‘Monster Mash’ by Sacred Fools
The essentials: A trilogy of witty monster-themed plays, written and developed by Sacred Fools company members who obviously enjoyed far too much unsupervised television viewing in childhood. Other than some shared casting, however, the plays are independent and unconnected. In Jenelle Riley’s new musical comedy, “Jane Austen’s Emma Frankenstein,” the Woodhouse sisters seek true love and marriage with the Frankensteins, a family not known for prim and proper manners. Katie Eiler’s “Crunch” (previously produced at Son of Semele) views the horrors of early twenty-hood through a feminist lens as former high school besties encounter a ravenous, cave-dwelling beastie. “Dracula’s Taste Test” is a spooky new “cadaverous cabaret” show by writer Marz Richards and music director Ryan Johnson, in which the vampire count hosts the Phantom of the Opera and other guest celebrity monsters in a mix of music and mayhem.
Why this? The creators are all veterans of Sacred Fools’ popular late-night “Serial Killers,” which in its 13 seasons has produced “Watson” and other hits. The convenient co-location, staggered schedule and merciful running times allow seeing multiple shows in a single day. Throughout the Sacred Fools’ current season tickets for all shows are only $15, per the company’s commitment to affordable quality theater.
Details: This limited run through June 23 is presented as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival; advance ticket purchase is advised as Fringe shows often sell out early.
“Jane Austen’s Emma Frankenstein,” the Broadwater Main Stage, 1076 Lillian Way, Los Angeles. 7 p.m. Wednesday, 8 p.m. Saturday and June 23, 1:30 p.m. June 17, 8 p.m. June 23; ends June 23. $15. www.hol lywoodfringe.org
“Crunch,” the Broadwater Black Box, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. 11 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 p.m. Sunday, 9 p.m. Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. June 23; ends June 23. $15. www.hollywoodfringe.org
“Dracula’s Taste Test,” the Broadwater Black Box, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, 6 p.m. June 17, 10 p.m. June 21; ends June 21. $15. www.hol lywoodfringe.org
The 99-Seat Beat appears every Friday. Our reviewers shortlist offerings with an emphasis on smaller venues. Some are shows we've seen; others are based on the track record of the company, director or cast. Comprehensive theater listings are posted every Sunday at latimes.com/arts.