Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Review: Skewering Santa in The Troubies' Santa Claus is Comin' to Motown
 |
| Reindeer: Suzanne Jolie Narbonne, Mike Sulprizio, Lisa Valenzuela, Joey Keane, and Andy Lopez w/ Darrin Revitz and Matt Walker. All photos by Jill Mamey. |
Matt “Mashup” Walker and his trusty Troubies are skewering Santa Claus 5 or 6 times a week at the Falcon Theatre in Toluca Lake and nobody minds a bit. In fact, the more groan-worthy the jokes the more the audience loves them. And that’s exactly how this company of clowns likes it.
Regulars such as Rick Batalla, Beth Kennedy, Lisa Valenzuela, and Walker know their stock in trade is their ability to put it all out there each time they perform and rely on the others to bail them out, send them up, or let them die. And truthfully, when they’re dying it is usually funnier than what they originally intended.
Their commitment to the ad-lib is unwavering. Even a 5-second sight gag is worthy of a full costume and choreography, like Walker playing an animal in black parachute pants spoofing MC Hammer. That costume is never seen again but Sharon McGunigle trots out a wonderful series of crayon-colored finery that includes a sequined lollipop girl group, reindeer reimagined as UPS delivery men, a bevy of happy forest creatures walking upright, and German military uniforms with short pants.
All that to say it’s the kind of show that proudly wears its puns on its sleeve, and always looks good doing it. Eric Heinly’s band gives the Motown sound plenty of kick on songs like The Jackson 5’s “ABC,” Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools” and James Brown’s “I Feel Good,” all reworked with quirky new lyrics to fit the seasonal story.
Plus, any Troubie show that gives Suzanne Jolie Narbonne a chance to break out her toe shoes and add a little unexpected sophistication with a ballet sequence gets a thumbs up from me. They may be a company of crazies but they do know how to play to their strengths. And who knew she could be so absolutely adorable as a penguin? A woman of many talents, she is also responsible for recreating Nadine Ellis’ original choreography.
One other note - Santa Claus is Coming To Town is where the Winter Warlock was originally introduced to the world. Since Kennedy first played the androgynous stilt-walker, it has become a stock character who makes an appearance in every Troubie Christmas show, without fail. Kind of like your crazy uncle Charlie whose magic tricks never seem to work but you love him anyway.
This is one holiday tradition that comes with a lot of laughs, a lot of optimism, and a lot of fun. Nothing tired here - just a bunch of cutups entertaining the heck out of a holiday crowd and succeeding in the best way possible.
If you don’t have a ticket by now you’re most likely out of luck. Regular seats are sold out for the entire run but you might score a cancellation so give the theatre a call just in case (818) 955-8101.
SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO MOTOWN
December 2, 2015 - January 17, 2016
Troubadour Theatre Company at the Falcon Theatre
4252 Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505
Tickets: (818) 955-8101 or www.FalconTheatre.com
 |
| Andy Lopez, Lisa Valenzuela, Darrin Revitz, Beth Kennedy, Mike Sulprizio, Suzanne Jolie Narbonne, and Joey Keane |
 |
| Leah Sprecher, Suzanne Jolie Narbonne, Darrin Revitz, and Lisa Valenzuela |
 |
| Tyler King, Mike Sulprizio, and Andy Lopez |
 |
| Andy Lopez, Darrin Revitz, Rick Batalla, Suzanne Jolie Narbonne, and Tyler King |
 |
| Darrin Revitz and Matt Walker |
For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page
Labels: troubies. falcon theatre
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Review: The Troubies' The Snow QUEEN - 80 Minutes of Rocker Heaven
 |
| Misty Cotton and company. Photos by Jill Mamey. |
While the kids are busy getting their pictures taken with Santa at the mall and begging for overpriced toys they’ll forget the day after Christmas, adults know that the place they’ll get the most bang for their jingle bell bucks is at the Falcon Theatre. That’s where the latest Troubie show is roasting its comedy chestnuts in its own unique style while providing one of the wackiest soundtracks to the holiday season.
This year’s recipe for success includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. A story that’s ripe for poking, typically one that everyone knows. This year it’s Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen. (Buckle up your boots Gerda and Kai, you’ve never met an ice queen like this before.)
