Ellen Dostal
Ellen Dostal is currently the Senior Editor for BroadwayWorld/Los Angeles and a member of the prestigious Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle. She has covered the performing arts community, jazz, and classical music for KJazz 88.1 FM and K-Mozart 1260 AM and has a Bachelor of Music in Performance from the University of Northern Iowa. Her theatre blog, Musicals in LA, is a popular resource for those seeking information about the Southern California musical theatre scene and her archived site Shakespeare in LA, was the go-to destination for actors, creatives and audience members with a love of Shakespeare. Ellen is also a theatre contributor for TheThreeTomatoes.com (The Insider’s Guide for women who aren’t kids). Her best advice is always, "Go see a show!", and when she's not at the theatre, you're likely to find her outdoors listening to the music of nature.
BWW Podcaster Ashton Marcus and T.J. Dawson Discuss MAMMA MIA!
BWW Podcaster Ashton Marcus and Troy Whitaker Discuss THE GAME'S AFOOT
BWW Review: BOLLYWOOD KITCHEN: Much More Than a Cooking Show
THE FUTURE at The Geffen is a Virtual Crowd-Pleaser
BREATHE Takes Philicia Saunders on a Life-Changing Journey
Jill Marie Burke and Brent Crayon Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of SONGS FOR A NEW WORLDLISTEN: BWW Podcaster Ashton Marcus and Troy Whitaker Discuss THE GAME'S AFOOT
November 29, 2021
BWW Podcaster Ashton Marcus and Troy Whitaker Discuss THE GAME'S AFOOT
LISTEN: BWW Podcaster Ashton Marcus and T.J. Dawson Discuss Directing MAMMA MIA!
November 9, 2021
Director T.J. Dawson discusses his directorial style used to create MAMMA MIA! at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
LISTEN: BWW Podcaster Ashton Marcus Discusses OUR MAN IN SANTIAGO with the Team at Theatre West
October 11, 2021
Director Charlie Mount, George Tovar (as the amoral Jack Wilson), and Presciliana Esparolini (as the mysterious Maria Troncoso) discuss the characters they play in OUR MAN IN SANTIAGO at Theatre West
LISTEN: BWW Podcaster Ashton Marcus and John Snow Discuss MUSIC AT THE ODYSSEY
September 23, 2021
Listen in as BroadwayWorld Podcaster Ashton Marcus talks to John Snow about his unique series MUSIC AT THE ODYSSEY. Tickets are available now for upcoming performances on September 24, and October 17 and 22. Enjoy!
LISTEN: BWW Podcaster Ashton Marcus and TL Forsberg Discuss THE BOOK THAT WON'T CLOSE
August 24, 2021
Actress, TL Forsberg (Olivia in Switched At Birth) discusses the character she plays in THE BOOK THAT WON’T LOSE: CONFESSIONS OF A LOVE ADDICT at Broadwater Black Box.
LISTEN: BWW Podcaster Ashton Marcus and Willow Geer Discuss JULIUS CAESAR
August 23, 2021
Actress, Willow Geer discusses the character she plays in JULIUS CAESAR at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. Enjoy!
Listen: BWW Podcaster Ashton Marcus and Jackie Nicole Discuss A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
August 10, 2021
Actress, Jackie Nicole discusses the character she play in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. Enjoy!
BWW Review: BOLLYWOOD KITCHEN is Much More Than a Cooking Show
January 24, 2021
Even before the performance began, I was hooked. I couldn’t stop smelling the spices. Two of the three ticket levels for Geffen Playhouse’s world premiere of BOLLYWOOD KITCHEN include a Bollywood Box sent to your home. This beautifully designed box – easily a keepsake in and of itself – contains recipe cards, a shopping list, specialty ingredients, and jars of the most aromatic spices you can imagine, that you’ll use in Sri Rao’s recipes. Ground cloves, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, the whole experience begins long before you start cooking. It’s a perfect example of how food conjures memories just by the way it smells.
BWW Review: BREATHE Takes Philicia Saunders on a Life-Changing Journey
December 20, 2020
Like most solo productions, Philicia Saunders’ BREATHE comes from her own experiences. Unique to her telling however is the method by which she relates that story. Necessitated by a global pandemic that has forced audiences to view theatrical productions from behind a computer screen, Saunders has employed a variety of media to raise engagement with her personal tale.
