Thursday, August 22, 2013
Late August Update: There's a Lot Going On!
I’m still on hiatus but so much is happening that I decided to post an update of What’s Happening! Now, back to my fishing...Openings: 3-D Theatricals presents Funny Girl, directed by Michael Matthews, choreographed by Kami Seymour and musically directed by Gerald Sternbach, Sept 6 – 22 at Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton and Sept 27 – 29 in Redondo Beach. Featuring a book by Isobel Lennart, music by Jule Styne, and lyrics by Bob Merrill, it is based on the life and career of Fanny Brice and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nick Arnstein. It stars Nicole Parker as Fanny Brice and Josh Adamson as Nick Arnstein, with Jean Kaufman (Mrs. Brice), Helen Geller (Mrs. Strakosh), Carol Kline (Mrs. Meeker), Gregory North (Florenz Zeigfeld), Jill Van Velzer (Mrs. O’Malley), Micaela Martinez (Emma), Erik McEwen (Ziegfeld Tenor), Christopher Roque (John, the Stage Manager), Jamie Snyder (Tom Keeney), Venny Carranza (Eddie/ Dance Capt), and Nick Adorno, Jules Chavarria, Ryan Chlanda, Carrie Hacker, Nicole Manly, Sarah Meals, Leslie Miller, Nathan Mohebbi, Ramone Owens, Dylan Pass, Robert Ramirez, Laura Rensing, Amber-Sky Skipps, Allyson Spiegelman, Matthew Thurmond, and Tory Trowbridge. Tickets: (714) 589-2770 x 1 or www.3DTshows.com
The Colony Theatre presents the west coast premiere of Breath and Imagination: The Story of Roland Hayes, a true story by Daniel Beaty, directed by Saundra McClain, with musical direction by Rahn Coleman. Previews begin on September 11 and opening night is set for Saturday, Sept. 14 at 8pm. The will run through October 13. Roland Hayes made history as the first world-renowned African-American classical singer. He was the son of slaves, and grew up in poverty on a Georgia plantation. As a man, he became the toast of two continents, headlining at Carnegie Hall and singing for kings and queens of Europe, blazing a path for Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, and countless others who came after. In this extraordinary, inspiring play filled with music, audiences will discover how the gift of his father’s pocket watch set him on his remarkable journey to greatness. Elijah Rock plays Hayes; Karan Kendrick will play his mother, Angel Mo’, and Kevin Ashworth is The Accompanist. Tickets: (818) 558-7000 ext. 15 or www.colonytheatre.org.
The Pokémusical is back by popular demand following its sold-out run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. It re-opens on Sept. 6 for a four-week run at Theatre Asylum–The Elephant Space. The Pokémusical follows the first journey of Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu and the rest of the crew from the original games and animé as they traverse Kanto - this time with a little added song and dance. Viewed through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy with a dream, their everyman journey shows us what it truly means to be the “very best.” Remember: all good things come to those that take life by the Pokéballs. With an original book and lyrics by Alex Syiek and music by Andrew L. Cooper, The Pokémusical is presented by Color and Light Theatre Ensemble in association with DOMA Theatre Company and Combined Artform. Staging is by Joanna Syiek, with musical direction by Jennifer Lin. Performances are Fridays at 8pm and Saturdays at midnight through Sept. 28. Tickets: (323) 802-4990 or www.colorandlighttheatre.org.
Kentwood Players presents the comedy rock musical Little Shop of Horrors with book by Howard Ashman and music & lyrics by Alan Menken, Sept. 13 – Oct. 19, at the Westchester Playhouse. The production is directed by Michael-Anthony Nozzi, with musical director Joshua Eli Kranz, and produced by Shari Barrett and Sheridan Cole Crawford. It will feature original Audrey II puppets designed by Michael-Anthony Nozzi and costumes designed by Maria Cohen and Arlene Cohen. The cast includes Kristin Towers-Rowles as Audrey and Brett Chapin as Seymour, with Elizabeth Adabale (Ronnette), Shari Barrett, Randy Brown (Orin), David Contreras, John Devereaux, Ruth Andrea Featherstone, Rusty Gregg, Barbara Haberman, Addy Hall, Emma Hall, Trevor Hart, Stephanie Hotz, Carly Linehan (Audrey Sept. 20-22), Amanda Majkrzak (Crystal), Peter Miller (Mr. Mushnik), Fiona Okida, Michael Sandidge, Ethan Schyman, Hollister Starrett, Cole Edward Wagner, and Brittney S. Wheeler (Chiffon) Tickets: (310) 645-5156 or www.kentwoodplayers.org.
