Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Review: Sequined Ponies Save the Day in BRONIES! THE MUSICAL
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| Josey Montana McCoy and Stephanie Hayslip. Photos by Roger Fojas. |
Bronies! The Musical made a big splash at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival. The preview production won multiple awards including Best Musical, the Thirty9One Golden Elephant for best director/producers, and a Producers’ Encore Award. More importantly, it won the hearts of everyone who saw it.
I wasn’t able to catch it at the Fringe but I did see it over the weekend in its latest incarnation at Third Street Theatre in West Hollywood and I can see why it resonated with so many people. It’s fun, it’s uplifting, and its optimism will put a smile on your face whether you like it or not. Full of silliness of the sincerest kind, it’s a sweet show that simply makes you happy.
Bronies are adult (mostly male) fans of the 1980s “My Little Pony” franchise of toys and animated entertainment. Originally created for young girls, it fostered another cult following in the bronies who adopted its themes of empowerment, appreciation for one’s talents, and unconditional love. It addresses real world challenges like bullying and self-doubt while the ponies help replace tender insecurities with confidence and appreciation for the things we love that make us who we are.
The show is presented in one act, approximately an hour and twenty minutes long, and follows three boys who are each struggling to find his way. Tyler (emphatically intense Richy Storrs), is persecuted by the school’s jocks at every turn, including Austin (handsome leading man Taylor Helmboldt), who has yet to learn how to speak up for what’s right. Jacob (the incredibly versatile Josey Montana McCoy) is stuck working at the school as a janitor under the thumb of his misguided father (Tom G. McMahan), who doesn’t realize he’s crushing the life out his son’s dreams.
As each boy stumbles upon the ponies and adopts one as his personal muse, their journey to friendship begins, and with the help of the others, they’ll learn to stand up for themselves as they never have before.
The cast is a young, talented up-and-coming group of energetic actors who happily look the age of the characters they play. The strangely compelling ponies: Pink Pony (Shelley Regner), White Pony (Stephanie Hayslip), Blue Pony (Brielle Batino) and Yellow Pony (Charlotte Mary Wen) are a glamourous sequined fortress against the pessimism of the world who shadow their humans like nurturing angels. Plus, this Dreamgirls/Weather Girls quartet sounds like they’re going to bust into a chorus of “It’s Raining Men” any minute...and I almost wish they would. They sing beautifully and bring the lovely harmonies of Joe Greene’s score to life with panache. Musical director Jennifer Linn has done great work not only with their sound, but the sound of the entire cast. Their choral anthem that ends the show is a highlight.
The adorable puppets manipulated by the Ponies are created by Russ Walko, and yes, they even do some delightful puppet pony choreography by John Todd. Richard Israel directs this world premiere, which features book & lyrics by Heidi Powers and Tom Moore, in addition to Greene's music. Israel goes beneath the obvious fun to reach for layers that make the musical more than just a piece of fluff. There’s heart and depth and a real investment in communicating the story without diminishing it.
In addition to the students, Powers & Moore’s book is populated with sweet, eccentric characters - like DJ Keith (Mark Gelsomini), Tyler’s mom (hilarious Gabby Sanalitro) and Hank (played by Greene) who also support the growth of their friends and family members in quirky ways. Get out of Mrs. Mason’s way when she finds out her son has been bullied! This is a woman you definitely want on your side...or she’ll chew you up and spit you out in little tiny pieces.
Joel Daavid’s set design is a multipurpose combination of revolving platforms and walls that capture the look of a brightly colored television show. Israel stages the moving in and out of pieces perfectly in tightly choreographed scene changes that look like a dance. It’s all in the details and he accounts for every single one.
Violence and aggression have no place in the world of optimism and with Bronies! the writers have offered an alternative point of view that sparkles like a rainbow beacon in the distance to guide and teach while entertaining in song and dance. Sounds like a musical theatre world to me.
