Wednesday, May 8, 2013
What's Happening Around Town for May 8, 2013
The Colony Theatre has announced that the final production of its Season of Premieres, the world premiere of Falling For Make Believe, is a sellout smash hit, and will add a special performance Sunday, May 12 to accommodate the demand for tickets. With music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, book by Mark Saltzman, and directed by Jim Fall, the show was greeted by rave reviews [read ours HERE] and such enthusiastic word-of-mouth that the announced performances have sold out quickly.
“We have been working on this show with Mark for over two years,” says artistic director Barbara Beckley, “so to watch it come together so beautifully, and then have the critics and the public embrace it so enthusiastically, is incredibly gratifying.” When asked about a possible extension, executive director Trent Steelman responded, “it’s a big show and an extension will depend on the availability of key people as well as other factors, but we’re definitely considering it.” For further information and tickets, call (818) 558-7000 or visit www.colonytheatre.org.
Thousand Oaks Goes Legally Blonde
Elle Woods is going to Harvard, and making her Thousand Oaks and regional professional debut, as Legally Blonde: The Musical takes the stage at the Civic Arts Plaza July 19 – 28. This funny and heartwarming story of the college student who fights for her dignity, and finds herself along the way, has been turned from a popular movie into a bubbly and energetic Broadway show. It features music & lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and a book by Heather Hach, U.C.L.A. student, Emma Degerstedt [pictured above], who starred in the original production of Thirteen at the Mark Taper Forum, plays Elle, and she’s joined by Matt Bauer as Emmett, John D. LeMay as Professor Callahan, and Lowe Taylor as Paulette. Natalie Storrs co-stars as Vivienne. Recreating the choreography of Jerry Mitchell is director Tiffany Engen, who performed in the Broadway and National Tours of Legally Blonde. She will be joined by musical director Darryl Archibald. A post-show discussion will follow the Saturday, July 20th, 2pm performance and a signed performance for the deaf and hard-of-hearing will take place on the Friday, July 26th performance. For more information and tickets, visit www.cabrillomusictheatre.com.
Ryan Black’s 88’s is back at Don’t Tell Mama, every Wednesday beginning May 15th at 8pm. There is no cover charge and seats may be reserved with a dinner reservation by calling (323) 380-7209, or you can reserve online HERE. Singers featured at this performance include Brandon Alameda, Aaron Beaumont, Gina Coconato, Robin De Lano, Laura Dickinson, Emma Fitzpatrick, Shelly Goldstein, William Martinez, Rene Millan, Sarah Jane Nelson, Katrina Parker, Kristin Towers Rowles, Vanessa Stewart, Rena Strober, and Shannon Warne. Open mic after the show so bring your music and you can sing too. For more information visit www.facebook.com/RyanBlacks88s.
Hanistarot and Son of Semele will present the world premiere of Starcrosser’s Cut, a new play written and directed by Joseph Tepperman, with a score by composer David Dominique. Performing Dominique’s contemporary impressionistic score are Leah Harmon on accordion, Sammi Lee on flute, Heather Lockie on viola, and Alex Noice on guitar. The cast features Shawn Lockie as Lisa and Tom Colitt as Camuso. Inspired by true events, Starcrosser’s Cut is an inner-space detective story, a cassette symphony in the tradition of Krap’s Last Tape, and an indictment of the nihilism of the U.S. Space Program. Performances will be held at Son of Semele Theater, 3301 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, June 6 – 16.
In 2007, after driving nine hundred miles in an attempt to murder her romantic rival, astronaut Lisa Nowak was arrested. Based loosely on the real-life transcript of Nowak’s police interview, a character known only as “Lisa” listens back to the tape, re-enacts her interview with the detective, and attempts to re-record it all. Through a labyrinth of tape edits and revisions within revisions, Starcrosser’s Cut takes an unflinching look at the “crimes that are ours to do.” Seating is general admission and tickets are available now at www.starcrosserscut.com.
The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle has elected new officers for its 2013-2014 term. Terry Morgan (laist.com) will serve as president, Bob Verini (artsinla.com; variety.com) will take on the duties of vice president and secretary, Sharon Perlmutter (talkinbroadway.com) will fill the post of awards chair, Hoyt Hilsman (huffingtonpost.com) will fulfill the office of treasurer and Deborah Klugman (laweekly.com) has been chosen as web content editor. The LADCC, now in its forty-fourth year, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to excellence in theatrical criticism and to the encouragement and improvement of theatre in Greater Los Angeles. Further information about the Circle, articles by members and details of the annual LADCC Awards may be accessed at www.ladramacriticscircle.com.
Bend in the Road, the new musical comedy that premiered at the Carrie Hamilton Theatre at the Pasadena Playhouse in 2012 has been selected to appear at the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) this summer. Based on the classic novel Anne of Green Gables, it centers on young Anne Shirley, an orphan who is mistakenly adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. Although they had hoped for a boy to help with their Avonlea farm, Anne’s joyous, intelligent and vivacious spirit changes the lives of all those around her. Written by Benita Scheckel (book & lyrics) and Michael Upward (music & lyrics), the musical will play five performances only, July 18 – 28 at PTC Performance Space, 555 West 42nd Street (between Tenth & Eleventh Ave.) The cast will be headed by Alison Woods as Anne Shirley, under the direction of Benjamin Endsley Klein. www.BendInTheRoadMusical.com
Search for a Twitter Composer Competition
This came in from one of our musical theatre pals across the pond: “I wonder if you’re aware of the Search for a Twitter Composer run by @westendproducer that helps to encourage new musicals. I’m entering my musical Footsteps to the Moon and I'd be grateful if you would vote for me, Rod Anderson, at: http://bit.ly/18ogaaE. You can hear the songs on SoundCloud Here. If you like them, I'd be delighted if you could share with your friends. Thanks so much.” Rod Anderson @footsteps_moon www.westendproducer.co.uk. Good luck Rod and all!
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Labels: cabrillo music theatre, colony theatre, ladcc, ryan black, son of semele
