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Los Angeles Interviews

The latest interviews about live + streaming theatre in Los Angeles.

Interview: Aaron Ellis on Portraying Leo Frank in PARADE at Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center by Shari Barrett - March 05, 2024

Leo Frank led a comfortable life as a Jewish American in New York City who transferred to Marietta, Georgia to manage his wife’s uncle’s pencil factory. In 1912, he was accused of raping and murdering one of the young factory girls during the town’s July 4th parade, and was brought to trial where he was unjustly convicted. I decided to speak with actor Aaron Ellis on what it means to him to be taking on the role of Leo Frank, especially since the resurgence of racism and antisemitism are running...

Interview: Alaska Thunderfuck Reunites With Joey McIntyre For DRAG: THE MUSICAL by Gil Kaan - March 12, 2024

DRAG: The Musical, written by drag superstar Alaska Thunderfuck (with Tomas Costanza and Ashley Gordon), will be returning to The Bourbon Room March 15, 2024 on its way to its New York debut. Emmy-nominated Spencer Liff again directs and choreographs, this time with the cast of Alaska, Nick Adams, Joey McIntyre, Jujubee, Manila Luzon, Jan Sport, Lagoona Bloo, Nick Laughlin, Jamie Torcellini, J. Elaine Marcos and Kayden Koshelev. I had already interviewed Alaska for the 2022 production. This time...

Interview: Howard Skora Returns For More FREUD ON COCAINE
by Gil Kaan - March 18, 2024

Howard Skora’s Freud On Cocaine returns to the Whitefire Theater March 29, 2024, after a repeatedly extended run just last year. Playwright Howard also directs his cast of: Jonathan Slavin, Barry Brisco, Aaron LaPlante, Mitch Rosander, Sara Maraffino, Sigute Miller and Amy Smallman-Winston....

Interview: Bruce Nozick Slickly Wears His BESPOKE OVERCOAT
by Gil Kaan - March 14, 2024

Currently at Pacific Resident Theatre, Wolf Mankowitz’ The Bespoke Overcoat which opened March 9, 2024. Marilyn Fox & Dana Jackson co-direct the cast of: Harry Herman, Robert Lesser, Bruce Nozick and Tobias Echeverria. Had the chance to cover Bruce with some queries on bespoking his Overcoat. ...

Interview: Alaska Thunderfuck Reunites With Joey McIntyre For DRAG: THE MUSICAL
by Gil Kaan - March 12, 2024

DRAG: The Musical, written by drag superstar Alaska Thunderfuck (with Tomas Costanza and Ashley Gordon), will be returning to The Bourbon Room March 15, 2024 on its way to its New York debut. Emmy-nominated Spencer Liff again directs and choreographs, this time with the cast of Alaska, Nick Adams, J...

Interview: Pedro Antonio Garcia Makes a Strong Case for a Real-Life WITNESS ROOM
by Gil Kaan - March 11, 2024

The Whitefire Theatre world premieres Pedro Antonio Garcia’s The Witness Room March 23, 2024. Whitefire Theatre’s artistic director Bryan Rasmussen directs the cast of: Tricia Small, Dave Baez, Louie Liberti and Mitch Rosander. Pedro found time from preproduction to answer a few of my queries....

Interview: Nick Ullett Throws A THEATRICAL CATASTROPHE of THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
by Gil Kaan - March 05, 2024

Nick Ullett’s The Birthday Party: A Theatrical Catastrophe world premiered March 2, 2024 at the Rogue Machine at the Matrix. Lisa James directs Nick in his real-life account of the cancellation of The Birthday Party in 2014. After a successful opening weekend, Nick found some time to answer a few of...

Interview: Michael Orland Enjoys/Loves Being Continuously Booked & Always Giving Back
by Gil Kaan - March 01, 2024

The consistently busy musical director Michael Orland books gigs on both coasts juggling the multitude of vocalists all vying to have his piano expertise to accompany them. One of his next shows in Los Angeles will be his Open Mic Event at the Write-Off Room March 22, 2024. Michael managed to answer...

Interview: Barry Pearl's FOOTLOOSE & Always Fancy-Free
by Gil Kaan - February 21, 2024

Panic! Productions & BarCinBoo Productions’ Footloose the Musical will open at the Colony Theatre March 2, 2024 (with previews beginning March 1st). Barry Pearl directs with co-director/choreographer Michelle Elkin. Barry managed to free up some time to give me some behind-the-scenes of Footloose....

Interview: Kristen Adele Calhoun Excitedly World Premieres Her BLACK CYPRESS BAYOU
by Gil Kaan - February 20, 2024

The world premiere of Kristen Adele Calhoun’s Black Cypress Bayou has already begun at the Geffen Playhouse. Tiffany Nichole Greene directs the cast of: Amber Chardae Robinson, Brandee Evans, Angela Lewis and Kimberly Scott. After a successful opening weekend, Kristen managed to find some time to an...

