Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Musical Happenings Around Town
Avenue Q Moves to Redondo Beach3-D Theatricals brings its first production to the Redondo Beach this weekend. Following a successful run at Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton, AVENUE Q will play three performances only at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, August 3 - 5. Avenue Q features music & lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, and book by Jeff Whitty. The production is directed by C.J. Porter and T.J. Dawson, with musical direction by David Lamoureux. We thought it was a terrific production when we saw it in Fullerton. Go and have some fun! Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center is located at 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd. in Redondo Beach. For tickets visit www.3dtshows.com.
Jurassic Park, The Musical!
After sold-out shows at Hollywood Fringe Fest and a nomination for "Best Musical" at fringe, 30 Minute Musicals: Jurassic Park is back by popular demand at Celebration Theatre August 3 and 4. This fast and furious romp, features original songs and choreography plus singing and dancing dinosaurs. Who could ask for anything more? Showtime is 10:30pm. For tickets go to www.brownpapertickets.com/event/261736
Coming up at Sacred Fools
Back by popular demand..You're invited to a live recording session of Richard Levinson's Unchartables Vol. 2 featuring songs from Sacred Fools' Serial Killers, Fast 'n' Loose and Ten Tops! Performed by Richard Levinson and a bunch of swell guest singers: Matt Valle, Rebecca Larsen, Courtney DeCosky, Vanessa Claire Stewart, Michael Lanahan, Dan Wingard, Cj Merriman, Jaime Andrews, Brian Wallis and more. Wednesday, Aug. 8 at 8pm. Tickets are $7. No Reservations - get your tickets at the door! Not intended for younger audiences. For more information go to http://www.sacredfools.org/misc/events/unchartables2/
Down & Dirty at Zombie Joe’s [Extended through Sept. 29!]
Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group celebrates their 20th anniversary season with Miss Vanessa Cate’s dark and sexy, neo-retro cabaret spectacular Down & Dirty, about a chorus of frantic dancers and their hundred-to-one mission to keep their show from collapsing when their MC suddenly disappears. Saturdays at 11:00pm, August 4 – September 15. Zombie Joe’s is located at 4850 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601. Tickets: $15. For reservations call 818-202-4120. www.ZombieJoes.com
Real Drunk Housewives of the San Fernando Valley
Opening August 4th, the one-hour show is an original parody/musical review of the immensely popular Real Housewives reunion shows which appear at the end of every season. This theatrical presentation brings together a fictitious cast of characters who rehash the highlights of their “Real Drunk” San Fernando Valley season through song, dance, comedy, plastic surgery and, of course, champagne. Directed by Groundlings alumni David Jahn, choreography by Jeffrey Polk and written by Kelly Bashar (Fellowship!) & Bill Haller. The cast features Robyn Roth, Sarah French, Chris Caldwell, Jen Rhonheimer, Ana Cristina and Leah Mangum. 10:00 pm at The Complex 6468 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood. http://www.ohmyribs.com/#!upcoming_events/c1mya.
Jekyll & Hyde Liner Notes Essay Contest
BroadwayWorld.com and Broadway Records are co-sponsoring a liner notes essay contest for the new Jekyll & Hyde 2012 Concept Recording. Submit your 250 to 500 word essay for consideration by August 6th. Five finalists will be chosen. Then, Frank Wildhorn, Constantine Maroulis and Broadway Records will select the Grand Prize winner who will have his or her liner notes essay included in the upcoming recording. Click Here to learn more and enter the contest.
More Precious Than Diamonds
Help Stephanie Hutchinson pay for the cover art on her next album by purchasing More Precious Than Diamonds from CDBaby. Between July 31 and August 3rd, 100% of the purchase price goes to the artist. The 3 song album, plus synopsis, is just $2.99. Check it out on the newly re-designed CDBaby.com site at http://cdbaby.com/cd/morepreciousthandiamonds2. For more information go to www.stephaniehutchinson.com.
