(01/26/2020) - Playwright Stanley Brown directs the world premiere of his play HUCKLEBERRY TOWERS through February 9, 2020, at the ELATE Theatre Company's Lincoln Stegman Theatre in North Hollywood. With a cast of 18, most of whom are seniors who just might be real residents of the retirement home named in the title, this poignant comedy about their so-called golden years speaks to the importance of friendship even when you have trouble remembering their names or hearing conversations around you.
(01/25/2020) - At the center of his play is the Matera family, soon to get together for a very special SUNDAY DINNER in that their son Michael (James Tabeek), a young priest in the Chicago Archdiocese, is returning to his parents' home in the Bronx after his grandfather dies. And just as Jewish mother would “qvell” about her son being a doctor, no doubt a Catholic mother would love to brag about her son being a priest. So of course when we first meet the family's matriarch Rose (Sharron Shayne) and her sister Margaret (Michele Schultz) as they are preparing the table for what they expect will be an interesting gathering, we soon learn because so many family members will be there with lots of past history, emotional reactions are bound to be ignited.
(01/24/2020) - LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS & McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT are thrilled to present the third show of their 2019-2020 season, the hilariously dark comedy, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, written by Joseph Kesselring and directed by Casey Stangl
(01/24/2020) - The real star of the show is its designed-to-travel, multi-level scenic design by 59 Productions, enhanced by sound designer Sebastian Front and lighting designer Matt Daw, which includes some of the most amazing projections I have ever witnessed that completely transform into the many scenes required, from the shipyard, inside homes, the local beer pub, to an extraordinary church interior that generated gasps from the audience, as well as the appearance of waves crashing on the docks and snow falling. But it is the final scene when the Utopia, the last ship to be built, launches from the soon-to-close shipyard that will take your breath away. It's just a shame it takes almost 3 hours to get to it.
(01/23/2020) - Award-winning playwright/filmmaker Julien Nitzberg's new stage musical FOR THE LOVE OF A GLOVE, AN UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL FABLE ABOUT MICHAEL JACKSON AS TOLD BY HIS GLOVE, featuring 20 original, meticulously built Japanese Bunraku–inspired puppets designed by Robin Walsh, today gave BROADWAY WORLD an exclusive first look at Eric B. Anthony as the older Michael Jackson.
(01/23/2020) - Energetic, urban and contemporary, Cirque du Soleil's VOLTA, written and directed by Bastien Alexandre, with Jean Guibert as the director of creation, is a captivating voyage of discovery that showcases never-before-seen under the Big Top acrobatics in a visually striking world. Driven by a stirring melodic score and inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA is a story of transformation, being true to oneself, fulfilling one's true potential, and recognizing one's own power to make it possible. The production is perhaps the most acrobatic show ever staged by Cirque du Soleil, with acts from around the world offering amazing displays of roller skating, balance, trampoline leaps through windows to rooftop, Double Dutch rope skipping, tumbling, rings, and BMX bicycle flips that challenge gravity.
(01/22/2020) - Tony Award nominee Maria Dizzia is starring in the first two stops of the national tour of Heidi Schreck's Tony Award nominated play and Pulitzer Prize finalist What the Constitution Means to Me, directed by Oliver Butler.
(01/21/2020) - The playwright nervously awaiting the make-or-break review on opening night has been the setting of many stage and movie scenes. But in this play, McNally runs with the idea, taking no prisoners across two acts boasting almost as many Broadway name-drops as punch lines, all delivered with perfect comic timing by a cast of talented actors who know how important it is to both give and take with each other as the wide range of human emotions overcomes the a?oestarsa?? who hope and pray this play will revive their struggling careers. And all the while, the laughs abound non-stop.
(01/20/2020) - What happens when 1880 Western bandits are brought back to life in Azusa, CA by a space alien? Sam Shepard's The Unseen Hand joins Odyssey Theatre Ensemble's 50th Anniversary “Circa '69” Season of significant and adventurous plays that premiered around the time of the company's inception, coupled with Shepard's gritty and audacious Killer's Head. Longtime Shepard collaborator Darrell Larson directs both plays for a Jan. 25 opening at the Odyssey Theatre in West L.A., where performances will continue through March 8.