The Old Globe has announced the cast and creative team for The Last Goodbye, a new musical fusing Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with the incendiary songs of the legendary singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley. Conceived and adapted by Michael Kimmel, the rock musical is directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Alex Timbers, with choreography by Sonya Tayeh and orchestrations, music direction and arrangements by Kris Kukul. The Last Goodbye will run Sept. 20 – Nov. 3, with opening night set for Sunday, Oct. 6 at 6:30 pm. Jay Armstrong Johnson will play Romeo and Talisa Friedman will appear as Juliet, along with Hale Appleman (Mercutio), Stephen Bogardus (Friar Lawrence), Nancy Snow Carr (Lady Montague), Shannon Cochran (Lady Capulet), Brandon Gill (Benvolio), Bryan Scott Johnson (Montague), Eric Morris (Paris), Daniel Oreskes (Capulet), Tonye Patano (Nurse), Wallace Smith (Prince Escalus) and Jeremy Woodard (Tybalt) with James Brown III, Billy Bustamante, Drew Foster, Adam Perry, Steve Schepis and Nik Walker (Ensemble), Megan Carmitchel (Offstage Singer) and Bradley Gibson (Swing). Tickets: (619) 23-GLOBE or www.theoldglobe.org.
International City Theatre opens its 2014 season with Let’s Misbehave: The Music and Lyrics of Cole Porter, Jan. 24 – Feb. 16 (previews Jan. 22 & 23). In the California premiere of this de-lovely musical conceived by Karin Bowersock and Patrick Young with book by Bowersock, over 30 classic songs by Cole Porter are woven together to tell the story of three single friends in 1930s New York who make a pact to find true love. Their quest is all in good fun until two of the women, Alice and Dorothy, find they have eyes for the same man. It’s clever, funny and irresistibly romantic, featuring songs like “Night and Day,” “Begin the Beguine” and “Anything Goes” from one of America's most beloved and prolific musical theater composers. For information about the complete 2014 season and to subscribe, call (562) 436-4610 or go to http://ictlongbeach.org/
Santa Monica Playhouse is currently presenting Adults, Keep Out!, a delightful musical, written mostly for adults, filled with intrigue, adventure, romance, political satire, and liberal doses of humor, dedicated to Indiana Jones, The Game of Thrones (without the nudity) and the Little Rascals - told in the Playhouse signature commedia-circus style. Featuring Kate Bergeron, Gina Rizzo Bishop, Patrick Censoplano, Ryland Dodge, Sarai Jimenez, Obi Ndefo, and Jessica D. Stone. The show plays Saturdays at 7pm & Sundays at 3pm through Sept. 29. Tickets: 310-394-9779 x1 www.santamonicaplayhouse.com
CONCERTS/CABARET: South Coast Chorale celebrates the life of Matthew Shepard, the gay, twenty-one year old college student whose murder helped shed light on the issues of hate and bullying in America, with a musical experience that will move and inspire you. Beyond the Fence honors his memory on the 15th anniversary of his passing. Performances of Beyond the Fence will take place October 11, 12, 18 &19 at 8pm and October 13 & 20 at 2pm at Scottish Rite Theater, 855 Elm Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813. For more info: www.sccsingers.com
On Friday, August 30, Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles will once again bring Los Angeles together for its annual outdoor Soundtracks Sing-Along at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. This year, they’ll be crooning to the tunes of Saturday Night Fever, the legendary 1977 movie musical starring John Travolta as disco king Tony Manero. Relive all the trendsetting music of the Bees Gees, KC and the Sunshine Band, Kool & the Gang and more, against the backdrop of Tony’s encounters with love, parents, racial tension and of course, those famous dance moves. https://gmcla.secure.force.com/ticket
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts announced the return of Tribute Fridays 2013, featuring some of the most extraordinary tribute bands performing anywhere in the world. Performances include The Garth Guy (Dean Simmons), Tribute to the Music of Garth Brooks with special guest artist Shades of Shania (Kim Simmons), August 30 at 8pm, and House of Floyd, Tribute to the Music of Pink Floyd, September 6 at 8pm. Tickets: (562) 944-9801or (714) 994-6310 or www.lamiradatheatre.com.
