Thursday, July 24, 2014

Musical News for Thursday July 24, 2014

MUSICAL NEWS: The Garage Theatre and Alive Theatre present Bertolt Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera August 1-30 at The Garage Theatre. Often described as brutal, scandalous, perverted; yet humorous, hummable and with a happy ending, it is one of the earliest and most successful attempts to introduce jazz into the theatre. With musical direction by Ellen Warkentine (the mastermind behind LOLpera) and longtime director and managing director, Eric Hamme, this evening is going to get weird...that good kind of weird. The cast and band includes Robert Edward, Mark Piatelli, Ellen Warkentine, Ashley Elizabeth Allen, Thomas Amerman, Sarah Chaffin, Dana Benedict, Lysander Ruesehk, Jason Bowe, Stephani Keith, Lizzie Stride, Ethan Zahn, Sally Nguyen, Jeanine Van Dyke, Travis Guerrero, Matthew Proffitt, Daysmel Muniz, John Robertson, Alanah Ntzouras, Matt Kollar and Sumner LeVeque. Choreography is by Angela Lopez. The Garage Theatre, 251 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90813. www.thegaragetheatre.org

A workshop production of It Happened in Roswell: an intergalactic musical will be presented as part of New Musicals Inc.’s summer series at NoHo Arts Center August 3 – 25. The story follows hard-nosed reporter Scoop who thinks he’s just chasing a story to save his sagging career. But when the alien turns out to be a wide-eyed sexy girl whom the Army wants to capture and dissect in the laboratory, well, Scoop discovers he’s in a big pickle: get the story, or get the girl? The cast includes Rory Dunn as the hard-nosed reporter, with Broadway’s Julie Tolivar as the alien. Nathan Ondracek plays a sweet 4F lad who has been too preoccupied trying to communicate with aliens to notice the love of his life, Bessie, right in front of him in the local diner. Deranged former military man Major Nails is played by John McCool Bowers. The cast also includes Amy Bloom, Emma Sperka, Emerson Boatwright, and Carrie Madsen. Music direction is by Ron Barnett. Co-directed by Terrence Atkins and Scott Guy. It Happened in Roswell is written by Terrence Atkins and Jeffery Lyle Segal. NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd, in North Hollywood. Tickets are $20 at www.nmi.org.

The Festival of New American Musicals presents an ASCAP staged reading of The Front, based on the 1976 Hollywood movie starring Woody Allen and Zero Mostel, August 19 and 20 at 7:30 pm. Barnsdall Gallery Theater, 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90027. Music & Lyrics are by Paul Gordon & Jay Gruska; Book by Seth Friedman; Based on the screenplay by Walter Bernstein. Richard Israel directs the reading, with musical director Keith Harrison. Produced by Marcia Seligson and Michael Kerker. Associate Producer Linda Shusett. For free tickets RSVP to info@lafestival.org

EXTENDED: Chance Theater has extended its run of In The Heights through August 10 with six additional performances. The show was originally scheduled to close on August 3 but will now also play Thursday, August 7 at 8pm, Friday, August 8 at 8pm, Saturday, August 9 at 3pm and 8pm, and Sunday, August 10 at 2pm and 7pm at Chance Theater @ Bette Aitken theater arts Center. Tickets: (714) 777-3033 or www.ChanceTheater.com.

 SEASON NEWS: San Diego Musical Theatre has announced its 2015 season at its new home, the historic Spreckels Theatre in downtown San Diego. Shows will include:
West Side Story (Feb. 13 – March 1, 2015) directed by James Vasquez 
Singin’ in the Rain (May 22 – June 7, 2015) directed by Todd Nielson 
La Cage aux Folles (Sept. 25 – Oct. 11, 2015) directed by Larry Raben 
White Christmas (Nov. 27 – Dec. 6, 2015) directed by Todd Nielsen
www.sdmt.org

 FILM: In memory of an incredible talent, Arena Cinema Hollywood will screen the documentary Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me for four showings only. In this bold, hilarious and poignant portrait, the uncompromising Tony and Emmy Award-winner is revealed both on and off stage. Candid reflections about her life are punctuated with words from friends (including James Gandolfini, Tina Fey, John Turturro, Tracy Morgan, Hal Prince, George C. Wolfe, Nathan Lane and Cherry Jones) and archival footage that showcases some of the great moments from her career. The 81-minute Sundance Selects film is directed by Chiemi Karasawa. Screenings takes place Sat. July 26 and Sun. July 27  at 3:00 pm; Tues. July 29 and Thurs. July 31 at 6:15 pm. Admission is $12.00. Arena Cinema Hollywood, 1625 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028. (Entrance at rear gate.) Discounted parking is available with validation at lots adjacent to the venue and across the street. For more information, call (323) 306-0676 or go to http://arenascreen.com.