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| Anna Grace Barlow and Taylor Helmboldt |
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| Brielle Batino, Stephanie Hayslip, Shelley Regner and Charlotte Mary Wen |
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| Richy Storrs (center) and the cast of Bronies! The Musical |
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| Josey Montana McCoy and Joe Greene |
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| The cast of Bronies! The Musical |
BRONIES! THE MUSICAL
September 25 – November 1, 2014
Third Street Theatre
8115 W. Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
www.broniesthemusical.com
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Labels: oddbird theatricals, third street theatre
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Musical News for Saturday, September 13, 2014
Eileen Barnett stars as “the caterwauling countess,” with Matthew Wrather as her longtime accompanist Cosmé McMoon and Leland Crooke as her boyfriend and manager, St. Clair. Janellen Steininger is loyal friend Dorothy, and Carol Abney doubles as the singer’s obstreperous maid, Maria, and as Jenkins’ detractor, Mrs. Verrender-Gedge. Glorious! runs Oct 8 - Nov. 2 (Opening night Oct. 10). International City Theatre is located in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center at 300 E. Ocean Blvd. in Long Beach, CA 90802. Tickets: 562-436-4610 or www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.
The cast includes Harley Jay, Sheldon Robert Morley, Kevin Patrick Doherty, Jonathan Brett, Bryan Dobson, and Paul David Bryant along with Heidi Godt, Eric Ronquillo, Kevin Paul, Jason Sluyter, Jade Anna Rosenberg, Natalie Haro, Cori Cable Kidder, Rebecca Morris, Bradley Nolan, Sarah Meals and Eloise Coopersmith. The Full Monty contains partial nudity, adult language and situations and is recommended for mature audiences. The Norris Theatre is located at 27570 Norris Center Dr., Rolling Hills Estates 90274. Tickets: (310) 544-0403 or www.palosverdesperformingarts.com.
Third Street Theatre and Oddbird Theatricals present the world premiere, fully-realized production of Bronies: The Musical, with music by Joe Greene, book and lyrics by Heidi Powers and Tom Moore, choreography by John Todd, musical direction by Jennifer Lin and direction by Richard Israel. Bronies tells the story of three outsiders who find purpose, meaning, love – and each other – all thanks to those fantastical cartoon ponies so many may love as the ultimate super-fans! It explores the phenomenon of fandom through the lens of pony fans – including all the passion, the awkwardness, the creativity, and the community it can inspire. The cast includes Joey Acuna, Brielle Batino, Anna Grace Barlow, Mark Gelsomini, Molly Gilman, Joe Greene, Stephanie Hayslip, Taylor Helmboldt, Rachel Hirshee, Hannah James, Josey Montana McCoy, Tom G. McMahon, Blaine Miller, Shelley Regner, Gabby Sanalitro, Richy Storrs and Charlotte Mary Wen. Bronies will run Sept. 25 – Nov. 1 at the Third Street Theatre, 8115 W. Third Street in West Hollywood.
Boss: The Untold Tony Danza Story extends for four shows at the Theatre Asylum Lab in Hollywood. With new producing partners Monica Martin of Complex Theaters and Matthew Quinn of Combined Artform/Theatre Asylum, the team behind Boss introduces The ExtravaDANZA, a live 80s themed interactive variety show featuring musical acts, stand up, dance, trivia and prizes. The ExtravaDANZA premieres during the September 27th and October 25th performances of Boss at the Theatre Asylum Lab in Hollywood. Written and performed by actors Damien Luvara and Jennifer Monce, and directed by Michelle Thorn, the cast (which also includes Meghan Parks, Christopher Schram, Jordan Rennick, Matt Wool, Hannah Kanengieter, and Gabriel Rissa) explores the nature of the entertainment industry and how far some people will go to achieve success in it.
“With ExtravaDANZA, we wanted to create something unique, fun and different that surpassed the average theatre experience,” says Luvara. “The ExtravaDANZA is a multi-disciplined exploration of everything 80s that will transport the audience to an entire hit era through one hit TV show.” Theatre Asylum Lab, 1078 Lillian Way in Hollywood, 90038. www.theatreasylum-la.com
Theatre Unleashed is back with a new musical by Justin Moran, POPE! An Epic Musical, which will play The Belfry in North Hollywood Oct. 11-Nov. 17. An idealistic young Pope (also named 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. POPE! is an adventure that echoes the timeless mythological hero’s journey; when good and evil engage in an epic power struggle lines must be drawn, sides must be taken, and confrontations must be musical. POPE! runs Saturdays and Mondays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 7 pm. TU also presents original One Acts from the company’s Writer’s Group on Fridays at 8 pm and Saturdays immediately following POPE! www.theatreunleashed.com
FESTIVALS: The Encuentro 2014 National Theatre Festival begins in October and will be held at Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013. Highlights featuring music include Enrique’s Journey (10/17 – 11/7) adapted and directed by Anthony J. Garcia. Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning work of Sonia Nazario with music composed and directed by Daniel Valdez. Enrique’s Journey depicts the contemporary odyssey of a Honduran boy who braves unimaginable hardship and peril to reunite with his mother in the United States.
