Tag archive for ‘Theatre Reviews’
Orbiting Astral Bodies
There is a sublime beauty of the solar system, for that it operates with delicate precision, yet it is gigantic, cold, and unforgiving. We marvel at the complexity of each planet revolving around a star, our sun. This star and her children planets also revolve in a galaxy. Each planet is independent, but relies on […]
A Holiday Nutcracker Festival
Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre (PBDT) will host A Holiday Nutcracker Festival at the Alex Theatre in Glendale on Sunday, Dec. 1, beginning at 12 noon. The company has chosen to kick off the holiday season with an all-day festival open to the public. Sponsored in part by the Glendale Downtown Merchants Association, the festivities will […]
I caught two productions for review on the weekend …
As different as they could be in style and content, but both ambitious in their own ways…. Storefront Church – A West Coast Premiere. Written with heartfelt passion by the highly acclaimed John Patrick Shanley. Offering their second production as the resident theater co. in the intimate back space at The NoHo Arts Center … “The […]
I have one play review, and two upcoming productions to talk about this week. Grab a coffee … and read on.
The Belle Aires Written playfully by Maria Elena Cellino, and Directed by Vinnie Torrente. Promising to be a “hilarious and captivating” story in my press sheet, three rival superstars from the decades ago “Golden Era,” reunite to present a new film. The concept, while intriguing, is laden with production issues. Joining forces with a former […]
Elvis’s Toenail
Hope is what fuels our desires and dreams. It is the fire in our souls when circumstances can dampen our prospects. It is also the luminosity for the darkest of hours. Elvis brought hope to the masses. A poor boy who made it, an icon representing that dreams can come true. The production of Elvis’s […]
Bash Chillingly Portrays the Banality of Evil
Combining fine acting, thoughtful directing, and fierce subject matter, Bash presents the dark underside of human nature, and the depraved levels to which some will fall to achieve their selfish ends. Neil LaBute’s cynical play consists of three one-acts, essentially monologues, which reveal the twisted undercurrents of three young, supposedly religious characters. Loosely resembling Greek […]
It’s funny but now that the days are shorter, and darkness comes sooner …
I find it hard to accomplish as much. It’s a big adjustment for me every year. I wonder if everyone feels that way…. Barrymore I caught a mind-bendingly powerful one man production on the weekend. Solo plays are generally not my favorite format, as I love the interaction of a full cast. This one however […]
The Fairest of Them All: The Nine O’Clock Players Present Snow White
By Natasha Lewin The first show of the award-winning Nine O’Clock Players season brings a musical retelling of Snow White. Lyricist and composer Carol Weiss’ twist on the classic fairy tale is brought to life with elaborate set designs, detailed costuming, and interactive verse that keeps both children and adults mesmerized throughout the play. Not […]
Why I Died, A Comedy! Examines Healing
Tough but hilarious, Katie Rubin’s world-premiere one-woman show, Why I Died, a Comedy!, blends spiritual search with pressing creative deadlines to discuss what it means to find enlightenment in life and in work. Rubin combines thoughtful writing and excellent acting in the truly funny production. While being pestered by her pushy producer anxious to receive […]
World Premiere of The Belle Aires at the El Portal
Bonaventura Entertainment presents The Belle Aires written by Maria Elena Cellino and directed by Vinnie Torrente. Producers are Julie Barry, Vinnie Torrente, Maria Elena Cellino, and John S. Curran. The Belle Aires is a captivating and hilarious story about the reuniting of three rival superstars of the Golden Era of Hollywood. Though unemployed, they live […]