Thursday, April 10, 2014

Musical News for Thursday, April 10, 2014

OPENINGS: Actors Co-op will close its 22nd Season with 110 in the Shade (book by N. Richard Nash, music by Harvey Schmidt, & lyrics by Tom Jones). Richard Israel directs, with Bryan Blaskie as musical director and Julie Hall as choreographer. The ensemble includes Skylar Adams, Emily Armstrong, David Crane, Alex Denney, Michael Downing, Julie Hall, Rachel Hirshee, Tim Hodgin, Jason Peter Kennedy, Rory Patterson, Courtney Potter and Treva Tegtmeier. In the middle of a heat wave in 1930’s Texas, Lizzie Curry is on the verge of becoming an old maid when a charismatic rainmaker turns her life upside down. 110 in the Shade opens Friday, May 9 and runs through June 15 at Actors Co-op, 1760 N. Gower Street, located on the ground of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood. Tickets: (323) 462-8460 x 300 or www.ActorsCo-op.org

Fraggled Productions will open The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at The Cupcake Theater in Hollywood on May 2, continuing through May 24, on Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm. Spelling Bee is directed by Ryan Foy and follows an eclectic group of six young contestants vying for the spelling championship title of a lifetime. It is a quirky and interactive tale of adolescence, expectations, achievements, and the realization that being true to yourself is more important than winning. Since its creation in 2012, Fraggled Productions has produced a number of projects, including cabaret performances featuring talented Broadway alums, original staged readings, and musicals such as The Last Five Years, Anne Frank: The Musical and Urinetown. Tickets: www.cupcaketheater.com.

Teatro Máscara Mágica (TMM), in residence at La Jolla Playhouse, will present its second project, Misa Azteca: A Prophetic Poem Fulfilled June 11 – 22. This world premiere features a story by Monique and Joseph Julian Gonzalez, music by Joseph Julian Gonzalez, and is directed by TMM artistic director William Virchis. Played internationally as an orchestral, choral piece, Misa Azteca has delighted audiences throughout the world, however, the prophetic poems and mysteries it is built upon have never been brought to light. Now, for the first time, the piece will receive an eerie dramatization as it foretells the fall of the Aztec Empire, the rise of an unknown God, and a miracle that will transform a nation. Dance, multi-media and song are combined to tell a story that will inspire and uplift the human spirit. Tickets: (800) 838-3006 or BrownPaperTickets.com. For more information, go to http://teatromascaramagica.org/.

Tony Monaco’s one-man musical, The Road to Damascus, comes to Los Angeles just in time for Easter and Passover, opening April 11 at the Little Victory Theatre in Burbank. Inspired by the dramatic conversion of Rabbi Saul of Tarsus – the man who turned from murderer to saint (the Apostle Paul) – and the persecution of Jesus’ followers after his crucifixion, Monaco’s historical portrayal incorporates music, song and dance with Biblical themes, bringing to life this world-changing story in a characterization that shows why biographers refer to the Apostle Paul as “The man who shook the world.” The original production was backed by Monaco’s friend and fellow actor, Buddy Ebsen. Now LA director/choreographer Joshua Finkel has worked with Monaco to update the original direction, staging, and choreography. Performances are April 11 – 27 at The Little Victory Theatre, 3326 W. Victory Blvd. in Burbank, 91505. Tickets: (800) 838-3006 or www.TheRoadtoDamascus.net.

The California Lutheran University Music and Theatre Arts departments will present Duncan Sheik’s Tony Award-winning musical Spring Awakening at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza April 25 – May 4, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm. “It is perhaps the boldest play we’ve done at CLU in terms of material,” said director Ken Gardner. “The essential problem in it is that children are treated more like possessions than family and parents simply don't communicate or connect with them, much like the infamous ‘generation gap.’” Based on a controversial 1891 German play, the musical portrays teen sexual awakening and deals with suicide, abortion and abuse, both sexual and physical. It is for adult audiences only due to explicit sexual situations and language. Leading the 18-member cast are Brenden MacDonald, a psychology major from Simi Valley as the fearless, dreamy Melchior; Nolan Monsibay, a music major from Burbank as his troubled friend, Moritz; and Samantha Winters, a history major from Ventura as the beautiful Wendla. Heidi Vas is vocal director and Jeff Wallach is choreographer. Tickets are $25: (805) 449-2787.

