Author Archive: Glamour

“The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?” and “Woody Sings: The Musical Legacy of Woody Guthrie”

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LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE announces

Two Very Special Events this June!

 

THE MALE INTELLECT: AN OXYMORON?

&

WOODY SINGS: 

THE MUSICAL LEGACY OF WOODY GUTHRIE

 

June 10, 2024…Laguna Beach, Calif… LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE is thrilled to announce two very special events coming up later this June!  Robert Dubac’s critically acclaimed, hilarious and insightful, THE MALE INTELLECT: AN OXYMORON? and an evening of music from the legendary American songwriter Woody Guthrie, WOODY SINGS: THE MUSICAL LEGACY OF WOODY GUTHRIE starring award-winning actor/singer David M. Lutken and his band of talented multi-instrumentalists. Both shows will perform beginning the week of June 26 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Drive in Laguna Beach.  

 

THE MALE INTELLECT: AN OXYMORON?

June 26 – 27, 2024

$41 – $51

 

Robert Dubac’s THE MALE INTELLECT: AN OXYMORON? is an international comedic phenomenon. Described by The New York Times as “Hilarious…a one man tour de force!” – it is hands down one of the funniest solo shows you will ever see.

Men and women from eighteen to eighty laugh non-stop as Robert Dubac embarks on a quest to answer the age old question, “What do women want?” With a shrug of his shoulders or a crook of his neck, he seamlessly transforms himself into five hysterical boneheads who offer sidesplitting advice on how to best straddle the gender gap – all while drinking a beer.

Hailed by critics and audiences alike: “THE MALE INTELLECT: AN OXYMORON? is a rare thing; a clever combination of theater and stand-up comedy that is laugh-out-loud funny, provocative and insightful all at once. There are two types of people who should rush and see it – men and women!” – The Providence Journal                                                              

WOODY SINGS:

THE MUSICAL LEGACY OF WOODY GUTHRIE

June 29 – 30, 2024

$41 – $51

Join us for a joyous, inspirational tribute to the Oklahoma troubadour that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame calls “the original folk hero.” Award-winning actor/singer David M. Lutken and his band of talented multi-instrumentalists share the depth and breadth of Woody’s musical legacy: satire, wanderlust, heroism, heartache, activism and organizing – stirring ballads and energetic foot-stompers, songs he wrote, songs that inspired him, and songs from artists that Guthrie’s words, music and spirit continue to inspire. “This Land Is Your Land”, “Pastures of Plenty,” “Bound for Glory,” “Union Maid,” “Pretty Boy Floyd,” “Roll on, Columbia,” and many, many more. Come sing along!

   

ABOUT THE SCHEDULE AND PRICING

THE MALE INTELLECT: AN OXYMORON?

Wednesday, June 26 & Thursday, June 27 at 7:30pm

$41 – $51

 

WOODY SINGS: 

THE MUSICAL LEGACY OF WOODY GUTHRIE

Saturday, June 29 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm; 

Sunday, June 30 at 1:00pm

$41 – $51

 

Tickets can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com or by calling (949) 497-2787. Group discounts are available by calling 949-497-2787 ext.229.  Prices subject to change.                                                                                                                                                      

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.

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

Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical

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Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical

WHAT: Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical

Jane Austen’s enduring love story is brought to life as a romantic-comedy musical. The story revolves around Emma, a well-meaning, but disaster-prone matchmaker, who ignores her own romantic feelings while setting out to find a suitor for her friend Harriet. Her efforts go awry, of course, leading to comic complications. We invite you to fall in love again with one of Jane Austen’s most adored characters, featuring an intelligent and buoyant score from Tony-nominated composer Paul Gordon (Jane Eyre).

WHEN:

Previews: November 29 – December 6, 2024; Friday 8 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m.  Sunday 7 p.m.

Performances: November 29 – December 22, 2024

Fridays at 7 p.m. (only Dec 1), Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. & Sundays at 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.

