(09/08/2020) - The first play in the series was IT HAD TO BE YOU, written by Renee Taylor and Joseph Bologna, on Sunday, September 6 at 6pm. This delightful comedy, directed by Gary Kresca, shares a fantasy story created by Theda Blau (Jessica Plotin), a failed actress, health food nut, and would-be playwright who wants to find love and success in New York. After an audition, the totally unprepared Theda meets Vito Pignoli (Steve Oreste), a hugely successful TV commercial director who had been sitting quietly in the booth listening to her jabber uncontrollably, her flighty nature both a turn-on and turn-off.
(09/06/2020) - Part history, part mystery and part ghost story, Bayezaa??s lyrical integration of past, present, fact and legend turns Emmetta??s story into a soaring work of music, poetic language and riveting theatricality, transformed into an online format that breaks the notion of what a virtual performance can be. With the actors seen as cut-outs inserted into backdrops to fit each scene, characters move about each other in cars, on a living room couch, or while riding on a Ferris Wheel as if they really are in the scene together at the same time.
(08/25/2020) - We are taken along with Michael Leoni during his journey with homeless teens in Los Angeles as they learn to trust him with his camera and willingly expose the truth and illuminate the hardcore reality of this American crisis which has no apparent easy or available solutions to get kids off the streets. The teens interviewed have traveled from across the country to converge in Los Angeles with the dream of finding something better, most escaping from abusive family situations at home or timing out of the foster care system at 18 and dropped off on the streets to find their own way, often with no support system except other homeless street kids. Their powerful stories are heartbreaking while their unrelenting hope and determination to create a better life shines through when drugs dona??t get in the way. In this true tale of trust, love, friendship, and the triumph of the human spirit, Leoni shines a beam of light into these kidsa?? lives, showing them that someone cares what happens to them and will do what he can to secure their safety.
(08/21/2020) - With a keen eye for the most well-coordinated staging of any online production I have seen to date, director Carrie Keranen has expertly adapted the blocking from the staged 2018 play to make it appear the socially distancing cast members appearing in individual boxes are actually in the same apartment together. Surrounded by a multitude of moving boxes with the appropriate sistera??s name emblazoned upon them, unpacked items are handed off between blocks, with several props thrown between the squares with perfect aim and timing. Truly this production is at the forefront of a new creative challenge, and I cannot wait to watch as online theatre brings the world closer together through the Arts.
(08/17/2020) - Kentwood Players presented their annual Marcom Masque Awards during this yeara??s ceremony held on Zoom on Saturday, August 15, 2020, honoring the shortened 2019-2020 season of five productions: Pippin, Blithe Spirit, Dial M for Murder, Little Women, and The Giver. It was a wonderful evening of entertainment, filled with the community theater spirit which has fueled Kentwood Players during its 70 years of presenting quality live theatre in Westchester. Here is the complete list of winners.
(08/16/2020) - a?oeAllergic to Walnuts' written by Michelle Kholos Brooks and directed by Jenny Sullivan for Skylight Live features three-time Emmy Award nominated actress and Academy Award nominated director JoBeth Williams stars with Emmy Award winning Broadway actor Joe Spano as an awkward couple who declare their affection for each other and, in the course of conversation on various topics, discover ita??s their first time being loved. But how do they know that for sure? Is love a logical equation or simply about nuts?
(08/10/2020) - As the last reading in their online Play-at-Home series of free online theatrical experiences, all designed to entertain our community during the stay-at-home orders, Torrance Theatre Company presented GOOD PEOPLE, written by David Lindsay-Abaire and directed by Sasha Stewart Miller on Sunday, August 9 The production was originally scheduled to be seen onstage in the middle of March 2020 at the groupa??s intimate theater, located at 1316 Cabrillo Ave. in downtown Torrance, until COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the show just prior to its opening. The original as well as the online presentation featured cast members, Danielle Montreal, Melodie S. Rivers, Don Schlossman, Christine Seibert, Johnathan Strand, and Wendy Way.
(07/28/2020) - The long-running Off-Broadway hit a?oeGreater Tunaa?? by Joe Sears, Jaston Williams, and Ed Howard is a tour-de-farce comedy of quick-change artistry, with non-stop costume and character changes that run by faster than a jack rabbit from a coyote in the third smallest town in Texas, named Tuna. Now fans (and those who are destined to become one) can experience the towna??s zany denizens during two streaming performances presented by P3 Theatre Company under the direction of Jon Peterson, who performs all the characters with Philip McBride, on Monday, August 3 and Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 7:00pm.
(07/25/2020) - Performed virtually by invitation to join the National Womena??s Theatre Festival in North Carolina, 'Inside our Time'presents eight selected stories (from a series of 31) performed by four talented and dedicated actors whose only prop is a notebook containing the story being read. Like all JWT Salon series shows, usually performed in homes around the Westside, the story is the focus, told without scenery, props or costumes. And as presented online, I guarantee you wona??t miss those embellishments since the emotional content of each story is presented with such authenticity that you will find yourself identifying with each character as their stories connect all of us, all the time, thanks to the skill of the incredibly talented cast.