For a full schedule of all events and more information, go to www.thelatc.org. Most tickets are only $20 when ordered with the promotional code ENC14. To purchase tickets, go the website or call (866) 811-4111. LATC is located in the heart of the revived downtown historic core at 514 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
True to the blues, the would-be record deal falls through, he’s got no gigs, he’s penniless and hopeless with Lilly in the hospital dying, and he soon finds himself lying in the middle of a frozen road one night, about to die, when he is visited by life-changing forces. Lilly’s spirit leaves her body and descends upon I.B. to convince him that life is worth living, then magically guides two young homeless hard-rock musicians, Layla Knuckles (America’s Got Talent winner Bianca Ryan) and Dustin Ladue (Boogie Long, Guitar Center King of the Blues winner) who rescue I.B. and restore him to the Blues Bucket. They also pick up a young runaway, Sam The Rapper (RCA/Sony recording artist Pryce) and together, the foursome will create music history and triumph. Certified by the Dove Foundation for family-appropriate viewing 12 years to adult.
Performances are Sept. 19 - 25, 2014. Fri. at 8:30, Sat. & Sun. at 6:00, Mon. & Tues. at 6:30, Wed. & Thurs. at 8:15 p.m. Red Carpet for Friday world premiere will begin 30 minutes before screening. Tickets: ($12) are available in advance at http://arenascreen.com. Info: (323) 306-0676. Arena Cinema Hollywood, 1625 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028. Discounted parking is available with validation at lots adjacent to the venue and across the street.
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Labels: haugh pac, international city theatre, theatre unleashed, third street theatre
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Review: The Burnt Part Boys Take a Trip Up The Mountain
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| Daniel David Stewart and Aaron Scheff as brothers (Pete and Jake). Photos by Elizabeth Mercer |
Luckily for her, and her two pre-teen sisters, we have a large family that knows how to rally the forces at a moment’s notice. Her mother, my sister, is an incredible woman who just picks up and carries on. Because that’s what you do. You get back to work. You raise the family. You make the best of things.
But what if that wasn’t the case? What if my niece had to grow up being raised by a sibling not much older than her because her mother had given up and couldn’t get out of bed? What if our family was like Pete’s family in The Burnt Part Boys?
Pete (Daniel David Stewart) is 14 and his father, along with eleven other men, were trapped in a West Virginia mine collapse and fire ten years earlier and died. Since then the “burnt part” has been closed, becoming a kind of legendary shrine to the victims whose bodies were never recovered.
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| Aaron Scheff (front) with Danel David Stewart, Joe Donohoe, Adam Dingeman & Lauren Patten |
Pete’s 18-year old brother Jake (Aaron Scheff) has been doing his best to provide for his family and pay off the debt by working in the mine full time ever since dropping out of school. But do the math. That means he left school at 8 or sometime thereafter, set any dreams of another life aside, and took up the responsibility of providing for his family. No wonder that chip on his shoulder is so full of anger. Poor kid probably never even got his own chance to grieve.
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| Aaron Scheff (Jake), Daniel David Stewart (Pete) and Joe Donohoe (Chet) |
The story begins here, with Pete learning that the burnt part is going to be reopened and that Jake will be the new foreman. Pete is furious. Spurred on by imaginary visits from his movie star idols, Sam Houston, Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, and with his reluctant best friend Dusty (Adam Dingeman) in tow, he sets off to dynamite the mine and make sure no one ever enters it again.
With a breathtaking transition from Pete’s kitchen to the great outdoors, it becomes a traveling musical directed with touching insight and sincerity by Richard Israel. His imaginative use of the stage and ordinary objects to conjure up images of the rolling hills, rushing river, and treacherous woods is a creative way to bring the great outdoors to an intimate playing area. An advantage Israel has is that The Burnt Part Boys hasn’t been done here in L.A. yet and the element of surprise is on his side. You really don’t know what’s coming next. (Twenty minutes near the end of the show are so compelling and unexpected that my heart was pounding.)