(01/19/2020) - Here is your first look at onstage photos from THE GIVER, adapted for the stage by Eric Coble, based on the Newberry Award-winning book by Lois Lowry, directed by Harold Dershimer for Kentwood Players at the Westchester Playhouse. Featured is Jack Heath as Jonas for performances on Jan 17-18-19, Jan 31-Feb1-Feb 2, Feb 21-Feb 22. On alternating weekends, Elliott Plunkett portrays Jonas. Photos by Gloria Plunkett
(01/19/2020) - The Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica will present Terrence McNally's barb-filled love letter to the madness of high-stakes New York theater, It's Only a Play, playing now through Feb. 9, 2020, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The production is directed by Aric Martin, produced by Kalila Horwitz, and stage managed by Ashley DeFrancesco, with costume design by Kristie Mattsson and set and lighting design by William Wilday. The cast features (in alphabetical order) Chris Aruffo, Michael Bernstein, David Callander, Joanna Churgin, Justin Heller, Kelly McReynolds, and Kent Navarette.
(01/18/2020) - Ensemble Studio Theatre/Los Angeles in association with VS. Theatre Company has announced the world premiere production of The Water Tribe, a new play by Don Cummings. Under the direction of Tricia Small, opening is set for Friday, January 17, at 8pm. The engagement will run through February 9 at VS. Theatre.
(01/18/2020) - Directed by Hollace Starr, an associate professor of theatre at Pepperdine University, a designated Linklater Voice teacher, and a lifetime member of the Actors Studio, with an innate understanding of feminine emotional turmoil, and John Perrin Flynn's keen eye for multimedia effects, EARTHQUAKES IN LONDON tackles our chronic inability to act in the interest of our future generations. At the center are three very different sisters who are left to raise and care for one another after their mother dies and their father abandons them. Now adults, the sisters find themselves navigating a 21st century London that is at the precipice of both an existential and an all-too-real environmental crisis.
(01/17/2020) - THE ROAD THEATRE COMPANY and Taylor Gilbert, Founder/Artistic Director together with Sam Anderson, Artistic Director, present the second show of the Road's 2019-2020 season, a newly revised and re-written production of NOWHERE ON THE BORDER, written by Carlos Lacámara and directed by Stewart J. Zully.
(01/17/2020) - Jon Lawrence Rivera, Artistic Director of Playwrights' Arena – the first and oldest theater dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and producing original works written exclusively by Los Angeles playwrights – is presenting RED INK by Steven Leigh Morris, with a cast that includes Michelle Bonebright-Carter, Steven Culp, Tracey A. Leigh, Leo Marks, Jocelyn Towne, and Peter Van Norden.
(01/16/2020) - With the topic of illegal immigration so prevalent in today's news, now is the perfect time to take a very personal look at the trials and tribulations of those who immigrated, both legally and illegally, to our country in THE NEW COLOSSUS, a new play co-written by The Actors' Gang ensemble and its Artistic Director Tim Robbins, who also directs the production. In it, twelve of the acting troupe's members tell their ancestors' stories, reflecting their great diversity, struggles and journeys from oppression to freedom, a real personal testament celebrating the courage and great character of the refugees who came to this country throughout the last 200 years.
(01/15/2020) - The Lakewood Playhouse is proud to present the FOURTH SHOW of our 81st ANNIVERSARY SEASON – HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL! We are so excited to be the South Sound Premier this highly requested modern musical based on the Hit 80s Dark Comedy that starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater!
(01/15/2020) - The 30th Annual LA STAGE Alliance Ovation Awards, celebrating theatrical excellence and achievement throughout Los Angeles, were presented on Monday, January 13, at the Theatre at Ace Hotel in downtown LA.
(01/15/2020) - Arthur Miller's electrifying family drama ALL MY SONS won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best New Play and Miller his first Pulitzer Prize when it first opened in 1947, and went on to be a recipient of numerous Tony Awards. Inspired by a story from an Ohio Newspaper on an aircraft factory's troubled contracts during WWII, the tale remains as timely as it is timeless about pointing your finger at someone else rather than soil your own reputation by taking responsibility for your own actions, a personality trait all too evident in today's society.