 CONCERTS/CABARET: Kritzerland Tributes Female Songwriters Sunday, August 3rd at 7:00 pm at Sterling’s Upstairs at the Federal starring Dan Callaway, Jennifer Kranz, Heather Lee, Lisa Livesay and Shannon Warne, with special guest Kay Cole and musical direction by Tom Griep. The show salutes musical theatre lyricists Carolyn Leigh, Lynn Ahrens, Marsha Norman, Gretchen Cryer, Fran Landesman, Amanda McBroom, and Carole Bayer Sager. Reservations: 818-754-8700.

UPDATE: Tony Award-nominee Obba Babatundé has been set to host Broadway Under the Stars at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre Aug. 16 at 8:00 pm. The Chris Isaacson Presents production stars Tony Award-winner Jennifer Holliday with Erich Bergen, Rogelio Douglas, Jr., Danny Gurwin and Chad Kimball. David Galligan will direct, and the music director is Gerald Sternbach. Purchase tickets by August 2 and save $5. Discount tickets are available by calling (323) 461-3673 or at www.FordTheatres.org.

 The Grove Theatre in Upland announces a weekend of entertaining tributes to Elton John, Billy Joel and ABBA. On Friday, August 8th, at 8:00 pm, Terry Davies, “The Piano Man,” will present his personal tribute to greats Billy Joel and Elton John featuring a video as the backdrop that will take the audience through the story he sings. On Saturday, August 9th at 8:00 pm, ABBA FAB, featuring Anne Davies, Chelsea Faulds, Scotty Pearson and Nick Davies, performs its tribute to the music of ABBA. Comprised of vocalists and musicians who have toured the world as solo artists and band members, ABBA FAB has come together to create an extremely entertaining ABBA tribute. The Grove Theatre is located at 276 E. Ninth Street, Upland, CA 91786. Tickets: (909) 920-4343, or http://grovetheatre.com/.

 The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony has announced a celebratory concert to commemorate the orchestra’s 20th Anniversary on Sunday, September 7 at 7:30 pm at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood. LAJS will be joined by award-winning and critically acclaimed pianist, actor, playwright, producer, and composer Hershey Felder, who has written an overture specifically for this occasion. With the anniversary concert, LAJS will be making its 11th consecutive appearance in the Ford Summer Partnership Concert Series. Tickets: (323) 461-3673 or www.FordTheatres.org.

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Friday, May 2, 2014

Musical News for Friday, May 2, 2014

OPENINGS: The Colony Theatre has announced its 2014-2015 season, which will include the Los Angeles premiere of Words by Ira Gershwin, April 15 – May 17, 2015 (opening night April 18). Featuring a book by Joseph Vass and lyrics by Ira Gershwin, with additional lyrics from Porgy and Bess by DuBose Hayward, music by Harold Arlen, Vernon Duke, Jerome Kern, Kurt Weill, and George Gershwin. Meet the man behind the lyrics of songs like “Fascinating Rhythm,” “The Man That Got Away,” “I Got Rhythm,” and many more as the other half of the famous Gershwin duo guides us on a trip through some of the greatest American songs ever written. Insights and tales about his legendary collaborations all frame this fascinating and inspiring evening of music and theatre. For a complete look at the Colony’s upcoming season, visit www.colonytheatre.org or call (818) 558-7000.
The Old Globe has announced the cast of Dog and Pony, a new musical with book by Rick Elice and music & lyrics by Michael Patrick Walker. From the award-winning talents behind Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Altar Boyz, Dog and Pony is a romantic musical comedy that follows Mags and Andy, a successful screenwriting team, as their professional relationship evolves into something more. Tony Award winner Roger Rees will direct a cast that includes Heidi Blickenstaff (Jane, Annie), Beth Leavel (Rhoda, Doris), Eric William Morris (The Host, Jeff, Joe), Nicole Parker (Mags), and Jon Patrick Walker (Andy). May 28 – June 29. Opening night is Thursday, June 5 at 8pm. Tickets: (619) 23-GLOBE or www.TheOldGlobe.org.
The Festival of New American Musicals has announced its 7th season with 10 recommended May shows. Included are 4 world premieres: The Ghost of Gershwin, May 9-June 22 at the Lonny Chapman Theater in North Hollywood; Chasing a Song, May 13-June 15 at La Jolla Playhouse; The Witch of Blackbird Pond, May 18 at the Odyssey Theater; Dog and Pony, May 28-June 19 at The Old Globe in San Diego; and Nickel Mines, May 31-June 29 at UC Irvine. Also included among the Festival recommendations for May are: Jason Robert Brown’s The Trumpet of the Swan, May 3 & 4 at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills; Zack Zadek and Friends, May 4 at Rockwell Table and Stage in Hollywood; Citrus Singers’ Broadway, May 17& 18 at Citrus College in Glendora; For the Record: Quentin Tarantino, continuing at DBA in West Hollywood; and U-sical, the Improv Musicals, every Friday night at Comedysportz in Hollywood. www.lafestival.org

