Author Archive: Glamour

Theatre Review: Human Error

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The first scene is the portent of what’s coming for Madelyn (Kristen Vaganos) and Sameer (Kapil Talwalkar). Trying IVF to get pregnant, they learn of a mix-up at Dr. Hoskins’ clinic. Their embryo was inadvertently implanted into another woman’s uterus. Dr. Hoskins (Andrew Hawtrey) apologizes, but he’s punched in the face.

Madelyn and Sameer have no other choice but to establish a relationship with the couple that received their embryo. Enter Heather (Lauren Burns) and Jim (Kiel Kennedy). They agree to carry Madelyn and Sameer’s fetus and give the baby to them once it is born. But there is a problem. Madelyn and Sameer are blue, progressive, pro-choice, and racially diverse. Heather and Jim, on the other hand, are red, conservative, pro-life, and White. Can both couples forge a relationship for nine months being so different?

There might be some clichés here and there, but the comedy is exceptional. Kennedy shines in his portrayal of the firearms-loving tough guy, Ohio State fan, and successful business owner. His presence and voice project confidently the stern demeanor of a typical conservative individual. The five actors deliver a light and effective comedy that helps bring forward some pressing issues in today’s divided society. In a time when politicians are asking Americans to tone it down, this play couldn’t be more timely.

The schism between red and blue—referring to the conservative Republicans and the progressive Democrats—is a contentious element that ends up bringing together both couples. The human error at the clinic, forces these individuals to see each other eye to eye. Human error leads to human connection. Former Spanish Prime Minister Felipe Gonzales once said that nothing replaces a meeting in person. We have the opportunity to listen, and even understand the other position.

Playwright Eric Pfeffinger uses the red and blue stances to prove that right or wrong is in the eye of the beholder. Despite their differences, connecting in person allowed both couples to know each other at a deeper level.

Director Joshua Bitton translates the core of the play into a comedic and thoughtful expression of divergent ideas, leading up to the questioning of our own beliefs. The play exposes the diversity of America and gives the audience the chance to explore the validity of the other person’s perspective. Pro-choice, pro-life, what do they even mean?

Human Error

ROGUE MACHINE (in the Matrix Theatre)
7657 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
(Street parking)

Opening: 8pm on Saturday, August 10, 2024
Schedule: 8pm Fridays, Saturdays; 3pm Sundays
Closing: September 1, 2024

Tickets: roguemachinetheatre

Written by Eric Pfeffinger. Directed by Joshua Bitton. Produced by: Guillermo Cienfuegos. A Rogue Machine Production. Age recommendation 13+.

Cast: Lauren Burns as Heather. Andrew Hawtrey as Dr. Hoskins. Kiel Kennedy as Jim. Kapil Talwalkar as Sameer. Kristen Vaganos as Madelyn.

Creative team: James Morris (Scenic Design), Rachel Manheimer (Lighting Design), Chris Moscatiello (Sound Design), Christine Cover Ferro (Costume Design).

Performance Review: Tom Ciurczak at The Whisky A Go Go

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With a six-member band, Tom Ciurczak performed on Thursday Aug 15 at the famous Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood. Influenced by Bruce Springsteen, Ciurczak infuses his music with a nostalgic hint of Americana and pop that creates catchy melodies and lyrics that reflect the realities of life.

Besides Bruce Springsteen, Ciurczak also pays tribute to The Beatles, Peter Gabriel, Tom Petty, and the great music from the 70s. Smoothing down the music with a Hammond keyboard, the band delivered a refreshing and melodic sound reminiscent of the 70s and 80s, when rock music topped the charts.

The band performed “Small Town Girls”, an ode to New York, the innocence and toughness of life in small town America, and the yearnings of an Army veteran. One of the best songs in Ciurczak’s catalog.

Also in the playlist was “Mexican Jail”, a true story about Tom in Tijuana. Friends, prison, and Federales. How much better can it get?

The highlight of the performance was “I Ain’t Ever Growing Up”, a song that can be the soundtrack of many of us in showbiz. Life responsibilities and one’s passion, which one to follow?

Overall, it was a fantastic performance at one of the most iconic places in Hollywood. You can learn more about Tom Ciurczak’s music, releases, photos, videos, and more on his website: tomciurczak.com

Instagram: @tokyotommy58

Theatre Review: Murder After Hours (The Hollow)

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Agatha Christie‘s adaptation of Murder After Hours (The Hollow) is mostly a psychological thriller with instances of physical comedy. The exposition builds up the dynamic relationships and the suspense starts to take over at the end of Act One. The time is 1951 in the garden room of Sir Henry Angkatell’s house, The Hollow, near London.

