Trouble in Mind, the scathingly funny backstage drama about interracial politics by pioneering African American playwright Alice Childress, will get a revival at Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum beginning July 29.
Trouble in Mind, the scathingly funny backstage drama about interracial politics by pioneering African American playwright Alice Childress, will get a revival at Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum beginning July 29.
There are undoubtedly other productions worthy of merit in 2016 which I did not cover. This list is based only on what I saw and reviewed. (alphabetical listings; Equity, Equity-waiver & Non-Equity productions are mixed) (artists performing outside LA may be included in performance categories) No set, costume, technical awards. I leave that to the bigger awards and to the expertise of those who really know those fields inside out.
For our 68th show, we take a look back at one of the greatest decades in music and the amazing singer/songwriters of that era. It's a different kind of show for us, but we do love to be different. So, you'll be getting classic and amazing songs by the likes of Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Carole King, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, Elton John - well, you get the idea. We've assembled a wonderful cast, including a rare appearance from Guy Haines, who absolutely assures us that he will be there this time. So, get in the Kritzerland Time Machine and travel back to the eclectic and astonishing songs of the great singer/songwriters of the 1970s.
Though that comedy device of rewritten song lyrics is (unfortunately) not utilized for the film's musical stage adaptation, still, much of the spirit and basic plot architecture of the original movie remains in SISTER ACT - THE MUSICAL, which features all-original songs by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater, as well as a book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner (with additional material contributed later by playwright Douglas Carter Beane). Currently, Musical Theatre West's admirable regional production of this Tony-nominated Broadway musical comedy is finishing out its final weekend of performances at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach through April 24. Goofy and full of cutesy charm MTW's regional production definitely brings in the (joyful) noise and the funk to Long Beach. So what makes the show enjoyable? Well... for lack of a better phrase... it's all about the nuns.
Sister Act the Musical started out in 2006 at the Pasadena Playhouse, premiered in London's West End in 2009 and then underwent serious revisions before coming to Broadway in 2011. I remember liking the first mounting in 2006 with many reservations. Since I loved the 1992 film so much, I didn't feel that the stage version was particularly faithful...no pun intended. Well, with all the 2011 changes, MTW's revival of the Broadway version is tops, a joyful, tuneful, splashy romp that never lets down, with a tremendous cast, stellar direction from Michael Matthews and soulful choreography from Daniel Smith. Douglas Carter Beane, who penned the screenplay To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar and the Tony nominated play The Little Dog Laughed, added new book material for the national tour, included here, and this contributes substantially to molding a sleek and unforgettable show.
Musical Theatre West (MTW) presents Sister Act, Broadway's feel-good musical comedy at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center April 8-24. Based on the 1992 Whoopi Goldberg hit film, written by Joseph Howard, the five-time Tony nominated Broadway sensation features an award winning creative team with original score and music by composer Alan Menken (Disney's Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Newsies, Little Shop Of Horrors), lyrics by Glenn Slater (The Little Mermaid, Tangled), book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner (Cheers), additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane (Xanadu, The Little Dog Laughed ). The reinvented musical adaptation is filled with heavenly music with a disco beat, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story that will have audiences dancing in the aisles! Tickets are now on sale at www.musical.org or by calling (562) 856-1999, ext. 4. Tickets start at $20.
Critically acclaimed actress and singer Constance Jewell Lopez has been set to star in the leading role of Deloris Van Cartier in the Musical Theatre West production of Sister Act, running April 8-24 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the campus of CSU Long Beach. Opening is set for Saturday, April 9 at 8pm.
CELEBRATION THEATRE presents as part of its New Works Reading Series... LIFE IN LIMBO, which examines the existences of 10 men in the closet who come together on one night to recount the histories of their lives in a brave, insightful, surprisingly truthful and revealing narrative.
CELEBRATION THEATRE presents as part of its New Works Reading Series... LIFE IN LIMBO, which examines the existences of 10 men in the closet who come together on one night to recount the histories of their lives in a brave, insightful, surprisingly truthful and revealing narrative.