Tension mounts as Jake and his buddy Chet (Joe Donohoe) learn of Pete’s plans and follow the younger boys up to the mine to stop them. Determined to get there first, Pete steps up the pace and stumbles across Frances (Lauren Patten), a girl who disappeared several months earlier and has been living in an abandoned cabin. She joins them, much to Dusty’s dismay, and the trio continues on its way. Patten attacks the role mostly by yelling to get her point across but a sweet scene between Frances and Pete over dandelions and crackers offers vulnerable insight into her otherwise loud, obnoxious personality.
Stewart is a real find. The young actor’s combination of naïveté and determination makes his coming of age journey extremely poignant. He also sings beautifully. Scheff’s “Disappearance” is bitingly delivered, and with lyrics like “Eighteen years old / trapped in a life under the ground / I’ve done everything right / feels like I’m 40 / already the man I will be when I die,” it brings home the harsh reality of his life. Donohoe is a likeable best friend whose natural good old boy humor is full of charm. Dingeman is a little heavy handed punching the jokes but when he relaxes into it the moments work.
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| The cast of The Burnt Part Boys |
Four dead miners (Matt Musgrove, Richard Hellstern, Philip Dean Lightstone and Rich Brunner) add a sobering presence to the piece giving The Burnt Part Boys an unexpected soulfulness. “I Made That” is especially moving. Part of the show’s inherent appeal is its folksy Appalachian music. The tunes are alternately lively, plaintive, and driving, with an old-time mountain feel. Harmonies are full and the singers blessed with a gorgeous blend. Musical director Gregory Nabours achieves the sound with a 4-piece string band – David Lee (guitars), Eden Livingood (violin), Nikolaus Keelaghan (viola/percussion), with Nabours on keyboards. Where in the world he found a musician proficient in both viola and percussion I don’t know, but the effect is terrific.
A thoughtful vision by director Richard Israel, heartfelt performances, and seductive mountain music that will carry you away are what you’ll find in The Burnt Part Boys. And since death is as much a part of life as the changing seasons, and a destination we’ll all reach someday, we owe it to ourselves to make the moments count now. Make mine musical, please.
THE BURNT PART BOYS
Book by Marianna Elder
Music by Chris Miller
Lyrics by Nathan Tysen
Sept. 7 - Oct. 20, 2013
Third Street Theatre
8115 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Tickets: (323) 655-9232 or www.thirdstreetheatre.org
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Labels: third street theatre
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Third Street Theatre Lives it Up with The Full Monty
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| Chip Phillips, Harrison White, Ryan O'Connor, Justin Michael Wilcox, Morgan Reynolds and Will Collyer. Photos by Richard Hellstern |
When the right person says the right thing at the right time, it can make all the difference in the world. In The Fully Monty, 12-year old Nathan (Owen Teague) earnestly says to his father in the Act II moment of truth, "This time don't be what everyone thinks you are, a loser.” His belief in his dad is the final kick in the pants that propels Jerry Lukowski (Will Collyer) out on stage with his buddies for their pièce de résistance: a striptease that ends in…well, the title says it all. And for that one shining moment all their embarrassment, self-doubt and disappointment gives way to thunderous applause and a joyous celebration of underdogs everywhere.
The Full Monty is Third Street Theatre’s follow-up to Falsettos, which was also directed by Richard Israel to great success last fall. This time around he delivers an exuberant, cheeky, and often touching production that has as many sweet moments as it does flash and sass.
The David Yazbek/Terrence McNally musical is based on the 1997 British film of the same name and was first staged at the Old Globe in San Diego before making its way to Broadway. It follows a group of unemployed Buffalo, NY steelworkers who come up with an outlandish idea to put on a one-night only Chippendale-style strip show to raise the big money each one desperately needs. Trouble is, none of them even knows how to dance, let alone has the abs or the confidence to bare it all like the professionals. But hey, who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Enter choreographer John Todd, who puts these everyday Joes through some highly entertaining macho moves. One of his best creations is “Scrap,” which finds a fed-up Jerry and his friends at the union house picking up their measly unemployment checks. Todd’s choreography has them slamming and throwing chairs with driving intensity and an impressive precision that emphasizes Yazbek’s dissonant harmonies. Another standout is “Michael Jordan’s Ball,” an intricately choreographed air basketball routine that, although not quite as sharply performed as the opening number, never lets up on the testosterone as the men jump, pass, dribble, body slam and ‘get ready to rumba!’