DANCE: Ballroom with a Twist, a new fusion of Broadway, classical and international-style song and dance, directed by international choreographer and competitive dance champion Louis Van Amstel, will light up the stage at the Valley Performing Arts Center at 8:00 pm on Saturday, May 17. The spectacle is highlighted by Dancing with the Star’s Kym Johnson and Tristan MacManus. American Idol finalists Gina Glocksen-Ruzicka and Von Smith will also join along with So You Think You Can Dance finalists Legacy, Jonathan Platero and Randi Lynn Strong. Tickets: (818) 677-3000 or www.valleyperformingartscenter.org.

CONCERTS/CABARET: Jeremy Jordan will make his solo concert debut in Los Angeles on Monday, May 5 at the Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood. There will be two shows only at 7:30pm and 10:00 pm presented by Chris Isaacson and Upright Cabaret. Recounting decisive moments from his budding career, Jordan will perform songs that have defined his swift rise to stardom, including music from Broadway’s Newsies, NBC’s Smash, the upcoming feature film The Last 5 Years, and many of Jordan’s own personal favorites. Doors open at 6:00 pm for cocktail and dinner service (minimums apply). Admission is $30, and VIP seating ($40) is available. You can get $5 off before April 28, and online purchases will receive priority seating. Tickets: www.ChrisIsaacsonPresents.com, or (866) 468-3399. Catalina Bar & Grill is located at 6725 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, 90028.

Ryan Black’s 88’s presents The Songs of Boublil & Schonberg, Les Mis and Saigon at Don’t Tell Mama Los Angeles, 8279 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90046. Free, but there is a $10 suggested donation at door for Unicef & Philippines disaster relief fund. www.thereforthephilippines.org Come early to have dinner and drinks or have dinner and drinks during the show (2 item minimum for seats). Showtime is 8:00 pm. Click Here for reservations or call (323) 380-7209. The show stars Joan Almedilla, Melissa Bailey, Evan D’Angeles, Zachary Ford, Cliffton Hall, Deedee Magno Hall, Cassie Simone Harlow, April Malina, Cassandra Murphy, Kevin Odekirk, William Martinez, Sheldon Morley and Kevin Story, and is directed by Ryan Black, with musical direction by Gregory Nabours. Also featuring Scott Firestone on drums and Jean Sudbury on violin. Open mic after the show from 10pm-2am so bring your music. For parking instructions and more info, visit the show’s Facebook page Here.

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Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Musical News for Wednesday, January 22, 2014


MUSICALS: Davis Gaines will star as Professor Harold Hill and Gail Bennett as Marian Paroo in Musical Theatre West’s production of The Music Man at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center Feb. 14 – March 2nd. Meredith Willson’s timeless musical features musical direction by Corey Hirsch, choreography by John Todd and is directed by Jeff Maynard. Con man Harold Hill promises a boys’ band to counteract the possibility of a pool table coming to River City. His persuasive patter fools everyone except the town librarian, Marian Paroo. The cast will also feature Ashley Anderson (Zanetta Shinn), Maguire Balleweg (Amaryllis), Paige Brinskele (Pick-a-Little), Emzy Burroughs (Oliver Hix), Peyton Crim (Olin Britt), Joey D’Auria (Mayor Shinn), Jon Hand (Constable Lock), Emilie Lafontaine (Gracie Shinn), Cathy Newman (Mrs. Paroo), Jenny Moon Shaw (Pick-a-Little), Rebecca Spencer (Eulalie MacKecknie Shinn), Bryan Vickery (Jacey Squires) and Matt Walker (Marcellus). Tickets: (562 856-1999 x. 4 or www.musical.org.

Skylight Theatre Company presents the world premiere of The Wrong Man, an underground musical written by Ross Golan, directed & choreographed by Lee Martino and starring Ross Golan and Jennifer Brasuell, Jan. 25 - March 1st. The Wrong Man is an acoustical tale of what happens when the wrong man meets the wrong girl in the wrong place at the wrong time. Framed for murder, his ill-fated circumstances spiral out of control, leaving him at the mercy of a flawed judicial system. Tickets: www.skylighttheatrecompany.com
ADDED PERFORMANCE: Due to high ticket demand, a second concert performance of Tonya & Nancy: The Rock Opera has been set for Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 8:00 pm at Hollywood’s legendary King Kong Club. The February 4 & 5 concerts will take place just a few days before the start of the 2014 Olympics, which is also the 20th anniversary of the lead pipe assault heard ‘round the world and Tonya and Nancy’s subsequent skate-off at the 1994 Winter Olympics. With libretto by Elizabeth Searle and music by Michael Teoli. Proceeds from the two evenings will go to support Celebration Theatre. Tickets: (323) 960-9234 or www.celebrationtheatre.com

