From l, Cecil Burroughs, TJ McNeill, and Alexa Shoemaker star in the West Coast Premiere of the Road Theatre Company’s production of “Cooperstown,” written by Brian Golden, directed by Darryl Johnson, and now playing at the Road Theatre Company’s second home, The Road on Magnolia.

This is the first full production presented by the highly regarded “Road Theatre Company,” in their gorgeous second theatrical “home” on Magnolia in NoHo. Having offered countless award winning and thought provoking original plays on Lankershim, above The NoHo Arts Center for two decades … this second theatre space allows them to expand their horizons, and double “our” pleasure. They are now “One Road … two destinations.” Congrats to Co-Artistic Directors, Taylor Gilbert and Sam Anderson! Cooperstown, written with true to life grit, humor, and unbridled passion, by Brian Golden, this is an all American story about baseball … and self worth. Director, Darryl Johnson, inspires his cast to give heartfelt performances, individually as well as in the ensemble effort! Unfolding in a small town diner in Cooperstown, New York, in 1962, Jackie Robinson is soon to be honored as the first negro baseball player inducted into The Baseball Hall of Fame. When it is announced that Robinson will bring his family to the local diner for a meal … the lives of five people are turned upside down. Junior, the underappreciated black diner manager (a gutwrenching Cecil Burroughs) sees this historical event as a way to prove his worth and gain respect, leading to a pay raise. His little sister (a dynamic Jamye Grant), involved with a radical group, is part of a protest to stop Robinson’s visit … and ends up in jail. When a high spirited young minor league baseball player turns up … chasing after his idol (a loveably multi-faceted T.J. McNeill) he falls for a diner waitress named Dylan (a delightfully quirky Alexa Shoemaker). As the communication between her husband who owns the diner and Junior becomes strained, Grace has much more on her mind than baseball! (A heartfelt performance by Ann Hill.) The multilayered journey and the final outcome here, are compellingly entertaining, and heart touching. As always with this troupe, the “behind the scenes” efforts are magically mood setting. High praise goes out to the incomparable Desma Murphey for a beautifully detailed set design, Jocelyn Hublau Parker for costume design, David B. Marling for sound, and Derrick McDaniel for lighting. Do see this one! The Road Theatre people in my opinion, are one of the most electrifying and innovative theatre troupes in Los Angeles. They never disappoint … and now they have two locations in which to spin their magic! Running through July 20 at The Road on Magnolia located at 10747 Magnolia Blvd. in NoHo. For tickets call (866) 506-1248 or visit RoadTheatre.org.

Fool For Love

Chad Doreck and Lauren Plaxco in “Fool For Love.”

Written by Sam Shepard, known worldwide for viewing life from the dark side … this disturbingly intense script is no exception. Under the steamy and powerful direction of Gloria Gifford … an excellent cast of four actors held the audience captive with explosively focused depictions, from start to finish. Eddie, a brash rodeo stuntman with an obsession for May, that’s endured for many years, once again bursts into her life … finding her in a seedy motel room in the Mojave Desert. “Off and On” for as long as either of them cares to count, their combative sexual attraction for each other is an uncontrollable and unhealthy state of “affairs.” Chad Doreck as Eddie, and Lauren Plaxco as May, give brilliant and wildly physical performances, as two lost souls whose violently volatile relationship is an ongoing nightmare! Excellent depiction also by Zach Killian, as the “nice guy” May is casually dating, who gets thrown in the middle of their drama. Sitting mysteriously onstage off to the side throughout the play, is an older man. He intermittently shares stories and shocking facts about the undying and unhealthy bond between Eddie and May (a haunting performance by Robert May). Violent, freaky, sex driven and combative … this is not a play for prudish or easily offended theatre goers. If you can handle a dose of harsh reality, on the psychologically unstable and kinky side … this is a powerfully intriguing play. Certainly not a romantic story with a happy, gooey ending … but then Sam Shepard’s claim to fame has never been for writing fairy tales! Technical kudos to: Jeffrey Casciano (set design), Chris Rivera (moody lighting), and Tracey Nelson, and Justin Truesdale (sound design). A pulseatingly powerful theatrical experience! Running through June 23 at T.U. Studios located at 10943 Camarillo St. in North Hollywood (entrance in back). For tickets call (310) 366-5505 or online at tix.com.