Henry (John Combs) is married to Lucy (Dani Thompson). She has invited some of her relatives to visit for the weekend. Also invited is Dr. John Christow (an extraordinary Jason Culp), a dedicated doctor with a charming demeanor to seduce women. Despite his fame as a playboy, Dr. Cristow is married to Gerda (Roslyn Cohn), a rather dull woman whose relentless effort to please him creates a monotonous relationship. During Act One, Dr. Cristow becomes the center of attention. He is married to Gerda, but is also the love interest of Henrietta (Meghan Lewis). He is also romantically involved with the Angkatells’ neighbor, Veronica Craye (Gina Yates), an actress and a diva. The relationship between Dr. Cristow and Henrietta bothers Edward (Joe Clabby), who is in love with Henrietta. In turn, that bothers Midge (Rebecca Del Sesto), who is in love with Edward. At the end of Act One, there’s a murder and the Scotland Yard gets involved. Inspector Colquhoun (Chris Winfield) and Detective Sergeant Penny (Patrick Anthony) take on the job to solve the mystery.

If Dr. Cristow is the center of attention in Act One, Gerda becomes the most intriguing figure in Act Two. Cohn delivers a solid performance as a dedicated wife in Act One, but turns things around in Act Two, especially at the end, when her personality casts a darker tone to the play. When she cries, there are tears involved, no dry tears here; a true professional actress. Director Jules Aaron has assembled a fantastic cast with experienced actors and newcomers to infuse new life to a story written in 1946. The acting is excellent, both main and secondary characters are convincing. Even though it feels that the story is moving at a slow pace—it’s just the way the story was written—the actors deliver a convincing performance to keep things moving forward.

Set design. Checked. It’s full of details and the background paintings add an airy and garden-like feel to the stage. The costumes also deserve a special mention. The designs, colors, and textures are reminiscent of the golden age of Hollywood, shoes and hair styles included. And we can’t forget the music. It really feels like we’re watching an old suspense movie from the 40s. All of the hard work put into this production is evident in every artistic element displayed on stage.

The Group Rep has been alternating period pieces with contemporary stories, balancing an attractive theatre offer to the local scene. Murder After Hours (The Hollow) is another delightful production to add to their catalog.

Murder After Hours (The Hollow)

Lonny Chapman Theatre – Main Stage
10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood 91601

August 2 – September 8

Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sundays at 2:00pm,

Tickets:  thegrouprep.com

Written by Agatha Christie. Directed by Jules Aaron. Produced by Cynthia Payo.

Cast: Patrick Anthony (Sergeant Penny), Joe Clabby (Edward Angkatell), Roslyn Cohn (Gerda Cristow), John Combs (Sir Henry
Angkatell), Jason Culp (John Cristow), Megan Deford (Doris), Rebecca Del Sesto (Midge Harvey), Meghan Lewis (Henrietta Angkatell), Michael Robb (Gudgeon), Dani
Thompson (Lady Lucy Angkatell), Chris Winfield (Inspector Colquhoun) and Gina Yates (Veronica Craye).

Creative team: Chris Winfield (Set Design), Shon Le Blanc (Costume Design), Frank McKown (Lighting Design), Nick Foran (Sound Design & Effects), Linda Brennan (Dialect Coach), Judi Lewin (Make-up/Hair Design), Patrick Gallagher (Prop Master), John Ledley (Stage Manager), Doug Haverty (Graphics).

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts Achieves Record-Breaking Box Office

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FOR THE THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR IN A ROW,

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 

ACHIEVES RECORD-BREAKING BOX OFFICE!

 

August 16, 2024…La Mirada, CA…The Tony-nominated LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS is thrilled to announce that, for the third straight year in a row, its recently concluded “Broadway Series” season — as well as its presentation of one-night specialty acts — broke all-time box office records for attendance, single tickets, and overall revenue!  

 

For La Mirada Theatre’s “Broadway Series” of musicals, revenues increased a whopping 14% over the previous season thanks to a string of audience favorites:  On Your Feet: The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, the West Coast premiere of Mystic Pizza, Jersey Boys, and Disney’s The Little Mermaid.  All of these shows were co-produced by La Mirada Theatre and McCoy Rigby Entertainment.

 

Subscriptions for next season’s Broadway Series are already 13% ahead of last season, on their way to yet another new record.

 

In addition, the venue’s popular one-night presentations (headliners, bands, comedians, holiday shows, etc.) broke all-time records, as well, beating the previous attendance record by almost 20% and the sales record by 28%.  La Mirada Theatre is fast becoming the go-to venue for concerts as well as theatrical events.  The new line-up of exciting one-night shows will be announced in September.

 

BT McNicholl, La Mirada Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director, is thrilled. “Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better,” he says, “our amazing patrons came out to remind us that there’s no lack of enthusiasm for live performances.  We’re grateful to them, and the City of La Mirada, for their continued support of the arts.”

 
La Mirada Theatre is unique among U.S. regional houses: its self-produced shows are sponsored solely by a municipality, The City of La Mirada, which also owns and manages the theatre itself.  

 

“These remarkable results speak to the professionalism of our exceptional theatre staff and tremendous partners at McCoy Rigby Entertainment who work hard to bring high quality entertainment to our wonderful audiences,” commented La Mirada City Manager, Jeff Boynton. 

 

To spearhead the marketing and ticket-pricing for the “Broadway Series,” the City engaged a New York-based firm, Table 7 Strategy.  “They deserve a standing ovation,” says McNicholl, “for their creative and inventive promotional efforts that differentiated our productions and  energized our audiences, delivering unprecedented revenue numbers for the season.  Their Broadway savvy made all the difference!”