Strawberry Moon Free Download
Toronto born, LA-based Tara Macri has just released her first single "Strawberry Moon" as a free download. Macri performed in Jersey Boys and Hairspray on Broadway, in addition to last year’s production at the Hollywood Bowl and her new project has her teaming up with guitarist and friend Kenji Chan of Bruno Mars. Tara has been performing in small venues across Los Angeles gearing up for her debut album to be released later this year. Check out “Strawberry Moon” here: http://soundcloud.com/taramacri/strawberry-moon.
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Labels: 3D Theatricals, celebration theatre, zombie joe's
SoCal Native Mark Oxman Produces SING ALONG starring Alice Ripley and Others
In the film, a 14-year-old boy living in New York City is deeply introverted and mildly agoraphobic. His love of musicals translates into an overactive imagination that comes from his natural creativity, but it leads to trouble in school and more at home, where his naysayer mother crushes his artistic nature and his dream of being on Broadway himself.
The cast is made up of actors known for their theater work and includes Alice Ripley, who won a Tony for her performance in Next to Normal; Uzo Aduba, a rising star who stole the show in the recent Godspell revival; Myles Erlick, a young actor who made his mark in Billy Elliot; Heidi Blickenstaff, star of [title of show]; Remy Zaken, original cast member of Spring Awakening; Patrick Page, who has starred alongside Denzel Washington and Frank Langella on stage, as well as currently playing the Green Goblin in Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark; and Sam Tsui, the only non-Broadway alum who has reached literally millions via YouTube music videos.
The original songs are by Ron Wasserman, an award-winning composer who has worked on hundreds of commercials and television shows, ranging from "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" to "Hot in Cleveland." His wife, Kathy Fisher, has contributed to the lyrics.
The film will begin production in early October, filmed entirely in New York City. Although it will not be released commercially, supporters on the film's crowd-funding site, Kickstarter, will be able to pre-order the film's soundtrack and DVD, as well as other rewards including autographed memorabilia, an invitation to the premiere, and a chance to appear in the film.
Here is the link to the Kickstarter page http://kck.st/MJA6ry where you can also read all about Mark's fascinating journey and how he got to Sing Along. For more information about the film, go to www.singalongmovie.com.
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Monday, July 30, 2012
Age is Only a Number and THE BEAT GOES ON!
Now extended through November 25!
Rockin’ with The Ages & The Pink Lady present the world premiere of The Beat Goes On! A Musical Celebration of the Young at Heart, featuring musical direction by David O, and written, choreographed and directed by Ovation Award-winner Cate Caplin. The Beat Goes On! will begin previews on Thursday, October 4 and will have two Opening nights on Friday, October 12th and Saturday, October 13th and will continue through Sunday, November 11th at the Theatre of Arts Arena Stage, 1625 N. Las Palmas Avenue in Hollywood.
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players”…well, at least until they hit 60! What happens when a troupe of “down-on-their-luck” show biz veterans meet head-on with the opportunity of a lifetime? Do they still have what it takes? Find out in the joyously infectious, The Beat Goes On!, an all-singing, all-dancing musical extravaganza featuring the songs you know and love, from the decades that produced our richest cavalcade of everlasting hits, and starring a generation that is not afraid to get up, get out and get a life. All performers in this production are 60 Years Young and Over!
Ten years ago, at age 70, the Pink Lady, dynamic Jackie Goldberg, became a widow. Her children were no longer at home and her 9 to 5 job was over. Now, it was her time. She created a series of seminars, “Get Up, Get Out, & Get a Life,” to encourage fellow baby boomers and seniors to follow new paths and open new doors to enhance their lives. At the same time, Jackie began appearing in stage plays and commercials. Prior to reinventing herself, Jackie worked in the fashion industry for forty years. Dressing in pink became her trademark. She loves being surrounded by the positive energy of the color.
The success of her senior advocacy seminars and her love of the theatre crystallized into her founding Senior Star Power Productions as part of her dream to revitalize the careers of senior performers who are being ignored by the mainstream entertainment industry. She is also the creator and producer of a live stage show, Rockin’ With the Ages, featuring performers over the age of 60. Her motto is: “To think pink is to see everything in life as beautiful and filled with love.” As she says, “Age is only a number.”
