OPENINGS: 3D Theatricals has announced the cast for Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Into the Woods, which will run May 2 – 18 at Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton (opening night May 3). Audiences of all ages will enjoy this irreverent and deliciously witty reimagining of some of our most treasured fairytales. Fairytale characters embark on a quest and everyone’s wish is granted at the end of Act One, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later, with disastrous results. What begins as a lively, cheeky fantasy in the style of The Princess Bride ultimately becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children.
The cast is led by David Allen Jones as the Narrator/Mysterious Man and Bets Malone as the Witch with Jeff Skowron as the Baker; Viva Carr as the Baker’s Wife, Jeanette Dawson as Cinderella, Jordan Lamoureux as Jack, Julie Morgantaler as Little Red Riding Hood, Tracy Rowe Mutz as Jack’s Mother, Tim Martin Gleason as Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince, and Cameron Sczempka as Rapunzel’s Prince. The company also includes Leslie Stevens (Cinderella’s Stepmother), Melanie Mockobey (Lucinda), Melina Kalomas (Florinda), Lisa Dyson (Cinderella’s Mother/Granny), Cliff Senior (Cinderella’s Father), Mueen Jahan (Steward), Renna Nightingale (Sleeping Beauty), Christanna Rowader (Rupunzel), and Allison Sheppard (Snow White). T.J. Dawson has been set as director/choreographer, with Rufus Bond Jr. as assistant director and Leslie Stevens as assistant choreographer and dance captain. Julie Lamoureux serves as musical director/conductor with David Lamoureux as musical contractor. Tickets: www.3dtshows.com
The Pasadena Playhouse is bringing two unusual one-person shows performed in repertory to the newly refurbished Carrie Hamilton Theatre May 15 – 31 (press opening Fri. May 16: Amy G in Entershamement and Joe Orrach in In My Corner. The Carrie Hamilton Theatre has gone from a proscenium theatre to a black box, and can now be configured to accommodate many different kinds of productions. Amy G is a masterful entertainer (singer/comedian/rollerskater) who recently starred in the Off-Broadway show, La Soirée. Her unique style of physical, musical, stand-up and improvisational comedy is inspired by and reminiscent of Carol Burnett, Liza Minnelli, Buster Keaton, Julie Andrews and the Muppet Show; but she is very much one of a kind. Orrach, an internationally renowned tap dancer, actor, singer, storyteller and U.S. Air Force welterweight boxing champ, came to fame as one of the stars of San Francisco’s long running Teatro ZinZanni from 2000 to 2006. Tickets: 626-356-7529 or www.pasadenaplayhouse.org
EXTENDED: The Untold Story of Indie Rock, a one-of-a-kind live, rock musical comedy at Second City has been extended and will now play through August 9. The show, which features 5 performers who portray 14 different bands and a slew of other comic characters, takes the audience on a hilarious journey through a mock history of Indie Rock. Written and directed by Brett Duggan with consulting director, Josh Funk and musical accompaniment by Ben Bromflied. Cast includes Brett Duggan, Jason McNichols, Casey Schuckett, Todd Risenmay, Kevin Stafford and Christopher Roque. Click Here for more info.
KICKSTARTER: Musical Theatre Orange County is doing a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for its upcoming production of Disney’s Tarzan, the Musical. Contributions will help with flying, royalties, music, venue rental, costumes, props, sets, director staff, rehearsal space, storage, insurance, printing, technical support and much more. Performances take place at the El Dorado Performing Arts Center July 18, 19, 25, 26 at 7:30 pm and July 20 & 27 at 2:00 pm. For more info and to check out their campaign, go to www.mtoc.org.
