Spotlight on Los Angeles Theater: Highlights and Standout Productions in 2025
The theater scene in Los Angeles in 2025 had its ups and downs, with some standout productions making a mark on the local stage. The Ahmanson Theatre had a particularly strong year, hosting several noteworthy shows. While some touring productions like "Parade" and "Shucked" at the Hollywood Pantages were left off the list, the Mark Taper Forum shone with Jocelyn Bioh's comedy "Jaja's African Hair Braiding" and a concert version of "Fiddler on the Roof" in Yiddish at the Soraya.
Cynthia Erivo's performance in "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Hollywood Bowl garnered attention, but Jessica Kubzansky's revival of "The Night of the Iguana" at the Boston Court Pasadena stood out as a top L.A. production. The year also saw a mix of successes and shortcomings in locally grown productions, with co-productions like "Noises Off" at the Geffen Playhouse falling short.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' "Purpose" was hailed as the best new dramatic work of the year, while a.k. payne's "Furlough's Paradise" was a standout new play in town. Other notable productions from New York that deserve a spotlight in L.A. include Bess Wohl's "Liberation" and Kimberly Belflower's "John Proctor Is the Villain."
The theater can serve as a sanctuary from the encroaching technology that defines modern life, offering a space for contemplation and empathy. While 2025 had its highlights, there is a call for a renewed commitment to creating meaningful theater in the face of societal challenges. Los Angeles theater enthusiasts can look forward to a diverse array of productions in the coming year, with a mix of musicals, comedies, and thought-provoking dramas to enjoy.