The Beat Goes On! will be double-cast which will feature over 3000 years of life experience live on stage! The casts will include: Anna Pagan, Barbara Haber, Bill Bartlett, Bobbi Stamm, Carmelita Pittman, Carol Woodbury, Debbie Bartlett, Derrel Maury, Dominick Morra, Donald Wayne, Henry Selvitelle, Joe Giamalva, Kit Smythe, Lani Ridley Pedrini, Larry Lederman, Marcia Rodd, Michele Bernath, Michelle Gillette, Phyllis Lovit, Richard Fox, Rick Solomon, Robert Towers, Ruben Rabasa, Susie Ewing, Tammy (Tamara) Reed and Vernon McGhee.
Ticket prices are $34 general, $29 student/senior/union. Previews are $25. For tickets, please call 818-606-6679 or email pinklady7@earthlink.net.
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Are You There God? It’s Me, Karen Carpenter Plays the Cavern Club
Are You There God? It’s Me, Karen Carpenter -The Musical returns to Los Angeles for a limited engagement. The musical mash-up parody that rocked the Attic Theatre this past Spring returns for a command limited engagement at the Cavern Club Theatre in Silverlake. Originally produced by the Attic Theatre, this production played to standing room only crowds in its initial limited engagement and due to popular demand is slated to return in this new venue this August.
Loosely based on Judy Blume’s popular coming of age novel published in 1970, this musical parody lovingly recalls the sights, sentiments and sounds of the era with such songs from the Carpenters catalog as “Rainy Days and Mondays,” “Close to You,” “Top of the World” and “We’ve Only Just Begun.”
Come watch Margaret as she moves to New Jersey, falls in love with the boy next door, enters sixth grade, joins an all-girl group, obsesses about bras and sanitary belts and (finally!) becomes a woman – all while singing the hits of the Carpenters!
Conceived, written and directed by Dane Whitlock with choreography by Kim Hale, Are You There God? It’s Me, Karen Carpenter features Carey Peters, Jennifer Blake and Drew Droege. Internet sensation Droege was awarded the 2010 Outfest Film Festival Emerging Talent Award and is widely known for his viral video spoofs of Chloe Sevigny.
Rounding out the ensemble are Groundlings alum Amy Procacci, Libby Baker, Rae Dawn Hadinger, Joe Donohoe, Brad Griffith and Matthew Herrmann.
The musical runs August 16 - 25 with performances Friday and Saturday evening at 9 PM. The Cavern Club Theatre is located downstairs at Casita Del Campo Restaurant, 1920 Hyperion Avenue, Silverlake, CA 90027. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Click Here for tickets.
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Sunday, July 29, 2012
Pantages Theatre Live-Streams Celebrity Red Carpet at MEMPHIS July 31st
In celebration of the L.A. premiere of the 2010 Tony-Winning® Best Musical MEMPHIS, the Pantages Theatre is hosting a fully produced red carpet broadcast which will be streamed live on the official Pantages Theatre UStream and Facebook pages. This live streaming red carpet broadcast marks the first of its kind for a major Los Angeles touring Broadway premiere.
LA Talk Radio personality Michael Sterling hosts the special 45 minute broadcast which will include interviews with stars of the MEMPHIS national tour and Hollywood celebrities from the worlds of film, television and stage. Additionally, as MEMPHIS is a major theatrical celebration of the national rock and roll influence of radio disc jockeys, Pantages Theatre has extended a very special red carpet invitation to major L.A. radio personalities to chat with Mr. Sterling on the red carpet; sharing their love of radio, music and of course their collective excitement for the L.A. premiere.
The live stream broadcast will also include special behind the scenes looks at the development of MEMPHIS including interviews with Tony winner David Bryan of Bon Jovi (music & lyrics), Joe DiPietro (book) and other members of the show’s original creative and producing team. Fans tuning in will also be given a chance to see footage from the national touring company in rehearsal; and even some never-before-seen footage of the company backstage during performance.