 See you next week….

The Matchmaker

From l, Dimitri Christy, Lori Berg, and Ellis Greer in Actors
Co-op’s production of “The Matchmaker.”

Written by the Pulitzer Prize winning Thornton Wilder and taking place in the 1800s, this charming and playfully complicated comedy is a lot of fun! With a whopping cast of 14 nutty actors darting on and off the stage, there are many belly laughs, and countless twists n’ turns to follow. When the wealthy but stingy Horace Vandergelder (a hilarious Dimitri Christy) seeks the assistance of the colorful matchmaker and social dynamo, Mrs. Dolly Levi (a flamboyantly feisty Lori Berg), the mad fun takes off! (Her character was the inspiration for the Broadway musical, Hello Dolly!) A “larger than life” diva, who arranges people’s lives, Dolly has plans of her own for Horace. Directed with high energy madness by Heather Chesley, this is a romantic “comedy of errors” and misconceptions. When Horace’s two young and “hormonal” employees head out for some mischief in New York … the insanity runs rampant (riotously played by Jeff Fazakerley and Joseph Barone). When they show up at the fancy Hat Boutique owned by Mrs. Irene Molloy (a stand out Ellis Greer) the plot gets even zanier. Will Horace manage to stop the marital plans of his niece (Rory Patterson) and his young employee (Coy Benning Wentworth)? Will he also find himself a suitable trophy wife? The zany adventure leading to these answers is a wildly funny ride! Too many in cast to comment on all … but each actor added hilarity and mayhem to the action. The remainder of the cast includes: Robert Henry, Brian Habicht, Katie Buderwitz, Matthew Gilmore, Michael Dye, Lauren Thompson, and Deborah Marlowe, Technically artistic as well … Kooky Kudos to: Stephen Gifford (clever set design), Vicki Conrad (“fab” costumes), Lisa D. Katz (lighting), and Fritz Davis (sound). An all around delightful and “crowd pleasing” production, loaded with romantic mayhem. Do try to catch this one! Running through June 16 at Actors Co-op/David Schall Theatre located at 1760 Gower St. in Hollywood (on the grounds of the First Presbyterian Church). Free parking lot across the street from the entrance on Carlos. For tickets call (323) 462-8460 ext. 300 or reserve online at ActorsCo-op.org.

Sky Pilot Theatre — Fundraiser Evening

This sounds like fun! Friday, May 17, from 7 till 9:30. The evening titled “In the Mood for a Melody,” features song performances by their talented company members, at a piano bar at The River Rock Lounge (next to Sportsmen’s Lodge at Coldwater and Ventura Boulevard). Covering classic pop and Broadway tunes, in their own private room, called “Café Chanteuse” for the evening … cocktail attire is encouraged. The donation charge is $10 and will include a silent auction, offering amazing prizes! You must purchase your own cocktails, but the “mood” and entertainment is on them! For more information email SkyPilottheatre@gmail.com.

Back next week with two “opening night” reviews. Both in North Hollywood … I’ll be seeing Cooperstown and Fool for Love. I just heard on the evening news, that Sunday temps reached 103 in Burbank, breaking the record since 1976. Whew!

Hemophelia’s House of Horrors – Presented by The Visceral Company, Dedicated to Presenting “Killer Shows from Darker Places”

“Hemophelia’s House of Horrors,” an all-new horror-themed comedy/variety show now playing at the Lex Theatre through June 8, features (top center) Lara Fisher as Hemophelia, the ghoul of cool, and a comedy troupe of (clockwise from bottom) Brian Prisco, Cloie Wyatt Taylor, Cynthia Zitter, Torrey Halverson, Matt DeNoto, Samm Hill, and Casey Christensen.