 

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS & McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT’s 2024-2025 season of shows are sure to be another record-breaker as it begins on September 21 with the Southern California regional theatre premiere of the much-beloved musical WAITRESS, followed by a November 9 opening of Tony award-winner Jason Alexander starring as “Tevye” in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF directed by Lonny Price, then what could possibly go wrong as we present the hilarious THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, and omigod you guys, April brings LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL.  Finally, “the cold never bothered us anyway” as we close the season with Disney’s FROZEN!

 

ABOUT THE PRICING

Subscriptions and single tickets to this extraordinary season are now available by calling the Box Office at 562-944-9801 or 714-994-6310 or online at www.lamiradatheatre.com.

 

Subscription prices range from $71.25 to $318.75 (La Mirada Resident Discount prices are $57.00 to $255.00.); single tickets for WAITRESS and THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG are now on sale; FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, LEGALLY BLONDE, and FROZEN single tickets will go on sale Friday, September 13.  

 

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS is located at 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue where the 91 and 5 freeways meet.  Parking is free.

 

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To schedule press interviews, photos, press comps or for additional information, please contact David Elzer/DEMAND PR at (818) 508-1754 or by e-mail at davidelzer@me.com. Photos and press information also available at lamiradatheatre.com.                                

 

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The Tony-nominated LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS has been hailed by the Los Angeles Times as “one of the best Broadway-style houses in Southern California.”  This beautiful state-of-the-art theatre has been presenting quality productions since 1977.  The theatre has produced several national tours and is the recipient of numerous accolades, including Tony, Emmy, and Ovation Award nominations and the L.A. Stage Alliance OVATION AWARD for “Best Season of the Year.”  The theatre is located at 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, California, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue.  Parking is theatre-adjacent and free. For further information call (562) 944-9801 or visit 

 www.LaMiradaTheatre.com.

 

Celebrating its 31st season at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT (MRE), is one of the world’s premier theatrical production companies and continues to be grateful to share a wildly successful collaboration with the City of La Mirada.  Headed by Executive Producers Tom McCoy and Cathy Rigby, MRE has produced over one hundred musicals, plays, and concerts featuring some of the biggest stars in the industry today and garnering many Emmy Awards, Tony nominations, and LA Ovation Awards.  

 

In addition, MRE has launched several Emmy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated Broadway, international, and national touring productions including: ASIA- Dreamgirls (Japan), Miss Saigon (China), Peter Pan (China), SAUDI ARABIA – Peter Pan (this was the first Broadway Musical to ever play in Saudi Arabia), USA- Seussical the Musical, and Annie Get Your Gun, starring Cathy Rigby; Jesus Christ Superstar starring Carl Anderson and Sebastian Bach, Camelot starring Michael York and Lou Diamond Phillips, Happy Days written by Gary Marshall and Paul Williams, BROADWAY – ‪Frank Wildhorn’s Jekyll and Hyde starring Grammy Award nominee Deborah Cox and “American Idol” and Tony Award nominee ‪Constantine Maroulis, and The Little Mermaid, the Musical.  Peter Pan, starring Cathy Rigby, has made four stops on Broadway and received four Tony Award nominations including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Actress in a Musical.  The A&E TV network premiere of “Peter Pan”received one Emmy Award and four Emmy Award nominations.  La Mirada Theatre productions of A Night with Janis Joplin starring Mary Bridget Davies and Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby are now streaming on Broadway HD. 

Thirteen German Films Submitted for the Oscars

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Thirteen German films submitted for the 97th Oscar® Competition in the category “Best International Feature Film”

German Films received thirteen film submissions for the 97th Oscar® Competition in the category “Best International Feature Film”

The selection of the German entry for the 97th Oscar® Competition in the category “Best International Feature Film” will take place with an independent jury of experts on August 21 and 22, 2024 in Munich.

The following thirteen German films were submitted to German Films by German producers and qualify for the final selection:

DIE ERMITTLUNG (THE INVESTIGATION) by RP Kahl (Film Mischwaren)
DIE HERRLICHKEIT DES LEBENS (THE GLORY OF LIFE) by Georg Maas, Judith Kaufmann (Tempest Filmproduktion)
DIE UNBEUGSAMEN 2 – GUTEN MORGEN, IHR SCHÖNEN! (FEMOCRACY II) by Torsten Körner (Broadview TV)
FÜHRER UND VERFÜHRER (GOEBBELS AND THE FÜHRER) by Joachim A. Lang (Zeitsprung Pictures)
HOLLYWOODGATE by Ibrahim Nash’at (Rolling Narratives)
IM TOTEN WINKEL  (IN THE BLIND SPOT)  by Ayse Polat (mîtos film)
IN LIEBE, EURE HILDE (FROM HILDE, WITH LOVE) by Andreas Dresen (PANDORA FILM Produktion)
SAD JOKES by Fabian Stumm (Postofilm)
STELLA. EIN LEBEN (STELLA. A LIFE) by Kilian Riedhof (Letterbox Filmproduktion)
STERBEN (DYING) by Matthias Glasner (Port au Prince Film & Kultur Produktion)
STILLE (SILENCE) by Erik Borner (Bluescreen Entertainment)
THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG by Mohammad Rasoulof (Run Way Pictures)
ZWEI ZU EINS (TWO TO ONE) by Natja Brunckhorst (zischlermann filmproduktion)

