Review: Michael Arden Directs ANNIE with Creative Ingenuity at the Hollywood Bowl
by Shari Barrett
- Jul 29, 2018
Even if you have seen it before, I cannot stress enough how miraculous the current production of ANNIE is at the Hollywood Bowl, directed with creative ingenuity by Michael Arden. Featured in the cast of incredibly talented triple-threat (acting, singing, dancing) performers are Ana Gasteyer as the ruthless headmistress Miss Agatha Hannigan, David Alan Grier as the refined, generous billionaire Oliver 'Daddy' Warbucks, Lea Salonga as his dedicated and caring assistant Grace Farrell, with newcomer Kaylin Hedges as Annie, who won the role over hundreds of other young girls from across the country who submitted video auditions to win role. Miss Hedges is the cornerstone of the production and her soaring, pitch-perfect voice and effervescent stage presence setting the jubilant tone for the entire ensemble.
BWW Review: Salonga, Grier, Hilty, Bart & Company Lead Charming Arden-directed ANNIE at the Hollywood Bowl
by Michael Quintos
- Jul 28, 2018
Quite possibly the most popular family-friendly stage musical of all time, ANNIE---the classic 1977 Tony Award winner for Best Musical based on Harold Gray's 'Little Orphan Annie' comic strip---seems like a no-brainer choice to appear as the annual all-star summer musical at the world-famous Hollywood Bowl. So it's actually not a surprise that this plucky, unabashedly charming production---now causing giddy bursts of laughter and collective choruses of 'awwww's' at Hollywood's iconic 18,000-seat outdoor arena for two more performances this weekend---is such a perfect fit. And judging by its marvelous opening night performance this past Friday, July 27, the production itself is sure to win over anyone in attendance of its remaining shows.
Roger Bart, Ali Stroker & More Complete Cast of Hollywood Bowl's ANNIE
by Julie Musbach
- Jul 5, 2018
Casting is now complete for the Hollywood Bowl's upcoming production of Annie. The new cast members are Roger Bart as Daniel 'Rooster' Hannigan, Kaylin Hedges as Annie, Ali Stroker as 'Star-to-Be,' Amir Talai as Bert Healy, Marlow Barkley as Kate, Amadi Chapata as Pepper, Noe Lynds as July, Rae Martinez as Tessie, Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja as Molly, and Olivia Zenetzis as Duffy.
Artemis Women In Action Film Festival Announces its 2018 Winners
by Macon Prickett
- Apr 3, 2018
What seemed like an impossible task, the Artemis Women In Action Film Festival (AWIFF) has chosen the winners from its staggering number of entries this year. Filmmakers who featured strong female characters entered this cause célèbre from around the world, an increasing record for the fast-rising festival, geared to honor female action and empowerment heroes to movie enthusiasts everywhere. With films about women overcoming great odds, saving lives, stopping wars, and other socially relevant themes, every film in the festival, ranging from dramas to documentaries offers their audiences something unique and engaging.
AN OCTOROON Extends Through July at Berkeley Rep
by BWW News Desk
- Jul 6, 2017
Following an overwhelmingly positive response from critics and audiences, Berkeley Rep has announced that the West Coast premiere of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' An Octoroon will extend for an additional week. Originally scheduled to close on July 23, the provocative play will now run through Saturday, July 29.
HIDDEN FIGURES & LA LA LAND are Motion Picture Winners at 4th Annual Location Managers Guild Awards
by Julie Musbach
- Apr 9, 2017
The Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) announced the winners of its 4th Annual Location Managers Guild International Awards tonight. The event honored the outstanding and creative international contributions of location professionals and film commissions in seven categories of film, television and commercials. The black-tie awards ceremony took place at the Steven J. Ross Theater at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank before an audience of 500, including LMGI members, industry executives and press. Dinner Party Download's Rico Gagliano served as host.
Review Roundup: Michael Arden's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
by Ashlee Latimer
- Dec 9, 2016
Legendary American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim's masterwork Merrily We Roll Along is revisited in a new production under the direction of Tony Award nominee Michael Arden (Spring Awakening), playing at the Bram Goldsmith Theater stage at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts through December 18.
Michael Arden's Starry MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Starts Tonight at the Wallis
by BWW News Desk
- Nov 23, 2016
Legendary American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim's masterwork Merrily We Roll Along is revisited in a new production under the direction of Tony Award nominee Michael Arden (Spring Awakening) set for the Bram Goldsmith Theater stage at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts from tonight, November 23, through December 18.
BWW Review: Forever Entertaining FANTISTICKS Receives a Sterling Production at Pasadena Playhouse
by Don Grigware
- Sep 13, 2016
The longest running musical in the world The Fantasticks is always at its best when produced and performed with simplicity. When I first saw it in New York in the 60s, it was performed in a cabaret space against a brick wall, with the suspension of a paper moon above. You can't get much simpler than that. In the current revival at the Pasadena Playhouse, the setting is bigger: a dilapidated, war-torn theatre in Southern California, shuttered since 1969, into which the actors enter to create art. The space may be bigger than the original, but the fine work on display maintains simplicity, especially in its message of love. This is a stunning production, one of the very best I have seen, with a magnificent interracial cast under the seamless direction of Seema Sueko.
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