Monday, March 31, 2014
Musical News for Monday, March 31, 2014
Chronicled through the lens of his own silent films, STONEFACE recreates some of Buster Keaton’s most memorable gags live on stage, capturing the legend of a bygone era and telling the tale of the redemption of one of Hollywood’s greatest performers. You can read my review of the Sacred Fools production Here. It was a theatre highlight of the year and I highly recommend that you get your tickets now for what is certain to be a terrific version at The Playhouse. The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101. Tickets (626) 356-7529 or www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.
EXTENDED: Wild Songs and Naked Souls has extended through May 18 at T.U Studios in North Hollywood. This world premiere engagement of a new musical revue, conceived and directed by Gloria Gifford, features writings of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Robert Browning, Napoleon Bonaparte, George Sand, Isadora Duncan, Lord Byron, Omar Khayyam, Sei Shonagon and Wanda Gag with music by John Scott and Gloria Gifford. Saturdays at 8:00, Sundays at 7:30. Tickets: (310) 366-5505 or www.tix.com.
Snow White, a Pint Size Play for Ages 3 and up, runs April 12 – May 11 (Saturdays 12:00 – 1:00 pm & Sundays 1:00 – 2:00 pm). It combines film and projection with live action and music for a play that pulls you right in, plus blackouts, strobe-lights and fog for special effects. Wizard of Oz, a Mini Musical for Ages 3 and up, runs April 12 – May 11 (Saturdays 2:00 – 3:00 pm & Sundays 3:00 – 4:00 pm). This fun show is a cinematic-theatrical-interactive-musical experience that blends film and screen technology with live action for a unique show that parents and kids will all enjoy. Come boo for the witch, cheer for Dorothy and her friends, sing, dance and interact while introducing your children to a classic. All performances take place at Promenade Playhouse, 1404 3rd St. Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Tickets ($12.00 for children and $20.00 for adults) are available by calling (310) 804-0223 or visiting www.creatingarts.org.
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Labels: creating arts company, one more productions, pasadena playhouse, t.u. studios
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Musical News for Thursday, March 27, 2014
“Our source material was taken directly from the work CRE Outreach does with vets and the blind in the community and authentically portrays their experience,” says CRE artistic director Greg Shane. “With Beyond Sight we hope to launch a larger discussion about how we treat our veterans – and drive home the point that disabilities do not define who people are.”
“You can’t extinguish the human spirit,” says Aldridge. “That is the core of this show. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the macropolitics of our current wars, the individual stories of what many of our soldiers experience and overcome are inspiring.” Beyond Sight runs April 25 – May 25 at The Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Floor, Hollywood, 90028. Parking at the Jefferson Building (garage entrance on McCadden, 1 block East of Highland) is $5 with theater validation. Tickets: (310) 902-8220 or www.creoutreach.org
“I wanted to tell a story about her entire life and named it I Wanna Be Loved because it best explained her life,” Morrison said. “She had seven husbands (including Detroit Lions star Dick ‘Night Train’ Lane at the time of her death) and her mother never supported her secular career and never came to see her. Her mother wanted her to stay in gospel, where she began.” The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center is located at 4305 Degnan Blvd, Suite 101, in Los Angeles’ Leimert Park. Tickets are $40. Call 310-462-1439 or go to www.barbaramorrisonpac.com for reservations.
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Labels: celebration theatre, CRE Outreach, ivrt
Monday, March 24, 2014
Musical News for Monday, March 20, 2014
OPENINGS: Congrats to Chromolume Theatre who celebrated their 12th Anniversary on Saturday with a reception following their performance of The Musical of Musicals, The Musical! stylishly directed by Kristin Towers-Rowles. Prior to the show, artistic director James Esposito introduced the cast of Altar Boyz, Chromolume’s next production and the boys did a musical tease from the show. The 5-part harmonies sounded great and these boys definitely have personality. Get your tickets now at www.chromolume-theatre.com.
CONCERTS/CABARET: Mack & Poppy return to Los Angeles with their new show The Patriot Act on April 25 & 26 at 9:00 pm at Cavern Club Celebrity Theatre. In this star-spangled romp, Mack and Poppy present a musical tribute to the greatest country in the world as a send-off to their beloved cabana boy Fernando, just prior to his imminent deportation. This dynamic duo of comedy and song will take their audiences on a road trip from sea to shining sea, across the purple mountains’ majesty, across the fruity plains, accompanied by music director Jack Cheddar at the piano. Tod Macofsky stars as Mack and Christopher Michael Graham as Poppy. Cavern Club Celebrity Theatre is located inside Casita Del Campo Restaurant. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and are available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/561022 or by phone at (800) 838-3006. For more information, visit www.mackandpoppy.com.