2. A dozen or so songs by a well-known musical artist or group, preferably rock or bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s, done up with original lyrics to inflate the humor. In 2014, it’s the year of Freddie Mercury and QUEEN. ‘Nuff said. Well, except that the band members are also part of the story and make their acting debuts front and center. They’ve even got lines. And Eric Heinly’s band has the kind of Saturday Night Live sound with only four musicians - musical director Heinly on drums and percussion, Kevin McCourt on keyboards, Mike Abraham on guitar, and Dana Decker on bass - that shows this company means business.
3. A leader (Matt Walker) who boldly goes wherever he wants to and a fearless band of thespians who follow him out into the great comedy beyond and back again. In addition to the usual suspects (Beth Kennedy, Rick Batalla, Joseph Keane, and Lisa Valenzuela) who are on their game every minute, you’ll find first timers like a popular west coast musical theatre diva (Misty Cotton) and a celebrated commedia queen from America’s Got Talent (John Quale), both of whom make the house rock to the rafters. Disclaimer: no cast members were harmed in the making of this theatrical masterpiece...or audience members...although one unsuspecting woman did get her head stuck in a raven’s bill while trying to decide whether to help said raven with his wedgie.
4. Puppets! And who doesn’t love puppets. It’s like kittens, only better. (I know...random, right?) These are created by Matt Scott.
5. Snow...like you’ve never seen it before. In Troubie hands, even the snow is a bit, and only one of the imaginative ideas that set designer Jeffrey McLaughlin, prop designer Corey Womack and lighting designer Jeremy Pivnick have created by mixing humor with practicality in their design elements. Without a doubt, the production team is as wacked as their onstage counterparts.
6. Clothes that make the man - or a little Danish girl and her lederhosen-clad brother; or a narrator on stilts in very long pants; or a crazy old woman with locks to rival any hair band member; or a two-headed pinhead chorus member a la American Horror Story: Freak Show; or a glittering drag queen in a three foot tall ice sculpture wig; or an adlibbing male raven in a skin tight black unitard...(think about that for a minute); or a robber girl whose buck teeth can’t detract from her youthfulness and good heart. All of them come from the happily silly and slightly warped mind of Sharon McGunigle who fits right in with the rest of the gang.
Put all the pieces through the creative wringer and you have a rock operetta-style comedy that will give you the best night of laughs you’ll have all year. I wouldn’t miss one their shows for anything and you shouldn’t either. The Snow QUEEN is outlandish fun and the one show that just might get you through the holidays with your sense of humor intact. GO!
 |
| Matt Walker as the Narrator |
 |
| Beth Kennedy as Old Woman |
 |
| L-R: Joseph Keane, Misty Cotton, Breanna Kelly, Jen DeMinco, and Darrin Revitz |
 |
| John Quale as the Snow Queen |
 |
| L-R: Rick Batalla, Darrin Revitz, Jen DeMinco, and Breanna Kelly |
 |
| Beth Kennedy and Lisa Valenzuela |
.jpg) |
| Joseph Keane, Lisa Valenzuela and Misty Cotton |
THE SNOW QUEEN
December 3, 2014 - January 18, 2015
Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91505
Performances: Wed. – Sat. at 8pm, Sun. at 4pm & 7pm
No shows Dec. 24 & 25, or Dec. 31 & Jan. 1
No 7pm show on Jan. 11 or Jan. 18
Added shows Dec. 27 at 4pm, Jan. 3 at 4pm
Tickets: (818) 955-8101 or www.FalconTheatre.com
For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page
Labels: troubies. falcon theatre
Monday, June 16, 2014
Review: Blood, Guts and Classic Troubie Mayhem in ABBAMEMNON
 |
| Matt Walker, Katherine Donahoe, Monica Schneider and Rick Batalla. Photos by Chelsea Sutton. |
After a particularly long laundry list of names in which Helen of Troy jumps out as the only familiar one, Chorus Leader Rob Nagle says in a completely deadpan voice, “Don’t worry… that’s the last name you’ll recognize tonight,” and everyone bursts into laughter. More than one person in the audience had already been wondering if they’d be able to follow the story in this Aggamemnon meets ABBA invention and, with that one statement, he made sure loyal fans knew the Troubies had their backs.
Turns out it doesn’t matter if you know your Greek classics or not because this latest Troubie original takes on the task of explaining and recapping the characters and story as it goes along. No audience member is left behind when it comes to these hilarious shows so you can relax and enjoy the view…unless you come late, like the woman who sat next to me found out. I can vouch for the fact that she wasn’t a plant because she was really sweet, completely embarrassed, and had no idea they were going to sing an entire song dedicated to putting her on the spot. Ah the joy of being a first-timer.