 The Hollywood Pantages announces a lottery for tickets to Green Day’s American Idiot, which returns to L.A. for a limited one week engagement; May 13 – 18, 2014. www.hollywoodpantages.com/Lottery

 BENEFITS: Pasadena Playhouse has confirmed some of the guests who will be in attendance for its premiere gala – Take The Lead at the Playhouse on Sunday, May 4 at 5:30 pm. They include
Nigel Lythgoe, Bonnie Lythgoe, Kris Lythgoe, Becky Baeling Lythgoe, Mandy Moore, French Stewart, Mario Lopez, Mary Murphy, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Lindsay Arnold,  Allison Holker, Ben Vereen, Adam Shankman,  Spencer Liff, Patricia Ward Kelly, Du-Shaunt “FIK-SHUN” Stegall. Tickets: www.pasadenaplayhouse.org.

 Rubicon Theatre invites you to An Evening with Megan McGinnis and Krysta Rodriguez on Monday, May 12 at 7pm. Tickets are $125 ($75 is tax-deductible). Limited to 70 attendees. Click Here for details and reservations.

 On May 15, Rogue Machine will host its annual Benefit Gala, which will celebrate theatre through song. One Night in Santa Monica will take place 6pm – 10pm at the Santa Monica Bay Women’s Club, 1210 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA 9040 featuring live music, cocktails, a silent auction, and MORE. Tickets: www.roguemachinetheatre.com.   

 CABARET/CONCERTS: Due to popular demand, Jeremy Jordan’s concert, with special guest Ashley Spencer, has added a third performance at Hollywood’s Catalina Bar & Grill on Tuesday, May 6 at 8pm in addition to the two shows scheduled for Mon. May 5 at 7:30 & 10pm. Tickets: www.ChrisIsaacsonPresents.com

 Miscast’s next show will takes place on Monday, May 19 featuring Mandy Kaplan, Todd Sherry, Will Collyer, Patrick Gomez, Wendy Rosoff, Netta Most, Mona Chatterjee, Marc Hawes, Tom Metz III, and Kathryn Lounsbery. We've got 2 new singers in songs from shows like Chicago, Les Miserables and Frozen. Seating is first come, first served. Dinner and Drinks at 6:30pm, Show at 8pm. $19 Cash Only at the door. Sterling's Upstairs at The Federal, 5303 Lanksershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA. Reservations: (818) 754-8700. Proceeds go to Project Angel Food.

 Mary Wilson, indelibly known as one of The Supremes, joins the cast of STAGE Goes to the Movies, which takes place on Saturday, May 10, at the historic Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. Tickets: www.stagela.com

 The Oak Ridge Boys will appear at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts for two performances only, May 17 at 2pm and 8pm. Tickets: (562) 944-9801 or www.lamiradatheatre.com.

 Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation presents The Temptations, for the final performance in its inaugural season, on Saturday, June 7 at 8pm. Tickets:  www.arcadiapaf.org or call (626) 821-1781. The theatre is located at 188 Campus Drive at North Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia CA 91007.

 Venice, the band created by and consisting of members of the Lennon Sisters family will appear at the Grove Theatre one night only, May 18 at 6pm. Tickets: (909) 920-4343 or www.grovetheatre.com. The Grove Theatre is located at 276 E. Ninth Street, Upland, CA 91786.

