A TRANSCRIBER’S TALE  

A Seriocomic Solo Show with Music by Joanna Parson

Prepare to embark on a rollercoaster ride through the tumultuous world of mass media and the resilient spirit of New York City in “Transcriber’s Tale,” a seriocomic solo show with music, written by Joanna Parson with developmental help from director Aimee Todoroff opens at the Broadwater Black Box on June 10, 2024.

Blending humor with poignant drama, “Transcriber’s Tale” delves into Joanna’s experiences as a transcriber amidst the chaos of ’90s New York, through the seismic events of 9/11. With seven captivating songs seamlessly woven into the narrative, Joanna accompanies herself on stage, ensuring a dynamic and engaging performance.

Transcriber’s Tale” is a testament to resilience, humor, and the power of storytelling. Audiences can expect to be entertained, moved, and inspired to reclaim their voices in an increasingly noisy world.

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

“This show is a love letter to New York,” Joanna explains. “It’s about secondhand trauma and the importance of navigating the relentless media landscape with discernment. I want to entertain my audience while inspiring them to critically examine today’s toxic media environment and reconnect with their own voices and communities.”

Originally conceived in 2012, Joanna’s vision for “Transcriber’s Tale” faced skepticism about its ability to address the sensitive topic of 9/11. However, it wasn’t until the global upheaval of the Coronavirus pandemic that audiences began to resonate with Joanna’s mission. “I thought I had something to say about transcribing around 9/11 and its relationship to secondhand trauma,” Joanna reflects. “But it wasn’t until after the world endured the second biggest traumatic event of my lifetime that people truly understood the relevance and urgency of this story.”

YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU

Running May 31 through July 7 on the Main Stage (First Floor) of the Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., in North Hollywood 91601.

YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU May 31 – July 7, 2024

Friday and Saturday at 8pm.  Sunday at 2pm. Talkbacks with cast staff 6/2 and 6/9.

Running time:  Approximately 2 hours.  There will be one 10 minute intermission in the middle of Act 2 included in the overall running time.

Friday, May 31 at 8pm – Opening Night w/reception to follow

Saturday, June 1 at 8pm

Sunday, June 2 at 2pm (Talkback w/cast & staff)

Friday, June 7 at 8pm

Saturday, June 8 at 2pm

Sunday, June 9 at 2pm (Talkback w/cast & staff)

Friday, June 14 at 8pm

Saturday, June 15 at 8pm

Sunday, June 16 at 2pm (Father’s Day)

Friday, June 21 at 8pm

Saturday, June 22 at 8pm

Sunday, June 23 at 2pm

Friday, June 28 at 8pm

Saturday, June 29 at 8pm 

Sunday, June 30 at 2pm

Friday, July 5 at 8pm (Fourth of July Weekend)

Saturday, July 6 at 8pm

Sunday, July 7 at 2pm (Show closes)

NEWS RELEASE

Audio theater recording of riveting World War I drama
‘Journey’s End’ now available from L.A. Theatre Works 

LOS ANGELES (May 22, 2024) — The newest audio theater recording from L.A. Theatre Works is a powerful rendition of Journey’s End, the groundbreaking 1928 World War I drama by R.C. Sherriff. Adapted and directed by Martin Jarvis OBE and featuring an all-British cast of distinguished actors, Journey’s End is now available for digital download for $4.99 at latw.org.

Set in 1918 near the end of the war, Journey’s End charts the overpowering tension and claustrophobia in the British trenches over the course of four days, as a group of officers await an expected German attack. Based on Sherriff’s personal experience, the play is considered to be one of the best examples in modern dramatic literature of the true horror and tragedy of war.

“R.C. Sherriff was one of Britain’s great playwrights, and Journey’s End is one of the greatest war plays,” says Jarvis. “It may be set during World War I, but it’s clearly about the experience of war for all time, any time. About a group of soldiers in a horrific situation and how they deal with it, revealing every aspect of human nature including fear, huge courage, crippling cowardice, heroism and, maybe most important, humor. The play is surprisingly funny. The characters are British, but they could be Ukrainian, Palestinian, Israeli. It’s universal.”

Jack Cutmore–Scott stars as the young Captain Stanhope, doing his best to hold it together for his men. When the even younger Lieutenant Raleigh (Josh Cole), a former childhood friend of Stanhope’s, joins the company, he finds the older boy he used to worship changed almost beyond recognition. Also in the cast are James Callis, Tobias Echeverria, Adam Godley, Ian Ogilvy, Darren Richardson, Simon Templeman and Matthew Wolf.

When the play premiered at London’s Apollo Theatre in 1928, it starred a very young Laurence Olivier as Stanhope. In 2017, it was adapted into a film starring Sam Claflin.

L.A. Theatre Works stands apart in its approach to making great theater widely accessible and affordable, bringing audio recordings of plays into homes and classrooms of millions of theater lovers, teachers and students each year. The company’s syndicated audio theater series broadcasts weekly on public radio stations across the U.S. (locally, in Southern California, on KPFK 90.7 FM); can be downloaded as a podcast via Apple Podcasts, NPR One, or wherever you get your podcasts; and can be streamed on demand at latw.org. The L.A. Theatre Works catalog of nearly 600 recorded plays is the largest archive of its kind in the world. AudioFile magazine calls L.A. Theatre Works productions “the gold standard for fine audio theater recordings.”

