Musicals in LA

Over the Moon Opens Intimate Production of Spring Awakening

2012-02-17T11:47:00.000-08:00

Over the Moon Productions presents the L.A. intimate theatre premiere of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Spring Awakening, with music by Duncan Sheik, book and lyrics by Steven Sater, musical direction by Rachael Lawrence, choreography by Laura Harrison, directed by Kate Sullivan. and starring Lindsay Heather Pearce (Harmony on “Glee,” “The Glee Project) and Janel Parrish (Mona Vanderwaal on the ABC Family series “Pretty Little Liars”).

In addition to Pearce and Parrish, the cast features Michael David, Veronica Dunne, David Carey Foster, Tiffany Gray, Chris Higgins, Reesa Ishiyama, Hope Lauren, Kelly Lester, Payson Lewis, Matt Magnusson, Molly McCook, Harrison Meloeny, Ritesh Rajan, Alyce Tawil, Mat Vairo and Chase Williamson.

Spring Awakening is the rock musical adaptation of the 1892 German play by Frank Wedekind. Set in late-19th century Germany, it concerns a group of teenagers who are discovering the inner and outer tumult of their awakening sexuality and the complications that arise because of them. It received eleven 2007 Tony Award nominations, winning eight, including Tonys for best musical, direction, book, score and featured actor. Although the cultural landscape has changed quite a bit since Wedekind wrote his play in the late 1800's, the enduring themes are still as timely and topical as ever.

Spring Awakening will preview on Wednesday, March 14 and Thursday March 15 at 8pm and will open on Friday, March 16th and continue through Sunday, April 22 at the Theatre of Arts Arena Stage, 1625 N. Las Palmas Avenue in Hollywood. For tickets, please visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ or http://www.overthemoonproductions.virb.com/ or call 310-903-6150.

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The Troubies are Back with Two Gents

2012-02-15T16:33:00.000-08:00

If you’ve never seen a Troubie show, this is your chance! Falcon Theatre is proud to present Troubadour Theater Company’s Two Gentlemen of Chicago, directed by Matt Walker, the final production of its 2011-2012 Subscription Season. The Ovation Award-winning theater company is putting their signature spin on Shakespeare’s rockin' romantic comedy Two Gentlemen of Verona.

When friends Proteus and Valentine give up another Saturday in the Park and head to the big city of Milan, Proteus' love Julia protests with, "If You Leave Me Now who will Colour My World?” Proteus proclaims, "I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love but I'm A Man and must go!" Meanwhile in Milan, the sour-on-love Valentine finds new Beginnings when he encounters the lovely Silvia. But when Proteus meets Silvia, he falls for her as well, and his beloved Julia is NOT such a Hard Habit to Break. Mayhem ensues when both men tell Silvia, "You're the Inspiration". This is a Once in a Lifetime chance and the Troubies are Wishing You Were Here!

The show begins previews March 14 and will open Friday, March 23 at 8pm and continue through Sunday, April 22. Tickets go on sale February 22 and can be purchased online at http://www.falcontheatre.com/ or by calling 818- 955-8101.

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Cabrillo Music Theatre Announces 2012-13 Season

2012-02-13T13:36:00.000-08:00

Cabrillo Music Theatre proudly announces its 2012-2013 season, which will treat audiences to four Cabrillo premieres, with three of them also Civic Arts Plaza premieres. The entire season is family friendly, and every show is locally produced. Here’s what's in store for audiences next season.

October 19 – October 28, 2012
1776
Music & Lyrics and concept by Sherman Edwards
Book by Peter Stone
Directed by Nick DeGruccio
Musical Direction by Darryl Archibald

February 8 – February 17, 2013
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
Book, Music & Lyrics by Clark Gesner
Based on the Comic Strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schultz
Additional Dialogue by Michael Mayer
Additional Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lippa

April 12 – April 21, 2013
Grease
Book, Music & Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Directed by Barry Pearl
Choreographed by Kelly Ward

July 19 – July 28, 2013
Legally Blonde: The Musical
Book by Heather Hach
Music & Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin

A post-show discussion with cast and staff follows the first Saturday matinee of each production. A signed performance for the deaf and hard-of-hearing will take place on the second Friday night of each production. For tickets or ticket information, please call the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Box Office at 805-449-2787. The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza is located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA.

Cabrillo Music Theatre’s 2011-2012 Season continues with Once Upon a Mattress (April 20-29, 2012) and Meet Me in St. Louis (July 20-29, 2012). For more information go to http://www.cabrillomusictheatre.org//.

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The Colony Theatre's Old Wicked Songs

2012-02-11T08:42:00.000-08:00

Tavis Danz and John Towey. Photo by Michael Lamont

A beautiful production of Jon Marans' Old Wicked Songs is currently charming audiences at The Colony Theatre in Burbank. The Pulitzer Prize nominated play about a burned out American piano prodigy and an aging Austrian music teacher resonates delicately on the Colony stage as it unravels secrets from the past and allows each man the opportunity to find his way back to himself.

Stephen Hoffman (Tavis Danz) is the pianist trying to overcome his inability to play and Professor Josef Mashkan (John Towey) is the singing teacher who struggles to help him recapture his joy for music. It is a poignant journey as each learns to find value in a life that has become meaningless.

Classical music lovers will find the play especially moving because it uses Schumann’s Dichterliebe as the mechanism through which its characters learn to speak the same language. It is a perfect vehicle for the teacher’s lessons and any student of music who has a relationship with the song cycle will find it especially meaningful - though you don’t need to be familiar with it to experience its full impact.

Schumann’s settings of Heinrich Heine’s poems are used with great impact to underscore the subtext of the scenes, from the haunting insistence of “Im wunderschönen Monat Mai,” which speaks delicately of suffering and longing in the beautiful month of May, through “Die Rose, die Lilie, die Taube, die Sonne,” a jewel of a song that interestingly compels its singer to speed through the vocal line on one breath, to “Ich grolle nicht,” filled with bitter images of night in a cold lover’s empty heart.

Stephanie Vlahos directs with great sensitivity and elicits compelling performances from both Towey and Danz. Old Wicked Songs is often done with pre-recorded music but because these actors are also musicians who are able to play the music, it deepens the theatrical experience and makes it even more emotionally engaging. One can only congratulate The Colony creative team for finding two actors with such a specific set of skills to do justice to the piece.

Sound is essential to the success of the play and Drew Dalzell's work is pitch perfect. Stephen Gifford’s gorgeous set is impeccable in its detail and Jared A. Sayeg’s lighting casts a luminous glow. If there was ever such a thing as a love affair between lighting and a face, it can be seen in the way Sayeg highlights Towey’s silent thoughts. It is quite simply, divine.

Old Wicked Songs runs through March 4 at the Colony Theatre, 555 North Third Street, Burbank. Reservations: 818 558-7000 x 15. http://www.colonytheatre.org/.

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L.A.'s Celebration Theatre Welcomes The Color Purple

2012-02-09T22:29:00.000-08:00

Celebration Theatre is thrilled to announce that the third show of its 2011-2012 Season will be the L.A. intimate theatre premiere of The Color Purple, book by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, musical direction by Gregory Nabours, choreography by Janet Roston and directed by Michael Matthews. The Color Purple will open on Friday, March 9 and will perform through Saturday, May 26 at Celebration Theatre in Hollywood.

The Color Purple is the soul-stirring musical based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds her unique voice in the world. Nominated for 11 Tony Awards®, The Color Purple is a landmark theatrical event, a celebration of love, and a Broadway phenomenon. With a joyous Grammy®-nominated score featuring jazz, gospel and blues, The Color Purple will capture the hearts of young and old, and unite audiences in a community of joy.

The cast will feature: Cesili Willimas as Celie, American Idol’s La Toya London as Shug, Michael A. Shepperd as Mister, Constance Jewell Lopez as Sofia, Terrance Spencer as Harpo and will also feature Niketa Calame, Sixx Carter, Charls Sedgwick Hall, Kelly M. Jenrette, Corey Jones, Akula Lymon, Lorie V. Moore, Jacquelin L. Schofield, Na’Kia Bell Smith, Jonathan Thompkins, Janet Washington and Brittney S. Wheeler.

It is produced by Christopher Sepulveda and Cameron Faber and features an award-winning design team that includes Cricket S. Myers (sound design), Stephen Gifford (scenic design), Naila Aladin Sanders (costume design), Michael Leon (wigs and make-up), Tim Swiss (lighting design), Marcedes Clanton (stage manager). The production team is being led by the artistic director, John Michael Beck, and executive director, Michael C. Kricfalusi.

Previews begin on Wednesday, March 7 and the show will open Friday, March 9. Performances will continue through Saturday, May 26 at Celebration Theatre, 7051B Santa Monica Blvd (1/2 block east of La Brea) in Hollywood. For tickets, please call (323) 957-1884 or visit http://www.celebrationtheatre.com/.

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Rock of Ages is Back to Rock the Pantages!

2012-02-09T22:10:00.000-08:00

The cast of Rock of Ages. Photo credit: Scott Suchman

Rock of Ages returns to Los Angeles for a strictly limited, face-melting one week engagement March 20 - 25, 2012 at the Pantages Theatre. L.A. audiences were so amped during the show's premiere engagement this past February that it was clear those die-hard fans who continued singing "Don't Stop Believin'" down Hollywood Boulevard as they left the Pantages Theatre hadn't been rocked hard enough! Well L.A. audiences can "feel the noize" again this coming March 2012.

It's 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small-town girl met a big-city dreamer - and in L.A.'s most legendary rock club, they fall in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80's. It's Rock of Ages, a hilarious, feel-good love story told through the hit songs of iconic rockers Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, Whitesnake, and many more.

See it now before the New Line Cinema/Warner Bros. film of the musical, directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray), is released later this year. Click Here for more information about the show and for tickets visit http://www.broadwayla.org/.

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The Golden Age of Hollywood Revisited

2012-02-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

Looking for something different to do this weekend? You can catch a performance of Hollywood Revisited Saturday February 11 at 8pm at Westwood Presbyterian Church, 10822 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024. The show stars Joshua Finkel (who also directs) along with Greg Schreiner, Jill Marie Burke and Elisa Surmont. Special Guests include Hollywood movie legend Rhonda Fleming and Broadway star Karen Morrow.

Experience what it's like to watch the stars walk the red carpet as your favorite Tinseltown classics come to life in Hollywood Revisited. This stunning musical revue showcases a truly dazzling lineup of costumes actually worn by the stars in the original Hollywood films. Set to the music that defined the times and presented by top notch Broadway and Hollywood performers, Hollywood Revisited will leave you in awe as you learn about and come close enough to touch these original historic costume designs of Hollywood's Golden Age.

Tickets are $25 and include a reception following the show. Call 310-474-4535 for reservations. (Leave message if after hours). http://www.hollywoodrevisited.com/.

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DOMA Announces A Six Musical Season in 2012

2012-02-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

DOMA Theatre Company has announced its first full length season of six musicals sure to delight and disturb audiences in 2012. Here’s a look at what ‘s on tap.

March 23–April 15
The Who’s Tommy
Book by Pete Townshend & Des McAnuff
Music & Lyrics by Pete Townshend
Additional Music/Lyrics by John Entwistle & Keith Moon
Directed by Hallie Baran
Musical Direction by Chris Raymond

DOMA opens the season with the exhilarating story of a deaf, dumb, and blind boy who transcends the cruelty of the world around him to find enlightenment. A tribute to hope, healing and the human spirit, Pete Townsend’s musical masterpiece is filled with iconic hit songs like "Pinball Wizard," "See Me, Feel Me," "Acid Queen" and more.

May 11 – June 3
Songs For A New World
Book, Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Directed by Chris M. Allport
Musical Direction by Chris Raymond

Soaring melodies and irresistible rhythms mark this collection of story-songs by composer Jason Robert Brown (13, Parade). Sixteen driving, exquisitely crafted songs tell sixteen unique stories peopled by characters of today.

July 6 - 29
Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical
Book & Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse
Music by Frank Wildhorn
Directed by Marco Gomez
Musical Direction by Dolf Ramos

In this Tony Award-nominated musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale, a well-meaning Dr. Henry Jekyll desperately seeks a cure for evil – but is instead pitted in a cruel battle against Edward Hyde, his own evil alter ego. Features the remarkable music of Frank Wildhorn including “Someone Like You,” “This Is The Moment” and “Once Upon A Dream.”

August 17 – September 9
Xanadu
Book by Douglas Carter Beane
Music & Lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar
Directed by Hallie Baran
Musical Direction by Chris Raymond

A hysterically funny roller skating ride to bliss! Based on the cult film of the same name, the musical follows the efforts of a magical Greek muse named Kira who descends to Earth to help a struggling artist achieve his dream of opening a roller disco.

September 21 – October 14
Once on This Island
Book & Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Based on the novel “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy
Directed by Marco Gomez
Musical Direction by Dolf Ramos

This adaptation of The Little Mermaid is the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues, nurses and falls in love with Daniel, a man from a wealthy family. But Daniel is engaged to marry a girl from his own social class, and the gods who rule the island guide Ti Moune on a quest to test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred and death.

November 2 – December 9
A surprise, Tony-Award winning musical TBA
DOMA has a great musical lined up to close the 2012 season, but we’re not permitted to announce it just yet – so stay tuned!

All performances take place at The MET Theatre, 1089 N. Oxford Ave. Los Angeles CA 90029. Click Here for more information and to purchase individual tickets or subscribe to the 2012 season.

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GCT Continues its 65th Season with Fiddler on the Roof

2012-02-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

Richard Malmos as Tevya
Photos by Nathan J. Milisavljevich

This year Glendale Centre Theatre officially celebrates its 65th season as the longest, continually operating theatre in the United States. As their first musical of the season, they will present the universally loved, 9-time Tony Award winning musical Fiddler on the Roof February 9 through March 24.

One of the great works of the American musical theatre, Fiddler on the Roof features a book by Joseph Stein, and a score by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. Based on the stories of Sholom Alecheim and set in a small Ukrainian village during the early 1900’s, the book embraces the importance of tradition and the struggle of maintaining tradition in a rapidly changing world through its central character Tevye, a poor milkman and father of five daughters, whose life gets complicated as he seeks to find suitable husbands for them amidst the turmoil and political upheaval all around him.

