Saturday, February 8, 2020
First Look: FUN HOME at Chance Theater
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| Christopher Patow, Holly Reichert, Reese Hewitt, Ron Hastings, Jennifer Richardson, and Ashlee Espinosa. |
Chance Theater presents Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori’s Fun Home, based on the true life experiences of writer Alison Bechdel and her father Bruce, which Bechdel wrote about in her graphic novel of the same name. This production at the Chance will highlight the intimate nature of the story by re-configuring the stage into an alley design. The action will take place in the middle and the audience will be seated on opposite sides with no one further than three rows away from the stage. This up close and personal experience is a perfect way to experience Alison’s personal story about sexual awakening and quest for closure with her overbearing and one-of-a-kind father. Through March 1st. For tickets, call (714) 900-3284 or go to www.chancetheater.com. All photos by Doug Catiller, True Image Studio.
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| Ketino Christopher as Joan and Madelyn Velazquez-Heywood as Medium Alison |
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| Ashlee Espinosa as Alison Bechdel and Holly Reichert as Small Alison |
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| Holly Reichert as Small Alison, Reese Hewitt as Christian Bechdel, and Christopher Patow as John Bechdel |
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| Jennifer Richardson as Helen, Ashlee Espinosa as Alison Bechdel, Holly Reichert as Small Alison, and Ron Hastings as Bruce |
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| Holly Reichert as Small Alison and Ron Hastings as Bruce Bechdel |
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| Ashlee Espinosa as Alison Bechdel |
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| Ketino Christopher as Joan and Ron Hastings as Bruce Bechdel |
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Labels: chance theater
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Photo Flash: Anne of Green Gables at Chance Theater
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| Emily Abeles as Anne Shirley. All photos by Doug Catiller, True Image Studio |
Chance Theater brings the heartwarming musical Anne of
Green Gables back to its stage for the fifth time, directed by artistic director
Casey Long and starring Emily Abeles as Anne Shirley. Based on the best-selling
novel, it is a perfect holiday story the whole family can enjoy. The Cuthberts
expect to adopt a boy, but receive, instead, a red-haired, wide-eyed orphan girl
named Anne. Though clever, this precocious young girl has a penchant for
getting into trouble but still manages to work her way into the hearts of her
adoptive parents as well as the residents of rural Prince Edward Island. The
show runs through December 29th at Chance Theater in Anaheim so get your
tickets today! www.chancetheater.com
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| Maya Valenciano (Diana Barry) and Emily Abeles |
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| David Šášik, Caleb Smith, Grace Bates, Maya Valenciano, and Darla Jacobs |
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| William Crisp (Matthew Cuthbert) and Emily Abeles |
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| Marina Coffee (Marilla Cuthbert)and Emily Abeles |
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| David Šášik (Gilbert Blythe) and Emily Abeles |
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| Maya Valenciano, Samantha Bussard, Carolina J. Flores, Emily Abeles, and Marina Coffee |
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| Caleb Smith, Emily Abeles, David Šášik, Samantha Bussard, Owen Di Sciullo, and Lily Bryson |
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Labels: chance theater
Friday, September 13, 2019
Who's Ready for a Little Spooky Musical Fun?
Check out these musical treats and go see a show!
