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BWW Feature: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE by Kentwood Players Opens 9/17by Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(08/16/2021) - During the past year's shutdown, Kentwood Players has been diligently working on significant repairs, renovations, and upgrades to the Westchester Playhouse. And now, Kentwood Players, one of the longest continuously operating Los Angeles theater groups, is pleased to announce the re-opening of VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, a comedy by Christopher Durang, on Friday, September 17 and continuing through Sunday, October 10, 2021 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm.
Photos: Inside Rehearsals For TUESDAY NIGHT 3:30 AM By Lucy Gladstoneby Chloe Rabinowitz - Los Angeles
(08/12/2021) - Check out a sneak peak into the rehearsal room for Lucy Gladstone's new play Tuesday Night 3:30 AM which will debut with Leo Rising Theatre Co later this month. The cast includes Ria Gaudioso (she/her) and Mads Felder (they/them) as Clo and Mo.
BWW Interview: Lola Boutée on THE DOLLFACE DAMES In Person And On Demandby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(08/12/2021) - I first discovered the Dollface Dames troupe of high-class, Burlesque entertainers in 2017 and have enjoyed their show-stopping style of entertainment at several venues around town since then. But 2020 brought on major changes for all in-person entertainment, so how have the Dollface Dames been keeping their unique brand of Burlesque available to audiences during the shutdown and what's next for them? To find out, I spoke with Lola Boutée who founded the group in 2008.
BWW Feature: NUNSENSE THE MEGA-MUSICAL By Torrance Theatre Companyby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(08/02/2021) - Torrance Theatre Company presents NUNSENSE: THE MEGA-MUSICAL with music, lyrics, and book by Dan Goggin. The musical runs for two weekends August 13-21 at the James Armstrong Theater, 3330 Civic Center Drive in Torrance, 90503. Join the Little Sisters of Hoboken as they try to raise some much needed funds for the convent by presenting a 'talent' show. Catchy tunes, tap-dancing nuns, a wise-cracking puppet, and some of the funniest sisters you've ever seen guarantee a great night at the theatre for everyone!
BWW Feature: Kentwood Players Presents CASTLES IN THE ZOOM by John Mabeyby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(07/26/2021) - Kentwood Players latest Virtual Theater Series production, CASTLES IN THE ZOOM by John Mabey, directed by Susan Goldman Weisbarth, premieres on Sunday, July 25 at 8pm and will stream through Sunday, August 22. Jami Bartlett as Jordan and Shawn 'Lefty' Plunkett as Avery are featured in this funny and touching account of two people who meet at a surprise birthday party on Zoom. The only problem is they are the only ones invited!
Photos: First Look at Playwrights' Arena's Production Of WAITINGby Stephi Wild - Los Angeles
(07/24/2021) - WAITING is inspired by Samuel Beckett’s iconic play, WAITING FOR GODOT. With humor deeply steeped in Latinx culture, and our country’s anti-immigrant policies, WAITING explores the meaning—and absurdities—of identity and belonging. This is a shorter, pandemic version of the playwright’s full-length play, WAITING FOR GODÍNEZ.
BWW Interview: Director Caitlin Lopez on Ophelia's Jump Productions' Twelfth Nightby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(07/17/2021) - Director Caitlin Lopez, the Associate Artistic Director of Ophelia's Jump Productions (OJP) who also serves as Improv Director for the company elaborates, 'Twelfth Night tells the story of Viola who has washed up on the shores of the vibrant and uninhibited Illyria after a shipwreck. In this modern queer fairytale, she and a cast of colorful characters all must discover what it means to truly love and embrace their heart's desires.' I decided to speak with Caitlin about both her directing and appearing in the production, as well as her background with the history of OJP.
Photos: Hometown Theater Honors Marion Ross With Bronze Statueby Stephi Wild - Los Angeles
(07/08/2021) - The bronze statue is dressed as Mrs. Cunningham from the 'Happy Days' series, which ran for 10 years from 1974-1984 and was sculptured using a screen accurate replica of a costume that Marion wore on the show and is seated on a park bench reaching out to invite any passerby to join her.
