Interview: Marnie Near and Michael Cooper on GRAND HOTEL at Alchemy Theatre
by Joni Lorraine - May 27, 2025
Step through the revolving door of 1928 Berlin and into a world of glamour, longing, and quiet desperation as Alchemy Theatre brings the rarely staged musical GRAND HOTEL to life at ZACH Theatre’s Whisenhunt Stage.
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 Interview: Kelly Crandall d'Amboise Sets Signature's GRAND HOTEL in Motion
by Benjamin Tomchik - Apr 3, 2019
With 'velvet stairs, easy chairs, and perfumed air gently blowing,' the Grand Hotel Berlin may not be a character in the traditional meaning of the word, however, it is the catalyst which sets in motion the fate of every guest who walks through its opulent revolving doors. For choreographer Kelly Crandall d'Amboise, it is her job to provide that motion as the production begins performances this week at Signature Theatre.
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 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.
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