Author Archive: Glamour

H*tler’s Tasters

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Rogue Machine Introduces L.A.’s First Run of H*tler’s Tasters. Written by Michelle Kholos Brooks. Directed by Sarah Norris. Produced by Guillermo Cienfuegos and Lexi Sloan.
A Rogue Machine Production.

Based on Margot Wölk‘s account, H*tler’s Tasters is the little-known story of the girls used by Hitler to taste his food. Afraid to be poisoned, he recruited young girls of good German stock to try the same food he was about to eat. During a time of famine in Germany, eating three times a day wasn’t that bad after all. But at what cost?

Hilda (Olivia Gill), Anna (Ali Axelrad), and Liesel (Paige Simunovich) are inside a room waiting for the food to arrive. To fight boredom, they take selfies, sing, and talk about the guards. For Playwright Michelle Kholos Brooks, the use of cell phones is a way to make these characters feel more present.

Hitler was vegetarian, so the girls didn’t eat meat, an apparent benefit for their weight control. Brooks incorporates other elements to connect the characters to their function. For many women, their relationship with food is complicated, especially for the younger crowd. Food is a basic impulse, but due to the relationship with weight control and consequently with their looks, it becomes emotional. For the characters in Brooks’ story, eating vegetables with rice and pasta is not only a devoted service to the Reich but also a benefit to their health. But again, that relationship is complicated, so the girls also crave meat.

The stress is not only related to the fact that one meal could be the last one. There are many more things in the story that reflect German society during the Third Reich. Anna for example, talks about her relationship with a Jewish family, something with which Hilda takes issue. As a result of the divisive environment and the narrative of a superior Aryan race imprinted in the Nuremberg Race Law, a relationship with a Jew was seen as a betrayal. According to the Nazis, those relationships were suspicious. That created a web of informants that turned people in to the Gestapo for questioning, torture, imprisonment, and maybe even death. In the play, Anna’s fate becomes an open question.

Even though there are very little historical details about the real life tasters, Brooks gives a face to those girls. They each have a unique background and personality. Hilda is the daughter of an officer and she is the staunchest supporter of the Reich. Anna was used by a soldier for sex and to be recruited as a taster. Liesel has a relative that moved to Pittsburgh and tells her about American movies. And then there’s Margot (Caitlin Zambito), a girl who thinks she was recruited to work as a typist. She’s upbeat and replaces Anna. All of the characters show their admiration to Hitler and even fantasize about a relationship with him. Eventually, however, reality sets in.

The acting is on point. The actresses do a great job delivering their lines convincingly. Zambito gives a shot at another interesting role (she also did a fantastic job in The Thin Place) and creates a character with hopes and joyfulness typical of a young girl that ends up succumbing to the institutionalization of her mind and body.

With talented actresses and an intriguing subject matter, Director Sarah Norris delivers an entertaining production that blends drama, music, and comedy. The choice of stage goes well with the subject as well. It’s intimate and claustrophobic, reflecting the nerve-wracking ambient in which the girls wait for the next meal that could be the last one, every single time.

H*tler’s Tasters

Rogue Machine (Upstairs at the Henry Murray Stage in the Matrix Theatre)
7657 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

April 27, 2024 – June 3, 2024

8pm Fridays, Mondays; 5pm Saturdays; 7pm Sundays
(no performances on Monday, April 29, May 13)

Tickets: roguemachinetheatre.org

Written by Michelle Kholos Brooks. Directed by Sarah Norris. Produced by Guillermo Cienfuegos and Lexi Sloan.
A Rogue Machine Production.

Cast: Ali Axelrad (Anna), Olivia Gill (Hilda), Paige Simunovich (Liesel), Caitlin Zambito
(Margot).

Creative team: Joe McClean and Dane Bowman (Scenic & Lighting Design), Ashleigh Poteat (Costume Design), Christine Cover Ferro (Costume coordinator), Chris Moscatiello (Sound consultant), Carsen Joenk (Sound Design), Ashlee Wasmund (Choreographer), Emmy Frevele (Choreography for Rogue Machine).

“PURE CINEMA”

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TWO HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS. ONE PSYCHO MEETING

“PURE CINEMA”

TWO HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS. ONE PSYCHO MEETING.