Heather Dudenbostel, Nicole Ligerman,
and Daron O'Donnell

Musical theatre stars Richard Malmos as Tevye and Lisa Dyson as Golde have been set to lead a cast composed of Osa Danam (Yente), Lindsay Day (Fruma Sarah), Mario Digregorio (Lazar Wolf), Heather Dudenbostel (Hodel), Laurie Fedor (A Mama), Christa Hamilton (GranmaTzeitel), Paul Hovannes (Perchik), Aaron Jacobs(Mendel), Nicole Ligerman (Tzeitel), Danny Michael (Rabbi), Art Miller (Avram), Tyler Milliron (Fyedka), Nick Mizrahi (the Fiddler), Michael Montiel (Motel), Daron O’Donnell (Chava), Paul Reid (Second Boy from the left), Chelsea Rifkin (Bielke), Michael Shaughnessy (Constable), David Michael Trevino (Mordka), and Cedric Wright (Nachum).

Martin Lang returns to direct his 8th production for GCT, having previously directed the critically acclaimed productions of Beau Jest, Bye Bye Birdie and Oklahoma. Steven Applegate is the musical director and Brenda & Tim Dietlein are executive producers. The production team includes Orlando Alexander (choreography), Angela Wood (costume design), Tim Deitlein (set and lighting design), Nathan J. Milisavljevich (sound design) and Caitlin Barbieri (stage manager),

Lisa Dyson and Richard Malmos

Fiddler on the Roof runs February 9 - March 24. Tickets range between $22.00 and $28.00. Discount rates are available for seniors (62+) and children (under 14), and for groups of 15 or more. All shows feature open seating except on Reserved Seating Fridays. The Glendale Centre Theatre is located at 324 N. Orange St., Glendale, CA 91203. Click Here for tickets or call 818-244-8481.

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Zombie Joe's 11th Annual 50 Hour Drive-By Theatre Festival

2012-02-06T18:28:00.000-08:00

Zombie Joe’s Underground is hosting its 11th Annual Festival of five all-new mini-plays, written, directed and mounted in a speedy 2 days - complete with live, original music by Michael Blomgren.

Playwrights featured in the 50 Hour Drive-By Festival are Denise Devin, Jim Eshom, John Falchi, Adam Neubauer, and William Norrett and the new works will be directed by Vanessa Cate, Denise Devin, Jim Eshom, Sebastian Munoz, and Jana Wimer. The acting company includes Patrick Banegas, Ray Cosico, Redetha Deason, Suzanne E. Fletcher, Charlotte Goor, Henry Maixner Jr., Tucker Matthews, Alex Medina, Adam Messana, Mark Nager, Jonica Patella, Josh Patton, Jessica Amal Rice, Lauren Salandra, and Robert Walters.

What's that? You've never been to Zombie Joe's? This is a perfect time to check them out. Their once-a-year event is sure to be full of surprises. The Festival runs for three performances only, February 18, 19 & 20 at 8:30 pm at ZJU Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. For reservations call 818-202-4120.

Tickets are $15. For more information go to http://www.zombiejoes.com/.

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Honoring a Legend - Cabrillo Music Theatre's Ring of Fire

2012-02-05T18:30:00.000-08:00

Jason Edwards and Kelli Provart
Photo: Ed Krieger

It’s appropriate that the set for Cabrillo Music Theatre’s Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show consists of an unassuming circular wooden platform bordered by a projection screen at one end and a simple cabin in the woods at the other. The screen cycles through black & white images from Cash’s life and surroundings like a series of Dorothea Lange photos, and the cabin’s welcoming porch is home to a group of country musicians just sittin’ around ‘pickin’ and a-grinnin,’ jamming much like an old group of friends would on a Sunday afternoon. To them it’s all about the music and that’s really the whole idea in this celebration of one of country music’s most respected artists. You'll find nothing pretentious here.

Johnny Cash released 96 albums and 153 singles over the course of his career and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Hall of Fame. He was a man of humble beginnings who never forgot the poor and downtrodden and wore black as a reminder that there were many injustices in the world yet to be made right. He carried a heavy load and fought his own demons along the way.

Ring of Fire is a celebration of Cash’s life and music, directed by and starring Jason Edwards, along with Kelli Provart, Troy Burgess, and Treena Barnes. Edwards starred in Ring of Fire on Broadway and has since directed several regional productions, including previous engagements at La Mirada Theatre, Fullerton Civic Light Opera, and Arkansas Rep.

More than anything, I was struck by how reverential he is toward the legacy of this incredibly prolific artist. You can see it in the way he offers up stories about Johnny Cash, sometimes commenting about the legend as himself, sometimes speaking in first person (as does Burgess), though neither attempts to impersonate him. Rather, he and the others capture the essence of Cash in the lessons of the stories they choose to tell and covering more than thirty of Cash’s songs in the process.

One especially moving sequence is the ensemble’s Five Feet High and Rising as Cash’s family sings about the good that comes from adversity, then segues into a story about how John learned the news of his brother’s saw mill accident (which resulted in his death) and a hauntingly bittersweet version of In the Sweet Bye and Bye. Sobering moments like these contrast with story songs and familiar favorites like I Walk the Line, Boy Named Sue, and Jackson, and up-tempo hits like Daddy Sang Bass/Will The Circle Be Unbroken – a highlight of the night that also features some amazing musicians. They are John Foley on guitar, dobro, mandolin & harmonica, Brantley Kearns on fiddle, John W. Marshall on bass guitar (and man, can he slap that bass), Brent Moyer on guitar & trumpet, Jeff Lisenby on accordion & keyboards, and Mark San Filippo on drums. I’ll give them a halleluiah any day!

Provart and Barnes provide insight into the women in Cash’s life – his mama, sister, fans, studio singers, and his wife, June Carter. Both women are perfectly suited to this style of music. Provart is a master at wringing out the anguish in a song and then turning it around to lift you up in true country fashion, and Barnes has a gutsy sweetness in her voice and a twinkle in her eye that will make you laugh every time she gets feisty. Edwards' version of Man in Black is simply divine and Burgess has a vulnerability that is heartbreaking. Plus, it’s especially great to hear the individual colors of their voices blend into one sound when all four sing in harmony. What a musician’s dream.

Aside from a couple of slightly awkward transitions when the supporting musicians become characters in the story and one or two comedic vignettes that last too long....like Egg Suckin’ Dog, the show is a satisfying tribute to a country music legend. Fans of Johnny Cash will not be disappointed and those unfamiliar with the details of Cash’s life will leave with a deeper understanding of the man and his music. I loved it.

Costumes, which are terrific, are by Nashville costume designer Trish Clark and the set I mentioned earlier is the work of John Iacovelli, who incidentally won an Emmy for his production design for A&E’s Peter Pan Starring Cathy Rigby.

Ring of Fire runs through February 12 at Cabrillo Music Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Click Here for tickets and more information.

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Audition Sunday Feb 5th for Joshua Finkel's Spring Classes

2012-02-04T08:34:00.000-08:00

Joshua choreographing Andrea Press'
cabaret show at the M Bar

Auditions will be held on Sunday February 5th for Joshua Finkel’s upcoming spring classes for teens and adults. Joshua is a Broadway actor, director, and acting coach (Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Les Miserables) who now resides on Los Angeles and he is currently offering three great classes. Take a look and see which one may be right for you!

Adult PW 1 Session 3
Ten Wednesdays 7-10 pm. $450
Class dates: Feb 29; Mar 7, 14, 21, 28; April 11, 18, 25; May 16, 23 (No class April 4, May 2, May 9)

Combo Adult/Teen PW Teen Launch
Six Saturdays 11am - 2pm $350
Class dates: March 3, 17; April 14, 28; May 12, 19

These two classes concentrate on the techniques of Comedy and Song Style/Versatility resulting in a performance on Wednesday May 23rd showcasing audition material from each class. You’ll learn skills to effectively find the comedic possibilities in a song or scene as you build a new comic audition song for your book. Then learn vocal and performance techniques to effectively embody the 4 main genres of musical theater scores: Legit, Jazz, Pop/Rock, Country.

Advanced Adult PW 2 for working Adult Actors
Six Saturdays 3-6pm $275.00
Class dates: March 3, 17; April 14, 28; May 12, 19

Get personal expert coaching on the piece of your choice. You design your goals and then set class goals to achieve them. Use your time to:
• Build a new role into your body
• Fill out your audition book with songs currently missing
• Work on ANY monologue, scene, or callback script
• Polish elements of your Cabaret Act or 1 person show in class...your call

Click Here for all the information, including how to sign up, on Joshua’s Performers’ Workshop page or go to the flyer Here.

You can also listen to him on LA Talk Radio’s Live LA tonight from 8-9pm. Click Here for the link. Joshua will talk about his classes, upcoming performances of Hollywood Revisited and other exciting new developments.

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Auditions: The Unsinkable Molly Brown and Annie

2012-02-01T21:16:00.000-08:00

Actors – here are a couple of musical auditions you might like to check out that came across my desk this week.

The Grove Theatre is holding auditions for Meredith Wilson's The Unsinkable Molly Brown on February 13 from 7:00 – 9:30 pm at the Grove Theatre, 276 E. Ninth Street, Upland, CA. Please prepare one song from a classic Broadway musical and bring a current photo and resume. The following roles will be cast that evening:

Patrick Tobin: Molly's brother, 20 – 30's, sings and dances
Michael Tobin: Molly's brother, 20 – 30's, sings and dances
Shamus Tobin: Molly's father, 50 – 70, Irish, loving, firm
Christmas Morgan: Owner of Saddle Rock Saloon, 30 – 50, sings and dances
Three Dance Hall Women: 20 – 50, bawdy, raucous, loud, sings and dances
Mrs. McGlone: Denver society matron, 50 – 60, wealthy, significant acting role
Monsignor Ryan: Jovial, Irish priest, 40 – 60, sings
Malcom Broderick: 20 – 40, newspaper editor in Denver, sings/dances
Roberts: 20 – 50, Mrs. McGlone's witty/acerbic butler, sings and dances
Princess De Long: 20 – 35, glamorous, kind European royalty, must sing solo
Duchess: 30 – 60, elegant, refined European royalty, sings/dances
Miners, Guests, Patrons, Maids: All ages open. Must sing and move reasonably well
(The role of Molly Brown has been cast)

The Unsinkable Molly Brown runs March 16 – April 1 and is directed by Dean Scott Schulman, with choreography by Kim Hale and musical direction by Elizabeth Thomas. Please call the theatre at 909-920-4343, or leave a message for the director at 323-653-3498 if you have further questions.

***************

Performance Riverside is having open call auditions for professional non-union performers for ANNIE at Landis Performing Arts Center on the Riverside City College campus, 4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside. Auditions for little girls are Saturday February 11 at 7:00 pm, adult performers are called Sunday February 12 at 3:00 pm, and callbacks are February 12 at 7:00 pm. The production is directed by Roger Castellano and choreographed by Rhett Guter, with musical direction by David Lamoureux. Performance pay is available.

Everyone who auditions must bring a resume/headshot. Please prepare 16 bars of a song to perform with our accompanist. Wear attire/footwear suitable for dance and movement. Come prepared to list any conflicts you have with the rehearsal schedule. All roles are open. Currently casting for:

Annie (Child, Legit Mezzo, 10, redhead, A to high F) Big voiced, energetic, street-wise yet warm orphan. Optimistic and lively.
Miss Hannigan (Character, Mezzo, A to Ab) Pessimistic, unhappy orphanage matron. Excellent comedic timing and acrid delivery.
Oliver Warbucks (Baritone, 40-65, C to high F) Warm-hearted, sincere, but business minded, lonely.
Grace Ferrell (Soprano, A to high G) Oliver's faithful private secretary. Beautiful & loyal. Strong dance role.
Rooster (Tenor/Baritone, 30-50, B to high G) Miss Hannigan's criminal brother. Sly and quick to turn a phrase.
Lily (Squeaky Soprano, 30-45, D to high G) Rooster's floozy girlfriend. Not the sharpest tool in the shed.
Roosevelt (Baritone, 40-65, Cb to E#) The thirty-second President of the United States
Cecille, Annette (Mezzo, 21-55, the maids)
Orphans: (all must sing & dance well) Molly (6) Pepper (12) Kate (7) Duffy (13) Tessie (10) July (13)
Supporting/Featured/Ensemble Performers - a variety of singers/dancers of all ages and types will be needed.

Performances are April 13 - 22, 2012. Performance Riverside encourages individuals of any age, race, color, national origin, religion, disability or sexual orientation at all of its auditions. For more information call our audition hotline at 951-222-8485 or visit http://www.performanceriverside.org/

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New Musical EMERALD Receives Concert Reading

2012-02-01T20:39:00.000-08:00

Emerald, a new musical, and winner of ANMT’s 2011 Search for New Musicals, will receive a one night only concert reading February 6 at 7:30 pm as part of The Academy for New Musical Theatre’s reading series at The Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood.

Written by the British writing team of Chris Burgess (book and lyrics) and Denise Wright (music), Emerald tells the story of Grace Maguire who abandons her life in Manhattan and moves to the secluded seaside town of Ennismuck, West Ireland. Once there she clashes with a mining corporation buying up the local properties in order to extract the newly found gold. Grace campaigns to save Ennismuck, and starts a prickly relationship with truculent local artist, Mulcahy. By the time the musical ends, Grace manages to topple the mining company’s monopoly and thaw Mulcahy’s frozen heart. Calvin Remsberg directs and Ross Kalling is musical director.

Featured in the cast are Jake Anthony, Adrian Bewley, Noel Britton, Melisa Dunham, Courtney Freed, Christopher Warren Gilbert, Randy Guiaya, Scott Guy, Sean Hankinson, David Holmes, Shirley Hughes, Rebecca Johnson, Luke Kipp, Gia Mora, Veronica Frances Scheyving, Stewart Scott, Tedd Szeto, Michael Tatlock, Gabrielle Wagner, Peter Welkin, Erika Whalen, and Jennifer Winkler.

The Lonny Chapman Theatre is located at 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA. $10 tickets can be reserved through the ANMT website at http://www.anmt.org/.

