From left: Norbert Leo Butz (Paul Child) and Christina Kirk (Julia Child) in "The Recipe" at La Jolla Playhouse (Photo by Rich Soublet II) A commissioned work by Tony-nominated playwright Claudia Shear, La Jolla Playhouse’s world premiere of “The Recipe” tells the story of how rebellious Pasadena native Julia McWilliams became masterful French cook Julia Child, based on Bob Spitz’s 2012 book “Dearie.” Beginning with her time at Smith College, the two-act play covers Julia’s s

From left: Alysha Deslorieux (Middle Allie) and Ken Wulf Clark (Middle Noah) in "The Notebook" at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre (Photo by Roger Mastroianni) If you are a fan of the 2004 film “The Notebook” or Nicholas Sparks’ 1996 novel on which it is based, you'll love “The Notebook: The Musical,” continuing at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre through Jan. 25. The musical conveys the story of Allie and Noah, two youthful lovers who first lose then find each other years later,

From left: Eiko Eisen-Martin (Dallas), Michael Rishawn (River) and Gail Bean (Jada) in "Table 17" at Geffen Playhouse (Photo by Jeff Lorch) Sometimes you just want good entertainment without any heavy messaging to weigh it down. Enter “Table 17,” actor and playwright Douglas Lyons’ rollicking romantic comedy set in a restaurant with tables on stage and no fourth wall. Thanks to dynamic acting, lighting and sound, “Table 17” keeps the audience laughing in sympathy and recognit