Los Angeles, CA. May 2, 2024. David Neipris’s ‘Pure Cinema’ explores the intriguing and unexpected dynamic between Alfred Hitchcock and Mel Brooks. It’s 1977 and Hitchcock is in the twilight of his career when he invites Brooks to discuss the younger director’s idea for a new comedy. But what unfolds is the creation of ‘High Anxiety,’ a film that satirizes Hitchcock himself. Not a project The Master of Suspense finds particularly beneficial at this pivotal moment in his life. Loosely based on the lunch meetings between two Hollywood legends, Pure Cinema explores their search for accountability, forgiveness, and tolerable hard boiled eggs. Opens as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival at the Broadwater Black Box, June 8th.

“Money and accolades are certainly desirable, maybe even achieving a masterpiece or two if we’re that fortunate. But our legacies are ultimately shaped by our conduct towards others,” Neipris said. “Failing in our humanity has the potential to overshadow a lifetime of achievements. So this play looks at how two vastly different Hollywood icons confront their major missteps and deepest fears. We’re juxtaposing the unique voices of Hitchcock and Brooks, as well as their creative inclinations and markedly different attitudes towards women, both in their personal lives and on set.”

WHO: Featuring Bill Chott, Aaron Caponigro, and Lindsay Seim; Written by David Neipris; Directed by Matt Ritchey; Produced by Matthew Quinn of Combined Artform.

WHERE: Broadwater Black Box | 6322 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038

PERFORMANCE DAYS
Saturday June 8, 11:00 am – PREVIEW
Friday June 14, 10:00 pm
Friday June 21, 5:00 pm
Saturday June 22, 7:00 pm
Thursday June 27, 6:30 pm

TICKETS: $15 – tinyurl.com/purecinemahff

Admission 13+; Running time | 90 minutes.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
David Neipris (Writer) David started as an actor, graduating from NYU’s Experimental Theater Wing and performing on and off Broadway. He brought his play Big Wyoming, starring Michael Stuhlbarg, to The New York Stage and Film Festival. Strange Gods was a Finalist for The Princess Grace Award. Other work, including April Escapes and Glass Eye, was developed at The New Group, The Cherry Lane Theater, Naked Angeles, Hourglass Group, and New Jersey Rep. Previously workshopped at Electric Lodge, Pure Cinema is David’s first Hollywood Fringe show.

Matt Ritchey (Director) Writer and Director of ANGEL’S FLIGHT (2016 Hollywood Fringe Best Cabaret/Variety Winner) and BLACKBOXING (2019 Hollywood Fringe Best Cabaret/Variety Winner) returns to the Fringe to direct.

Matthew Quinn (Producer) ​has been involved in theater production and venue management for over 25 years in San Francisco and Los Angeles. He created Combined Artform, as a production company in 1998 with Producer Bertha Rodriguez and has produced, co-produced, presented, booked and promoted hundreds of shows. He has been an active player with the Hollywood Fringe Festival since its onset in 2010

as an advisor, venue manager, producer, and a scout for the Soho Playhouse, New York City.

Bill Chott (Actor) is a Broadway Award winner for playing Fred Mertz in I Love Lucy Live at the Greenway Court. This is Bill’s second Fringe show, having performed in Escape From Godot, the award-winning immersive piece. Chott can currently be seen in Dahmer: Monster on Netflix as the Milwaukee police commissioner. He is best known as “Mr. Laritate” on Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place and played “Thomas” in the Farrelly Brothers film The Ringer.

Aaron Caponigro (Actor) is a Chicago native and has been acting and improvising since the turn of the century. He is a mainstage ensemble member at ComedySportz LA where he also coaches its high school league and he performs regularly at the Pack Theater. He’s a real big fan of ice cream.

Lindsey Seim (Actress) is a Nebraska native, recognized for her roles in prominent productions like James Wan’s Insidious: Chapter 2 and Darren Lynn Bousman’s St. Agatha, has made a mark as an actress, writer, and producer. She notably starred alongside Tim Heidecker on Adult Swim’s Decker and voiced Claire in Netflix’s acclaimed series Lupin. Seim received an L.A. Stage Alliance Ovation Award nomination for her role in Salsa Saved the Girls and won a Hollywood Fringe Festival Producer’s Award for the original comedy Spirit Wheel. Honored as a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, she also enjoys crafting MadLibs for Penguin Random House.

It’s All Your Fault, Tyler Price!