The independent German Oscar® selection committee includes the following participants:

  • Produzent*innenverband e.V.: Ingo Fliess (if… Productions)
  • Allianz Deutscher Produzenten – Film & Fernsehen e.V. / Sektion Kino: Prof. Uli Putz (Claussen+Putz Filmproduktion)
  • Verband Deutscher Filmexporteure e.V.: Isabel Schneider (Sola Media)
  • AG Verleih – Verband Unabhängiger Filmverleiher: Katharina Günther (Plaion Pictures)
  • HDF KINO e.V.: Ulrich Jacobi (Domstadt Kino Merseburg)
  • Verband der Deutschen Filmkritik e.V.: Thomas Abeltshauser
  • Bundesverband Regie e.V.: Matthias Greving
  • Deutsche Filmakademie e.V.: Ulrich Matthes
  • Deutsche Filmakademie e.V.: Constantin Lieb

The 15-title “shortlist” of films submitted from the various countries for „Best International Feature Film“ will be announced on December 17, 2024.

The five nominated titles that will ultimately enter the race will be released on January 17, 2025.

The Academy Awards® ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025.

Germany Will Have A Large Presence In Toronto

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Germany will have a large presence in Toronto with 24 productions and co-productions

The Toronto International Film Festival is getting ready to roll out the red carpets to welcome film lovers to Toronto as the largest North American film festival from 5 to 15 September, 2024. In total, over 200 films have been programmed to be screened during the 11-day festival. 24 German productions and co-productions will be shown in Toronto.

Like the other summer festivals, TIFF had to cope with the effects of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes last year. The organisers are therefore even more looking forward to making this year’s festival that bit more special. “This year’s festival will be a top-class event with films that reflect the world around us with humour and empathy,” Anita Lee, TIFF’s Programme Director, said.

There are several international and North American premieres as well as a world premiere among the German productions being shown in Toronto. EDGE OF NIGHT (MFP) will have its North American premiere in the Centrepiece section. Writer-director Türker Süer’s debut is set in a climate of mistrust where the state demands absolute – if not even blind – loyalty and the only options are to conform or rebel. Also premiering in North America is HAPPY HOLIDAYS (Red Balloon Film). This family drama by the Oscar-nominated Palestinian director Scandar Copti sees a fateful mix of personal quest, bad decisions and persistent social pressure putting the endurance of cherished relationships to the test. Ali Samadi Ahadi will also have the world premiere of SEVEN DAYS (brave new work) in Toronto. The drama revolves around the imprisoned human rights activist Maryam, who is granted a rare medical leave, giving her the chance to aescape Iran – but at a cost to her fight for equality and democracy. Mohammad Rasoulof’s THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG (Run Way Pictures) is already well known from Cannes and Locarno. The social drama about an Iranian investigating judge is being programmed as a Canadian premiere.

SAD JOKES (Postofilm) will have its international premiere in the Discovery sidebar which shows debut and second films by up-and-coming filmmakers from contemporary international cinema. This tragicomic second feature film by the writer-director-actor Fabian Stumm is set in contemporary Berlin and delivers a poignant depiction of modern queer life and the ability of an artist to persevere through all odds.

THE SUNSET SPECIAL 2 can be seen in the Short Cuts sidebar. Three years after the first part, filmmaker Nicolas Gebbe now returns with his sequel to take another ironic look at the formulaic nature of social media and luxury tourism.

Apart from the German productions and co-productions screening at the festival, German director Edward Berger, known for the Oscar® winner ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT, will have the international premiere of his new film CONCLAVE in the section of Special Presentations.  The German actor Daniel Brühl (GOOD BYE, LENIN!) can be seen in EDEN by Ron Howard, which will be shown as a world premiere in the Gala Presentation section.

An overview of the German films & co-productions in Toronto in 2024

Centrepiece
AN UNFINISHED FILM by Lou Ye (SG/DE, Essential Filmproduktion)
CROCODILE TEARS by Tumpal Tampubolon (ID/FR/SG/DE, 2Pilots Filmproduction)
EDGE OF NIGHT by Türker Süer (DE/TR, MFP)
HAPPY HOLIDAYS by Scandar Copti (DE/PS/FR/IT, Red Balloon Film)
SEVEN DAYS (SIEBEN TAGE) by Ali Samadi Ahadi (brave new work)
THE LEGEND OF THE VAGABOND QUEEN OF LAGOS by The Agbajawo Collective (NG/DE, Die Gesellschaft DGS)
THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG by Mohammad Rasoulof (DE/FR/IR, Run Way Pictures)
THE VILLAGE NEXT TO PARADISE by Mo Harawe (AT/FR/DE/SO, NiKo Film)
TO A LAND UNKNOWN by Mahdi Fleifel (UK/FR/DE/GR/NL/QA/SA/PS, Salaud Morisset Germany)

