Danny Hoch's solo performance piece 'Taking Over' previews tonight, January 21, 2009, and tomorrow night at 8 p.m. at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre. Opening night for the Obie Award-winning performer is Friday, January 23 (at 8 p.m.). Performances continue through February 22. The production is directed by Tony Taccone, artistic director of Berkeley Repertory Theatre.
'Taking Over' is a riveting study of the effects of gentrification and how this is changing the face of many American cities. Hoch seamlessly transforms himself into the vividly diverse characters from his hometown, the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, and into the real estate agents and developers who are shepherding radical changes into the district's character and nature. Filling the stage with compelling, impeccably drawn, multicultural portraits, Hoch captures the complexities of the transition of a poorer urban community, once vibrant and colorful - albeit crime and cocaine-ridden - into a culture that is wealthier, less diverse, and the cause of higher rents and property values, and the subsequent displacement of long-term residents.
The production features scenic and costume design by Annie Smart, lighting design and projections by Alexander V. Nichols, original music by Asa Taccone and sound design by Adam Phalen. The production stage manager is David S. Franklin.
'Taking Over' was originally produced by Berkeley Repertory Theatre and recently played at The Public Theater in New York. Hoch's 'Some People' (Obie Award) was part of CTG's 1995 Taper, Too season, while his 'Jails, Hospitals & Hip-Hop' was presented as a CTG special event in 1998 at The Actors' Gang. Hoch is a 2008-2009 Guggenheim Fellow.
Obie Award?-winner Danny Hoch returns to a Center Theatre Group stage with his latest solo work 'Taking Over,' opening January 23 at 8 p.m. at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. Previews are January 21 and 22 at 8 p.m.; performances continue through February 22, 2009. The production is directed by Tony Taccone, artistic director of Berkeley Repertory Theatre.
The mystery of Christopher Marlowe's stabbing some 400 years ago is explored in Peter Whelan's political thriller opening November 9, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum. Directed by Bill Alexander, the American premiere continues through December 17. (Previews began October 30.)
'The School of Night' by Peter Whelan is a sublime and sensuous political thriller set in the 16th century. The play will open at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum November 9, 2008, and continues through December 17. Previews begin October 30.
The cast is set and rehearsals have begun for the American premiere of 'The School of Night' by Peter Whelan. This sublime and sensuous political thriller set in the 16th century opens at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum November 9, 2008, and continues through December 17. Previews begin October 30.
Center Theatre Group's Kirk Douglas Theatre has announced that Screen Actors Guild president Alan Rosenberg will replace previously announced Bruce Davison in the final production of their 2006-2007 season, Come Back, Little Sheba, opening June 24 at the Culver City location...