A Troubie pre-show is always unique and this time around it starts off as a photo op with masked guards posing for pictures like they had been relocated from Hollywood Boulevard, “photo op” sign and all. They are initially placed strategically around the imposing set, which has been designed with quite a bit of flair by Morgan Rusler and beautifully lit by Jeremy Pivnick. The whole effect is quite dramatic, especially with the addition of Robert Arturo Ramirez’s rich atmospheric sound design. It all makes a striking welcome into the world of the play.
Also part of the set-up is ABBA’s classic “Take a Chance on Me,” which becomes a pre-show pee song, and a killer rock overture featuring musical director Eric Heinly on drums with a band that blows this show out of the water. His musicians include Kevin McCourt (keyboards), Linda Taylor (guitar), Dana Decker (bass) and Ginger Murphy & Jon Drovoza (cello).
Familiar ABBA hits and lesser known songs get reworked lyrically, as is the norm, and Heinly turns each arrangement into a showpiece even before the singers, choreography and everything else, is added in. The opening number is a rousing upbeat version of “Mamma Mia” which scans perfectly as “ABBA-memnon” and we’re off to the chariot races.
If you do remember your Greeks from theatre history class, you’ll see that Abbamemnon actually follows the usual structure of a Greek tragedy which will help you organize the scenes somewhat in your head. If you don’t, it basically means that you’re in for a prologue that sets everything up followed by a series of alternating story episodes and chorus commentaries before a final exit scene wraps up the play.
Beth Kennedy takes on prologue duties as a Watchman whose floating head rises up from a Malibu lifeguard tower like the Great Pumpkin. (Yes, ancient Greece is now Malibu for the purpose of this story which provides the opportunity to add jokes and insert numerous local references). Sporting several blacked out teeth, and dressed in an ancient skull cap and peasant rags she is the funniest person on the stage every time she appears, even if she is just watching what is going on. She also has a natural gift for the classical and delivers the brief sections of text that have been retained magnificently.
Throughout subsequent scenes we meet the rest of the beautiful, athletic, virile characters and hear of their adventures. “Dancing Queen” introduces Abbamemnon (Matt Walker) and his sexy wife Clytemnestra (Monica Schneider) during the decadence that preceded the 10-year Trojan War. In his absence she will take a lover – paging Rick Batalla to aisle 3 where the mustache glue is sold – and when Abbamemnon returns ten years later he will bring with him a slave named Cassandra (Katherine Donahoe). She has been given the gift of prophecy by the gods but no one believes her which makes the perfect lead-in to ABBA’s “Cassandra” accompanied by a chorus of dancers in white.
There’s plenty of comedy at war’s expense, including a Herald (Joseph Keane) who tells of the battlefield and those who were slaughtered by the spear. Incidenatally, he brings his spear with him since it is still sticking out of the front and back of his body. Walker expertly sings and dances his way through orgies and battles in real time and slow motion. He is a vicious and imposing figure who wears some of the most realistic bloody makeup to hit a Troubie stage, yet he isn’t above calling a foul when Batalla found himself tongue-tied in a late play. These moments are what the audience lives for and always end up being great fun to watch.
This is one of the strongest productions to date with terrific performances and the kind of delightful theatrical elements that make a Troubie show a real one-of-a-kind experience. Giant belly-laughing puppet heads that look like the theatre critics from The Muppet Show, shadow play, a working chariot, Molly Alvarez’s outstanding choreography, Darrin Revitz as the sacrificed innocent daughter, Jason Turner’s eye candy version of Menelaus, Rick Batalla’s punch lines, Rob Nagle’s touching dramatic work, Sharon McGunigle’s combination of ’80s glam and ancient Greek garb…it all adds up to a winning production.
Wisdom may come from suffering but comedy comes from The Troubies and this latest hilarious reveal from the kings and queens of funny is just what you need to pump up the volume on your summer fun meter. It’s a must-see, so go!
 |
| Monica Schneider, Rick Batalla and Suzanne Jolie Narbonne |
 |
| Beth Kennedy as a Watchman |
 |
| Joseph Keane as Harold the Herald |
 |
| Darrin Revitz and Matt Walker |
 |
| Monica Schneider and the cast of Abbamemnon |
ABBAMEMNON
June 6 - July 13, 2014
Troubadour Theatre Company at
The Falcon Theatre
4252 Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505.