East West Players (EWP), the nation's longest-running professional theatre of color in the country, celebrating its 50th Anniversary season, is pleased to announce the extension of "The Who's TOMMY" which opened on May 13. Music and Lyrics by Pete Townshend, Book by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff, Additional Music and Lyrics by John Entwistle and Keith Moon.
East West Players has done it again with their spectacular production of The Who's Tommy. With an incredible band, vibrant vocals from the entire cast and stunning visuals, this 'little' theatre easily matches and betters many larger house productions.
East West Players (EWP), the nation's longest-running professional theatre of color in the country and the largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work, continues its 50th Anniversary Season, Golden, with 'The Who's TOMMY,' Music and Lyrics by Pete Townshend, Book by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff, Additional Music and Lyrics by John Entwistle and Keith Moon. 'The Who's TOMMY' was originally produced on Broadway by Pace Theatrical Group and Dodger Productions with Kardana Productions. The production is directed by Snehal Desai (EWP's 'A Nice Indian Boy') with musical direction by Marc Macalintal (EWP's 'Chess,' 'Krunk Fu Battle Battle') and choreography by Janet Roston (Ovation Award and NAACP Award winner for 'The Color Purple' at Celebration Theatre). Generous support for this production is provided by the S. Mark Taper Foundation Endowment for East West Players.
East West Players (EWP), the nation's longest-running professional theatre of color in the country and the largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work, continues its 50th Anniversary Season, Golden, with 'The Who's TOMMY,' Music and Lyrics by Pete Townshend, Book by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff, Additional Music and Lyrics by John Entwistle and Keith Moon. 'The Who's TOMMY' was originally produced on Broadway by Pace Theatrical Group and Dodger Productions with Kardana Productions. The production is directed by Snehal Desai (EWP's 'A Nice Indian Boy') with musical direction by Marc Macalintal (EWP's 'Chess,' 'Krunk Fu Battle Battle') and choreography by Janet Roston (Ovation Award and NAACP Award winner for 'The Color Purple' at Celebration Theatre). Generous support for this production is provided by the S. Mark Taper Foundation Endowment for East West Players.
Due to the enormous success of their first show, Sixth Avenue presented an encore of its National Tour 'ILove99 The Musical!' cabaret event to save Los Angeles intimate theatre on Tuesday, March 24 at the Dragonfly on Hollywood's Theater Row. Produced by Adam Silver and directed by Alan Smithee (wink wink) featuring returning and additional performers, the event proved to be a real meeting of the minds for both union and non-union audience members. And what a show it was, giving both AEA union members as well as non-members a chance to enjoy great entertainment while rallying everyone to go out and encourage all union member to vote NO on the proposed union changes that could wipe out intimate theater in Los Angeles.
Sixth Avenue announced an encore of its 'I Love 99 The Musical!' cabaret event to save Los Angeles intimate theatre. Produced by Adam Silver and directed by Daniel Henning, the curtain will go up once again, featuring returning and additional performers, tonight, March 24 at 8pm at The Dragonfly in Hollywood.
Sixth Avenue has announced an encore of its "I Love 99 The Musical!" cabaret event to save Los Angeles intimate theatre. Produced by Adam Silver and directed by Daniel Henning, the curtain will go up once again, featuring returning and additional performers, on Tuesday, March 24 at 8pm at The Dragonfly in Hollywood.
Sixth Avenue has announced 'I (Heart)99 The Musical!,' a one-night-only cabaret event to save Los Angeles intimate theatre. Produced by Adam Silver and directed by Daniel Henning, the curtain will go up tonight, March 10 at 8:00 at Akbar in Silver Lake.
Sixth Avenue has announced 'I (Heart)99 The Musical!,' a one-night-only cabaret event to save Los Angeles intimate theatre. Produced by Adam Silver and directed by Daniel Henning, the curtain will go up on Tuesday, March 10 at 8:00 at Akbar in Silver Lake.
CELEBRATION THEATRE presents as part of its New Works Reading Series MAKING MICHAELA by Micahela Irvi and directed by Samantha Kern.
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