 Theatre Unleashed and artistic director Carlos Martinez have announced their 2014 season, which will include the west coast debut of Justin Moran’s original satirical musical, POPE! An Epic Musical, in September/October. In it, an idealistic young Pope is framed for a heinous crime and banished from the Vatican. The people, blinded by the media frenzy, allow a tyrannical archbishop to seize power. As this new Pope tightens his iron fist, the people are disheartened and in despair, and the world is crying out for a hero…can Pope reclaim his glory to become the hero the world needs? The season will also include Tartuffe in March/April directed by Jeff Soroka, 25 Plays Per Hour and Friends Like These in June at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, and KAWL Presents It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play for the Stage in December. www.theatreunleashed.com

CABARET/CONCERTS: Independent Shakespeare Co. seduces you with an eclectic evening of music, scenes, poetry, and comedy on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 pm. From Chaucer to Cole Porter, In and Out of Love, a Passion Play will look at love from the top, the bottom, and everywhere in between. Performers include all of your ISC favorites, plus some great guests. This is a one-night-only event in the Independent Studio, 3191 Casitas Ave. #168, Los Angeles, 90039. Tickets: http://independentshakespeareco.org

Ryan Black’s 88’s is back by popular demand with The Songs of COMPANY by Stephen Sondheim on Wednesday, Feb. 5th at 8:00 pm. Open mic after the show 10pm – 2am. Seats may be reserved at (323) 380-7209. Ryan says, “We’ve had an amazing time over the last 30 shows, but I’m moving on to other projects. Please come celebrate with us!” Free - No Minimum. For more information go to www.facebook.com/ryanblacks88s

 Kritzerland at the Movies will take place Mon. Feb. 3 at 8:00 pm at Sterling’s Upstairs at the Federal. The show stars Brennley Brown, Emma Degerstedt, Dennis Kyle, Lisa Livesay, John Sloman and Shannon Warne, with special guests Andrea Marcovicci and Richard Sherman, and musical direction by Shelly Markham. From Oscar-winners, to musicals written especially for the screen, you’ll hear songs by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, Marvin Hamlisch, Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields, Sammy Cahn and James Van Heusen, Burt Bacharach and more. To RSVP, call (818) 754-8700.

 The Grove Theatre celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the British Invasion with Beatles vs. Stones - A Musical Shoot Out, courtesy of tributes Abbey Road and Jumping Jack Flash when they return to The Grove on Saturday, February 22 at 8 pm. Tickets are $20 - $50 and may be purchased online at www.grovetheatre.com or by calling (909) 920 - 4343. The show is appropriate for all ages. The Grove Theatre is located at 276 E. Ninth Street in Historic Downtown Upland. http://grovetheatre.com/.

DIRECTORS LAB: The 2014 Directors Lab West will take place May 17-24th in residence at the Pasadena Playhouse. The Lab will continue its tradition of bringing together dedicated theatre directors, choreographers and master artists for a week of intense discussions and exploration of the art form. Attendance is by application only and there is no cost to participate in the Lab. Applications to attend the Lab and further information may be found at www.directorslabwest.com. Deadline for receipt of applications is Friday, Feb. 28th by 5:00pm PST. In the last 14 years, over 100 acclaimed artists have given their time to the Lab including Jason Alexander, Julie Arenal, Luis Alfaro, Paris Barclay, Cirque Berzerk, Kay Cole, Gordon Davidson, George Furth, Ming Cho Lee, Marc Masterson, Janet Miller, Randy Newman, Vincent Paterson, Carey Perloff, Stephen Wadsworth and Charlayne Woodard.

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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Musical News Around Town for Tuesday, December 17, 2013

OPENINGS: International City Theatre opens its 29th season with the California premiere of Let’s Misbehave: The Music and Lyrics of Cole Porter, conceived by Karin Bowersock (book) and Patrick Young (musical arrangements) and directed and choreographed by Todd Nielsen. Darryl Archibald will provide musical direction and the show stars Lindsey Alley, Marc Ginsburg and Jennifer Shelton, Let’s Misbehave runs Jan. 22 – Feb. 16, with opening night set for Jan. 24. Let’s Misbehave weaves together over 30 classic songs by Cole Porter to tell the story of three single friends in 1930s New York who make a pact to find true love. Their quest is all in good fun - until the two women, Alice and Dorothy, find they both have eyes for Walter. It’s clever, funny, and irresistibly romantic, featuring songs like “Night and Day,” “Begin the Beguine” and “Anything Goes” from one of America's most beloved and prolific musical theater composers. For reservations and information, call (562) 436-4610 or www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

 WRITERS: NAMT applications are due January 14, 2014 (or January 28 for a small late fee). Visit www.namt.org/festival for more information.  