MUSE/IQUE, known for counter-conventional presentations that feel more like parties than formal concerts, announces its 2013-14 season, featuring live performances in surprising locations across a limitless range of musical styles. Events include a free family hip-hop dance party launching the season in October, five concerts in the adventurous “Uncorked” series, three outdoor concerts in MUSE/IQUE’s popular “Summer of Sound” series at Caltech’s Beckman Mall, and its first major fundraiser, “Rail-Bound Sound!,” a musical rail-bound adventure from Pasadena to LA’s Union Station. Tickets and info: (626) 539-7085 www.muse-ique.com.
Don’t Tell Mama LA: Wednesday August 28th is SONDHEIM night at Ryan Black’s 88’s. There is no cover charge for the 8pm show and seats may be reserved with a dinner reservation by calling (323) 380-7209. Open mic after the show. Click Here for details.
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Monday, August 12, 2013
Musicals in LA - GONE FISHING
Musical Friends: Thanks for stopping by. I'm taking a few weeks off so the "Gone Fishing" sign is hanging on the backstage door. Regular articles will resume in September but I'll post current news periodically on Facebook and Twitter ... and, okay, an article or two may appear here as well.
Be good - enjoy what's left of the summer and go see a show!
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Sunday, August 11, 2013
Musical News Around Town for August 11, 2013
TELEVISION: PBS will close the 27th season of its critically-acclaimed American Masters series with a look at the life of one of stage and film’s most prolific composers when Marvin Hamlisch: The Way He Was (working title) premieres on December 27, 2013. For my special coverage of the press conference and stories about the composer by Lucie Arnaz, Terre Blair Hamlisch, and Dori Berinstein, Click Here.OPENINGS: Attic Community Theater presents Gilbert & Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore directed by Stacy Holmes, September 6 – 29. The captain’s daughter is in love with an ordinary sailor but her father has a more sophisticated suitor in mind. Will she and her beloved defy convention and set sail for love? Filled with Sullivan's memorable melodies, H.M.S. Pinafore is pure joy and sensational entertainment for everyone, young or old. Attic Community Theater, 2995 W Segerstrom Santa Ana, CA 92704. Parking is free. www.ocact.com
CLASSES: Dan Callaway’s Voice Studio is hosting two August Audition Workouts: Monday, August 26, 7-10:00 pm: Gage Group senior agent Gerry Koch and Bonnie Urseth. And Wednesday, August 28: Artios award-winning casting director Amy Lieberman. Both will takes place at the Singing Cottage, 4922 Vineland Ave., NoHo 91601. Click Here for all the details and to sign up.
INTERNET RADIO: You can hear the first episode of Clifford Bell’s Cabarabia on Global Voice Broadcasting. The debut show, A Visit with Brad Ellis from GLEE, features Brad's moving tribute to his close friend Cory Monteith. (at 18:32) www.gvbradio.com/cabarabia
CABARET/CONCERTS: Ryan O’Connor presents the new Los Angeles cast of BARE at Musical Mondays LA on August 12 at 10:00 pm, featuring Payson Lewis, Jonah Platt, Lindsay Pearce, Katie Stevens and Nathan Parrett. Eleven Nightclub, 8811 Santa Monica Blvd, W. Hollywood, CA 90060. No cover. Click Here for info.
On Friday, August 16 at 7:00 pm, GLEH and Chris Isaacson present Upright Cabaret at GLEH; a monthly charitable cabaret series raising awareness of GLEH (Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing) through song. The show will star award-winning jazz singer Raya Yarbrough. Click Here for more info.
Ryan Black’s 88’s at Don’t Tell Mama: Line-up for Wednesday, August 14 at 8pm. Singers featured at this performance include Cortes Alexander, Melissa Bailey, Cassandra Caye, Lisa Datz, Mike Datz, Erin Duncan, Melissa Fahn, Zach Ford, Julie Garnye, Sharlotte Gibson, Ilene Graff, Nicole Pryor, Missi Pyle, Rebecca Spencer, Greg Tapscott, and Adam Wylie, with musical director Greg Nabours on the 88s. Open mic after the show 10pm – 2am. There is no cover charge and seats may be reserved with a dinner reservation by calling (323) 380-7209. Click Here for more info.
SAVE THE DATE: October 21st for Mandy Kaplan’s next MisCast: Wrong Song, Right Singer, an evening of musical theater songs sung by singers who would never get the chance to perform these roles. Sterling’s Upstairs at the Federal. Click Here for info.
