Sunday, November 29, 2009
The Group Rep presents A Christmas Carol
The Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre has just opened its holiday musical, A Christmas Carol, based on the Charles Dickens classic written by Richard Hellesen, with music & lyrics by David De Berry. This production is directed by The Group Rep’s new artistic director Ernest A. Figueroa and features choreography by Michele Bernath and musical direction by Irene Chapman and Wayland Pickard.
All of the elements of the original classic Dickens tale are here, illuminated by music, mask and puppetry in the style of Julie Taymor’s The Lion King. The Los Angeles premiere includes a 25 voice choir of adults and children, and early curtain times – perfect for family adventures.
Featured in the cast are GRT ensemble members Christopher Winfield as Scrooge and Doug Haverty as Bob Cratchit, along with Patrick Burke (Fred), Diana Martin (Mrs. Cratchit), Malcolm Devine (Fezziwig), Judy Rosenfeld (Mrs. Fezziwig), Beckett Arnold (Belle) and a full cast and chorus.
A Christmas Carol runs through December 20, and the theatre is located at 10900 Burbank Boulevard, North Hollywood 91601. For tickets call 818-700-4878 or go to www.thegrouprep.com/.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
The 70s are Back in Polyester the Musical
If you’ve ever wanted to revisit the disco flash of the 70s, now’s your chance. Polyester the Musical by Phil Olson and Wayland Pickard is just the kind of over the top cheeseball musical experience that could have come out of the disco era itself. Sandwiched between the counterculture social revolution of the 60s and the excesses and growth which characterized the 80s, the mid-70s will always have the distinction of contributing disco to pop culture. At least it provided a reason for artists to reach for other edgier journeys into hard rock, punk and heavy metal. But none of that here…
Polyester the Musical is the story of The Synchronistics, an over-the-hill ABBA wannabe group, who re-unite for one last performance. They need to raise $10,000 so the Disco Hall of Fame can break ground and also so they can save the local public access television station from going under. Or so they think.
The night provides secrets, lies and videotape of the fluffiest kind, and in true musical theatre fashion, all roads ultimately lead to a happy ending. You’ll also find your typical stock characters along the way. There’s the pretty, insecure one (Pamela Donnelly), the good-natured air head (Gwendolyn Druyor), the one missing a few brain cells/borderline creepy one (Jim Stahl) and the macho one (Christopher Fairbanks). Oh, and there’s also the sarcastic one, courtesy of Robert Moon, as the host of the telethon. His green polyester suit and pastel blue ruffled tux shirt are a true glamour-don’t comment on the fashion world of the time.
Direction is by Wayland Pickard and Doug Engalla, with choreography by Michele Bernath that even includes a return of The Hustle. The show runs through December 20 at the Actors Forum Theatre located at 10655 Magnolia Blvd. in North Hollywood. For reservations call 323-822-7898 or go to http://www.theatermania.com/.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Love Blooms at Santa Monica Playhouse
Tucked away just off a busy Santa Monica street, down a cobblestone alley, and into a quaint brick-lined courtyard you’ll find the Santa Monica Playhouse, which has been producing theatre and training actors for almost 50 years.
Their current production, running through December 13th, is the new musical comedy Love in Bloom, a tongue-firmly-in-cheek world premiere filled with magic and mayhem, mistaken identities, romance and comedy.
The show combines elements of Commedia dell’arte, mime and classical theatre to bring to life this inventive mash-up of Shakespearean plots, characters and situations; everything from Pyramid and Frisbe, to women disguised as men, to the King and Queen of the Faeries conspiring to make things right with the world. It is written and directed by Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie and features members of the Playhouse’s Actors’ Repertory Theatre: Chris DeCarlo, Serena Dolinsky, Melissa Gentry and Evelyn Rudie, joined by guest artists Liz Eldridge, Jake Levy, Zack Medway and Tyner Pesch.
The cast handles the classical text well, and the six young and engaging ensemble members especially shine throughout the performance. In the end, even the monster Calabasas has his happy ending.
You can catch Love in Bloom at the Santa Monica Playhouse through December 13. For reservations call 310-394-9779 x 1. http://santamonicaplayhouse.com/.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
David Engel & Randy Rogel Star in Cabrillo Music Theatre's White Christmas
Cabrillo Music Theatre presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas for the holidays directed by Todd Nielsen, with musical direction by Darryl Archibald and choreography by Melissa Giattino.
