A Transcriber’s Tale

WHAT: Theater Performance: A TRANSCRIBER’S TALE

DESCRIPTION: Welcome to a bustling transcription office in New York City in 2001, where typists are busy listening to — and typing out — raw interviews for pulpy television shows and other mass media. The ultimate eavesdropper in a storm of sound bites, cliches and unexpected confessions, Joanna Parson presents a unique musical monologue that shows you what happens when a young woman with a sense of humor and a Guild guitar tries to keep her sanity and heart intact in the center of the news cycle.

WHO: Written by: Joanna Parson; Produced by Michael Blaha of Fringe Management and Lee Castello, Directed by Aimee Todoroff, Music Direction by Drew Wutke.

WHERE: The Broadwater(Black Box) 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA

WHEN:

Monday June 10, 2024, 6:30 PM

Sunday June 16, 2024, 8:00 PM

Friday June 21, 2024, 10:30 PM

Wednesday June 26, 2024, 8:00 PM

Saturday June 29, 2024, 3:00 PM

 

Show runs 60 minutes.  Admission: 12+

TICKET INFO: $15  https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/10852?tab=tickets

FATHERLAND


NEWS RELEASE

Fountain Theatres hit play Fatherland
earns second extension through July 21

WHAT:
Last call: The Fountain Theatre has announced the second extension of its world premiere hit play, Fatherland. Audiences have been mesmerized since February by the riveting true story of the 19-year-old son who testified against his father in federal court after informing the FBI of his dad’s involvement in the Jan 6 attack on the Capitol. Following a three-week hiatus, the production will return for an additional five weeks of performances from June 22 through July 21. Fast-moving, powerful, and theatrical, Fatherland erupts verbatim from official court transcripts, case evidence, and public statements.

POWERFUL… WILL LEAVE YOU SHAKEN… unleashes the power of well-crafted documentary theater… a trenchant cautionary tale.” — Los Angeles Times

A STUNNING AND IMPORTANT WORK… seamlessly and masterfully blends the political with the personal… STAGE RAW TOP 10.” — Stage Raw

WOW!… RIVETING AND GUT-WRENCHING… seventy of the most electrifying minutes of live theater you’re likely to see all year… Los Angeles theater at its most presidential-election-year powerful.” — Stage Scene LA

A POWERFUL PIECE OF THEATER… adds detail and nuance to the news coverage.” —Larchmont Buzz

CHILLING… A MUST-SEE EVENT… AN EXTRAORDINARY PRODUCTION.” — On Stage Los Angeles

HARROWING … A riveting performance and a timely story that serves as a warning for our next election cycle.” — Showmag

AN OUTSTANDING THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE… explosive … hair-raising … a cautionary tale of the danger that could lie ahead for our country.” — Santa Monica Mirror

INSIGHTFUL AND TIMELY…  hits hard at the dangerous divide in political ideology that seems to be tearing this country apart.” — The Hollywood Times

REMARKABLY DRAMATIC… in-your-face performances.” — Angeles Stage

POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE… a strong, strong play!” — Discover Hollywood

A PROFOUND PIECE OF ART outstanding.” —  2 Urban Girls

TIMELY, CLEVERLY CRAFTED [ANDWELL-EXECUTED… a glimpse into the intimate worlds of two individuals who got carried away by a powerful current of sociopolitical forces.” —  Stage and Cinema

A MILESTONE OF EXCELLENCE… a modern day Greek tragedy… a provocative must-see play.” — Splash Magazines

HUMAN AND HUMANE… emotionally eviscerating.” — The World Through Night-Tinted Glasses

WHO:
• Conceived by Stephen Sachs from official court transcripts, case evidence, and public statements
• Directed by Stephen Sachs
• Starring Ron BottittaPatrick KeleherAnna KhajaLarry Poindexter
• Presented by The Fountain Theatre

WHEN:
Extended through July 21
Remaining performances:

