BWW Review: THE STILL ALARM and BLACK COMEDY Share the Stage at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre
by Shari Barrett - May 10, 2015
Farce is a very difficult type of comedy to do well. It takes the ability of actors to present real characters in outrageously unreal situations so that we care about what happens to them. Just using over-the-top mannerisms and loud vocalizations does not accomplish this, and what you wind up seeing onstage are caricatures rather than real people who just get caught in outrageous situations beyond their control. Such is the case with the two one acts now being presented at Santa Monica's Morgan-Wixson Theatre, The Still Alarm by George S. Kaufman and Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer.
BWW Reviews: NOISES OFF Proves Whatever Can Go Wrong Onstage is Even Funnier Backstage!
by Shari Barrett - Oct 4, 2014
In 1970, Michael Frayn, the English playwright who would go on to write NOISES OFF, was standing backstage in the wings watching a performance of another farce he had written, "The Two of Us." Of this performance, he said, 'It was funnier from behind than in front, and I thought that one day I must write a farce from behind.' By the late 70s, Frayn had taken a crack at the concept with a short-lived one-act play called "Exits" before fleshing out and expanding the piece into the hilarious three-act NOISES OFF, now brilliantly staged at the Morgan-Wixson in Santa Monica.
BWW Reviews: THE FOREIGNER is Billed as a Comedy, but Contains an Unfortunate and Shocking Ending
by Shari Barrett - Dec 3, 2013
THE FOREIGNER is billed a two-act comedy by American playwright Larry Shue. It has been revived a great many times, from the high school to the professional level, including a well-received 2004 off-Broadway production featuring Matthew Broderick as Charlie. That description certainly sugar coats the unfortunate and shocking ending which has no place being on any stage in America.
Culver City Public Theatre Kicks Off Season Tomorrow With THE ODYSSEY
by Kelsey Denette - Jul 13, 2012
Culver City Public Theatre (CCPT) opens its 14th season of free family friendly summer shows July 14th in Dr. Paul Carlson Park. All performances are open to the public. Founded in 1998, CCPT (a donation and grant supported 501c3 non-profit) is a member of the American Association of Community Theatres (AACT).