(07/25/2020) - For those missing the Hollywood Fringe Festival this year, I encourage you to check out its website at https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/ for information about On the Virtual Fringe performances that are scheduled online during July and August this year. And while ita??s not exactly the same watching plays online as it is sitting in a dark theater as part of a live audience, it certainly allows the directors and performers a more relaxed timeframe to prepare in that there is no rushing to load in and then dismantle a show in less than 10 minutes! And I have found the intimacy of performances in small theaters transfers well to the Zoom and You Tube formats, especially since up close and personal examinations of human emotions appear within inches of the viewera??s eyes and ears. Such is the case during 3 Way Lovve.
(07/24/2020) - On Wednesday evening, Groundlings alum Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm) joined the online edition of one of the most popular shows at The Groundlings Theatre - “The Crazy Uncle Joe Show.”
(07/24/2020) - Jewish Womena??s Theatre based at The Braid in Santa Monica has been voted one of the a?oeBest Live Theatres on the Westsidea?? three years in a row by readers of The Argonaut. The group presents American Jewish stories, art, and other programming that highlights Jewish contributions to contemporary life. For Goodnessa?? Sake ends the 13th season of JWTa??s' salon series, now being presented online rather than in homes around the city as in previous seasons. The play was created by The NEXT @ The Braid Emerging Artists Fellowship program, a career-training strategy that annually selects a new cohort of aspiring theater professionals to explore how to create meaningful shows from young-adult perspectives, under the guidance and mentorship of JWTa??s experienced staff.
(07/16/2020) - No doubt anyone who has read or seen a production of Shakespeare's tragic love story a?oeRomeo and Julieta?? has wished they could change the ending so that the lovers can be reunited rather than separated by death due to a seemingly split-second decision. And now, thanks to Little Fish Theatre and director Branda Lock, you CAN choose to change things around during a?oeRomeo & Juliet: Choose Your Own Endinga?? airing online Saturday, July 25 at 6pm (Pacific) and on Sunday, July 26 at 2pm. But exactly how will it work? I spoke with the production's director, Branda Lock, to find out.
(07/13/2020) - On Sunday, July 12 at 6pm, I tuned in for the third play in the series, KALAMAZOO, written by Michelle Kholos Brooks and Kelly Younger, originally developed in 2014 at Pacific Resident Theatre in Venice, CA. The Torrance Theatre Company production was directed by Gary Kresca and featured real-life married couple Diana Mann and John Mann as Peg and Irv, two quirky but endearing baby-boomers who bravely venture into the world of modern dating thanks to their children urging them to register on the Silver Fox Dating Service Website. Both have lost their long-term spouses and hope to find someone with whom they can spend the golden years of their lives.
(07/09/2020) - In a nod to the bygone days of radio plays, Casey Stangl created RADIO ROUND, a series of 10 short interlinked two-character plays written by 10 visionary writers, performed online by 10 all-star actors, in which one character from each play moves forward to the next play until it comes full circle. Thus, a character from the last play winds up meeting a character from the first, proving the whole of humanity is interconnected and absolutely greater than the sum of its parts. Tune in Sunday, July 12 at 4pm Pacific at http://HouseSeats.LIVE
(07/06/2020) - One thing for sure a?" after watching the play and listening to Squeaky during various time periods of her life, I feel even more sorry for the troubled young woman who allowed herself to be so misguided by a man who knew exactly how to manipulate her need to belong somewhere to his own advantage. So much so that in a 2019 televised interview, Fromme said about Manson, 'Was I in love with Charlie? Yeah, I still am.a?? One wonders at the sanity of such a statement until you realize how her mind was warped through the use of drugs and mind manipulation.
(07/02/2020) - LAVENDER MEN, An Emancipation Play was developed in Skylight Theatre Company's Skylab and received a SOLD OUT reading at circle in the Square Theatre on Broadway this past summer as part of the Circle Reading Series. Originally scheduled to open at the Skylight Theatre on April 25, a scene from the play written by Roger Q. Mason was performed live on July 2 by Skylight Live, because as Mason shared, a?oeRona ran through and chased us into the Zoom Zoom Rooma?? when rehearsals had to be suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down live theatre productions.
(06/29/2020) - The completely original show composed of more than a dozen scenes explored the eternal question of What is love, anyway? While there may not be one correct answer, the heartfelt theme proved that shame goes away the more we talk and communicate the truth of our own experience with each other. As I listened to characters from all walks of life share their touching, quirky and often hilarious personal stories of our universal need for human connection, how we go about finding that one great love or one-night stand differed greatly from person to person.