****

RUNNING TIME: 2 hours, 30 minutes with intermission

WHERE: Chance Theater @ Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage

5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807

TICKETS: $55-59

MORE INFO: www.ChanceTheater.com or call (888) 455-4212

“The Bauhaus Project” and “Crevasse”

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‘The Bauhaus Project’ & ‘Crevasse’

WHAT:
Two new productions highlight the rise of fascism and anti-Semitism in Germany and the power of art to resist. A group of struggling Southern California art students creates a dramatic presentation on the history of the famous Bauhaus School in The Bauhaus Project by Tom Jacobson, a world premiere theatrical event presented in two binge-worthy parts (Part 1: Bauhaus Weimer and Part 2: Bauhaus Dessau and Bauhaus Berlin) by Open Fist Theatre Company. Filmmaker and Nazi propagandist Leni Riefenstahl meets Walt Disney in the world premiere of Jacobson’s Crevasse, a co-production of Son of Semele and The Victory Theatre Center. A series of related events will take place throughout the summer at the ArtCenter College of Design, Skirball Cultural Center and more under the collective title Reflections on Art and Democracy.

WHO:
♦ The Bauhaus Project
• Written by Tom Jacobson
• Directed by Martha Demson
• Starring Jack Goldwait, Sang Kim, Chloe Madriaga, John C. Sweet
• Presented by Open Fist Theatre Company

♦ Crevasse
• Written by Tom Jacobson
• Directed by Matthew McCray
• Starring Leo Marks and Ann Noble
• Presented by Son of Semele and The Victory Theatre Center

WHEN:
♦ The Bauhaus Project
Previews: July 5, July 6, July 7
Performances: July 12 through August 18:
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: Part 1 (Bauhaus Weimar)
• Saturdays at 4 p.m.: Part 1 (Bauhaus Weimar)
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Part 2 (Bauhaus Dessau & Bauhaus Berlin)
• Sundays at 4 p.m.: Part 2 (Bauhaus Dessau & Bauhaus Berlin)
Audience members can choose to view the entire Bauhaus Project over the course of two evenings (any Friday and any Saturday at 8 p.m.); two matinees (any Saturday and any Sunday at 4 p.m.); or on a single Saturday, at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. (The history is sequential, so it is not advised to view the parts out of order.)

♦ Crevasse
Previews: July 19 and July 20
Performances: July 26 through August 18:
• Fridays at 8 p.m.
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.
• Sundays at 4 p.m.

WHERE:
♦ The Bauhaus Project
Atwater Village Theatre
3269 Casitas Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90039

♦ Crevasse
The Victory Theatre Center
3326 W Victory Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505

TICKETS:
♦ The Bauhaus Project
• Part 1 and Part 2 (combination ticket): $50
• Part 1 or Part 2 (individual ticket): $35
• Students receive $5 off either price
• Previews: Pay What You Can

♦ Crevasse
• Performances: $32–$40
• Groups, students, seniors and union members: $25
• Previews: $20

♦ 3-play package (Bauhaus Part 1, Bauhaus Part 2, Crevasse): $75

HOW:
♦ The Bauhaus Project: www.openfist.org
♦ Crevasse: www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org

Design for Living

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‘Design for Living’

WHAT:
Odyssey Theatre Ensemble presents Design for Living, a witty and charming romantic comedy by Noël Coward that was banned in 1930s London for its risqué content and bawdy themes. Otto loves Gilda. But… so does Leo. Gilda loves Otto… but she also loves Leo. And what’s going on between Otto and Leo? Filled with Coward’s scintillating dialogue, Design for Living is an emotional, dramatic, hilarious and scandalous love triangle. Or as the threesome’s longtime friend Ernest Friedman calls it, “a three-sided, erotic hotch-potch.” It’s a revolving door of passion, treachery and never-ending champagne. Can love prevail against the norms of society?

WHO:
• Written by Noël Coward
• Directed by Bart DeLorenzo
• Starring Brooke Bundy, Sheelagh Cullen, Shireen Heidari, Kyle T. Hester, Andrew Elvis Miller, Garikayi Mutambirwa, Max Pescherine
• Produced by Beth Hogan
• Presented by the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, Ron Sossi Artistic Director

WHEN:
Previews: July 3 and July 5
Performances: July 6 – Aug. 25
• Wednesdays at 8 p.m.: July 3 (Preview), July 17* and Aug. 7 ONLY
• Fridays at 8 p.m. (wine nights): July 5 (Preview), 12, 19, 26; Aug. 2, 9*, 16, 23
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: July 6 (Opening Night), 13, 20, 27; Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24
• Sundays at 2 p.m.: July 7, 14, 21, 28; Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25
*Post-performance discussions on Wednesday, July 17 and Friday, Aug. 9
Wine Night Fridays: Enjoy complimentary wine and snacks following all Friday night performances.