Collyer has moved decidedly into the leading man category with his performance of Jerry. You expect that he’ll bring the frustration, persuasiveness and charisma that the role requires but what you may not expect is how he’s grown as a singer. He’s developed a self-assurance vocally that finds him able to effortlessly float a falsetto high B after belting like a rocker for the previous hour and a half. Musical director Johanna Kent makes the most of it, also bringing out the best in a cast with varied vocal abilities. Sheiva Khalily’s B&W video streaming of Kent and her backstage orchestra during the overture gives the production a cool Saturday Night Live edge.
Morgan Reynolds (Malcom) may describe himself as a compete loser who still lives at home with his mother, but the shy loner is also sincerely in need of some friends. Reynolds is charming and funny, and once he and fellow dancer Ethan (a terrific Justin Michael Wilcox) realize they share a love of The Sound of Music, the world suddenly finds a place for these two goodhearted misfits. I dare you not to tear up during their duet, “You Walk With Me.”
Ryan O’Connor, as Dave Bukatinsky, also has a poignant duet with his wife, Georgie (Erin Bennett) that will restore your faith in relationships and Jan Sheldrick lands all the right deadpan zingers as the been-there-done-that-and-seen-it-all pianist, Jeannette. Veteran actor Harrison White plays Noah (nicknamed Horse), who comes in all stern and sour to Jerry’s auditions saying they let him go at the McDonald’s because he wasn’t cheerful enough – go figure – but proves he’s got the goods in his showstopping bump-and-grind number “Big Black Man.” His break dancing days may be over but White can still do a mean funky chicken, monkey, mashed potato, and even has a few Michael Jackson Thriller moves on standby for good measure.
There were a few distractions opening night with scene changes that bogged down but those will inevitably fall into place with repetition. More distracting for me was some of the women's costumes that looked like they would have been more at home in Jersey than in Buffalo.
The show may still be working to polish some of its rough edges but ultimately it really doesn't matter. The Full Monty is about owning your imperfections, overcoming your fears, and allowing yourself to stay in the game. That these regular guys can do all that, while taking it all off and still having a blast means you will too.
The Full Monty, Third Street Theatre, 8115 W. Third Street, W. Hollywood, CA 90048. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm through October 14. Now extended through October 28! Ticket prices are $28 - $34. For tickets please visit www.showclix.com/events/9966 or call 1.888.71.TICKETS.
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Labels: third street theatre
Monday, August 20, 2012
Ryan O’Connor to Appear in THE FULL MONTY
News from our pal Ryan O'Connor: "I am thrilled to be playing the role of Dave in a truly special production of David Yazbek & Terrence McNally’s The Full Monty at Third Street Theatre in West Hollywood, directed by Richard Israel with musical direction by Johanna Kent and choreography by John Todd. I am beyond thrilled to be a part of this truly unique and thrilling production that is sure to be a hot ticket in town. I really hope you’ll join us!! The Full Monty opens September 7th and runs through the end of October. I hope to see you there!! Oh, and...yeah, I'm naked."
Tickets are available at http://www.showclix.com/events/9966.
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Labels: third street theatre
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Third Street Theatre Announces Cast for The Full Monty
The Full Monty, a musical version of the 1997 film of the same name, follows six unemployed Buffalo steelworkers frustrated with money, women, and life without a paycheck. Determined to be the best Chippendale-style strippers Buffalo, NY has ever seen, the workaday men dance their way through a strip club act that ultimately teaches them what it really means to be a man. The Full Monty isn't just about showing off the outside; it's what’s on the inside that counts.
The cast features Will Collyer as Jerry, Owen Teague as Nathan, Shannon Warne as Pam, Ryan O’Connor as Dave, Erin Bennett as Georgie, Chip Phillips as Harold, Wendy Rosoff as Vicki, Morgan Reynolds as Malcolm, Justin Wilcox as Ethan, Harrison White as Horse, Brian Durkin as Teddy, Jan Sheldrick as Jeanette, Todd Stroik as Keno, Paul Walling as Reg/Tony, Sydney Blair as Estelle, Suzanne Solomon as Susan and Nicki Jenkens as Joanie.
Produced by Lani Shipman, Kim Harrigan and Richard Hellstern, the show has assembled an award-winning design team that includes Sheiva Khally and Manny Prieto (set design), Lisa Katz (lighting design), Jessica Olson (costume design) and Faryl Saar (stage manager).