Cleverly conceived and directed by Dan Spurgeon, with the manic sketches and darkly whacky songs written by Matt DeNoto … this is an eerily entertaining production. “A horror-themed comedy variety show,” best suited I feel, for a young gen-ex audience, the insanity and decadent humor is beyond outrageous! Billed as “bone-chilling comedy with puppets and freaky songs” … an energetic cast of eight actors take us to the dark side of life repeatedly, in nine comedically creepy scenes. Linking the madly macabre skits with ghoulish high energy patter, Lara Fisher is hilarious as our chilling hostess, “Hemophelia.” Sort of a cross between TV’s Elvira and Lady Gaga … her makeup, costuming, and kinky patter are “other worldly!” My fave scene was “Habeas Corpus,” written by Jana Wimer, and utilizing the eerie art of puppetry. I also really like “Conjoined Love.” This cleverly wordless scene depicts two goofy and animated conjoined clown magicians, who share a flirtation with a pretty girl. The outcome is most unexpected! The entire outrageously high energy cast seemed to be having a blast in these zany roles. They are: Lara Fisher, Torrey Halverson, Brian Prisco, Matt DeNoto, Cynthia Zitter, Samm Hill, Casey Christenson, and sizzling standout, Cloie Wyatt Taylor. Lighting by Dave Sousa, sound by Dan Spurgeon, crazy specialty costumes by Erica D. Schwartz, and choreography by Cloie Wyatt Taylor … all set the eerie tone playfully. Be Aware: Not for the easily offended … there is a whopping dose of blood and guts, sexual innuendo, belly laughs, and decidedly dark situations … played out with kinky “tongue in cheek” hilarity! Certainly not the choice for prim and proper theatergoers … but riotously decadent for open minded theatrical thrill seekers. Only you can decide which of those two categories you fall into….

Running Friday and Saturday nights at 10:30 (a 70-minute show) through June 8 at The Lex Theatre located at 6760 Lexington Ave. in Hollywood. Tickets are only $15 each. For reservations go to visceralcompany.com.

The Victory Theatre in Burbank – Owned by Tom Ormeny and Maria Gobetti

Their cabaret styled fundraiser, directed by Cate Caplin on Sunday night was a lot of fun! Hosted humorously by Derrel Maury, and titled “The Big Tease” … headliner Jay Johnson and his lifelike puppet Bob, were as always a big hit! The roster of singers, dancers, musicians, strippers, comics, and novelty acts were also highly impressive! In this era of de-funding the arts, smaller theatres struggle to “follow their dreams.” These fundraising events help to keep their stage lights burning … for our pleasure.

8 Ball

This new and “very cool” shop has just opened up along Magnolia Park’s eclectic row of vintage and specialty shops. Owner Jamie is thrilled to be “the new kid on the block,” and hopes you will all stop in to check it out! Featuring Retro and Rockabilly clothing and accessories, Tiki Ware, Retro Kitsch, etc. she will soon also include a gallery section, featuring the art work of local artists. To learn more about her vision in the future, you can like them on Facebook.

That’s about it for the week, folks. Back next time with more suggestions to fill your leisure time. We all must work to pay our bills … but a varied social life and entertainment schedule is what nurtures the soul! The is Los Angeles, folks … There is always something fun and rewarding to do!

I haven’t been feeling up to par recently, and have been seeing doctors for checkups, to get to the bottom of the problems. I do have a couple of theater dates booked in the near future though to tell you about….

Mark Your Calendars

The Women – A Classic Comedy

Directed by Arden Teresa Lewis, assisted by Lee Meriwether, and written in 1936 by Clare Boothe Luce. This play, boasting 17 female actors, looks at all sides of love and marriage … generations ago. Focusing on the troubled marriage of a wealthy couple in Manhattan, after a mistress is discovered … the play looks at sex, gossip, infidelity, love, and marriage, from all sides. My press release humorously states: “Come spend an evening with The Real Housewives of 1936.” An excellent cast of women have been cast to play these saucy and opinionated ladies. I expect to be highly entertained! Why not book seats with your “gal pals,” or plan a ladies night out with your various female club members? See you there? Opening May 10 at Theatre West (near Studio City). For early reservations call (323) 851-7977 or online theatrewest.org.