TWITTER: Musical shout outs to a few of our Twitter followers we think are just great.
@itkwydlds A new parody SLASHER Musical, a mash-up of the horror movies you loved from the 90’s with hits from the Disco Queen that you loved from the 70’s!
@stevejuliankpcc KPCC Morning Host, playwright, actor, director and pickle eater
@nmtsongs Once upon a time, MT fans braved the wilds of the internet to find sheet music by new musical theater writers. Once upon a time is no more.
@StageRaw Steven Leigh Morris
@LACulturalArts Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center and Advocate & Gochis Galleries at the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. Exhibit and show updates, news, discounted tix.
@actors_project Committed to providing students around L.A. an unforgettable experience that only live theatre can offer
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Labels: cavern club, chromolume theatre
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Musical News for Thursday, March 20, 2014
OPENINGS: Pasadena Playhouse has announced its 2014-15
season, which includes the critically acclaimed Stop
Kiss (Nov. 4-30), by Diana Son, directed by Seema Sueko; Sleeping
Beauty, Panto at the Playhouse (Dec. 10 – Jan 4), by Kris Lythgoe, directed by
Bonnie Lythgoe. This is an updated version of the classic story in the style of
the traditional British family Panto which features
family-friendly magic, a comedic twist and contemporary music.; Two
for the Seesaw (Jan. 27 – Feb. 22), by William
Gibson, directed by Sheldon Epps; Pygmalion
(Mar. 17 – Apr. 12), by George Bernard Shaw. In addition, the Playhouse
hopes to present Where We Belong by BeBe
Winans & Charles Randolph-Wright, directed by Sheldon Epps, dates TBD. This
world premiere musical tells the story of BeBe Winans and his sister CeCe
Winans’ early involvement with Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker’s religious television
show ‘The PTL Club,’ which launched their careers. This pulsating
production also explores what took place after they moved on from Tammy Faye
before the downfall of the evangelical husband-wife duo’s Christian
empire.” www.pasadenaplayhouse.org
Pasadena Playhouse also brings back by popular
demand Gene Kelly: The Legacy, An Evening with Patricia Ward Kelly for
three performances – Friday, April 18 at 8pm and Saturday, April
19 at 2pm and 8pm. During a unique evening, Patricia Ward Kelly - his
widow, biographer and the person who knew him best - presents an intimate
portrait of this dynamic and innovative artist who created some of the most
memorable and iconic scenes in film history. Her compelling presentation
combines rare and familiar film clips, previously unreleased audio recordings,
personal memorabilia, and insights culled from her hours of interviews and
conversations with her husband. Tickets ($15 - $70 plus premium) 626-356-7529
or www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.
Out of the Box Theatre Company will present an intimate
black box production of Bonnie &
Clyde the Musical at Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara April 3 – 13, bringing
it to Southern California for the first time since its world premiere at La
Jolla Playhouse prior to its Broadway run. The musical features a Tony
Award-nominated score by Frank Wildhorn and Don Block, and a book by Ivan
Menchell. The cast features recent PCPA alum Lafras le Roux as Clyde Barrow and
Santa Barbara actress Katherine Bottoms as Bonnie Parker, with William
Schneiderman (Buck Barrow), Samantha Eve (Blanche Barrow), Deborah Bertling,
Don Margolin, Marc Nicolas, Olivia O’Brien, Shannon Saleh, Craig Scott,
Christopher Lee Short, Dillon Stave, Leslie Story, and Dillon Yuhasz. The
creative team includes music direction by John Douglas, scenic and lighting design
by Theodore Dolas, and technical direction by Brad Spaulding. Tickets: (805)
963-0408 or www.outoftheboxtheatre.org. [Photo of Lafras le Roux and Katherine Bottoms by Sophia Winnikof]
Phillip Hayes Dean’s Paul
Robeson will resume performances at Ebony Repertory Theatre on Friday,
March 21. Two-time Emmy Award-winner Keith David stars in this one-man
play with music, returning to the stage after recovering from a knee injury. Accompaniment
is by pianist/musical director Byron J. Smith and choreography is by Keith
Young. The production will continue through Sunday, March 30, which was
part of the previously announced schedule. Three additional performances are
set for Friday and Saturday, April 18 & 19 at 8:00 pm; and Sunday,
April 20 at 7:00 pm. Paul Robeson plays at the Nate Holden Performing Arts
Center (4718 West Washington Boulevard) in Los Angeles. A powerful
chronicle of the life of Paul Robeson, Phillip Hayes Dean’s play takes us from
his childhood in New Jersey to his adult life around the world. An All-American
athlete and a lawyer with Columbia Law School credentials, Robeson faces the
racism prevalent in society in the early part of the twentieth century. He
strives to rise above, and it is his triumph in that struggle that turns
Robeson into a modern day hero. Tickets: (323-964-9766)
or www.ebonyrep.org.