The Fully Monty runs Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm September 5 – October 14, with opening night on Friday, September 7th at 8pm. Third Street Theatre is located at 8115 W. Third Street in West Hollywood. For tickets, please visit www.showclix.com or call 1.888.71.TICKETS (84253)
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Labels: third street theatre
Friday, April 27, 2012
Upcoming Musical Events Around Town
Upright Cabaret’s American icon Series Rhythm of the Night starring Olivier Award-Winner Lesli Margherita, American Idol’s David Hernandez (Thousand Oaks and Hollywood Shows only), Lexi Lawson, and Rogelio Douglas, Jr. will celebrate the music of Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan and Santana on several dates: April 27 at the Annenberg Theatre in Palm Springs, April 29 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, and May 6 at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. www.UprightCabaret.com.Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Susan Stroman and playwright David Thompson will discuss the creation of The Scottsboro Boys at The Old Globe's FREE Insight Seminar Monday, April 30. Reception at 6:30pm; Seminar starts at 7:00pm in the Old Globe Theatre. If you’re unable to attend, you can also watch the event live on the web via Ustream on the Globe’s Facebook page, or on the Globe's Ustream page at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-old-globe.
Hollywood’s Celebration Theatre presents the 2nd Annual Spring Cabaret, A Night of Celebration, honoring Leslie Jordan, May 6 at 8 PM at the theatre. Scheduled to perform are Sally Struthers, Barrett Foa, Daniel Tatar and The Company Men, LaToya London, Alet Taylor, Christine Horn, Charlene Modeste, Jeffrey Landman, Christopher Maikish, Nell Teare, Cesili Williams, Constance Lopez, Terrance Spencer with special guests to be announced. www.celebrationtheatre.com
Third Street Theatre has added a host and 3 new cast members to its gala performance of The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown on May 4-5-6. Tony nominee Corey Reynolds (Hairspray) will host on Saturday May 5th. Added to the cast are Janelle Lynn Randall (Boardwalk Empire, All Shook Up), Daniel Tatar (The Company Men, Hairspray) and Allen Hidalgo (Jersey Boys). They will join hosts Jane Lynch, William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman, as well as cast members Tracie Thoms, Shoshana Bean, Lindsay Pearce, Chase Williamson. Tickets: www.showclix.com
Pacific Opera Project will be the first professional company to perform in the new, intimate 150-seat Porticoes Theater in Pasadena with its production of Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte May 12 - 20. The opera will be set not in Eighteenth Century Naples but in America at the time of the Civil War, drawing some inspiration from a certain 1939 movie about the Antebellum South. Directed by Josh Shaw. Chamber orchestra conducted by Stephen Karr. www.pacificoperaproject.com
The Coterie brings back International youtube sensation Miranda Sings on May 4th with Miranda Sings Live! at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel. She 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 readings of hate mail. Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/219212
Mark Winkler and Mary Foster Conklin will be performing at Vitello's on Friday May 4. Material will include everything from Matt Dennis' tune Let's Get Away From It All with some special lyrics, to Laura Nyro (In honor of her Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction) to Winkler’s odes to Woody Allen and Barbra Streisand. Call (818) 769-0905 for reservations. www.vitellosjazz.com
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Labels: celebration theatre, la mirada theatre, old globe, third street theatre, upright cabaret
Thursday, April 19, 2012
The Tango Singer, Show at Barre, Third Street Theatre and Kritzerland Updates
Theatre West begins five weekends of original works during its upcoming West Fest May 4 - June 3. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. The final weekend will include a new musical, The Tango Singer, written, directed and produced by John R. Lacey. Musical direction is by Victoria Lavan and choreography is by Alicia Savio. It is the true story of famous tango singer Carlos Gardel and partner Jose Razzano, involved with the same passionate woman at the beginning of the 20th Century in Buenos Aires’ brothels and bars. The cast features Saratoga Ballantine, Agustin Coppola, Daniel Keough, Victoria Lavan, Barbara Perry and Anibal Silveyra. Dates for The Tango Singer are June 1 - 3. For a complete look at all of the works that will be part of West Fest go to www.theatrewest.org.Show At Barre is proud to present Rogelio Douglas Jr. One Night Only on May 1st at 8pm. Rogelio Douglas, Jr. is one of those rare performers who can legitimately be called a “triple threat”. He makes his mark as an actor, singer/songwriter, and dancer, moving effortlessly between the worlds of television, theatre, dance and music. The concert will include special guest artist Brenna Whitaker and a mix of Douglas Jr.’s original music as well as covers by industry-leading artists including Gavin Degraw, Cee Lo Green, The White Stripes, Jason Mraz, Otis Redding. The performance will take place at Barre, VT, 1714 N. Vermont Ave. in Los Feliz. Tickets are $10 and available at www.showatbarre.com. Tickets (if available) can be purchased at the door one hour prior to show time.