Fool for Love

Written by Sam Shepard and directed by Gloria Gifford, this play about romantic obsession won The Obie Award in 1984. The story centers around Eddie and May … He, a cowboy with wanderlust, and She, a motel cook in the Mohave Desert. Driven by an obsessive sporadic relationship, their “off and on” romance is passionately problematic. There is a secret behind their issues … and a recurring old man that appears onstage, who knows the answers that explain their mysterious connection. Sounds compelling. Opening May 18 at T.U. Studios in North Hollywood. For early reservations call (310) 366-5505 or online at tix.com.

A Fond Farewell to the L.A. Lakers

After a valiant season-long struggle, and countless team injuries on key players … they finally lost the fight on Sunday afternoon in the NBA playoffs. I’ve been front and center in view of my TV all season, and enjoyed every excitingly suspenseful moment! Better luck to next year fellas … your spirit and hard work is appreciated! Thanks for the memories….

Back next week with more “Pat Chat!”

From l, Lloyd Pedersen, Bert Emmett, and Evan L. Smith in
“Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me.”

A must see for all L.A. theater enthusiasts! This spellbinding and intensely powerful hostage drama, sprinkled with heart-wrenchingly touching moments … mesmerized the audience from start to finish. Written by Frank McGuinness with a hauntingly realistic sense of emotional survival … we are privy to the interactions of three chained and imprisoned men. The play is based on the true hostage experience of an Irish writer who spent 4 ½ years as a prisoner in Beirut, Lebanon in 1986. These prisoners … a doctor, a journalist, and a professor, taken hostage by Islamic militants, are thrown into a dark and dismal cell. With no daylight or outside communication … they play verbal games, sing songs, and share life stories, to escape fear and insanity. Their communication and heartfelt camaraderie, living in “bare bones” deprivation, is movingly fascinating to witness. Directed with gut-wrenchingly realistic and focused skill by Gregg T. Daniel (assisted by Jennifer Ross) … a trio of brilliantly award worthy performances explode here! Bert Emmett as Edward, Lloyd Pedersen as Michael, and Evan L. Smith as Adam, were captivating as we pondered their characters’ uncertain fate, and marveled at their courage. A perfectly cast ensemble! They had the audience riveted throughout, in a hypnotically hushed silence. Setting the spellbinding tone, kudos are in order to: Gary Lee Reed (effective set design), Elizabeth Nankin (costumes), Steve Shaw (sound), Kim Smith (lighting), and Laura Coker & Emily Doyle (props). This is a deeply meaningful “slice of life” true story folks, performed, directed, and produced with all round excellence! I won’t soon forget it … and strongly recommend that you take the time to see it yourselves! Running through June 2 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre located at 10900 Burbank Blvd. in North Hollywood. Seats are reasonably priced at $22 for adults, $17 for seniors and students, and groups of 10+ are $15 each. For reservations call (818) 763-5990 or visit thegrouprep.com.

Hot Tip!

The Big Tease – One Night Only. Directed by Cate Caplin. “Singing, Dancing, Burlesque, & Vaudeville”

A fabulous benefit evening, supporting Burbank’s long respected Victory Theatre (open for three decades), is open to all stage theater lovers, on Sunday, May 5. If you have been a frequent theatergoer over the past 32 years, you have probably seen some unforgettable productions at the charming Victory Theatre. Owners and passionate Co-Artistic Directors of the theatre … (and also in their marriage …) there is no couple on the L.A. theatre scene with more vision, heart, and soul! Tom Ormeny and Maria Gobetti, both fine actors, and directors, are gifted with multi-talents and generous spirits … To know them is to love them! They have an exciting “one night only” benefit event planned for Sunday, May 5, at 7 p.m. Starring comedian/ventriloquist Jay Johnson (from the popular TV series Soap) and featuring a dozen other actors, dancers, and singers … this should be a funfilled evening! There will be a delicious banquet afterwards, catered by Burbank’s Ciao Cristina. “Great fun, many laughs, and lots of magic are in store,” promises Tom and Maria. Seats will be $50 for the show only; $75 for the show and post show feast; or $125 per couple, for the whole shebang. For reservations, call (818) 841-5421 or online at TheVictoryTheatre.org. The Victory Theatre is located at 3326 W. Victory Blvd. in Burbank. See you there?

