Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Urban Death Extends at Zombie Joe's Underground
Directed by Zombie Joe, with original musical score by Michael Maio, the cast features Vanessa Cate, Janet Cha, Redetha Deason, Denise Devin, Oriko Ikeda, Richard Lee, Sebastian Munoz, Scott Paschall, Jonica Patella, Willy Romano-Pugh, Stephanie Walters, Roger Weiss and Corey Zicari, and has been extended by popular demand!
Urban Death plays Saturdays at 11:00pm and will now run through July 21, 2012. Performances take place at ZJU Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Tickets are $15. For reservations please call (818) 202-4120 and for more information visit www.Zombiejoes.com or www.UrbanDeath.com.
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Friday, October 3, 2014
Eight Ways to Get Your Halloween Game On This October
1. Experience Wicked Humor in Trey Parker’s Cannibal! the Musical
Coeurage Theatre Company will celebrate Halloween with the Los Angeles premiere of Cannibal! The Musical beginning Oct. 25 (opening 10/31 at 8:00 pm and midnight). There will also be a Halloween party between the two opening night performances. Tito Fleetwood Ladd directs the musical which will play through Nov. 22 at the Lyric-Hyperion Theatre & Cafe in Silver Lake. From the creators of South Park and The Book of Mormon comes this uncouth, absurd, and wickedly tongue-in-cheek western spoof that tells the tale of a pack of miners on their way to the promised land of Colorado, led by the state’s only convicted cannibal, Alfred Packer. Replete with puppets, blood, song, dance, and Parker’s signature crassness, Cannibal! The Musical is guaranteed to delight and offend. The cast will feature Mike Brady, Ryan Brady, Brian Cannady, Gregory Crafts, Mikey De Lara, Travis Dixon, Josh Hoover, Ashley Kane, Jason Peter Kennedy, Scott Kruse, Peter Larney, Kari Lee, Gregory Nabours, Kurt Quinn, Kalena Ranoa, Christine Sinacore, and Joe Tomasini. www.coeurage.org
Graham Skipper and Jesse Merlin will reprise their roles as Herbert West and Dr. Carl Hill in Re-Animator the Musical on Oct. 10- Nov. 2 at the Steve Allen Theater in Hollywood. Also returning from the original cast are Cynthia Carle, Brian Gillespie, Marlon Grace, and Liesel Hanson. Joining them will be Darren Ritchie, Jessica Howell, and Ken Hudson Campbell. The musical, directed by Stuart Gordon, is based on H.P. Lovecraft’s film of the same name. Don’t forget to come dressed for the splash zone. www.reanimatorthemusical.com
Get ready for a wild night of radioactive rock n’ roll theatre as Ipso Facto Theatricals returns with its one night only Halloween Hullabalo. Travel through time with cyborgs, vampires, mutant spiders and zombie freaks in a land where musical theatre meets rock, where cabaret meets commedia dell’arte. in this theatre/ vaudeville event mashup. You’ll see 13 spooky and terrifying acts: singers, dancers, aerialists, clowns and everything in between. Doors and pre-show entertainment begin at 9:00 pm and the show starts at 10:00 pm. Don’t forget your costume. There’s a $200 CASH prize for the best costume. Halloween dance party to follow spun by DJ Paul V. Halloween Hullabaloo is conceived and directed by Kyle Nudo. $25 gets you into the show and entire night’s frivolity. $20 after 11:00 pm for the dance party and mayhem. All proceeds benefit Ipso Facto Theatricals’ 2015 season and are tax-deductible. www.IpsoFactoTheatricals.com
Symphony in the Glen’s family-friendly Halloween extravaganza will take place at the Greek Theater on Oct. 25. The event includes a Trick-or-Treat Village on the Greek Plaza complete with a costume contest for children, fun activities and trick-or-treating. The concert includes “Infernal Dance” from the Firebird by Igor Stravinksy, Danse Macabre by Camille Saint-Saens, Funeral March of the Marionette with children conductors, “Gnomes” from Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky, and the Devil Dance by John Williams. As a special feature, the concert will present a world premiere live performance of the cartoon Skeleton Dance from Disney’s 1929 “Silly Symphonies”. The cartoon will be accompanied by a performance of the original music by Carl Stalling. The program will also feature the return of Maestro Arthur Rubinstein’s eerie musical setting of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-tale Heart with special guest narrator, Bruce Boxleitner. www.symphonyintheglen.org