Third Street Theatre has announced three fundraising gala performances of The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown on May 4th, 5th and 6th. Each night will bring audiences a fresh mix of Broadway, film and television talent with hosts Jane Lynch, William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman, and a cast that includes Tracie Thoms (Rent), Shoshana Bean (Wicked), Lindsay Pearce (The Glee Project) and Chase Williamson (Spring Awakening). Performances will be immediately followed by a catered reception and hosted wine bar. This production has been multicast with men and women playing the roles of Jamie and Cathy in an imaginative and compelling new staging of the show. Directed by Richard Israel with musical direction by Michael Orland and Matt Smedal. Third Street Theatre, 8115 W. Third Street in West Hollywood. Tickets are $75.00-$100.00 and available at www.showclix.com or by calling 1-888-71-TICKETS (84253).
Kritzerland Upstairs at Sterling’s presents Broadway Bound – Unsung Songwriters Sunday, May 6th at 7pm. The show will star Melody Hollis, Damon Kirsche, Beth Malone, John Masse, Jane Noseworthy and special guest Daisy Eagen, with musical direction by Tom Griep. The evening is a put-together of Bruce Kimmel’s Broadway Bound CD mixed with songs by composers and lyricists who, while having written shows that made it to Broadway, never quite got in the front rank of musical theatre writers. Click Here for reservations or call 818-754-8700. Dinner reservations: From 5:30 - 6:00 pm. $28/person - includes $10 food minimum. Sterling’s at The Federal, 5303 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601.
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Labels: kritzerland, musical theatre west, show at barre, third street theatre
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Falsettos: An Auspicious Debut for Third Street Theatre
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| Third Street Theatre's cast of Falsettos Photos: Yenka Honig |
The first American version of Webster’s Dictionary written in 1828 defined the word “family” as “the collective body of persons who live in one house and under one head or manager; a household, including parents, children and servants, and as the case may be, lodgers or boarders.” Over time the word has evolved, as the current edition of Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary proves, with family now ranging from a similar description of the original, to “a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation.”
For Marvin, the neurotic central character in William Finn and James Lapine’s Falsettos, family is complicated, and his obsession with making family work creates endless opportunities for humor and pain within the achingly human story.
As he tells the audience at the beginning of the show, he’s divorced his wife, who is now dating his psychiatrist, left his child, and run off with a new boyfriend…but he still wants to have a tight-knit family. Can you say conflict? Marvin’s got his work cut out for him. It’s going to require immense amounts of patience, understanding, and a whole lot of therapy to help him get over his guilt while creating a new kind of family, but that’s the trick of it. As life throws him one curve after another, he learns that no matter what you call it, family endures, love really does hold us together, and growing up is a necessary step in becoming a father.
The Tony Award-winning musical is made up of two one-acts, March of the Falsettos set in 1979, and Falsettoland set two years later in 1981, and is actually parts two and three of a trio of musicals that began with the earlier installment In Trousers. It is currently the freshman outing of the Third Street Theatre in West Hollywood and I am thrilled to say it is a most enjoyable production.
You can’t go wrong with Finn’s music & lyrics, which alternate between laugh-out-loud songs like “Four Jews in a Room Bitching,” and “The Baseball Game” (so funny I won’t spoil the lyrics here), to beautiful lyrical ballads like “What More Can I Say?” If you’ve seen The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, one of his later musicals, you know that Finn has a way of articulating a person’s thoughts that provide a payoff you often don’t see coming with lyrics that make you laugh out loud and think, “did he really just say that?” And that’s priceless.
Director Richard Israel mines the material for all its worth and creates a vivid, energetic, powerfully cathartic commentary on some very important issues. His dynamic cast delivers solid performances all the way down the line, from Jesse Einstein as the neurotic, troubled Marvin to Richard Hellstern, who plays his lover, Whizzer. Hellstern has a beautiful voice and a way with a melodic line that makes you wish he would just keep singing. The two have quite an onstage connection and watching them wind their way through a touching romance via dramatic detours of dysfunction is endlessly entertaining.
