After working in the Warner Brothers Manhattan office mailroom, Playwright Neil Simon got his first big break as a staff writer on Sid Caesar's celebrated television series 'Your Show of Shows,' a live 90-minute variety show starring comedy legends Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca that ran from 1950 to 1954. The writing staff had a staggering talent pool that included; Mel Tolkin (All in the Family), Carl Reiner (Dick Van Dyke Show, The Jerk), Mel Brooks (Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles, Space Balls), Michael Stewart (Bye Bye Birdie, Hello Dolly!), Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof), Lucille Kallen (worked on Broadway), Danny Simon (The Carol Burnett Show, Diff'rent Strokes) and his brother Neil Simon (The Odd Couple, Murder by Death). As a way of sharing his own experience working as the 'new kid' learning the ropes from the other, more experienced writers, Neil Simon wrote the outrageous comedy LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd FLOOR, now brilliantly staged at Little Fish Theatre in San Pedro through May 20.
Laughter on the 23rd Floor marks the second production of Little Fish Theatre's exciting 2017 Season. Written by Emmy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize-winner Neil Simon, this show is a perfect combination of material and talent, and will have audiences rolling in the aisles. Directed by Holly Baker-Kreiswirth, Laughter opens on March 3 and runs for 5 fun-filled weeks.
One of the basic rights of freedom in America is the right to free speech. This allows for anyone to state an opinion or belief whether or not anyone else likes what is being said - and hopefully to not be threatened or attacked. Certainly the ability to express yourself and believe in what you want to believe is a basic human right in American society. But challenging those who disagree with what the 'majority' believe often causes outrage and sometimes even violence against those who have the right to say whatever they want. Such is the case right now, given the political scene leading up to the Presidential elections this year, Lawrence Meyers' script really should be shared with school students today to remind them about what it takes to protect their basic rights and how Americans cannot allow the government or any industry to attempt censorship, and how important it is to allow others to state a differing opinion without stooping to violence against them. Be and let be. Why is this always so impossible?.
Sometimes last minute changes of director can raise a struggling play into a masterful team effort showing the brilliant humor meant to be mined from an award-winning script. Such was the case for co-director/actor David Graham when two previous directors had to step aside and he was asked to take over directing TABLE MANNERS at Little Fish two days before the first rehearsal. Along with his co-director Stephanie Coltrin, the perfect casting in all the roles and the skill of knowing just how far to take the characters in this comedy of family manners gone bad makes for two hours of close-up fun for every member of the audience.
Little Fish Theatre presents TABLE MANNERS by Alan Ayckbourn as the fourth production in their eleven-show line-up for 2016, beginning tonight. Written by the Olivier Award winning playwright and director, TABLE MANNERS was the recipient of the 2009 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play as part of the trilogy The Norman Conquests.
The West Coast premiere of DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY by Rich Orloff is currently playing to uproariously laughing audiences at Little Fish Theatre in San Pedro, directed with a clear vision by Holly Baker-Kreiswirth in which much homage is paid to classic gangster movies. Directing in the most over-the-top slapstick style makes sense for this imaginary tale in which even convicts are cardboard cut-outs compared to those who might break into your home these days.
Little Fish Theatre today announced the opening of quickwitted drama AND THE STONES WILL CRY OUT, an exciting original work by Little Fish company member David Graham.
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.
Little Fish Theatre today announced the plays that will constitute the 11th Season of Pick of the Vine, an evening of original one-act plays that has become the signature production of this local arts landmark.
Little Fish Theatre today announced the plays that will constitute the 11th Season of Pick of the Vine, an evening of original one-act plays that has become the signature production of this local arts landmark.
Kentwood Players continues its 60th Anniversary Season with 'Six Degrees of Separation' by John Guare, from January 8 to February 13, 2010 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, at the Westchester Playhouse located at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester.
Kentwood Players continues its 60th Anniversary Season with 'Six Degrees of Separation' by John Guare, from January 8 to February 13, 2010 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, at the Westchester Playhouse located at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester .
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