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Thursday, August 8, 2013
All the Latest Musical News Around Town for August 8, 2013
OPENINGS: The cast of The Wizard of Oz has been announced. The first North American tour of the new stage adaptation will make its L.A. debut at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre Sept. 17 – Oct. 6 and stars Mike Jackson (Tin Man), Lee MacDougall (Lion), Jamie McKnight (Scarecrow), Robin Evan Willis (Glinda), and Jacquelyn Piro Donovan (Wicked Witch of the West). Rounding out the company are Larry Mannell, Charlotte Moore, Jordan Bell, John Edwards, Kelly Grainger, Julianne Hobby, Jason Huska, Zak Kearns, Ayrin Mackie, Anthony MacPherson, Stewart Adam McKensy, Julia McLellan, Briana Palmer, Kristen Pottle, Alana Randall, Adam Sergison, Andrew Taylor, Devon Tullock, Jesse Weafer, Ryan Wilson and Alyson Workman. The new production of The Wizard of Oz contains all the beloved Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg songs from the Oscar®-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. For more info: www.WizardOfOzTheMusical.com and tickets: www.HollywoodPantages.com.
Adventure and redemption are at the heart of The Burnt Part Boys, a new musical by Mariana Elder (book), Chris Miller (music) and Nathan Tysen (lyrics), opening Sept. 14 at Third Street Theatre. Richard Israel directs an unforgettable coming-of-age story that follows a group of teenagers in West Virginia’s coal country on their life-altering journey to “the burnt part” – the section of the coal mine that took their fathers’ lives. Featuring musical direction by Gregory Nabours and a cast that includes Rich Brunner, Adam Dingeman, Joe Donohoe, Richard Hellstern, Philip Dean Lightstone, Matt Musgrove, Lauren Patten, Aaron Scheff, and Daniel David Stewart. Tickets: www.thirdstreettheatre.org or 323-655-9232.
Storybook Theatre presents its new musical version of Goldilocks And The Three Bears Saturdays at 1:00 pm Oct. 5, 2013 – Feb. 22, 2014. The family show includes plenty of audience participation as the children help Goldilocks in the comical forest adventure and Goldilocks learns that bears can be people too. It features music by Richard Berent, book by Scott Martin, and lyrics by Rob Meurer & Scott Martin, and is directed by Barbara Mallory Schwartz and Lloyd J. Schwartz. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles. There is FREE parking across the street. Tickets: www.theatrewest.org or (818) 761-2203
Laguna Playhouse presents the world premiere production of a new musical play, ROCKSTAR, featuring the music of Franz Liszt and others, written and performed by Hershey Felder and directed by Trevor Hay, Sept. 17 – 29. As a commentary of Liszt’s life, a writer of the New York Times composed an honorary tribute with the headline “Still Wondering If Liszt Was Any Good?” When a museum visitor arrives to the room in which Liszt died with his copy of the newspaper and the article, very strange things begin to occur. Tickets: www.lagunaplayhouse.com or (949) 497-2787
TALKS: The Society of Composers & Lyricists and ASCAP present An Evening with Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Wednesday, August 14th from 7:00 – 10:00 pm, moderated by ASCAP Director of Musical Theatre, Michael Kerker. The Linwood Dunn Theater (Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study), 1313 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, CA 90028. Tickets and info: https://sclbergman.eventbrite.com/
FILM: Erich Bergen has been confirmed to reprise his critically acclaimed portrayal of Bob Gaudio in the film version of Jersey Boys, directed by Clint Eastwood. Bergen played the role in the First National Tour, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas casts of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical.
In Good Ol’ Freda, Freda Kelly tells her stories for the first time in 50 years. Kelly was just a shy Liverpudlian teenager when she was asked to work for a local band named The Beatles hoping to make it big. Though she had no concept of how far they would go, Freda had faith in The Beatles from the beginning, and The Beatles had faith in her. History notes that The Beatles were together for 10 years, but Freda worked for them for 11. As the Beatles’ devoted secretary and friend, Freda was there as history unfolded. One of few films with the support of the living Beatles and featuring original Beatles music, the film offers an insider perspective on the beloved band that changed the music industry. Good Ol’ Freda opens Sept. 6th at at Sundance Sunset Cinemas in West Hollywood. www.magpictures.com/goodolfreda
CABARET/CONCERTS: The Old Globe will present a one-night-only Jeff Buckley Tribute Concert on Monday, Aug. 19 at 7:00 pm that will feature several prominent San Diego artists covering the songs of the legendary musician. The concert coincides with the Globe’s upcoming production of The Last Goodbye, a fusion of Buckley’s music with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Tickets: www.TheOldGlobe.org or (619) 23-GLOBE. Bands scheduled to perform include Jeff Berkley, Stevie Harris, Israel Maldonado and Fernando Apodaca with Todd Hannigan, Veronica May, The Midnight Pine, Eve Selis, Gayle Skidmore, Superunloader and Pete Thurston.