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Emmy Award winner Ben Decter and Tony Award nominee Kristin Hanggi
present
It’s All Your Fault, Tyler Price!,
a new musical featuring
music and lyrics by Ben Decter,
book by Ben Decter and Kristin Hanggi,
directed by Kristin Hanggi
Performances begin November 7, 2024 and run to December 15, 2024,
with the opening on Thursday, November 14,
at The Hudson Theatre in Hollywood
The world premiere production is supported by UCB
LOS ANGELES, CA (May 1, 2024) – Emmy Award winner Ben Decter (Operation Homecoming, Netflix’s Lucifer) and Tony Award nominee Kristin Hanggi (Broadway’s Rock of Ages, Los Angeles and Off-Broadway’s bare, a pop opera) are pleased to announce and present It’s All Your Fault, Tyler Price! The new musical features music and lyrics by Decter, book by Decter and Hanggi, and directed by Hanggi. Performances for the six-week limited engagement will play at The Hudson Theatre (6539 Santa Monica Blvd.) in Hollywood, from November 7 to December 15, 2024, with the official opening night on Thursday, November 14.
It’s All Your Fault, Tyler Price! follows Jackson, a middle school boy with big feelings who’s in big trouble after punching his bullying classmate, Tyler Price, for mocking his sister, Lucy, after she sings about wanting a bat mitzvah. Lucy attends the same school, but in the special day class. She has epilepsy and related learning challenges – lots of them. Jackson’s principal insists Jackson explain himself to the entire school in order to avoid expulsion. With music he steals from his composer dad, Jackson stages a scrappy, heartfelt musical. Through each family member’s bravery, we watch healing begin for all.
“When my family was in crisis – my little girl, diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, was having 100 seizures a day and we felt so isolated – I never imagined a musical would grow out of it. Writing these songs helped my family have difficult conversations and come together,” said Ben Decter. “It’s All Your Fault, Tyler Price! is a fun, irreverent look at a family going through a really hard time – that everyone can relate to.”
“This musical is a true passion project for us. It’s about dealing with struggles in our families and how challenging it is to be seen by those closest to us. Through art, our characters learn to explore uncomfortable feelings — things that can be difficult to share or admit,” added Kristin Hanggi. “We can’t wait for Los Angeles – where I’ve gotten the opportunity to launch other new musicals – to see our show!”
Kristin Hanggi is best known for directing the smash-hit Rock of Ages, for which she received a Tony Award nomination for Best Direction of a Musical. Ms. Hanggi also developed and directed the original Los Angeles and Off-Broadway productions of the acclaimed pop opera bare. Other past stage productions include Off-Broadway’s Accidentally Brave; Off Broadway’s Clueless (New Group); Seattle 5th Avenue’s Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion; and Pussycat Dolls Live at the Roxy with Christina Applegate, Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, and Charlize Theron. As a film director, Kristin directed the film version of Accidentally Brave (produced by Steven Soderbergh), Naomi & Ely’s No Kiss List, Grantham & Rose, and the musical film Dear Dumb Diary, which she also co-wrote. She also directed on Netflix’s musical series Julie & the Phantoms. In June 2013, Kristin returned to her alma mater to receive the UCLA School of Theater, Film, & Television Distinguished Alumni Award.
Ben Decter is an Emmy Award-winning composer and songwriter, who has created a diverse body of music for TV, theater and film. Scores include Netflix’s “Lucifer,” ABC’s “Bless This Mess,” FOX’s “Lethal Weapon,” ABC’s “Off the Map” (Shonda Rhimes). His writing has appeared in Hippocampus, Months to Years, Kaleidoscope and HuffPo. Born in Manhattan, and raised in New Jersey, Ben graduated from Harvard University, where he met his future wife, Jackie Sloan, when they performed onstage together in Godspell. Since then, they have been writing songs (as Paley Jones), exploring Los Angeles, and raising two stellar kids.
It’s All Your Fault, Tyler Price! is supported by UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company focused on creating value for those living with severe diseases. For three decades, they have been committed to people living with epilepsy and rare epilepsy syndromes and their families to support them navigating the moments in their lives that matter most. As a leader in the space, UCB is more invested than ever in profoundly improving the lives of the communities they serve.
Community Partners for It’s All Your Fault, Tyler Price! include Epilepsy Foundation, Epilepsy Foundation Los Angeles, and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) Foundation.
The full cast and creative team for It’s All Your Fault, Tyler Price! and the ticket on-sale date will be announced later. For information on the production visit www.tylerpricemusical.com.
ABOUT EPILEPSY
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurring, unprovoked seizures, with at least one million people in the United States living with uncontrolled epilepsy. It ranks as the fourth most common neurological disorder globally. Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) is a severe epilepsy syndrome that develops in young children and often leads to lifelong disability. Nobody is born with LGS. It develops over time. LGS is a rare disease (approximately one person in every 2,000). About 50,000 people in the United States and 1 million people worldwide have LGS. Visit the Epilepsy Foundation or Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) Foundation for more information.