 CONCERTS: The Valley Performing Arts Center at California State University, Northridge will present two musical theatre events on its January 2014 schedule beginning with Chita: A Legendary Celebration, featuring Broadway legend Chita Rivera Saturday, Jan. 24, at 8:00 pm. An accomplished and versatile actress/singer/dancer, Rivera has won two Tony Awards as best leading actress in a musical and received several Tony nominations. In addition, seven local high schools will join forces for the San Fernando Valley’s first-ever high school music theater showcase, It’s Showtime, Folks: Celebrating 60 years of Bob Fosse, on Friday, Jan. 24 at 8:00 pm. The evening will feature performances from The Pajama Game, Chicago, Kiss Me Kate, Sweet Charity and other Fosse shows. For more information, visit www.valleyperformingartscenter.org or call (818) 677-3000. 
CABARET/CONCERTS: Chris Isaacson Presents and Upright Cabaret have announced the addition of a second show as Laura Benanti makes her Los Angeles solo concert debut in January. The show celebrates the west coast release of her first album “In Constant Search of the Right Kind of Attention,” featuring musical direction and arrangements by Todd Almond. There will now be two shows, on Wednesday, January 8 and Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 8:30pm at the Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood. Cocktail and dinner service begin at 7pm. Tickets: (866) 468-3399 or www.UprightCabaret.com.

 Come celebrate Ryan Black’s 88’s last show ever, Hollywood Holidays on Wednesday, December 18. There is no cover charge and seats may be reserved with a dinner reservation by calling (323) 380-7209. Open mic after the show so bring your music. For more information visit www.facebook.com/RyanBlacks88s.

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Friday, December 6, 2013

Musical News Around Town for Friday, December 6, 2013

OPENINGS: Cabrillo Music Theatre celebrates its 20th Anniversary Season by blending one of the original Plaids with four of musical theatre’s top talents to create the definitive Forever Plaid especially for the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The fresh and funny musical opens on January 31, 2014, playing until Sunday, February 9th, at the 1,800-seat Kavli Theatre. Once upon a time, there were four guys (Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie) who loved to sing. They rehearsed in the basement of Smudge’s family’s plumbing supply company. It was here they became “Forever Plaid.”  Although rock ‘n’ roll was racing down the fast lane like a candy apple “vette”, they believed in their music. They devoted themselves to singing at nights and on weekends. Then, finally, they landed their first big gig at the Airport Hilton cocktail bar - The Fusel Lounge. On February 9th, 1964, en route to pick up their custom-made plaid tuxedos, they were slammed broadside by a school bus filled with eager Catholic teens and were killed instantly. Now, through the Power of Harmony and the Expanding Holes in the Ozone Layer, they are allowed to come back to perform the show they never got to do in life.

Cabrillo’s terrific cast will include Roger Befeler, Scott Dreier, Jeffrey Scott Parsons, and Kurtis Simmons. All are experienced in the world of Plaid, and their combined talents make Cabrillo’s production one for the ages. In addition, original “Plaid,” Larry Raben, returns to Cabrillo to direct and Alby Potts returns as musical director. Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com. For more info go to www.cabrillomusictheatre.com. 

 TELEVISION: Six By Sondheim, the final film in HBO’s Fall Documentary Series will debut on Monday, December 9th (9:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT). Directed by Tony Award-winner and frequent Steven Sondheim collaborator James Lapine, Six By Sondheim is a highly personal profile of a great American artist as revealed through the creation and performance of six of his iconic songs. Told primarily in Sondheim’s own words, this feature documentary weaves together dozens of interviews with the composer, rarely seen archival material spanning more than half a century (including newly discovered footage of Ethel Merman performing Gypsy) and re-stagings of three songs produced especially for the film.

Showcase performances by Broadway and Hollywood stars such as Audra McDonald (Porgy and Bess), Darren Criss (Glee), Jeremy Jordan (Newsies) and America Ferrera (Ugly Betty) are interspersed with archival performances of Sondheim standards by stars like Bernadette Peters, Mandy Patinkin, Dean Jones, Yvonne de Carlo and Larry Kert. Additional HBO playdates: Dec. 9 (5:25 am), 12 (9:30 am & 6:30 pm), 15 (11:45 am), 17 (12:30 am), 20 (10:45 am) and 28 (2:00 pm). 