WHERE:
Odyssey Theatre
2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90025

TICKET PRICES:
• Saturdays and Sundays: $20–$37
• Fridays: Pay-What-You-Can (reservations open online and at the door starting at 5:30 p.m.)
• Previews: $20

HOW:
OdysseyTheatre.com
(310) 477-2055 ext. 2

Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground and What the Constitution Means to Me

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ENSEMBLE THEATRE COMPANY 

Presents Two Very Special Events!

John Rubinstein starring in

EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF LAND

by Richard Hellesen

Directed by Peter Ellenstein

July 11 – 14, 2024

&

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME

by Heidi Schreck

Directed by Matt Hawkins

August 15 – 18, 2024

 

Performances begin Thursday, July 11 at The New Vic Theatre in Santa Barbara

 

June 6, 2024…Santa Barbara, Calif… Santa Barbara, CA – The Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC) of Santa Barbara announced today the addition of two captivating special event presentations: Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground by Richard Hellesen, directed by Peter Ellenstein and What the Constitution Means to Me by Heidi Schreck and directed by Matt Hawkins. ETC invites the Santa Barbara community and visitors to experience these extraordinary productions. Both plays are being presented outside ETC’s 5-play season and offer unique insights into American life and governance, encouraging audiences to reflect on the past and consider the future. Individual and group tickets are on sale now through the company’s ticket office and website.

 

“These powerful – and timely – performances truly resonated with me, and not just my artistic side,” said Scott DeVine, ETC’s executive director. “Having received my undergraduate degree in political science, I’m a firm believer that the lessons of our past are destined to be repeated if we do not share them with future generations. These special productions deliver on ETC’s mission to share theatrical events that entertain, educate, provoke thought, ignite imagination, and encourage conversation. I believe our diverse audience will find them to be thought provoking, historically accurate, creative renditions of our collective history at a time when being familiar with and discussing our past is essential.”                                                                                                 

Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground is a compelling exploration of one of America’s most influential leaders and a poignant reminder of the resilience and vision required to lead a nation. This one-man show delves into the life and legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower, offering an intimate portrayal of the man behind the presidency. The production features Tony Award winner John Rubinstein (Pippin, Children of a Lesser God) in A New Los Angeles Repertory Company production. 

 

“With such division in the country today, I wanted to go back in our history and look at an individual who led with faith and optimism during a very crucial time,” says playwright Richard Hellesen. “Despite the Cold War, McCarthyism and the start of the Civil Rights movement, Eisenhower believed in Democracy. On our stage, Eisenhower says ‘some days it feels like democracy is going to have a hell of a time persevering. But this piece of ground, that we all share…if we’re going to leave our young people something better, then we just can’t be complacent. …We have to keep choosing the harder right instead of the easier wrong. Never be content with half-truth when the whole truth can be ours.’” 

 

Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground provides an engaging historical narrative that will resonate with audiences of all ages and will take the stage at The New Vic for a limited run from July 11 – 14, 2024.

 

Next, we present the University of Notre Dame Production of the Tony-nominated and Pulitzer Prize finalist play What the Constitution Means to Me by Heidi Schreck, directed by Matt Hawkins and starring Stacy Stoltz, Paul Fagen and featuring a local student debater. What the Constitution Means to Me is a deeply personal and timely piece recounting Schreck’s teenage years participating in constitutional debate competitions.  The production examines the profound ways the U.S. Constitution shapes our lives.

 

“This play is part memoir and part societal commentary, blending personal reflection and historical facts to deliver a powerful reflection of America,” said DeVine. “What the Constitution Means to Me is an importance play for all Americans to see, it is universal, no matter our differences; it will have you thinking about the foundation and the future of our democracy and I hope inspiring conversation within our theater and our community.”   

 

What the Constitution Means to Me will take the stage at The New Vic for a limited run from August 15 – 18, 2024.

ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND TICKETS

 

Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground – Showtimes

Thursday, July 11 at 7:30 pm
Friday, July 12 at 8:00 pm
Saturday, July 13 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Sunday, July 14 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

 

Ticket prices range from $40 – $86

What the Constitution Means to Me – Showtimes

Thursday, August 15, 7:30 pm
Friday, August 16, 7:30 pm
Saturday, August 17, 2:00 pm
Saturday, August 17, 7:30 pm
Sunday, August 18, 2:00 pm

To ensure access to everyone in our community, especially younger audiences, ETC is pricing every seat for the run of What the Constitution Means to Me at $30, and anyone under 18 can get a free ticket.  This special pricing is made possible thanks to the generosity of our Producers, Susan Lichtenstein and John Rokacz, and Supporting Producer, Paula Bruice. 