Interview: Playwright Catya McMullen on the World Premiere of ARROWHEAD produced by IAMA Theatre Company
by Shari Barrett - February 09, 2024

Catya McMullen (pictured), a native New Yorker, now finds herself at home in Los Angeles. While working in film and television, her life-long love of theater inspired her to write plays. The world premiere of Arrowhead is her first being presented here, produced by IAMA at Atwater Village Theatre, d...

Interview: Luke Yankee's Being Me in MARILYN, MOM & ME
by Gil Kaan - February 01, 2024

Luke Yankee’s Marilyn, Mom & Me world premieres February 16, 2024, at the International City Theatre. Written by Luke, he also directs the cast of Laura Gardner, Alisha Soper, Jacquelin Lorraine Schofield, Brian Rohan and Noah Wagner....

Interview: Cassandra Marie Murphy's Sharpening Her Acting Chops in SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
by Gil Kaan - February 01, 2024

A Noise Within puts their unique spin on Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street opening February 17, 2024 (with previews starting February 11th). ANW’s co-producing artistic director Julia Rodriguez-Elliott directs the cast of: Geoff Elliott, James Everts,...

Interview: Matthew Bourne Gives a Heart-to-Heart On His Latest Re-Imagining of ROMEO + JULIET & Other Creative Projects
by Gil Kaan - January 28, 2024

Matthew Bourne’s Romeo + Juliet will have its North American Premiere at the Ahmanson January 31, 2024 (with previews starting January 28th). Matthew directs and choreographs his cast of 27 New Adventures dancers. Matthew managed to answer a few of my queries on the phone amidst the background of po...

Interview: Selina Fillinger's Making an Insightful Statement with POTUS
by Gil Kaan - January 23, 2024

Playwright Selina Fillinger’s POTUS Or, Behind Every Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive will be having its Los Angeles premiere at the Geffen Playhouse January 25, 2024 (with previews already started). Jennifer Chambers directs the cast of Ito Aghayere, Alexandra Billings, Lauren Blume...

Interview: Chelsea Sutton's No Fool With Creating CAROUSEL OF FOOLS
by Gil Kaan - January 22, 2024

Rogue Artists Ensemble starts up their 2024 season with a one-night fundraiser Carousel of Fools at the Santa Monica Pier January 25, 2024. Known for its interactive, immersive, site-specific shows with puppetry, Rogue Artists Ensemble will be an interactive, immersive carnival experience utilizing ...

Interview: Guillermo Cienfuegos' Never in the MIDDLE OF THE WORLD - Always in Front
by Gil Kaan - January 22, 2024

Rogue Machine Theatre starts off their 2024 season with the West Coast premiere of Juan José Alfonso’ Middle of the World opening January 27, 2024, at the Matrix Theatre. Guillermo Cienfuegos directs the cast of Cheryl Umaña, Christian Telesmar, Leandro Cano, Jennifer Pollono and Dan Lin. Guillermo ...

Interview: James Urbaniak Yields a Wide BRUSHSTROKE
by Gil Kaan - January 19, 2024

John Ross Bowie’s Brushstroke world premieres at the Odyssey January 27, 2024 (with previews beginning January 23rd). Casey Stangl directs the cast of James Urbaniak, Malcolm Barrett, Brendan Hines and Brendan Hines. James took some time from rehearsals to answer a few of my queries....

Interview: Renee O'Connor on Directing Roald Dahl's MATILDA the Musical for Encore Productions at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
by Shari Barrett - January 15, 2024

Renee O’Connor is perhaps best known as Gabrielle from the popular TV Show Xena Warrior Princess. Along with her roles in many movies, she is now stepping into the role of director for Encore Production’s Matilda, a musical extravaganza featuring cast members of all ages and backgrounds at the Redon...

Interview: Ruskin Group Theatre's Michael Myers' AN EXTRAORDINARY MAN Putting On More Than ONLY A SHOW!
by Gil Kaan - January 13, 2024

Next up for the Ruskin Group Theatre, two shows in tandem – John Colella’s An Extraordinary Ordinary Man and Paul Linke’s It’s Only a Show!, both opening January 13, 2024. Got the chance to ask Ruskin’s producing artistic director Michael Myers a few questions on Ruskin’s current shows and early beg...

Interview: Paul Linke Illuminates Why IT'S not ONLY A SHOW!
by Gil Kaan - January 08, 2024

A long-time collaborator with Charles Nelson Reilly, Paul Linke has co-written It’s Only a Show!, performing as the popular comedian in his one-man tribute to Charles Nelson Reilly. This solo show directed by Edward Edwards opens January 13, 2024 at the Ruskin Group Theatre, 5pm curtain, in tandem w...