Tickets: (818) 955-8101
www.FalconTheatre.com
For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page
Labels: troubies. falcon theatre
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Review: The Troubies are Walkin' in a Winter One-Hit-Wonderland
 |
| Beth Kennedy as the Winter Warlock and the cast. Photos by Chelsea Sutton |
The Troubies’ traditional holiday mashups are some of the company’s most anticipated shows of the year. Past hits like A Christmas Westside Story (A Christmas Story with the music of West Side Story), Rudolph the Red Nosed ReinDOORS (Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and The Doors), and The First Jo-el (the Nativity story via Billy Joel songs) have been unforgettable treasure troves of comedy fun.
This year the troupe resurrects best moments from its last ten years of holiday shows, and stars the Winter Warlock (Beth Kennedy), a minor character who has made cameo appearance in Troubie shows ever since he was first introduced. In Walkin’ in a Winter One-Hit-Wonderland, Winter finally gets the chance to prove he can carry a show, with a cabaret style walk down memory lane featuring video clips and live reenactments of his journey to the stage. It’s also a celebration of ten years of Troubie shows in partnership with Garry Marshall and the Falcon Theatre, according to director and Troubie founder, Matt Walker, who says the night is all about breaking the rules and not sticking to the script.
The show is self-described as “somewhat like a fruitcake,” which means it contains a little bit of everything, and the taste of liquor – in this case poured in a giant brandy snifter – lingers on lounge lizard Rick Batalla’s lips like the eternal aftertaste of its liquor-soaked namesake. The “unexpected” improv with “real” liquor leads the audience into a world of spin-doctored scenes by Troubie regulars Batalla, Kennedy, Walker, Katherine Donahoe, Andy Lopez, Suzanne Jolie Narbonne, Katie Nunez, and Lisa Valenzuela.
Interestingly enough, it wasn’t the planned comedy that provided most of the laughs on opening night but rather the bits that didn’t work that got the biggest response from the audience. Maybe that’s because the best improv happens in the moment and can’t always be duplicated, or maybe it was because there were so many Troubie newbies in the audience that the previous show references lacked the context needed to help land the jokes. In either case, it was costumes with a mind of their own, physical bits where timing was askew, and unique audience participation that stole the show.
Among the musical one-hit-wonders featured are A-Ha’s “Take on Me,” Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy,” Devo’s “Whip It,” Captain and Tennille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together,” Debby Boone’s “You Light Up My Life” and Toni Basil’s “Hey Mickey.” All are tweaked Troubie-style with new lyrics or staging that fits the through line of the show, though there isn’t much of a plot for this holiday stocking stuffer. During his trip down memory lane, Winter feels that no one is paying much attention to him and decides to quite show biz. That’s when the action detours into the land of A Christmas Carol and takes a look at Winter’s past, present and possible future.
Since the show follows a club act format accompanied by flashbacks, the scenes are quieter and more intimate, rather than the typically fast-paced, heavily choreographed, acrobatic sequences found in many of the Troubies’ previous productions. If the speed of a usual Troubie show is set on overdrive, this one is programmed several clicks lower on the dial.
A classical ballet sequence by Suzanne Jolie Narbonne as Winter’s Sugar Plum Fairy is quite beautiful, until it becomes comic, and hula hoops are incorporated into the finale. By the final blackout, Winter Warlock returns to the stage, Tiny Timmy doesn’t leave an empty chair, and the snow stops falling on pianist Kevin McCourt. Best of all, we’ve had a few laughs and all is right with the world.