The Grove Theatre announces The Kingdom, A Rock Musical,
for 6 performances only running on weekends April 25 – May 4. Starring
Richard Bermudez as Jesus, The Kingdom is a high energy, Rock, Hip-Hop, Gospel
& Pop version of the Passion of Jesus Christ (think Jesus Christ
Superstar), that focuses on the life, trial, execution & resurrection of
Jesus of Nazareth. Through dramatic storytelling, dynamic modern music,
authentic costumes and realistic sets, this gritty retelling of the greatest
story ever told brings to musical life the last week of Jesus of Nazareth.
Although The Kingdom chronicles the story of Christ’s trial and
crucifixion, it’s an ultimately uplifting tale that focuses on love, hope and
human compassion. Tickets: (909) 920-4343
or www.grovetheatre.com. The
Grove Theatre is located at 276 E. Ninth Street, Upland, CA 91786.
Volume One of the series will launch on March 30th as The Album Project:+, showcasing songs
from Ed Sheeran’s debut studio album, which was certified quintuple platinum in
the United Kingdom and was the highest-grossing US debut of a British artist
since 2009. The concert will feature performances of Sheeran’s hits such as “The
A Team,” “Lego House,” “Give Me Love,” “Drunk,” “Small Bump,” “You Need Me, I
Don’t Need You,” and “Grade 8” by Lindsay Pearce, Anthony Starble, Nicci
Claspell, Ben Caron, Topher Rhys and Jamie Lee Barnard. The Album Project: + is
developed and helmed by director Kate Sullivan Gibbens (Spring Awakening in
Concert) with musical direction by Elmo Zapp (bare) and feature new orchestrations and vocal arrangements by
Elmo Zapp, Alex Seller, Patrick Burns, and Anthony Starble. Reservations: 818-754-8700 or www.inticketing.com/events/403715.
Additional performances, venues, and volumes will be announced at a later date.
http://facebook.com/TheAlbumProject
Kritzerland presents These April Foolish Things Sunday April 6 at 7:00 pm at
Sterling’s Upstairs at the Federal in North Hollywood. Performers include Sandy
Bainum, Zachary Ford, Madison Claire Parks, Jenna Lee Rosen, Sami Staitman,
Shannon Warne and Robert Yacko, with special guests Andrea Marcovicci and
Richard Sherman. Music direction is by Lloyd Cooper. For reservations call (818)
754-8700.
The show is aglow with dynamic renditions of your favorite Broadway musical numbers featuring Julie Garnyé, Damon Kirsche, Dennis Kyle, Kelly Lester, Matt Musgrove, Kate Pazakis, and Patty Reid, with musical director John Boswell. Songs across Broadway history, by such iconic composers as Berlin, Kander & Ebb, Lloyd Webber, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Schwartz and Styne, make this an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Upstairs at Vitello’s, 4349 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City $15 cover + 2-item minimum. Valet and street parking available. Click Here for tickets and information or call (818) 769-0905.
Fraser Entertainment Group presents An Evening of Classic Broadway on Monday, March 24, 8:00 pm.
The show is aglow with dynamic renditions of your favorite Broadway musical numbers featuring Julie Garnyé, Damon Kirsche, Dennis Kyle, Kelly Lester, Matt Musgrove, Kate Pazakis, and Patty Reid, with musical director John Boswell. Songs across Broadway history, by such iconic composers as Berlin, Kander & Ebb, Lloyd Webber, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Schwartz and Styne, make this an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Upstairs at Vitello’s, 4349 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City $15 cover + 2-item minimum. Valet and street parking available. Click Here for tickets and information or call (818) 769-0905.
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Labels: ebony rep, glory|struck productions, kritzerland, out of the box, pasadena playhouse, the grove theatre
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Musical News for Thursday, March 13, 2014
Upstairs at Vitello’s is presenting FREE late night musical theatre beginning this Friday night (and there's a full bar for purchase!). Join the cast of Zombie Prom, a ghoul-loves-girl rock musical every Friday at 11:00 PM beginning March 14. Seats are currently available for March 14, 21, and 28. For reservations, e-mail zombiepromtickets@yahoo.com with your name and number in your party, and check out their video below.