For a howling good time this Halloween season, claw your way to the Los Angeles Zoo on Friday, October 24, 7:00 -11:00 pm for Night of the Living Zoo, a “to die for” costume bash open to ages 18 and up. The second annual event transforms Zoo grounds with hair-raising special effects, ghouls, ghosts, fortune tellers, dancing with DJ Johnny Hawkes, music by neo-rockabilly band So-Cal Rocket Dynamics, “terrifying” keeper talks, feedings of “fearsome” animals, and some spooky surprises. Mysterious, macabre delights also include moonlit performances of goose-bump-producing Edgar Allan Poe and Edward Gorey stories by Drama After Dark, known for their sold-out work at past Huntington Library Halloween bashes. Dress for the occasion, with awards given for Scariest, Best Animal and Most Original costumes, including a VIP behind-the-scenes docent tour as the Grand Prize. Ticket prices include all the fun, plus two drinks (beer, wine or soft drinks). There will also be a full bar with mixed cocktails and food for purchase available throughout the evening. Guests are encouraged to arrive early for maximum Zoo animal viewing opportunities but stay late for visits with creepy creatures. www.lazoo.org/nightofthelivingzoo [photo by Dani Ballew Esposito]
Theatricum Botanicum transforms into the haunted BOO-tanicum for the fourth year in a row on Oct. 31 from 4:00 – 1:00 pm. Wander Theatricum’s wooded grounds in the heart of rustic Topanga Canyon, where you’ll find a haunted house; ghost stories; pumpkin carving; game booths; performances by Creative PlayGround, Melanie Kareem’s troupe of belly dancers and Theatricum’s resident improv comedy group Off the Grid. It’s a night of fright and frivolity. www.theatricum.com/bootanicum.htm
Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group celebrates Halloween with its Urban Death Tour of Terror, an all-new fun and frightening, interactive Haunted-Halloween Theatre Attraction that steers theater-goers and thrill-seekers through a deep, dark and terrifying “Urban Death” labyrinth of inexplicable horrors, unfathomable monstrosities, and the disturbed spirits that walk among us. Directed by Zombie Joe and Jana Wimer and appropriate for ages 14 and up. There will be 5 Tour-Performances per evening on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30pm - 9:15pm - 10:00pm -10:45pm - 11:30pm. Oct. 10 – Nov. 1st at ZJU Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. Tickets are only $12 and are on sale now at ZombieJoes.Tix.com or call (818) 202- 4120 for reservations. www.ZombieJoes.com
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Rockwell Table and Stage begins its new series, The Unauthorized Musical Parodies, with a spoof of the 1996 cult horror classic, SCREAM starring Sarah Hyland from Modern Family as Sydney Oct. 18 – Nov. 15. This hyperbolic retelling ups the ante from the camp of the original with live on-stage blood, beyond reverent narration, and the infamous killer mask donned by our very own “Screamettes.” Written and directed by television writers, Michael Gans & Richard Register and featuring musical direction by Brian P. Kennedy, the cast will include many other L.A. favorites such as Missi Pyle, Christine Lakin, Nicole Parker and Jonah Platt. www.rockwell-la.com
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Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Review: Christopher Reiner Reflects on the Road in END UP HERE
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| Photo by Joe Reiner |
Reiner has written music for nearly two dozen Zombie Joe productions so he is well-acquainted with the ZJU aesthetic. This particular performance is a departure from the darkness. The two exceptions are the overture (played by a hooded wraithlike figure in candlelight) and one instrumental soundscape in the show. These two passages capture that intergalactic, otherworldly feel you might expect to find in this theatre space. For the rest of End Up Here, the atmosphere is a cross between a coffeehouse salon and an after-hours lounge, somewhere in the neighborhood of 3AM, the bewitching hour to reflect on past lessons and loves.
In this setting, Reiner’s unassuming persona and lack of self-indulgence allows the audience to connect with his witty pop songs in a much more personal way than if they were being presented by singers and actors layering on their own interpretations. It is one of the benefits of hearing a songwriter perform his own work and it plays beautifully here.
In the short space of an hour he transitions through sixteen musical and two literary compositions that made me smile, wonder, nod, and sigh in recognition. It is true what they say, the more specific a story the more universal its appeal.
Reiner’s songs are uncomplicated but potent. Each slice of life tale contributes to the overall emotional journey of the show. He and director Zombie Joe balance humor with introspection, always taking care to let the material speak for itself. Nothing is heavy-handed. The experience ends up being a perfectly delightful diversion for a Sunday afternoon.