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Christie Brinkley To Star in Chicago at the Pantages

2012-01-30T21:52:00.000-08:00

Christie Brinkley in Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre.
Photo: Jeremy Daniel

After her critically-acclaimed debut as Roxie Hart on Broadway and in London’s West End, Christie Brinkley, one of the world’s most successful supermodels, will make her highly-anticipated Broadway tour debut this spring as she reprises her killer role in the six-time Tony Award-winning musical smash hit Chicago. The two-week engagement will run May 15 – 27.

Catch her red-handed in one of Broadway’s most popular and thrilling musicals of all time. This tale of greed, murder, corruption and show biz is filled with hit songs such as “All That Jazz,” "Cell Block Tango” and “Razzle Dazzle” and features some of the most electrifying dancing seen on Broadway choreographed in the style of Bob Fosse.

Directed by Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Ann Reinking, Chicago features set design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Ken Billington and sound design by Scott Lehrer.

For tickets and more information about Chicago’s Los Angeles run, visit the Pantages Theatre’s official website, http://www.broadwayla.org/ and for more about Chicago on tour go to http://www.chicagothemusical.com/.

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The Old Globe Announces Cast of A Room With a View

2012-01-30T17:31:00.000-08:00

The Old Globe has announced the cast and creative team for the world premiere of A Room with a View, a new musical based on the novel by E.M. Forster with book by Marc Acito, music and lyrics by Jeffrey Stock and additional lyrics by Acito. Scott Schwartz directs and music direction is by Boko Suzuki. The musical will run March 2 – April 8.

A Room with a View blends a gorgeous score with the timeless story that inspired the Academy Award-winning film. Amid the golden sunlight and violet-covered hills of Tuscany, sheltered English girl Lucy Honeychurch meets freethinking George Emerson and for the first time glimpses a world of longing and passion she had never imagined. Upon her return to her corseted Edwardian life, Lucy must decide whether to yield to convention or give up everything she has ever known.

The cast features Ephie Aardema as Lucy Honeychurch, Kyle Harris as George Emerson and Will Reynolds as Cecil Vyse. Aardema played Chava in the National Tour of Fiddler on the Roof and starred as Edwina in the Off Broadway production of Dear Edwina. Harris recently starred as Tony in the National Tour of West Side Story. Reynolds was last seen at the Globe as Frank Churchill in Jane Austen’s Emma – A Musical Romantic Comedy. Tony Award winner Karen Ziemba returns to the Globe to play Charlotte Bartlett, the overbearing chaperone of Lucy Honeychurch.

Also included in the cast are Glenn Seven Allen (Italiano, Albert), Etai BenShlomo (Freddy Honeychurch), Gina Ferrall (Miss Lavish, Mrs. Honeychurch), Jacquelynne Fontaine (Ragazza, Minnie), Edward Staudenmayer (Mr. Beeber) and Kurt Zischke (Mr. Emerson).

The creative team includes Heidi Ettinger (scenic design), Judith Dolan (costume design), David Lander (lighting design), Jon Weston (sound design), Bruce Coughlin (orchestrator), Michael Jenkinson (musical staging), Jan Gist (dialect coach), Tara Rubin Casting (casting) and Anjee Nero (stage manager).

Post-show forums led by the Globe’s creative staff will be held on Tuesday, March 13 and 20 and Wednesday, March 28 where you can discuss the play with members of the cast and crew. The Old Globe is located in San Diego’s Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way. Click Here for tickets and more information.

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Our Town is Everyone's Town at The Broad Stage

2012-01-28T16:21:00.000-08:00

Helen Hunt in David Cromer's Our Town
Photo: Iris Schneider

Though not a musical, I highly recommend David Cromer’s Our Town, starring Helen Hunt as stage manager, currently running at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica.

Mention Thornton Wilder’s play to almost anyone and chances are they have read it, seen it, done it, or know someone who’s done it, and they’ll certainly have an opinion about it. My first experience with it was in grade school watching the older kids present it in the school basement. We didn’t have a wide range of artistic productions in my small town but we did have teachers who cared enough to expose us to as much as they could.

These were golden moments when we were able to escape our regular class routine and watch a live performance, and oh how we loved them. Even at that early age we somehow understood that days weren’t meant to be taken for granted; a theme that hovers quietly behind the bustling activity of Our Town. No, that comes later when youthful exuberance gives way to adult practicality. Earning a living, raising a family, and making something of our lives all too often blinds us to the inevitability that a day will come when our time is up. If you haven’t made the most of it by then you’re out of luck because life isn’t a rehearsal. For good or bad, it’s all we have.

Efficient is the word that comes to mind when thinking about David Cromer’s Our Town in its current iteration at The Broad Stage. Previously a hit off-Broadway and in Chicago, its power lies in its simplicity, its compactness, that reveals a heartbreaking truth about life but in a way that doesn’t play to cloying sentimentality.

Cromer honors Wilder’s intention that the play be performed with no set, very little scenery and minimal props. A few chairs, tables, school books and green beans to be snapped are about all you’ll find on a stage that was specially constructed on top of the existing seats in The Broad’s auditorium, in effect creating a brand new “black box” where there was nothing but air before.

The audience sits on three sides of the playing area and quickly become part of the fictional New Hampshire town of Grover’s Corners. Actors enter and exit at the corners of the rectangular room, and use the space between the first row of seating and the bleachers as sidewalks through town. Kids race to school, a drunken Simon Stimson (Jonathan Mastro) borders on the edge of an explosion, and George (James McMenamin) and Emily (Jennifer Grace) play out a significant moment in their courtship in this 3-foot wide walkway that could be anytown USA.

Told in three acts with two intermissions – Daily Life, Love and Marriage, & Death and Eternity – it’s the first time I was surprised when we reached the end of an act. Too often the play feels endless, but not at The Broad. Each act seemed to be over in the blink of an eye. Perhaps it is because there is so much to take in, even in its simplicity. The house lights remain up through most of the show and with actors so close to the audience there is always someone within a few feet to study close up. It’s fascinating to watch stage manager Helen Hunt, for example, as she watches the action. You can read a thousand thoughts in her eyes.

Almost every other stage manager I’ve seen in Our Town has been an older, kindly, meandering, gray-haired gentleman smoking a pipe that I’m sorry to say makes me just want to tune out after awhile. Not so with Hunt. Fully present and quietly determined, she orchestrates the action with precision and an inner strength of purpose that directs not only the actors but we in the audience as well. When she describes the beauty of the last bright glow of the morning star before it goes down behind the mountain, we feel it. When she mentions a rooster crowing at daybreak, we hear it. And when she describes the town itself, from the Congregational Church to the jail in the basement of the Town Hall/Post Office building, to Polish town across the tracks, we see it.

Much of the original cast returns to Cromer’s production, supplemented by local actors who collectively create an outstanding ensemble. And the spectacular final scene in which Emily returns for one more ordinary day on earth is one quite extraordinary surprise. Don’t miss Our Town. which runs through February 12 at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica. Click Here for tickets and more information.

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Kritzerland, A New Aleister Crowley Musical, and the 2nd Annual Betty Garrett Tribute

2012-01-23T23:44:00.000-08:00

The Eclectic Company Theatre is presenting a reading of the new musical The Vehement Appetite of the Beast, with book & music by E.R. Clark, and lyrics from the poems of Aleister Crowley, on February 6 at 8:00 pm. The reading is free however donations will be accepted. Light refreshments will be served. The cast features Kerr Seth Lordygan as Aleister Crowley along with members of the The Eclectic Company Theatre. Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), nicknamed "The Great Beast," was an occultist, mystic, magician, poet, astrologer, social critic, and non-conformist denounced as “the wickedest man in the world.” Click Here for reservations or call 818-508-3003.

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Kritzerland at Sterling’s next show is Reel Imagination, Great Songs From Animated Films, Part Two of Our Tribute to Michelle Nicastro, Sunday, February 5 at 7:00 pm. The show will star Juliana Hansen, Melody Hollis, Jane Noseworthy, Lauren Rubin, and Alet Taylor, with special guest Richard Sherman and musical direction by Shelly Markham, and features songs from classic films like The Wizard of Oz, The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T, The Muppet Movie, The Court Jester, and Willy Wonka found on Michelle Nicastro’s album Reel Imagination. Click Here for important reservation details. Sterling’s at Vitello’s, 4349 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604.

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Theatre West is presenting a concert performance of Let’s Face It! on March 3 and 4 for their second annual Betty Garrett Memorial Musical Comedy Tribute. The 1941 musical was written by Herbert & Dorothy Fields (book) and Cole Porter (music & lyrics). Original Broadway cast member Miriam Nelson will choreograph and Brian O’Halloran, director of last year’s Something For The Boys, returns to direct. Proceeds from the performances support the continuing work of the Betty Garrett Musical Comedy Workshop, named in memory of the beloved MGM musical star who was a Theatre West co-founder and who moderated its musical comedy workshop for decades.

The cast includes Brandon Alpert, Jeanine Anderson, Walter Beery, Emily Bridges, Anthony Gruppuso, Bridget Hanley, Marvin Kaplan, Daniel Keough, Gerald Lancaster, Barbara Mallory, Mark Marchillo, Lee Meriwether, Andrew Parks (son of Betty Garrett), Victoria Rabitcheff, Connie Sawyer (still singing and dancing at 99), Kelly Stables, Janie Steele, Deborah Webb Thomas, Sandra Tucker, and special guests The Pied Pipers (Kevin Kennard, Don Lucas and David Zack) who are the current edition of the vocal group that backed Frank Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra. They currently tour with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Click Here for tickets call 323-851-7977.

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3-D Theatricals to open THE SOUND OF MUSIC February 10

2012-01-23T20:44:00.000-08:00

3-D Theatricals Presents Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music directed by T.J. Dawson, with musical direction by Julie Lamoureux and choreography by Kami Seymour beginning Friday, February 10 at Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton.

The cast will feature: Kim Huber as Maria, Tom Schmid as Captain Von Trapp and in alphabetical order, Melissa Batalles, Matthew Benedict, Abby Bolin, John Butz, Carin Castellano, Megan Cherry, Deborah Chitty, Macleish Day, Kaitlyn Etter, Amy Glinskas, Tessa Grady, Pamela Hamill, Laura Hathaway, Bonnie Kovar, Stephanie Leppert, Michael Marchak, Cynthia Marty, Kimberly McCoy, Hadley Miller, Jenna Lea Rosen, Griffin Runnels, Natalie Sachse, Stefanie Salai, Peter Schueller, Neil Starkenberg, James Stellos, Carter Thomas, Matthew Thurmond, Jill Van Velzer, Jaidyn Young, Zachary Zaret, Tamara Zook and Cozi Zuehlsdorff.

The production team includes Bruce Goodrich (set design), Kent Sheranian (lighting design), John Feinstein (sound design), Cliff and Kat Senior (hair/wig design), Terry Hanrahan (props), and Lisa Palmire (stage manager). Assistant stage manager is Jenny Jacobs.

The Sound of Music will run February 10 - 26 at the historic Plummer Auditorium, 201 E. Chapman Ave. in Fullerton. Click Here for tickets or call714-589-2770. Plummer Auditorium is located at 201 E. Chapman Ave. in Fullerton, Calif., 92832. Parking is free in the structure across the street.

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February 2nd is TUTU DAY at the Pantages. And you can win tickets!

2012-01-22T15:18:00.000-08:00

I’m always impressed by the creative ideas the Pantages uses to publicize its musicals. The folks behind the scenes spend a great deal of time thinking about their potential audience members and go out of their way to find some really fun special events to appeal to that audience. Take their upcoming show, Billy Elliot The Musical. In honor of its L.A. premiere, they have declared Thursday, February 2 to be “Tutu Day!”

In Billy Elliot, the tutu is not just a piece of dancewear, but symbolizes the personal expression and dream of one boy that inspires an entire community. Here are some of the events that will be part of the Tutu Day celebration.

Facebook Tutu Photo Contest
In advance of Tutu Day, the Pantages will host a contest January 26 – February 1 on its Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/PantagesHollywood. Fans are invited to upload a photo of themselves wearing a tutu. Then, their Facebook community will cast votes on which photo they like the best, and the one with the most votes at the end of the contest will be awarded two free tickets to the first performance of Billy Elliot The Musical along with a gift bag and a poster signed by the entire cast.

Wear A Tutu, Get Free Tickets!
On Thursday morning, February 2, the Pantages will be giving away 22 pairs of tickets. To get a free pair of tickets, be one of the first 22 people in line at the Pantages Box Office wearing a tutu. Prize tickets will be distributed after the box office opens at 10:00 am.

A Tutu Day 2-Fer Deal
In addition, all day on February 2, they will be offering Southern Californians the opportunity to get 2-for-1 tickets to see Billy Elliot on any Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri or Sun evening performance in April. You can only get the 2-fer special in person at the Pantages Box Office on 2/2/12, and the offer is valid on selected Price Level 2 seating. Restrictions apply. For complete details, visit www.BroadwayLA.org/Tutu.

Billy Elliot will run April 11-May 13 at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. The musical is based on the hit film and featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry. Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising passion that inspires his family and his whole community.

Click Here to purchase tickets or call 1-800-982-2787. The Pantages Theatre is located at 6233 Hollywood Blvd, just east of Vine Street. Happy Tutu Day!

Photo: Faith Prince (Mrs. Wilkinson) and the ballet girls with Daniel Russell (Billy) and Rachel Mracna (Debbie) Photo credit: Kyle Froman

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OVO - Cirque du Soleil's Theatrical World of Insects

2012-01-21T22:07:00.000-08:00

Watching Cirque du Soleil’s OVO from the front row of the Big Top may not have initially been my first choice of seat locations, but in actuality it ended up being the perfect place to view this particular show. Because of my close proximity to the performers, I was able to see the nuances in their movements in a way that would have been lost at a distance. Every twitch of the head, shimmy in their bodies, and flicker of expression became a show within a show that was as delightful and comical as it was surprising. For that reason, I highly recommend you see OVO close-up.

That’s not to say that OVO’s cast of 55 isn’t also a ridiculously talented group of acrobats that will thrill you both on the ground and in the air as well. They emerge from a cocoon of aerial silks overhead, display precision foot juggling as worker ants, and perform a beautiful and dangerous airborne butterfly ballet suspended on a rope.