 |
| Andy Lopez and Winter Warlock (Beth Kennedy) |
 |
| Katherine Donahoe, Lisa Valenzuela, Katie Nuñez, Rick Batalla and Suzanne Jolie Narbonne |
 |
| Lisa Valenzuela, Matt Walker, Katie Nuñez and Katherine Donahoe |
 |
| Rick Batalla and Winter Warlock (Beth Kennedy) |
 |
| Matt Walker and Winter Warlock (Beth Kennedy) |
WALKIN' IN A WINTER ONE-HIT-WONDERLAND
December 4, 2013 - January 19, 2014
The Troubies at the Falcon Theatre
4252 Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505
Tickets: (818) 955-8101 or www.FalconTheatre.com
For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page
Labels: troubies. falcon theatre
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Musical News for Thursday, November 7, 2013
A Christmas Memory is a tender portrait of a rare friendship across the generations with a musical score that will bring love and light to everyone’s hearts for the holiday season. Set in 1933 in rural Alabama, young Buddy is being raised by three eccentric cousins. He is closest to his elderly cousin Sook, still a child herself in many ways, and as Christmas nears, she and Buddy gather ingredients to bake holiday fruitcakes for those who've had a memorable impact on their lives in the past year. Sook’s sister Jennie is concerned that the time Buddy spends with Sook will cause him to grow up soft. Enlisting the aid of their bachelor-brother Seabon, she plots to separate the best friends for their own good. The show runs Dec 29 with opening night set for Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 pm. www.lagunaplayhouse.com
The cast includes Jolie Adamson, Anthony Bravo, Andrew Byer, MarLee Candell, Cadence Cole, Melody Cole, Jessie Ellico Franks, Georgan George, Mary Harmon, Scott Harris, Matthew Herrmann, Ranya Jaber, Zayd Jaber, Randy Wade Kelley, Kelly Kitko, Alison Lani, Amelia Maschek, Karl Maschek, Lisa Musser, Hector S. Quintana, Dale Sandlin, Olivia Schlueter-Corey and Tim Stafford. A gala champagne reception and light buffet follows the Friday, Nov. 29 performance. Tickets: (626) 355-4318 or www.sierramadreplayhouse.org
In the Heights runs March 28 – April 6, 2014. Rehearsals begin February 17 for non-Equity performers, and March 3 for Equity performers. All roles are open, and all roles are open to Non-Equity talent. 3 Equity contracts are still available, to be cast from among the following roles: Usnavi, Nina, Kevin, Camilla, Abuela Claudia, and Daniela. There is pay for all roles for age 18 and up. Although they encourage all ethnicities to attend the auditions, they are looking for actors who can play Latino. The look is specific for this show, and will be a consideration during casting.
Cast limited to age 16 and above. Please bring picture and resume, and sheet music in the proper key, accompanist provided. Music in the style of show is strongly encouraged. No recorded music or a capella, please. Non-union please limit song to one minute. Note: Those auditioning for Graffiti Pete and ensemble dancers should attend a dance call, rather than a singing appointment. Dates:
Thousand Oaks Auditions
Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Principal and Singing Appointments:
Sunday, Nov. 10 – 1:00 -5:00 pm
Tuesday, Nov. 12 – 4:00 -11:00 pm
Dancers’ Call for all dance roles:
Sunday, Nov. 10 – 6:00 pm
Los Angeles Auditions
Madilyn Clark Studios, 10852 Burbank Blvd., N. Hollywood, CA 91601
A.E.A. Principal Appointments:
Monday, Nov. 11 – 10:15 am -1:00 pm
Dancers’ Call for all dance roles:
Monday, Nov. 11 at 2:30 pm
All roles are open. All auditions are by appointment only. To schedule an audition, please call (805) 497-8614 x 3. When leaving a message, please include your name, role(s) for which you’d like to be considered, telephone number, and whether or not you’re a member of Actors’ Equity Assn. Please also leave your preferred date/time for audition. Callbacks to take place on November 14, 18, & 19, and are by invitation only. Click here for complete breakdown of roles and information about an audition-preparatory Master Class, given by Morgan Marcell.
For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page
Labels: cabrillo music theatre, laguna playhouse, performance riverside, sierra madre playhouse, troubies. falcon theatre
Sunday, October 28, 2012
What’s Happening Around Town for October 28, 2012
It began 60 years ago with eight guys sitting around a poker table in a smoke-filled room on a Monday night, trying to figure out what to do with $600. Typically, they’d throw themselves a year-end bash with the money they put aside from each pot at their weekly poker game. But the talk had gotten around to doing something different that year – something for someone else. And that’s exactly what they did. 60 years later Help Youth Charities Fund has raised over $ 4.5 Million dollars towards its charter cause. "Helping handicapped and underprivileged children of every race, color & creed." This year they guys are putting up Mel Brooks’ The Producers November 1 -11 at the ACME Comedy Theatre on La Brea. The entire production is volunteer driven & ALL funds raised through the production will go towards our mission of helping the kids! Some past projects & programs funded include:
-Therapeutic Swimming pool for Physically Challenged Youth
-Training kitchen for multi-disability blind children.
-Woodworking shop to rehabilitate street kids.
-A voice synthesizer for a teenager without any vocal chords.
-Construction of special needs playground for disabled kids.
Tickets are $20 online at www.acmecomedy.com/tickets.htm and $25 at the door. Get them now!