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| Richard Hellstern and Jesse Einstein |
One of the most compelling turns in the story occurs when Whizzer collapses in Act II while playing racquetball with Marvin; a scene made all the more poignant because it hearkens back to an earlier game that showed Whizzer in impeccable physical shape. It is a reflection of the times when the AIDS epidemic of the 70’s and 80’s was beginning to come out of the shadows and make the news on a daily basis. People were dying every day and even the doctors felt helpless to understand what was happening. For Marvin, it becomes the catalyst to grow up and step out of the fantasy life of falsettoland.
Lani Shipman is lovely and real as Marvin’s wife Trina. Blindsided by her husband’s confession she seeks answers from Mendel (Chip Phillips), a quirky therapist who dispenses insight with a smile but is actually the most wacko person in the bunch. Shipman’s matter-of-fact treatment of her hysterical breakdown song highlights her comedic timing par excellence and Phillips has so much fun with everything he does that you will too. And he does it with great pipes.
Major Curda plays Trina and Marvin’s ten-year-old son Jason, caught in the middle of the mess his father has created. His very funny dilemmas include worrying whether he will turn out to be “homo” like his father, agonizing over which girl to ask to his bar mitzvah, and trying to figure out how to hit that baseball – and he’s equally as wonderful in the serious moments. Add to the mix a couple of lesbians next door; Kim Reed as Dr. Charlotte and Wendy Rosoff as Cordelia, who designs and sings about her “nouvelle bar mitzvah cuisine,” and the outstanding cast is complete.
Musical direction on a sung-through show is one heck of a job and Gregory Nabours brings a level of musicality to Falsettos that keenly enhances its inherent riches. He also leads the terrific trio of musicians on keyboards. Joining him are Brian Cannady on percussion and Brian Morales on reeds.
John Todd adds plenty of bright, clever and twisted choreography that is also best left a surprise so as not to spoil any of the humor. Suffice it to say that the characters may tell the story in song, but they deliver the subtext through dance – and it is a delight. The beautiful lighting design is by Lisa Katz, with Kurt Boetcher providing set design, Jessica Olson costume design and Ric Perez-Selsky sound design.
Falsettos is an auspicious debut for Third Street Theatre eloquently examining themes as timely today as thirty years ago. It reminds us that it is the people we count as family that have the most impact on our lives. We make mistakes. We do the wrong things. And still, if we are lucky, they are there to help see us through the growing pains of life, plying the wounds with large doses of humor and generous amounts of love. In the end that adds up to a life well-lived, and in this case, a musical well done.
Falsettos runs through October 16 at Third Street Theatre, 8115 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, 90048. Click Here for tickets and more information.
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Monday, August 22, 2011
Third Street Theatre opens season with FALSETTOS
Third Street Theatre has announced the creative team and cast for its very first production, the Tony award-winning musical Falsettos by James Lapine and William Finn. It will be directed by Richard Israel with musical direction by Greg Nabours and choreography by John Todd. Falsettos will open on Friday, September 9th (following two previews on September 7 - 8) and run through Sunday, October 16 at the Third Street Theatre, 8115 W. Third Street in West Hollywood.Falsettos is the story of a very confused Marvin, who is seemingly blessed with the perfect family. He has a caring wife, Trina and a young son, Jason. Nevertheless, the family is soon broken apart when Marvin leaves Trina for his new boyfriend, Whizzer. Trina ends up with the family psychiatrist, Mendel, and Jason is stuck in the middle. Included in the mix are a lesbian couple composed of Dr. Charlotte and Cordelia. Ultimately, the various characters are forced to come together when Whizzer contracts Aids. Falsettos is about life, love and the decency and honesty that exists in all of us.
Featured in the cast are Jesse Einstein as Marvin, Richard Hellstern as Whizzer, Lani Shipman as Trina, Chip Phillips as Mendel, Major Curda as Jason, Kim Reed as Charlotte and Wendy Rosoff as Dr. Cordelia.
The design team includes Kurt Boetcher (set design), Lisa Katz (lighting design), Jessica Olson (costume design and Faryl Saars will stage manage.
Click Here for tickets or call 1.888.71.TICKETS (84253). For more information about the musical, please call the theatre at 323-655-9232.
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Labels: third street theatre