END UP HERE
January 8 - 22, 2017
ZJU Theatre Group
4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601
Tickets ($15) Call 818-202-4120 or ZombieJoes.Tix.com
More Info: ZombieJoes.com
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Tuesday, January 3, 2017
MUSICAL NEWS for Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Among those performing at the LA event are Robert Yacko and Heidi Godt who will sing Jason Robert Brown’s original post-election composition, “Hope,” and Hamilton Broadway cast member & choreographer Karla Garcia, and fellow cast member David Guzman recreating the Best Presentation-winning number, “America,” from this year’s Gypsy of the Year competition. A post-performance lobby reception will also include a live art installation, photography exhibits, food, and drinks. Tickets are $35 and proceeds will be split between the following organizations: American Civil Liberties Union, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Human Rights Campaign, NARAL Pro-Choice America, and Natural Resources Defense Council. ArtistsRiseUpLA.com
The Broad Stage kicks off its theatre season with the delightful musical comedy 13 Things About Ed Carpolotti by Barry Kleinbort, based on the play by Jeffrey Hatcher. Virginia Carpolotti (Penny Fuller) is a devoted widow with loving memories of her recently-deceased husband. Though her love endures, her confidence in him flounders as one shady character after another comes calling for the debt that Ed put in her name, and things really heat up when a mysterious $1 million ransom note appears. (Jan 11 – 29 *Contains adult language) TheBroadStage.com
Also on The Broad’s Broadway series, Matthew Morrison brings a dazzling mix of show tunes and jazz to the main stage on Jan 14, and the iconic Chita Rivera recreates signature moments from her illustrious career in Chita: A Legendary Celebration on Feb 10.
In San Diego, new musical The Geeze & Me at Tenth Avenue Arts Center explores the wild ride of life’s later years in a funny, irreverent, and poignant look at surviving aging. The show features book by Hedges Capers and Nancy Capers and an eclectic blend of songs ranging from pop to blues to corner street doo-wop by Hedges Capers. The story follows a troupe of eccentric players who team up to wrangle aspects of aging from an expert. It’s a little like Hair, after it’s gone (March 31 - April 29) TheGeezeAndMe.com
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Thursday, November 29, 2012
The Evolution of a Limecat
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| The Tortoise & the Hare Make a Holiday Wish |
How does a theater company that produces some of the best Horror productions in Los Angeles one day decide to present original children’s shows? You might be surprised. Director and writer Denise Devin talks about the humble beginnings of the Limecat Family Theatre and gives us the scoop on their latest holiday production, The Tortoise & the Hare Make a Holiday Wish, opening December 2nd.
Denise, I know you love the Limecat shows. Did you ever worry in the beginning that parents wouldn’t understand that these were family musicals and nothing like ZJU’s signature Horror shows?
DD: For years, we kept the name Zombie Joe’s Underground away from the Limecat, so that we wouldn’t scare the parents or the kids. But now everyone is familiar with our work and they know how very different our Limecat shows and Horror shows are. Go figure, we are the experimental Horror theater with a very cute family theater banner! Our kid’s shows are dear to our hearts and a true labor of love. The wild and crazy ZJU crew grew really fond of the Limecat and we found that parents made reservations the moment we sent them the flyer.
How did Limecat first begin?
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| The Princess and the Frog |
DD: The Limecat started as an experiment about 8 or 9 years ago. A few of us were sitting around and someone said, “We should do a kid’s show!” I was the Education Director for Diavolo Dance Theater for a couple of years, and others had similar backgrounds with educational theatre. I actually did not go further with the idea, but a few of our core members took up the idea and we presented Chicken Little. It was not in the format that exists now - we didn’t create a newer version of the tale, and the music wasn’t original. But our scenic artist, Jeri Batzdorff, painted a beautiful wall mural on the back wall, and the cast pitched in and stepped up just like any of our other shows and the kids loved it. So...Limecat was born. We fell in love with the kids’ energy and enthusiasm and now, ten original musicals later, we couldn’t be happier.
Do you have a separate production staff for the shows?
DD: Zombie and I stepped in to lead the company and Jeri joined us providing amazing backdrops and specialty costumes. In the beginning we were using original lyrics but not music. Then, one day, composer/lyricist Chris Reiner said he would be interested in joining us, and the final Lead Directorship of the Limecat was formed.
Where do you get your ideas for the Limecat shows?