The Scarabs Volant trapeze act features six flyers combining disciplines like banquine, Russian swing and swinging chair, and is the most difficult act in the world to execute due to its distance between stations. It is magnificent from every angle. An amazing spider contortionist entices crickets into her lair, and a lone arachnid balances upside down on a unicycle atop a slackwire 15 feet above ground in a performance that had audience members leaping out of their seats in a standing ovation upon its completion.

But nowhere is the dazzling speed and agility of the artists more evident than in the final act in which 20 artists come together in a stunningly choreographed gravity-defying series of acrobatics, up a floor-to-ceiling vertical wall, using only a power track, hidden trampolines, and their own strength to propel them.

OVO premiered in Montreal in 2009 and will offer performances at Santa Monica Pier through March 11 before continuing its trek across North America. Writer/director & choreographer Deborah Colker is Cirque du Soleil’s first female director and the creative force behind the show. She has conceived an OVO that captures the constant swirl of activity in the insect world and focuses our rapt attention in a place we often overlook.

The story line features three distinct characters – a Fly, a Ladybug, and Master Flipo, the chief of the insects. Fly wanders into the insects’ midst carrying a mystical egg (ovo is the Portuguese word for “egg”) which becomes a source of great fascination for the bugs. When he meets a roly-poly cute-as-a-button Ladybug, the buzzing and cooing becomes a sweet courtship, with Master Flipo egging on the suitor amid large doses of humor and clownish interaction with the audience.

Berna Ceppas’ Brazilian musical score for OVO combines the sounds of bossa nova and samba with funk and electro music, and incorporates actual insect sounds into its ever-shifting soundscape, all performed live by a band of cockroaches. They make a sensual accompaniment to the crazy action.

Costumes by Liz Vandal are especially beautiful in their intricate detail, built for flight and embellished with detachable fantasy pieces. The lace wing legs of the dragonfly were quite spectacular when the artist balanced upside down, and the emerald green angular legs of the crickets were a source of much careful study. Gringo Cardia's sets, Éric Campoux’s lighting and Julie Bégin's make-up complete the onstage magic.

Those that have seen one will agree there is nothing like a Cirque du Soleil show. Beginning with 20 street performers in 1984, Cirque has grown into an artistic marvel with shows that tour the world delighting audiences on five continents. OVO’s exotic insect soiree, with its unusual creatures and amazing acrobatic feats, is just what the doctor ordered if you’re in the winter doldrums. It’s the best prescription for kids and adults alike.

Tickets are now available online at www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo or at the box office located inside the main entrance tent of the Grand Chapiteau at the Santa Monica Pier. Box office hours are 12:00 pm - end of show Tues thru Sat; 11:00 am - end of show on Sunday and will be closed on all Monday’s and the following Tuesdays: Feb 7, 28 & March 20.

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OVO - A Terrific First Look at the Santa Monica Pier

2012-01-20T23:58:00.000-08:00

The Foreigner Fly buzzes in to a most unusual insect community

Adorable cute-as-a-bug Ladybug is destined to fall in love with the Foreigner Fly, and silly eccentric Master Flipo plays it all for laughs.

A tour-de-force performance by a daredevil Spider atop the slackwire

The Ants and their fancy footwork and precision juggling....WITH kiwis!

A sensual Spider contortionist reels in the crickets.

20 artists in a stunning vision of theatrics on the

Trampo-wall drew gasps

The Firefly sends four spinning spools flying high in a dazzling diabolo display

Acrosport athleticism, sheer agility and grace by the sweetest Fleas you've ever seen

More to come! OVO, now playing at the Santa Monica Pier under the blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau. www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo.

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Cabrillo Music Theatre to host A MUSICAL VALENTINE

2012-01-17T22:05:00.000-08:00

Cabrillo Music Theatre has announced the next in a series of fundraising events entitled A Musical Valentine, on Monday, February 13 at 7:00 pm to be performed in the recently renovated Founders’ Room of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The show features some of the stars you love from past Cabrillo shows, including The Sound of Music, Seven Brides…, 42nd Street and more. Shannon Warne, Michael G. Hawkins, Stuart Ambrose and Alet Taylor are sure to win your hearts during this evening of romance, love and laughter. Dan Redfeld will serve as accompanist.

The entertainment will be preceded by a brief cocktail hour, featuring hors d’ouevres provided by Mastro’s Steakhouse, and followed by a reception with desserts from Valley Bakery. Tickets are $75.

Cabrillo Music Theatre’s Monday Night Concert Fundraiser Series is a collection of intimate concert-style events designed to raise critical funds for the theatre and the performers featured are donating their time for the performance. The Founders Room is located in the Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks. Click Here for tickets or call 805-497-8613.

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SNOOPY Opens March 2 at Eclectic Company Theatre

2012-01-17T21:15:00.000-08:00

Several seasons ago, Children’s Theatre Group of Southern California presented You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, the first of the two musicals derived from the popular comic strip Peanuts, and now the company presents the second, Snoopy! The show will run March 2 – May 25 at the Eclectic Theatre Company in North Hollywood. You’ll see all your favorite characters including Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Sally, Peppermint Patty and Woodstock in a musical that feature everyone’s favorite beagle.

Snoopy lives on stage just as you remember him in your favorite Peanuts comic strip stories. He’s the great American writer. He’s the canine companion to Linus waiting for The Great Pumpkin. He watches clouds with the kids. And he ultimately receives his appointment as The Head Beagle.

The cast includes Major Curda, Lucy Gilbert, Addison Landsburg-Putman, Jack O’Dea, Ava Penner, Peter Wolf and Mikaela Zelinger directed and choreographed bythe award-winning Kay Cole.

The creative team includes the work of Michael Harris (set design), Tricia Berry, (costume design), John Dickey (lighting design) and assistant director is Katie Scarlett.

Snoopy is based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz featuring book by Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates, Warren Lockhart, Arthur Whitelaw and Michael L. Grace, lyrics by Hal Hackady, and music by Larry Grossman. It is produced by Sherry Lynn and Robert Briscoe Evans and presented by Children’s Theatre Group of Southern California and The Eclectic Company Theatre. Eclectic Theatre Company is located at 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd. (between Chandler and Magnolia), Valley Village, CA 91607.

CTGSC’s shows sell out so get your tickets now at www.ctgsc.org/ or call 818-508-3003.

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The Coterie Announces February Shows

2012-01-17T17:45:00.000-08:00

The Coterie has announced its upcoming shows for February. Here's what's up next:

February 10-19, 2012
Red Carpet Memories: A Musical Celebration of The Academy Awards
A spectacular concert event featuring all Oscar-nominated songs, right next door to the actual Oscars. Relive your favorite musical movie moments with Fred & Ginger, Judy Garland, the kids from Fame and more. Six performances only, the perfect way to celebrate awards season! The cast will feature Tomasina Abate, Jessica Bernard, Rogelio Douglas Jr., Lexi Lawson, Brett Ryback and James Snyder. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30pm, Sundays at 8pm. Tickets are $10-30.

February 22, 2012
Amir Levi: Closer to Myself
Levi performs a collection of songs that touch on the different men he's loved and lost in his search for Mr. Right. The program includes covers of songs originally performed by women who have inspired him such as Madonna, Indigo Girls, Bonnie Raitt, Cher, and several new songwriters as well. Accompanied by his musical director, Anthony Starble, the night promises a vulnerable glimpse into the many cycles and punches of love. www.theamirlevi.com. 8:30pm. Tickets are $5-15.

February 29 & March 1
Jim Caruso’s Cast Party
Showbiz superstars hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle. Caruso guides the entire affair like a bubbly cruise director, musical director Billy Stritch holds court at the ivories, and the audience is invited to participate in the festivities. It’s the party that would happen if somehow David Letterman and Ed Sullivan threw a hip house party around the grand piano! 8:30pm. Tickets are $10-30.

All performances take place at The Renaissance Hollywood Hotel located at Hollywood & Highland. Click Here for show times, reservations, and information about all of The Coterie’s upcoming events.

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Storybook Theatre Presents Aladdin, the Princess, and the Magic Lamp

2012-01-17T17:38:00.000-08:00

Storybook Theatre’s Aladdin, the Princess, and the Magic Lamp presents the classic story of the genie who grants wishes to Aladdin in a delightful musical adaptation that is fun for the whole family. Book, music and lyrics are by Lloyd J. Schwartz and the show is directed by Elliot Schwartz.

Aladdin is appropriate for all ages and features plenty of singing and dancing and loads of audience participation. The show runs Saturdays at 1:00 pm, March 10 – July 14, 2012. Tickets for adults are $12 and children are $10. Discounted rates are available for birthday parties and weekday school field trip performances.

Storybook Theatre performances take place at Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, in Los Angeles, CA 90068. There is FREE parking in a lot across the street. Click Here for tickets and more information or call 818-761-2203.

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La Jolla Playhouse's 2012 POP Tour is RECIPE FOR DISASTER

2012-01-17T07:28:00.000-08:00

La Jolla Playhouse’s 2012 Performance Outreach Program (POP) Tour production, Recipe for Disaster, by critically-acclaimed playwright Barry Kornhauser, will tour schools throughout San Diego County January 30 – March 30, 2012.

Commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse and the Arizona-based Childsplay, this world-premiere production is directed by David Saar and features original music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (composer of the Playhouse’s 2011 POP Tour production of Frida Libre). Public performances will take place at La Jolla Playhouse Saturday, February 25 and Saturday, March 3 at 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm.

In Recipe for Disaster, two blustering, boisterous chefs make a mess of an important exam for one struggling young apprentice. Will the chefs’ need to top each other lead to culinary chaos? Or will the apprentice convince them to put down their spatulas and work together? With elements of clowning, dance and improvisation - and a good dash of silliness -Recipe for Disaster delivers “just desserts” to all who behave with civility and grace - and to those who don’t.

The cast features Ricky Araiza as “Apprentice,” David Dickinson as “Chef,” Rae Henderson as “Chef” and Steven Lone as “Head of School."

Prior to each performance, a Playhouse teaching artist will visit each school to engage students in an interactive workshop to explore issues and themes at the core of the play. The Playhouse will provide schools with a standards-based engagement guide that enables educators to integrate the play into their existing curriculum. After each performance, the cast and crew will conduct a question and answer session with the audience.

For more information about the POP Tour, please contact Nicole Keepers at nkeepers@ljp.org. Tickets to this year’s public performances on February 25 and March 3 go on sale January 25 and are available online at LaJollaPlayhouse.org or by calling 858-550-1010.

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SMASH. It's Going To Be a Smash!

2012-01-16T18:54:00.000-08:00

I was invited to a see a screening of the new TV series SMASH this past week and folks, I’m telling you right now, you’re going to love this show. It truly is for everyone who’s ever had a dream. It’s the world no one gets to see; the joy, the heartbreak, and the hard knocks of trying to make it on Broadway done in a way that is beautiful, exciting, and incredibly inspiring.

Told from the viewpoint of its various characters – producer, director, writers, and actors – it starts at the very beginning; with an idea for a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe. The producers are a dream team of heavy-hitters that includes Craig Zadan & Neil Meron, producers of the films Chicago and Hairspray, Michael Mayer, director of Spring Awakening and American Idiot, Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman, composer and lyricist of Hairspray and Catch Me If You Can, and Theresa Rebeck, the show’s creator, along with none other than Stephen Spielberg.

Spielberg says that he’s always had an interest in theatre and what fascinated him most was what goes on behind the scenes before the curtain ever goes up - the competition, the drama, the fights, the dreams, the disappointments, the egos – and if what I saw in the pilot continues, SMASH is going to be a smash.

It captures the energy of that world in a way that is relatable to everyone, whether or not you’re an artist yourself. It has characters and relationships you care about, dramatic tension that builds as you watch the story unfold, and musical numbers that are so full of energy you'll burst into applause in your living room (we did in the theatre!)

Plus, it's got a terrific cast!

~Megan Hilty as Ivy Lynn, a veteran Broadway chorus girl looking for her big break as Marilyn

~Katherine McPhee as Karen Cartwright, the unknown singer from Iowa who just might take the role away from her

~Debra Messing as Julia Houston, one half of the writing duo of Marilyn the Musical along with Christian Borle as her writing partner Tom Levitt

~Brian D'Arcy James as Frank Houston, Julia's husband who thinks she’s taking a year off so they can adopt a child

~Jack Davenport as Derek Wills, the handsome, brilliant, womanizing director who doesn’t get along with Levitt…at all

~Anjelica Huston as Eileen Rand, the musical's producer currently going through a nasty divorce that could compromise everything

~Raza Jaffrey as Dev Sundaram, Karen's boyfriend, who works at the Mayor's office

~Jamie Cepero as Ellis, Levitt's new assistant, and somewhat responsible for the Marilyn musical idea

SMASH will premiere Monday, February 6th on NBC. Don’t miss it! For more clips, photos and exclusive information go to the show’s official website www.nbc.com/smash.

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SPAMALOT Returns to the Pantages

2012-01-12T16:33:00.000-08:00

Kasidy Devlin, Adam Grabau, Jacob L. Smith, Thomas DeMarcus,
Arthur Rowan, and Michael J. Berry. Photo credit: Scott Suchman 2011

Monty Python’s SPAMALOT returns to taunt L.A. for one week only, February 28 – March 4, at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. Based on the Tony Award winning direction of Mike Nichols and the riotous choreography of Casey Nicholaw, SPAMALOT features a book by Eric Idle, based on the screenplay of Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Monty Python creators Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, with music and lyrics by the team of Mr. Idle and John Du Prez.

SPAMALOT tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail, featuring a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and one legless knight.

Leading the cast are Arthur Rowan as King Arthur and Brittany Woodrow as The Lady of the Lake, with Michael J. Berry (Patsy), Adam Grabau (Sir Lancelot, The French Taunter, King Ni, Tim the Enchanter), Jacob L. Smith (Sir Galahad, Black Knight, Father), Kasidy Devlin (Sir Robin), Thomas DeMarcus (Mayor, Dennis’ Mother, Sir Bedevere, Concorde), James David Larson (Not Dead Fred, Prince Herbert) and Joe Beuerlein (Historian, Minstrel, Brother Maynard, French Guard).

