Anna Nicholas News

Theatre in the Dark/Evening One: DARK/conceived by Ron Sossi and Sally Essex-Lopresti/with mini plays, some parables and others, original work by members of the company/directed by Sossi, Jeremy Aluma, Denise Blasor, David Bridel, Susan Heldfond/Odyssey Theatre/October 20 through December 16

Darkness! Audience in the dark! Actors in the dark! No light! The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble presents the world premiere of Theatre in the Dark, a unique theatrical experience made up of two separate evenings: "DARK" (opening tonight, Oct. 20) and "MORE DARK" (opening Nov. 3), with both evenings running in repertory through December 16 at the Odyssey Theatre in West Los Angeles.

Darkness! Audience in the dark! Actors in the dark! No light! The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble presents the world premiere of Theatre in the Dark, a unique theatrical experience made up of two separate evenings: "DARK" (opening Oct. 20) and "MORE DARK" (opening Nov. 3), with both evenings running in repertory through December 16 at the Odyssey Theatre in West Los Angeles.

The Secret Rose Theatre announces its presentation of "She Wrights - One-Act Plays by LA Women Playwrights" running tonight, September 7 to September 23. This production includes five one-act plays by five women writers.

The Secret Rose Theatre announces its presentation of "She Wrights - One-Act Plays by LA Women Playwrights" running September 7 to September 23. This production includes five one-act plays by five women writers.

Chuck Faerber's world premiere Counter Men, now onstage at the Whitefire Theatre, is peculiarly intriguing with a 14-character cast and just about as many plotlines. On the plus side, it's entertaining - to a point - with a mostly wonderful ensemble. On the negative side, its big picture gets bogged down by too many unnecessary stories. It can work in a soap on TV, but not on a tiny stage.The setting? The rump section of a diner-like restaurant in Glendale - great realistic set design by Davis Campbell - where an odd assortment of men hang out daily: an actor, a screenwriter, and a musician are among the brood. This is a suburb of Hollywood, after all, so it's not unusual for show biz folks to find a second home where they can dish the dirt, kind of like Dupars in Studio City. There are a couple of waitresses who know the men quite well, so, for the most part, what we see is a big extended family, except of course, for those making quick entrances/exits to and from the restroom, one of whom is branded a terrorist. A couple of the men are vets and have conflicting opinions with the younger guys about the war in Iraq. Mackie (Paul Haitkin) has a macho streak and brags about picking up women and videotaping his sexual trysts with them. Carl (Bart Braverman) has some serious issues with cancer. Joyelle (Marion Ramsey), the older and motherly waitress, has a son in Iraq and is in a constant state of anxiety for his safety. Ludy (Vanessa Herrera), the younger waitress, with a black eye and bruises on her arms, is clearly having some problems at home. Teo, a homeless filipino musician, who uses one of the booths to sleep in as well as a studio in which to compose, is attracted to Sackie (Naila Browne), a gal from Glendale's Water and Power, but he's timid about taking the first step to meet her. One of Mackie's conquests, Sheila, a real estate tycoon, gives up the business and eventually becomes a nun (Anna Nicholas). The stories go on and on, endlessly.

Racquel Lehrman, Theatre Planners presents the World Premiere dramedy, COUNTER MEN written by Chuck Faerber, directed by Richard Kuhlman.

Chuck Faerber's world premiere Counter Men, now onstage at the Whitefire Theatre, is peculiarly intriguing with a 14-character cast and just about as many plotlines. On the plus side, it's entertaining - to a point - with a mostly wonderful ensemble. On the negative side, its big picture gets bogged down by too many unnecessary stories. It can work in a soap on TV, but not on a tiny stage.The setting? The rump section of a diner-like restaurant in Glendale - great realistic set design by Davis Campbell - where an odd assortment of men hang out daily: an actor, a screenwriter, and a musician are among the brood. This is a suburb of Hollywood, after all, so it's not unusual for show biz folks to find a second home where they can dish the dirt, kind of like Dupars in Studio City. There are a couple of waitresses who know the men quite well, so, for the most part, what we see is a big extended family, except of course, for those making quick entrances/exits to and from the restroom, one of whom is branded a terrorist. A couple of the men are vets and have conflicting opinions with the younger guys about the war in Iraq. Mackie (Paul Haitkin) has a macho streak and brags about picking up women and videotaping his sexual trysts with them. Carl (Bart Braverman) has some serious issues with cancer. Joyelle (Marion Ramsey), the older and motherly waitress, has a son in Iraq and is in a constant state of anxiety for his safety. Ludy (Vanessa Herrera), the younger waitress, with a black eye and bruises on her arms, is clearly having some problems at home. Teo, a homeless filipino musician, who uses one of the booths to sleep in as well as a studio in which to compose, is attracted to Sackie (Naila Browne), a gal from Glendale's Water and Power, but he's timid about taking the first step to meet her. One of Mackie's conquests, Sheila, a real estate tycoon, gives up the business and eventually becomes a nun (Anna Nicholas). The stories go on and on, endlessly.

Racquel Lehrman, Theatre Planners presents the World Premiere dramedy, COUNTER MEN written by Chuck Faerber, directed by Richard Kuhlman.

Racquel Lehrman, Theatre Planners presents the World Premiere dramedy, COUNTER MEN written by Chuck Faerber, directed by Richard Kuhlman.

Racquel Lehrman, Theatre Planners presents the World Premiere dramedy, COUNTER MEN written by Chuck Faerber, directed by Richard Kuhlman.

Chocolate Factory Productions, Sonia Friedman Productions, David Ian Productions, The Ambassador Theatre Group, David Mirvish, Tulchin/Bartner and Jamie Hendry will present La Cage aux Folles with music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman and a book by Harvey Fierstein.

The Menier Chocolate Factory's record-breaking, sold out production of La Cage Aux Folles has begun rehearsals for its transfer to the West End for a strictly limited season at the Playhouse Theatre previewing from 20th October, with press night on 30th October.

The Menier Chocolate Factory's record-breaking, sold out production of La Cage Aux Folles has begun rehearsals for its transfer to the West End for a strictly limited season at the Playhouse Theatre previewing from 20th October, with press night on 30th October.