WHEN: Tuesday July 31st from 7pm – 7:45pm
Fans will be able to follow on Twitter using hash tag #PantagesLive.
MEMPHIS will play the Pantages July 31 - August 12. It takes place in the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated 50’s, where a young white DJ named Huey Calhoun fell in love with everything he shouldn’t: rock and roll and an electrifying black singer. MEMPHIS is an original story about the Cultural Revolution that erupted when his vision met her voice, and the music changed forever. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves -- filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock 'n' roll.
To purchase tickets for MEMPHIS go to www.BroadwayLA.org or call 1-800-982-2787.
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Labels: pantages
My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding Comes to L.A.
Having won Most Promising Musical, Best Book, Best Direction and an acting award in the 2010 NYMF awards and earning a nomination for Best Comedic Play in the Canadian Comedy Awards, MMLJWW now comes to Los Angeles.
Presented under the umbrella of the Festival for New American Musicals, as part of their First Look program, MMLJWW will be presented in a workshop concert format, and is intended as a benefit for the American Foundation for Equal Rights, and the Festival for New American Musicals. Authors, and original stars David Hein and Irene Sankoff will be on hand to reprise their roles. Additional casting will be announced shortly.
MMLJWW follows Claire Gilman, newly divorced, as she relocates to Ottawa to begin a new life. There she meets Jane, and the pair fall in love. Set against the backdrop of the legalization of same sex marriage in Canada, the show traces the development of their relationship through the eyes of Claire’s son David.
Kate Sullivan Gibbens directs the show, fresh off a successful re-invention of Spring Awakening at the Hayworth Theatre (as well as a collaboration with Dustin Lance Black on 8), with musical direction by Patrick Burns. MMLJWW is produced by Nathan Gardner, Kate Sullivan Gibbens, Topher Rhys, and the Festival of New American Musicals, in association with John Yonover.
The show plays two performances, August 19 and 20th at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre in Hollywood. Tickets, priced at $25.00 are available by calling (323) 960-5770 or online at http://www.plays411.com/ljwwedding. For more information, please visit www.mmljwwla.com.
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Saturday, July 28, 2012
Coeurage Theatre Company takes on Sondheim's ASSASSINS
Just in time for election season, Coeurage Theatre Company presents a bold production of Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins, the polarizing musical about men and women who have attempted to assassinate U.S. presidents throughout American history.
Originally produced in 1991, the show only grows more relevant as the country progresses toward an uncertain future. From the events of September 11th, which delayed the piece’s scheduled Broadway debut, to the wars sparked by the failed assassination attempts on George H.W. Bush by Saddam Hussein and on Bill Clinton by Osama bin Laden, Assassins continues to hold a staggering topicality.
Some critics have accused the musical of humanizing the assassins portrayed in the show, but director Julianne Donelle was careful not to glorify their actions: “Assassins is told through the eyes of the ‘bad guy.’ But just because we hear their stories doesn't mean we empathize with the horrific crimes they commit. A great way to prevent is to understand.”
Donelle has harbored a passion to direct the musical since appearing in a production several years ago: “It is surprisingly funny and tragic at the same time. There is no composer and lyricist who takes more risks than Sondheim. His spirit of adventure always inspires me to be more creative and innovative as an artist.”
Donelle has expanded the roles of the ensemble, making them active participants in the telling of the story. She’s also changed the gender of their leader, the Proprietor. Making the enterprising character a woman enhances the female presence of the testosterone-filled cast, and adds a dimension of sexuality to her manipulation of the characters.
The cast will feature Jonas Barranca, Jesse Bradley, Gedaly Guberek, Mark Jacobson, Aimee Karlin, Jason Peter Kennedy, Graham Kurtz, Gary Lamb, Jeremy Lelliott, Nicole Monet, Kim Reed, Nick Rocz, Christopher Roque, Christine Sinacore, Sammi Smith, and Ryan Wagner.