Chance Theater has announced 26 hours of live performances for its 24hr Chance-a-thon, which will take place on Saturday, March 22 from 10am-11pm, and Sunday, March 23 from 9am-10pm. Throughout the 2-day event, local artists and community members will come together to share their talent in support of Chance Theater’s artistic and educational programs. Events include everything from learning the choreography from Lysistrata Jones to cabaret performances to new plays to live podcasts. I’ve highlighted a few select musical events below but for a complete schedule go to www.ChanceTheater.com/24hr.
- Rachel Mount - a cabaret of musical theatre and pop songs
- Dis-FUN-ction” - Joanne Juliet Lapointe cabaret about all things grown-up told through song
- King of the World - Ana Bomgaars and friends’ unique tribute of songs by Jason Robert Brown
- So Happy (Singing) Together - a concert with Robyn and Robert Wallace
- Seventh Street Jazz - with Cristiana Franzetti featuring multi-layered melodies, tight harmonies and exciting improvisations to delight audiences of all ages.
- The Wild Things Children’s Theatre Troupe – interactive FUN with music for all ages!
- Speak the Speech - with OCSA student actors and singers performing monologues, scenes, songs, and even some famous impressions.
- Take a Chance! - a musical revue by Ragtag Entertainment
- We Will Rock You 2! - with OCSA Senior Commercial Voice students doing original and copy pop and rock tunes backed by a live band.
- Inspired - with St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church Choir
- Miscast: A Broadway Cabaret! - with Jared Kaitz and friends; a show about performing the roles you have always wanted to play, but have been unable to, due to race, gender, type, etc.
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Labels: chance theater, la mirada theatre, musical theatre west, the grove theatre
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Review: Battledrum’s Drummer Boys Bond Over Battle
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| L-R: James Simenc, David Crane and Donzell Lewis Photos by Gina Long |
Battledrum is the story of three boys whose only option during wartime is to become a drummer in the Union Army. Lead drummer, Jackson (David Crane), has been sold into service by his poor family. Rufus (James Simenc), orphaned when the Northerners burn down his home in Kentucky, is enlisted as second-drummer-on-reserve by Captain Wilkes (Will Cespedes), much to the chagrin of Jackson, a smug, self-satisfied young man who is secretly scared to death.
Neither boy has much respect for the other but time and circumstances eventually help the two find common ground, with a little input from third-drummer-on-reserve, George Washington (Donzell Lewis), a runaway slave lost from the Underground Railroad. Though Washington won’t “fight another man’s battle,” when the Captain learns he can read and write, he is promptly signed up. As they advance to the final skirmish, each young man must overcome his fears and summon the courage to survive.
In theory, it is a terrific subject. The historical aspect of the Civil War drummer boys hasn’t been explored until now and they are a fascinating part of our history. Many were only children when they were recruited to serve as the communication system between officers and their troops on the battlefield. Unfortunately, because of their important role, they also became a moving target, with many young boys ending up dead far too soon.
Such a story would seem to be a sure-fire winner, but opening night’s early curtain (7pm) seemed to catch everyone off guard, including the staff, causing a delay of more than twenty minutes before the cast finally took the stage. By that time, energy was flagging and resulted in missed entrances and sluggish pacing that only served to highlight the lack of urgency in Cooney’s book and Christian Lebano’s direction. Only in the final few minutes does the plot advance into more dangerous territory and tension start to build, but by then it’s almost too late to feel the fire this war musical attempts to capture.
Not that it isn’t without charm. Crane has some nice comic moments during “Everybody Hates the Drummer Boy” and when Simenc finally stops brooding he reaches a deeper emotional layer the story so desperately needs. Cespedes’s Captain Wilkes is strong yet fatherly toward the boys and Alexandra Wright’s haunting portrayal of the mentally fragile Annabelle is one of the most wonderfully unpredictable scenes in Cooney’s otherwise prosaic book.
Musically, the show needs a richer sound to carry it through the emotional changes. Solo piano accompaniment from backstage creates little atmospheric color and provides only minimal support to singers whose abilities are not always up to the task.
Scenic designer John Vertrees’ makes an impact with side-by-side Stars & Stripes and Confederate distressed flags hovering over the stage and a rural set that makes good use of its small space. Elizabeth Nankin’s historical uniforms and bedraggled Southern Belle gown add a sobering level of authenticity to the period design.
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| L-R: Will Cespedes, Donzell Lewis, James Simenc and David Crane |
Left: James Simenc and Tara Bopp
Right: Alexandra Wright and David Crane
Right: Alexandra Wright and David Crane
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| L-R: Will Cespedes and David Crane |
The “Vicksburg” cast includes Tara Bopp, Will Cespedes, Chris Clower, Kaitlin Cournelle, Patrick Curry, Mark Ostrander and Damone Williams.