Holly Near in Concert

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2024

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum presents
‘Holly Near in Concert’

One performance only: June 13 

WHAT:
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum presents Holly Near in Concert. After 50 years of bold work, singer-songwriter-activist Holly Near remains a consistent voice for change. Her work is loving, challenging, funny, thought provoking and rooted in the global community. An outspoken singer and ambassador for peace, Holly will be joined by Tammy Hall on piano; Jan Martinelli on bass; and Pat Humphries and Sandy O on vocals.

WHEN:
Thursday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Topanga CA 90290
(midway between Pacific Coast Highway and the Ventura freeway)*
*Please note: Topanga Canyon Blvd is currently closed between the theater and PCH;
until further notice, exit the 101 at Topanga Canyon Blvd. South to access Theatricum from the Valley.

TICKETS:
$32

OTHER:
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is an outdoor space terraced into the hillside of the rustic canyon. Audience members are advised to dress casually (warmly in the evenings) and bring cushions for bench seating.

HOW:
theatricum.com
(310) 455-2322

Thresholds of Invention

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2024

Odyssey Theatre’s ‘Thresholds of Invention’
performance series presents
‘In Some Dark Valley:
The Testimony of Reverend Brand’

One performance only: May 5 at 5 p.m.
WHAT:
Odyssey Theatre Ensemble’s Thresholds of Invention series of first looks at pieces-in-progress by prominent L.A. visionaries presents In Some Dark Valley: The Testimony of Reverend Brand, written and performed by Robert Bailey. One moonlit night, Reverend Brand, a fiery 19th century circuit preacher, emerges from the shadowy mountains of Appalachia and our collective history to weave a tale of religious fervor set against a landscape scarred by war, poverty and disease… a story that also shines a light on rare moments of tender and resilient redemption. Embodying multiple characters while also singing gorgeous traditional songs handed down through generations of Southerners, Bailey grapples with the inevitable clash between an unyielding vision of moral rectitude and the tragic personal destruction it leaves in its wake, transporting the audience to a land and era that is haunting and illuminating in its relevance to today.

WHO:
• Written and Performed by Robert Bailey
• Series curator: Tony Abatemarco
• Produced for the Odyssey by Beth Hogan and Tony Abatemarco

WHEN:
One performance only:
• Sunday, May 5 at 5 p.m.

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

PARKING:
FREE in the on-site parking lot

TICKETS:
$25

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

The Godmother

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WHAT: Theater Performance: “The Godmother,” Inspired by the life of Griselda Blanco.

DESCRIPTION:  Melina Farahani, the dynamic British-Persian actress, storms onto the Hollywood Fringe scene with her electrifying solo performance, “The Godmother.” Inspired by the notorious life of Griselda Blanco, this gripping drama explores the blurred lines between villainy and heroism, love and morality. In a tale of power, sacrifice, and the indomitable bond between mother and son, Farahani brings to life the complexities of Griselda Blanco’s world, challenging audiences to question their perceptions and delve into the depths of human nature.

WHEN:
Saturday, June 8, 9:15 pm
Sunday, June 16, 4:45 pm
Friday, June 28, 8:00 pm

Show runs 30 minutes.

WHERE: Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre, 5636 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

TICKETS: $15 The Hollywood Fringe Festival – the godmother
(Admission age: 16+); Show runs 30 minutes.

WHO: Melina Farahani (Writer/Performer/Producer) Farahani is a British-Persian actress, dancer, social media Figure, based in L.A. is a current student The Stella Adler Art Of Acting conservatory in L.A. Her previous Training includes Sylvia Young theatre School London, London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art and she is a member of the National Youth Theatre London.

Theatre Review: The Body’s Midnight

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IAMA and Boston Court present the world premiere of The Body’s Midnight. Written by Tira Palmquist. Directed by Jessica Kubzansky. Produced by Quinn O’Connor and Katharine Means.

Anne (Keliher Walsh) is taking a road trip with her husband David (Jonathan Nichols–Navarro) to experience the wonders of America’s landscapes. Their final destination is St. Paul, Minnesota, where their daughter Katie (Sonal Shah, Celestial Events, Untitled Baby Play) and son-in-law Wolf (Ryan W. Garcia, Celestial Events) are expecting their first baby.

