Chris Winfield News

One faces an undeniably horrendous situation that will only get worse before it gets better...and the clincher?... it is fueled by love. That's the trap created by Frawley Becker in his play Tiger by the Tail now playing at Group rep in Noho through April 19. The tender theme is made sweeter by smooth direction and a terribly appealing cast. For those who are not afraid to follow their feelings of romance and take the plunge into the realm of the unknown, Tiger by the Tail is most worthwhile.

The Group Rep presents the west coast premiere of Frawley Becker's searing drama 'Tiger by the Tail' directed by Jules Aaron, produced by Richard Alan Woody and Frawley Becker. The play runs today, March 6th through April 19th, Todays and Saturdays at 8PM, Sundays at 2PM, at the Lonny Chapman Theatre located at the edge of the NoHo Arts District in North Hollywood, CA.

The Group Rep presents the west coast premiere of Frawley Becker's searing drama 'Tiger by the Tail' directed by Jules Aaron, produced by Richard Alan Woody and Frawley Becker. The play runs March 6th through April 19th, Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM, Sundays at 2PM, at the Lonny Chapman Theatre located at the edge of the NoHo Arts District in North Hollywood, CA.

Folks who are unfamiliar with the Don't Hug Me series of shows need look no further than at the signs in the lobby of the group rep that say 'Have a Crappie Day!' It's obvious that the show inside is unlike any other with an unmistakable individuality and peculiarly regional point of view, that everyone can relate to. We've all known people like these crazy characters. In a long series of Don't Hug Me productions the Olson Brothers are at it again, this time around with Don't Hug Me, We're Married, now onstage in NoHo through November 15.

The Group Rep presents the world premiere musical comedy Don't Hug Me, We're Married with book and lyrics by Phil Olson, music by Paul Olson, directed by Doug Engalla, choreography by Stan Mazin, and produced by Laura Coker for the Group Rep. The fifth in the popular Don't Hug Me series of musicals is set for a limited run, October 3rd through November 15th, at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in the NoHo Theatre and Arts District - North Hollywood, CA.

Sex in a title is an eye-catching titillation guaranteed to attract an audience. I had never seen It's Just Sex originally, so I thought, 'OMG, let's do it - no pun intended - and be done with it'. Is it about sex for the sake of sex or what? Hardly. The play is not a parody of the porn industry or about consistently rampant promiscuity. Not that there's isn't sex involved or that the actors are not appealing. It is and they are, but, in the long run , there is much, much more. In fact, you leave the theatre gaining more from it than you expected, going in. It's Just Sex had an 11-year run in LA before it spent a year off-Broadway; now it returns with a brand-spanking new and electric cast to the Secret Rose Theatre for continued fun, games and plenty of food for thought, through October 26.

In It's Just Sex, producer Rick Shaw has concocted the perfect cocktail for the main soiree of this piece; expertly blending one part-genius script of Jeff Gould; one part-firm and slick-paced directing by himself (Rose); one part-clean, efficient, non-obtrusive production elements; and seven parts-talented troupe of actors.

Tennessee Williams' classic A Streetcar Named Desire is revered as one of the greatest plays of the 20th century with Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski, two of the most fascinating characters in theatrical history. Written in the 40s, the play does have many dated elements, but given a taut, well-honed production, its beautifully poetic passages still inspire...and its raw passions can ignite fireworks. Now onstage at the group rep in NoHo, Streetcar may be a daring choice for this company, but under L. Flint Esquerra's caring and detailed direction and with four actors perfectly cast in the lead roles, it is something to sing about.

The Ghost of Gershwin/A New Old-Fashioned Musical/book by Doug Haverty/music by Wayland Pickard/lyrics by Wayland Pickard & Laura Manning/directed by Jules Aaron/Group rep at Lonny Chapman Theatre, NoHo/through June 22

The Group Rep presents the world premiere musical 'The Ghost of Gershwin,' with music by Wayland Pickard, book by Doug Haverty, lyrics by Laura Manning, directed by Jules Aaron, choreographed by Michele Bernath, and produced by Richard Alan Woody. The play runs today, May 9 through June 22, 2014, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm at the Lonny Chapman Theatre at the edge of the NoHo Arts District.