(01/13/2020) - Playwright Robert Harling based the STEEL MAGNOLIAS story on his experience with the death of his diabetic sister. As her best friend and closest sibling, Harling found it difficult to cope with losing her, and his friends advised him to write about his feelings as a coping method. What began as a short story then evolved into a full-length play due to the complexity of the relationships and emotions that existed among the female characters who are a?oeas delicate as magnolias but as tough as steela?? who utilize humor and lighthearted conversations to cope with the seriousness of life's underlying situations.
(01/12/2020) - Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood presents the fourth production of its eighth season, the world premiere of The Little Match Girl by Elizabeth Suzanne. Under the direction of Tor Brown, the cast will feature (in alphabetical order) Ben Anderson, Lemon Baardsen, Ella Grace Bergeron, Thatcher Boyd, Paul Brodo, Britt Crisp, Raymond Donahey, Emma Gini, Barbera Ann Howard, Matthew Monaco, Ignacio Navarro, Ben Shuman, Maysa Sweeten, and Jessica Wells. Opening is set for Saturday, January 11, at 8pm and the engagement will continue through Sunday, February 16 only.
(01/09/2020) - BLIND TALENT is a heartfelt dramedy about coming to grips with challenging conformity and social hierarchy to find the beauty in the struggle to achieve your dreams. The story centers on
Adrian (Kenny Lee), an actor on the cusp of stardom who has been an employee for the least-reputable studio in Hollywood. Now at the end of a five-year player contract, his recent diagnosis of macular degeneration threatens to abruptly end his budding career. In an attempt to keep his job, Adrian turns to his Aunt Kay (Sheila Walker), a former manager in her own right, and the two work out a day-to-day routine and system to maintain normal appearances. But as Adrian begins to lose more and more of his sight, he must be honest with those around him, and ultimately, himself, proving there is no blind lucka?? only blind talent.
(01/08/2020) - The Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles has had a busy last few days with scores of alumni and special guests participating in their recent shows!
(01/06/2020) - (mostly)musicals has announced their 35th edition, 2020 VISION on 01.06.2020: It's a new YEAR, a new DECADE, and a new LOCATION: Rockwell: Table and Stage! Scroll down to take a look at photos of the cast in rehearsal.
(01/05/2020) - It's the most wonderful time of the year, especially for the Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, which for 40 years has provided holiday cheer for children-in-need.
(12/27/2019) - Fraser Entertainment Group's AN EVENING OF CLASSIC BROADWAY will be back at LA's Rockwell Table and Stage with another new cast of performers.
(12/23/2019) - Kentwood Players, one of the longest continuously operating Los Angeles theater groups, welcomes the New Year and its 70th Anniversary with the futuristic, multimedia play THE GIVER, adapted for the stage by Eric Coble, based on the Newberry Award-winning book by Lois Lowry, opening on Friday, January 17, 2020 and continuing through Saturday, February 22 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sundays at 2:00pm at located at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Los Angeles, CA 90045.
(12/22/2019) - Lainie Kazan (Tony Award and Golden Globe nominee) and Max Burkholder (Parenthood) are among the cast of the December edition of The Pack At the Ruskin …A Holiday Themed Evening of One Act Comedies written by Eugene Pack to be presented at the Ruskin Group Theatre for one night only December 16th 2019 .
(12/17/2019) - Attendees will enter a nightclub in 1963 Germany just under the shadow of the Berlin Wall where everyone is a spy and no one can be trusted. During the evening, CRIMSON CABARET guests will engage with secret agents and be slipped notes with assigned missions to complete throughout the evening. All guests are required to dress in 1960s appropriate cocktail party attire and assume a character of their choosing, then bring that character into the space and be ready to do what is asked of you and find the right person who can lead you in the direction where your skills are required during this multi-sensory, immersive theatrical experience. But you see, since everyone is dressed appropriately, how can you possibly know who to trust and who is really playing for the wrong team on this side of the wall?
(12/17/2019) - The Group Rep's world premiere production of A Twisted Christmas Carol, written by Phil Olson, directed by Doug Engalla, produced by Alyson York, a Texas style spoof of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol,” played to a sold out crowd at opening night. The play runs December 15, 2019 through January 12, 2020, Upstairs at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood, California.