The road trip becomes a transition between their apparent normal life and their new reality after Anne’s diagnosis (from the plaque in the brain scans, it seems to be dementia and/or Alzheimer’s). Anne refuses to tell Katie about her diagnosis, but David thinks differently. Anne’s life is about to change radically. What will she do? What will they do?

Playwright Tira Palmquist uses characteristics of magical realism to tell the story and to convey the transition from the conscious experience of a healthy brain to the surreal space of a damaged brain. A recurrent element to show Anne’s cognitive decline is her inability to remember words. Palmquist includes peculiar characters during the road trip to encourage Anne and prepare her for what’s coming. The motivation to take the trip is to admire America’s iconic parks before they’re gone. For Anne and David, it is also a trip to cherish their relationship before Anne’s memory is gone.

To capture the majesty of the landscape, Director Jessica Kubzansky utilizes video projections and a naturalistic set design with green and yellow tones. To express the brain and memories, she uses blues and purples, colors that usually convey a sense of serenity, introspection, and higher consciousness.

The exposition of the characters contains light comedy and seems to show a rather normal life. Scene after scene, however, the story starts to take a different turn. That’s when the audience begins to feel for the characters. Anne faces the scare of the diagnosis and frustration settles in as her condition worsens over time. David values the time he spends with his wife, but is aware of the dreadful time when Anne won’t be able to remember her loved ones anymore.

Palmquist links the themes of the play poetically. Nature, despite its ancient glory, seems temporary, just like the human brain and its memories. The sunset of a person’s existence is followed by the sunrise of a new one, renewing the perennial cycle of life.

The Body’s Midnight

Boston Court Pasadena
70 N Mentor Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91106

Performances: April 27-May 26
• Thursdays at 8 p.m.: May 23 ONLY
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: May 3; May 10; May 17; May 24
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: April 27 (opening); May 4; May 11; May 18; May 25
• Sundays at 2 p.m.: May 5; May 12; May 19; May 26
• Mondays at 8 p.m.: May 6 and May 20 ONLY

Tickets: bostoncourtpasadena.org

Written by Tira Palmquist. Directed by Jessica Kubzansky. The IAMA team includes season producer Quinn O’Connor and co-producer Katharine Means.

Starring Ryan W. Garcia, Jonathan Nichols-Navarro, Sonal Shah, Keliher Walsh

Presented by IAMA Theatre Company, Stefanie Black, artistic director and Boston Court Pasadena, Jessica Kubzansky, artistic director.

Creative team: Scenic designer Nicholas Ponting; lighting designer Benedict Conran; sound designer John Zalewski; video and projections designer David Murakami and associate projections designer Sam Clevenger; costume designer Mylette Nora; properties designer Cindy Campos; intimacy director Carly DW Bones; and dramaturg Adrian Centeno. IAMA ensemble member Anisha Adusumilli is associate director. Jasmine Kalra is the production manager, Jesse Soto is the technical director and Jasmine Leung is the production stage manager.

Theatre Review: Nora

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Antaeus Theatre Company presents Nora, a stage version of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House by Ingmar Bergman. Written by Henrik Ibsen. Directed by Cameron Watson.

In the midst of a crisis, Nora (Jocelyn Towne) has many things to worry about. What if her husband Torvald Helmer (Brian Tichnell) finds out about the source of the money they used to get him back to health? Will she relent to Nils Krogstad’s (Michael Kirby) blackmail attempts? Will she be able to help her friend Mrs. Linde (Mildred Marie Langford)? What if Nora just leaves?

To reflect Henrik Ibsen‘s controversial text and layered characters, Director Cameron Watson stages a captivating play with an excellent attention to detail. The acting, costumes, lighting, music/sound, and scenic design interweave to enthrall the audience in this fascinating production. When these elements are in sync, the theatre experience is enriching and memorable.

The acting. Towne digs deep into the complexities and challenges of this character created in the late 1800s, a time when women had limited financial opportunities and were expected to conform to a traditional role as obedient wives. Towne’s performance delves convincingly into the unhappiness and isolation of the protagonist and delivers with conviction Nora’s determination to end her imprisonment and gain her freedom.

Tichnell also offers a convincing performance. He depicts Torvald as the seemingly loving and caring husband who ends up showing his selfishness by disregarding his wife’s needs as a human being. Kirby, Langford, and Smith all excel in their performances as well. They bring depth to the story, creating the conflict and the support to heighten the drama of the story. Watson has an exceptional group of actors to explore the nuances of Ibsen’s characters and the society in which they live.