 

Single tickets for both shows are available through the ETC box office at (805) 965-5400, or online at etcsb.org. Prices subject to change. 

SAM

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“SAM”

Premieres at the Hollywood Fringe Festival

Prepare for an unparalleled theatrical experience with “SAM”, a one-woman musical that defies conventions and captivates audiences with its blend of existential comedy, showbiz satire, and meta musical numbers. Join Sam Labrecque, a seasoned actor, singer, and comedian, on a voyage through her career featuring the eclectic voices in her head. Through an inspiring exploration of identity, “SAM” unveils the raw struggles of a pre-successful career as an actor, taking you beyond the glitz of Hollywood. “SAM” opens June 6th for nine performances at the Broadwater Studio.

WHERE: The Broadwater Studio – 1078 Lillian Way, Los Angeles, CA 90038

PERFORMANCE DATES::  Tickets go on sale May 1, 2024

Thursday | June 6th @ 6:30pm (SOLD OUT)

Monday | June 10th @ 8pm (SOLD OUT)

Friday | June 14th @ 7pm (OPENING NIGHT)

Sunday | June 16th @ 12:30pm

Wednesday | June 19th @ 6:30pm

Saturday | June 22nd @7:30pm

Sunday | June 23rd @ 11:00am

Saturday | June 29th @ 2:00pm

Sunday | June 30th @ 8:00pm (Closing Night)

Starring: Sam Labrecque

Composer: Edith Mudge

TICKET INFO: $15.00 –  The Hollywood Fringe Festival – sam

Admission age: 13+ (some profanity use for comedic effect).

Running time 60 minutes.

Theatre Review: Duran DurAntony & Cleopatra

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Troubadour Theater Company presents the World Premiere of Duran DurAntony & Cleopatra. Musical Direction by Ryan Whyman. Directed and Adapted by Matt Walker.

Matt Walker rewrites the love story of Mark Antony and Cleopatra, adding the music of Duran Duran to energize the characters and the plot. Based on Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, this slapstick musical is a fine example of a theatrical form known as commedia dell’arte.

The action on stage is reminiscent of The Carol Burnett Show sketches, with actors occasionally breaking character due to funny dialogue or even hecklers pitching in. And it’s exactly that, audience participation, one of the main attractions of the show.

Antony (Matt Walker) falls in love with Cleopatra (Cloie Wyatt Taylor), but for political convenience, Antony ends up marrying Octavius Caesar’s (Rick Batalla) sister, the sultry Octavia (Philip McNiven). From there, misunderstandings, rage, and killer songs become the norm. The dialogue is peppered with sexual innuendos, adding a mischievous element to match the action on stage. The music, the dances, and the physical comedy make it a highly kinetic play to keep things engaging and entertaining. Walker, Batalla, and Beth Kennedy lead the comedy, delivering an outstanding performance.

The background graphics and the special effects contribute  creativity and comedy to the production. There’s ocean breeze, waves, a shooting where bullets don’t make it to the other side, snake bites (not real), and self-inflicted wounds (not real either). The costumes and live music also capture the exceptional effort of the production to put together a mesmerizing spectacle that combines a classical story and the timeless music of one the most influential rock bands of recent history.

In Duran DurAntony & Cleopatra, tragedy becomes an excuse to unleash mayhem, leaving behind a trail of fun, comedy, and music in an exciting and festive environment.

Duran DurAntony & Cleopatra

The Colony Theatre

555 N Third St.

Burbank, CA 91502

June 7th through June 16th

Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 4:00 pm & 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 4:00 pm & 7:30 pm.

Tickets: troubie.com

Musical Direction by Ryan Whyman. Directed and adapted by Matt Walker.

Cast: Beth Kennedy, Rick Batalla, Mike Sulprizio, Rob Nagle, Cloie Wyatt Taylor, John Paul Batista, Katie Kitani, Mark McCracken, Philip McNiven, Suzanne Jolie, and adaptor/director Matt Walker. Troubadorchestra: Kevin Stevens on drums, Ryan Whyman on piano/MD, Carlos Rivera on bass, and Mike Abraham on guitar.