 The men of Black Hi-Lighter (the Highland Park, glitter-garage psych rock band) are set to take the stage on Saturday, May 17 at the Viper Room in West Hollywood for the second installment of their buzzworthy residency series, The Black Hi-Lighter Affair. They will be joined by Toy Bombs and Washing Machines for this appearance. www.blackhi-lighter.com

 CLASS: Pat Whiteman will offer her Summer Musical Performance Workshop Sunday afternoons in June and July (June 15, 22, 29 and July 6 13). 1:30-4:30 pm at Madilyn Clark Studios, 10852 Burbank Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601. Ron Snyder at the piano. Cost: $395/six week class ($150 deposit will hold your space). Work on any type of material you’d like (pop, rock, musical theater, country, standards) for  anything you want: audition pieces, studio work, upcoming performances, cabarets, one/two person shows or acts, or just getting your voice out into the universe  in a safe, supportive environment, etc. The class will culminate with a performance at a local club. www.patwhiteman.com

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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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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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Monday, October 21, 2013

What's Happening Around Town for October 21, 2013

MUSICALS: Chance Theater has announced its 16th anniversary season, which will be the first in its new home at 5522 E. La Palma Ave. in Anaheim, a space that is double the size of its current location. It’s a very musical season so here’s a look at what you can expect from Chance. 

LYSISTRATA JONES (west coast premiere)
Feb. 7 – March 9, 2014
Book by Douglas Carter Beane, music & lyrics by Lewis Flinn
Directed by Kari Hayter, choreographed by Kelly Todd

 Athens University is in the midst of a thirty-year losing streak, so Lyssie J. and her girl-power posse won’t “give it up” to their basketball-playing boyfriends until they win a game. The hilarious dialogue and upbeat score are an electric combination of Mean Girls, Glee and Pitch Perfect.  

 TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL TBA
July 3 – August 3, 2014
This musical surprise is the winner of four Tony Awards (including Best Musical) and a potent reminder of the importance of chasing one’s dreams and finding where you belong. The Grammy award-winning score serves as the backdrop for a community with dreams of succeeding while at the same time holding onto your heritage.  

 SHE LOVES ME
Nov. 28 – Dec. 28, 2014
Book by Joe Masteroff, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, music by Jerry Bock

Travel back to the 1930’s where you’ll meet Georg, the dull but adorable manager, and spirited new clerk, Amalia. This is the musical adaptation of the play that inspired such films as 1940 Jimmy Stewarts’ The Shop Around The Corner, the 1949 Judy Garland musical In The Good Old Summertime, and most recently as the 1998 Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan film You’ve Got Mail.

STRIKING 12
December 9 – 28, 2014
By Brendan Milburn, Rachel Sheinkin, and Valerie Vigoda
Directed by Oanh Nguyen

New Year’s Eve in modern-day New York collides with 19th Century Denmark in this concert-with-a-story, sketch-comedy-meets-musical event for the holidays. While some choose to grumpily ignore the season, others choose to try and spread cheer - while selling full-spectrum holiday light bulbs. Inspired in part by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl, the show springs to life through an eclectic score of classical, musical theater, jazz and rock. See it once and it will become your new holiday tradition.

 In addition, plays on Chance Theater’s season include the Southern California premiere of Sarah Ruhl’s Passion Play directed by Trevor Bishop (April 25 – May 25, 2014) and Jordan Harrison’s Maple and Vine (Sept. 19 – Oct. 19, 2014). For more information visit http://chancetheater.com/.

A Taste of Red, a one-woman musical comedy starring Sabrina Miller continues Sundays at 7pm through Nov. 3 at NoHo Arts Center. Directed by James Mellon, it's a fun, lighthearted musical comedy that follows a girl on her journey to a better life. With the right intentions, her life takes her through hilarious and sometimes romantic distractions and self-sabotage. Eventually she must ask herself, “Is this a better life or just the same life in a better neighborhood?” This simple question forces her to look inside and discover her own patterns of behavior and self-sabotage.  Click Here for more information.

This Clement World, a new musical theatrical work by Cynthia Hopkins and her collaborators will have its west coast premiere at REDCAT, CalArts’ downtown center for contemporary arts Oct. 24 - 27. Performed live with a chorus and 15-member band, Cynthia Hopkins’ skillfully crafted This Clement World, is a soulful, musical theatrical performance that poetically, yet urgently speaks to the earth’s rapidly changing climate, with humor, artistry and immediacy. The full evening work interweaves documentary footage of stunning landscapes captured during Hopkins’ three-week Arctic voyage aboard a century-old ship, with an original avant-folk rock opera, and an extravagant narrative in which Hopkins portrays three fictional characters: the ghost of a Native American woman, a neutral visitor from outer space, and a child from the not-so-distant future who has traveled back in time. All act as tour guides for an imaginary exhibit of the wonders of our world, playfully conveying reflections on the current climate change, through a deeply idiosyncratic lens. Tickets: call (213) 237-2800 or visit www.redcat.org.