The creative elements. Lighting Designer Jared A. Sayeg uses blue, a cold color, not only as a reflection of Norway’s weather but also as a symbol of the coldness of the Helmer’s marriage. The stark lighting used as transitions serves as a dramatic visualization of the conflicted lives of the characters and the tension that is building up.

Scenic Director Tesshi Nakagawa continues with the blue tones in the walls to complement the lighting. The windows create dramatic lighting effects and serve as a voyeuristic sight into the Helmer’s marriage.

The costumes by Terri A. Lewis transports us back to the 19th century. To match the overall design, Nora is also in blue. The colors of the costumes of the other characters also hint to their personalities. Krogstad, for example, is dressed in dark colors that depict the danger he represents to Nora.

The sound by Jeff Gardner and the score by Ellen Mandel translates the dramatic states of the characters’ lives, including the apparent peace and the uneasiness they are experiencing. In particular, the sound effect at the end resonates as loudly as Nora’s bold decision. These details by the production team are an expression of the richness of Ibsen’s universe.

The blocking adds dynamism to the play. The placement of the couch, bed, and dinning table allows the actors to use the stage fluidly. The dance, choreographed by classically-trained Jean Michelle Sayeg, shows one more time the level of details to make this production attractive and entertaining.

This play has been influential throughout history. It continues to start a conversation, to look back in time to see if things have changed or still need to change. One thing is for sure. When a troupe of talented artists recreate this play, regardless of the status quo, magic happens and the premise of the story reverberates with as much strength as the slamming of the door.

Nora

Antaeus Theatre Company
Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center
110 East Broadway
Glendale, CA 91205
(between N. Brand Blvd. and Artsakh Ave.)

Apr 26, 2024 – May 26, 2024

Tickets: https://antaeus.org/show-details/nora

A Stage Version of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House by Ingmar Bergman. Translated and Adapted by Frederick J. Marker and Lise-Lone Marker. Directed by Cameron Watson. Artistic Director Bill Brochtrup. Producing Executive Director Ana Rose O’Halloran.

Cast: NILS KROGSTAD: Michael Kirby. MRS. LINDE: Mildred Marie Langford. DOCTOR RANK: Peter James Smith. TORVALD HELMER: Brian Tichnell. NORA: Jocelyn Towne.

Creative team: Scenic Director Tesshi Nakagawa. Lighting Designer Jared A. Sayeg. Costume Designer Terri A. Lewis. Lighting Designer Jared A. Sayeg. Sound Designer Jeff Gardner. Props Designer Aaron Lyons. Intimacy Director Carly DW Bones. Choreographer Jean Michelle Sayeg. Composer Ellen Mandel. Production Stage Manager Talya Camras. Assistant Director Max Tel. Technical Director Adam Meyer. Assistant Stage Manager Casey Collaso.

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE Announces its 2024-2025 SEASON OF SHOWS!

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LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE 

announces its

2024-2025 SEASON OF SHOWS!

The Legendary Musical – “Lerner & Loewe’s CAMELOT,” (Bonus Option)

A Hilarious Classic Comedy – “DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER,” 

An Unforgettable Drama – “A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE,” 

An Evening with an Extraordinary First Lady – “ELEANOR,” 

A Musical Comedy Whodunit – “THE REMARKABLE MISTER HOMES,” 

The Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson’s “FENCES,”

 A World Premiere Whodunit Mystery – “PERIL IN THE ALPS,”

& The Country Music Musical “HONKY TONK ANGELS”

 

March 12, 2024…Laguna Beach, Calif….LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE is thrilled to announce its 2024-2025 season of shows! This sensational season begins with a special bonus production of the legendary musical,  Lerner & Loewe’s CAMELOT; followed by an uproarious comedy, DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER; next is one of Arthur Miller’s most powerful plays, A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE; then spend some time with one of America’s greatest first ladies in the tour-de-force play, ELEANOR; followed by everyone’s favorite detective in a new musical comedy whodunit, THE REMARKABLE MISTER HOLMES; then the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning masterwork, August Wilson’s FENCES; a world premiere whodunit, PERIL IN THE ALPS, from Steven Dietz, the writer/director of the 2023 smash-hit Murder on the Links,; and the Playhouse will close the season with the heartfelt country music musical, HONKY TONK ANGELS!  Other special bonus events this season include the annual holiday Panto with the world premiere of RAPUNZEL’S HOLIDAY WISH: A HAIR-LARIOUS TANGLED TALE; everyone’s favorite “Sister” will be back as we celebrate her Easter & Christmas “Catechisms;” the return of the wildly popular “Comedy Nights at the Playhouse;” two Youth and Education program productions, and so much more!  Celebrate an exceptional new season of shows at your Laguna Playhouse. Comments Artistic Director David Ellenstein “This is going to be an unforgettable season of plays and musicals that our subscribers and audiences are not going to want to miss. We are so looking forward to welcoming you to what we truly believe is going to be our best season ever at the Playhouse!”                                                                                                                                                      

 
THE LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE 2024-2025 SEASON:

SPECIAL BONUS PRODUCTION!