Gregory Nabours will music direct and provide arrangements. The design team includes Brooke Baldwin (scenic design), Michelle Stann (lighting), Bryan Williams (sound), Kara McLeod (costumes).
Assassins runs August 2 – September 9 with an opening night gala on Friday, August 3rd at Actors Circle Theatre, 7313 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046. Click Here for tickets.
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Labels: coeurage theatre
Friday, July 27, 2012
3-D Theatricals' AVENUE Q: A Little Bit Shocking and a Whole Lotta Funny
Talk about bullet-proof. The Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q is one of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen, and while leading man/puppet Princeton may spend the 2 hours and 15 minutes of show time searching for his purpose in life, 3-D Theatricals accomplishes its own purpose effortlessly. There’s no way you’ll leave the theatre without being entertained, a little bit shocked, and feeling better than when you came in.
There wouldn’t be an Avenue Q without its inspiration, the educational children’s TV series, Sesame Street, home to a very famous group of muppets set in a happy, fictional neighborhood in New York City. Creators Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx and Jeff Whitty satirize everything about the wholesome show by adding an abundance of adult humor to the everyday comings and goings of the puppets, monsters, and humans that live way out on the Avenue. Full of bright, bouncy songs, and lyrics that make you do a double take, they prove you can get away with almost anything…as long as it’s said by a puppet.
Nothing is off limits in Avenue Q. “It Sucks to be Me,” “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist,” “I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today,” and “You Can Be As Loud As the Hell You Want (When You’re Having Sex) are only a few of the songs that will make you laugh out loud. Want to gauge the success of the show? Listen to the many audience members singing the catchy tunes at intermission and after the show walking out to their cars and you’ll see just how much people go crazy over Avenue Q. Of course there’s also puppet sex, inappropriate language, Internet porn, and partial puppet nudity, so it’s designated for mature audiences. You can bet teens will love it.
Also part of the neighborhood are the unforgettable puppets: kindergarten teacher Kate Monster (Caitlin Humphreys) whose dream is to start a school for monsters so they don’t have to feel so alone, “odd couple” roommates Nicky (Nathan Danforth) and Rod (Pardo again, as an uptight Republican who doesn’t realize he’s gay), a loudmouth Internet porn-surfing monster named Trekkie (Danforth), and a hot tomato lounge singer named Lucy the Slut (Humphreys).
And still, hidden amid all the comedy and jokes is a moral that touches the heart. You’ve got to go after the things you want before you run out of time. There’s a fine, fine line between love, and a waste of time.
Following this weekend’s performances at Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton the show will move to the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center for a final weekend of performances. Click Here for tickets to either location.
Here's the final disclaimer that says it all:
WARNING: THIS SHOW RECEIVES AN R RATING, CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE, ADULT THEMES, PARTIAL PUPPET NUDITY AND MAY BE DEEMED TOO FUNNY FOR SOME HUMANS! Get your tickets now!
Pictured above:
1). The cast of 3-D Theatricals' Avenue Q
2). Louis Pardo as Princeton and the cast of Avenue Q
3). Trekkie Monster, Teya Patt and Nathan Danforth
4). Kate Monster, Caitlin Humphreys
Photos by Isaac James Creative
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Pictured above:
1). The cast of 3-D Theatricals' Avenue Q
2). Louis Pardo as Princeton and the cast of Avenue Q
3). Trekkie Monster, Teya Patt and Nathan Danforth
4). Kate Monster, Caitlin Humphreys
Photos by Isaac James Creative
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Labels: 3D Theatricals
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Broadway in the Park Makes JOSEPH Accessible to Families
Executive Producer Jeff Cason says, “The brightest moments of my childhood were attending shows with my family and being transported to these amazing imaginary worlds through storytelling on the stage. The reality today is that families just can't afford to experience the arts together. It's too expensive and too stuffy. Broadway In The Park is all about making the arts accessible again.”
Returning this year is Broadway In The Park's popular outreach program Charity Partners, where local non-profits are featured at the festival and 10% of the gate sales are donated to their cause. Additionally, over 300 tickets are being donated to underprivileged children and families who, because of poverty or family circumstances, wouldn't otherwise make it to the theatre.