HAIR
The Grove Theatre in Upland announces auditions for HAIR on Saturday, November 3rd from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. at 276 E. Ninth Street in downtown Upland. Callbacks, by invitation, will be held on Sunday, November 4th from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. All roles are being cast (Ages 18+). For information go to www.grovetheatre.com. Prepare 16 bars of a pop or rock song (no traditional Broadway tunes) that shows vocal range. Bring a headshot and resume. The auditions are being held at The Grove Theatre, 276 E. Ninth Street, Upland, CA 91786.
♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫
Kritzerland at Sterling’s Upstairs at The Federal presents Mostly Rodgers & Hammerstein (with a little Hart and a little Sondheim) hosted by Bruce Kimmel Sunday, November 4th at 7pm. The show stars Stuart Ambrose, Dennis Kyle, Lisa Livesay, Jane Noseworthy, Shannon Warne, and special guest Alvin Ing, with musical direction by Lloyd Cooper. Our last few shows have been jam-packed so early reservations are recommended by calling 818 754-8700. Dinner reservations: From 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm. Cover charge $15 + $10 food minimum + $3 facility charge. Sterling’s at The Federal, 5303 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. Parking is available – entrance for Federal lot is on Weddington Street (directly behind the building). http://www.msapr.net/Sterling-s-at-The-Federal.html
♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫
Whether these iconic songs are performed by someone with the wrong skill set, gender, race, or age, they will all be hilariously... Miscast! Proceeds go to "Project Angel Food" whose mission is to bring nourishment to those living with AIDS, cancer or other life threatening diseases. This Miscast on November 5th will feature Mandy Kaplan, Jennifer Hall, Will Collyer, Thomas Threats, Christopher Carlisle, Rob Blatt, Mona Chatterjee, Jay Marcus, Tommy Metz, Netta Most, and Brett Ryback on piano. Door opens at 7:00 pm. Show starts at 7:30 pm on the dot! Drinks and food after. Click Here for more details.
♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫
The musical mash-up parody that rocked the Cavern Club Theatre at Casita del Campo this August returns for another limited engagement at the Hudson Theatre in Hollywood. Loosely based on Judy Blume’s popular coming of age novel published in 1970, this musical parody lovingly recalls the sights, sentiments and sounds of the era. This version will also feature music from the cherished holiday album, Carpenters Christmas Portrait. Conceived, written and directed by Dane Whitlock with choreography by Kim Hale, Are You There God? It’s Me, Karen Carpenter features Carey Peters, Jennifer Blake and Drew Droege. Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm and Sundays at 3 pm at The Hudson Theatres, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, CA, 90038. Tickets ($20) are available at www.plays411.com/karencarpenter.
♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫
Falcon Theatre is proud to present Troubadour Theater Company’s Rudolph the Red-Nose ReinDOORS, directed by Matt Walker. Celebrate the Season with a wild, stripped-down, bare bones, rock re-telling of the classic holiday tale of Rudolph, with a sexy, sultry, scary soundtrack - and snow. It's Strange Days in the North Pole when a reindeer named Rudolph is born with a glowing red nose. Finding no Hello I Love You at the Reindeer Games, Rudolph is left alone with his Roadhouse Blues. Only when he meets the darling doe Clarice, does he proclaim, "You Light My Fire!" But can Rudolph save Christmas by leading the Reindeer Riders On The Storm and help Santa Break On Through the blizzard? Whip up some season cheer in your Soul Kitchen and meet the Troubies down on Love Street for an unforgettable show - you're sure to Love Her Madly! The show runs November 28 – January 6, with opening night on Friday, December 7, 2012 at 8pm. Tickets go on sale November 6th at www.FalconTheatre.com or by calling (818) 955-8101.
♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫
The Grove Theatre presents A Really, Really Good Time, Holly Jolly Christmas Carol, by Mary Willard, starring Fred Willard as E.B. Scrooge. The time is December 20, 2012 and the United States Superstar Show has really, really gone into overtime. It is to air Christmas Eve night but E.B. Scrooge is not happy with any of the people auditioning. E.B. is even more irritated, aggravated and riled up with everyone and everything...the talent, the set, the workers and most of all Bobby Cratchit, his right hand man. After an exhausting day he returns to his apartment where he is visited by the Ghost of Johnny Carson. Johnny tells him he will be visited by three spirits who will help him become the man that Johnny knows he can become. Performances begin Friday, November 30, and end Sunday, December 16. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (909) 920-4343, or by visiting www.grovetheatre.com.
For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page
Labels: cavern club, kritzerland, the grove theatre, troubies. falcon theatre