BWW Review: THE FUTURE at Geffen Playhouse Weaves Illusion and Storytelling into a Virtual Crowd-Pleaser
December 13, 2020
THE FUTURE at The Geffen is a smart new production, once again written by Helder Guimarães and directed by Frank Marshall, that highlights Guimarães’ ability to weave illusion and storytelling into a satisfying theatrical crowd-pleaser. With the indisputable skill of a master illusionist and the understated style of an artist who takes his desire to bring wonder into the world seriously, Guimarães handily draws us in, even from behind a screen in the comfort of our own homes.
Jill Marie Burke and Brent Crayon Reunite to Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Jason Robert Brown's SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD
December 9, 2020
Two industry veterans have teamed up to honor the 25th Anniversary of Jason Robert Brown’s SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD featuring one of musical theatre’s most inspiring finales, Hear My Song. Performer Jill Marie Burke and music director Brent Crayon enlisted the support of director Alan Bailey, and together they assembled Broadway performers, regional theatre standouts and high school musical students, to record a music video honoring the work of Jason Robert Brown and benefiting the Educational Theatre Foundation.
BWW Feature: THE HOT LIST IS BACK!
August 10, 2020
The Hot List is back and better than ever! Whether youa??re staying at home or venturing out for a socially distanced experience, you wona??t have to look far to find that art and entertainment lives on. Check out these great options today: Boston Court Pasadenaa??s AT HOME WITH AMANDA MCBROOM and the beginning of their exciting new Book Club, Idris Goodwina??s BARS AND MEASURES; Rooftop Movies at the Montalbán featuring LA LA LAND, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD, and BLACKKKLANSMAN; South Coast Repertorya??s Online Community Fiesta, MASA; a screening of Ephraim Asilia??s THE DIASPORA SUITE at REDCAT; and a special Talk-back with Mitch Albom and the cast of The Group Repa??s TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE.
BWW Review: The Blank Theatre's Living Room Series Takes NATHAN C. JONES: A LOVE STORY? Online
May 30, 2020
On the surface, NATHAN C. JONES appears to be an unassuming little show about a young man and his new romance. But, as the audience is drawn further and further into the story, it becomes clear that the writers are exploring much deeper questions about loneliness, the desire to be loved, and what happens when reality sits on shifting sands.
BWW Feature: Reinventing Summer Shakespeare, Los Angeles Style
May 20, 2020
It's summer in L.A. and the theaters are closed. What's a Shakespeare lover to do? Well, artists continue to create in whatever way they can as they brainstorm plans for 2020 and beyond. We've heard from some of your favorite companies and here's the latest on cancellations and some of the inventive solutions meant to help you get your Bard on this season. Go see a showa??.online!
BWW Feature: Seven Date Night Recommendations for a Sensational Valentine's Day
February 2, 2020
With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's time to get your date night plans in order. BroadwayWorld is ready to help with our top recommendations for a theatre night out on the town. It doesn't matter if you're looking to impress your sweetie, meet up with friends, or escape the daily grind on your own, these productions will certainly sweeten the day.
Audition Master Class with WICKED's Jackie Burns and Chandra Lee Schwartz Comes to LA
September 5, 2019
Want to know what it takes to make it on Broadway? Jackie Burns and Chandra Lee Schwartz, stars of the long-running hit musical WICKED, have announced that they will host an audition master class on Sunday, September 22nd in Los Angeles. This is your chance to learn from the pros! The class will take place at Screenland Studios (10501 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601) from 1:00-4:00 pm and is open to all ages.
VIDEO: FRANKENSTEIN Electrifies Audiences at A Noise Within
August 22, 2019
The California premiere of Nick Dear's FRANKENSTEIN, directed by Michael Michetti and adapted from the original novel by Mary Shelley, is currently running as a stand-alone production through September 8th at A Noise Within. This electrifying tale of a creature cast away by his creator into a hostile worlda?"only to wind his way back in a dangerous game of destructiona?"has captivated audiences for over 200 years. The gothic story comes to life with Nick Dear's adaptation of the chilling fable by Mary Shelley, animating the themes of social rejection, intellectual hubris, and the nascency of good and evil.
PHOTO FLASH: Independent Shakespeare Co. Presents PERICLES at the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival
August 1, 2019
Love is lost and found again in PERICLES, one of Shakespeare's most spellbinding plays. The young Pericles sets out for adventure, but gets more than he bargains for. Twenty-five years later, it's his daughter's turn to sail the high seas as she seeks to unravel the mystery of her birth.