Rounding out the company are Kimber Benedict, Jason Elliott Brown, Ryan Cowles, Carl DeForrest Hendin, Amanda Johns, Andrew Leggieri, Melissa Denise Lopez, McKayla Marso, Jesse Palmer, Tiffani Robbins, Jared Titus and Bradley Allan Zarr.

Click Here for tickets and information or call 800-982-2787. The Pantages Theatre is located at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard, just east of Vine Street.

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The Colony Theatre Presents Old Wicked Songs

2012-01-11T16:12:00.000-08:00

The Colony Theatre will present the Pulitzer Prize nominee, Old Wicked Songs, written by Jon Marans and directed by Stephanie Vlahos, as its next show of the season. Old Wicked Songs will preview February 1 -3, open on Saturday, February 4 at 8:00 pm and continue through Sunday, March 4.

Stephen is a young, brilliant American pianist who has come to Vienna with the hope of regaining his shattered confidence. His teacher is a lonely, eccentric, elderly professor with a shadowy past. As the glorious music of Robert Schumann floods the professor's studio, the past collides with the present, deep secrets are revealed, and the men slowly discover they have more in common than just the music they love. Nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Old Wicked Songs travels an emotional journey that weaves together profound sorrow, boundless joy, and soaring inspiration.

The two-person cast will feature Tavis Danz as Stephen Hoffman and John Towey as Professor Josef Mashkan, and the design team includes Stephen Gifford (Scenic Design), Jared A. Sayeg (Lighting Design), Kate Bergh (Costume Design), and Drew Dalzell (Sound Design). Props design and set dressing is by Colony Theatre resident designers MacAndMe.

Question-and-answer talkbacks will follow the performances on Friday, February 10 and Thursday, February 23, and if you’ve never been to an opening night at the Colony, you should consider going. It’s great fun. Tickets for the Opening night performance and reception are specially priced. You can Click Here to go to The Colony's website for more information or call 818-558-7000 x 15.

The Colony Theatre is located at 555 North Third Street (at Cypress) adjacent to the Burbank Town Center.

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The Vault Celebrates 2nd Anniversary with January 12 Performance

2012-01-10T13:51:00.000-08:00

The Vault Ensemble, Los Angeles Theatre Center’s resident satirical comedy-and-music ensemble with a multi-ethnic cast, celebrates “Two Years Strong” with a Second Anniversary Show of its greatest skits. The critically acclaimed group’s performance will coincide with the Downtown L.A. Art Walk on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 9 pm. Performance takes place in the 320-seat Theatre 3 at Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013. Tickets are available at the door only, and are just $5.00. Complimentary wine is available for adults (21+) with I.D.

In the words of musical director Jasmine Orpilla, “The Vault is a rebellious, genre-bending theatre and musical performance art ensemble. Continually inspired by local L.A. and global real-life happenings, this multi-cultural and interdisciplinary ensemble creates an unpredictably fast-paced experience where no issue is taboo…except for our mothers.”

Members of The Vault include Brenda Banda, Stephen Buchanan, Aaron Garcia, Sam Golzari, Fidel Gomez, Esperanza America Ibarra, Theodore Lange IV, Jasmine Orpilla and Vicki Syal.

Click Here for more information or call 213-489-0994.

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The Coterie Announces January Events

2012-01-05T21:57:00.000-08:00

Here’s a look at the The Coterie's January performance schedule from executive producers Amber Cassell and Julie Garnye. The Coterie is located at Hollywood & Highland in the beautiful Renaissance Hollywood Hotel.

Tuesday, January 10 & 17

The Swell Show, starring Cortes Alexander (right), star of Broadway’s Liza’s at the Palace, featuring guest performances by Melissa Bailey and Jennifer Rapp, with musical direction by Ross Kalling. Opening for Mr. Alexander will be the much anticipated return of The Lovely Carol.

Sunday, January 22

When You Wish Upon a Star, featuring music from classic family films. The cast includes Christy Carlson Romano (Beauty & the Beast, Even Stevens, Kim Possible) and Carla Renata (The Lion King, CW’s Heart of Dixie), Haviland Stillwell (Les Miserables, Fiddler on the Roof), and OWN Network & YouTube star Ryan O’Connor. A large portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to a children’s philanthropy of the cast’s choice.

Tuesday, January 24
Anjali Bhimani – It’s Happening Again. Join Broadway’s Anjali Bhimani for a comic and heartfelt evening of songs of love, loss, lust, and laughs (and sweet potato tater tots...) Featuring Jonny Morrow, Nick Perez, Anthony Starble, and Rob Humphreys. With songs by Anjali Bhimani, Norah Jones, k.d. lang, Ty Taylor, Susan Tedeschi, and more. For more information on Miss Bhimani, visit http://www.anjalibhimani.com/.

Friday & Saturday, January 27 & 28
Miranda Sings LIVE! Miranda will be joining forces with celebrity guests to bring you a hilarious night filled with improvisation, hit songs, onstage voice lessons, magic tricks, and dramatic readin...gs of hate mail. Don’t miss seeing this lipstick-wearing, epileptic eye-browed, crooked-smiling beauty live and in person. Special guests include GLEE’s Lindsay Pearce & Curt Mega, and American Idol’s Todrick Hall & Tori Kelli.

All performances take place at The Renaissance Hollywood Hotel located at Hollywood & Highland. Click Here for show times, reservations, and information about all of The Coterie’s upcoming events.

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Upright Cabaret's American Icon Series Presents The Troubadours

2012-01-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

Chris Isaacson has announced the performers for Upright Cabaret’s American Icon Series’ upcoming show, The Troubadours, celebrating the music of Bob Dylan, Carole King and James Taylor. The show will star American Idol’s Jackie Tohn, Matt Wolpe (The Buddy Holly Story) Yvette Cason (Dreamgirls, Play On!, Stormy Weather) and Jake Simpson (Star Search Grand Champion, Arena: Born to Rock, Oprah favorite).

You’ll enjoy favorites like Blowin’ In The Wind, Times They Are A’Changin’, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, Natural Woman, Fire and Rain, You’ve Got A Friend, and more led by musical director Gerald Sternbach with the Upright Cabaret band. The American Icon Series is now performing at four venues: in Hollywood, Palm Springs, La Mirada, and Thousand Oaks so you’ll have four chances to see the show.

In Hollywood at Catalina Jazz Club
January 15, 2012 - 7:30 pm

In Thousand Oaks at Scheer Forum Theatre
January 27, 2012 - 8:00pm

In La Mirada at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
January 29, 2012 - 7:30 pm

In Palm Springs at the Annenberg Theater
February 5, 2012 - 8:00pm

Ticket prices are $29 - $49 with group discounts available and are available by calling 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the "next generation" of world-class performers in Upright Cabaret’s “American Icon Series"!

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The Original Superstar, Ted Neeley, Returns to Rubicon Theatre

2012-01-03T22:41:00.000-08:00

Ted Neeley, best known as the star of the Norman Jewison film Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as the Broadway and National Tours, will return to Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre for a premiere concert event this month. Ted Neeley and The Little Big Band is an up-close-and-personal musical event which previews January 20, opens January 21, and continues for a limited run through January 29.

Neeley will tell stories about his career and sing in a variety of styles and genres, representing his own eclectic musical passions. Included will be folk and pop hits by his favorite songwriters of the past few decades (both electric and acoustic) and highlights from rock musicals such as Tommy, Hair, Sgt. Pepper’s… and Superstar.

He will also premiere new, never-before-heard compositions from shows he’s developing for future production, all backed by a “little” five-piece band of instrumentalists with big talents. Band members are Kim Norton, guitar; Craig Stull, guitar; Candy Chase, bass; Gavin Salmon, drums; and Ed Martel, keyboards. The concert is expected to tour nationally next season.

Neeley helped launch Rubicon back in 1998 when he starred in the company’s very first production - a concert version of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Majestic Theatre. Initially announced for two performances only in the 1,400-seat venue, Rubicon’s Superstar quickly sold-out, a third show was added, and Rubicon Theatre Company was born.

There will also be a talkback following the 7:00 pm performance on Wednesday, January 25. Click here for tickets and information or call 805-667-2900. Rubicon Theatre is located at 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001.

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Jane Fuller Returns to Sierra Madre Playhouse in Cinderella

2012-01-03T18:18:00.000-08:00

Cinderella, starring jazz vocalist Jane Fuller, returns to Sierra Madre Playhouse beginning February 4. This new musical version of the classic tale features Fuller’s original songs and book by June Chandler, and was so popular with adults as well as children in its two previous engagements, that it’s back for a third run.

The show is highly interactive and has plenty of opportunities for kids in the audience to participate as Cinderella’s mice and princesses at the ball. In addition to Fuller the cast includes Abraham Luna, Ron Johnston, Shirley McConnell, Jane Park, Hal Sweesy, Guy Crawford, Donna Ieraci, Helen Frederick, and Yvonne Durant.

Cinderella runs February 4 – March 2 at 11:00 am. Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024. Free parking is available behind theatre. Click here for tickets or call 626-355-4318.

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Kritzerland Presents Toonful!

2012-01-01T20:31:00.000-08:00

Cast Updated 1/4/12:
Kritzerland at Sterling’s presents Toonful! Great Songs From Animated Films, A Tribute to the Memory of Michelle Nicastro on Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 7:00 pm in its new location: Sterling’s at Vitello’s in Studio City. The show will star Susanne Blakeslee, Juliana Hansen, Melody Hollis, Jane Noseworthy, and Anneliese van der Pol. Music Director is A.J. Robb.

Toonful! is full of great songs from animated classics such as Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Pinocchio, and Toy Story. Producer Bruce Kimmel had a long and wonderful working relationship with the late Michelle Nicastro – four solo albums and she appeared on more than thirty others for him over the years. This show is a tribute to her warm and wonderful memory.

Dinner reservations are from 5:30 - 6:00 pm. The $31 per person charge includes everything (cover and a $13 drink/food allowance as well as a reserved seat at a table). All seating is reserved, and attendance is by reservation only. Walk-ins are welcome, but seating is subject to availability. Sterling’s at Vitello’s is located at 4349 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604. Parking is available for $3.75 per car in the Vitello’s lot, and there is also ample street parking in the area. For reservations please call 818-754-8700.

Click Here for show listings:

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Happy Holidays from Musicals in LA!

2011-12-19T17:34:00.000-08:00

No matter how you sing it
or in what form you communicate it

May your CHRISTMAS be Merry

and your HOLIDAY Bright

and may 2012 bring you everything
you could possibly wish for.

Cheers!

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Workshops with Lewis Wilkenfeld and Steve Glaudini this week

2011-12-18T19:51:00.000-08:00

From the voice studio of Dan Callaway:

This week get a jump on 2012 and join Dan for back-to-back workshops with two incredible artistic directors:

Lewis Wilkenfeld, Cabrillo Music Theatre

and

Steve Glaudini, Musical Theatre West

Coach your audition material one-on-one in a safe, professional environment....or just watch and learn and participate in the Q&A.

Tuesday, December 20, 7-10 pm
Lewis Wilkenfeld, Cabrillo Music Theatre
Lewis is a kind, generous, and great director who will give you insight about what works in the audition room as well as the big picture of what a producing artistic director is looking for...valuable info every actor can use.

Wednesday, December 21, 7-10 pm
Steve Glaudini, Musical Theatre West
Steve has been a successful actor, director, producer, artistic director, and agent...all at award-winning levels. He has a 360-degree perspective of this industry that will help you build your skills...and understand how you fit in the puzzle of this crazy business.

Both workshops will take place at Dan’s studio located at 4922 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601 and you can pay with cash, check, credit card, or paypal.

Get up and work on your songs: $75
Watch and learn and Q&A: $45

To hold your spot, or if you have questions, contact Dan at dan@MyLAVoiceTeacher.com.

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ALLEGIANCE To Open 2012-13 Season at The Old Globe

2011-12-18T19:37:00.000-08:00

News from The Old Globe: The theatre will open its 2012-13 winter season with the world premiere of Allegiance – A New American Musical. Created by Jay Kuo and Lorenzo Thione with music and lyrics by Kuo, the original musical tells the story of a Japanese American family forced into an internment camp during World War II. Directed by Stafford Arima (Carrie, Altar Boyz, West End premiere of Ragtime), the production features musical direction and arrangements by Lynne Shankel (Cry-Baby, Company) and choreography by Christopher Gattelli (Newsies, Godspell, South Pacific).
Tony Award-winning actress Lea Salonga (pictured above) (Miss Saigon, Les Misérables), television and film icon George Takei (right) (Star Trek, Heroes) and Telly Leung (below) (Godspell, Rent) will star. The musical will run Sept. 6 - Oct. 20, 2012 with preview performances Sept. 6 –15 and a gala opening night on Sunday, Sept. 16 at 7:00 pm.

Allegiance – A New American Musical is an epic story of love, war and heroism set during the Japanese American internment of World War II. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Omura family is relocated from their home in Salinas, California to the Heart Mountain internment camp in the wastelands of Wyoming. Their story reflects a conflicted nation and people divided. Father Tatsuo, a successful store owner, resists their internment; mother Kimiko fears for their future, resigned to their fate; older son James volunteers in an all-Japanese American army regiment; and younger son Sam yearns for acceptance in America.

Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the authorization and implementation of the internment camps, Allegiance sheds new light upon a dark chapter of American history. With its moving score, Allegiance connects the audience with universal themes of love, family and redemption. The creative team includes Donyale Werle (scenic design), David Zinn (costume design), Ben Stanton (lighting design) and Peter Hylenski (sound design).

Tickets are currently available by subscription only at the website HERE, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park.

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The Old Globe premieres Burt Bacharach's SOME LOVERS

2011-12-17T01:57:00.000-08:00

The cast of Some Lovers
Photos by Henry DiRocco

There’s no mistaking the sound of Burt Bacharach’s classic pop songs in Some Lovers now premiering at The Old Globe in San Diego. Co-written by Bacharach and Spring Awakening’s Steven Sater, the world premiere musical is reminiscent of his distinct style of the ‘60s and ‘70s, a period that marked Bacharach’s collaboration with longtime lyricist Hal David. Those early hits like “Walk On By,” “What the World Needs Now is Love,” and “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” dominated the radio and created the everlasting sound of an easy listening generation, while exploring the many facets of love and romance. They are at once timeless and yet still etched in the past.