Kristin Chenoweth returns to the Hollywood Bowl August 23rd & 24th for a very special evening of music with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and conductor, Mary-Mitchell Campbell. Tickets: Call (323) 850-2000.
The Grove Theatre in Upland presents two fundraiser concerts. On Friday, August 23rd it’s ELVISPALOOZA. Elvis Presley Tribute Artists from the Southern California area will lend their time and talents in a one night only tribute concert dedicated to helping save the historic Grove Theatre. On August 24th, Toni Morrell, who has achieved international recognition as a Singer-Comedienne-Actor-Entertainer and Voice Artist, will headline Singing for the Grove. Artists include Melodye Dewine, David Dial, Deborah Johnson performing with her son, David Johnson, Ginger Kinison, Sherry Kinison and more. Tickets for both shows are available at http://www.grovetheatre.com or (909) 920-4343.
DANCE: LA So-Cal Dance Invitational, presented by South Coast Dance Arts Alliance, has been announced for Saturday, August 31 at 8pm at the Ford Theatres. Five acclaimed Southern California dance companies will perform: Nannette Brodie Dance Theatre, Andy Vaca’s Jazzworks-Long Beach, LA Contemporary Dance Company, Luminario Ballet, and Regina Klenjoski Dance Company. More than 55 performers are set to participate. Ford Theatres, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, in Hollywood, 90068. Showtime is 8pm, and tickets are on sale now. www.fordtheatres.org or call (323) 461-3673. For more info: www.socaldanceinvitational.org. The LA So-Cal Dance Invitational is part of the Ford Theatres 2013 Summer Amphitheatre Season, a multi-disciplinary arts series produced by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission in cooperation with Los Angeles County-based arts organizations. For a complete season schedule, directions to the amphitheatre and parking information, visit www.FordTheatres.org.
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Wednesday, August 7, 2013
First Look: BARE Revival Comes to the Hayworth Theatre
Tickets are now on sale for the Los Angeles revival of bare, produced by glory|struck productions. Performances begin September 5th at the historic Hayworth Theatre in downtown L.A. This production will preserve the authors' original vision and is not the revised version recently seen off-Broadway.The electrifying rock musical will star Payson Lewis (NBC's The Sing Off, Victorious), Jonah Platt (The Office), Lindsay Pearce (Glee, The Glee Project), Katie Stevens (FOX's American Idol), Nathan Parrett (NBC's The Voice), Caitlin Ary, Kelsey Hainlen, Casey Hayden, Christopher Higgins, Reesa Ishiyama, Harrison Meloeny and Katherine Washington, with original bare cast members Stephanie Andersen and John Griffin returning to the show alongside Alissa-Nicole Koblentz as the adult figures. www.plays411.com/bare
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| The cast of the Los Angeles production of bare. Photos by Nicole Priest |
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Tuesday, August 6, 2013
At Zombie Joe's They're Dancing on the Edge
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| Donna Noelle Ibale and JJ Dubon. Photos by Denise Devin |
No matter what kind of a production ZJU Theatre Group is working on you can bet they’ll throw themselves into it with everything they’ve got. Their latest, a dance performance piece called Dancing on the Edge, is no exception. Staying true to their overall aesthetic of raw, creative, smartly crafted original works, it blends multiple styles of movement and dance to create an emotionally rich experience completely free of words.
Denise Devin directs the seven dancers (JJ Dubon, Donna Noelle Ibale, Randall Morris, Zee Smith, Jade Waters-Burch, Cody Whitley, and Nicole Wormley) in solo works and ensemble pieces that have been choreographed by Carrie Nedrow and cast members Ibale, Waters-Burch, Whitley and Morris.