CONCERTS/CABARET: Angel City Chorale reunites with composer Christopher Tin for its upcoming spring concerts, Elements, on June 7 & June 8 at the Wilshire United Methodist Church. Conducted by ACC founder and artistic director Sue Fink, the concerts will feature selections that explore the four elements in a variety of musical styles including pop (Earth, Wind & Fire), classical (Brahms), as well as spirituals (“Ain’a That Good News”), as well as the west coast premiere of Tin’s new song cycle, The Drop that Contained the Sea, the much-anticipated follow-up to Tin’s Grammy Award-winning album, Calling All Dawns. Tin’s new classical/world music fusion work features stunning juxtapositions of rhythms and cultures. Songs depict global visions of water from the snows of Mongolia to the rains of Africa. Each of the 10 pieces is sung in a different language, including Proto-Indo-European, Turkish, and Xhosa. Tickets: www.angelcitychorale.org
On Mon, June 9th at 8:00 pm come celebrate one of the biggest nights in theatre at the 3rd annual Night After the Tonys starring Broadway star Linda Eder, presented by Chris Isaacson at the Ford Amphitheatre. This songstress’ diverse repertoire spans all genres including Broadway, Pop, Country, Jazz and the Great American Songbook. Eder will be accompanied by a live band and the program will feature music from her fourteen solo albums, as well as signature songs from The Scarlet Pimpernel, Jekyll & Hyde and more. Click Here for tickets.
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MUSICALS: San Diego’s favorite holiday tradition is back for its 16th incredible year when Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! returns to The Old Globe Nov. 16 – De. 28 (opening night is Nov. 21 at 70m). The Grinch is directed by James Vásquez with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin. The original production was conceived and directed by Jack O’Brien with additional lyrics by Theodor S. Geisel, additional music by Albert Hague and original choreography by John DeLuca. The cast will include Steve Blanchard as The Grinch, Jeffrey Schecter as Young Max, Steve Gunderson as Old Max, and Taylor Coleman and Gabriella Dimmick alternating as Cindy-Lou Who. Also featured in the cast are Geno Carr (Papa Who), Bets Malone (Mama Who), Victor Morris (Grandpa Who), Eileen Bowman (Grandma Who), Isabelle Simone Pizzurro and Kaitlyn O’Leary (Annie Who), Caitlin McAuliffe and Remy Margaret Corbin (Betty-Lou Who), Brandon Saldivar and Imahni King-Murillo (Boo Who) and Luke Babbitt and Dylan Nalbandian (Danny Who). www.theoldglobe.org
A Noise Within continues its family holiday tradition by presenting its production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the ultimate tale of forgiveness, opening Saturday, Dec. 7 and closing Sunday, Dec. 22. This is the second year that ANW has presented the timeless holiday classic, once again accompanied by a special fundraiser event, “Fezziwig’s Festive Holiday Tea” on December 8, which directly supports Classics Live! - ANW’s education programs. The event will feature a live auction hosted by NBC4’s Fritz Coleman. Producing Artistic Directors Geoff Elliott and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott co-direct Dickens’ masterpiece about the redemptive and transformative power of love with an adaptation by Geoff Elliott that uses Dickens’ remarkable words exclusively, as well as evocative original music by composer Ego Plum. The cast includes Geoff Elliott as Scrooge), Robertson Dean as the Narrator, along with Stephen Rockwell, Rafael Goldstein, Jill Hill, Mitchell Edmonds, Deborah Strang, Alan Blumenfeld, Alison Elliott, Diana Gonzalez-Morett, Brendan Haley, Georgia Miller, Jack Elliott Boy, and Marie Sullivan. www.anoisewithin.org
Pasadena Playhouse has announced that Bruce Vilanch will play Widow Twankey in Aladdin and His Winter Wish, starring previously announced Ben Vereen as The Genie, Jordan Fisher as Aladdin, Ashley Argota as The Princess and Richard Karn as The Sultan. Commenting on the announcement, lead producers at Lythgoe Family Productions, Kris and Becky Lythgoe said, “We are so thrilled to have Bruce Vilanch join the cast. Widow Twankey (Aladdin's Mother in British Panto) is a role that demands expert comedic timing and improv skill, a role played by the top comedians and actors in the UK – including Sir Ian McKellen. Bruce Vilanch with his musical theatre prowess and comedic finesse was born to play the role of Widow Twankey. Aladdin runs December 11 – 29, with a gala press opening on Wed., December 11 at 7pm. www.pasadenaplayhouse.org
CABARET: Theatre West present The Face, Behind The Face, Behind The Face, opening Nov. 29. Created and performed by Anthony Gruppuso, it is directed by Calvin Remsberg and features musical direction by John Dickson. This cabaret-style entertainment was first performed at Theatre West last March as part of its Sunday Night Solo Series. Response was so favorable and strong that the show is returning for an additional three performances. In The Face, Behind The Face, Behind The Face, a performing artist confronts the ups and downs and struggles of his life and career and is led to the conclusion that his voice and his music are the keys to his success. Gruppuso will perform 19 musical numbers including favorites from the Broadway canon, pop standards, lesser-known gems, and some brand-new material. Tickets: $20. For reservations call (323) 851-7977 or visit www.theatrewest.org.
