From l, Amelia Gotham and Nich Kauffman star in The Visceral Company’s production of “The Turn of the Screw,” Jeffrey Hatcher’s creepy adaptation of the horrifying Henry James classic, now playing through June 9 at the Underground Theater.

The Turn of the Screw is Jeffrey Hatcher’s creepy and clever adaptation of Henry James’ horrifying classic that weaves a tale using only two actors, yet with multiple characters, minimal costuming, and no props. The Visceral Company specializes in productions with dark themes and this proved to be an interesting pick of a one act production that runs about 80 minutes without intermission.

Director Dan Spurgeon and actors Nich Kauffman and Amelia Gotham pull it all off remarkably well as they raise the tension. Kauffman portrays several characters both male and female of varied ages and even needs to demonstrate piano skills to nail the role. Both actors are strong in their diction and delivery, flowing well together, and the script is well timed including some rapid fire exchanges and spot on lighting changes.

The plot revolves around a young woman who moves to a desolate English manor house to care for a boy and a girl who are recent orphans. As the new governess settles in, she learns of the tragic deaths of her predecessor and the estate’s wicked valet. Ghostly apparitions of these two scare her and give her fears for the children. The question: Are these visions real or stemming from her imagination?

The Turn of the Screw is playing at the Underground Theatre located at 1312 N. Wilton in Hollywood. There is free street parking. The production stages Thursdays through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. through June 9. Admission is $15 on Thursdays and $20 on Fridays and Saturdays. It contains adult themes and is not suggested for young children. For advance tickets and other information, visit www.thevisceralcompany.com.

From l, Meg Wallace, John Holloway, and Randal Miles in “The Square Root of Wonderful.”

The Square Root of Wonderful is one of only two plays written by Southern Gothic writer Carson McCullers and the only one written directly for the stage. The Collaborative Artists Ensemble is presenting this hidden gem currently staging at the Raven. At points, McCullers’ words are thoughtful and beautiful and somewhat autobiographical.

In The Square Root of Wonderful, Mollie, a woman twice-divorced from the same man, raises her teenage son on an apple farm not far from New York City, yet the play still has a Southern feel in tone. John, who is an architect and Mollie’s tenant, has fallen in love with her at first sight.

But her abusive ex-husband Phillip, just released from a sanitarium, wants to move back in and recover his relationship with the family, which also includes his mother and sister. Molly retains an attraction to Phillip whom she met as a teen, and yet she still yearns for John and greater stability for her son.

The play is conducted in three acts on a delightful set, and is directed by Steve Jarrard who navigates a well cast ensemble of actors. Cast members are Sean Eaton, John Holloway, Randal Miles, Isabel Rogers, Meg Wallace, Helen Wilson, and Pamela Wylie. Wilson did an especially nice turn as Phillip’s domineering mother and Wallace as Mollie marks her character’s vulnerability yet growing strengths.

The Square Root of Wonderful plays at the Raven Playhouse located at 5233 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood till May 27. It plays on Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m.

Admission is $20. Students and seniors $10 (use promo code GOOD). For reservations, call (323) 860-6569. For online ticketing, visit www.Plays411.com/squareroot.

Janie Steele & Pacific Electric Band.

Janie Steele & Pacific Electric entertained the crowd at last weekend’s St. Charles Festival in North Hollywood by playing an eclectic range of music. The energetic crowd enjoyed the band’s vast list of songs drawing from Classic Rock, Swing, Tango, Easy Listening, and Country Western — something for everyone in the rollicking two hour set.

The band did its best to accommodate numerous requests of covers of hits from many decades.

Vocalist Janie Steele is a bit of Brenda Lee, a touch of Patsy Cline, and a measure of Shania Twain with her bright, bubbly personality and fun vocal styling. Janie is also an actress with credits including Frasier, Everybody Loves Raymond plus commercials and the musical theater.

She is backed by talented musicians who also do vocal leads, adding even more diversity for this group which is now in its second decade.

Mark Marino (guitar, keyboards, vocals) and Kurt Fries (keyboards, key bass, vocals) add spark to a number of tunes. I especially like the songs where all the performers share in the singing.

The group is well traveled including the casino circuit in California and Nevada. Janie Steele & Pacific Electric has played the Cowboy Palace, Route 66, weddings, private parties, festivals, and more including numerous charity functions throughout greater Los Angeles. They have a number of upcoming shows in the greater Toluca Lake Area.

For your event or party —contact (818) 752-9391 or (818) 209-3676.

Mary Mann.

Mary Anneeta Mann is a well-educated, deep thinking, philosophical native of Australia and a longtime Angeleno who has demonstrated her considerable writing talents across many genres. Her latest book There Are No Enemies covers a lot of territory as it is a collage in artistic expression in philosophy derived from Aristotle, drama, and poetry. In fact, Mann describes her book as “a practical philosophy of life.”

A special highlight in this second edition of There Are No Enemies is that the author delves into the challenging work of bringing money into harmony with organic nature.