Photos: The Hollywood Museum Re-Opens with A Tribute to Ruta Leeby A.A. Cristi - Los Angeles
(07/07/2021) - The 1st Event In over a year at the Historic Hollywood Landmark Founder/President, Donelle Dadigan and The Hollywood Museum created what can only be described as a first class who's who celebration for friend and museum supporter Ruta Lee, 'the first of what we hope will be many events back at the Museum,' says Ms Dadigan.
Photo Flash: In Rehearsal With (mostly)musicals' Return to Feinstein's at Vitello'sby Stephi Wild - Los Angeles
(07/05/2021) - This will be the first show in front of a LIVE audience on the Vitello's stage after 16 dark months, and it has sold out in advance.
BWW Feature: THE ART OF FACING FEAR: THE WORLD UNITED by Os Satyros And The Red Curtain Internationalby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(06/28/2021) - After the Brazilian, Afro-European and North American montages of the digital play “The Art of Facing Fear” in 2020, the company Os Satyros is premiering The World United version in June/July 2021, presented live with actors from Angola, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, China, Cuba, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Korea, Nigeria, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, United Kingdom, USA and Venezuela, who will each perform from their homes, directed by Rodolfo García Vázquez, director of Brazilian company.
BWW Feature: PRIVATE EYES: A BLIND EXPERIENCE by ArtsUp!LA Theatre By The Blindby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(06/24/2021) - Ever wonder what it's like to be blind? Find out on Thursday, July 29, at 8PM when you join an online/virtual performance, 'Private Eyes: A Blind Experience,' an unforgettable event in which audience members become detectives who must use their senses to help solve a mystery case - all while blindfolded! This hour-long interactive audio drama will be performed entirely by blind actors from ArtsUp! LA's nationally recognized program, Theatre By The Blind.
BWW Feature: Join the Cast of VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE by Kentwood Playersby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(06/21/2021) - Are you ready to get back onstage in front of a live, indoor audience at the newly renovated Westchester Playhouse? Kentwood Players is casting the role of CASSANDRA in Christopher Durang’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, directed by Susan Stangl and produced by Alison Boole and Myron Klafter. Now is your chance to join in the fun!
BWW Feature: Announcing the New 2021-22 BOARD OF DIRECTORS at Kentwood Playersby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(06/06/2021) - It's been quite a year and our new Board of Directors looks forward to an exciting 2021-22 Season with our continuing YouTube Channel programming including KP Live Interviews, Special Events and our Virtual Theater Series. And most importantly, the re-launch of our home theater, THE WESTCHESTER PLAYHOUSE, this Fall.
Photo Flash: Go Inside the 28th Annual Race to Erase MS Galaby Stephi Wild - Los Angeles
(06/05/2021) - The event opened with a Spring/Summer 2021 runway show from Hollywood-favorite fashion brand alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet. Lance Bass welcomed everyone to the event, and brought Isabella and Mariella Rickel to the stage, who gave a heartfelt introduction to their mother, Nancy Davis. Nancy thanked everyone for their ongoing commitment to the cause, and expressed her excitement over Earth, Wind & Fire’s upcoming performance.
BWW Feature: WHEN SHAKESPEARE'S LADIES MEET and DISNEY'S ALADDIN JR. at Theatre Palisadesby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(05/29/2021) - With live theatre slowly returning to Los Angeles, Theatre Palisades veteran director Sherman Wayne is presenting 'When Shakespeare's Ladies Meet' by Charles George, which was safely recorded live on April 24th on the Theatre Palisades stage. The one-act 30-minute play is now streaming on the Broadway on Demand platform June 1 through June 5. And the group's Youth Theatre Program is presenting 'Disney's Aladdin Jr.' this summer.
BWW Feature: Changing Narratives in Dance; A Conversation with Misty Copeland and Dada Masiloby Valerie-Jean Miller - Los Angeles
(05/27/2021) - Informative, Inquisitive, Inclusive, Invigorating, Illuminating, Interesting and Introspective. That’s how I would describe the Insightful Conversation between Misty Copeland and Dada Masilo, which was Curated and Produced by The Music Center, with Dance Media and Dance Magazine..