The result is a dynamic range of emotions that finds its characters teetering on the edge – of joy, of despair, of beauty and even pain. Dubon begins the show with “Hurt,” a throbbing, broken-hearted solo that immediately grabs the audience with its dark intensity. In “Ma Coeur Mort,” featuring Smith, Morris and Ibale, the counterpoint of two dancers vs. one reveals the precarious balance of a relationship through movement.
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| Cody Whitley in "Animal" (And no, that's not the floor. He's upside down on a step ladder against the wall!) |
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| Randall Morris and Zee Smith |
Whitley’s self-choreographed “Animal” is a jaw-dropping, gravity-defying piece of unforgettable athleticism, and Smith kills with her hip hop moves and fast footwork in more than one number. Waters-Burch is all cute and flirty personality in “Vaudeville Circus: Fantasia” and “Clown Frolic.” She joins Wormley and Ibale in a comedy-turned-Pussycat Doll fantasy entitled “Redemption” late in the show that re-invents the threesome as their sexy alter-egos.
“Many Toys Celebrate Solstice” is like being caught in the Twilight Zone of the forest with the oddest bunch of characters ever, and there are numerous comedy bits I won’t spoil by divulging the gags here. A dramatic Paso Doble, a gorgeous Swan Lake ballet with a twist, and moves that could rival contestants on So You Think You Can Dance – all of it adds up to a very moving performance. In a final burst of wild energy, the ensemble closes with Zedd’s “Clarity” and sends the audience out on a high.
I’ll be honest, one of the reasons I wanted to see the show was because the performance space is a tiny black box, with a stage barely six or seven feet deep, though wider than normal with the removal of one of the short rows of seats by the entrance. I wondered if a dance show would work in this small theater. Does it ever. Devin puts her own dance background to good use and creates a natural rise and fall of emotions with her staging that is very powerful. Her dancers are terrific and each one excels at his or her given strengths. It’s a mini-dance spectacular.
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| Jade Waters-Burch |
A Theatrical Dance Event
Directed by Denise Devin
Produced by Zombie Joe
August 3 - Sept 22, 2013
ZJU Theatre Group
4850 Lankershim Blvd.
N. Hollywood, CA 91601
Reservations: (818) 202-4120
Tickets: $15
www.Zombiejoes.com
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Labels: zombie joe's
Sunday, August 4, 2013
What's Happening in Musical News for August 4, 2013
OPENINGS: Broadway In The Park and Gensler present The Wizard Of Oz August 8, 9, 10 &11 at El Segundo Recreation Park Softball Field. Over 2,000 Southern California residents attend the festival, now it its fourth year. Guests bring their own blankets, chairs, and picnic dinners to a ball field that has been transformed into a turn-of-the-century town square with costumed characters and themed dining. Returning this year is Broadway In The Park’s popular outreach program Charity Partners, where local non-profits will be featured at the festival and 10% of the gate sales will be donated to their cause. Over 300 tickets are also being donated to underprivileged children and families who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford a night out at the theatre. (Underwriting provided by Gensler and ArcLight Cinemas). El Segundo Recreation Park Softball field, at the corner of Eucalyptus Dr. and Grand Ave. in El Segundo. Gates open 6:00pm, Community Pre-Show at 7:00pm, and The Wizard Of Oz starts at 7:30pm. www.esbroadway.com.30MM’s Hook comes to The Third Street Theatre August 10 – 25. This latest original work from 30 Minute Musicals features all original music, thrilling adventure, and some surprising elements you’ve never seen from 30MM before. Featured in the cast are Tom Lenk as Peter Pan, Daisy Eagan, Derek Carter, Taylor Coffman, Natalie Cook, Tom Detrinus, Julianne Dowler, Tamara Fernandez, Ryan Garcia, Evan Gaustead, Darren Giglio, Hannah Johnson, Randy Wade Kelley, Elaine Loh, Gianna Masi, Todd Masterson, Dylan Rourke, Samantha Scanlan, Brooke Seguin, and Huntley Woods. Tickets: $15, Pre-sale Tickets: $12. Hook is adapted/directed by Brooke Seguin, produced by Tom Detrinis, with music by Brooke Seguin and Dan Wessels. Click here for info.
Opening Night: The Improvised Musical!®, will play Friday nights at 9:00 pm at IO in Hollywood. The original musical theater improv show is a Broadway-style musical made up on the spot, based on audience suggestion, now in its fourteenth year. Led by director Shulie Cowen, the cast combines the Chicago-style improvisation of the iO and The Second City with the Broadway stylings of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Gilbert & Sullivan, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Bob Fosse, and many more. For info, click here.
