Play It Cool - 2006 - Los Angeles Articles Page 8

This 2016-2017 season, eight professional theatre companies at the core of the local indie scene, satisfy a vast range of tastes and interests with stories that stimulate imagination, understanding, discussion and change. English-speaking audiences can become acquainted with French playwrights or young students can take their first step in a life-long appreciation of theatre. Homegrown plays, lauded nationally and abroad, are presented by some companies while others play cultural ambassadors and tour their offerings inside and outside the province. Fact-based productions bring Canadian history to vivid life or delve into stories of other countries and cultures. Theatre-goers will experience characters' challenges and triumphs, embark on spiritual, emotional and historical journeys, see life through the eyes of the disenfranchised and the persecuted, or explore issues of sexuality, freedom, and power. An alphabetical list, by company, follows.

She has talked to apes, crooned Elvis' greatest hits and done time at the big dollhouse. Now Jenn Gambatese is back on Broadway, and this time she's ready to rock.

'The Round Table 2016', presented by Benjamin Briones Ballet, is a collection of some of the most fresh and innovative, upcoming and established choreographers and dance companies in the field.

La Jolla Playhouse announces the cast and creative team for its world-premiere production of Miss You Like Hell, book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Alegria Hudes (In the Heights, Water by the Spoonful), music and lyrics by acclaimed singer/songwriter Erin McKeown, directed by Lear deBessonet (Public Theatre's The Odyssey) and choreographed by Danny Mefford (Broadway's Fun Home). Commissioned by the Playhouse and developed during the 2016 DNA New Work Series, the production has been extended by one week, now running October 25 - December 4 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre. Tickets go on sale August 27 at LaJollaPlayhouse.org or by calling (858) 550-1010.

'The Round Table 2016', presented by Benjamin Briones Ballet, is a collection of some of the most fresh and innovative, upcoming and established choreographers and dance companies in the field.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College continues its 2016-17 season on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at 3pm with Emmy-nominated song-and-dance man Tony Danza performing his newest one-man show, Standards & Stories.

The Public Theater recently announced that Louis Cancelmi, last seen as Caliban in the Shakespeare in the Park production of The Tempest, had stepped into the company of Troilus and Cressida as Achilles, replacing David Harbour, who suffered an injury during previews and will be unable to complete the run. The play celebrates its opening tonight, August 9, after a short delay.

?He's going to put a smile on your face and song in your heart.

The Public Theater announced today that Louis Cancelmi, last seen as Caliban in the Shakespeare in the Park production of The Tempest, has joined the company of TROILUS AND CRESSIDA as Achilles. He is replacing David Harbour who suffered an injury during previews and will be unable to complete the run. The new press opening will now be Tuesday, August 9.

'Gird Your Loins!' American actress and singer, Rumer Willis will be joining the cast of 'The Unauthorized Musical Parody of The Devil Wears Prada' starring as Andy Sachs. Originally set for a three-month run, due to popular demand the show has been extended to the end of May at Rockwell Table & Stage in Los Angeles.

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS presents the fourth production in its innovative and award-winning ONSTAGE Series with the Tony award-winning rock musical, AMERICAN IDIOT, music by Green Day, lyrics by Billie Joe Armstrong, book by Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Mayer, musical direction by David O, choreography by Dana Solimando and directed by Brian Kite. AMERICAN IDIOT will preview on Friday, April 29 (with a press opening on Saturday, April 30 at 8pm) and will run through Sunday, May 15 - ONSTAGE at LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 14900 La Mirada Blvd. in La Mirada.

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.

After making his rounds in NY's Broadway Scene, Daniel J. Watts has stormed onto VINYL as the incomparable funk singer, Hannibal. I had the chance to speak to him last week. Pardon me, while I swoon.

It all started with 13 Going on 30. At least, it did for me. (This makes it sound like I'm about to write a cheesy romantic novel. My apologies.) I, along with basically every girl in my 8th grade class, fell in love with the adorable, slightly nerdy best friend of Jennifer Garner in the coming of age hit of 2004. I took to IMDb (as one does) and instantly decided that Mark Ruffalo was a pretty cool guy, and a pretty cool actor. Fortunately, it wasn't long after that that Mark Ruffalo started appearing in some of the biggest blockbusters in Hollywood: Zodiac, Where the Wild Things Are, Shutter Island, and The Avengers. Hollywood thankfully agreed with me.