The Group Rep presents the world premiere musical 'The Ghost of Gershwin,' with music by Wayland Pickard, book by Doug Haverty, lyrics by Laura Manning, directed by Jules Aaron, choreographed by Michele Bernath, and produced by Richard Alan Woody. The play runs May 9 through June 22, 2014, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm at the Lonny Chapman Theatre at the edge of the NoHo Arts District.

Boeing Boeing/by Marc Camoletti/translated by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans/directed by Larry Eisenberg/Group rep/through April 13

The Group Rep presents the World Premiere Comedy, MOM'S GIFT, written by Phil Olson, directed by Sherry Netherland, and produced by Laura Coker for the Group Rep. The play runs Todays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm from December 6th, 2013 to January 19, 2014 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre (10900 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood 91601).

The Group Rep presents the World Premiere Comedy, MOM'S GIFT, written by Phil Olson, directed by Sherry Netherland, and produced by Laura Coker for the Group Rep. The play runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm from December 6th, 2013 to January 19, 2014 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre (10900 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood 91601).

Georges Feydeau and Maurice Desvallieres wrote the French farce Hotel Paradiso in 1894 to be enjoyed by a French audience. Any translation of it should keep the culture and manners of the people intact as their risque behavior is representative of the Parisian upper class of the time. In Group rep's new production, updated to 1920s Paris, director Drina Durazo has sadly forgotten about the French element, so instead of a rich crepe, what we get is a pancake. She has her actors wonderfully performing the mechanics of farce, but unfortunately, the flavor is American, all the way. But, it's a bold effort for Group rep, and many of the actors do superb work, through August 11.

The Group Rep presents the French farce by Georges Feydeau and Maurice Desvallieres, translation by Peter Glenville, directed by Drina Durazo, produced by Sherry Netherland. Slamming doors, trysts and secret assignations abound when no one is whom they appear to be in this hilarious, head-spinning bedroom comedy. The show runs tonight, June 28 - August 11, 2013.

The Group Rep presents the French farce by Georges Feydeau and Maurice Desvallieres, translation by Peter Glenville, directed by Drina Durazo, produced by Sherry Netherland. Slamming doors, trysts and secret assignations abound when no one is whom they appear to be in this hilarious, head-spinning bedroom comedy. The show runs June 28 - August 11, 2013.

How do you stage the performance of an amateur tap class believably? Should the big contest production number be like the finale of A Chorus Line, the way I have seen it done on the Equity stage, or should it be shown less professional, somewhat flawed, in a more play it as it comes fashion? The thing to remember about the script of Stepping Out is that it's not a musical, but a play with music and it's about a community tap class for adults - which means that most are amateurs who will learn to tap but not so well that they will go on to have a dance career! Director Stan Mazin has wisely chosen the more realistic approach, keeping his actors focused on the play and on characterization in Group rep's current production of Stepping Out onstage through March 24. For all its worth, great tapping is always fun to watch - and it's not bad here when you stop and consider that most of the actors have never tapped before their prep for this show. Urgent to keep in mind: in Stepping Out, the play's the thing, about problematic people and how they support one another. It's an ode to friendship, to community living, warts and all, and to the joy a little once-a-week evening class can bring into people's lives. Group rep's production certainly gives us all of this, while displaying miles of heart.

In Steve Peterson's interview below, director Larry Eisenberg talks about his theatre background and what led him to choose SHERLOCK'S LAST CASE for Group Rep.

The Group Rep presents Charles Marowitz' Sherlock's Last Case directed by Larry Eisenberg, produced by Drina Durazo, tonight, November 30, 2012, through January 13, 2013. Get a first look at the production in the photos below!