BWW Feature: A NIGHT WITH GILBERT & SULLIVAN to Benefit Kentwood Playersby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(05/24/2021) - During the past year's pandemic shutdown, Kentwood Players has been working on very necessary upgrades to their home, the Westchester Playhouse, so that when the time is right to reopen it will be totally up-to-date and compliant with all necessary safety protocols to ensure the enjoyment of live indoor theatre again! To assist in raising funds for the ongoing and much-needed major renovations, the public is invited to attend A NIGHT WITH GILBERT & SULLIVAN, a very special online benefit event of music and entertainment written by the Kings of Patter, presented on the Kentwood Players You Tube channel on Friday, May 28 at 7pm at youtube.com/kentwoodplayers
BWW Interview: Gloria Gifford on Directing LOVERS AND OTHER STRANGERSby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(05/18/2021) - Here is my interview with Gloria Gifford about presenting LOVERS AND OTHER STRANGERS live-streamed online as well as her Gloria Gifford Conservatory and how she is managing to keep her students active during the past year.
BWW Interview: Writer/Director Michael Leoni on Creating His New Film WHEN TODAY ENDSby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(05/17/2021) - I have been following talented writer/director Michael Leoni who so brilliantly tells stories about young people struggling to find their place in the world from his World Premiere play FAMOUS at the 11:11 Experience in WeHo (now his next film in post-production), to his first film AMERICAN STREET KID, and now WHEN TODAY ENDS. Here are some thoughts he shared about the creation of his latest film.
BWW Interview: Imaginative Director Branda Lock of PYGMALION at Little Fish Theatreby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(05/12/2021) - How a director envisions a production makes all the difference in its prestation to an audience, starting with casting and continuing through rehearsals and all technical aspects of the show. I spoke with Branda Lock on bringing her vivid imagination and directing skills to George Bernard Show’s PYGMALION, filled with unique Lock-inspired changes to the casting which promise to shed new light on this classic tale of class struggles in Shaw’s time.
BWW Interview: Four Female Directors Share Their Personal Histories Within THE ZIP CODE PLAYS: SEASON TWO by Antaeus Theatre Companyby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(05/11/2021) - Antaeus Theatre Company highlights the culture and history of six additional Los Angeles neighborhoods with Season Two of its popular 'The Zip Code Plays: Los Angeles' podcast series, set to launch May 20. Here are my interviews with the four female directors who discuss their own personal histories within the Zip Code Plays they direct. (Gigi Bermingham, Jennifer Chang, Saundra McClain, and Bernadette Speakes)
BWW Interview: Producer Marilyn Fox of A BINTEL BRIEF at Pacific Resident Theatreby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(05/08/2021) - A BINTEL BRIEF, comprised of a selection of sixty years of letters from the lower East Side of New York to The Jewish Daily Forward, a popular local paper among the Yiddish speaking immigrants, is being presented online by Pacific Resident Theatre, I wanted to find out more about how the production was conceived, directed and produced to find out if anyone on the team also shares a family story similar to mine. Here is what producer Marilyn Fox shared with me.
BWW Feature: VIRTUAL THEATER SERIES Schedule at Kentwood Playersby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(04/28/2021) - The non-profit Kentwood Players, founded more than 70 years ago, is one of the longest-lasting community theatre companies in Los Angeles (and the nation.) Through the decades, Kentwood Players has staged more than 400 productions, touching the lives of tens of thousands of people throughout the region and beyond. It has been a haven for artists, a home for creativity and expression, and a reliable resource for high-quality community theatre in the southland, now showcased on the Kentwood Players Virtual Theater Series on You Tube.
BWW Interview: Stu James of SLOW FOOD at International City Theatreby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(04/19/2021) - Stu James answers questions about his virtual theatre appearance in SLOW FOOD, a tender, uproarious comedy by Wendy MacLeod and directed by Marya Mazor for International City Theatre. In this uproarious comedy, a vacationing couple heads to a Greek restaurant in Palm Springs for their anniversary dinner, only to be confronted with the worst service imaginable by a waiter who knows no limits to his meddling.
Photo Flash: First Look at Ferrari Sheppard's Solo Exhibition at UTA Artist Spaceby Chloe Rabinowitz - Los Angeles
(04/16/2021) - Ferrari Sheppard’s solo exhibition at UTA Artist Space is now open through May 15. The ambitious presentation fills all three of the gallery’s exhibition spaces with emotional portraits of influential cultural figures such as Jimi Hendrix and Tupac Shakur, as well as the artist’s friends and family.