Classics
TIME OF MATURITY (REIFEZEIT) by Sohrab Shahid Saless (PROVOBIS Gesellschaft für Film und Fernsehen)

Discovery
BONJOUR TRISTESSE by Durga Chew-Bose (CA/DE, Barry Film)
HORIZONTE by César Augusto Acevedo (CO/FR/LU/CL/DE, unafilm)
SAD JOKES by Fabian Stumm (Postofilm)

Platform
THE WOLVES ALWAYS COME AT NIGHT by Gabrielle Brady (AU/MN/DE, Chromosom Film)

Primetime
FAMILIER SOM VORES (FAMILIES LIKE OURS) by Thomas Vinterberg (DN/FR/SE/CZ/NO/DE, Zentropa Berlin)

Short Cuts
THE SUNSET SPECIAL 2 by Nicolas Gebbe

Special Presentations
HARVEST by Athina Rachel Tsangari (UK/DE/GR/FR/US, MFP)
RUMOURS by Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, Galen Johnson (CA/DE, Maze Pictures)
THE ASSESSMENT by Fleur Fortuné (UK/DE/US, Augenschein Filmproduktion)
THE END by Joshua Oppenheimer (DN/DE/IR/IT/UK/SE, MFP)

TIFF Doc
TATA by Radu Ciorniciuc, Lina Vdovii (RO/DE/NL, Corso Film)

Wavelengths
GRAND TOUR by Miguel Gomes (PT/IT/FR/DE/JP/CN)
PEPE by Nelson Carlos De Los Santos Arias (DOM, NAM/DE/FR, Pandora Film Produktion)
VIET AND NAM by Quý Truong Minh (VN/PH/CH/SG/FR/QA/SA/DE, Scarlet Visions)

Comedy Night at The Playhouse

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LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS 

COMEDY NIGHT

at The Playhouse

 BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT WITH GALES OF LAUGHTER… 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6 AT THE LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE!

  July 15, 2024…Laguna Beach, CA…With the funniest lineup this side of the canyon, LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE presents another night of hilarity with its ongoing series, COMEDY NIGHT AT THE PLAYHOUSE.  COMEDY NIGHT AT THE PLAYHOUSE will perform on Tuesday, August 6 at 7:30pm at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Dr. in Laguna Beach.  For mature audiences.

Hosted by Mark Christopher Lawrence, this evening of stand-up is sure to get you laughing. Tapping into his extensive list of talented comedian friends, Mark Christopher Lawrence is joined by hilarious comedians from all over Southern California, in the Playhouse’s ongoing Comedy Night series. Audience members can grab drink specials and free small bites in the lobby. 

 THE LINE-UP…

HOST: MARK CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE

Mark has been nominated for two Emmy Awards for his work on the short film The Flourish and on his co-produced short $TACK$. Mark Christopher Lawrence is a recipient of the San Diego Critics Circle’s Craig Noel Award for Outstanding Actor Of The Year. He’s a national headliner that has worked with the likes of Sinbad, Jerry Seinfeld, Rodney Dangerfield, and Jeff Foxworthy as well as having headlined clubs and colleges and churches all over the USA and Canada. This year MCL has garnered a lead role in a film for the holiday season Bringing Back Christmas as well as the lead role in the PureFlix.com miniseries “Fragment: Oblivion” and also a recently released film for PureFlix called Nothing is Impossible.                                                                                                                     

Mark Christopher Lawrence is best known for his series regular role as Big Mike on the NBC TV series “CHUCK.” He can be seen on the Tyler Perry TV drama “All The Queens Men” streaming now on BET+. He can also be seen as a guest star on the new sitcom “Sprung” on Freevee TV. He is in pre-production on several projects as a writer and/or producer. Don’t miss his DryBar Comedy special Mark Christopher Lawrence: Clean Outta Compton.

 HEADLINER:  ERICA RHODES

Erica Rhodes first got her start on the NPR radio show, “A Prairie Home Companion” when she was 12 years old.  Now she is a nationally touring headliner whose specials can be found on Amazon: “La Vie En Rhodes and “Love You More.”  Her albums, “Sad Lemon” and “Ladybug” both hit #1 on Apple music.  She has also appeared on such TV shows as “Bring The Funny,” “Modern Family,” “Veep,” and “New Girl.”  She has appeared at numerous festivals including: Just For Laughs in Montreal and Moontower in Austin.

 FEATURED ACT:  JESSE EGAN

Winner of San Diego’s Funniest Person contest, comedian Jesse Egan tours with Vicki Barbolak from “America’s Got Talent.”  Jesse hosts the TV talk show “Tonight in San Diego,” and has appeared on “Dry Bar Comedy,” Fox, KPBS, CW6, and in the documentary film Stage Time.