EVITA will return to L.A. by way of Hollywood Pantages Oct. 23 – Nov. 10. Directed by Tony and Olivier Award-winner Michael Grandage and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Rob Ashford, it stars stars Caroline Bowman as Eva Peron, Josh Young as Che, Sean MacLaughlin as Peron, Christopher Johnstone as Magaldi, Krystina Alabado as Mistress and Desi Oakley serves as the Alternate for Eva Peron. Individual tickets for EVITA may be purchased at www.HollywoodPantages.com or calling 1-800-982-2787.

 Creating Arts Company presents The Boondoggles Adventure, Out of Boondoggle Central, which centers on Colton the cowboy, an imaginary friend who is determined to find his way back into the real world to find his boy Michael. Along the way he befriends a few of the imaginary friends that call Boondoggle Central home like Howard the monster, Crash the ninja, Fae the fairy, Jade the witch, Carmen the diva and even the Princess Taisie. He discovers that Barb the doll, Candy and Sandy the twins, Mosh and Leel the evil management will do everything they can to keep him from leaving their imaginary paradise. Overflowing with heart, humor, imagination and self-discovery, The Boondoggles is an extraordinary new children's musical that reminds us what friendship is all about. Now through Nov. 10 at Promenade Playhouse, 1404 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA90401. For more information call (310) 804-0223 or visit www.creatingarts.org.

 DANCE: Helios Dance Theater presents Puss In Boots: From Drawings to Dance Saturday October 26 at 11:00 am. You’re invited to take a peek behind-the-scenes as Helios artistic director Laura Gorenstein Miller and her dancers share the process of creating the choreography for the characters in DreamWorks’ Academy Award-nominated film, Puss In Boots. Drawings dance to life in styles from flamenco to contemporary as this award-winning company incorporates hand drawn story boards, choreography, video of the motion capture technology and finished film scenes from the movie. It’s fascinating for audiences of all ages to experience live dance in this new and innovative way using popular culture and the love of film. Following the show, stay for fresh cookies and milk and an artist meet and greet. http://thebroadstage.com/puss-n-boots

CABARET/CONCERTS: On Friday, Nov. 15 at 7pm, GLEH and Chris Isaacson present Upright Cabaret at GLEH; a monthly charitable cabaret series raising awareness of GLEH (Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing) through song. This performance will feature Danny Gurwin, whose Broadway credits include Little Women, Urinetown, The Full Monty, and The Scarlet Pimpernel. Click Here for more information. 

 Sterling’s Upstairs at the Federal has added a second performance of Supercalifragilistic expialidocious! The Songs of the Sherman Brothers at 3pm on Sunday Nov. 3. Call (818) 754-8700 for reservations. Lunch/Brunch seating is at 2:00 pm. The show starts at 3:00 pm and runs an hour and a half. www.msapr.net

 A tribute concert to Astor Piazzola will take place Nov. 3 at Sierra Madre Playhouse. The composer and musician, was famed as the creator of nuevo tango, which transformed traditional tango by infusing it with elements of jazz and classical music. On November 3, three Colburn Conservatory of Music students, Stephanie Ng (piano), Sang Yoon Kim (clarinet), and Kevin Lin (violin) will perform a concert in tribute to this important 20th century artist. This is the second concert in the ongoing Sunday Series featuring Emerging Artists at the Playhouse, a collaboration between Sierra Madre Playhouse and the Colburn Conservatory of Music 7:00 pm at Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024. Tickets: $20. Students (to age 21) and seniors (65+) $15. Reservations: (626) 355-4318 or www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

Ryan Black’s Don’t Tell Mama LA - An Evening with Diane Warren Oct. 23. There is no cover charge and seats may be reserved with a dinner reservation by calling (323) 380-7209. Open mic after the show. Tickets: HERE.

Sarah Brightman has kicked off her North American 33-city fall tour in support of her new #1 album, Dreamchaser. This spectacular production will visit Southern California next week with two area shows -- Friday November 1st at Dolby Theatre followed by The Theatre at Honda Center on Saturday, November 2nd. Tickets: www.livenation.com or www.ticketmaster.com


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