In keeping with holiday tradition, White Christmas will bring together some of CMT audiences’ favorite actors. Singin’ in the Rain stars David Engel and Randy Rogel (2008 Ovation Award winner, Best Supporting Actor) reunite in the roles made famous by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye - Bob Wallace and Phil Davis. Joining them will be Jennifer Mathews of Cabrillo’s Carousel as Betty and Cassie Silva, star of last season’s 42nd Street as Judy. With a cast of thirty, a 22-piece orchestra, lavish costumes, and a towering 12’-tall Christmas tree, White Christmas promises to be a dazzling holiday entertainment.
Filled with Irving Berlin’s songs, and featuring a new book by David Ives and Paul Blake, White Christmas tells the story of two World War II veterans-turned-entertainers, who meet up with a talented pair of sisters. Together, they plot to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general. The score features favorite Irving Berlin hits from the movie like “Sisters,” “Counting My Blessings,” “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,” and “Snow.” Additions to the stage production include “I Love a Piano,” “Blue Skies,” and “How Deep is the Ocean.”
White Christmas opens on Saturday, December 26th, 2009 and runs for only seven performances, through Tuesday, December 29th in the 1,800-seat Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.
Tickets are available at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Box Office located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks, by phone at 805-583-8700, or online at www.cabrillomusictheatre.com/.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Spring Awakening Rocks into OCPAC
The national touring production of Spring Awakening, the fearless coming of age story, is getting ready to open November 17 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.
The musical by Duncan Sheik is a groundbreaking fusion of morality, sexuality and rock & roll that awakened Broadway like no other musical in years. Winner of eight Tony Awards® including Best Musical, Spring Awakening celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, poignancy, and passion you will never forget.
Join members of the cast for a post-performance discussion following the November 18 and November 24th performances. Post-show discussions will also be held following the November 17 and November 21st (matinee) performances with authorities on parent/teen communication facilitated by Center President Terry Dwyer.
The musical will be ASL interpreted on November 28 at 2pm.
For an interesting interview on BroadwayWorld.com with Broadway cast member Matt Shingledecker who appears in the touring production, go to http://bit.ly/2VrtM2. He talks about life on the road, audience reactions to the show and much more.
Tickets are available online now for the production which runs November 17 – 29, 2009 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center at http://bit.ly/2CZxaT.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Laguna Playhouse Welcomes Winter Wonderettes
Just in time for the holidays, Bets Malone, Misty Cotton, Julie Dixon Jackson and Susannah Hall will star in the Laguna Playhouse production of Winter Wonderettes, written and directed by Roger Bean. Previews for the show are November 24-27 with opening night November 29. The run will continue through December 30, 2009.
Set six months after the end of The Marvelous Wonderettes, this seasonal sequel finds the girls returning to their hometown for a Holiday celebration with their family and friends, complete with great Wonderette renditions of ‘60s holiday tunes.
Wonderette member Betty Jean is in charge of her company’s Christmas party, so naturally the Wonderettes are the logical choice for the entertainment. But when Santa turns up missing, the girls must use their talent and creative ingenuity, plus some great holiday tunes such as “Little Saint Nick” and “It’s a Marshmallow World,” to rectify their holiday party without the jolly big guy in red. The result is, of course, marvelous! This energetic and entertaining show is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.
Tickets are available now at www.lagunaplayhouse.com/.
Tickets are available now at www.lagunaplayhouse.com/.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Mark Taper Forum's Powerful PARADE
 |
| T.R Knight, Lara Pulver and the cast of Parade. Photos by Craig Schwartz |
I’m so glad I had the chance to experience the Donmar Warehouse production of Parade at Center Theatre Group’s Mark Taper Forum last night. If you haven’t seen it yet, this is one show you really should see before it ends its run this weekend. It is a powerful production written by Alfred Uhry and Jason Robert Brown, directed and choreographed by Rob Ashford, with a cast led by T.R. Knight and Lara Pulver.
Much has been written about the Leo Frank Case. The tragic death of 13-year old factory worker, Mary Phagan, and the accusations that led to Frank’s conviction and eventual lynching are disturbing. The seduction of mob mentality, sensationalism of the press, fear instilled by the religious right, and the desire to lay blame at the most useful person’s doorstep to feed political aspirations is not so different in the world in which we live today. That in itself is disturbing.
 |
| Lara Pulver and T.R. Knight |
T.R. Knight’s richly textured performance as Leo Frank is remarkable. The way a complex thought moves across his face, his body language, his complete commitment to his character is reason enough to see this show. The layers of his work reach deep and he is successful in portraying the humanity of a man who finds himself in an unimaginable situation.
Pulver recreates her London Donmar Warehouse role and beautifully embodies the spirit of the steadfast, determined Lucille Frank, proving that a woman’s inner strength knows no bounds where love is involved.