OPENING ACT:  HEATHER MARIE 

Heather has performed all over the world. She has been to over 20 countries to perform, including war zones like Afghanistan for our deployed U.S. Military, bringing a piece of happiness from back home to the men and women who serve our country. She performs with many of the hottest and funniest comedians out there today. Heather has done T.V. appearances, including hit shows like “Weeds” on Showtime. She performed live on KTLA 5 for millions of viewers. Heather has also been in several movies and recently hosted the 5th Annual San Diego Film Awards Show for KPBS.  Her stand up is a fun take on growing up with all male figures, her Italian traditions. Her newest material is a take on being married to a Navy SEAL. She is an observational comic with physical humor. You can follow Heather on Twitter @HMZCOMEDY, on Facebook, YouTube all under Heather Marie Comedy. Or visit her website HeatherMarieComedy.com.                                                                                        

ABOUT THE SCHEDULE AND PRICING

COMEDY NIGHT AT THE PLAYHOUSE will perform on Tuesday, August 6 at 7:30pm at the Laguna Playhouse,606 Laguna Canyon Dr. in Laguna Beach.

 Tickets range from $44 – $54 and can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com or by calling (949) 497-ARTS (2787). Group discounts are available by calling 949-497-2787 ext. 229.  Prices subject to change.  For mature audiences.

The box office is open Tuesdays – Sundays: 12pm to 4pm; Mondays open 2 hours prior to show time and until 15 minutes after curtain.  Open until showtime on all performance days.

Upcoming Comedy Nights at the Playhouse for this season are all currently on sale: November 12, 2024; January 28, 2025; March 18, 2025, and June 24, 2025.

 For more information on all shows and programming visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.  LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.   

 

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Founded in 1920, the historic Laguna Playhouse (David Ellenstein, Artistic Director/Bill Kerlin, Managing Director) is one of the oldest continuously-operating not-for-profit theatres on the West Coast and is proud to be an active participant in the celebrated Laguna Beach arts community. From classic plays and musical comedies to the current off-Broadway smash, cutting edge and traditional music exhibitions, dance festivals and stand-up comedy performances, Laguna Playhouse brings the magical experience of the performing arts direct to over 80,000 patrons each season.

 

Laguna Playhouse educational programming includes year-round classes, productions by and for children and teens (Youth Theatre) and is one of the few companies in the region that offer a curriculum-based professional theatre-touring program, TheatreReach, which aligns with the California State Standards for literature, history and performing arts curriculum.     

 

Laguna Playhouse has been recognized in for the past five years as one of Orange County Register’s “Best of OC” in the category of Live Theatre. The Laguna Playhouse has featured many talented performers on stage, including Ed Asner, Leslie Caron, Hershey Felder, Harrison Ford, Melanie Griffith, Val Kilmer, Gregory Harrison, Dan Lauria, Hal Linden, Wendie Malick, Rita Rudner, Peter Strauss, Jobeth Williams, Joely Fisher, Charles Shaughnessy, French Stewart, Loretta Swit, and Bette Davis.

 

Learn What’s Going On at www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

Guys & Dolls, A Musical

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EARLY BIRD
TICKETS ON SALE
Altadena Music Theatre will be back this October for theatre in the park at Farnsworth! We have been preparing all year to bring a classic comedy to the stage that we all know and love. The goal? To laugh with our neighbors in community while enjoying a top tier production in our own backyard.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

For TWO WEEKS only we will have an EARLY BIRD ticket discount of 30% off. This will be the largest discount we will offer for the entire run of our production. Getting your ticket early helps us financially prepare for this show. So buy early and SAVE while supporting your local arts non-profit.

PURCHASE TICKETS NOW: eventbrite.com/cc/guys-dolls

SEE YOU AT THE THEATRE!

GREASE IS THE WORD… 22nd ANNUAL BROADWAY IN THE PARK!

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TUSTIN AREA COUNCIL FOR FINE ARTS (TACFA)

announce Recording Artist MARY DESMOND as “Sandy” 

& HAYDEN KHARRAZI as “Danny” starring in

GREASE 

Book, Music and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey

Directed by Barry Pearl

Choreography by Becca Sweitzer

Musical Direction by Michael Sobie

Opens: Tuesday, August 6 at 7:45pm                                                   

 Closes: Saturday, August 10, 2024

 PEPPERTREE PARK, 

230 W First Street, Tustin, CA.

 Tickets start from $15  

Tickets can be purchased online at www.tacfa.org

Prices subject to change.

‘Happy Fall: A Queer Stunt Spectacular’

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Cast announced for Rogue Artists Ensemble’s
joyful, exuberant ‘Happy Fall: A Queer Stunt Spectacular’
at Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Renberg Theatre

LOS ANGELES (July 9, 2024) — Romance, stunts… and puppets. Rogue Artists Ensemble, celebrated for creating original, immersive, multi-dimensional experiences known as “hyper-theater,” has announced details for its summer co-production with the Los Angeles LGBT Center and Contemporary American Theater Festival. The world premiere of Rogue Artists Ensemble’s Happy Fall: A Queer Stunt Spectacular, written by Lisa Sanaye Dring and conceived and directed by Sean Cawelti, will premiere August 17 at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Renberg Theatre in the Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center, where performances will continue through September 8. Four preview performances are set for August 10, August 11, August 15 and August 16.