Lerner & Loewe’s

CAMELOT

July 24 – August 11, 2024 (Press Opening July 28 at 5:30pm)

Book & Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner  

Music by Frederick Loewe 

Original Production Directed and Staged by Moss Hart 

Based on The Once and Future King by T.H. White 

Book Adapted by David Lee 

New Orchestrations by Steve Orich 

Directed by Jeffrey B. Moss 

 

Prepare for an evening of enchantment in Lerner & Loewe’s CAMELOT, brilliantly adapted for intimate theatres. This Tony Award-winning fairy-tale musical resounds with such memorable songs as, “I Loved You Once in Silence,” “If Ever I Would Leave You,” and the title song, “Camelot.” Based on the King Arthur legend, it features the iconic characters King Arthur, Guinevere, Sir Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table. This epic story centers on the quest for democracy, justice, and the tragic struggle between passion, aspiration, and kingdoms. Transport yourself to a world of romance, revelry, and magic.   

 

Camelot is not included in 2024-2025 season subscription packages, but can be added by subscribers at a special discounted rate.  This production is licensed by Music Theatre International.

     
                             

THE HILARIOUS COMEDY… 

DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER

September 4 – September 22, 2024 (Press Opening September 8 at 5:30pm)

 

Written by Marc Camoletti
Adapted by Robin Hawdon
Directed by Christopher Williams

 

This wildly successful comedy was first produced at Laguna Playhouse in 1997 and is back by popular demand! This outrageous farce has all the right ingredients for a delicious and sexy night of laughter. There’s a not-so-happily married couple, a cook mistaken for a mistress, a mistress who can’t cook, and enough mistaken identities and confused alibis to have audiences in stitches. 

 
AN UNFORGETTABLE CLASSIC!

A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE

October 30 – November 17, 2024 (Press Opening November 3 at 5:30pm)

 

Written by Arthur Miller

Directed by David Ellenstein

 

This stunning drama from one of America’s greatest playwrights is set in 1950’s Brooklyn where Eddie Carbone wrestles with the complexities of family, assimilation, and the American Dream. Ultimately, desire and jealousy collide in this modern classic, sure to be remembered as a powerful night of theatre.

     
                       

A REMARKABLE LOOK AT AN EXTRAORDINARY FIRST LADY!

ELEANOR

January 15 – February 2, 2025 (Press Opening January 19 at 5:30pm)  

Written by Mark St. Germain
Directed by David Ellenstein

 

A tour-de-force solo performance by Kandis Chappell brings to life the dynamic and iconic First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. Both strong and vulnerable, both public and private, Eleanor Roosevelt’s fascinating story will sweep you away. Learn more about the passionate and unforgettable woman at the heart of her husband’s presidency whose impact on history cannot be understated.

 
 

A MUSICAL COMEDY ABOUT THE WORLD’S GREATEST DETECTIVE!

THE REMARKABLE 

MISTER HOLMES

March 5 – March 23, 2025 (Press Opening March 9 at 5:30pm)

Book by Omri Schein & David Ellenstein
Lyrics by Omri Schein
Music by Daniel Lincoln
Directed by David Ellenstein

  

Sherlock Holmes is back with an all-new madcap mystery to solve…and a new sidekick! In this fast-paced, wildly comedic musical. Holmes must solve a series of baffling crimes without the help of his trusted partner. Packed with wild wordplay, red herrings, and zany surprises, this over-the-top rollercoaster of musical mayhem is perfect for fans of Arthur Conan Doyle, Mel Brooks, musical theater, or anyone who loves a fun night out.

 

 

THE PULITZER PRIZE & TONY AWARD-WINNING PLAY!

August Wilson’s FENCES

April 30– May 18, 2025 (Press Opening May 4 at 5:30pm)

 

Troy Maxson was a star of the Negro baseball leagues, but now it’s 1957 and he’s a garbage man in Pittsburgh. In one of August Wilson’s best and most well-known plays, we see one man struggle with disappointment and the effect it has on his marriage and relationship with his sons. This powerful Pulitzer Prize-winning play is both epic and intimate and a must-see theatrical event.