This year's Charity Partners program is sponsored in part by NRG Energy. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat tells the story of a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph uses his incredible gift to find freedom and sets out to reunite his family once again. Featuring such songs as "Close Every Door," "Any Dream Will Do," and "A Pharaoh Story," this high-energy musical features a cast of 35 professional and local actors, presented with full sets, costumes, and lighting out on the baseball field.
Tickets are on sale now and are available online at www.esbroadway.com. The event takes place at El Segundo Recreation Park Softball field, located on the corner of Eucalyptus Drive and Grand Ave in El Segundo. Tickets are good for any one night of the festival and cost $20 adults, $12 children. Gates open 6:00pm, Community Pre-Show at 7:00pm, and Joseph... starts at 7:30pm. For more information, visit www.esbroadway.com or call (310) 954-1425.
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Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Kritzerland Presents The Burt Bacharach Album
Update: Kritzerland has announced that its special guest for this show will be Daisy Eagan. Daisy became the youngest female to win a Tony Award in 1991 for "Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical" for playing Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden.
* * * * * * *
Kritzerland at Sterling’s Upstairs at The Federal presents The Burt Bacharach Album Sunday, August 5th at 7:00 pm starring Danny Gurwin, Kim Huber, Dennis Kyle, Lisa Livesay, and Jane Noseworthy with music director Tom Griep and hosted by Bruce Kimmel.
Based on the 1996 album produced by Kimmel, this tribute to one of the greatest pop composers in history will be a tuneful treat through mostly Bacharach and David-land, featuring many of their classic and iconic pop songs, such as “The Look of Love,” “One Less Bell to Answer,” “A House Is Not a Home,” “Anyone Who Had a Heart,” “Walk on By,” “Alfie,” and many more. They’ll also include songs from Burt and Hal’s great Broadway show, Promises, Promises, as well as some less well known Bacharach and David songs from their TV musical, On the Flip Side, and their film musical, Lost Horizon.
For reservations call (818) 754-8700.
Your phone reservation will be confirmed.
Dinner reservations: From 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
$28/person: $18 cover + $10 food minimum
Reservations highly recommended.
Sterling’s at The Federal is located at 5303 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. The Federal Bar is adjacent to the El Portal Theatre. Parking is available – entrance for Federal lot is on Weddington Street (directly behind the building) at $3.50. There is also available street parking. Click Here for more information about Sterling’s Upstairs at The Federal.
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Labels: kritzerland
Brittany Snow Attends Spring Awakening: In Concert's Opening
The Hayworth Theatre walls shook Friday night as glory|struck’s musical reinvention, Spring Awakening: In Concert took to the stage and wowed a packed opening night audience. The trend continued throughout the production’s first weekend, selling out every performance.
Producers Topher Rhys, Jamie Lee Barnard, and Nathan Gardner have aligned the production with Love is Louder, a campaign started by The Jed Foundation, MTV, and Brittany Snow to support anyone feeling mistreated, misunderstood, or alone. Online, and in communities around the world, the movement is raising volume on a critical message: That love and support are more powerful than the external and internal voices that bring us down, cause us pain, and make us feel hopeless.
In attendance on Opening Night were Brittany Snow, and Love is Louder’s Director, Courtney Knowles.
“We are proud that this production of Spring Awakening is promoting and benefiting the Love is Louder movement,” Mr. Knowles said. “So many of the musical’s themes are relevant to the teenagers and young adults who power our movement.”
This rock-infused presentation, helmed by director Kate Sullivan Gibbens, with musical direction by Michael Christopher Luebke, is a theatre-concert hybrid that focuses sharply on music and its story, recalling the energy of an East Village music bar as opposed to a traditional “uptown” venue. Audiences will be left with art in its purist, most unadulterated form: the music, the dialogue, and the message.