DD: The bulk of our musicals are original concepts taken from well-known stories or fables, with original (or at least 80% original) music and lyrics by Chris. We keep the main lesson or theme, and kernel of the story, and re-write everything else. I pick a fable or story idea that might be good or sometimes we come up with an original story idea. Then Zombie and I brainstorm some characters, situations, what the lesson might be, and then I sit down and write it. In the beginning, I also wrote some of the lyrics, but after a musical or two, Chris took over that department. I was relieved and thrilled.
Once you have the idea, what comes next?
DD: Chris, Zombie and I would meet over a first draft, and talk about music, tempos, and the main thrust for lyrics so that they could forward the story. Then I’d go away again and write it out. At the same time I would inform Jeri of the different characters, costume needs and backdrop. She really gets to shine here and she goes all out. Some of her pieces are works of art, literally, and we never want to paint over her colorful backdrops.
It sounds like you put together a well-balanced team.
DD: The four of us always got along great, which was another blessing on the Limecat. I don't think I've ever been in any other partnership that was so successful. We were all busy, so everyone really focused on their part of the whole, and it all came together.
How did you come up with the name Limecat?
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| The Princess and the Frog |
DD: It just kind of came to us. The walls at ZJU used to be lime green (I kind of miss them) and I always loved cats. One day Zombie came home and said “Limecat” and I thought, perfect. Jeri drew up the logo on a sheet of paper, we scanned it in, and have been using it ever since.
What can parents expect when they bring their family to see a Limecat musical?
DD: We don't talk down to the kids. We want them to feel truly entertained, and in a way that doesn't make them feel less than or not as important as adult theater. The stories must contain enough adult humor to keep the parents engaged. When I say adult, I mean very kid friendly adult, with a little bit of double meanings attached. It has been important that the Limecat be entertaining to all who come, even though geared to young ones. And there is always a lesson that is the heart of the story.
You do something else that's unique with the Limecat shows too, don’t you?
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| The Goldfish Twins |
What age children can families bring to the shows?
DD: The Limecat shows are for all ages with the primary audience being 3 or 4 to 10, although it can change depending on the show. Our parents are very happy to bring their kids because they know it will be a fun experience that is safe, high quality, and enjoyable for the kids. It will be artistic, original…all the things you want for your little ones. And at the end of the show we sign autographs and give out juicys and stickers.
It sounds like the Limecat musicals are as unique and special as your ZJU shows, just in a different way.
DD: Yes, they are fast paced, turbo charged, high energy musicals that we do with the same heart and zeal as all of our other shows. They’re also “close up” which really helps to involve the kids. They are very funny, and very original. Even though the story may be familiar, what the audience sees is highly original.
Tell us a little bit about The Tortoise & the Hare Make a Holiday Wish.
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| The Tortoise & the Hare |
DD: It’s our new holiday musical comedy spectacular that features 12 songs, dancing, a bunny hop stretch break, colorful costumes, lots of laughs -- and everyone wins at the end. For this story the lessons include teamwork, the holiday spirit of giving and forgiving, peace and harmony and getting along with others, friendship and of course, slow and steady wins the race
It has a colorful supporting cast of animal friends, snowflakes, dancing matzo-balls and hum-bugs. Terri Tortoise and Harry Hare race through Silly Smelly Swamp, over Highly Hilly Hill, around Willy Wiley Woods before ending at Animal Land’s annual Holiday Hoop-La, hosted by the magical Princess Catnip. The winner gets a magical wish to be granted at the end of the race.
Harry, of course, is out in front but he has a lot of distractions like The Bah Humbugs, the Matzo Balls, a lost snowflake, Mistletoe and Menorrah, and the beautiful Polly Winterflower. Teri, however, just keeps running, or slowly moving, as the case might be. To tell more about the story would be a spoiler alert but they all end up very happy with the unusual outcome, and Animal Land celebrates the Holiday Hoop La. (which, by the way, is non-denominational.)
Are your cast members all part of the ZJU company?
DD: Our cast includes a number of regulars on the ZJU roster: Redetha Deason, Caroline Montes, Wynn, Heather LeHigh, Sebastian Munoz (who also directs at ZJU), and a couple of new actors to the company – Heldine, and Janet Cha (new to Limecat but a regular Urban Death performer).
The Limecat has grown, but the reason for the shows is still very much the same as when they started. It is something we do to “give back” to the community, and the whole ZJU leadership supports it. For us, that’s what it’s all about.
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The Tortoise & the Hare Make a Holiday Wish
Sundays at 1pm and 3pm
December 2, 9, 16, 23
Limecat Family Theater
@ ZJU Theatre Group
4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, 91601
Reservations: (818) 202- 4120
Tickets: $10 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under.
www.Limecat.org
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