Angel City Chorale kicks off the holiday season with Joyful, Joyful, its 20th annual holiday concert and sing-along, taking place over two nights the first weekend of December on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 at Wilshire United Methodist Church. The 160-member choir will perform its unique mix of Christmas and Chanukah favorites, as well as original compositions, in the group’s eclectic combination of styles ranging from classical to pop, incorporating contemporary, world, and gospel beats. Both performances start at 7pm. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door, with discounts for students and seniors. Wilshire United Methodist Church is located at 4350 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010. For more info visit www.angelcitychorale.org or call 310-943-9231.
BENEFITS: Co-Producers Juliana Hansen and Jonathan White will present a one night only benefit performance, One Starry Night: Hollywood and Broadway Come Together to Fight ALS, on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014 at 8 pm, hosted by The Pasadena Playhouse. The evening will also include a silent auction and VIP post-show meet-and-greet. Proceeds will provide critical funding for The ALS Association Golden West Chapter’s mission priorities in care services, public policy, and cutting-edge global research toward treatments and cure. Directed by Bruce Kimmel, with musical direction and orchestrations by Richard Allen, the evening will feature performances by Obba Babatunde, James Barbour, Kay Cole, Daisy Eagan, Crow Garrett, Jason Graae, Ilene Graff, Juliana Hansen, Melora Hardin, Jean Louisa Kelly, Jason and Nolan Livesay, Gary Morgan and The Flying Morgans, Karen Morrow, James Mulligan, Reagan Pasternak, Jonathan Pendragon, Christy Carlson Romano, Joan Ryan, Rex Smith, Charlene Tilton, and Terri White, with more to be announced. Tickets range from $25 - $100, with premium seating available at $250. The VIP post-show meet and greet is available for an additional $75. To purchase online go to www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org/onestarrynight or call (626) 356-7529.
Not a musical but here’s another one that benefits a very good cause: Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group proudly presents the world premiere of Jeri Batzdorff's sweet and zany “pre-holiday” dramedy Bob Hope’s Birthday, about a grandmother with Alzheimer’s whose caregiver leaves suddenly, bringing reluctant family members together to care for her. Written and directed by Jeri Batzdorff. A benefit for Alzheimer's research. Sundays at 7pm, Nov. 3 – 24 at ZJU Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Tickets are $15, For reservations call (818) 202- 4120 or go to www.ZombieJoes.com.
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Tilted Field's Last Days of Mary Stuart
Tilted Field, in association with Son of Semele Theater, presents the world premiere of The Last Days of Mary Stuart, an electro-opera, through the curated guest-production program SOSEhost. This immersive music theater experience is conceived, written and directed by Becca Wolff, with music by Byron Kahr and John Nixon of TONY. The show will run June 21 – July 20, with opening night on Saturday, June 22. In an immersive club atmosphere, The Last Days of Mary Stuart blurs the lines of history to create a musical allegory for our time.
