Interview: Playwright Israel López Reyes of THE LITTLE KING OF NORWALK
by Shari Barrett - Oct 1, 2025
The Little King of Norwalk by Israel López Reyes is a modern barrio fable about power, politics and the price of survival, set against a real-life scandal that unfolded last year when Norwalk imposed a ban on shelters, supportive housing, and businesses that traditionally serve the poor. I spoke with him about the genesis and world premiere staging of the play at LATC
Cast Announced For The World Premiere Of THE YOUNG DOLPHINS
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 17, 2025
HERO Theatre has announced the cast for the world premiere of The Young Dolphins written and directed by Elisa Bocanegra, performing at the Rosenthal Theater at Inner-City Arts in Los Angeles. The Young Dolphins is a co-production with Inner-City Arts.
Review: LA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE DIOS INANTZIN at Latino Theatre Company
by Andrew Child - Dec 4, 2023
It feels like a slight to write about this piece as just another theatrical performance offered this time of year. The community clearly comes out in droves to hear the choral narrations, see the beautiful artistry of Vanessa M. Gomez’ tilmas, and celebrate a treasured story.
Review: JULIUS CAESAR at Independent Shakespeare Company in Griffith Park
by Evan Henerson - Jul 23, 2023
Atmosphere, this CAESAR has aplenty. What David Melville’s production does not have this time is particularly strong acting. Players in several key roles felt miscast, out of synch with their own characters, with fellow players or, in some cases, both. As a result, the production is not great at making us emotionally invest.
Interview: David Melville on Directing Shakespeare's Gritty Political Thriller JULIUS CAESAR
by Shari Barrett - Jul 9, 2023
Given recent events and political drama, including propaganda used to sway the public, nothing should surprise modern audiences when it comes to politics. But perhaps the most well-known dramatic representation of political intrigue takes place in Shakespeare’s classic play Julius Caesar, which centers around the events that led to his assassination by Roman senators on the 'Ides of March' (March 15) 44 B.C.E. I decided to speak with David Melville about how the production will differ from more traditional staging and why he decided it would be a good fit for audiences.
Ghost Road Company Returns With World Premiere THE DRY YEARS
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 17, 2022
The Ghost Road Company will present the World premiere of The Dry Years, our first full production since 2019. Conceived by Ghost Road ensemble members John Guerra and Christine Breihan, the show is set to open on Saturday, February 4, 2023, 8PM at the Broadwater Main Stage in Hollywood, CA.
Theatricum Botanicum Presents THE LAST, BEST SMALL TOWN
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 30, 2021
Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum presents the world premiere of The Last, Best Small Town, a modern-day “Our Town” by L.A.-based Latinx playwright John Guerra. Performances begin Saturday, July 31 on Theatricum's beautiful outdoor stage in Topanga, where they continue through Nov. 7.
Son Of Semele Leaves Home Of 18 Years
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 17, 2021
Award-winning theatre company Son of Semele Ensemble is announcing its departure from their Silver Lake home of 18 years. Led by Founding Artistic Director Matthew McCray since 2000, the company has been in residence at 3301 Beverly Boulevard in a black box theatre they created in 2003.
Coeurage Ensemble Announces THE NOMAD PROJECT
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 16, 2020
Coeurage Ensemble, LA's Pay What You Want performance company, has announced the launch of its new initiative of immersive, location-specific storytelling experiences, The Nomad Project. The first endeavor under the new artistic leadership of Joseph V. Calarco and Amanda McRaven, The Nomad Project debuts with nine individual audio stories by 10 Los Angeles playwrights and screenwriters.
Company of Angels Presents WHAT'S GOING ON? A Virtual Play Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 27, 2020
Celebrating 60 years as Los Angelesa?? oldest non-profit theater company, Company of Angels presents a live-streamed event Whata??s Going On? A Virtual Play Festival: Watch Whata??s Going On? live on Saturday, August 1 & 8 at 8 PM PST on Youtube at https://bit.ly/CoAWhatsGoingOn, Facebook Live at Facebook.com/CompanyofAngels or via their Website at companyofangels.org/whatsgoingon
BWW Review: Timely New Play HUMAN INTEREST STORY Focuses on Homelessness, Celebrity Worship and Truth in American Journalism
by Shari Barrett - Feb 24, 2020
This thought-provoking testament to the universal struggle of living day-to-day in a society whose apathy seems to know no bounds for the down-and-out will grab your attention and keep you at the edge of your seat as Jane Doe's story unfolds. Tanya Alexander's magnificent ability to morph herself from a homeless woman in dirty clothing, sitting on a park bench holding a sign stating a?oeI am NOT Invisiblea?? allows us to see where she has been and how much she really desires to pick herself up by her bootstraps and do whatever is necessary to survive. As she achieves celebrity status, Alexander opens to heart and soul and lets us see into Jane Doe's guilt of having survived when others have not. And as Jane Doe's fortunes rise, Alexander is costumed to perfection in lovely, form-fitting dresses designed by Shon LeBlanc that would allow Jane Doe to shine anywhere.
Photo Flash: World Premiere of HUMAN INTEREST STORY at the Fountain Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 17, 2020
The Fountain Theatre presents the world premiere of a timely new play, written and directed by Stephen Sachs (Arrival & Departure, Citizen: An American Lyric, Bakersfield Mist), about homelessness, celebrity worship and truth in American journalism. Human Interest Story opens at the Fountain on Feb. 15, where performances continue through April 5.
BWW Interview: HUMAN INTEREST STORY's Chameleon Actor Rob Nagle On Choosing Roles, Classics & L.A. Theatre
by Gil Kaan - Jan 28, 2020
A stalwart member of the Los Angeles Theatre community, the multi-award-winning Rob Nagle will next be appearing on the Fountain Theatre stage in the world premiere of Stephen Sachs' HUMAN INTEREST STORY, opening February 15, 2020. Rob essays Andy Kramer, who just having been laid off, fabricates a letter to the editor; then, has to mastermind an elaborate charade to justify it. Rob's HUMAN INTEREST STORY onstage accomplices include: Tanya Alexander, Richard Azurdia, Aleisha Force, James Harper, Matt Kirkwood and Tarina Pouncy.
The ever-busy Rob managed to find some time to answer a few of my queries.
World Premiere Of HUMAN INTEREST STORY By Stephen Sachs Announced At Fountain Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 13, 2020
a?oeThe line between where you are now and sleeping in your car is much thinner than you think.a?? The Fountain Theatre presents the world premiere of a timely new play, written and directed by Stephen Sachs (Arrival & Departure, Citizen: An American Lyric, Bakersfield Mist), about homelessness, celebrity worship and the assault on American journalism. Human Interest Story opens at the Fountain on Feb. 15, where performances continue through April 5.