(06/23/2020) - This Spotlight focuses on Award-winning comedian, actress, television, radio host and bestselling author Carla Collins, who is on a mission to help everyone laugh and relax at a time when we so desperately need it. Join her on Wednesday, June 24 at 6pm PST/9pm EST, Carla will be hosting the World Premiere of SHELTER AT 'OM: Comedic Meditation, a unique 30-minute experience of hilarious stand-up comedy to fire up your endorphins followed by a relaxing, authentic guided meditation. Her premiere event will be live-streamed around the world from Los Angeles' popular Whitefire Theatre, and 50% of the proceeds will go toward supporting the 40-year-old venue, which has suffered heavily during the pandemic.
(06/21/2020) - This Spotlight focuses on Stephen Foster & Chuck Pelletier, award-winning co-writers of the musical 'The Green Room' which was based on a one-act play written by Rod Damer. The couple, married since 2011, met through their mutual love of theater and have launched their own production company, Round Earth Entertainment, from home during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
(06/21/2020) - Quarantine Mystery Chiller Theater presents Episode 13, an online reading of 'Backstage Murder' written and directed by Kelly Brighton and produced by Jeff LaGreca, on Saturday, June 20 at 7pm. The story centers on the much hated, Artistic Director of The West Hollywood Theatre Company, Finishing The Hat, who is found murdered. Was it his Board of Directors? Join the fun by tuning in to find out! The episode also features a commercial parody written by Amanda Conlon, and a Gruesome Lady segment written by Jeff LaGreca.
(06/17/2020) - This Spotlight focuses on Zach Zucker, one half of Norwegian-American comedy duo, Zach & Viggo, who performs as the renowned standup comedian, Jack Tucker. As the creator of the independent production company, Stamptown, Zach has created, performed and produced eight original shows that have toured around the world.
(06/15/2020) - Torrance Theatre Company newest venture, PLAY-AT-HOME, presents a series of free online theatrical experiences, each designed to entertain audiences during the stay-at-home orders. On Sunday, June 14 at 6pm, I tuned in and really enjoyed SLOW FOOD, playwright Wendy MacLeod's tender comedy that delves deeply into what we hunger for, be it food, attention or love. The 90-minute play centers on Irene and Peter (Cindy Shields and Glenn Kelman) who just want to have a nice meal out while celebrating their anniversary in Palm Springs. But their highly neurotic waiter, Stephen (Daniel Tennant), prefers to talk rather than bring them their food or drinks.
(06/13/2020) - Daniel Sugimoto promises, 'I CAN'T STOP PLAYING UNTIL WE REACH THE GOAL!!!'
Join me for my first ever Live Stream Musical Marathon! I am playing to raise money for The Innocence Project, with the goal of raising $1,000, donating 50% of all proceeds directly. Since this is a large goal I am planning to play until the dollar amount is reached, only stopping to use bathroom or snack mildly. Even if this is a charity event I am preparing over 50 songs to play; original and covers. Tune in throughout the day and you won't be disappointed.
(06/11/2020) - This Spotlight focuses on Jon Lawrence Rivera, co-founder of Playwrights' Arena with Steve Tyler in 1992 during the LA Riots. At the time, and for at least two decades, we were the only theater dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and producing new works for the stage written exclusively by Los Angeles playwrights to be enjoyed by adventurous minds. I first discovered Playwrights' Arena when their 2017 production of Bloodletting was selected to be presented during Center Theatre Group's 2018 Block Party at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City.
(06/10/2020) - This Spotlight focuses on Elmira Rahim who began her acting career in Iran, trained at USC, and created the ELAN Ensemble whose inaugural production, How We're Different From Animals, was the recipient of Best Adaptation at Stage Raw Theater Awards in 2019 as well as nominated in multiple categories including Best Production at Stage Raw Theater Awards and LA Drama Critics Circle Awards. But like so many others, this year's production of a modern adaptation of Trojan Women with A Noise Within had to be postponed until theaters can safely open again.
(06/08/2020) - This Spotlight focuses on Cate Caplin, a multiple award-winning producer, director and choreographer whose talents have ignited productions on television, in films, music videos, commercials, and in theatrical venues worldwide. But of course, her busy schedule was put on hold with the rest of the world, just as she was beginning to direct and choreograph a musical very close to her heart.
(06/05/2020) - This Spotlight focuses on John Wuchte, a talented actor/director/writer/composer and amazing Tribal Acting theater creator, who I first met during last year's Hollywood Fringe Festival when I attended his masterful musical production Scarlett Fever which told the true story of the great search to find an actress to portray Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind in 1939. The production utilized John's unique style of performance, which he calls Tribal Acting; a combination of movement, gesture, song and dance, all accompanied by live percussion. And I was hooked!