BWW Feature: RICHARD II to close Kingsmen Shakespeare Company's Summer Season
July 15, 2019
For the first time in its history, Kingsmen Shakespeare Company will present Shakespeare's RICHARD II with the company's associate artistic director Brett Elliott in the title role and Los Angeles-based actor Hannah Tamminen playing Richard's cousin and adversary, Bolingbroke. Women will also take on many of the traditional male roles such as politicians and soldiers.
BWW Feature: Summer Shakespeare Spotlight. What to See Now!
July 12, 2019
Summer is the best time of year to get out and see a Shakespeare play, especially in Southern California. Whether it's under the stars, staged in a unique performance space, or revived in a traditional theater, you can't go wrong when it comes to the world's greatest writer. Here's what we've currently got on our radar. Go see a show!
November 29, 2021
BWW Podcaster Ashton Marcus and Troy Whitaker Discuss THE GAME'S AFOOT
LISTEN: BWW Podcaster Ashton Marcus and T.J. Dawson Discuss Directing MAMMA MIA!
November 9, 2021
Director T.J. Dawson discusses his directorial style used to create MAMMA MIA! at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
LISTEN: BWW Podcaster Ashton Marcus Discusses OUR MAN IN SANTIAGO with the Team at Theatre West
October 11, 2021
Director Charlie Mount, George Tovar (as the amoral Jack Wilson), and Presciliana Esparolini (as the mysterious Maria Troncoso) discuss the characters they play in OUR MAN IN SANTIAGO at Theatre West
LISTEN: BWW Podcaster Ashton Marcus and John Snow Discuss MUSIC AT THE ODYSSEY
September 23, 2021
Listen in as BroadwayWorld Podcaster Ashton Marcus talks to John Snow about his unique series MUSIC AT THE ODYSSEY. Tickets are available now for upcoming performances on September 24, and October 17 and 22. Enjoy!
LISTEN: BWW Podcaster Ashton Marcus and TL Forsberg Discuss THE BOOK THAT WON'T CLOSE
August 24, 2021
Actress, TL Forsberg (Olivia in Switched At Birth) discusses the character she plays in THE BOOK THAT WON’T LOSE: CONFESSIONS OF A LOVE ADDICT at Broadwater Black Box.
LISTEN: BWW Podcaster Ashton Marcus and Willow Geer Discuss JULIUS CAESAR
August 23, 2021
Actress, Willow Geer discusses the character she plays in JULIUS CAESAR at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. Enjoy!
Listen: BWW Podcaster Ashton Marcus and Jackie Nicole Discuss A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
August 10, 2021
Actress, Jackie Nicole discusses the character she play in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. Enjoy!
BWW Review: BOLLYWOOD KITCHEN is Much More Than a Cooking Show
January 24, 2021
Even before the performance began, I was hooked. I couldn’t stop smelling the spices. Two of the three ticket levels for Geffen Playhouse’s world premiere of BOLLYWOOD KITCHEN include a Bollywood Box sent to your home. This beautifully designed box – easily a keepsake in and of itself – contains recipe cards, a shopping list, specialty ingredients, and jars of the most aromatic spices you can imagine, that you’ll use in Sri Rao’s recipes. Ground cloves, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, the whole experience begins long before you start cooking. It’s a perfect example of how food conjures memories just by the way it smells.
BWW Review: BREATHE Takes Philicia Saunders on a Life-Changing Journey
December 20, 2020
Like most solo productions, Philicia Saunders’ BREATHE comes from her own experiences. Unique to her telling however is the method by which she relates that story. Necessitated by a global pandemic that has forced audiences to view theatrical productions from behind a computer screen, Saunders has employed a variety of media to raise engagement with her personal tale.
BWW Review: THE FUTURE at Geffen Playhouse Weaves Illusion and Storytelling into a Virtual Crowd-Pleaser
December 13, 2020
THE FUTURE at The Geffen is a smart new production, once again written by Helder Guimarães and directed by Frank Marshall, that highlights Guimarães’ ability to weave illusion and storytelling into a satisfying theatrical crowd-pleaser. With the indisputable skill of a master illusionist and the understated style of an artist who takes his desire to bring wonder into the world seriously, Guimarães handily draws us in, even from behind a screen in the comfort of our own homes.
Jill Marie Burke and Brent Crayon Reunite to Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Jason Robert Brown's SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD
December 9, 2020
Two industry veterans have teamed up to honor the 25th Anniversary of Jason Robert Brown’s SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD featuring one of musical theatre’s most inspiring finales, Hear My Song. Performer Jill Marie Burke and music director Brent Crayon enlisted the support of director Alan Bailey, and together they assembled Broadway performers, regional theatre standouts and high school musical students, to record a music video honoring the work of Jason Robert Brown and benefiting the Educational Theatre Foundation.