David Ellard, Kurt Kanazawa and Amir Levi star in a story about the professional and romantic rise and fall of two queer, closeted stuntmen in the Hollywood world of faux masculinity. Placing the intoxication of film trickery and its toll on the body and psyche center stage through life-size and miniature puppetry, live video, cinematic illusions and heart-pumping physical acts, this exuberant production is a joyful tribute to the resiliency of the LGBTQIA+ community. Based on true-life stories and direct testimonies, Happy Fall illuminates issues of racial and cultural identity in the industry and uncovers the real price of a love story, unmasking the importance — and danger — of being true to oneself. Rounding out the cast are ensemble members Lucas Brahme, Carlos R. Chavez, Gabriel Croom, Kelsey Kato, Maia Luer, Candy Pain, Tiana Randall–Quant and Jerry Zou.

“As a lover of cinema and how movies are made, I’ve had a life-long fascination with stunt shows,” says Cawelti. “Their mix of humor, strong men and audience participation was a formative theatrical ingredient in my youth, perhaps one that also titillated my dormant queerness. As a young kid, I used to create mini stunt shows with special effects and puppets and tell wild stories. For me, the daring fearlessness of the stunt performer is akin to what it felt like when I was navigating coming out and understanding my own authenticity. This play has truly been a labor of love and is a very personal piece to me.”

As part of the play’s development, Cawelti interviewed over a dozen stunt performers, several closeted, who shared intimate stories about the challenges they faced in an industry that few know much about. The play has had readings sponsored by the City of West Hollywood and the City of Culver City among others, and was recently workshopped at the Skirball Cultural Center.

Coinciding with the production and sure to expand the experience, Advocate & Gochis Galleries, home to the visual arts at the Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center, will present a visual and mixed media art exhibit titled “Take/Action: Stunts, Spectacle and Queer History in Hollywood.” This exhibit examines the role of the action star through a distinctly queer lens, featuring interpretations of Hollywood and a look at the history of stunts by LGBTQIA+ artists. The gallery will open 45 minutes before each performance and will feature unique interactive photo opportunities, allowing you to place yourself in the movies.

Happy Fall features original music by composer Adrien Prevost, choreography by Cody Brunelle-Potter and fight direction by professional stunt performer Celina Lee Surniak, who also acts as intimacy director. The scenic design is by Keith Mitchell, and Cawelti; the latter also designs video alongside associate video designer Sam Lopez. Other members of the creative team include costume designer Andrew Jordan, lighting designer Soran Schwartz, sound designer Glenn Schuster, properties designer Lily Bartenstein, who also contributes additional scenic design, and pyrotechnician Eric Elias. Puppetry design is by Jack Pullman and Adrian Rose Leonard, with additional design and fabrication by Morgan Rebane, Greg Ballora and Kelsey Kato. Casting is by Jordan Bass, CSA. Camella Coopilton is the production manager, Matthew Richter is technical director, and Deena Tovar is the stage manager. The producer is Zach Davidson.

The production is made possible by the generosity of the Venturous Theater Fund, a fund of Tides Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; Jim Henson Foundation; City of West Hollywood; City of Culver City; National Performance Network Creation & Development Fund; Perenchio Foundation; Skirball Cultural Center; and the LA New Play Project. Stunt equipment is provided in part by Action Factory, a one-stop action resource company providing equipment sales, rentals, and services to the entertainment industry. Audio and visual equipment are provided in part by Q-SYS. Truss was provided by Killswitch Inc., an ETCP-certified rigging company that specializes in staging supervision, production rigging and gear rental for the greater Los Angeles area. Decking provided by Accurate Staging, specializing in design and stage fabrication for every component in entertainment, production and touring, since 2001. Happy Fall’s cameras are powered by Blackmagic Design one of the world’s leading innovators and manufacturers of creative video technology.

Rogue Artists Ensemble creates “hyper-theater”: original, immersive, multi-dimensional experiences that celebrate the complexity and diversity of Los Angeles. Since 2004, Rogue has differentiated itself through its dedication to creating original work responsive to the stories of its community, and by its commitment to creating design-forward theater incorporating puppetry and multimedia.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s cultural arts department curates and produces an annual calendar of events at the Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center, home to the Renberg Theatre, Davidson/Valentini Theatre, and Advocate & Gochis Galleries. By engaging visual and performing arts to celebrate our community’s stories, Cultural Arts creates moments of joy where LGBTQ+ people gather and thrive.

The Contemporary American Theater Festival in Shepherdstown, West Virginia was named one of the top theater festivals in the world by both The New York Times and American Theatre, and is shaping the future of American theater. Each summer, the Festival produces bold, new plays that spotlight daring and diverse stories in a truly fearless fashion.

Performances of Happy Fall: A Queer Stunt Spectacular take place August 17 through Sept. 8 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Four preview performances take place on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 11 at 3 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 15 at 8 p.m.; and Friday, Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. A pay-what-you-can understudy performance will take place Sunday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.