But no matter how beautiful or lyrical the melodies are in Some Lovers - and there are many - because we’ve been here before, the piece feels much like its own ‘ghost of Christmas past.’ The musical familiarity that might be excused on songs reflecting the lighter side of love feels more than a little out of place when used to underscore angrier sentiments. Ben’s “A Thousand Things that Were You” and Molly’s “Just Walk Away” are two that are guilty of such treatment, though Michelle Duffy sings her eleven o’clock number with such heated passion that it still remains a high point of the evening.

Based loosely based on O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi, the story finds Ben (Jason Danieley) and Molly (Duffy), old lovers still filled with regret at the loss of their relationship, drawn back together by a phone call on Christmas Eve. She’s about to lose her apartment and move out of New York City, and he has been unable to find the success as a songwriter he so desperately dreamed of as a young man.

Enter their younger, more innocent selves (Andrew Mueller and Jenni Barber), who use this as a last opportunity to remind them that in the beginning they were happy and if they would only be honest with each other, they could be again. The trip down memory lane meanders through a few of their best, and many of the worst, moments of their relationship as they ponder, for a second time, whether they really are still meant to be together. But since we only see them in the most generalized kind of ‘that was then, this is now’ story line, we miss any growth the two might have achieved in their years apart, and ultimately don’t really care if they get together again.

It isn’t for lack of trying on the actors’ part however. They make the most of what little character development they have to work with, and each finds ways to add what interest he or she can, though the task of the older lovers is somewhat more daunting. In director Will Frears’ staging in the round, all four actors remain on stage alternately participating in or watching their other selves recreate the past and present. And there’s a lot of watching…with wistfulness, or sadness, or disdain…a lot of watching that may evoke feelings from the lovers but ultimately leaves the audience feeling empty.

Ben Stanton’s lighting design sections off the playing areas with elegant, moody pools of light, stunning against the twin black and white baby grand pianos, (set design by Takeshi Kata), but the mirror ball is a confusing distraction. Lon Hoyt and his eight-piece orchestra are hidden below the stage.

The world according to Burt Bacharach will always be one in which a love song, be it bitter or sweet, rings out to speed the passage of time. For many, that in itself is reason enough to make the drive to San Diego to see Some Lovers. Some Lovers runs through December 31 at The Old Globe. Click Here for tickets and more information.

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Echo Theater Company presents GOD'S EAR

2011-12-15T18:53:00.000-08:00

The Echo Theater Company will present the Los Angeles premiere of God’s Ear, a play with music by Jenny Schwartz, directed by Rory Kozoll.

In God’s Ear, a couple suffers a tragic accident, and their grief propels them into a fantastical world where the Tooth Fairy sings, their flight attendant is a cross dresser, and GI Joe offers family counseling. It’s a lyrically absurd journey of love, loss, and laughter.

The cast will feature Troy Blendell, Paul Caramagno, Alana Dietze, Andrea Grano, Tara Karsian, Amanda Saunders, and Jeremy Shranko. The design team includes set by Melissa Ficociello, lighting by Kristie Roldan, costumes by Jordan Bass, and sound by Drew Dalzell. Music direction is by Alex Mackyol, and Leia Crawford is the production stage manager. God’s Ear is produced for the Echo Theater Company by Lauren Bass and Chris Fields.

The show will play two preview performances on January 12 and 13, and is set to open on Saturday, January 14 at 8:00pm. The engagement runs through Sunday, February 19. Click Here for ticket information or call (877) 369-9112. The Zephyr Theatre is located at 7456 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, 90046. Street parking is available.

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Holiday Happenings at The Broad, The Coterie, The Grove and More

2011-12-14T21:32:00.000-08:00

The Broad Holiday Sing-Along
Judith Owen & Harry Shearer are back at The Broad Stage for their annual Holiday Sing-Along on Friday December 16 at 7:30 pm. Join singer/songwriter Owen and her husband Shearer (KCRW’s Le Show, The Simpsons) for their family-friendly holiday debauch, which is sure to offer up a who’s-who of local faves and quirky guests. Past celebs have included Jane Lynch (Glee), Christopher Guest (Spinal Tap), and Weird Al Yankovich. A fun, intimate evening of musical mirth! Click Here for tickets.

Cool Yule with The Manhattan Transfer
Or you can take in a performance of Cool Yule –The Manhattan Transfer Swings the Holidays on December 17 and 18, also at The Broad. How better to celebrate the season than with the uplifting pop sounds of The Manhattan Transfer? The internationally renowned twelve-time Grammy-winning super group is sure to put audiences “in the mood”. Song list includes: Let it Snow, Let it Snow, White Christmas, Happy Holidays and more. Click here for tickets.

4 Lads From Liverpool at The Grove Theatre
4 Lads from Liverpool, a musical tribute to the Beatles, is performing At The Grove Theatre in Upland on New Years’ Eve at 9:00 pm. The performance includes songs from each of their major musical periods, and opens with a set of songs from the early Hamburg days with the Beatles dressed in their black leather jackets and pants. John (Peter George) sings lead on the opening song, "Rock and Roll Music" wearing a toilet seat around his head!

They also show fantastic clips from the old 60s shows and commercials to set the mood. From Hamburg to the Cavern Club in Liverpool, to their first performance on the Ed Sullivan show to the Shea Stadium concert, you’ll see it all. Doors open at 8:30 pm. Click Here for tickets and info or call (909) 920-4343. The Grove Theatre is at 276 E. Ninth Street, Upland, CA.

And at The Coterie this Month
Wednesday, December 14
Terron Brooks & Kamilah Marshall’s Holidaze Harmony. The Black Donny and Marie are back again with a Holiday Show that is sure to leave you in the Spirit! Terron Brooks (NBC mini-series The Temptations and Disney's The Lion King) and Kamilah Marshall (One of Bette Midler's Harlette's and Broadway's Hairspray) come together for the 5th year in a row to sing all your favorite holiday songs with a twist. Show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $5-20.

Friday & Saturday, December 16 & 17
James Barbour: The Holiday Concert. The Coterie is proud to present Broadway star and Drama Desk nominated actor James Barbour in the Los Angeles engagement of his fourth annual holiday concert tour. Barbour's regular holiday concerts have become part of the entertainment landscape around the country and each one features special surprise guest stars and a program of the most exhilarating songs in the American Song Book. 8:30pm. Tickets are $10-35.

Sunday, December 18
When You Wish Upon a Star. An intimate concert event featuring music from everyone's favorite classic family films, performed by actors from film, animation, and Broadway. Cast TBA. A large portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to a children’s philanthropy of the cast’s choice. Show starts at 7pm. Tickets are $5-30. Click Here for ticket information for all of the Coterie shows.

Free Music Center Holiday Sing-Along
Celebrate the magic of the season at the annual Music Center Holiday Sing-Along on December 16, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm in the Music Center Plaza. Sing along to all your holiday favorites amidst the cool wintry skies and festive twinkling lights. There will be live musical accompaniment and lyric sheets are provided. No experience is necessary, just come prepared to sing! Tickets are required and distributed beginning at 6:00 pm while supplies last. One ticket per person to those waiting in line. Seating capacity is limited. Click here for more information or call (213) 972-3660.

Amahl and the Night Visitors
And if you have an hour to spare to enjoy a holiday classic, come to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Studio City and see Gian Carlo Menotti's beautiful operetta, Amahl and the Night Visitors Friday, December 16th at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $15 or 2 for $25 and children 10 and under are FREE. There will also be a free reception and refreshments following the performance.

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YO HO HO! It's A Pirate's Christmas for Me

2011-12-14T08:37:00.000-08:00

The NoHo Arts Center Ensemble (NoHo Ace) presents the return of its smash-hit, critically-acclaimed holiday family musical, Yo Yo Ho! A Pirate’s Christmas. Featuring music and lyrics by Scott DeTurk and James J. Mellon, and written & directed by Mellon, it will play through December 31 at No Ho Arts Center in North Hollywood.

In this original holiday musical, it’s up to a little seven-year-old girl named Eve to save Christmas for everyone. What will become of Christmas when Santa Claus and the citizens of the North Pole are kidnapped by a bunch of directionally challenged pirates? This wondrous new musical is destined to become a holiday tradition for you and your entire family for years to come! And, best of all, children under 6 get in for FREE!

The cast features Gil Berry, Brad Blaisdell, Hannah Blaisdell, Bonnie Cahoon, Allie Costa, Janet Fontaine, Alison Friedman, Andy Scott Harris, Alex Robert Holmes, Gary Livingood, Merilee Magnuson, Tia Michelle, Hadley Belle Miller, Nora Rose-Hines, Karen Needle, Maria Scala and Jonathan Zenz.

The production has also assembled an award-winning design team including Dove Huntley (set design), Luke Moyer (lighting design), Jonathan Zenz (sound design), and Curtis C. Jackson (costume design).

Click Here for tickets and performance times or call 818-508-7101 x 6. NoHo Arts Center is located at 11136 Magnolia Blvd. (at Lankershim) in North Hollywood.

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BANANAS! A Day in the Life of Josephine Baker

2011-12-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

BANANAS! A Day in the Life of Josephine Baker is an award-winning, one-woman tour-de-force play based on the extraordinary life of international star and civil rights freedom fighter, Josephine Baker. Drama, comedy, and music recount Baker’s “rise from the slums of East St. Louis to the grand stages of Europe.”

Written and performed by Sloan Robinson, directed by Joyce Maddox, with musical direction by Aeros Pierce, it will run December 20 – February 29 at J.E.T. Studios in NoHo.

La Baker, also known as ‘The Duchess of Europe’, overcame limitations imposed by the color of her skin to become one of the world's most versatile entertainers and intriguing personalities of the 20th century. Decorated with the highest French military medal, Josephine Baker was a member of the French Resistance carrying secret documents across the borders during World War II. From her rousing speech standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial next to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., her refusal to perform for segregated audiences, to adopting twelve children from around the world and raising them together to prove by example that nations could live together in harmony, Josephine Baker was a civil rights activist, humanitarian & performer extraordinaire.

J.E.T. Studios is located at 5126 Lankershim Blvd, NoHo 91601 Click Here for tickets and more information or call (818) 358-3453.

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A Christmas Westside Story Wows Falcon Audiences

2011-12-13T13:27:00.000-08:00

Joseph Keane as Flick (left) and company of A Christmas
Westside Story. Photos by Chelsea Sutton

It was a stroke of genius on the part of Matt Walker and his band of Troubies the day they decided to combine A Christmas Story, one of the funniest holiday movies to come out of the ‘80s, and West Side Story, one of the best musicals ever written, into a brand new holiday favorite called A Christmas Westside Story.

Relating the childhood adventures of 9-year old Ralphie (Matt Walker) via the ground-breaking songs and explosive choreography of the Jets and Sharks is rich ground for the Troubies’ unique style of comedy, and it starts from the very beginning with the playground parallel of West Side Story’s Prologue, complete with finger snaps and territorial dance moves. Choreographer Molly Alvarez pays serious tribute to Jerome Robbins in this dance heavy musical, featuring dancers that could easily appear in a production of the Bernstein/Sondheim classic on any legit stage. And that makes all the difference.

It’s the 1940’s, and Ralphie is desperate for a BB gun for Christmas. In a stroke of supremely bad timing he blurts out his wish for the Red Ryder 200 Shot Range Model Air Rifle only to have his mom (Leah Sprecher) respond with the classic mother BB gun block, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” Instantly they turn Anita and Maria’s “A Boy Like That/I Have a Love” into the hysterical duet “A Toy Like That.” Losing half her wig on opening night during the dance sequence only made the number funnier as we watched Sprecher dance over and recover it from the floor, stir it into her bowl, decide that didn’t work well enough, and then finally throw it into the sink.

This is the kind of improv for which the Troubies are famous, and loyal audience members secretly wait for things to go awry because the ad-libs that result are the stuff Troubie dreams are made on, for these jacks of all trade and masters of pun know how to use all missteps to their best advantage.

No penalty flags were thrown on opening night, though Walker’s “groaner-meter” made several appearances to gauge the success of some of the more controversial topical references. Nothing is sacred here - be it latecomers, Michelle Bachman, or Penn State; no subject gets by without probing it for a laugh. And if Walker doesn’t attack it first, you can be sure Rick Batalla (as Ralphie's dad) will, king of improvisation that he is. Give him an inch and he’ll take a comedic mile, but who cares when the result works. All he needs is a pair of Eugene Levy eyebrows, no coat rack for his coat, imaginary stairs down to the basement and a Leg Lamp (played by Monica Schneider) he can call his own.

So many song classics get re-imagined in the show and musical lovers will get a kick out of all the twists. The Jet Song changes “When You’re a Jet” to a “When You’re a Kid” riff, the “Gym Mambo” is transformed into a terrific Christmas shopper sequence ending in a parody of Tony and Maria’s first meeting as Ralphie spies the object of his youthful desire in a store window. Miraculously, his Red Ryder BB gun is brought to life as the sexy Red (Katherine Malak pictured below). Together they sing the new and improved love ballad, “One Hand, One Heart” which is now “Two Hands, One Gun.”

There’s a new version of “Tonight” and “Maria” and even a brilliant “I Feel Pretty,” in which the Leg Lamp (Schneider pictured above), won by Ralphie’s dad, comes to life for a sexy dream specialty. “America” is reinvented by a chorus of ‘40s short-haired housewives singing and clapping, “La, la, la, la, la, la B-B-gun…” And before Flick (Joseph Keane) follows through on the dreaded triple dog dare Schwartz (Robert Petrarca) makes, the ensemble performs a show stopping Act I finale to “Cool.” Yes, we go into intermission with Flick’s tongue stuck to the pole!

Beth Kennedy and Matt Walker

Walker’s wide-eye narration of the musical follows the premise set up in A Christmas Story and whether he’s stuck in the awful pink bunny suit from Aunt Clara, clawing his way up the slide for a second chance to tell Santa his Christmas wish, or trying not to get his eye shot out (epic fail), you believe he is a 9-year old boy. It’s an engaging, earnest, terrifically funny performance.

