BWW Review: THE MANOR Brings a True Tale of Family Wealth and Woe Inside Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills
by Shari Barrett - Feb 8, 2020
Now celebrating its 18th year, the annual production of THE MANOR has become a Los Angeles/Beverly Hills institution with several performances selling out even before tickets go on sale to the public. Its popularity, no doubt, is due to the scandalous true story as told by the talented actors who each inhabit their characters to a tee, costumed to time-period perfection, as well as the chance to be inside the grand and glorious architectural landmark in which the events of 91 years ago actually took place, performed in two acts taking place 10 years apart. The names of all characters in the tragic Doheny family saga have been changed, of course, a?oeto protect the guiltya?? as we are told before the play begins by the mansion's loyal butler, James, portrayed this year by David Hunt Stafford who also produces the show for Theatre 40 in association with The City of Beverly Hills.
BWW Review: THE NEW COLOSSUS Awakes Audiences to the Universal Needs and Desires of all Immigrants
by Shari Barrett - Jan 16, 2020
With the topic of illegal immigration so prevalent in today's news, now is the perfect time to take a very personal look at the trials and tribulations of those who immigrated, both legally and illegally, to our country in THE NEW COLOSSUS, a new play co-written by The Actors' Gang ensemble and its Artistic Director Tim Robbins, who also directs the production. In it, twelve of the acting troupe's members tell their ancestors' stories, reflecting their great diversity, struggles and journeys from oppression to freedom, a real personal testament celebrating the courage and great character of the refugees who came to this country throughout the last 200 years.
Review: THE MANOR Brings a True and Tragic Tale to Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills
by Shari Barrett - Jan 25, 2019
Every January I look forward to attending THE MANOR by Katherine Bates, presented by Theatre 40 inside the historic Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills where the story upon which it is based actually took place. Now celebrating its 17th year, the annual production has become a Los Angeles/Beverly Hills institution with several performances selling out even before tickets go on sale to the public. Its popularity, no doubt, is due to the scandalous true story as told by the talented actors, costumed to time-period perfection, as well as the chance to be inside the grand and glorious architectural landmark in which the events of 90 years ago actually took place, performed in two acts taking place 10 years apart. The names of all characters in the Doheny saga have been changed, of course, "to protect the guilty" as we are told before the play begins by the mansion's loyal butler, James (Daniel Lench who has masterfully played the part for 6 years).
BWW Previews: 'Don't Look Down' and miss out on LES MISERABLES at Columbia Theatre
by Angelle Albright - Sep 10, 2018
Marius (Justin Mouledous) begs Eponine (Emma Pollet) for help finding Cosette 'Life-changing,' 'Engaging,' 'Rewarding,' 'Surreal,' 'Exciting,' 'Humbling,' 'Wonderful,' 'Extraordinary,' and 'A Blast and a Half' are just a few of the ways this extraordinary, young cast is encapsulating what it is like to be a part of The New Octavians production of the epic, grand, and uplifting, Les Miserables School Edition-The show that packs an emotional wallop that has thrilled over 65 million people worldwide. Winner of over 100 international awards, Les Miserables is an epic and inspiring story about the survival of the human spirit. The musical, based on Victor Hugo's novel, adapted for high school performers, features one of the most memorable scores of all time and some of the most memorable characters to ever grace the stage. This cast of nearly fifty students, hailing from twelve different schools from the Northshore area of the New Orleans Metropolitan area, is certainly fulfilling expectations. It is always a challenge to produce a show of this magnitude, but for Director, Brent Goodrich, being able to recruit talent from all over our community has made this production not only possible, but even more sensational.
BWW Review: Spend a Day Filled with Artistic Delights at Art Festivals and THE PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS in Laguna Beach
by Shari Barrett - Jul 31, 2018
For the past several summers, I have attended the Festival of Arts and The Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. But this year, I also decided to also visit two other art festivals along Laguna Canyon Road rather than spend any time cruising the town as I had done before. The full-day of exploring all the artistic delights on display this year at all three locations left me dazzled by all the talent on display, while wishing I had lot of extra income to purchase and bring home many of the awe-inspiring items that caught my fancy. But the real highlight of the day was viewing the abundance of 'local color' on display in this summer's 'Under the Sun' themed Pageant of the Masters.
Review: THE IMMIGRANT Speaks to the Journey Faced by Those Searching for Freedom in a Strange New Land
by Shari Barrett - May 1, 2018
Director Simon Levy, who has won much acclaim for his current production of Chaim Potok's The Chosen at the Fountain Theatre, now brings his directorial insight on achieving assimilation into America to the Sierra Madre Playhouse's production of THE IMMIGRANT, written by Mark Harelik about his grandfather's struggle to survive as the only Jewish immigrant to settle in Hamilton, Texas in 1909. The play is a timely and touching meditation on parents and children, newcomers and natives, Christians and Jews, and on what it means to be an American.
BWW Review: BECOMING DR. RUTH at GableStage
by Roger Martin - Dec 1, 2017
Playwright Mark St. Germain's 'Becoming Dr Ruth' is a tender ode to an unusual woman with an unusual life.
BWW Review: L.A. Ballet Gloriously Celebrates BALANCHINE: MASTER OF THE DANCE
by Shari Barrett - Mar 19, 2017
Balanchine choreographed 425 works over the course of 60-plus years, and his works are considered masterpieces and performed by ballet companies all over the world. So you can image how thrilled I was to find out Los Angeles Ballet was going to present BALANCHINE: MASTER OF THE DANCE as their final selection of their 2016/2017 season. In it, three of his most outstanding ballet choreographies are presented: Divertimento No. 15 featuring music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; Prodigal Son with music by Sergei Prokofiev; and Who Cares? with music by George Gershwin, adapted and orchestrated by Hershy Kay.