The 1975 smash hit Broadway musical A CHORUS LINE truly is a singular sensation. After winning nine Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize (one of only eight musicals to do so), it ran for 15 years, making it the longest running musical on Broadway at the time (it still ranks as number six). I've been waiting almost seven years for a local production of A CHORUS LINE, since seeing the Broadway revival tour in 2009. The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts has finally fulfilled my wish, and it's well worth the wait. Featuring a fabulously talented cast of over two dozen legit triple threats, about half of whom are local, co-directed and co-choreographed by A CHORUS LINE expert Kerry Casserly and Artistic Director James Rocco, this show hews very close to the original. There's no re-imagining here, this is a beautifully faithful production of the singular sensation that is A CHORUS LINE. If you call yourself a musical theater fan, it's a must-see.

This second season will present a diverse lineup featuring award-winning author, journalist, radio and TV personality Stephen Dubner interviewed by actress, comedian and radio host Faith Salie; creator and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning series THE SIMPSONS, Matt Groening; one of America's best contemporary writers, cartoonist and illustrator Lynda Barry; filmmaker, artist and writer, Miranda July; and legendary narrative and documentary German filmmaker, Werner Herzog.

Original Force Animation continues to add cast and filmmaking talent to its first animated feature DUCK DUCK GOOSE. Joining the impressive list of vocal talent, actor/writer Jim Gaffigan has been cast in one of the film's leading roles and will voice the rebellious but lovable goose Peng. Legendary director/writer/actor Carl Reiner will voice Larry, a venerable, wise and loyal friend who happens to be a turtle.

Music Director Carl St.Clair and Pacific Symphony today unveil the 2016-17 Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation Classical and Sunday Casual Connections series and special events. This season celebrates the orchestra's 38th season and its 10th year in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Inaugurated by the Symphony in September 2006, this magnificent venue—with its exceptional acoustics and beautiful architecture—changed the world of symphonic music forever in Orange County. Both the orchestra and its audiences suddenly felt the ceiling to their musical opportunities open up to limitless possibilities. The trajectory of the orchestra sped up, allowing for broader choices in repertoire, greater ensemble excellence and immersive audience experiences—culminating, 10 years later, in this momentous season. 

Get set for a high-octane ride with thrilling choreography, rockin' tunes and explosively colorful costumes - plus some really cool hairdos - when the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora, presents HAIRSPRAY - The Broadway Musical, tonight, January 20, through February 21, 2016.

MAURICE HINES TAPPIN' THRU LIFE is a swinging, song and dance musical that celebrates the astonishing showmanship of one of the last great tap dancers of a by-gone era still working today and whose collaborators were a jaw-dropping, who's who of theatre, music, film and television. Co-starring the fierce tap dancing Manzari brothers and the all female vivacious Diva Jazz Orchestra, the show is directed by Jeff Calhoun (Newsies, Deaf West's Big River, Grease). Performances began December 23rd at New World Stages (340 W. 50th Street), and opening night is tonight, January 11th.

Theatre Royal Plymouth Artistic Director Simon Stokes today announces the full cast for his production of James Graham's Monster Raving Loony.  Samuel James takes the role of Screaming Lord Sutch, with Joseph Alessi, Camilla Beeput, Joanna Brookes, Jack Brown playing a number of different characters. The production opens on Wednesday 10th February, with previews from Saturday 6th February, and runs until Sat 27th February.

Get set for a high-octane ride with thrilling choreography, rockin' tunes and explosively colorful costumes - plus some really cool hairdos - when the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora, presents HAIRSPRAY - The Broadway Musical, January 20 - February 21, 2016.

He's going to put a smile on your face and song in your heart.

Berkshire Theatre Group and Artistic Director/CEO Kate Maguire are excited to announce the 2016 winter and spring schedule of events at The Colonial Theatre, The Garage and The Unicorn Theatre. Tickets are available for purchase now.

SJ Presents and WBLS 107.5 presents Christmas in The City! With Multi-Platinum and Grammy Award winning vocalist PATTI LABELLE to the already iconic classic soul line-up that includes NEW EDITION, TYRESE, MONICA and NJ's JAHEIM. Don't miss Christmas in the City Friday, December 18th / 8pm at the Prudential Center located on 25 Lafayette Street in Newark, New Jersey. Christmas in the City will be a memorable evening when all of these superstars heat up the arena with their timeless hits, new songs and Christmas classics.