 FRINGE NEWS: Registration for the 5th annual Hollywood Fringe Festival begins February 1, 2014. Other important dates include:
April 1: Registration deadline for guide inclusion
June 5 – 10: Fringe Previews
June 11: Fringe Opening Night Gala
June 12 – 29: 5th Annual Hollywood Fringe Festival 
June 29: Fringe Award Ceremony & Closing Night Party
The organization needs volunteers and interns throughout the year and you can learn more HERE. A venue meeting will also be held on Saturday, December 7 at 5pm in the Asylum Lab (at Theatre Asylum), 1078 Lillian Way.
BENEFIT: Patty Onagan and Ronn Goswick have announced A Relief Benefit Concert for the Philippines at The Pasadena Playhouse on Wednesday, December 18 at 7:30 pm. Proceeds will support the American Red Cross’ Typhoon Appeal and its efforts to assist overseas as the people of the Philippines begin to recover and rebuild. A sparkling who’s who of Los Angeles and Broadway talent will come together for the event.

 Performers include Joan Almedilla, Michael Arden, Sharon Catherine Blanks and Billy Blanks, Jr., Yvette Cason, LaVance Colley, Loretta Devine, Danny Gurwin, Cliffton Hall and Deedee Magno Hall, Sam Harris,  Dawnn Lewis, Andy Mientus, Nicole Parker, Jennifer Paz and Anthony Federov, Valerie Perri, Kelli Provart, Joan Ryan, Gwen Stewart, Lea Thompson, and Nita Whitaker. The benefit will be directed by Jeffrey Polk with Abdul HamidRoyal, Todd Schroeder, Gerald Sternbach, and John Gentry Tennyson serving as musical directors. Tickets: www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org or (626) 356-7529.
CABARET/CONCERTS: Chris Isaacson Presents and Upright Cabaret have announced that Laura Benanti will make her Los Angeles solo concert debut on January 9, 2014 at the Catalina Bar & Grill. The show celebrates the west coast release of her first album In Constant Search of the Right Kind of Attention. Musical direction and arrangements by Todd Almond. Showtime: 8:30pm. Cocktail and dinner service begin at 7pm. Tickets: (866) 468-3399 or www.UprightCabaret.com.

 A Little New Music presents its final event of 2013 at Rockwell: Table & Stage on Tuesday, December 10. The fast-paced one hour program will showcase some of the best new or unheard musical theater songs by Doug Katsaros & Amanda Yesnowitz (Somewhere in Time) Joe Iconis (Smash, The Black Suits), Adam Gwon, Zoe Sarnak, Thomson & Mann, Gregory Nabours, Blaskie & Weston, Sam Wilmott, Milburn & Vigoda, Mark Allen, Rachel J. Peters, B.T. Ryback & Brian Pugach, Drew Fornarola, and Michael Finke.

 Performers include Walter O’Neil, Nicci Claspell, Michael A. Shepperd, Coby Getzug, William Martinez, Anne Schroeder, James Lynch, Charissa Hogeland, Ryan McCartan, Jessica Reiner-Harris, Adam Silver, Kelsey Hainlen, Matt Merchant, Kelly Lester, Jason Peter Kennedy, and Segun Oluwadele. Jordan Kai Burnett hosts, with musical director Bryan Blaskie on keys. Doors open at 6:30pm and showtime is at 8:00pm. Tickets and info: www.alittlenewmusic.org

 Ryan Black’s 88’s extends Hollywood Holidays at Don’t Tell Mama L.A. on December 11. Seats may be reserved with a dinner reservation by calling (323) 380-7209, or you can reserve online HERE. Open mic after the show. For more information go to www.facebook.com/RyanBlacks88s.

 The Grove Theatre presents Great Joy – A Christmas Celebration on Sunday, December 22 at 6 pm. The staged concert will feature heart-warming traditional and unique Christmas Songs complemented by inspiring readings and dramatic moments that will brighten your holiday. Under the leadership of Brian and Jeni Stivale, the cast will transport you on a musical journey in a family-friendly celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the great joy that this season brings to all. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $15 for children and students. For more information call (909) 920-4343.

AUDITIONS: Kentwood Players will hold open auditions for Fiddler on the Roof featuring book by Joseph Stein, lyrics by Jerry Bock, and music by Sheldon Harnick on Saturday, January 11, 2014 from 11am-5pm (please arrive no later than 3pm) and on Sunday, January 12, 2014 from 6-10pm (please arrive no later than 8pm). Callbacks will be held on Monday, January 13 from 7-10pm. Auditions and performances take place at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045. For complete details and a breakdown of characters go to www.kentwoodplayers.org.