 

Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.  www.concordtheatricals.com.

From the Writer/Director of the Smash-Hit Murder on the Links!

PERIL IN THE ALPS

A New Hercule Poirot Comic Mystery!

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June 11 – June 29, 2025 (Press Opening June 15 at 5:30pm)

 

Written and Directed by Steven Dietz

Based in part on “Poirot Investigates” by Agatha Christie

 

The thrilling follow-up to Murder on the Links makes its anticipated debut! This new Hercule Poirot story leads the famed Belgian detective on a thrilling journey into the treacherous snow-capped Alps to solve a kidnapping before it becomes a murder. Will he finally meet his match in the mountains? Fortunately for the audience, the journey to the satisfying conclusion is filled with clever twists and turns and plenty of laughter as Poirot encounters dozens of eccentric characters and clever suspects – all played by six actors!

 

    

A COUNTRY MUSIC MUSICAL!

HONKY TONK ANGELS

July 30– August 17, 2025 (Press Opening August 3 at 5:30pm)

Written by Ted Swindley

 

This feel-good, boot stompin’ musical celebrates the enduring power of music and friendship. Armed with only their dreams and a bus ticket, three sassy gals leave their thankless lives behind and head to Nashville to become country music singers. Revisit dozens of pop-country favorites like “Stand By Your Man,” “Ode To Billy Joe”, “Delta Dawn,” and many more.

 

ABOUT THE SCHEDULE AND PRICING
 

Season subscriptions are now on sale.  Seven-play season packages (with Lerner & Loewe’s CAMELOT as an add-on bonus option) start at $233 and can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com or by calling (949) 497-ARTS (2787).  Single tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Subscribers can save up to 30% and receive first access to seats and other exclusive benefits. 

                                                                                                                      

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.  

 

#     #    #

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.

SAM Premieres at the Hollywood Fringe Festival

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“SAM”

Premieres at the Hollywood Fringe Festival

Hollywood CA. April 26, 2024. 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 (Preview)

Monday | June 10th @ 8pm (Preview)

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 55 minutes

Appealing to fans of “La La Land”, “Schmigadoon!”, and Bo Burnham’s “Inside”, “SAM” delights with its meta narrative, blending improv, parody, stand-up comedy, and original music. Experience Sam’s journey through the entertainment industry, from uproarious laughter to poignant introspection. With over two decades in the business, the star of “SAM” brings authenticity and depth to her portrayal of internal and external battles faced throughout her time in Hollywood.

More than a musical, “SAM” celebrates resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of authenticity in an industry often defined by its superficiality. Featuring interactive elements, “SAM” promises an unforgettable theatrical experience that will leave you laughing, pondering, and cheering for more.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION TEAM:

Sam Labrecque (Actor, Writer & Lyricist, Director, Producer) Sam’s journey in the entertainment industry began at the age of 5 when her first director, Gloria Watts, recognized her talent and cast her in numerous youth theatre musicals, defying gender norms with comedic roles. Fast forward 20 years, Sam discovers her non-binary identity, believing Gloria had known all along. Opting for a serving job over college, Sam spent her adulthood exploring various creative avenues, from performing on stage and screen to working behind the scenes and founding her production company, SamSkape Productions Inc.

Despite claiming she lacked time to hone her skills, Sam eventually wrote, produced, and starred in SamSkape’s debut film, “Trying,” showcasing a team of thirty and an all-woman crew. Trained in acting, improvisation, and singing, Sam is now developing a semi-autobiographical TV series combining elements of “Trying” and her solo stage show, “SAM.”

Edith Mudge (Composer) Edith “Emmy” Mudge is a Los Angeles-based composer, songwriter, producer, orchestrator, and music editor. Her music can be found in thousands of TV episodes and films, including Booksmart, Saturday Night Live, Sam Labrecque’s 2021 short Trying, and – almost guaranteed – your guilty pleasure reality show. She worked as an assistant at Hans Zimmer’s Remote Control Productions and Bleeding Fingers for 3 years, composed in-house at Jingle Punks for 2 years, and has been a freelancer since 2019, often as a lead orchestrator at Joy Music House. She recently returned from a songwriting camp with Ben Folds, and is thrilled to return to live performance after a decade in windowless rooms.

https://www.samlabrecque.com/samshow

Instagram: @sluhbrek