(12/16/2019) - TROUBADOUR THEATER COMPANY continues its 25th Silver anniversary season (bringing Los Angeles audiences a quarter century of mayhem!), with their 18th annual holiday offering, A CHRISTMAS Carole King, with musical direction by Derrick Finely choreography by Matt Walker, Suzanne Jolie Narbonne and Luis 'L.T.' Martinez, and adapted & directed by Matt Walker. A CHRISTMAS Carole King will preview on Saturday, December 7 at 4pm & 8pm; Sunday, December 8 at 4pm; Thursday, December 12 at 8pm; and will open on Friday, December 13 at 8pm and perform through Sunday, December 22 at 4pm at the El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood.
(12/14/2019) - The Troubies continues its 25th Silver anniversary season (bringing Los Angeles audiences a quarter century of mayhem!), with their 18th annual holiday offering of A CHRISTMAS CAROLE KING adapted & directed by Matt Walker with musical direction by Derrick Finely, in which the soulful sounds of songstress Carole King are combined with one of the most enduring stories of our time, and the result is 'So Far Away' from what you'd expect! The nine cast members who play a multitude of characters and change costumes more frequently than seems humanly possible, are (in alphabetical order): Rick Batalla, Chelle Denton, Beth Kennedy, Janelle Lillian, Luis a?oeL.T.a?? Martinez, Mike Sulprizio, Cloie Wyatt Taylor, Matt Walker and David C. Wright. And you could not ask for a more talented, off-the-wall group of entertainers to bring this holiday laugh fest back every December to appreciative local audiences!
(12/13/2019) - Chance Theater, Anaheim's official resident theater company, is excited to present an encore presentation of our 2018 production of A Charlie Brown Christmas as part of our 2019 Holiday Series!
(12/13/2019) - Taking the film and its music to the next level, The Wallis and For The Record are presenting a holiday season encore of last year's LOVE, ACTUALLY LIVE world premiere in the Bram Stoker Theater at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills through December 29. The multimedia presentation, adapted and directed by Anderson Davis with musical supervision by Jesse Vargas, turns the theater into a giant, immersive, cinema in a three-dimensional world where the film and live action seamlessly intertwine throughout the London setting. Each scene is a festival of excellent characterizations, extraordinary lighting effects and costumes, brilliant and fast-paced direction and choreography, and the joy of great music that perfectly expresses the mood and themes of the movie and jukebox musical LOVE ACTUALLY LIVE. No doubt this suburb holiday musical will be making its return to The Wallis each December!
(12/13/2019) - In the fifth incarnation of POP's trademark production, a new batch of hand-crafted, vegan, organically-sourced hipsters take the stage for what is quickly becoming an annual Los Angeles holiday tradition. In it, Puccini's 19th Century Parisian garret becomes a present-day Highland Park loft apartment in the hills between downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena during a particularly cold SoCal winter. LA's housing crisis comes to life on stage as the artist, poet, philosopher, musician, and seamstress become a graphic designer, screenplay writer, English major, indie-rocker, and fashion designer dealing with the timeless issues of life, love, jealousy, illness, and overdue bills.
(12/12/2019) - Rubicon Theatre audiences are invited to “rejoice and be plaid” this holiday season as Ventura's non-profit professional theatre company presents the hilarious and heartwarming musical comedy PLAID TIDINGS, which begins previews December 11 and continues through December 29 at the theatre's home in Ventura's Downtown Cultural District. The production is directed by the original creator STUART ROSS, a beloved member of the New York and L.A. theatre community whose vast credits include Broadway and work with Manhattan Theatre Club, Radio City Music Hall, the Public Theatre, York Theatre, San Diego's Old Globe, and Pasadena Playhouse, where PLAID TIDINGS originally premiered.
(12/11/2019) - TROUBADOUR THEATER COMPANY continues its 25th Silver anniversary season (bringing Los Angeles audiences a quarter century of mayhem!), with their 18th annual holiday offering, A CHRISTMAS CAROLE KING, with musical direction by Derrick Finely choreography by Matt Walker, Suzanne Jolie Narbonne and Luis “L.T.” Martinez, and adapted & directed by Matt Walker.