BWW Feature: THE HOT LIST IS BACK!
August 10, 2020
The Hot List is back and better than ever! Whether youa??re staying at home or venturing out for a socially distanced experience, you wona??t have to look far to find that art and entertainment lives on. Check out these great options today: Boston Court Pasadenaa??s AT HOME WITH AMANDA MCBROOM and the beginning of their exciting new Book Club, Idris Goodwina??s BARS AND MEASURES; Rooftop Movies at the Montalbán featuring LA LA LAND, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD, and BLACKKKLANSMAN; South Coast Repertorya??s Online Community Fiesta, MASA; a screening of Ephraim Asilia??s THE DIASPORA SUITE at REDCAT; and a special Talk-back with Mitch Albom and the cast of The Group Repa??s TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE.
BWW Review: The Blank Theatre's Living Room Series Takes NATHAN C. JONES: A LOVE STORY? Online
May 30, 2020
On the surface, NATHAN C. JONES appears to be an unassuming little show about a young man and his new romance. But, as the audience is drawn further and further into the story, it becomes clear that the writers are exploring much deeper questions about loneliness, the desire to be loved, and what happens when reality sits on shifting sands.
BWW Feature: Reinventing Summer Shakespeare, Los Angeles Style
May 20, 2020
It's summer in L.A. and the theaters are closed. What's a Shakespeare lover to do? Well, artists continue to create in whatever way they can as they brainstorm plans for 2020 and beyond. We've heard from some of your favorite companies and here's the latest on cancellations and some of the inventive solutions meant to help you get your Bard on this season. Go see a showa??.online!
BWW Feature: Seven Date Night Recommendations for a Sensational Valentine's Day
February 2, 2020
With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's time to get your date night plans in order. BroadwayWorld is ready to help with our top recommendations for a theatre night out on the town. It doesn't matter if you're looking to impress your sweetie, meet up with friends, or escape the daily grind on your own, these productions will certainly sweeten the day.
Audition Master Class with WICKED's Jackie Burns and Chandra Lee Schwartz Comes to LA
September 5, 2019
Want to know what it takes to make it on Broadway? Jackie Burns and Chandra Lee Schwartz, stars of the long-running hit musical WICKED, have announced that they will host an audition master class on Sunday, September 22nd in Los Angeles. This is your chance to learn from the pros! The class will take place at Screenland Studios (10501 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601) from 1:00-4:00 pm and is open to all ages.
VIDEO: FRANKENSTEIN Electrifies Audiences at A Noise Within
August 22, 2019
The California premiere of Nick Dear's FRANKENSTEIN, directed by Michael Michetti and adapted from the original novel by Mary Shelley, is currently running as a stand-alone production through September 8th at A Noise Within. This electrifying tale of a creature cast away by his creator into a hostile worlda?"only to wind his way back in a dangerous game of destructiona?"has captivated audiences for over 200 years. The gothic story comes to life with Nick Dear's adaptation of the chilling fable by Mary Shelley, animating the themes of social rejection, intellectual hubris, and the nascency of good and evil.
PHOTO FLASH: Independent Shakespeare Co. Presents PERICLES at the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival
August 1, 2019
Love is lost and found again in PERICLES, one of Shakespeare's most spellbinding plays. The young Pericles sets out for adventure, but gets more than he bargains for. Twenty-five years later, it's his daughter's turn to sail the high seas as she seeks to unravel the mystery of her birth.
BWW Feature: RICHARD II to close Kingsmen Shakespeare Company's Summer Season
July 15, 2019
For the first time in its history, Kingsmen Shakespeare Company will present Shakespeare's RICHARD II with the company's associate artistic director Brett Elliott in the title role and Los Angeles-based actor Hannah Tamminen playing Richard's cousin and adversary, Bolingbroke. Women will also take on many of the traditional male roles such as politicians and soldiers.
BWW Feature: Summer Shakespeare Spotlight. What to See Now!
July 12, 2019
Summer is the best time of year to get out and see a Shakespeare play, especially in Southern California. Whether it's under the stars, staged in a unique performance space, or revived in a traditional theater, you can't go wrong when it comes to the world's greatest writer. Here's what we've currently got on our radar. Go see a show!
