been such a valuable part of our healing journey. And we know many Palisades residents have relocated to this area – it’s like we are bringing a bit of home back to them,” said Bartolf.
This collaboration is a natural result of the strong bond among community theatres on the westside. Actors and technical crew may have a home theatre but regularly work and perform at others. Fans of live theatre routinely take advantage of the offerings of multiple theatres.
Community theatre has a long history on the westside. Kentwood Players is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, while Theatre Palisades has been in operation for more than 60 years. These volunteer organizations take advantage of the remarkable pool of talent in Los Angeles to make first-rate entertainment available at very accessible prices. This production of Jest a Second! celebrates the dedication and resilience of the local theatre community.
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