Mary Stuart is the disgraced and charismatic Queen of Scots, fast becoming an It-Girl on a meteoric rise in 16th-Century England. As she drives herself into the rift over Queen Elizabeth’s legitimacy, foreign powers threaten and youths are radicalized abroad. It is in this political hothouse that Mary Stuart grows her cult of personality that menaces the future of the English Empire and the new world in which we live.
The sound has evolved over the two years of the project’s development from a rock idiom to the more dramatic, flexible and sweeping sounds of electronica. The vocal style is straightforward and powerful and the piece is structured in the aria/recitative mode of classical opera where the music tells the story as much as the words within it. The cast includes Laila Ayad (Elizabeth), Alex Knox (Judge #2/Badge Man), Daniel David Stewart (The Kid), and Marianne Thompson (Mary Stuart). Performances are Thursdays & Friday at 8:00 pm; Saturdays at 8:00 & 10:30 pm (no performance on Thu. July 4) at Son of Semele Theater, just west of Downtown LA at 3301 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004. For more information, please call (213) 351-3507 or visit www.sonofsemele.org. For more about the show visit www.tiltedfield.com/projects.html.
Ryan Black's 88’s Lineup for May 22nd
Ryan Black’s 88’s is back at Don’t Tell Mama, every Wednesday beginning May 15th at 8pm. There is no cover charge and seats may be reserved with a dinner reservation by calling (323) 380-7209, or you can reserve online HERE. The lineup for May 22nd includes Cortes Alexander, Shane Alexander, Laura Dickinson, Tawny Dolley, Erin Duncan, Ava Gaudet, Adam Hunter, Paulette Ivory, Matt Scott, Craig Taggart, Pam Trotter, and Coco & Ruby (Courtney Freed & Rebecca Johnson). Open mic after the show so bring your music. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/RyanBlacks88s.
Joanne Tatham Comes To Catalina Jazz Club
Joanne Tatham brings her jazz-infused vocal storytelling back to Catalina Jazz Club in Soundtrack New York: Music from Movies Made in Manhattan on June 6th at 8:30 pm. From Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Midnight Cowboy, from West Side Story to Tootsie -- this brand-new show includes the work of The Gershwins, Burt Bacharach, Kander and Ebb, Marilyn and Alan Bergman, Henry Mancini with Rod McKuen, and many more. Visit www.JoanneTatham.com for more news. Quinn Johnson is the musical director for Soundtrack New York and the show is produced by Clifford Bell. www.Cabarabia.com
Kritzerland’s Mad About the Boy
Kritzerland presents Mad About the Boy: The Songs of Noël Coward June 2 at 7:00 pm at North Hollywood’s Sterling’s Upstairs at the Federal, with musical direction by Lloyd Cooper. The cast includes Eileen Barnett, Lisa Livesay, Jane Noseworthy, John Sloman and Robert Yacko, with special guest Susan Watson. For reservations call 818-754-8700.
Angel City Chorale 20th Anniversary Concert
Angel City Chorale (ACC) will celebrate its first two decades in song with special reunion concerts on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2, 2013, at 7:00 pm. The 20th Anniversary Concerts will feature the west coast premiere of Grammy Award-Winning Composer Christopher Tin’s "Calling All Dawns." In addition to performing Tin’s highly acclaimed three-movement piece, which celebrates the circle of life in 12 languages, Angel City Chorale will also perform “The Best of ACC,” highlighting much-loved and crowd-favorite songs from the choir’s 20-year history. Conducted by ACC Founder and Artistic Director Sue Fink, the concerts will be held at the historic Wilshire United Methodist Church, 4350 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010. The audience is invited to join the performers for a dessert reception after each performance. For additional information and tickets, please call (310) 943-9231 or visit www.angelcitychorale.org.
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