• Thursday at 8 p.m.: May 16 ONLY

• Fridays at 8 p.m.: May 17, May 24, June 28, July 12, July 19
(dark May 31, June 7, June 14, June 21, July 5)

• Saturday at 3 p.m.: May 18 ONLY

• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: May 18, May 25, June 22, June 29, July 13, July 20
(dark June 1, June 8, June 15, July 6)

• Sundays at 2 p.m.: May 19, May 26, June 23, June 30, July 7, July 14, July 21
(dark May 12, June 2, June 9, June 16)

• Mondays at 8 p.m.: May 13, May 20, June 24, July 8
(dark May 27, June 3, June 10, June 17, July 1, July 15)

WHERE:
The Fountain Theatre
5060 Fountain Ave.
Los Angeles CA 90029
(Fountain at Normandie)

TICKET PRICES:
$25 – $45:
• Premium Seating: $45
• Regular Seating: $40
• Seniors 65 or older: $35 (regular seating only)
• Students: $25 (valid ID required)
• Monday nights: Regular seating ($40) and PayWhatYouWant (subject to availability)

PARKING:
• Secure, on-site parking: $5
• Street parking available in the neighborhood north of Fountain Ave.
• No parking after 6 p.m. on Mariposa or Alexandria Avenues south of Fountain Ave.
• Allow extra time to find street parking; make sure to read all parking signs

HOW:
(323) 663-1525 or www.FountainTheatre.com

RECTANGLES

WHAT: Theater Performance: “RECTANGLES”

DESCRIPTION: Get ready for a mind-bending journey into the surreal with ‘Rectangles,’ a solo Art-Pop Clown Opera unlike anything you’ve seen before. Join Maddie Mutations as she creates an absurdist narrative around a simple shape. Through avant-garde music and performance-art, her powerful voice leads you through a worm-hole of self-discovery and growth in a way that is both comical and deeply profound. From bizarre lullabies to feminist anthems, ‘Rectangles’ promises to slap you.

WHO: Starring Maddie Forrest. Music Co-Produced by Cleo Henman.

WHERE: Los Angeles LGBT Center (Davidson / Valentini Theatre) – 1125 North McCadden Place

WHEN:
Saturday June 8 2024, 4:30 PM
Monday June 17 2024, 8:00 PM

Saturday June 22 2024, 9:30 PM

Thursday June 27 2024, 6:30 PM

Sunday June 30 2024, 5:30 PM

TICKETS: $15 – Buy Tickets

Show runs 45 mins

Ages: 18+

“THE PRINCESS STRIKES BACK: ONE WOMAN’S SEARCH FOR THE SPACE COWBOY OF HER DREAMS”

“THE PRINCESS STRIKES BACK: ONE WOMAN’S SEARCH FOR THE SPACE COWBOY OF HER DREAMS”

Makes Its Los Angeles Debut at the Hollywood Fringe Festival

Hollywood, CA. May 11, 2024. In 1997, 13-year-old Victoria Montalbano was introduced to her perfect man, Han Solo, and she’s been looking for him ever since. Watch her grow from awkward theatre kid to professional out of work actress while swiping her way through a galaxy far, far away! “I’ve spent the last three years touring this show in the Midwest and East Coast”, says Montalbano. “Bringing it to Los Angeles and San Diego Fringes will be a new experience. I’m so excited to introduce the show to a whole new part of the country!”

WHO: Written and performed by: Victoria Montalbano, Directed by Vincent J. Greco, Costume Design by Emily Nelson

WHERE: Asylum @ Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre, 5636 Melrose Los Angeles, CA. 90038

WHEN:

Saturday, June 8 at 4:00 PM  (Press Preview)

Thursday, June 13 at 10:00 PM

Sunday, June 16 at 1:00 PM

Friday, June 21 at 8:30 PM

Sunday, June 23 at 2:00 PM

Thursday, June 27 at 7:00 PM

Saturday, June 29 at Midnight

TICKETS:  $12.00 The Hollywood Fringe Festival – the princess strikes back: one woman’s search for the space cowboy of her dreams