(06/04/2020) - This Spotlight focuses on Daniel Durant, a multi-talented American Sign Language (ASL) actor whose impressive performance in Spring Awakening with Deaf West Theatre took him all the way to Broadway! As a Deaf actor who performs using ASL, how is he keeping creative while waiting to get back onstage?
(06/03/2020) - This Spotlight focuses on Kara Karaoke whose musical theatre background led her to start her own business as a professional karaoke host five years ago. Of course, she is now obviously quite affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, not being able to host gatherings in person for the time being. So how is she keeping her business going and creativity flowing during these trying times?
(06/02/2020) - Since the shelter-in-place order in mid March for all of California, there have been no Theatre productions, no Live Performances, not even a class available in Los Angeles to take to keep working on your craft. Slowly but surely, Artists and Producers are adjusting and finding new ways to present their creations and their viewpoints through different sources, and in new and unique ways.
(05/31/2020) - Jon Peterson, Executive Artistic Director/Founder of P3 Theatre Roulette, is presenting a virtual reading of Moisés Kaufman and the Members of the Tectonic Theatre Project's masterful play THE LARAMIE PROJECT, on Monday, June 1 at 7pm at https://p3theatre.biz/p3-theatre-roulette. The online presentation features Emily Abeles, Guillermo Alonso, Alden Bettencourt, Kara Brouelette, Elizabeth Curtin, Christy Mauro-Cohen, Jodi Marks, Philip McBride and Jeremy Saje, each of whom will be reading from their individual a?oesafe at homea?? locations. For more information, please call (714) 689-8116.
(05/30/2020) - This Spotlight focuses on the super-talented Daniel Sugimoto who I first met at the 2015 Hollywood Fringe 'Best In Cabaret' show Thenardier's Inn by CAC Studios, I knew I would be following his progress as one of the finest musical theater progenies I had ever met. Not only is he a triple threat onstage as well as a brilliant musical director, his skill with composing musical numbers that movingly tell a story imbues each of his characters with deep-felt heart and soul through his incredible imagination and understanding of human nature. But 2020 has certainly proven to be a challenge since Daniel was entertaining at sea in mid-March when COVID-19 forced worldwide ports to close.
(05/29/2020) - Inspired by an artistic community of theatre makers in response to the need to take live theater online during this time of social distancing, Skylight Theatre Company created its new Web Reading Series beginning on March 26, 2020, bringing together some of LA's most talented writers, directors and actors for weekly presentations of uplifting works, written specifically for this medium. a?oeCLOSE AND FAR AWAYa?? written by Cory Hinkle and directed by Elina de Santos, featuring Melissa Paladino and Jennifer Pollono as two old friends who reconnect via Zoom during quarantine, was performed live on Thursday, May 28.
(05/28/2020) - With the current theatre world on hiatus, I have created a Spotlight Series on Broadway World which features interviews with some of the many talented artists who make our Los Angeles theatre community so exciting and vibrant thanks to their ongoing contribution to keeping the Arts alive in the City of the Angels. And just like all of us, I wondered how they are dealing with the abrupt end of productions in which they were involved. This Spotlight focuses on Julia Buis, an L.A. actor who traveled the world entertaining before settling in Hamburg, Germany.
(05/27/2020) - This Spotlight focuses on Mike Blaha, Co-Founder of Fringe Management, a company that has produced an incredible assortment of shows for both the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Hollywood Fringe Festival. Listen in as he shares his insights on how the Coronavirus pandemic has affected both this year, especially since the shutdown occurred just as the Edinburgh event had begun.
(05/26/2020) - This Spotlight focuses on Eloise Coopersmith, creator of the a?oeHome for Moma?? web series which focuses on elder care and grief in a residential care facility. And with the Coronavirus pandemic hitting this type of facility the hardest, the subject matter about finding a safe place for our elders is even more relevant to families now than when filming began.
(05/25/2020) - With the current theatre world on hiatus, I have created a Spotlight Series on Broadway World which features interviews with some of the many talented artists who make our Los Angeles theatre community so exciting and vibrant thanks to their ongoing contribution to keeping the Arts alive in the City of the Angels. And just like all of us, I wondered how they are dealing with the abrupt end of productions in which they were involved. This Spotlight focuses on Michael Leoni, a playwright, bi-coastal director, and co-founder of The 11:11 in WeHo whose productions have brilliantly focused attention on the pitfalls of modern society, especially in the entertainment industry.
(05/23/2020) - With the current theatre world on hiatus, I have created a Spotlight Series on Broadway World which features interviews with some of the many talented artists who make our Los Angeles theatre community so exciting and vibrant thanks to their ongoing contribution to keeping the Arts alive in the City of the Angels. And just like all of us, I wondered how they are dealing with the abrupt end of productions in which they were involved. This Spotlight focuses on Kathleen Rubin whose musical theatre background led her to The Angel City Chorale and directing on Los Angeles stages.