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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Musical News for Wednesday, November 20, 2013


MUSICALS: Rubicon Theatre in Ventura becomes Holiday Central this month with a sparkling array of more than 35 shows and events for all ages. Holiday Central launches on Friday, Nov. 29 with A Rubicon Family Christmas Concert, a musical revue of classic and contemporary songs-of-the-season conceived and directed by Brian McDonald and featuring Broadway stars along with a chorus of talented young singers. The production continues through Dec. 8. Also on the schedule is Little Miss Scrooge, a lovely new musical that sets the love story from Great Expectations and the ghost story from A Christmas Carol against the backdrop of the small town, recession-hit Pickwick, Ohio. Created by Paul Gordon, Sam Caird and John Caird, it runs Dec. 18 - 23 and features a cast of 15, including Rebecca Ann Johnson and Andrew Samonsky. Rubicon’s downstairs rehearsal room will also be magically transformed into Santa’s Village, and Rubicon elves will help arrange family photos with Santa, Frosty and Rudolph (bring cameras!). On the weekends, a professional caroling group (The Tinseltones) will appear in Dickensian costumes to serenade visitors, and Rubicon’s Merry Elves will perform 30-minute Tiny Tots concerts. A holiday boutique in the Village will feature one-of-a-kind, hand-made gifts by local artists, and gift certificates for tickets to Rubicon season shows will be available for purchase. For more information and a complete list of shows, call (805) 667-2900 or go to www.rubicontheatre.org.

The Norris Center for the Performing Arts is celebrating the spirit of the season with the sparkling holiday musical, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Dec. 6 – 15. Based on the classic 1954 film starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, this lavish romantic comedy is an all-singing, all-dancing evening of theatre that includes many of the greatest songs ever written, and even a live snowfall on stage. The illustrious Irving Berlin score includes such timeless songs as “Blue Skies,” “Sisters,” “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,” “Snow” and “White Christmas.” The production features a cast of 24 performers and stars Brent Schindele as Bob Wallace, David Lamoureux as Phil Davis, Gail Ellen Bennett as Betty Haynes, Tro Shaw as Judy Haynes, Polly Seale as Martha Watson, Michael Prohaska as General Waverly and Ashley Reynolds as Susan Waverly. The show is produced by James Gruessing and directed by Randy Brenner, with choreography by Kami Seymour and musical direction by Daniel Thomas. Tickets: www.norriscenter.com

Chance Theater presents The Secret Garden – The Musical with book and lyrics by Marsha Norman, music by Lucy Simon, and directed by Casey Long and KC Wilkerson, Nov. 29 – Dec. 29. The enchanting classic is based on the popular novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Orphaned in India, an 11 year old girl returns to Yorkshire to live with an embittered, reclusive uncle and his invalid son. Her own personality blossoms as she and a young gardener bring new life to a neglected garden. This Tony Award winner is a treasure for children and adults alike. The cast includes Jillian Batt, Lindsey Campbell, Stanton Kane Morales, resident artist Laura M. Hathaway, James McHale, Brandon Sanchez, Ashley Arlene Nelson, Holden Ergdorf, Rachel McLaughlan, Robert Parkison, resident artist Sherry Domerego, Richard Comeau, Miguel Cardenas, Eloise Coopersmith, Katie Brown, John Scoggins and Jonathan Widen. Tickets: www.chancetheater.com 


 The Academy for New Musical Theatre presents a Concert Reading of the new musical City of Light Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 7:30pm at the Colony Theatre, Burbank. The romantic musical comedy has a book by Gabrielle Wagner Mann, music by Jan Roper, and lyrics by Julie Weiner, and was written as part of ANMT’s Full Length Curriculum in the 2012-13 season. A few weeks before her wedding, Molly, in a moment of panic, flees the comforts of Pasadena and runs off to Paris to clear her head. What she finds there is more than she ever expected and when her fiancé shows up to bring her home, she is faced with a decision that could alter the course of her life. The reading will feature Noel Britton, Jordan Kai Burnett, Elise Dewsberry, Evelyn Halus, Erica Hanrahan-Ball, David Holmes, Mike Irizarry, Michelle Lane, Christopher Maikish, Suzanne Mayes, Paul Marchegiani, Sari Rose Poll, Andrea Press, Tedd Szeto, John David Wallis, Justin Michael Wilcox, and Jennifer Winkler; with music direction by Ron Barnett. www.anmt.org

 Where can you see A Christmas Carol this holiday season? There’s sure to be a production running in a theater close to you! Here are a few to choose from:

 A Noise Within: Dec. 7 - 22. Featuring Geoff Elliott, Robertson Dean, Stephen Rockwell, Rafael Goldstein, Jill Hill, Mitchell Edmonds, Deborah Strang, and Alan Blumenfeld. www.anoisewithin.org

 Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre: Nov. 30 - Dec. 22. Starring Josh T. Ryan as Scrooge and Zombie Joe as The Ghost of Jacob Marley, with Denise Devin, Vanessa Cate, Sebastian Muñoz, and featuring the Steam Punk Chorus:  Julie Fergus, Gloria Galvan, David Wyn Harris, Annalee Scott, and Corey Zicari. Tickets: (818) 202-4120, http://zombiejoes.homestead.com/ 

 Sierra Madre Playhouse: Nov. 29 - Dec. 23. Adapted, directed and choreographed by Christina Harris, with musical direction by Rich Dembowski. www.sierramadreplayhouse.org

 Glendale Centre Theatre: Nov. 29 - Dec. 24. Adapted by Brenda Dietlein and directed by Brenda & Tim Dietlein. www.glendalecentretheatre.com 

 Lewis Family Playhouse: Dec. 7 – 15. Adapted by John Jakes and presented by Rancho Cucamonga Community Theatre. www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com 

Kentwood Players presents a Kentwood Kids musical comedy, Mr. Potcher’s Holiday, featuring book & lyrics by Bob Silberg and music by Barbara Klaskin Silberg on Saturdays, Nov.30, Dec. 7 and 14 at Westchester Playhouse. Mr. Potcher has eliminated all extracurricular activities at the school. When a young student named Darcy tries to persuade him to reinstate them, he not only remains unconvinced, he decides to also do away with all the holidays as well. Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Cupid, Leprechaun, Jack o’Lantern and Thanksgiving Turkey conspire with Darcy to change Mr. Potcher’s mind. Featured in the cast are Dylan Bailey, Kenjo Cable, Tyler Cable, Melana Dix, Riley Dix, Drew Fitzsimmons, Logan R. Hannig, Sarah-V Harnden, Trevor Hart, Osric Holt, Stephanie Hotz, George Kondreck, Kobe Kubes, Steven Lerner, Fiona Okida, Katie Reinhold, Valerie Ruel, Jennifer Sperry, Hollister Starrett, Genevieve Thomas, Isabel van Aaist, Skylar Washington and Ja'von Willis directed by Drew Fitzsimmons and Melodie S. Rivers, with choreography by Lulu Peña. Tickets: www.kentwoodplayers.org 

 CABARET/CONCERTS: Tonight – Ryan Black’s 88’s, The Sound of Rodgers & Hammerstein, 8:00 pm at Don’t Tell Mama LA. Reservations: 323 380 7209.

 A Kritzerland Christmas: Sunday Dec. 1 at 7:00 pm starring Dan Callaway, Ashley Fox Linton, Lisa Livesay, Hadley Miller, Jenna Lea Rosen, Kelsey Scott, Sarah Staitman, and Robert Yacko, with special guest Terri White. Musical direction by Richard Allen. Reservations:  818-754-8700. Sterling’s Upstairs at the Federal.

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Saturday, June 22, 2013

What's Happening Around Town for June 22, 2013

BARE Revival
Producers Topher Rhys and Jamie Lee Barnard have announced casting for the upcoming L.A. revival of bare, directed by Calvin Remsberg and presented by glory|struck productions this fall at the Hayworth Theatre. Performances begin September 5 with opening scheduled for Friday, September 6th. This will not be the revised incarnation of the musical that was recently seen Off-Broadway; the Los Angeles revival will preserve the authors’ original vision featuring the music of Damon Intrabartolo with book and lyrics by Jon Hartmere. Musical direction and music production is by by Elmo Zapp and Jen Oundjian will choreograph the show. 

 A story of discovery, acceptance and love, bare centers on the clandestine relationship between two roommates in a well-locked dorm room: charismatic, golden-boy Jason and sensitive, soulful Peter. As the pair navigates adolescence, we see the consequences of secrecy unravel though their eyes and those around them.