Running time 60 Minutes

Admission age: 13+

Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID

Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID

Book by Doug Wright

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater

Musical Direction by Brent Crayon

Choreography by John MacInnis
Direction by Glenn Casale

 

OPENS: Saturday, June 1 at 8 pm (Press Opening)

and runs through Sunday, June 23 at 6:30 pm

 

PREVIEWS: Friday, May 31 at 8 pm & Saturday, June 1 at 2 pm

 

PERFORMANCES: Thursdays at 7:30 pm; Fridays at 8 pm; 

Saturdays at 2 pm & 8 pm; Sundays at 1:30 pm & 6:30 pm.

 

There is no performance on Sunday, June 2 at 6:30 pm. 

 

There will be an Open-Captioned performance on Saturday, June 15 at 

2:00 pm.  

 

Talkbacks with the cast and creative team will be on Thursday, June 6 at

7:30 pm and Thursday, June 20 at 7:30 pm.   

               

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

14900 La Mirada Blvd. in La Mirada, CA 90638.  

Arrive Early to Find Best Parking — It’s Free!

Tickets range from $22 – $129 (prices subject to change).

$19 Student Tickets are available.

Children under 3 will not be admitted into the theatre.

 

For tickets, please call (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310 or buy online at LaMiradaTheatre.com.  Group and military discounts are available.

“WHERE Y’ALL FROM?”

WHAT: Theater Performance: “WHERE Y’ALL FROM?”

DESCRIPTION: Yelba Zoe McCourt’s solo play, “WHERE Y’ALL FROM?” delves into identity, culture, and the immigrant narrative. Audiences follow Zoe, daughter of Latin American immigrants, through her life, marked by the question: “Where are you from?” Encountering iconic figures like Big Bird, Zoe grapples with the contrast between ideals and reality. Moved by a viral video, she explores her family’s immigrant journey, prompting reflections on race and the American Dream. McCourt’s storytelling blends humor and pathos, creating an unforgettable experience.

WHO: Written and performed by: Yelba Zoe McCourt. Directed by: Jessica Lynn Johnson.

WHERE: Zephyr Theatre – 7456 Melrose Avenue

WHEN:

Thursday June 6, 2024, 8:15 PM

Saturday June 15, 2024

Sunday June 23, 2024, 9:00 PM

Ages 14+. Show runs 75 minutes

TICKETS: $15.00 The Hollywood Fringe Festival – “Where Y’all From?”

Admission Age:  14+.

Running time: 75 minutes.

Contact information: Yelba Zoe McCourt – yelbazoe@gmail.com

 

Theatre Review: Alma

Chance Theater presents the Orange County premiere of Alma. Written by Benjamin Benne. Directed by Sara Guerrero. Produced by Steven & Louise Koch.

For most of the people, a knock on the door is nothing to worry about; it could be the neighbor or a salesperson. For Alma (Marta Portillo) and her daughter Angel (Heather Lee Echeverria), however, it could mean the dreadful time to say goodbye.

Director Sara Guerrero uses the small stage to bring the audience closer to the emotions of the characters. Together with Portillo and Echeverria, Guerrero translates the humor and drama of the script into an intimate display of courage, fear, and unconditional love.

In Alma, Playwright Benjamin Benne explores the dynamics of mother-daughter relationships, politics, and the American Dream. The character of Alma is the face of countless immigrants pursuing a dream that sounds great on paper but is evasive in practice. In her particular case, Alma is more invested in creating a dream for her daughter; a dream of opportunities and a better life. In the undocumented immigrants narrative, Benne emphasizes the human factor, the sacrificial love of a mother. Due to the fear of deportation, Alma and Angel are pushed to the limits, taking a toll on their emotional and mental health.

Alma crossed the desert and was already pregnant when she arrived in the US. As the only provider, she takes menial jobs to secure food and shelter for Angel. Alma’s dream is to send Angel to UC Davis to become a veterinarian. Trying to achieve that goal is a point of nurturing and contention between them, something that could break their relationship and change the course of their lives.