Congrats to the L.A. Lakers for making it to the NBA playoffs! With all of the injuries … and the “nail biting” last few games … they just made it by the skin of their teeth! We’ll just have to wait and see what happens next. I’ll be watching for sure, cheering in my living room as if I was there! Go Lakers!

Larry and I with Santa ages 5 and 3.

e … (You’ve gotta’ love the attentiveness of Burbank’s police officers). My brother said they were most efficient, but really good guys. He’ll be staying with me a few days, and also visiting long-lost friends and family members. Having gone through severe health issues, it was great to see him well enough to take this long overdue California journey! Welcome, little brother!

Mark Your Calendars

Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me

Beginning their 40th season, North Hollywood’s “Group Rep Co.” presents this Tony-nominated drama, written by Irish playwright Frank McGuiness. It is an in-depth, up-close and personal look at three imprisoned men who are hostages of Islamic militants. Set in Beirut in the 1980s, these men do whatever they must, to keep their sanity, while they wait out their uncertain fate. A doctor, a journalist, and a professor … they are shut off from all but each other’s voices, trying to survive in the depths of deprivation. A very strong trio of actors will star. Bert Emmett, Lloyd Pedersen, and Evan L. Smith. Don’t miss this one! Opening April 19 at Lonny Chapman Theatre. For reservations call (818) 763-5990.

Hamburger Mary’s

Ohmigod… What a blast! Speaking of “Group Rep”… we went to Hamburger Mary’s in West Hollywood for a whacky Bingo Night. A fundraiser for their theatre for this troupe who call The Lonny Chapman Theatre “home,” we had an outrageously great time! Hilariously hosted by Jeffrey Bowman … this ain’t no church bingo, folks! Two gorgeous and bawdy drag queens (Porsha and Roxy) called the numbers, and had us all falling apart with laughter! The Bingo prize bags donated to Group Rep were loaded with “cool stuff” and the outrageous “off color” zingers were endless! Bingo sessions are Sundays at 6 & 8, and Wednesdays at 7 & 9. The general public can play, while dining and drinking … or to set up a bingo party session for your own fundraisers, go to bingoboyinc.com or call the restaurant yourself. The food is “delish,” the cocktails are hearty, and the decadent experience is one you won’t soon forget!

Macha Theatre Update Marilyn – My Secret

I recently favorably reviewed this dramedy with music, peering into the heart of Norma Jean. Exploring the life and events of history’s most famous blonde bombshell, with Kelly Mullis in the title role of Monroe … the audience’s have been so responsive, that they have just extended the run through May 11. For reservations call (323) 960-7862.

So that’s my story for this week. I’ll be hangin’ out and catchin’ up with my kid brother. Tonight we chatted until four in the morning … so I’m off to catch some zzzz’s!

The Man Who Came to Dinner

The cast of “The Man Who Came to Dinner.” From l, Clement von Franckenstein (Beverly Carlton), Rebecca Balding (Mrs. Stanley), Brenda Dietlein (Maggie Cutler), Kate Landro (Miss Preen), Andrew Prine (Sheridan Whiteside), and Mark Christopher Tracy (Banjo).