To Mann the human conscience is a vital part of philosophy. “The conscience,” she points out, “is a gift from God… We all have consciences, we just don’t always listen to them, and we know when we don’t.” Further expanding, she also emphasizes that the use of money is controlled by the conscience.

This is the type of book that you can go through the Table of Contents to see what intrigues you and start there. There is probably something for everyone and not everyone would be interested in all the topics. However, this book is one that triggers discussion and debate and reaches into one’s subconscious. It just might be a strong choice for book clubs who want something to think about with a lively discussion. The author prides herself in that this is a book written in love and delivered with love.

For further information about the author or to order a copy, visit www.maryanneetamann.com, or you can also purchase it on Amazon.

Corey Craig presents “Cool Beans Comedy,” at The Ice House in Pasadena.

The Ice House comedy club in Pasadena was rocking on Saturday night with the current Night of stand up comedy featuring Tom Vrab (Aspen Comedy Fest), Jerrod Carmichael (Toronto Comedy Fest), Matthew Moore (Alley Catz), and Headliner Michelle Buteau (Lopez Tonight)!

The adorable Corey Craig periodically curates a varied and diverse lineup of standup comics and its Cool Beans all the way right down to the packet of jelly beans patrons receive when the performance is over.

Craig serves as emcee and kept things alive with not only a strong flow of introductions but some prizes as well.

The Ice House is of course one of the LA area’s most prominent comedy houses where major names such as Billy Crystal and Jay Leno have polished their skills and newer comics connect with the audience, plus also offers some new and intriguing mixed drinks and a strong variety of old standards served by a peppy and friendly staff.

The sold out house delighted in it all from playful moments with the audience from the comics, to physical comedy, wit and a serving of raunchy as well.

Need some laughs? Has it been awhile since you have gone to a comedy club? Try a helping of Cool Beans Comedy at the remodeled Ice House. There is ample off street parking.

The next Cool Beans Comedy shows will be Friday, May 18 at 8pm, and Saturday, June 30 at 8:30pm, both at The Ice House.

To contact Cool Beans Comedy or find out more information, you can go to www.CoolBeansComedy.com or www.facebook.com/CoolBeansComedy.

From l, Blake Harrison, Clive Ashborn, and Christopher Ocepek in “Little Fortress” from “It’s Dark Out.”

Nine actors play a variety of characters in three one-act dramas. Each play essentially addresses the question of “what price is a man or woman of passion willing to pay?” The answer is sometimes surprising.

“Denial” is a brief two character pointed conversation.

“The Devil on this Earth” is themed around two women in prison. Both are there for different reasons and results. They form a bond of sorts as they converse between their cells.

“Little Fortress” takes place in 1930’s Germany. The story revolves around a hopeful filmmaker in a time when both film and the political realm are taking on a new meaning throughout the world. This play is somewhat confusing at first; however it does have a subtle and strong message.

Some of the work is straightforward while other parts have a feel of black comedy, though all three never shrink from a focused depiction of the lengths individuals will move to complete their dreams, no matter what the price may be. The productions in their blocking go beyond just the actual stage and thus the actor entries add some of the unexpected, contributing to the theme of the productions.

Directed by Lewis Hauser, this plays features a competent crew of actors: Thaine Allison Jr., Clive Ashborn, Ken Bernfield, Cindy Dellinger, Blake Harrison, Neita Lawrence, Catherine Michaels, Christopher Ocepek, and Michael James Thompson.

It’s Dark Out plays through March 31 on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. The Raven Playhouse is located at 5233 Lankershim Blvd. (just north of Magnolia) in North Hollywood. For reservations call (818) 206-4000. Tickets are $20. Students, seniors, and group discounts available. For more information, visit www.thevagabondplayers.com.

From l, Arlen O’Hara (Pacific Palisades) is the Wicked Witch of the West; Alison Korman (Pasadena) is Dorothy; and Judy Claverie (Bradbury) is Glinda the Good Witch of the North in “OZ.”

L. Frank Baum’s classic tale captivates children of all ages with its tuneful original musical score complete with wonderful songs and dances. Dorothy and her newfound friends travel the Yellow Brick Road to seek the powerful Wizard of Oz. Each has a wish, and along their adventurous journey they encounter both friend and foe and learn some lessons along the way.

In the end, Dorothy learns the power of friendship and love and finds there’s no place like home. And, there’s no place like a Nine O’Clock Players musical show. The show features book by Tim Kelly, music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur, directed by Todd Nielsen, and musical direction by Dean Mora.

The Nine O’Clock Players have their signature values in place: enthusiastic cast, fun elements, colorful costuming, creative scenery, and wonderful music. I feel the musical score is especially fresh, fun, and inventive and that should be appreciated by the adult attendees.

Key leads are Alison Korman (Dorothy), Arlen O’Hara (Wicked Witch), Judy Claverie (Glinda the Good Witch), Linda Lawson (Scarecrow), and Christine Doren (Lion). This time around even the Yellow Brick Road gets an actor: Lenore Schlachtman.