Alma is a mother with the usual worries. She needs to work hard to provide for both of them. In addition, she is also concerned about Angel’s future. To Alma, a degree from UC Davis is the key to unlock a world of opportunities and she is determined to ensure that Angel stays on track to achieve that goal. What stands on the way is her condition as an undocumented immigrant. Her potential deportation could throw everything off, a devastating end to her sacrifices.

Angel is in that phase where she is derailing to explore other things in life besides school and homework. Angel takes in her surroundings and questions the validity of authority. Not just the authority imposed by her mom, but the one imposed by society as well. For Angel, her mom’s immigration status and the possibility of getting separated is taking over her life, a fact that is influencing her decisions.

Alma has different layers. One of them is about broken dreams. This is linked to a political commentary.  As controversial as it was back then, former president Barack Obama was seen by many immigrants as a hope, an opportunity to regularize their immigration status. However, by the end of his term, he was called by some activists Deporter-In-Chief due to the millions deported during his administration. On the other hand, President Donald Trump‘s tough stance on immigration sent shock among immigrants for the fear of massive deportations. Alma delves into the fact that a president, whether Democrat or Republican, could mean hope or fear. Oftentimes, it is just another broken dream.

What exactly is the American Dream? Is it money, a college degree, a house, a green card? Who has the right to achieve that dream? The play does not answer those questions. What Alma does is to bring forward issues that are relevant in the immigration narrative. For the approximately 10.5 million undocumented immigrants living in the US, family separation is a real fear. This play explores what that means and how it affects the daily lives of those living in the shadows of legality.

Alma opens up another conversation: Is all that sacrifice worth it if families are separated?

Alma

Chance Theater @ Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center on the Fyda-Mar Stage
5522 E. La Palma Ave.,
Anaheim, CA 92807

— 

Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m.

Ticketschancetheater.com

Written by Benjamin Benne. Directed by Sara Guerrero. Produced by Steven & Louise Koch.

Cast: Marta Portillo and Heather Lee Echeverria.

Creative team: Scenic designer Christopher Scott Murillo, costume designer Jeanette Godoy, lighting designer Kara Ramlow, sound designer Melanie Falcón, stage manager
Cynthia C. Espinoza, and dramaturg Karli Jean Lonnquist. Bette & Wylie Aitken are Executive Season Producers for the entire 2024 schedule. Laurie Smits Staude is Associate Producer, and The Family of Mary Kay Fyda-Mar is this year’s Associate Season Producers.

Stalin’s Master Class Extended!

NEWS RELEASE

Comic, music-filled Stalins Master Class
extends through June 2 at the Odyssey
 

WHAT:
Odyssey Theatre Ensemble has extended Stalins Master Class, a wildly comic, music-filled drama by British playwright David Pownall, through June 2. Politics collide with art when “Father of the People” Joseph Stalin and Soviet cultural minister Andrei Zhdanov summon composers Sergei Prokofiev and Dmitri Shostakovich to the Kremlin for a vodka-fueled “music lesson.” Can artistic expression be forced to conform to political ideology?

STAGE RAW TOP 10… RECOMMENDED” — Stage Raw

INTELLECTUALLY DELICIOUS” — Broadway World

THOUGHT PROVOKING… A SUPERB ENSEMBLE CAST.” —Splash Magazines

THE ACTING IS SUPERB” — People’s World

EXTREMELY TIMELY” — Hollywood Progressive

ENTERTAINING” — Glamgical

MAGNETIC” — The Hollywood Times

COMPELLINGINTRIGUING” — LA Theatrix

A FIRST-RATE CAST” — Larchmont Chronic

DELIVERS” — The Tvolution

WHO:
• Written by David Pownall
• Directed by Ron Sossi
• Music Direction by Nisha Sue Arunasalam
• Starring John KaytonRandy LowellJan Munroe, Ilia Volok
• Produced by Beth Hogan
• Presented by the Odyssey Theatre EnsembleRon Sossi Artistic Director, in association with Isabel and Harvey Kibel

