“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.

Snow White is Caitlin Gallogly, the Queen is Susan Morgenstern, the Dwarf is Anthony Gruppuso, and the Prince is Paul Denniston in Theatre West’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

Storybook Theatre has been entertaining young audiences for 26 years. Early audiences are now bringing their children/grandchildren to Theatre West in Hollywood-Storybook’s home theatre.

Storybook is under the direction of Barbara Mallory and Lloyd J. Schwartz. This couple’s roots in family entertainment go deep as Barbara originally created children’s theatre in Minnesota and husband Lloyd shared in the longstanding brand The Brady Bunch as producer. His father, Sherwood Schwartz, was the creator of that remarkable franchise.

Most Saturdays during 2012, you can catch a 1 p.m. matinee of a popular children’s story produced with lots of participation to spark a sense of wonder. This makes for a perfect birthday party experience with many partiers happily opting to come in themed costumes.

What a warm and welcoming experience it is as Ms. Mallory describes it: “We want people to feel the love.” After all these years, she and her husband are passionate about their theatrical mission: reasonably priced shows featuring music, physicality, and lots of audience interaction. Plus, you might just wind up on stage. In the current production of Snow White, children are selected to be the dwarfs!

Storybook Theatre continues to bring the pages of classic stories to life to the wide-eyed wonderment of all. LA Parent Magazine’s ranked Storybook Theatre as the No. 1 children’s theatre in Southern California!

All shows are on Saturdays at 1 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults; $10 for children. There are also discount prices for school field trips. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs ends March 3. Aladdin and the Princess and the Magic Lamp opens on March 10. Theatre West is located at 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. in Los Angeles. For reservations, call (818) 761-2203 or visit http://theatrewest.org/.

From l, Lee Harvey Oswald (Andrew Perez) interrogated by Dallas Police Capt. Will Fritz (A.J. Jones) and Officer Sims (David Miller) in “Oswald.”

Lee Harvey Oswald came to the spotlight in that fateful weekend in November 1963 when President Kennedy was assassinated. Oswald was alive a mere 48 hours afterwards while being the most examined person in the world, as he was killed as well that same weekend.

Writer Dennis Richard has well researched the dialog of Oswald’s extensive interrogation and newscasts of 1963. This makes for a compelling script that primarily concentrates on the interrogation proceedings.

The well-cast Andrew Perez as Harvey and P. David Miller as Dallas Police Captain Will Fritz make for some dynamic theatre. Harvey in a t-shirt and dark pants is complex, skittish, brilliant, and crazed. Fritz in dedicated police style strives to break Oswald down in regards to his past decisions made and the crime that also involved the killing of a police officer. Oswald determinedly states his repeated innocence under mounting evidence. Both actors are confident in their portrayals and determined in their approach.

Rounding out the all-male cast: Dan Burkarth, David Lee Garver, A.J. Jones, William Kidd, Ryan John McGivern, Bert Pigg, and understudy James Braxton Sherrill.

Director Richard Shepard keeps the performers in the tone and tempo of the time and we get that feel of the pressure of the situation. The whole world is watching. You should watch as well for this strong perspective on history and a man that in many ways still remains a mystery.

Oswald runs in its West Coast premiere through Feb. 18 Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. Jan. 22—Feb. 5. For tickets, visit www.oswaldtheplay.com, www.brownpapertickets.com, or call (323) 469-3113. The Write Act Repertory Theatre is located at 6128 Yucca St. in Hollywood. Tickets are $25; $20 for seniors/students/groups.

Marina Palmier as Eve in “You Can Call Me Eve” at Write Act Rep.

You Can Call Me Eve is a drama done in a somewhat narrative fashion looking back on the life of a young woman and the events that shaped her life as she is now a mature woman.

Issues of love, loss, family, faith, sins, secrets, and sexuality play out through the decades of her life as she looks back to her younger self and the key people in her life who are now gone. She examines the roles they played, the people they were, and her relations with them, both sweet and sad.

Michael Coulombe pens a powerful story that is often times poetic and flowing in its narrative of a woman who feels a name change now better reflects her real self.