Interview: Award-Winning Mezzo Soprano Audrey Babcock on Portraying Santuzza in Pietro Mascagni's CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA
by Shari Barrett - January 08, 2024

The Verdi Chorus, the only choral group in Southern California that focuses primarily on the dramatic and diverse music for opera chorus, continues to celebrate its 40th Anniversary season by presenting its first full-length opera, Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana for one performance only at t...

Interview: Carolyn Ratteray Honors the Women in Her History with BOTH AND
by Gil Kaan - January 08, 2024

Black queer playwright/actress Carolyn Ratteray’s one-woman show Both And (a play about laughing while black) returns to Los Angeles opening at The Wallis January 17, 2024 (with previews starting January 13th). Before the holiday rush, Carolyn found some time to answer a few of my queries....

Interview: Alison Arngrim Unapologetically CONFESSes She Owns A PRAIRIE BITCH
by Gil Kaan - January 07, 2024

Alison Arngrim’s long-running one-woman show Confession of a Prairie Bitch opens the Sierra Madre Playhouse’s 100th anniversary season January 19, 2024. Alison took some time from all her charity work and writing to answer a few of my queries....

Interview: Ever Busy Director/Choreographer Camille A. Brown On Creating INK & More
by Gil Kaan - January 05, 2024

Debbie Allen presents Camille A. Brown & Dancers: ink January 12th and 13th at The Wallis. ink “explores self-empowerment, Black love, brotherhood, and resilience that examines aspects of Black life that are too often appropriated, rewritten, or silenced.” I had the chance to chat with director/chor...

Interview: Natalie Lander's Excitedly Back on the L.A. Boards with SUKKOT
by Gil Kaan - January 04, 2024

The 6th Act world premieres Matthew Leavitt’s SUKKOT opening January 13, 2024; at the Skylight Theatre. Joel Zwick directs the cast of Natalie Lander, Liza Seneca, Andy Robinson and Jonathan Slavin. A regular familiar face on the Los Angeles stages, Natalie carved out some time to answer a few of my...

Interview: Theatre 40 Regular John Combs Finally Joins THE MANOR - MURDER AND MADNESS AT GREYSTONE
by Gil Kaan - January 04, 2024

Theatre 40’s hit immersive drama The Manor- Murder and Madness at Greystone returns for its nineteenth season at the Greystone Mansion January 18, 2024.  Martin Thompson directs the cast of Darby Hinton, Eric Keitel, Daniel Leslie, Carol Potter, Nathalie Rudolph, David Hunt Stafford, Amy Tolsky, Joh...

Interview: Lesli Margherita Jumped at the Chance to be Singing in THE PASADENA PLAYHOUSE HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
by Gil Kaan - December 13, 2023

A new Pasadena Playhouse holiday tradition begins with the premiere of Tony nominee Sam Pinkleton and Randy Blair’s Pasadena Playhouse Holiday Spectacular running December 14th through December 23rd. Sam directs the cast of MaryAnn Hu, Lesli Margherita, George Salazar and Jason Michael Snow. I had t...

Interview: A Comforting Sabrina Sloan's Making Full Circles With A CHRISTMAS STORY
by Gil Kaan - December 06, 2023

Next up at the Ahmanson, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s A Christmas Story opening December 8, 2023 (with previews beginning December 5th). Matt Lenz directs the cast of Chris Carsten, Eric Petersen, Sabrina Sloan, Shelley Regner, Kai Edga, and Henry Witcher; with ensemble members Steven-Adam Agdeppa, ...

Interview: Lea Salonga & Sir David Suchet of SEASON OF LIGHT, CHRISTMAS WITH THE TABERNACLE CHOIR on PBS
by Gil Kaan - December 06, 2023

The Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir holiday special celebrates its 20th year with PBS premiering December 12, 2023. This perennial favorite, PBS’ #1 holiday show each year, this year features guest stars Lea Salonga and Sir David Suchet performing with the 360-membered Tabernacle Choir and 110-p...

Interview: For The Record's Recurring Ruby Lewis Excitedly Returns To LOVE ACTUALLY LIVE
by Gil Kaan - December 01, 2023

For The Record’s perennial holiday favorite Love Actually Live returned to The Wallis November 29, 2023. Commemorating the film’s 20th anniversary, Anderson Davis directs the cast of Tomasina Abate, Madison Taylor Baez, James Byous, Chris Cockrill, Audrey Cymone, Anthony Fedorov, Brayden Gleave, Gra...