La Jolla Playhouse has announced casting for its re-imagining of Henry Krieger (music) and Bill Russell’s (book & lyrics) Side Show, produced in association with the Kennedy Center. Directed by Bill Condon and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast, it will run in the Mandell Weiss Theatre Nov. 5 – Dec. 15. Tickets go on sale September 8. Erin Davie (Grey Gardens) and Emily Padgett (Rock of Ages) will play conjoined twins Violet and Daisy Hilton, respectively. The cast will also include Manoel Felciano as Terry Connor, Matthew Hydzik as Buddy, David St. Louis as Jake, and Keala Settle as Fortune Teller, Brandon Bieber (Freak), Javier Ignacio (Houdini), Robert Joy (Sir), Kelvin Moon Loh (Freak), Zonya Love (Hottentot), Barrett Martin (Ray/Freak), Don Richard (Martin Arnold/Freak), Blair Ross (Bearded Lady/Auntie), Matthew Patrick Davis (Freak), Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper (Freak/Dr. Weldon), and Lauren Elder & Hannah Shankman as ensemble members. www.LaJollaPlayhouse.org
Patrick Burns brings his one-man autobiographical musical From Foster Care To Fabulous to the New Helvetica Theatre Aug. 30-31. The show chronicles his teenage years in and out of foster care. “Sometimes the truth is horrifying; sometimes it's hilarious. But it’s never cliché. It’s never preachy. It’s just the truth,” says Burns. His self-written, self-performed musical details this experience featuring a myriad of songs (both well-known and original), a plethora of jaw-dropping and side-splitting anecdotes, and a bizarre cast of horrific, hilarious, and ultimately heartbreaking characters. Graham Sobelman will provide accompaniment. New Helvetia Theatre, 1028 R Street, Sacramento, California 95811. Click here for tickets.
Norris Center for the Performing Arts presents Xanadu, a Norris student production, August 9 – 18, directed and choreographed by DJ Gray, the associate choreographer for the original Broadway production. http://www.norriscenter.com/
Elite Theatre Company’s youth acting camp presents Disney’s Aladdin Jr. Aug. 8 – 11. Call 805-483-5118 to reserve tickets. www.elitetheatre.org/youth-acting-camp.html
EXTENSIONS: Chance Theater has announced that its sold-out run of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson will be adding six performances, with a new closing date of August 11. www.chancetheater.com
CONCERTS/CABARET: The California Philharmonic’s Festival on the Green concert series continues with two upcoming musical theatre performances. On August 10 it’s Rodgers, Hammerstein & Gershwin featuring Broadway’s Kim Huber & James Barbour, and pianist Bryan Pezzone. The program includes selections from Oklahoma!, Sound of Music, South Pacific, Carousel and “Rhapsody in Blue” from An American in Paris. On August 24, 2013 the program features Les Miz & Bernstein, with singers Randal Keith & Melissa Lyons, stars of Les Miz on Broadway and the National Tour, plus the Cal Phil Chorale. Selections include songs from Les Misérables, Candide, On the Town, and Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. Both concerts begin at 7:30 pm. Gates open at 5:30 pm for dining & live jazz. Click here for tickets.
A concert reading of the new musical New York Society for the Suppression of Vice will take place on August 7th at 8:00 pm at The Academy for New Musical Theater, 5628 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91601. When circumstances ‘out’ All-American athlete, Jack Cusack, he is forced to confront narrow minds, fear, and evil. Rallying the forces against him is the spirit of Anthony Comstock, a turn-of-the-previous-century social reformer whose vice grip on American society lasted decades. Written by Joel Bailey (book), Patricia Zehentmayr (lyrics), and Jake Anthony (music), it is inspired by real life events that happened at Burbank High School and numerous other schools around the country. Click here for info.
Hillary Rollins presents Christine Lavin & Julie Gold at the M-Bar in Hollywood. Two shows only, Saturday, August 17th at 7pm and 10pm. Reservations: Call the M-Bar at 323-856-0036. Click here for info.
Lauri’s List presents the final concert of its inaugural 2013 season of unSUNg: Songs Uncommon and New, August 11th at 6pm. Information and tickets: www.laurislist.com/unsung
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