Photo Flash: Imelda Staunton and Conleth Hill Star in WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
by BWW News Desk - Mar 9, 2017
Imelda Staunton and Conleth Hill star in a new production of multi Tony and Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? directed by James MacDonald. BroadwayWorld brings you a look at the new production below!
Photo Flash: Introducing George and Martha from WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? - Conleth Hill and Imelda Staunton
by Liz Cearns - Sep 26, 2016
Imelda Staunton and Conleth Hill will star in a new production of multi Tony and Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? directed by James Macdonald.
Photo Flash: Billy Crystal Celebrates New Jack Crystal Theater at NYU Tisch School
by BWW News Desk - Nov 11, 2015
In recognition of the ongoing support provided by the family of actor, director, comedian, writer, and Tisch alumnus Billy Crystal, Tisch Dean Allyson Green announced yesterday that Tisch School of the Arts will officially rename its theater at 111 Second Avenue the 'Jack Crystal Theater,' in memory of Crystal's father, jazz impresario Jack Crystal. Scroll down for photos from the ceremony!
BWW Interview: Henry Jaglom and Tanna Frederick on Presenting TRAIN TO ZAKOPANE at the Edgemar Center, Opening 11/14
by Shari Barrett - Oct 30, 2014
TRAIN TO ZAKOPANE: A true story of hate and love, by Henry Jaglom, will have its World Premiere at the Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica beginning November 14. The play is based upon true events that occurred in the life of Henry Jaglom's father as he crossed Poland on a train in 1928 when anti-Semitism was rife in much of Europe, especially Poland. It is a compelling love story that explores the human condition in its darkest and most exquisite moments, laying bare how compassion and intolerance can, even in the most unusual of circumstances, be one and the same.
BWW Reviews: An interesting Tale of Truth or Fiction - KNOCK ME KISS at Ensemble
by Roy Berko - Feb 4, 2014
The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement which spanned the period from about 1919 to 1929. It was the literary era when members of the Great African American Migration, Negroes who had moved into the U.S. Northeast and Midwest, asserted themselves in art, poetry, literature and theatre. Participants included James Wendell Johnson, Cleveland's Langston Hughes, and Countee Cullen.
Photo Coverage: Paul Rudd & Cast of GRACE Celebrate Cort Theatre's 100th Anniversary
by Jennifer Broski - Dec 21, 2012
Broadway's Cort Theatre (138 West 48th Street), just celebrated its 100th Anniversary yesterday, December 20th. The theatre, which opened on December 20, 1912 with a Peg O'My Heart starring Laurette Taylor, is currently home to the Broadway Premiere of Grace, which will end its limited engagement on January 6, 2013. It will next be home to the World Premiere production of Truman Capote's Breakfast at Tiffany's, a new play written by Richard Greenberg, which starts performances on Monday, March 4 and opens on Wednesday, March 20. The Cort Theatre is owned and operated by The Shubert Organization. Check out photos from the celebration below!
Photo Flash: TWIST at Alliance!
by Jessica Lewis - Sep 9, 2010
On September 1, 2010 The Alliance Theatre opened Twist for its Atlanta debut. Inspired by Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, and in the rich musical tradition of Jelly's Last Jam, this heart-warming musical brings award-winning director/choreographer Debbie Allen (Fame) back to the Alliance, following her hugely successful Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (winner of the 2010 Olivier Award for Best Revival). The production runs through October 3, 2010. Check out the newly-released production photos below!
Photo Flash: Main Street Theater Presents A NUMBER And MACHINAL
by Gabrielle Sierra - Jan 29, 2010
Main Street Theater presents an evening of two plays by groundbreaking women playwrights: an adaptation of Sophie Treadwell's impassioned play, Machinal followed by Caryl Churchill's chilling one-act, A Number.
Photo Flash: Goodman's DESIRE UNDER THE ELMS
by Reynard Loki - Dec 30, 2008
Goodman Theatre Artistic Director Robert Falls and renowned actor Brian Dennehy bring their artistic partnership to new heights with Eugene O'Neill's haunting drama, Desire Under the Elms?marking their fifth collaboration on O'Neill's work over two decades. Falls' cast includes stage and screen stars Carla Gugino (Entourage, Spy Kids, Sin City) Pablo Schreiber (Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Awake and Sing!), Boris McGiver (The Wire) and Daniel Stewart Sherman (Broadway's Cyrano de Bergerac). The centerpiece production of Goodman Theatre's two-month 'A Global Exploration: Eugene O'Neill in the 21st Century,' Desire Under the Elms appears January 17 ? February 22 in the Goodman's 856-seat Albert Ivar Theatre. Tickets are $25 - 82.
I Am My Own Wife is Theatre at its Best
by Olena Ripnick - Sep 20, 2006
Sometimes, the most fascinating stories to unfold on stage are the ones that are true...
Photo Coverage: 108 Waverly Presented by SunnySpot Productions in GAYFEST 2004
by BWW - May 9, 2004
108 Waverly features the lives of 2 gay couples, one set in 1928 the other in 1998. The 1928 couple is deciding whether or not they can move in together, while the 1998 couple is discussing adopting a child. The show featured Jamie McGonnigal, Chris Weikel, Patrick Porter and Alex Quiroga.
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