An audience-pleasing, frolicking farce, loaded with zany goofball characters … the insanity and laughs run rampant! Penned by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, and playfully directed by Heather Lowe (as characters darted up and down the audience aisles, and in and out of doors) … this large cast of seventeen actors offer whacky “over the top” performances! It is Christmastime in 1939 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley (delightfully played by Kyle Kelley and Rebecca Balding). When they invite a noted, eccentric, and overbearing radio lecturer, named Sheridan Whiteside to their home for dinner, he is injured on their doorstep. Confined to a wheelchair, he must begrudgingly stay at their home for a few days to recover, and makes life riotously chaotic for this family. Noted veteran actor, Andrew Prine is despicably hilarious as the pompous, demandingly egocentric “temporary cripple,” Brenda Deitlein is infectiously lovable as his devoted secretary, and Kate Landro is a riot as his intimidated nurse. Alison Robertson is flamboyant fun as his glamorous, self-involved actress friend, and Mark Christopher Tracy nearly steals the show as Banjo! With countless goofy characters … maids, butlers, family members, and “love interests,” alternating “spot-lit” scenes … it is impossible to discuss all actors individually, but each one offered their own memorable moments. I must at least name the rest of the cast for you. Clement Von Franckenstein, Blake Boyd, Amanda Carter, Jeremy Leochner, Hisato Masuyama, and Nick Mizrahi. A delightful comedy of ditzy deceptions and “laugh out loud” situations … as the snooty Sheridan Whiteside’s mere presence turns everyone’s life upside down! Attractive 1930s-esque costumes by Angela Ward … Gorgeous set and lighting by Tim Dietlein, and sound by Paul Reid … do the job nicely in setting the mood! Do try to catch this one, and take the family with you. There is no better gift to children, than to expose them to the joy and magic of “live” theater! Running thru May 11 at Glendale Centre Theatre located at 324 N. Orange St. in Glendale. For tickets call (818) 244-8481. Adult tickets range between $20-25; children 14 and under are $12.

Footnote:

After the play, we cut through the alley, and had a wee cocktail and a late night snack at “JAX.” A long running supper club, always with great “live bands” performing … our bartender/actor Mike, took great care of us … and The Ralph Mathis Band was beyond fabulous! (appearing every other Saturday night)

North Hollywood’s Group Rep Theatre Fundraiser – Sunday, April 14

A lively night of BINGO at “Hamburger Mary’s” located at 8288 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood. The Bingo “buy in” is $20 and the ten prize baskets are each worth over $75. The fun starts at 6 p.m. – but get there early to get a seat. You can order food and cocktails before or after the session. Great burgers! I’ll be there … sounds like a ball!

Back next week with more entertainment options for your consideration. Get out there and have fun … There’s always something exciting to do in L.A. so turn off the TV and venture out!

Marilyn – My Secret

From l, Kelly Mullis as Monroe and Katarina Radivojevic as Lili St. Cyr in “Marilyn – My Secret.”

Presented and sensually directed by Odalys Nanin. Who is Odalys Nanin, you ask? A fine actress, award winning playwright, director, producer, and founder and Artistic Director of Macha Theatre/Films. Offering titillating “gay themed” productions here for years … her vision and dedication to the arts is unstoppable! This time around, she invites us into the heart and soul of film history’s most famous “blonde bombshell,” Marilyn Monroe, formerly known as Norma Jean. Co-written by Willard Manus and Odalys Nanin, offering an entertaining mix of facts, rumors, sensuality, and fun … the audience had a great time! An informative drama with song performances, we peer in on Monroe’s career and controversial life journey. From her lonely early years in an orphanage, to bit part player, to major fame, she was always surrounded by controversy. Kelly Mullis as Marilyn, gives a sassy, sexy, and thought provoking performance! Alternately depicting fragile childlike innocence, and booze and drug induced sexuality, on her road to major fame … we are privy to the inner pain, passion, and confusion that guided her life choices. Although she felt that the studios never took her seriously, the fans worldwide fell in love with her, and catapulted her career. Sharing true stories of her childhood, the famous men in her life, and bisexual liaisons … we learn much about the lady. From life in 12 foster homes as “Norma Jean,” to her 20 abortions, countless male and female lovers, and marriages, “as Marilyn” … her life was a psychological saga. Katarina Radivojevic is sizzlingly hot as Lili St. Cyr, one of Marilyn’s female lovers, in an X-rated, erotically charged scene. Monique Marissa Lukens gives gut-wrenchingly heartfelt performances in two roles … playing Natasha Lytess, and Paula Strasberg, Monroe’s mentor and acting coach. In the only male role, Jamie German dashingly appears repeatedly as Bobby Kennedy. As a lonely sex goddess, lost in her fame … Marilyn’s affairs with both genders were countless. She once stated: “No sex is wrong if there is love in it.” Said to have died from an overdose of booze and pills … there are many who believe that there was more to the story than that. This is a scintillating, bawdy, and well performed production. A voyeuristic crowd pleaser! Do try to catch it! Running through April 21 at Macha Theatre located at 1107 N. Kings Rd. in West Hollywood. For seats call (323) 960-7862 or go to plays411.com.