BWW Interview: Valerie Schillawski, Jen Knight, and Deborah Moylan of LEGENDS AND BRIDGE at Dramatically Incorrect Theater Group & Dance Companyby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(04/16/2021) - LEGENDS AND BRIDGE is a comedy imagining former, silver-screen legend Joan Crawford (matronly, washed-up, and pickled on spiked Pepsi) who invites Judy Garland (recently fired from her CBS TV show) and Bette Davis (bitter at no longer being the “Queen of Hollywood”) up to her Manhattan apartment in 1964 to live with her as they work on a “secret” film project. I find it difficult to believe anyone reading this does not already know about the three screen legends featured in the show. But just to be sure, I decided to interview the three actors portraying them to find out more about what it was like to portray such well-known personalities.
Photo Flash: IAMA Theatre Company Presents THE OXY COMPLEXby A.A. Cristi - Los Angeles
(03/16/2021) - L.A.’s acclaimed IAMA Theatre Company presents a compelling new solo comedy about female identity by an exciting Latinx-American voice. Filmed live at L.A.’s Pico Playhouse, The Oxy Complex, written and performed by Anna LaMadrid and directed by Michelle Bossy, will premiere virtually on March 21 at www.iamatheatre.com, where it will continue streaming through April 18.
Photo Flash: IAMA Theatre Company Presents ANYONE BUT MEby A.A. Cristi - Los Angeles
(03/16/2021) - L.A.’s acclaimed IAMA Theatre Company presents a compelling new solo comedy about female identity by an exciting Latinx-American voice. Filmed live at L.A.’s Pico Playhouse, Anyone But Me, written and performed by Sheila Carrasco and directed by Margaux Susi, will premiere virtually on March 21 at www.iamatheatre.com, where it will continue streaming through April 18.
PICK OF THE VINE at Little Fish Theatre Streams Online March 5 through 31by Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(02/25/2021) - Founded in 2002 as an artists' ensemble, Little Fish Theatre presents classic and contemporary plays in an intimate setting on Centre Street in the Arts District of downtown San Pedro. With the pandemic forcing the shutdown of live theatre, Little Fish Theatre’s 2021 Virtual Season offers up a tasty serving of this year’s best short plays with Pick of the Vine.
BWW Interview: Mitch Feinstein on his Solo Autobiographical Performance in FOR LOVE OR MONEYby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(02/16/2021) - I recently spoke with writer/performer Mitch Feinstein on this autobiographical journey in FOR LOVE OR MONEY that invites all of us to consider: Can we learn lessons and make changes, or is it too late? Set at the onset of the pandemic, a successful 76-year-old businessman is forced to examine his choices in life, what he thinks he has achieved, and what he feels he has lost. Why did he so fervently quest for money and security at the expense of his own happiness and the trampling of his artistic soul?
BWW Feature: 2021 VIRTUAL THEATER SERIES by Kentwood Playersby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(02/15/2021) - Kentwood Players Virtual Theater Series Continues in 2021 with “Three Syllables of Shame,” “Surf’s Up,” “State of Independence” and “Happy and Gay.” Also seeking new Zoom-formatted plays and directors interested in helming future VTS plays, as well as graphic artists interested in submitting a new logo design!
Photo Flash: International City Theatre Presents ART By Yasmina Rezaby A.A. Cristi - Los Angeles
(02/12/2021) - International City Theatre opens its 36th season with a virtual presentation of Art, a heady, hilarious look at the bonds of friendship viewed through the prism of modern art.