Talent runs deep throughout the cast, with Christian Hoff as prosecutor Hugh Dorsey, Michael Berresse as Governor Slaton, Charlotte d’Amboise as Mrs. Phagan and Sally Slaton, Davis Gaines as Judge Roan and the Old Soldier, P.J. Griffith as Tom Watson and many others.
Another amazing dual performance is David St. Louis as Newt Lee and Jim Conley. One character is as downtrodden as the other is corrupt and I had to keep reminding myself they were the same actor. In addition to his powerful presence onstage, he adds an element of danger and intensity to the message within the musical.
 |
| The cast of Parade |
This is an important musical that says much about society’s flaws. Jason Robert Brown’s score rises and falls with a passionate frenzy – lyrical, beautiful, challenging. If you’re not sure what to feel, listen to the music and it will tell you.
Nothing is black and white in a situation like the Frank Case, and this was thoughtfully carried out in the set and costumes as well. Christopher Oram uses shades of brown and gray to play upon the subtext. Neil Austin’s lighting artfully creates a sense of time and space while evoking the tension of the period. All of the elements combine to make a theatrical experience that is not to be missed.
You only have until Sunday November 15 to get your tickets. www.centertheatregroup.com/.
Photos by Craig Schwartz
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Bonnie & Clyde Opens at La Jolla Playhouse
Stark Sands and Laura Osnes
La Jolla Playhouse begins preview performances November 10th for its world premiere of Bonnie & Clyde, the seductive and cinematic new musical which examines how a troubled Texas teen and a love-sick waitress became America’s most infamous couple, Depression-era outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.
The creative team is made up of Frank Wildhorn (music), Don Black (lyrics) and Ivan Menchell (book), with direction and musical staging by Jeff Calhoun.
The cast features Tony Award-nominee Stark Sands (Journey’s End, Twelfth Night) as Clyde, Laura Osnes (South Pacific and Grease!) as Bonnie, two time Emmy Award-winner Mare Winningham (St. Elmo’s Fire, off-Broadway’s 10 Million Miles) as Emma, Melissa van der Schyff (Deaf West’s Big River) as Blanche, Wayne Duvall as Sheriff, Claybourne Elder as Buck, and Chris Peluso as Ted.
The ensemble includes Leslie Becker, Daniel Cooney and Michael Lanning, as well as San Diego actors Courtney Corey, Michael Covert, Victor Hernandez, Michael Mulligan, Carly Nykanen, Mike Sears and UC San Diego MFA student Jessica Watkins.
An industry reading of the show took place previously at The Roundabout Theatre Company in early February 2009. The reading was directed by Jeff Calhoun, with music direction by John McDaniel. The cast was led by Laura Osnes as Bonnie and Stark Sands as Clyde. They were joined by Rob Evan, Kelsey Fowler, Natalie Hill, Michael Lanning, David Larsen, Jacob Levine, Brynn O'Malley, Geoff Packard, Tricia Paoluccio, Jessica Phillips, Nancy Ringham, Bart Shatto, Marty Thomas, Ben Thompson, Tad Wilson and Betsy Wolfe.
The show will begin previews on November 10, officially open on November 22 and run through December 20 at the Playhouse's Mandell Weiss Theatre in La Jolla, California. Tickets to Bonnie & Clyde are available by calling 858-50-1010 or by visiting www.lajollaplayhouse.org/.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
SEUSSICAL Cast Announced at CLOSBC
Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities and Executive Producer James A. Blackman, III have announced that they will close out their 2009 season with the Broadway family musical SEUSSICAL by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, based on the works of Dr. Seuss. The musical will run December 2 – 20, 2009.
Leading the cast are Harrison White as The Cat in the Hat and Sam Zeller as Horton the Elephant, with Annie Ramsey as Gertrude McFuzz, Paula Chimene Jiles as Sour Kangaroo, Jessica Gisin as Mayzie LaBird, Gary Lee Reed as General Schmitz, Jason Wenn as Mayor Who, Janet Clark as Mrs. Who, John Lindahl & LJ Benet alternating as as JoJo and Sophia Viggiano & Kyrsti Chavez alternating as Baby Roo.
Stephanie Coltrin will direct the production, Heather Castillo choreographs and Gary Busby provides musical direction.
The story centers around Horton the Elephant’s endeavors to protect the people of Who-ville, who live on a tiny speck of dust, and features characters and scenarios from many of the Dr. Seuss books. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant in a story that will make you laugh and cry.
Tickets to SEUSSICAL are available by calling 310-372-4477 or online at http://www.civiclightopera.com/.