Footnote:

There is a nice, cozy bar in the lobby, where you can purchase wine and have a chat … before, after, and during intermission.

One Night with Janis Joplin at The Pasadena Playhouse

I raved about this exciting and nostalgic concert/show in my column March 20. In case you didn’t read it … I’m raving about it again! Running through April 21, if you haven’t yet seen it … you must! Brilliantly starring Mary Bridget Davis as Janis, and with a wildly talented cast and band … you’ll have a rockin’ good time! For seats call (626) 356-7529.

This weekend, I will be at The Glendale Center Theatre to see The Man Who Came to Dinner, starring Andrew Prine. Will tell you all about it in next week’s column. Ta ta for now….

Orange Flower Water

Sarah Ann Schultz and Jeff Denton in “Orange Flower Water.”

Written passionately by Craig Wright, known for his writing on blockbuster TV shows such as Six Feet Under and Lost, this is a most unique and captivating script. A hauntingly in-depth look at the dissolution of two marriages … this gritty and hard hitting drama packs an emotional wallop! Under the steamy and focused direction of Stephanie Feury in her intimate theatre space, we witness two intermingling marriages, as they dissolve before our very eyes. The complications of both couples’ intense relationships unfold in a bedroom. Each must face the gut-wrenching experience of letting go and “moving on,” interchanging scenes on the center stage bed. Hauntingly opening with an eerie wordless moment, when the quartet of actors sit speechless in corners … the dark tone is set. Next scene: A couple, each married to others, enters a hotel room, sizzling with forbidden lust. An in-depth look at marriage and infidelity, from the viewpoints of all concerned, the plot is intriguing and the performances are top notch all round! Two married couples with children, living the hypothetical “American family dream,” now find their relationships unraveling. The foursome who’ve been acquaintances and co-soccer parents, now face unthinkable challenges. Giving in to desire, David and Beth secretly meet for a romantic tryst in a hotel room, dishonoring their vows to Cathy and Brad. Cleverly, the entire play takes place “on or around” a bed, as the darkly complex story unfolds (set and costumes artistically designed by Nora Wilde). Four heart-wrenchingly volatile and multi-faceted performances are given by the excellent cast, as the scintillating story plays out. Kudos to Sarah Ann Schultz (as Beth), Mick Thyer (as Brad), Leslie Liberman (as Cathy), and Jeff Denton (as David). This brutally realistic, “slice of life” drama explodes with hard, cold truths! Taking us on an emotional roller coaster ride … the outcome offers hope and new beginnings for all involved. I had seen another production of this play years ago at Burbank’s Victory Theatre, which was also very good. Deeply struck by the differences in the way the two fine productions were presented … I was once again reminded how deeply vital a “director” is to the final outcome of any production! Running Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through April 20 at the Stephanie Feury Studio located at 5636 Melrose Ave. (near Larchmont) in Los Angeles. For tickets call (323) 463-7378 or online at plays411.com/orangeflowerwater. * Allow yourself time for street parking … It can be challenging.

Viva Las Vegas

This weekend marks that time of year again, when Vegas is taken over by “Rockabilly” folks from all over the world! Abundant with spirit, tattoos, famous bands of the ‘50s era, classic cars, and vintage clothing shows … it is said to be “the party of the year” … that rocks on for days! Based at The Orleans Hotel, you must book rooms there a year in advance … or try to stay at one of the outer-lying hotels. Tho’ I’ve never gone (too crazy for me) … it is a profitable and fun time at my vintage store, “Hubba Hubba!” … and for all of my friendly vintage competitors too, along Magnolia Park’s eclectic row. A huge number of returning customers from all over the world, stop in to buy “fab” vintage clothing and jewelry for this event every year! So far this month … people from 15 countries have popped in and shopped till they dropped! Many foreign people of all ages flock in … Most are covered from head to toe with “tattoo art” … and all are so friendly, fun loving, and polite! Year after year, I am so impressed with these foreign visitors’ sincere efforts to communicate in English. In this area … I totally feel that they put most Americans to shame! My store is buzzing with International Energy! I’m totally pooped!