The program began with a song dedicated to youngsters celebrating a birthday. Just a reminder that this is a great opportunity to have a theatre birthday party that is fun and educational.

Nine O’Clock Players Theatre for Children Assistance League of Southern California is located at 1367 North St. Andrews Place in Hollywood. OZ plays on Saturdays, March 10, 17, & 24; and Sundays, March 4, 11, 18, & 25. All performances are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12. For performance information about OZ, visit www.nineoclockplayers.com.

Amanda Martindale and Serena Dolinsky in “Pentagon Papers.”

Pentagon Papers dramatizes the actual secret history of America’s involvement in Vietnam. J-Powers is the writer/director and has his young cast deliver a number of monologs sometimes spiced with a flavor of a period or character they are interpreting.

The production aims to inspire a new generation of Americans to demand honesty and transparency from leaders, while baby boomers and beyond can reflect on the days they lived through.

The monologs are spiced with ‘60s music, simple changes in props, wardrobe, and blocking with periods of time, or an event projected on a back screen. This makes for creative variety since the dialog is delivered in narrative style.

The cast features: Jeffrey Ashkin, Serena Dolinsky, Mark Jacobson, Stephen Juhl, Dave Kirkpatrick, Amanda Martindale, and Brian Sounalath.

J-Powers does a remarkable amount of research and meets the challenge of placing this information in an interesting format that serves to remind that “we don’t go to war; we live in a constant state of being ‘at war.’” J-Powers (aka John Powers) is well known for his works adapting and dramatizing historical events. It is interesting to note that in history we know what we are told in the press, but that is not necessarily the whole story or the truth, and Powers dedicates himself to the truth.

Pentagon Papers plays Sundays at 3:30 p.m. through March 23 at the Open Space at Santa Monica Playhouse located at 1211 4th St. in Santa Monica. Convenient parking is across the street; regular admission is $19.50. Students, teachers, seniors, and members of the military are $17. Group rates are available. Buy tickets online at http://SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com or call the box office (310) 394-9779 ext. 1.

“Confessions of a Cat Lady (with a Side of Crazy)” written and performed by Tiffany Anne Price.

Tiffany Anne Price gives a physical and energetic performance in her autobiographical show Confessions of a Cat Lady (with a Side of Crazy) which staged last weekend at Theatre Asylum in Hollywood. The production has also been performed in alliance with the LA Comedy Festival and is part of the Phoenix Fringe in March 2012.

The writer/performer bounds on stage and offers a series of confessions of her most embarrassing and revealing stories. The confession style helps to bring random parts of life together. The story is honest and heartfelt as she takes the audience on a ride with stops at cats, more cats, jealousy, friends, bathroom phobia, and various crazy sides thrown in as well. It makes for a hilarious mash-up as she glides through various stages of life including life’s special, usual and unusual episodes. So in a way most all can relate to some experience.

The production before and during is spiced with nice little nuggets of Beatles songs and other hits of yesteryear with numerous pop culture references inserted in the script, thus embellished with occasional memorable musical moments.

In just under an hour the show engages the audience and the performer uses a wide range of tools to enhance the physicality; in fact her hair dances its way to distinction. Kimleigh Smith directs.

Tiffany Anne Price will perform Confessions of a Cat Lady again on Feb. 15th at 7:30 p.m. at the Theatre Asylum. For tickets, upcoming shows, and other information, visit www.tiffanyanneprice.com, www.confessionsofacatlady.com, or call (818) 823-7511.

Hypnotherapist Trish Ostroski.

Does hypnosis really work?

Yes, it works! Thousands of people have improved their health, wealth, career, and personal lives through the power of hypnosis. Frequently, while working on one issue in the hypnotic process, other areas of your life improve as well.

How does hypnosis work?

Our minds work on two levels: conscious and subconscious. The subconscious mind is considered to be 88% of the mind and the conscious mind 12%. You think, make decisions, and act mainly with your conscious mind. The subconscious mind, however, is what controls one’s habits. Hypnosis helps you achieve a deeply relaxed state where your subconscious can focus on and visualize the positive changes you would like to make in your life. You’ll then be empowered to consciously choose behaviors that will enable you to achieve your goals.

Can I be hypnotized?

Everyone can be hypnotized as long as they are willing to go along with the process. A certified hypnotherapist will work with you to determine your needs and develop a hypnotic script including suggestions that will best work for you considering your personality, background, communication style, and more.

What problems/issues can hypnosis/hypnotherapy aid?

Hypnosis is effective for a wide range of applications, including stress relief, accelerated learning, weight loss, smoking cessation, career and personal goals, relationship improvement, focus, success, motivation, pain management, sports performance, sales mastery, fear/phobia release, lower golf scores, and much more.

Let Your Life Rise in 2012!

Trish Ostroski is a Certified Hypnotherapist. Appointments are available in person and over the phone. For a free consultation, call (818) 795-8829 or email trish@rainbowhypno.com. For more information, visit www.rainbowhypno.com or www.hypnosis.edu/hypnotherapists/trish-ostroski.