Joel Polis News

Coachella Valley Repertory's DISGRACED examines identity and prejudice. It is expertly performed, timely, and searing and will almost definitely leave a lasting impression on theatregoers.

April 14, 2015…It was an awards show born in a moment of relevance. An electrified contingent of professional Los Angeles Intimate theater companies and their friends sold out Los Angeles theatre Center to support the first-everSTAGE RAW THEATRE AWARDS. Picking up where the LA WEEKLY Awards, left off, and hosted by the Celebration Theatre and the hilarious duo of Alec Mapa and Parvesh Cheena, it was a night to celebrate the best of 99-seat theatre and a rallying cry against the Equity proposal and referendum that is currently being voted on. Impassioned speeches were given by Steven Leigh Morris and Bill Raden to open the show, followed by an introduction of the original plaintiffs in the Equity wars of 30 years ago who all received a standing ovation. One of those plaintiffs, Gary Grossman, gave a rousing speech as he presented the "Queen of the Angels" award to Rebecca Metz, who brought down the house with her heartfelt message of community and standing up for what is right in the face of adversity. The emotion in the room was palpable from start to finish and it was a fitting start to a tradition that it sure to last for decades to come!

On March 16, 2015, the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle announced its winners and special awards for excellence in Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura County theater in the year 2014. Announcements were made at a ceremony held at the Beyond the Stars Palace in Glendale, hosted by Dixie Longate (Dixie's Tupperware Party) with musical direction by Corey B. Hirsch (LADCC award winner for A Man of No Importance in 2014).

STAGE RAW is pleased to announce the FIRST ANNUAL STAGE RAW LOS ANGELES THEATER AWARDS, championing the best work of 2014 in L.A.'s now embattled theaters of up to 99-seats. (STAGE RAW is using the same jury that was assembled through 2014 for the now dearly departed LA WEEKLY Theater Awards.) Check out the full list of nominees below!

Disconnection really starts firing on all cylinders with the combined talents of Bo Foxworth as Landon; the successful, but damaged lawyer wanting piano lessons and Dennis Nollette as Michel, the charismatic piano teacher.

Launching their 2015 Season, shortly after garnering the most Ovation Awards of any intimate theater in 2014, Skylight Theatre Company opens with Allen Barton's newest work, DISCONNECTION (2013-Years To The Day was his critically acclaimed world premiere with extended run in LA/NY/Edinburgh).

The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle has announced its nominations and special awards for excellence in Los Angeles and Orange County theatre for the year 2014 (Dec. 1, 2013 - Nov. 30, 2014). The 46th Annual Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards ceremony will take place on Monday, March 16, 2015 at Beyond the Stars Palace, 417 N. Brand Boulevard in Glendale.

Launching their 2015 Season, shortly after garnering the most Ovation Awards of any intimate theater in 2014, Skylight Theatre Company opens with Allen Barton's newest work, DISCONNECTION (2013-Years To The Day was his critically acclaimed world premiere with extended run in LA/NY/Edinburgh).

Skylight Theatre Company sends original work to New York and Edinburgh Fringe Festival - YEARS TO THE DAY, A DARK COMEDY written by Allen Barton and directed by Joel Polis. Performances will run today, July 30th - Aug 24th at Ines Wurth, Pleasance Road, Edinburgh.

Skylight Theatre Company sends original work to New York and Edinburgh Fringe Festival - YEARS TO THE DAY, A DARK COMEDY written by Allen Barton and directed by Joel Polis. Performances will run: Today, July 8th - 12th at 59 E. 59th St, New York (for tickets, call - (212) 753-5959 ext. 102); and July 30th - Aug 24th at Ines Wurth, Pleasance Road, Edinburgh.

59E59 Theaters presents the 2014 EAST TO EDINBURGH festival, beginning today, July 8 for a limited engagement through Sunday, July 27.

Skylight Theatre Company sends original work to New York and Edinburgh Fringe Festival - YEARS TO THE DAY, A DARK COMEDY written by Allen Barton and directed by Joel Polis. Performances will run: July 8th - 12th at 59 E. 59th St, New York AND July 30th - Aug 24th at Ines Wurth, Pleasance Road, Edinburgh.

59E59 Theaters announces the 2014 line up for the annual EAST TO EDINBURGH festival, beginning on Tuesday, July 8 for a limited engagement through Sunday, July 27. The performance schedule varies.

The Fountain Theatre will extend its critically acclaimed Los Angeles premiere of My Name is Asher Lev through May 18.

Set in Brooklyn's Hasidic Jewish community, MY NAME IS ASHER LEV is the powerful story of a young and extremely gifted painter's struggle to become an artist at any cost - against the will of his parents, community and tradition. Exploring questions of art, family, religion and loyalty, this extraordinary adaptation is a compelling look at the cost of individuality.

A young painter must reconcile his remarkable artistic gifts with the austerity and singular devotion required by his faith. Stephen Sachs directs the Los Angeles premiere of Aaron Posner's award-winning stage adaptation of Chaim Potok's acclaimed novel, My Name is Asher Lev, opening Feb. 22 at the Fountain Theatre.

In Allen Barton's world premiere play YEARS TO THE DAY at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, two 40-something men, who have been friends for decades but only cursorily in touch via social media over the past four years, finally get together for coffee. But their long anticipated "face to face" meeting reaps surprising consequences when truthful and dramatic changes in each of their lives are revealed.

Indie Chi Productionshas added four performances to the previously announced run ofThe Snake Can, extending through March 2 at the Odyssey Theatre.

Kathryn Graf's world premiere The Snake Can assuredly offers nothing new, but its moment to moment confrontations and gripping dialogue make it completely engrossing from start to finish. With an expert ensemble and sturdy direction from Steven Robman, who really understands women's issues, the play is bound to entertain and hit the spot, especially with middle-aged people savvy about internet dating.