Back next week with more random chit chat!

One Night with Janis Joplin

Mary Bridget Davies as Janis Joplin and Sabrina Elayne Carten as the Blues Singer in “One Night with Janis Joplin.”

Still reeling from the all round excellence of this mega-musical production … I hardly know where to start! Fearlessly flawless in every area of “theatrical magic” … from the passionate performances to the mood setting “behind the scenes” efforts, and thunderous audience response … this is a fabulous production! Having garnered rave reviews and numerous awards for their runs in Cleveland, Portland, and Washington, D.C., this exciting hit musical is now running locally. Tickets are selling out so fast, that by opening night … The playhouse had already added two weeks to the run. Created, written, and directed with rock concert magic, by Randy Johnson, the audience feels and responds as if they’ve been transported back in time … and are actually at a Janis Joplin concert! As the legendary Janis, Mary Bridget Davies is beyond brilliant! Portraying the bawdy and brazen blues and rock singer, with a soulfully penetrating voice, she also lets us into Joplin’s heart … with life stories and fond family memories. Her likeness to Janis in gut wrenching vocals and appearance is remarkable, as she repeatedly drives the audience into a frenzy! All of the Joplin hits you know and love are covered, with spine-tingling emotion! Sabrina Elayne Carten is also amazing, depicting the African American artists who influenced Janis … including Bessie Smith, Etta James, and Aretha Franklin. As the background singers “The Joplinaires” … Tricia Kelly, Shay Saint-Victor, and Kimberly Yarbrough also offered chilling vocals throughout the show! The excellent 8 piece band backed the vocalists with pulsating passion and extraordinary skill! The expansive and eclectic set and moody lighting by Justin Townsend, powerful sound by Carl Casella, and trippy ‘60s/’70s costumes by Jeff Cone, added to overall vibe perfectly! The St. Patrick’s Day gala opening performance included a free outdoor community block party. Featuring hot live cover bands of the era, food trucks, a beer garden, and more, from one till ten o’ clock. You could even take a photo standing next to Joplin’s psychedelically painted 1965 Porsche. A “fab” time was had by all! This is a wildly entertaining and sizzlingly soulful slice of music history folks. Don’t miss it! Footnote: Sitting on my left was a friendly and attractive blonde woman, “rockin’ out” and obviously lovin’ every minute of the show. When we spoke at intermission … she turned out to be the Pasadena Playhouse’s new Executive Director, Elizabeth Doran. Working closely with Sheldon Epps, the savvy longtime Artistic Director … they are a theatrical dynamic duo! Expect great things to come! Running through April 21 at The Historic Pasadena Playhouse located at 39 S. El Molino in Pasadena. Running Tuesdays through Sundays. For tickets and showtimes call (626) 356-7529.

Mark Your Calendar

Marilyn – My Secret.
A World Premiere. Opening March 30 at Macha Theatre in West Hollywood.

Billed as a dramedy with music, we look into the controversial life of Norma Jean. Following her life from unwanted orphan, to bit player, to Sex Goddess … We also learn of her liaisons with both male and female lovers, including the reigning President of the USA at the time. Sounds intriguing! For early booking call (323) 960-7862 or go to plays411.com.

A Final Farewell to Gene Bua – Oct. 7, 1940 to

Nov. 17, 2012.

The Buas in recent years.

We enjoyed a touchingly memorable evening recently at The Colony Theatre … Honoring the remarkable life of Gene Bua, and hosted by his loving wife, Toni, 300 of his friends, family, and devoted acting students, gathered for a final farewell. Loving speeches, passionate musical performances, and personal recollections of this colorful “one of a kind” man, filled the night with love and fond memories. With overflowing champagne, and delectable food, provided by Burbank’s “Romancing the Bean,” everyone left with a poignant sense of closure. A handsome, “larger than life” actor, singer, and renowned acting teacher for decades in Burbank, at The Acting For Life Theatre … he is undoubtedly coaching the angels to “live their dreams” as we speak!

That’s all I got for this week, folks. Back next week with more theater chatter!