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Pasadena Playhouse is gearing up for its own unique version of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s popular sci-fi musical Little Shop of Horrors this month. With Glee’s Amber Riley starring as the R&B-singing, carnivorous plant-with-an-attitude, Audrey II, and George Salazar and Mj Rodriguez playing Seymour Krelborn and Audrey, this one’s sure to be a highlight of the Fall theatre season. The show is directed by Mike Donahue, who brings a new take on Skid Row to the stage as well as a brand-new puppet concept for Audrey II. Music direction is by one of LA’s favorite musical directors, Darryl Archibald, and Will B. Bell provides choreography. Also joining the cast are Kevin Chamberlin, Matthew Wilkas, T.V. Carpio, Tickwanya Jones, Cheyenne Isabel Wells, and puppeteers Tyler Bremer, Kelsey Kato, Tim Kopacz, Sarah Kay Peters, and Paul Turbiak. Sept. 17 – Oct. 20. PasadenaPlayhouse.org
True crime fans will have a field day with the latest new work from playwright Vanessa Claire Stewart and composer Ryan Thomas Johnson over at Sacred Fools’ Hollywood home, The Broadwater. Jaime Robledo directs French Stewart, Cj Merriman, Keith Allan, Erica Hanrahan-Ball, Ashley Diane, Kristyn Evelyn, Rebecca Larsen, Brittney S. Wheeler, Samantha Barrios, and Eric Curtis Johnson in an examination of one of the most famous true crime cases in history. It’s 1893, an exciting time filled with hope and optimism as the World’s Fair opens in Chicago. But a demon hides within this cultural explosion of art and technology, and he’s luring women to their demise in what would come to be known as his “murder castle.” Inspired by the true story of H.H. Holmes, the first documented serial killer. Sept. 13 – Nov. 2. SacredFools.org/Deadly
This sounds like a really fun one. Ari Stidham, who played the lovable Sylvester on the CBS series Scorpion is bringing his comic celebration of Edgar Allan Poe’s Master Works to Two Roads Theatre beginning Sept. 27. The show will feature re-enactments and recitals of The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Fall of the House of Usher and more done with great silliness written, directed and featuring original songs by Stidham. Cast also includes Kimia Behpoornia, Jordan R. Coleman, and Nika H. Mabson. The 80-minute performance is appropriate for all ages and is presented without an intermission. There will be a pre-show light reception opening weekend at 7:30 pm, on both Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28. Show runs through Oct. 19 and sounds fantastic. EdgarAllanShow.com
And if you’re looking for an entertaining Halloween musical the whole family can enjoy, make sure you get over to Chance Theater for Goosebumps, the Musical, based on the popular spooky stories by R.L. Stine. With book and lyrics by John Maclay and music and lyrics by Danny Abosch, it’s directed by Darryl B. Hovis and features music direction by Carol Roman and choreography by Monika Peña. The story follows Brooke and Zeke who are thrilled to be starring in the new school musical, a mysterious production called The Phantom. But when strange events begin interrupting rehearsals, the friends start to wonder whether their show might be cursed. You can also stay for an exclusive Halloween Party and play goosebump-worthy games, enjoy themed arts & craft projects, and meet members of the cast for photos, autographs and more after select performances. Party Tickets include a spooktacular spread of creepy-crawly and kid-friendly treats, refreshing drinks (including an adults-only option), and fun and festive games for all ages. Get 20% off tickets right now with the online code PEACHGOOSE. Discount expires Thursday, Oct. 3 and is good for any performance before Oct. 21, except opening. There is limited availability though so check the website for scheduling and all the details. Don’t forget your costume! October 4 – 27. ChanceTheater.com
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Labels: chance theater, pasadena playhouse, sacred fools, two roads theatre
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Photo Flash: RAGTIME at Chance Theater
Photos from Chance Theater's production of the award-winning musical Ragtime: The Musical. Based on the novel Ragtime by E. L. Doctorow, the musical is written by Terrence McNally, and composed by Stephen Flaherty with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and directed by Casey Stangl, with choreography by Kelly Todd and music direction by Robyn Manion. Now through July 28th at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center in Anaheim. Tickets: ChanceTheater.com.
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| Dony Wright (Coalhouse Walker, Jr.) and Jennifer Talton (Sarah) All photos by Doug Catiller, True Image Studio |
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| Rebeka Hoblik (Little Girl) and Wyn Moreno (Tateh) |
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| Christianne Holly Santiago, Yunga Webb, Jake Burnett, Glenn Koppel, Sarah Pierce, and Rachel Oliveros Catalano |
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| Jennifer Talton (Sarah) |
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| Rachel Oliveros Catalano (Mother) |
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| Matt Takahashi (Harry Houdini) and Sarah Pierce (Evelyn Nesbit) |
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| Bryce Hamilton (Emma Goldman) and Joseph Bricker (Younger Brother) |
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Labels: chance theater
Thursday, February 7, 2019
First Look: LIZZIE The Musical at Chance Theater
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| Monika Peña as Lizzie Borden. All photos by Doug Catiller, True Image Studio |
Chance Theatre kicks off its 21st season with Lizzie, The Musical, a punk-rock opera about America’s favorite axe-wielding sweetheart-diva-heroine-psychopath, Lizzie Borden. Inspired by ‘70s iconic rockers like Patti Smith and Joan Jett, this one will get your blood pumping from its first notes. Written by Steven Cheslik-deMeyer, Tim Maner, and Alan Stevens Hewitt, directed by Jocelyn A. Brown with music direction by Robyn Manion and choreography by Hazel Clarke. It’s gonna get bloody quick! Tickets: www.chancetheater.com
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| Nicole Gentile, Monika Peña, and Jisel Soleil Ayon |
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| Monika Peña (Lizzie Borden) and Jisel Soleil Ayon (Alice Russell) |
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| Nicole Gentile, Alli Rose Schynert, Monika Peña, and Jisel Soleil Ayon |
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| Alli Rose Schynert as Emma Borden |
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| Nicole Gentile as Bridget Sullivan |
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Labels: chance theater
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
MUSICAL NEWS: Get Your Year Started Right with these Marvelous Musicals!