You Can Call Me Eve stars a fine cast that includes Marina Palmier, Henry Alberto, Natalie Camunas, Misha Gonz-Cirkl, Alex Rodrigo, Peter DiVito, Carlos Joseph, and Mike McAleer.

Under the direction of Hector Rodriguez, the show flows easily between the past and the present. The show is produced by Wil Bowers and John Lant with lighting design by Mark Baker.

You Can Call Me Eve is staging at the Write Act Repertory Theatre located at 6128 Yucca St. in Hollywood on the campus of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Thursday–Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. through Dec. 18. Admission is $20 cash at the door, discount rate for seniors/ students/groups of four plus.

To pay online with a credit card, visit www.writeactrep.org, www.brownpapertickets.com, or call (323) 469-3113.

The director and entire cast of “Can God’s Love Reach You in the Dark“ at play after rehearsal.

Robert Howell and Rodger Washington’s play Can God’s Love Reach You in the Dark explores the story of a young man who is dealing with his sexuality and identity while finding his place in life. In addition, he is undergoing the dilemma of finally revealing the secret to his proud father that he is gay for fear of the reaction.

During a family gathering the young man is forced out of the closet as other family secrets come to life that threaten to rip the tight family and their diverse group of many long-time friends and church associates apart.

Directed and produced by Spencer Collins IV and sponsored by Grace United Methodist Church’s HIV Ministry, the one-night production on Dec. 3 (World AIDS Day) was hosted by actor and HIV activist Doug Spearman.

The show features a strong spiritual element while dramatic was mixed with light and fun moments and characters. Additionally the production was spiced as well with a few vocals and music.

The show aims to become a means for expanding the conversation surrounding HIV and AIDS and judgments, stigmas, and preconceived notions.

The vibrant and energetic cast included: Michael Cox, Theresa Ford, Ophelia J. Harper, Saudia Mills, Gill Nelson, Byron Marc Newsome, Steven Norfleet, Jerrell O’Neal, Richard John Reliford, Angelle Robertson, Leland White, Bryant Norman, and Ron E. English.

For further opportunities of production contact B.L.A.C. Male Productions (Black Leaders in Art & Cinema) at www.blacmaleproductions.com.

From l, Andrea Saccone is Jack and Alison Korman is the Bean Seller in the Nine O’Clock Players production of “Jack and the Giant.”

I was fortunate to share the Nine O’Clock Players latest production with 300 school children. It is easy to say that this extension of the popular Jack and the Beanstalk came out big!

Director/choreographer Todd Nielsen’s fun cast, led by Andrea Saccone who plays Jack, makes a wonderful and musical romp of Vera Morris’ book and Bill Francoeur’s music and lyrics.

My favorite number was “Market Day” as little shops and products came together to aid the economy — a note to us all during these times. Kudos to Chris Bell’s special set props making the Giant king sized.

The show features music and several dance numbers with costume designer Carol Onofrio’s delightful touch and bright and fun scenery thanks to Chris Bell and Adam Flemming.

My fellow, but younger audience members shared some “oohs” and “ahs” for Jeremy Pivnick’s special moments of light.

The Nine O’Clock Players continue to turn out some of the best and brightest children’s shows in Los Angeles, and the biggest fans are probably the adult audience who will enjoy the show at least as much as the kids. This is a great choice for kids’ birthday parties or a family holiday treat. You can’t beat the full theatrical serving of songs, dance, peppy music, and bright and beautiful colors.

Performances of Jack and the Giant will be at 2 p.m. on Saturdays, Dec. 3 & 10; and Sundays, Nov. 20 and Dec. 4 & 11. Admission is $12. For tickets, call (323) 469-1970 or http://www.nineoclockplayers.com/.  Nine O’Clock Players is located at 1370 N. St. Andrews Pl. in Hollywood. There is plenty of nearby parking.

The Vagabond Players –“Murder by Natural Causes.”

Murder by Natural Causes, adapted by Tim Kelly from the murder mystery by Richard Levinson and William Link, provides numerous twists and turns in the Vagabond Players current staging at the Raven Playhouse in North Hollywood. Even to the end you will still be guessing who is doing what to whom in this clever production.