BATTLEDRUM
March 7 - April 19, 2014
Sierra Madre Playhouse
87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Tickets: (626) 355-4318 or
www.sierramadreplayhouse.org
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Labels: sierra madre playhouse
Monday, March 10, 2014
Musical News for Monday, March 10, 2014
KICKSTARTER: Check out Sweet Nothings, an indie musical comedy by Phillip Hughes and Jennifer Daugherty that celebrates love, food, music and that moment you realize that you have to stop wasting time and follow your dreams. Jack is a chef who dreams of opening an all-desserts restaurant; Gwen is an actress afraid to put up her hilariously weird one-woman show. Flitting through life, these two try their very best to avoid failure. But a deflated souffle brings them together. And their lives will never be the same. Here's the link for their Kickstarter page where you can help them make it happen. http://kck.st/MJTRFd
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Labels: cabrillo music theatre, chance theater, la mirada theatre, pasadena playhouse, the broad stage
Friday, March 7, 2014
First Look: Kentwood Players' Fiddler on the Roof
Kentwood Players presents Fiddler on the Roof with book by Joseph Stein, lyrics by Jerry Bock, and music by Sheldon Harnick March 14 - April 19 at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045. The production is produced by Rocky and Victoria Miller, directed by Harold Dershimer, with musical direction by Catherine Rahm. Tickets: (310) 645-5156 or www.kentwoodplayers.org |
| L-R: Fiona Okida, Carly Linehan, Bradley Miller, Kelsey Nisbett, Susie McCarthy, Jessica D. Stone and Gabrielle Olivas. Photos by Shari Barrett |
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| Bradley Miller as Tevye |
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| L-R: Kelsey Nisbett, Gabrielle Olivas, Carly Linehan, Jessica D. Stone, Fiona Okida and Susie McCarthy |
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| Fiona Okida, Carly Linehan, Bradley Miller, Kelsey Nisbett, Susie McCarthy, Jessica D. Stone and Gabrielle Olivas |
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Labels: kentwood players
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Musical News for Tuesday, March 4, 2014
OPENINGS: The Visceral Company has announced its 2014 season production schedule. Included in the lineup are a fresh from off-Broadway west coast premiere (Recall), an LA premiere and the company’s first musical production (Zombies from the Beyond), plus two world premiere productions developed by The Visceral Company (The Call of Cthulhu and a still-in-development holiday show). You can read all about the shows on their website but Zombies from the Beyond looks especially hilarious. This rarely performed musical comedy is a sendup of 1950s B-movies and takes a satirical look at American ideals and foibles in the Eisenhower era. Cold War and space race paranoia threaten the good folks at the fictional Milwaukee Space Center in 1955 when a flying saucer lands. The craft is piloted by Zombina, a buxom alien aviatrix bent on procuring he-specimens to repopulate her planet. The show brings the 1950s nostalgically and hilariously to life with a tuneful, toe-tapping score. Its long-delayed LA debut will be part of the 2014 Hollywood Fringe Festival, May 30 – July 20. Book, music, and lyrics are by James Valcq (co-writer of the musical The Spitfire Grill) and the show will be directed by Dan Spurgeon, with musical direction by Garth Herberg and choreography by Anna Safar. The company performs at the Lex Theatre, 6760 Lexington Ave., Hollywood, CA. www.thevisceralcompany.com
The Garage Theatre in collision with Alive Theatre are celebrating 10 years on 7th Street in Long Beach with a diverse 2014 lineup that includes Bertolt Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera. Dates for the show are August 1 – 30 and the production will be directed by Eric Hamme, with musical direction by Ellen Warkantine. Often described as brutal, scandalous, perverted and humorous; The Threepenny Opera is one of the earliest and most successful attempts to introduce jazz into the theatre. Season Subscriptions are on sale at www.thegaragetheatre.org or by calling (562) 433-8337. Single tickets go on sale Monday, March 10th. The season will also include:
Sans Merci by Johnna Adams, directed by Katie Chidester
April 4 – 26, 2014
Night And Her Stars by Richard Greenberg, directed by Matthew Anderson
May 30 – June 28, 2014
Pink Milk by Alex Paul Young, directed by Ashley Allen
Oct. 3 – Nov. 1, 2014
11th Annual Holiday Melodrama, written and directed by Jamie Sweet
December 5 – 20, 2014
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Labels: chromolume theatre, color and light, garage theatre, visceral company