2018 is going to be a great year for musicals in Southern California so mark your calendars now and I’ll see you at the theater!
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| Isabelle McCalla and Adam Jacobs in Aladdin. Photo by Deen van Meer |
Aladdin – Hollywood Pantages
Jan 10 – March 31, 2018
The Hollywood Pantages Theatre begins 2018 with Disney’s Aladdin, a big, bright musical for the whole family starring original Broadway cast members Adam Jacobs as Aladdin and Michael James Scott as the Genie. Get ready to take a magical carpet ride into an exotic world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance in this new production featuring a full score, including the five cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning soundtrack and more, written especially for the stage. Hollywoodpantages.com/aladdin
Cabaret – La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
Jan 19 – Feb 11, 2018
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts opens its 40th anniversary season with Kander & Ebb’s Cabaret, directed by Larry Carpenter. Starring Jeff Skowron as The Emcee, Zarah Mahler as Sally Bowles, and Christian Pedersen as Clifford Bradshaw, and featuring musical direction by David O and choreography by Dana Solimando, its story is more relevant today than ever before. The seedy glamour of the Kit Kat Club with its bawdy Emcee provide an unsettling but fitting backdrop to the tale of the hard-living entertainer Sally Bowles in the decadent nightlife of Germany in the early thirties. LaMiradaTheatre.com/cabaret
Candide – LA Opera
Jan 27 – Feb 18, 2018
Kelsey Grammer and Christine Ebersole star in Leonard Bernstein’s funny, satirical whirlwind tour of human folly and foolishness. Brimming with youthful innocence, Candide is certain he lives in the best of all possible worlds. But an unrelenting series of ridiculously unfortunate events makes him question everything he has been taught. Kelsey Grammer takes on the delightful double role of satirical author Voltaire and optimistic philosopher Pangloss, with two-time Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole in the riotous role of the Old Lady. Bernstein’s brilliant score features some of musical theater’s greatest hits, from its exuberant overture, to the show-stopping “Glitter and Be Gay.” More info: www.laopera.org
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| The Hypocrites’ Pirates Of Penzance at Arizona Repertory Theatre courtesy of The Hypocrites |
Pirates of Penzance – Pasadena Playhouse
Jan 23 – Feb 18, 2018
Pasadena Playhouse turns its theater into a wacky beach party for Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, as reimagined by the Chicago theatre hooligans, The Hypocrites. For the first time in its history, the Playhouse will be completely transformed into a new configuration. All of the orchestra seats will be removed, and in their place there will be a deck, making the entire orchestra level of the theatre a playing area with actors and audience sharing the space promenade style. Expect flying beach balls, rubber duckies, ukuleles, banjos, plastic swimming pools, and even a tiki bar, for a night you won’t forget as Frederic, an orphan mistakenly apprenticed to an ineffectual but raucous band of pirates, disavows the pirates’ way of life and falls for the beautiful Mabel. Adapted and directed by Sean Graney, co-adapted by Kevin O’Donnell, and featuring music direction by Andra Velis Simon. www.pasadenaplayhouse.org
Million Dollar Quartet – 3-D Theatricals
Feb 9 –18 (Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center)
Feb 23 – March 4 (Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts)
David Lober directs the 3DT production which goes back to when Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll” who launched the careers of Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley, brought the four superstars together at the Sun Records studio for the first and only time, in what became known as one of the greatest jam sessions in rock ‘n’ roll history. Starring Cole as Elvis Presley, John Countryman as Jerry Lee Lewis, David Elkins as Johnny Cash, and Michael Monroe Goodman as Carl Perkins, this one is sure to get the house rockin’. 3dtheatricals.org/milliondollar
Allegiance – East West Players
Feb 21 – April 1, 2018
George Takei will be joined by Broadway cast members Elena Wang (Kei Kimura), Greg Watanabe (Mike Masaoka), Scott Watanabe (Tatsuo Kimura), and Janelle Dote (Hanako) for the LA premiere of Allegiance, produced by East West Players and Japanese American Cultural & Community Center. The production is directed by Snehal Desai with musical direction by Marc Macalintal and choreography by Rumi Oyama and performances will take place at JACCC’s Aratani Theatre. With gorgeous music and lyrics by Jay Kuo and a book by Marc Acito, Jay Kuo, and Lorenzo Thione, Allegiance tells the story of the Kimura family, whose lives are upended when they and 120,000 other Japanese Americans are forced to leave their homes following the events of Pearl Harbor. This is definitely a don’t-miss production. EastWestPlayers.org