The plot flows around a world famous mentalist who has finally come in to his own and is much sought after by the media. He is the target by his greedy wife who prefers murder to a messy divorce so she can have control over the couple’s emerging fortunes. Aided by a struggling young actor, she thinks she has the perfect foolproof and inventive murder plan in place. But is it? What about her spouse’s psychic gifts to uncover things, or does he really even have these?

Once the killing scheme is set in motion, the plot begins to twist and turn and nothing is as it seems. Director Sherry Coon keeps it simple, focused, and fun as the playful cast romps its way through the mystery. Cast includes: Ken Bernfield, Cindy Dellinger, Michael Homeier, Neita Lawrence, Catherine Michaels, Christopher Ocepek, Leslie Simms, and Michael James Thompson. Catherine Michaels and Michael James Thompson are the producers; Robert Orentlicher is on light and sound; and lighting design is by Peter Strauss.

Murder by Natural Causes runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. through Nov. 26 at The Raven Playhouse located at 5233 Lankershim Blvd. Tickets are $20; there are students, senior, and group discounts. For reservations, call (818) 206-4000 or visit http://thevagabondplayers.com. Street and city parking are available.

“Last Summer at Bluefish Cove” written by Jane Chambers and starring, from l, Jen Kuhn and Georgia Reed.

Director Dee Jae Cox and her strong cast and crew offer some great theater with Jane Chambers strongly written Last Summer at Bluefish Cove. A tight knit group of lesbians reunite at Bluefish Cove for summer fun. This summer is different as Lil (Georgia Reed) has a serious condition that forces all to look at life with a new perspective while dealing with issues of family, death, love, relationships, sexuality, and being a lesbian in the mix of it all. We glimpse the lives of each, as they interact and deal with a new woman who is leaving a long term marriage and unknowingly has booked herself in a lesbian haven.

Lil is fiercely independent and, while fishing, meets and befriends newcomer Eva (Jen Kuhn) and invites her to meet the gang. Then she discovers Lil is straight. The group includes Kitty (Lucki Wheating), a brilliant author/former doctor who would like to stay in the closet; she is coupled with her caring secretary Rita (Teresa Crespo Hardentorp). Also, Annie, (Sheena Metal ), Lil’s best friend, is partnered with motherly Rae (Alicia Tycer). The last couple are wealthy Sue (Katelyn Ann Clark) dating young and money-hungry Donna (Kim Turner).

The show is touching and at times humorous, as both Eva and Lil soon see a new light in love, but the clock is ticking.

Last Summer at Bluefish Cove is playing Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 30, at 2 pm. The Stella Adler Theatre is located at 6773 Hollywood Blvd., Second Floor, in Hollywood (parking available at the Hollywood/Highland parking structure). Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.lawomenstheatreproject.org.

From l, Stefany Northcutt, Jinny Wilcott, and Jack Seal* in “No Fault: A Tale about the Big D in the Big Apple.” *Appears courtesy of Actors Equity Association

No Fault: A Tale about the Big D in the Big Apple explores the process of the divorce of a young woman being forced to exit a short marriage while striving to make a go of it in New York City.

Lighting designer Mark Baker offers a nice lighting backdrop that depicts the feel of New York. In fact the show was staged as part of NYC’s Fringe Fest.

The production features a strong performance by Stefany Northcutt as the lead character. In fact, she is virtually on stage the whole time of the one act which runs for more than an hour. That takes some energy. This is the type of show that grows on you as it builds. It may seem more abstract at first, but then becomes more personal.

The “woman’ is surrounded by other characters who have a purpose; however, no one has a name. These are the usual suspects in one’s life: best friend, parents, therapist, priest, boss, and of course, waiter. Most of the actors are in multiple short roles and all demonstrate great energy. The writing of Christie Perfetti is fluid and insightful while mixed with truth and symbolism. Director Stefan Lysenko keeps the mix of actors and the show moving.

No Fault continues Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. through Nov. 19. The Write Act Repertory Theatre is located at 6128 Yucca St. in Hollywood. Free parking on the south side of St. Stephen’s Church located at 6125 Carlos Ave. All performances feature a reception following the show. General admission is $20 cash at the door. Discounts are $15 for seniors/students/groups of for plus. You can buy tickets online at www.brownpapertickets.com.