Add Beth Kennedy as his younger brother Randy and just watch the laughs multiply. Recreating scenes like the mashed potato piggy scene (with the addition of a couple of snot carrots), Randy crying underneath the sink because he thinks “daddy’s gonna kill Ralphie,” taking all the presents under the tree -“that’s mine, and that's mine, and that's mine” - or getting so overly bundled up in his winter snowsuit that he can’t put his arms down, run the gamut from goofy to gross.

The collaborative effort of the designers works beautifully too. Mike Jespersen’s chain link fences and rolling set pieces create a playing area that provides plenty of room for the impressive dance numbers, which are lit to perfection by lighting designer Jeremy Pivnick. Naomi Yoshida recreates many of the best visual jokes from A Christmas Story in her costume design. Even musical director/drummer Eric Heinly and his onstage band are dressed as tough kids on the playground while sounding terrific on some of the most difficult songs in the musical theatre catalogue.

Other theatrical venues around town often have sound difficulties but here at the Falcon they always seem to get it right. Special mention goes to Robert Arturo Ramirez who is responsible for the sound design on this production and does an outstanding job.

There's a reason why the Troubies have built such a loyal fan base here in L.A. and why they continue to win awards year after year. This latest holiday extravaganza is a perfect introduction for newcomers to the Troubie theatrical experience. Get your tickets now before they sell out!

A Christmas Westside Story runs through January 15 at the Falcon Theatre in Toluca Lake. Click Here for tickets and more information.

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A HOLIDAY Cabaret Benefit For Healing Arts Reaching Kids

2011-12-07T23:31:00.000-08:00

Suzanna Griffith presents a HOLIDAY Cabaret Benefit For HARK. Healing Arts Reaching Kids is a charity supporting Expressive Art, Music and Dance Movement Therapy at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The evening stars Suzanna Griffith, along with musical director/pianist Greg Hilfman and special guests Samantha Lane Englerth, Griffith Frank, Kelly Hare, Dash Hutton, Perk, Aida Rodriquez, and Cindy Yantis. You can find out more about HARK at this Link.

The benefit will take place on Thursday, December 15 at M Bar Hollywood located at 1253 Vine Street, Los Angeles 90038.
7:00 PM Dinner
7:45 PM Show
Tickets are $50 (For Show and a Complimentary Appetizer)
*Drinks and dinner not included
Click Here for more information about MBar

Proceeds from the event will go to HARK. If you have questions, please contact cabaretforhark@gmail.com or call 323-930-0632. Click Here for tickets or to donate to the cause. Click the DONATE button and each $50 reserves you one seat. Or you can make your check out to Cabaret for HARK and mail to Suzanna Griffith, 332 1/2 North Curson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036.

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THE BOOK OF MORMON is coming to Los Angeles!

2011-12-07T16:31:00.000-08:00

The National Tour of The Book of Mormon, winner of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, will make its west coast premiere in a strictly limited 12-week engagement September 5 - November 25, 2012 at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles.

The Book of Mormon will be the first show of the Broadway/L.A. 2012-2013 Season at the Pantages Theatre. Broadway/L.A. season ticket holders will be given first access to seats and single tickets will go on sale at a later date. The season’s remaining productions are to be announced.

The musical features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Parker and Stone are the four-time Emmy Award-winning creators of the landmark animated series, South Park. Tony Award-winner Lopez is co-creator of the long-running hit musical comedy, Avenue Q. The musical is choreographed by Tony Award-winner Casey Nicholaw (Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Drowsy Chaperone) and is directed by Nicholaw and Parker.

“The question people most ask me about the show – aside from ‘can you get me tickets?’ – is ‘when’s it coming to LA?’” commented Robert Lopez. “It’s great to finally have a good answer to one question, if not the other.” “We moved to Los Angeles twenty years ago to try and make it as filmmakers,” commented Trey Parker and Matt Stone. “The last thing we expected is that one day we would be bringing our Broadway musical here. It’s crazy and great.

The Pantages Theatre is located at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard, steps away from the fabled intersection of Hollywood & Vine. For more information about the Los Angeles premiere engagement of The Book of Mormon, please visit the official website of the Pantages Theatre, http://www.broadwayla.org/ or http://www.bookofmormonontour.com/.

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Terror at the Pike Returns to The Garage Theatre

2011-12-05T23:45:00.000-08:00

Melodrama is back at The Garage Theatre with Terror at the Pike or How Come There Aren't Any Waves in Long Beach? by Jamie Sweet. Hop on the Cyclone Racer and follow the adventures of Rod, Dixie, Ging and Tricia as they match wits and witticisms with Ian Sidious. Enjoy free ice cream, partake in carnival-themed activities, and come early if you want to have your face-painted!

Originally intended as a 5 part episodic work, Jamie Sweet (Founding member and Technical Director of the Garage Theatre) went back and re-wrote part I in such a way as to ensure that the susbsequent parts needed to be tweaked a bit, too. The result? Essentially 5 new plays! Join us for Part I - TAKE 2. Plus, the show even includes musical numbers composed by one of the creators of LOLPERA, Ellen Warkentine.

The Garage Theatre proudly carries on its holiday tradition of providing a non-denominational holiday experience that is fun for the whole family. Free ice cream (and tofuti) will be served at intermission and kids of all ages are invited to come draw on the walls, throw (soft cloth) tomatoes at the villain and cheer your heads off for the Hero, Rod McGirdlebutt, and his friends on this journey back in time to Long Beach circa 1918.

The show runs through December 18. $12 Big Kids, $5 Little Kids. Click Here for reservations or call 866-811-4111.

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Cast and Creatives Announced for Sleeping Beauty: The Time Traveler

2011-12-05T17:32:00.000-08:00

MainStreet Theatre Company has announced the cast and creative team for the next show of their 6th Season. Sleeping Beauty: The Time Traveler, with book by Janet Stanford, Lyrics by Andrea Dodd and Music by Deborah Wicks-La Puma, makes its west coast premiere January 28 -February 12, 2012 at Rancho Cucamonga’s Lewis Family Playhouse. Award winning director Art Manke directs, with musical direction by Janice Rodgers Wainwright.

The musical, geared to girls and boys ages 5 and up, updates the Sleeping Beauty story by sending a modern-day 5th grader who is obsessed with the Nintendo game “Zelda” back in time to the age of Charlemagne, where he meets a young Princess Aurora. Aurora longs to be a knight and go off on adventures, and doesn’t understand why her parents have never let her leave the castle walls. The two friends end up not only finding out about the curse put on Aurora when she was young, but with the help of the magic spindle, end up both living in our 21st century world – the “land of computers.”

Musical Director Janice Rodgers Wainwright will lead a 3 piece live band perched above scenic designer Michael C. Smith’s set, which will magically transform from a present day museum to a medieval castle. The creative team also includes costume designer Angela Balough Calin and lighting designer Jaymi Lee Smith.

The cast of four will star Mary Kate Wiles, last seen as spunky red-head Anne Shirley in MainStreet’s Anne of Green Gables, as Princess Aurora, and Jeffrey Todd as Rolly, the 5th grader who is more interested in Nintendo than school work. Ann Marie Lee and Gary Lamb play Aurora’s parents in the age of Charlemagne and double as Rolly’s parents in the age of computers.

Sleeping Beauty: The Time Traveler runs Saturdays at 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm and Sundays at 1:00 pm (no performance on January 29th). The matinee on February 5th will be interpreted in American Sign Language. The Playhouse also runs special weekday matinees for school children, and study guides for teachers and parents are accessible on the Lewis Family Playhouse website. Click Here for ticket prices, information, and directions or call 909-477-2752 or 877-858-8422.

The Lewis Family Playhouse is located off the I-15 at Foothill Boulevard in the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center. The box office is open Monday through Friday from noon to 6:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

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LOST AND UNSUNG A Musical Night to Remember

2011-12-02T11:32:00.000-08:00

It is a well-known fact that during the creation of a new musical, songs will come and go. Rewrites are a painstaking part of the process and there are many reasons why a song – even a good one – may never make it to opening night. As the story develops it might no longer makes sense, the character who sings it could be cut from the show, or a better song may come along to replace it.

So what becomes of these “lost songs?” Many find new life in recordings produced by Bruce Kimmel on his Kritzerland label, and this week, the Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy is featuring thirty of these gems in Lost and Unsung, An Evening of Cut Songs from Great Musicals and Great Songs from Flops, directed and narrated by Kimmel.

Professional artists Alet Taylor, Damon Kirsche, Melody Hollis and Will Collyer join members of the theatre academy, including Brett McMahon, Harrison Meloeny, Tara Collins, Sarah Fontenot, Julia Rose, and Alexis Williams in songs you’ve never heard from shows like Gypsy, Company, Sweet Charity, Smile, and Drat! The Cat!” Lost and Unsung runs for six performances November 30 - December 3.

The evening’s many highlights included Collyer singing a touching “So Little Time” from Barnum, and a heartbreaking interpretation of “Orphan in the Storm” from Celebration. Kimmel’s comments about Celebration included an interesting side note that the masks for the production were created by none other than a 16-year old Julie Taymor.

Damon Kirsche was in glorious voice and provided that sparkle of old Broadway/Hollywood glamour that makes every role he takes on magical, as heard in “Ten Percent,” the agent’s song cut from Chicago, “Multitudes of Amys” cut from Company, and the showstopping finale “Make the Most of Your Music” from Follies. I’m still waiting for someone to write him a role set in the 1920s/’30s that captures all of the things he does so well and lets him put his stamp on an original character.

Taylor channeled her inner Ethel Merman on “Take it in Your Stride,” originally meant to be sung by Annie to a poster of herself in Annie Get Your Gun but cut because the star didn’t want to learn a new song, and Williams gave us the lovely, haunting “Starfish” from La Strada, which was originally sung by Bernadette Peters in her first big Broadway starring role. Other highlights were McMahon as a young Scrooge singing “Penny By Penny” from A Christmas Carol, Hollis’ “I Want to be a Rockette” from The Showgirl Musical, and a humorous, contemporary update of “Man & Wife” and “Guess We May As Well Stay Married Now,” both from I Do! I Do!, sung by the company.

A special highlight on opening night was an appearance by Richard M. Sherman, of the Sherman Brothers, who wrote the songs for Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Happiest Millionaire, and Charlotte’s Web. Mr. Sherman performed a comedy song cut from Mary Poppins entitled “Chimpanzoo,” complete with kazoo, that brought down the house.

Though some songs never make it to opening through no fault of their own, it isn’t hard to see why others are cut from shows, as in the case of “Filbbertigibbit,” a song written for Lizzie in 110 in the Shade that was replaced by the much more appealing character piece “Raunchy.” “Evening Star,” on the other hand, was originally cut from 110 in the Shade but later restored thanks to Kimmel’s insistence that the song was just too short and needed a bridge. It’s a great story about how he asked his friend Harvey Schmidt to write one and then got him to convince Tom Jones, whom Schmidt was certain would never write a lyric to it, to actually do it. The result is a gorgeous song that is now included in all productions of the show and works beautifully, proving that persistence pays off.

Kimmel told many stories like this throughout the night and it is thanks to him that so many of these great songs have not been lost. They are the true stars of Lost and Unsung and for those who love to hear the inside scoop, and relish a chance to enjoy little known but terrific songs seldom sung live, this is a night to remember.

Performances take place in The Caminito Theatre at Los Angeles City College, 855 N. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, 90029. For reservations call 323-953-4000 x 2990.

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Geffen Playhouse Brings Students in to see NEXT FALL

2011-11-30T17:22:00.000-08:00

We salute our friends over at Geffen Playhouse for something amazing they did today providing a student matinee of Next Fall for nearly 500 students from 10 Title I public high schools. These students were able to see the production thanks to the Geffen Playhouse Education Department who provided FREE tickets and transportation. Attending schools included: Santee Education Complex, Roosevelt Academy of Medical & Health Sciences, Roosevelt Humanitas Art School, Roosevelt Math, Science & Technology Magnet, Annimo Inglewood Charter, Westchester High School, Hemet High School, James Monroe, Miguel Contreras, San Pedro High & Gabrielino High.

Next Fall, written by Geoffrey Nauffts is playing its final performances at the Geffen and will close on December 4 so you have only one more weekend to see it. This is the critically acclaimed play’s west coast debut directed by Sheryl Kaller. It was nominated for the 2010 Tony Award for Best Play, and received a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, and an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Broadway Play). It stars Ken Barnett, Betsy Brandt, Jeff Fahey, Geoffrey Nauffts, Lesley Ann Warren, and James Wolk.

Adam and Luke seem like a case of opposites attract – Adam is older, neurotic and an atheist; Luke is impulsive, a struggling actor and a devout Christian. After Luke is involved in a critical accident, family and friends descend upon the couple and these longtime differences collide, forcing opposing views on faith and family into a stand-off. As timely as it is touching, this must-see play exposes the fundamental truth that we love people both because of – and in spite of – who they are.

Way to go Geffen. Doing good with theatre. It makes a difference. http://www.geffenplayhouse.com/

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LA’S Next Great Stage Star™ Competition Returns

2011-11-30T11:46:00.000-08:00

Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's has set Saturday and Sunday, Dec 10 - 11 as audition dates for the 6th annual LA's Next Great Stage Star™ competition, announced today by producers Michael Sterling and Tony Monsour of Michael Sterling & Associates (http://www.msapr.net/).

Auditions are by appointment only and will be held between the hours of 9:00 am and 12:00 pm both days. To schedule an appointment, potential contestants may call Michael Sterling & Associates at 818 623-7300 x 2 beginning Monday, December 5th. The annual competition, which began in 2007, will be presented at Sterling’s Upstairs at Vitello’s located in Studio City, California’s trendy Tujunga Village as a series of six consecutive, early afternoon, Sunday matinees January 8 through February 12, 2012.

LA’s Next Great Stage Star™ is geared to discovering fresh, young talent for the theatre stage. Twenty (20) contestants between the ages of 18 – 32 will compete for the 2012 title. This year’s competition will once again be judged by an elite panel of LA theatre industry professionals.