WHEN:
Extended through June 2
Remaining performances:
• Wednesday at 8 p.m.: May 15* ONLY
• Fridays at 8 p.m. (wine nights**): May 10, May 17, May 24; May 31
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: May 11, May 18, May 25; June 1
• Sundays at 2 p.m.: May 12, May 19, May 26; June 2
*There will be a post-performance discussion on Wednesday, May 15
**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:
• Wednesday, Saturdays and Sundays: $20$40
• Fridays: Pay-What-You-Can (reservations open online and at the door starting at 5:30 p.m.)

PHOTOS:
Click here to download high-resolution photos.

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

A Noise Within Offers Close Captioning


NEWS RELEASE

A Noise Within offers closed captioning
at select performances via GalaPro 

PASADENA, Calif (May 9, 2024) — A Noise Within is delighted to be the first regional theater in Southern California to offer access to closed captioning at select performances using GalaPro.

The GalaPro app (available on iOS and Android devices) provides closed captions for patrons to view on their own mobile devices. GalaPro operates on a closed internal network via “airplane mode,” preventing sounds, texts and emails from disturbing other patrons during use.

The service was rolled out at A Noise Within during closing weekend of the company’s most recent production, King Hedley II. Audience member Virlyn Grant, who lives with hearing loss, was able to give it try.

“GalaPro is outstanding,” Grant says. “I didn’t miss a minute of the show.”

GalaPro is available at A Noise Within thanks to funding from the Perenchio Foundation. Audiences will be able to experience GalaPro during performances of Misalliance on SaturdayJune 8 at 8 p.m. and SundayJune 9 at 2 p.m.

For more information and to download the GalaPro app, go to anoisewithin.org/galapro/

Antaeus Announces 2024-25 Season of Three Beloved Classics

 


NEWS RELEASE

 

GLENDALE, Calif. (May 6, 2024) — Antaeus Theatre Company has announced three beloved classics for its 2024-25 season at the Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center in Glendale. Subscriptions are now on sale at antaeus.org.

Opening the season, Gigi Bermingham (You Can’t Take It With You) directs The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde’s “Trivial Comedy for Serious People,” with its sparkling wit, quotable lines and unforgettable characters. When bachelors Jack and Algernon both create alter egos named “Ernest” the lies quickly spiral into chaos, hilarity, cucumber sandwiches and Victorian handbags. (October 19 through November 18, 2024; previews begin October 13)

In February, the company will delve into William Shakespeare’s comic masterpiece, Twelfth Night, directed by Armin Shimerman (The Crucible, Measure For Measure). Separated from her twin brother in a shipwreck, Viola is forced to make her own way in the kingdom of Illyria — where, disguised as a man, she discovers unrequited passion, double-crossings, hilarity, and yellow stockings. (February 15 through March 17, 2025; previews begin February 9)

The season will close with The Glass Menagerie, Tennessee Williams’ indelible portrait of the dysfunctional Wingfield family. Fading southern belle Amanda, and her two grown children — aspiring poet Tom and desperately shy Laura — pin their hopes on the long-awaited appearance of a Gentleman Caller in this unsparing study of memory, responsibility, and illusion. Carolyn Ratteray is set to direct. (May 3 – June 2, 2025; previews begin April 27)

“We are excited to offer these three brilliant classic plays that will showcase the superb and varied capabilities of our acting Company,” said artistic director Bill Brochtrup and producing executive director Ana Rose O’Halloran. “We know all three of these plays will thrill our audiences with their diverse and timeless themes that leap through time.”

Antaeus is an actor-driven theater company that explores and produces timely and timeless works, grounded in its passion for the classics. The company illuminates diverse human experiences through performance, training and outreach. It believes in the transformative power of live theater.

For more information about Antaeus Theatre Company and the 2024-25 season, call 818-506-5436 or visit online at antaeus.org.