Creative team: Lighting Design by Bo Tindell; Sound Design by Robert Arturo Ramirez; Projection Design is by Rick Batalla; Costumer: Suzanne Narbonne (Using designs by Sharon McGunigle); Wig Design is by Suzanne Jolie Narbonne. The Music Supervisor is Eric Heinly. The Production Stage Manager is Corey Womack.

Theatre Review: The Spy Who Went Into Rehab

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The Spy Who Went Into Rehab is presented by Pacific Resident Theatre. Written by Gregg Ostrin. Directed by Cyndy Fujikawa.

Simon Cross (Satiar Pourvasei) is sent to the most challenging mission to date: Cure his addiction to women, gambling, drinking, and killing the most dangerous criminals. Will he be able to survive the grueling therapy at the rehab center?

Under the strict guidance of therapist Stella (Jill Renner), Simon will go through a radical transformation. At the rehab center, Simon will interact with other addicts that will teach him a lesson on sensitivity and empathy. There is Gary (Stuart W. Howard), Yvonne (Rachel Townsend), and Pixie (Alondra Andrade). Insensitive to their feelings, Simon’s macho attitude triggers the trauma on these three addicts, a signal that he needs an urgent intervention to change his toxic masculinity.

Playwright Gregg Ostrin has created a mesmerizing and relatable play that gives a new look at the typical spy character that has been so popular in movies and TV. One of the most interesting features of this play is not only Simon’s transformation through his interaction with the other characters, but also how he is able to help the other addicts to overcome their fears and achieve a positive transformation for themselves.

Pourvasei’s performance is one of a kind. His nonchalant demeanor and clueless notion of his negative behavior at the beginning of the play heightens the comedic aspect of his character. Overall, the dialogue and physical comedy delivered by the rest of the cast combine perfectly to treat the audience to an exhilarating performance. Director Cyndy Fujikawa is able to translate the text effectively into an energetic visual experience that highlights the comedy and the intriguing aspects of the story. Fujikawa also acts in this production as Z, the person behind the organization that sends Simon to special missions.

The story and the plot get the audience invested in the characters. Will Simon manage to complete his therapy? Is he still relevant, or is he just a toxic relic from the past? Is therapy working for the other addicts? And how about Stella, the therapist?

The play has comedy, suspense, addiction, a Mexican standoff, and a surprise visit of Simon’s nemesis, Lazarus (with a cat). The question is, who will save the world if Simon retires?

The Spy Who Went Into Rehab

Pacific Resident Theatre
703 Venice Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291

Opening: 8pm on Friday, June 7, 2024
Schedule: 8pm Fridays, Saturdays; 3pm Sundays
Closing: July 7, 2024
Written by Gregg Ostrin. Directed by Cyndy Fujikawa.
Cast: Satiar Pourvasei, Jill Renner, Stuart W. Howard, Rachel Townsend, Alondra Andrade, and Cyndy Fujikawa.
Creative team: Michael Franco (Lighting Design), Jason Culp (Sound Design), Rachel Townsend (Choreography).

Theatre Review: Nora and Jim

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Nora and Jim is presented by The Irish Sea, in association with the Contemporary Irish Arts Center, Los Angeles (CIACLA) with ongoing guidance and support from Kevin Cronin and Dublin Theatre Productions. Written by Nora Connolly. Directed by Ronan Wilmot. Musical accompaniment by Dermot Kiernan. Produced by Marcus Fox.

As a prelude to Bloomsday, Playwright Nora Connolly and Director Ronan Wilmot present Nora and Jim, a poignant and lyrical play relating the intense and often troubling relationship between celebrated Irish writer James Joyce (Johnny O’Callaghan) and his muse and wife Nora Barnacle (Lisa Dobbyn).

The play is narrated by both characters, mainly by Nora. It’s a recollection of their continuous travels through London, Paris, Zurich, Pula, Trieste, and Rome. It’s an entertaining depiction of Joyce’s struggles as a writer and his sexual obsession with Nora. Analyzing his writings, the sexual undertones of his work relates to his understanding of human nature. For Joyce, the imagination and sexual instinct are two of the most powerful driving forces in life.

Joyce’s genial writings, however, were met with scrutiny and he struggled to secure a fixed income. Two kids and health issues made it even more difficult for the couple to be financially stable. In addition, Joyce spent the little money they had on alcohol, stressing Nora’s frustrations with him.