The cast includes Kelley Jakle (the upcoming movie "Pitch Perfect") Nathan Parrett ("The Voice"), Payson Lewis (“The Sing Off”), Olivia Noelle, Anthony Starble, Caitlin Ary, Jonah Platt, Topher Rhys, Jamie Lee Barnard, Jilli Marine, Michael Christopher Luebke, Paul T. Brindley and Alissa-Nicole Koblentz.
Spring Awakening will play three more performances in its limited engagement, closing on July 29, 2012. Click Here for tickets, priced at $25.00 or call (323) 960-7780. Click Here for more information.
Photo:
Top Row (L to R) Nathan Parrett, Caitlin Ary, Alissa-Nicole Koblentz, Anthony Starble, Jilli Marine
Middle Row (L to R) Payson Lewis, Jonah Platt, Olivia Noelle, Jamie Lee Barnard, Kelley Jakle, Michael Christopher Luebke, Topher Rhys, Kate Sullivan Gibbens
Bottom Row (L to R) Courtney Knowles, Brittany Snow
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Ojai Playwrights Conference to run August 8-12
One of the highlights of the Festival will be Milestones: A 15th Anniversary OPC Celebration - a special performance event on Thursday, August 9, 7:30 pm at Matilija Auditorium. Showcasing the talents of female writers, playwrights and performers in an evening that speaks to the joys, pains, courage and hope associated with life’s major milestones, the program will include original monologues, music and musings on life's significant transitions. There will be original pieces about birth, marriage, death, love and lost-love. Tickets are $20 and may be ordered at www.ojaiplays.org.
Participants are prize-winning playwright Julia Cho, stage and TV actress Linda Gehringer, actress and screenwriter Michelle Joyner, Golden Globe songwriter Amanda McBroom, OPC co-founder and actress Kim Maxwell, Army Wives writer T.D. Mitchell, OBIE Award-winning actress and writer Nikkole Salter, author and actress Agapi Stassinopoulos, HBO’s In Treatment writer Sarah Treem, writer of plays and musicals Annie Weisman, acclaimed solo playwright Charlayne Woodard, and pianist Michelle Brourman.
The OPC Summer New Works Festival will feature nine events over five days including the return of one of America’s finest playwrights, Terrence McNally, with a brand new play entitled And Away We Go as the closing event on Sunday, August 12. Other established and up-and-coming playwrights participating in the conference with new works are Luis Alfaro, Robert Askins, Jennifer Haley, Matt Hoverman and Liza Powel O’Brien.
Tickets range from $10 to $25 (note: $10 student pricing for select performances only). An All Access Festival Pass, that includes admission to all nine events, is $190. Festival schedule, details on the playwrights and ticket information available at www.ojaiplays.org or by calling (805) 640-0400.
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Labels: ojai playwrights conference
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
The Old Globe Presents an Autism-Friendly Performance of THE GRINCH
Big shout out to our friends at The Old Globe for offering an autism-friendly performance of the holiday musical Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m. Following in the footsteps of successful autism-friendly performances of The Lion King and Mary Poppins on Broadway, The Grinch will be performed in a friendly and supportive environment for children on the autism spectrum and their families.
Slight adjustments will be made to the production including fewer loud noises and flashing lights that may be challenging for some audience members. Tickets to the Dec. 15 autism-friendly performance go on sale Sept. 9. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! will run Nov. 17 - Dec. 29 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. For additional information, visit www.TheOldGlobe.org/autism.
In addition to the adjustments made to the show, additional features will help make the experience safer and more enjoyable for children with autism and other sensitivity issues. To better prepare children for the performance, a pre-show visit to the Globe will be offered to familiarize children with Balboa Park and the Old Globe Theatre. An online social story will also be available for parents to view and print at home that will outline in words and pictures the experience that families will undergo during their trip to see Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
The lobby of the theater will serve as a quiet area if a child needs to leave their seat during the show. On-site volunteers will be on hand to assist families as needed as they arrive at the Old Globe Theatre and throughout the performance. Theatre Development Fund’s (TDF) Autism Theatre Initiative serves as an advisor for The Old Globe’s autism-friendly Grinch performance (www.tdf.org/autism).