BWW Interview: Playwright and Actor Sarah Hunter on Why DOGS ARE BETTER THAN PEOPLEby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(01/24/2021) - Dogs Are Better Than People, written and performed by Sarah Hunter, and developed and directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson, is an eccentric romp through drinking, bad men, and fabulous dogs who each tell Sarah’s story. But why, you may ask, does Sarah Hunter truly believe that Dogs are better than people? I spoke with her to find out
Kentwood Players to Hold Auditions for STATE OF INDEPENDENCE 1/23-1/24by Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(01/03/2021) - AUDITIONS for STATE OF INDEPENDENCE, a Part of Kentwood Players Virtual Theater Series, Written for Zoom by Paul Koster and Directed by Susan Goldman Weisbarth, will be held via Zoom on Saturday, January 23, 2021, from 12pm – 4pm PST, by appointment only or Sunday, January 24, 2021, 7pm-9pm PST, by appointment only
BWW Feature: THIS WEEKEND at Kentwood Playersby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(12/18/2020) - It's going to be a very busy weekend on December 19 and 20 for Kentwood Players with our 8th Annual Coat Drive, Auditions for 'Surf's Up,' Virtual Theater Series plays 'Recipe' and 'Together, Apart' along with our KP Live interview series on the Kentwood Players You Tube channel. Join us at youtube.com/kentwoodplayers
BWW Feature: Torrance Theatre Company Completes its First PLAY-AT-HOME Series in Decemberby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(12/01/2020) - Torrance Theatre Company is completing its first PLAY-AT-HOME series of online theatrical experiences, designed to entertain audiences during the stay-at-home orders. All productions are performed live onstage within the theater while observing all COVID-19 restrictions, and recorded for broadcast. The final three plays presented in December include Beyond Glory, Driving Miss Daisy, and A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play.
BWW Feature: THE CLAIRVOYANTS Online with Thommy Ten, Amelie van Tass and their dog Mr. Koni Hundiniby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(11/29/2020) - Facing the current challenge of how to keep entertaining audiences, the duo’s new online show was broadcast in English (both speak several languages) on Sunday, November 29 with over 100 people from all over the world in the audience. In addition to never before seen tricks, the show features their dog, Mr. Koni Hundini, a Maltipoo who is always with them, whether at home or on the road. “So, most of the time we know what he is thinking and the other way around,” Amelie shared.
BWW Feature: Torrance Theatre Company Continues Their Play-at-Home Series with ANNAPURNA by Sharr Whiteby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(11/20/2020) - ANNAPURNA is driven by the emotionally charged relationship between a husband and wife. What makes the Torrance Theatre Company's Zoom production not like most others is that a real-life married couple is portraying the two characters, taped together on an actual stage with blocking - just without an in-person audience. Emma's good heart and deep-seated love for her ex shines through thanks to Baker-Kreiswirth's open-hearted and soulful character work, not to mention her loving way of making sure he has the supplies he needs to keep going. But it is Wolski who steals every scene with his wildly-intense emotions on his sleeve as well as his face
BWW Feature: Modern Adaptation of WAR OF THE WORLDS Brings Live Virtual Theater Into a New Realm of Artistic Possibilityby Shari Barrett - Los Angeles
(11/15/2020) - Tonight I witnessed proof that the new medium of virtual theater is being transformed in the minds and hands of young people whose vision of what could be knows no bounds, thanks to MFA and Undergraduate students at Cal State LA whose production of WAR OF THE WORLDS, adapted by Ben Hernandez based on the novel by H.G. Wells and directed by Stephen Rothman, offered a very modern take on the classic Sci Fi tale of aliens invading the Earth, seemingly with destruction of the human race as their goal.
Videos
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The Most Happy Fella North Coast Repertory Theatre (6/03-6/28) |
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In the Blink of an Eye: A Musical Memoir The Pico (6/19-6/21) |
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Chameleon - A New Musical Hudson Theatre - MainStage (6/03-6/07) |
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Melt : The Play The Marilyn Theatre at the Lee Strasberg Institute (6/11-6/13) |
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Hunting the Irish Heiress Newport Theatre Arts Center (6/05-6/05) |
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Mike Blaha: Pivotal Nomad Broadwater Studio (6/07-6/24) |
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MISS MAGNOLIA BEAUMONT GOES TO PROVINCETOWN Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Davidson/Valentini Theatre (6/17-6/28) |
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Jenn Collela: LIVE at the Nikko Feinstein's at the Nikko (6/04-6/05) |
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A Haunting Revue II Impro Theatre (6/06-6/26) |
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My Life is a Sonnet Broadwater Studio (6/07-6/27) |
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