The play has numerous references to Joyce’s writings. As they moved around, he continued to write and look for publishers willing to accept his radical views on religion and politics, especially his criticism of Catholicism and British colonialism. Working in a bank and as a teacher, he finished writing Dubliners, Stephen Hero, Ulysses, and Exiles. All of this while experiencing a declining health and dealing with the mental instability of his daughter Lucia. Other challenges included living through the two most devastating wars of the 20th century, WWI and WWII.

On June 6th, The Glendale Room was the stage for Nora and Jim; it’s a small space that makes it feel even more intimate, like a private and exclusive performance. A touch of class to the production is the background music by Dermot Kiernan, playing a selection of traditional Irish pieces from the era.

Featuring an exciting all-Irish team, this production offers poetry and comedy in a sophisticated theatre experience not to be missed. It’s a moving performance to celebrate one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. James and Nora’s legacy continue to inspire people from all over the world. It’s a story of romance, eroticism, radicalism, and more importantly, a reflection of the human experience.

Nora and Jim

Performances at The Glendale Room
The Glendale Room – 127 Artsakh Avenue, Glendale 91206
WHEN: June 6th, 7th, 8th,13th, 14th, 15th @ 8:00PM

Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/nora-and-jim-tickets

Performances at The Hollywood Fringe Festival
The Broadwater Studio -1078 Lillian Way, Los Angeles, CA 90038
WHEN: June 9th @12:30pm
June 16th @ 2:00pm (*special Bloomsday performance)
June 17th @ 9:30pm

Tickets: hollywoodfringe.org/projects

Written by Nora Connolly. Directed by Ronan Wilmot. Musical accompaniment Dermot Kiernan. Produced by Marcus Fox. Presented by The Irish Sea, in association with the Contemporary Irish Arts Center, Los Angeles (CIACLA) with ongoing guidance and support from Kevin Cronin and Dublin Theatre Productions.

Cast: Lisa Dobbyn and Johnny O’Callaghan.

Theatre Review: The Sandwich Ministry

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Skylight Theatre Company presents The Sandwich Ministry. Written by Miranda Rose Hall. Directed by Katie Lindsay. Produced by Gary Grossman and Armando Huipe for Skylight Theatre Company.

When Claudia (Maha Chehlaoui) tells the story of the widow that put into the temple treasury the two small copper coins she had, Hannah (Jordan Hull) loses her patience, and an argument ensues. Caught in the middle is Joyce (Jayne Taini), a close friend of both Claudia and Hannah. The three women gather to make sandwiches for the neighbors that have been displaced by the storm that flooded the town.

Claudia is the wife of the church’s minister. Joyce has been attending the same church for a long time and has known Claudia for years. Hannah, on the other hand, has not been attending the ministry for quite some time. As the three women prepare the sandwiches, the tension is evident between Claudia and Hannah. The exposition reveals that the two of them were once very close friends, but their relationship started to fall apart as Claudia became more distant.

As they gather for the sandwich ministry, their respective backgrounds are disclosed. The play delves into the complexities of human relationships and how hard it is to fix them. Playwright Miranda Rose Hall uses the church and a storm as the environment to explore the possibilities of a hopeful reconciliation.

The script is extraordinary, the story and the plot create rich characters that explore themes of friendship, faith, and the importance of mutual support in times of crisis. The direction by Katie Lindsay captures effectively the relationship dynamics of three women whose lives and faith are succumbing to the disappointments of unrealized dreams.

The performances are moving, capturing the essence of the text. The three thespians excel in portraying the sense of community and the urgent need for human connections.

The Sandwich Ministry

Skylight Theatre
1816 1⁄2 North Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA. 90027

Opening: 8:30pm Saturday, June 1, 2024
Schedule: 8:30pm Fridays and Saturdays, 3:00pm Sundays, 7:30pm Mondays
(no performances on Mondays, June 3 & 10)
Closing: July 7, 2024

Tickets: skylighttheatre.org

Written by Miranda Rose Hall. Directed by Katie Lindsay. Produced by Gary Grossman and Armando Huipe for Skylight Theatre Company.

Cast: Maha Chehlaoui, Jordan Hull, Jayne Taini.

Creative team: Carolyn Mraz (Scenic Design), R.S Buck (Lighting Design), Hope Kozielski (Assistant Lighting Design), Mylette Nora (Costume Design), Noel Nichols (Sound Design),
Benjamin Rawls (Technical Director), Victoria Hoffman (Casting), Cedes Sifuentes (Production Manager).