2012 Stage Star Judges include:

Michael Donovan, Michael Donovan Casting

Daniel Solis, Disney Entertainment Casting

Dan Mojica, Producer/Director/Choreographer, Disney’s Beauty and The Beast Tours

Stephanie Coltrin, Artistic Director, CLOSBC

Robert Marra, Co-Artistic Director, Musical Theatre of Los Angeles

Calvin Remsberg, Vocal Coach and Director

David Elzer, Producer, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Life Could be a Dream

Steven Glaudini,Artistic Producer/Director, Musical Theatre West

John LeLonde, Artistic Director, Candlelight Pavilion

TJ Dawson, Artistic Director, 3D Theatricals

Richard Israel, Co-Artistic Director, West Coast Ensemble

Tim Dietlein, Artistic Director/Producer, Glendale Centre

Jodie Bowman, Kazarian, Spencer, Ruskin & Associates

Steven Dry, Schiowitz/Connor/Ankrum/Wolf

Dave Secor, Daniel Hoff Agency

Contestants will compete at each competition with no eliminations until the Finale on February 12. The Finale will determine the selection of 1 winner and 4 finalists. An entry fee of $350 will apply to all contestants.

LA’s Next Great Stage Star™ 2012 will receive a $1000 cash prize, a lucrative, paid headlining engagement at Sterling’s Upstairs at Vitello’s during 2012 and other prizes. The remaining four finalists will also receive cash prizes and paid headlining debuts at the famed supper club.

Additionally, the winner and top 4 finalists will audition for Julia Flores of Julia Flores Casting, Rigby/McCoy Productions at the La Mirada Performing Arts Center in La Mirada; and Glenn Casale, Artistic Director for California Music Theatre’s Sacramento Music Circus in Sacramento.

All 20 contestants will also audition during the competition for Artistic Director Lewis Wilkenfeld of Cabrillo Music Theatre housed at the Fred Kavli Theatre in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks.

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In L.A? Study Monologue and Song Interpretation with Betty Buckley

2011-11-29T17:37:00.000-08:00

Back by request, legendary Broadway star, actress/singer Betty Buckley will offer a very special four day Song Interpretation & Monologue Workshop in Los Angeles beginning Dec 6. The Tony winner will assist aspiring artists, educators and experienced performers in the craft of singing, acting & storytelling.

Ms. Buckley shares her expertise and guides her students through a methodology that facilitates audience connection through songs and monologues. Her emotional connection to songs and audiences is renowned, and that very connection is at the heart of what Ms. Buckley imparts to her students.

After her most recent successful run at Feinstein’s!, The New York Times' Stephen Holden raved, "Betty Buckley [is] at the very top of her game." John Simon of Bloomberg Press wrote, "Equally accomplished as actress and singer, she pours a lifetime into every song."

Collaboration Factory is an award winning Los Angeles based production company specializing in Music based entertainment for film, television and music video projects. The workshop is being presented by Thom Fennessey, in association with Dan Callaway, one of LA’s most sought-after voice teachers (www.MyLAVoiceTeacher.com).

The class welcomes auditors, at a reduced rate, who participate in all aspects of the class – including powerful group exercises and work with partners – except the individual singing and monologue coaching by Ms. Buckley.

The workshop will consist of four sessions Tues - Fri, Dec 6 - 9. Each session will be from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 pm. A pianist will be provided. For further information and an interview, call 323-650-2500 or email info@collaborationfactory.com.

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The Old Globe's HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

2011-11-28T21:31:00.000-08:00

Steve Blanchard and Logan Lipton
Photos by Henry DiRocco

One of the events that never fails to put me in the holiday spirit is the Old Globe’s annual production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! This is the 14th year in a row for the family classic about everyone’s favorite green man with a heart “two sizes too small,” and this year there’s a new Grinch in town. Steve Blanchard takes on the role for the first time and gives a new interpretation that finds him grumpier and more curmudgeonly than Grinches of late. Oh, the comedic shtick is still there, but this Grinch definitely emphasizes the moody, menacing side of the character as he schemes to ruin the Whos’ Christmas once and for all. He even sings with a growl.

Effective as the performance was, I still missed the slippery eel poutiness and decadent charm I’ve seen in the character before. No matter. However he’s portrayed, the Grinch is still the perfect antagonist for the Whos down in Whoville, who never lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. And though he starts as the villain, the Grinch proves that given the right influence, everyone has the ability to change, for as creator Theodore Geisel says, “…it’s not how you start out that counts. It’s what you are at the finish.”

His trusty sidekick Max the dog is played once again by Logan Lipton who captures the happy-go-lucky spirit of man’s best friend. Whether he’s chasing his tale, sprawling out on his tummy, or doing a soft-shoe with the Grinch, he’s as adorable as ever.

Cindy Lou Who (Caitlin McAuliffe and Remy Margaret Corbin alternating in the role) is the endearing little girl who cracks open the heart of the Grinch, and an adorable array of sugary sweet Whos keep the lively on-stage energy at a high pitch throughout the 75-minute intermission-less show. Always one to make me chuckle is the lovable – and a little bit dotty – Grandma Who, played by returning San Diego favorite, Amanda Naughton.

Amanda Naughton, Kelsey Venter,
Geno Carr and Phil Johnson

Directed by James Vasquez, the Globe’s Grinch is a festive affair with the animated feel of a story book brought to life. Its black and white pages are splashed with generous pinks and reds designed by John Lee Beatty with quirky costumes that match by Robert Morgan.

Always a favorite, this is one holiday musical that will bring a smile to every member of the family. Make sure its on your Christmas list. Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas runs through December 31. Click Here for tickets and more information.

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La Virgen De Guadulupe, Dios Inantzin

2011-11-28T19:03:00.000-08:00

For a decade now, the Latino Theater Company has annually presented a holiday gift to the community, its production of La Virgen De Guadulupe, Dios Inantzin. Adapted for the stage by company member and playwright Evelina Fernandez from the mid- Sixteenth Century text The Nican Mopohua, it relates the story of how the Virgin Mary appeared on four occasions to the lowly peasant Juan Diego in the mountains of Tepeyac near Mexico City in 1531. Miracles attributed to her intercession included the blooming of roses during a time of frost, and the recovery of Juan’s uncle from the deadly plague. Juan’s devotion to the Virgin was a catalyst for a spiritual renewal in the area. Perhaps two decades after the events occurred, they were recorded on paper in an Aztec language by the Indian scholar Antonio Valeriano.

Ms. Fernandez has transformed the story into a work for the stage whose themes of faith, hope and perseverance can speak to people of all backgrounds. The show is presented in Spanish with English supertitles.

Renowned opera singer Suzanna Guzman stars as the Virgin on December 8, and Esperanza America Ibarra portrays the Virgin on December 9. Sal Lopez plays Juan Diego. There is a cast of over 100 actors, singers and dancers that also includes children and seniors from the community. Also featured in major roles are Castulo Guerra, Lucy Rodriguez, Geoffrey Rivas, Luis Aldana, Pepe Serna and Valente Rodriguez.

The production is directed by Latino Theater Company’s artistic director, Jose Luis Valenzuela. Original music is composed by Alfredo Lopez Mondragon and is performed by Mondragon, Los Hermanos Herrera, Martin Espino and Chris Garcia. Choreography is by Urbanie Lucero. Maestro de Danza Azteca: Lazaro Arbizu.

Click Here for tickets or call 866-811-4111. Reserved seating is also available for subscribers to the Face of the World season of Los Angeles Theatre Center and holders of its Season Pass. General admission is free to the public (all are welcome to attend) at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, on Thursday and Friday, December 8 and 9, 2011 at 7:30 pm. A goodwill donation of $5 is suggested. No one is turned away for lack of funds.

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HELLO! MY BABY Set to Open at Rubicon Theatre

2011-11-28T11:43:00.000-08:00

From Golden Globe and Emmy-Award winning writer Cheri Steinkellner, award-winning composer Georgia Stitt, and a dream-team of great American songwriters comes Hello! My Baby, a riotous new-fashioned musical comedy that reboots Berlin, Gershwin, Kern and a score of others; smartly weaving their updated hits into a timely romantic farce for all ages. Hello! My Baby runs March 24 - April 15, 2012 at Rubicon Theatre in Ventura.

Set on the sidewalks of New York in the early nineteen-teens, the charming tale weaves an updated Tin Pan Alley score into the story of streetwise song-sellers, sweatshop-workers, debutantes, gangsters, and Whiffenpoofs as they sing and dance through young love, gender-bending and many ukuleles.

Young Mickey McKee, King of the Song-Pluggers, dreams of writing the next million-selling song. The only problem is, Mickey can't write a note - a problem that finds a possible solution in Nelly Gold, a young factory girl with a talent for tunes and moxie to spare. Mickey and Nelly make beautiful music together until she puts on the trousers she once sewed, calls herself Ned, and becomes the new King of the Pluggers, and Mickey's arch-rival. These mismatched young lovers and their unlikely friends sing, dance, bicker, and coo from Debutante Balls to Delancey Street, confronting class struggles, social reform, gender-swapping, and street-thugs, as they sell the songs we're all still humming a hundred years later.

The RTC production will also bow in Santa Barbara at the Lobero Theatre April 25 - 29, 2012. Click Here for more information.

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Kritzerland Presents A Broadway / Hollywood Christmas

2011-11-28T11:14:00.000-08:00

Kritzerland at the Gardenia presents A Broadway/Hollywood Christmas on Wednesday, December 7th, 9:00 - 11:00 pm. The show will star Dan Callaway, Zachary Ford, Juliana Hansen, Melody Hollis, Kim Huber, and Alet Taylor, and will feature a HISTORIC reunion. For the first time in 40 years, three of the original pit singers and one replacement pit singer from the Broadway company of Promises, Promises will reunite and sing their show-stopping number, “Turkey Lurkey Time!” You won’t want to miss Kelly Britt, Ilene Graff, Margot Hanson, and Ilona Simon-Muller. Music Director is Richard Berent.

Based on the albums produced by Bruce Kimmel, the show features great Christmas songs written for Broadway and Hollywood musicals and films by Irving Berlin, Jule Styne, Comden and Green, Martin and Blane, Meredith Willson, Schmidt and Jones, Jerry Herman, Joe Raposo and Sheldon Harnick, Leslie Bricusse, Bock and Harnick, Frank Loesser, Cy Coleman, Carol Hall and others. There are Christmas classics such as “White Christmas” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” as well as great but lesser-known songs.

Dinner begins at 7:00 pm and will guarantee you a table. Cover charge is $15 with a two-drink minimum. No drink minimum with dinner. Please make your reservation by midnight, December 6th. For reservations call 323-467-7444. The Gardenia is located at 7066 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038.

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47th Annual A Christmas Carol opens at Glendale Center Theatre

2011-11-27T19:41:00.000-08:00

Glendale Center Theatre has opened its annual production of A Christmas Carol directed by GCT artistic director Tim Dietlein, now in its 47th year. Adapted by co-producer Brenda Dietlein, text from the 1843 story is woven into the script and narration in which ghosts remind stingy mercenary Ebenezer Scrooge (portrayed by longtime GCT star Mario DiGregorio) that ‘mankind should be his business’...a haunting reminder to everyone. Dickens’ carol of redemption seeks to reclaim Scrooge’s heart and, in its song, elevates us all.

Dietlein’s version of A Christmas Carol is not a musical but incorporates original songs and carol arrangements and features a cast of twenty-seven. So come one and all and experience the joy of the holiday season with Charles Dickens’A Christmas Carol… replete with a post-show snowfall outside the theatre! A Christmas Carol runs through December 24. Click Here for tickets and more information.

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Benjamin and Judah: A Chanukah Musical comes to Thousand Oaks

2011-11-27T18:46:00.000-08:00

Temple Adat Elohim proudly presents Benjamin and Judah: A Chanukah Musical by David Shukiar at the Janet and Ray Scherr Forum Theater Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Featuring a cast of almost 100 with 48 children and 3 tap dancing clergy, it also includes one hearing impaired rabbi who learned to tap dance just for the show. Now that’s dedication!

Follow Benjamin on a journey of music, dance and drama that leads to his discovery of the true meaning of Chanukah. David Shukiar, an award winning, nationally recognized composer of Jewish music and musical theatre, creates this unique musical that documents the story of Chanukah through the eyes of Benjamin, a 13 year old boy who is teased at school because he is Jewish. Through a dream that transforms him into Judah Macabee, he relives the dramatic story of the first fight for religious freedom and regains a sense of self-confidence and a renewed faith in Judaism.

Described by the Jewish Journal of San Diego as the “Chanukah event we have been waiting for” this uplifting musical is an unforgettable Chanukah experience for the entire family.

Benjamin and Judah: A Chanukah Musical will run for three performances Saturday, December 10 at 7:00 pm, and Sunday, December 11 at 2:30 and 7:00 pm. Ticket prices are $22 and $36 and are available HERE or at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza box office.

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Dale and Bill Christmas Concert at the Grove

2011-11-23T20:35:00.000-08:00

The sixteenth annual Dale and Bill Christmas Concert At the Grove Theatre will be held on December 18th at 3:00 pm. This exciting, fun-filled concert features Dale Kristien who starred as Christine in Phantom of the Opera, and Bill Hutton, who played the original Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Broadway. They are accompanied by Mary Ekler at the keyboard and are joined by the Merry Christmas Band and a group of some of the Grove’s favorite performers, including Sherry Kinison. The afternoon is filled with holiday favorites. Santa even pays a visit and invites the children in the audience to join him.

This annual favorite sells out quickly so get your tickets soon. Tickets are $30.00 and $25.00 and you can purchase them Here or by calling 909-920-4343 The Grove Theatre is located at 276 E. Ninth Street, Upland, CA 91786.

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WICKED Announces Lottery for $25 Tickets

2011-11-21T20:58:00.000-08:00

Mamie Parris as Elphaba
Photo by Joan Marcus

The Los Angeles return of WICKED begins performances on Wednesday November 30 at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood for a limited nine week engagement through Sunday January 29. The producers are announcing that a day-of-performance lottery for a limited number of $25 orchestra seats will be held daily.

Each day, 2½ hours prior to show time, people who present themselves at the Pantages box office will have their names placed in a lottery drum and then thirty minutes later, names will be drawn for a limited number of orchestra seats at $25 each, cash only. This lottery is available only in-person at the box office, with a limit of two tickets per person. One entry per person per show. An ID is required to purchase the tickets.

Based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. It is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

Full priced tickets for WICKED may be purchased online at http://www.broadwayla.org/ or by phone at 1-800-982-ARTS(2787). The Pantages Theatre is located at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard, just east of Vine Street.

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