This electrifying rock musical will star Payson Lewis (NBC’s The Sing Off), Jonah Platt (The Office), Lindsay Pearce (Glee, The Glee Project), Katie Stevens (American Idol), Nathan Parrett, (The Voice), Caitlin Ary, Kelsey Hainlen, Casey Hayden, Christopher Higgins, Reesa Ishiyama, Harrison Meloeny and Katherine Washington. Original bare cast members Stephanie Andersen and John Griffin will return to the show alongside Alissa-Nicole Koblentz as the adult figures. Stephanie Andersen will be reprising her role of Sister Chantelle after originating the iconic character in the 2000 Los Angeles premiere and 2007 studio album. John Griffin, who received a 2001 Ovation Award nomination for portraying Jason, will be seeing St Cecilia’s from the other side of the confessional, this time as The Priest. Tickets go on sale in July at www.bare-la.com. For more information visit www.facebook.com/barelosangeles.
Troubies Head to La Mirada
The Troubies take their summer hit, A Midsummer Saturday Night’s Fever Dream directed by Matt Walker to La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts July 12 – 14. How Deep Is Your Love for the Troubies?! Join them as they dig down to their roots and dust off their fairy wings, tights and white disco suits to re-imagine Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The star-crossed lovers steam and scheme, and the Bard‘s most famous fairy, Puck, will be Jive Talkin’ as this assorted band of merrymakers heats up into a Disco Inferno. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada. For tickets call (562) 944-9801 or visit www.lamiradatheatre.com.
Sunset Boulevard Announces Complete Cast
Casting has been announced for Musical Theatre West’s production of Sunset Boulevard, to run July 12 - 28 at Long Beach’s Carpenter PAC, exactly 20 years to the day (July 28) after the show’s world premiere. Larry Raben directs, with musical direction by David Lamoureux and musical staging by John Todd. The cast features Valerie Perri as Norma Desmond, David Burnham as Joe Gillis, Norman Large as Max von Mayerling, Ashley Fox Linton as Betty Schaeffer, Jeff Skowron as Sheldrake & Manfred and Marc Ginsburg as Artie, along with Lucas Coleman, Peyton Crim, Marisa Field, Brad Fitzgerald, Karla Franco, Juan Guillan, Caitlin Humphreys, Will Huse, Tom McMahon, Tiana Okoye, Kirklyn Robinson, Trance Thomas and John Todd. For tickets call (562) 856-1999, ext. 4 or visit www.musical.org.
WCOPA Finals
The 17th Annual World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) Finals Competition will be held Friday, July 19, 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the California Ballroom - Westin Bonaventure Hotel, 404 S. Figueroa Street, LA 90071. A limited number of tickets are available for CA residents. Talent contestants from the more than 40 countries and the USA will vie for the crown in various competitive events: dancing, singing, modeling, acting, variety and instrumental. Witness who will take the crown at this finals competition! And returning this year to perform on the World Champions stage is superstar Filipino recording artist and 2005 WCOPA Grand Champion, Jed Madela. Tickets: $25 online at http://wcopafinalscompetition.eventbrite.com.
Brecht On Brecht Returns
Brecht On Brecht, based on the writings of Bertolt Brecht, conceived by George Tabori from various translations and arranged & directed by Alistair Hunter returns to Atwater Playhouse for three performances June 28 - 30. Presented by The Other Theatre Company, it is a mixed-media collage of poems, scenes, songs, and images that present the life, times, and work of Bertolt Brecht (Threepenny Opera) one of the great playwrights, directors, and poets of the 20th century. The new cast includes Gil Hagen-Hill, Daniel Houston-Davila, Belinda Howell, Susan Kussman, and Gregg Lawrence with musicians Gayle Bluemel (who also musical directs) and Scott Shepherd. Atwater Playhouse, 3191 Casitas Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90039. For tickets call (323) 960-1054 or go to www.Plays411.com/brecht.
Chicago Stars
Initial casting has been announced for the Hollywood Bowl production of Chicago, directed by Brooke Shields and conducted by Rob Fisher, to run July 26 - 28. The cast will star Samantha Barks, as Velma, Drew Carey as Amos, Lucy Lawless as Mama Morton and Stephen Moyer as Billy Flynn. The role of Roxy and rest of the cast are TBA. www.hollywoodbowl.com
Ryan Black’s 88’s June 26 Lineup
Don’t Tell Mama LA - Wednesday June 26 at 8pm with co-hostess Reba Areba and musical director Greg Nabours. Artists include Cortes Alexander, Melissa Bailey, Julie Dixon Jackson, Julie Garnye, Crystal Starr Knighton, Kat Kramer, Alex Mohajer, Jai Rodriguez, Jerry Sharell, Vanessa Stewart, French Stewart, Haviland Stillwell, Rena Strober, Alistair Tober, Danielle Truitt, and the cast of DOMA Theatre’s NINE. Open mic after the show. Click Here for reservations or call (323) 380-7209. 

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