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 15th incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “This Time of Year,” “Santa for a Day” and “Fah Who Doraze,” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.
It features book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin. The original production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! was conceived and directed by Jack O’Brien with additional lyrics by Theodor S. Geisel, additional music by Albert Hague and original choreography by John DeLuca. James Vasquez returns to direct this year’s production.
The Old Globe is located in San Diego’s Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way. There are numerous free parking lots available throughout the park. For additional parking information visit www.BalboaPark.org.
Photo: Caitlin McAuliffe as Cindy-Lou Who and Steve Blanchard as The Grinch in the 2011 production of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at The Old Globe. The annual holiday musical runs Nov. 19 - Dec. 31, 2011. Photo by Henry DiRocco.
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Labels: old globe
Monday, July 23, 2012
Theatre West Presents The Fantasticks Beginning August 31
The Fantasticks, with book & lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt, is one of American musical theatre’s most enduring, popular musicals. It ran off-Broadway for 46 straight years, 1960-2002, then re-opened in 2006 and is still running in New York today. Now it comes to Theatre West August 31 – October 7, directed and produced by Charlie Mount with musical direction by Graham Jackson.
The tale follows next-door-neighbors Matt and Luisa who have grown up together and have fallen in love. Their fathers approve and conspire to bring them closer together. Once the young couple learns of their fathers’ approval, they reject their dads’ plan (as kids always do), and set off on their separate adventures in the world. Removed from the comfort of home they experience bitter disillusionment, but eventually find their way back to each other with a wiser, more mature and deeper love for one another. The Fantasticks features beautiful classic songs like “Try to Remember” and “Soon It’s Gonna Rain.”
The cast includes Lukas Bailey, Molly Reynolds, Joey Jennings, Roger Kent Cruz, Steve Nevil, Don Moss, Yancey Dunham (except Sept. 7-9), Lee Meriwether (except Sept. 7-9), Maria Kress (on Sept 7- 9) and Charlie Mount (on Sept. 7-9). Set design is by Jeff G. Rack and lighting design is by Yancey Dunham. Elliot Schwartz is the assistant director and Neil Elliot is production assistant.
The Fantasticks runs Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. Theatre West is located at 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, in Los Angeles, CA 90068 near Universal City, North Hollywood and Studio City. There is free parking in a lot across the street. For tickets and more information call 323-851-7977 or go to www.theatrewest.org.
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Saturday, July 21, 2012
Turn Up That Dial for MEMPHIS at the Pantages Theatre
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| Felicia Boswell and Bryan Fenkart. Photo by Paul Kolnik |
From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves – filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. MEMPHIS will play the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood for a limited 2 week engagement July 31 - August 12.
Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, MEMPHIS, which played pre-Broadway at the La Jolla Playhouse, features a Tony-winning book by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) and a Tony-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. Directing is Tony nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu), and choreography is by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys).
MEMPHIS stars Bryan Fenkart as Huey Calhoun, Felicia Boswell as Felicia, Quentin Earl Darrington as Delray, Rhett George as Gator, Julie Johnson as Gladys, Will Mann as Bobby and William Parry as Mr. Simmons.
Also included in the company are Chelsey Arce, Alexander Aguilar, Whitney Leigh Brown, Whitney Cooper, Tami Dahbura, Scott Difford, Christopher Gurr, Daisy Hobbs, Adrienne Howard, Crystal Joy, Kyle Leland, Jarvis McKinley, Kenna Michelle Morris, Jill Morrison, Austin Owen, Kent Overshown, Lynorris Evans, Justin Prescott, Jody Reynard, Derek St. Pierre and Peter Matthew Smith.
Orchestra level tickets for MEMPHIS start at just $25 and are available online at www.BroadwayLA.org or by calling 1-800-982-2787. The Pantages Theatre is located at 6233 Hollywood Blvd, just east of Vine Street, and the box office opens daily at 10am. For more information, visit www.MemphisTheMusical.com.
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Labels: pantages