Feb 2 – 25, 2018
Chromolume Theatre’s first production of 2018 will be Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flhery’s Dessa Rose. James Esposito directs and the show will feature musical direction by Daniel Yokomizo and choreography by Michael Marchak. Dessa Rose is the story of a young black runaway slave (Shauntee Tabb) and a white abandoned mother (Abby Carlson) and their journey to acceptance in the antebellum South as they tell their story to their grandchildren. www.crtheatre.com
Feb 21 – March 11, 2018
This two-hander by Paul Gordon and John Caird transforms Jean Webster’s novel into a charming and poignant musical that tells the story of Jerusha Abbott, an 18 year old young woman who has grown up at the John Grier Home for orphans. When a trustee of the home reads one of her essays and sees promise in her writing, he offers to send her to college to continue her education. His only requirements are that she must write him monthly letters, even though he will not write her back, and that she will never know his identity. Jerusha’s heartwarming journey to independence, education and romance is a journey every woman can understand. If you’re looking for the secret of happiness, you just may find it in this lovely musical. ICTLongbeach.org
Feb 2 – March 4, 2018
Set in the Deep South during the early days of the civil rights movement, this powerful musical by Jeanine Tesori tells the touching story of a young woman accidentally scarred on the face as a child. Hoping that a TV evangelist can cure her, Violet sets out on a long bus ride from her sleepy North Carolina town through Memphis to Oklahoma. Along the way, she meets two young soldiers who teach her about love, courage and the true meaning of beauty. Use online code “POKER” for 20% off tickets. Discount expires February 1st. Good for any performance before February 19, except opening. ChanceTheater.com
Feb 11, 2018
Up next for Musical Theatre Guild is High Society, the 1956 musical film adaption of Philip Barry’s sparkling stage play The Philadelphia Story, which starred Grace Kelly, Bring Crosby and Frank Sinatra. The plot centers on pretentious socialite, Tracy Samantha Lord, who is planning to wed an equally pretentious executive when her ex-husband arrives to disrupt all her plans. AlexTheatre.org/highsociety
Feb 18 & 20, 2018
An original musical comedy by Manny Hagopian, this 50 minute show is the little known story of Amelia Earhart. For 50 years, Earhart has been known as only an unexplained mystery, but she was, and is, much more than that - especially today. Earhart delivers the story of a proud, kickass girl, who set out to change the world and to prove once and for all that she is more than an f-ing mystery. www.Rockwell-LA.com
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Labels: 3D Theatricals, chance theater, chromolume theatre, east west players, hollywood pantages, international city theatre, la mirada theatre, la opera, musical theatre guild, pasadena playhouse
Thursday, July 6, 2017
First Look: PARADE at Chance Theater
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| Allen Everman as Leo Frank. All photos by Doug Catiller, True Image Studio |
Chance Theater is currently in previews for the Jason Robert Brown musical Parade which opens July 8th @ Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. The musical tells the story of the real-life 1913 trial of Jewish factory manager, Leo Frank (Allen Everman), accused and convicted of raping and murdering a 13-year-old employee, Mary Phagan (Gabrielle Adner). The show illustrates the dark realities of a time where prejudice, discrimination, and class separation were common practice in the community, just one moment in history that has repeated itself over and over because of a community’s intolerance. As a result, unfortunate circumstances, tragic events and a questionable judicial system continue to plague generations to follow.
Director Kari Hayter says, “I am most interested in exploring Parade as an intimate and exposed platform that reveals the most raw and universal truths of a community in order to remind us of our responsibilities today to demonstrate love, tolerance, and acceptance.” Parade runs through July 30th. Tickets: www.chancetheater.com
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| Madison Miller (Monteen), Madeline Ellingson (Iola Stover), and Alissa Finn (Essie) |
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| Robert Stroud as Newt Lee |
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| Erica Schaeffer (Lucille Frank) and Allen Everman (Leo Frank) |
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| Devin Collins (Judge Roan) and Chris Kerrigan (Hugh Dorsey) |
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| Dillon Klena as Frankie Epps |
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| Tucker Boyes (Governor John Slaton), Asia Washington (Minola McKnight), and Erica Schaeffer (Lucille Frank) |
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| Tucker Boyes as Governor John Slaton |
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Labels: chance theater