Special events include: an Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Affinity event on Sunday, Aug. 18, with a “Golden Hour” reception before the performance (2:15 p.m. start time); a pre-show reception (7:15 p.m.) and post-performance discussion hosted by the LA Guild of Puppetry on Thursday, Aug. 22; an interactive stunt demonstration with stunt coordinator Celina Lee Surniak following the 3 p.m. performance on Sunday, Aug. 25; a pre-show (7 p.m.) stunt puppet–making workshop at the Advocate & Gochis Galleries on Thursday, Aug. 29; a pre-show (7:15 p.m.) “Meet-the-Artists” celebration at the Advocate & Gochis Galleries on Friday, Aug. 30, to uplift the visual artists whose work is on display at the “Take/Action: Stunts, Spectacle and Queer History” exhibit; a pre-performance blessing from the Los Angeles chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence followed by a post-show discussion on the history of drag on Saturday Aug. 31; a post-performance Rogue Artists Ensemble VIP Fundraiser celebrating 20 years of groundbreaking new work in Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 1 (ticketed event/separate admission; information at rogueartists.org); a post-performance conversation with Happy Fall composer Adrien Provost on Saturday, Sept. 7; and, finally, an Action Star Dress–Up event on Sunday, Sept. 8 — come dressed as your own action star and join Rogue Artists for a special fashion runway with prizes for selected winners.

WHAT:
Romance, stunts… and puppets. Rogue Artists Ensemble, celebrated for creating original, immersive, multi-dimensional experiences known as “hyper-theater,” presents Happy Fall: A Queer Stunt Spectacular in a co-production with the Los Angeles LGBT Center and Contemporary American Theater. Following the professional and romantic rise and fall of two queer, closeted stuntmen in the Hollywood world of faux masculinity, this world premiere play places the intoxication of film trickery and its toll on the body and psyche center stage through life-size and miniature puppetry, live video, cinematic illusions and heart-pumping physical acts. Based on true-life stories and direct testimonies, this exuberant production is a joyful tribute to the resiliency of the LGBTQIA+ community. Happy Fall illuminates issues of racial and cultural identity in the industry and uncovers the real price of a love story, unmasking the importance — and danger — of being true to oneself. Coinciding with the production and sure to expand the experience, the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Advocate & Gochis Galleries presents a visual and mixed media art exhibit titled “Take/Action: Stunts, Spectacle and Queer History in Hollywood.”

WHO:
• Written by Lisa Sanaye Dring
• Conceived and Directed by Sean Cawelti
• Co-Produced by Rogue Artists Ensemble, Los Angeles LGBT Center and Contemporary American Theater Festival.

WHEN:
Previews Aug. 10, Aug. 11, Aug. 15, Aug. 16
Performances Aug. 17–Sept. 8
• Thursdays at 8 p.m.: Aug. 15 (preview), Aug. 22, Aug. 29, Sept. 5
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: Aug. 16 (preview), Aug. 23, Aug. 30, Sept. 6
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Aug. 10 (preview), Aug. 17 (Opening Night), Aug. 31, Sept. 7 (dark Aug. 24)
• Sundays at 3 p.m.: Aug. 11 and Aug. 18 (previews), Aug. 25; Sept. 1; Sept. 8
• Sunday at 7 p.m.: Aug. 25 ONLY

Special events:
• Sunday, Aug. 18: an Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Affinity event with a “Golden Hour” reception prior to the performance (beginning at 2:15 p.m.).
• Thursday, Aug. 22: pre-show reception (7:15 p.m.) and post-performance discussion, hosted by the LA Guild of Puppetry.
• Sunday, Aug. 25: an interactive stunt demonstration with stunt coordinator Celina Lee Surniak follows the performance.
• Thursday, Aug. 29: a pre-show stunt puppet–making workshop (7 p.m.) at the Advocate & Gochis Galleries; create your own puppet and learn how to get involved in the puppetry community.
• Friday, Aug. 30: a pre-show “Meet-the-Artists” celebration (7:15 p.m.) at the Advocate & Gochis Galleries, to uplift the visual artists whose work is on display at the “Take/Action: Stunts, Spectacle and Queer History” exhibit.
• Saturday, Aug. 31: a pre-show blessing from the Los Angeles chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and a post-show discussion on the history of drag. Come dressed to express and join in the fun!
• Sunday, Sept. 1: post-performance Rogue Artists Ensemble VIP Fundraiser celebrating 20 years of groundbreaking new work in Los Angeles (ticketed event/separate admission; information at rogueartists.org)
• Saturday, Sept. 7: a post-performance conversation with Happy Fall composer Adrien Provost.
• Sunday, Sept. 8: an Action Star Dress–Up event; come dressed as your own action star and join Rogue Artists for a special fashion runway with prizes for selected winners.

WHERE:
Renberg Theatre
Los Angeles LGBT Center
The Village at Ed Gould Plaza
1125 N McCadden Place
Los Angeles, CA 90038

TICKETS:
$39-$69

HOW:
bit.ly/happyfall24