Interview: Sandro Monetti Anxious To Have A VERY DIE HARD CHRISTMAS
by Gil Kaan - November 30, 2023

Jeff Schell and The Habit’s A Very Die Hard Christmas opens December 10, 2023 at Theatre 40. Celebrating the film’s 35th anniversary, Sandro Monetti directs this musical parody with the cast of Nick Versteeg, Lauren Samuels, Jesse Merlin, Raymund King, Nick Bredosky, and Theatre 40 favorites Roslyn ...

Interview: Audra McDonald Lighting Up LA Opera Again
by Gil Kaan - November 28, 2023

Broadway legend Audra McDonald returns to LA Opera backed by the LA Opera Orchestra and her four-piece ensemble (led by musical director Andy Einhorn) December 2, 2023. Be prepared to experience the stunning vocals of six-time Tony winner singing her expansive Broadway and opera repertoire filling t...

Interview: John Douglas Thompson On Providing a More Thorough Perspective of William Jennings Bryan in INHERIT THE WIND
by Gil Kaan - November 24, 2023

A re-imagined production of Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s Inherit the Wind is currently playing on the Pasadena Playhouse stage, just extended through December 3, 2023. Michael Michetti directs the cast, led by Alfred Molina & John Douglas Thompson as the battling lawyers in a trial inspired b...

Interview: THE PAST's Brandon Scott Rather Deal More With the PRESENT YET TO COME
by Gil Kaan - November 22, 2023

InHouse Theatre’s next site-specific production Matt Schatz’ The Past, A Present Yet To Come will open December 4, 2023 at The Artisan Studios, moving over to The Ebell of Los Angeles December 11th. Tom Detrinis directs the cast of Keri Safran, Brandon Scott and Rob Welsh.  After returning from his ...

Interview: Isaac Gómez of RADICAL or, are you gonna miss me? at IAMA Theatre Company
by Andrew Child - November 20, 2023

I chatted with writer Isaac Gómez about the world premiere of their new play Radical or, are you gonna miss me? at IAMA Theatre Company. The play, which tells the story of two sisters struggling to navigate a relationship despite major political differences, was inspired in part by a shocking discov...

Interview: Riley Cole on Directing THE HARVEST Immersive Production for Last Call Theatre
by Shari Barrett - November 15, 2023

During the Hollywood Fringe Festival this past June, I twice attended the award-winning The Collective, the first Last Call Theatre immersive production directed by Riley Cole who is also directing the group’s upcoming immersive production called The Harvest, opening this December in downtown Los An...

Interview: Jonathan Rockefeller Has His Hands in All Aspects of THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR HOLIDAY SHOW!
by Gil Kaan - November 11, 2023

The global tour of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Holiday Show! finally makes its Los Angeles debut at the El Portal Theatre November 25, 2023 (playing through January 21, 2024). Based on Eric Carle’s children’s books, show creator Jonathan Rockefeller directs the cast of Paula Moore, Becki Park, Sean ...

Interview: Actor/Writer/Songwriter Kevin Del Aguila Unleashes His DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL
by Gil Kaan - November 11, 2023

Next up for the Center Theatre Group, TheaterWorksUSA’s Dog Man: The Musical opening November 21, 2023 at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. Jen Wineman directs and choreographs this adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s worldwide best-selling book series Dog Man: The Musical. Kevin Del Aguila, who wrote the book and l...

Interview: To Matt Chait, Theatre Is A FAMILY BUSINESS
by Gil Kaan - November 10, 2023

Matt Chait’s A Family Business world premieres November 17, 2023, at the Hudson Mainstage Theatre (with previews November 15th and 16th). Brian Shnipper directs the cast of Eric Stanton Betts, Alli Brown, Michelle Jasso, Lindsay G. Merrithew, Bruce Nozick and Julie Pearl. I had the chance to throw o...

Interview: Playwright/Director Chay Yew Leads the Charge for Filipino Inclusion with THE HOUSE OF BALUYOT: A FILIPINO ORESTEIA
by Gil Kaan - November 09, 2023

Next up at the Getty Villa Theater Lab, Guelan Varela-Luarca and Chay Yew’s The House of Baluyot: A Filipino Oresteia for two performances only November 18th and 19th. Guelan and Chay also direct this work-in-progress with the cast of Ramon de Ocampo, Tess Lina, Zandi De Jesus, Reggie Lee, Andres Pa...

Interview: Zachary Reeve Davidson of Coin & Ghost On Directing MAMA MAMA CAN'T YOU SEE
by Shari Barrett - November 09, 2023

Zachary Reeve Davidson is the Founding Artistic Director of Coin & Ghost, the group presenting Mama Mama Can’t You See, an explosive new play about human connection and the mythology of war written by ex-Marine Stan Mayer and Cecilia Fairchild. Davidson is directing and choreographing, opening Novem...



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