To download a digital copy of Journey’s End, go to latw.org.

“BLACK BASTARD”

Takes Audiences on a Poetic, Comedic Odyssey of Identity

A humorous, heartfelt solo performance set in 1990s Houston. Playing over ten characters, Gentry explores themes of identity, masculinity, and self-discovery through a coming-of-age tale filled with nostalgic references and artful techniques.

WHO: Written and Performed by Jon Joseph Gentry. Directed by Shinelle Azoroh.

WHERE: Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre (5636 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038)

PERFORMANCES
June 6th at 7pm
June 19th at 8:30pm
June 30th at 4pm

TICKETS: $20 at https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/7367.
Ages 18+, 55 minutes.

WHAT: Psycho Beach Party

DESCRIPTION: Surf’s up and murder’s afoot, as Psycho Beach Party mashes up ’50s psychodramas and ’60s surfer flicks into a truly madcap comedy. Think Gidget meets Mommie Dearest, meets John Waters! It’s 1962 and teenage tomboy Chicklet Forrest desperately wants to be a part of the surfer crowd on Malibu Beach. One thing getting in her way, however, is her unfortunate tendency towards multiple personalities, including a dim checkout girl, an elderly radio talk show hostess, a male model named Steve, and the accounting firm of Edelman and Edelman. And her most dangerous alter ego — sexually voracious vixen Ann Bowman — has nothing less than world domination on her mind! Mischief, madness and the passionate pursuit of the perfect wave (and the perfect man) come crashing over the heads of the audience as beach blankets and Hitchcockian psychological suspense thrillers are tossed around in this rollicking, zany comedy.

WHERE: Matrix Theatre

HOW: Reservations https://horsechart.ludus.com

More information: (323) 496-3390

HOW MUCH: Previews $30

Already extended through June 2, Odyssey announces
added 3 p.m. matinee for ‘Stalin’s Master Class’ on June 1
 

WHAT:
Due to demand, Odyssey Theatre Ensemble has added an extra matinee performance, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, to closing weekend of Stalin’s Master Class, the company’s hit production of a wildly comic, music-filled drama by British playwright David Pownall. 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

“COMPELLING…INTRIGUING” — 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 Kayton, Randy Lowell, Jan Munroe, Ilia Volok
• Produced by Beth Hogan
• Presented by the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, Ron Sossi Artistic Director, in association with Isabel and Harvey Kibel

WHEN:
Remaining performances:
• Fridays at 8 p.m. (wine nights**): May 24 and May 31
• Saturday at 3 p.m.: June 1 ONLY
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: May 25 and June 1
• Sundays at 2 p.m.: May 26 and 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.)

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

“GRAPE CULTURE”

Unmasking the Ugly Truth!

In a tragicomedy unveiling grape culture, comedian and internet sensation Toni Nagy joins forces with performance artist Sarah Buckner. Together, they expose the insidious dominance without consent, peeling away the predatory programming suffocating society. Through comedy, dance, film, storytelling, and clowning, they thrust audiences into a raw exploration of trauma. Integral to the narrative are evocative songs that propel the story forward, weaving together moments of introspection and revelation. Rejecting rationalization, they assert that feeling, not thinking, is the path to healing. With irreverent humor, they unveil the unsettling reality: grape culture isn’t just a part of our culture, it is our culture, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths.

“In this show, we’re not just discussing isolated tragedies; we’re delving into the pervasive nature of rape culture—a phenomenon that affects us all,” asserts Toni. “Many assume it’s an issue that doesn’t directly touch them, but this production exposes how deeply ingrained rapey consciousness permeates society. We’re not here to assign blame but to unveil the power dynamics enabling rape culture’s persistence. Society accepts discussing most crimes openly, yet mentioning ‘rape’ often silences rooms. Victims face discomfort, distrust, and blame when they speak out, while perpetrators are also burdened by silence. By avoiding direct conversation, we perpetuate secrecy and hinder healing. Sweeping rape culture under the rug or relying on high-profile arrests won’t suffice. To heal collectively, we must openly confront rape culture from all angles. This show challenges us all to participate in the dialogue and acknowledges that we’re all part of the solution. Pun intended!”

WHO: Starring: Toni Nagy and Sarah Buckner. Produced by Fringe Management.

WHERE: Broadwater (Second Stage), 6320 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038

WHEN:

Monday June 17 2024, 6:30 PM

Friday June 21 2024, 9:00 PM

Wednesday June 26 2024, 9:30 PM

Saturday June 29 2024, 5:00 PM

Sunday June 30 2024, 12:30 PM

ADMISSION PRICE: $ 15.00

TICKET LINK:  The Hollywood Fringe Festival – grape culture

Appropriate for ages 16+
Running time: 60 minutes

WHAT: Theater Performance: NORA AND JIM

DESCRIPTION: “Nora and Jim” by Nora Connolly delves into the passionate romance between James Joyce and Nora Barnacle. Set in 1904, it chronicles their daring elopement from Dublin, embarking on a journey that shaped literary history. Dermot Kiernan, graces the stage with traditional Irish melodies, evoking the era’s ambiance. His live piano performances punctuate pivotal moments. From the opening number to the final monologue, Kiernan’s music enhances the emotional depth of the narrative, making “Nora and Jim” an unforgettable exploration of love, longing, and literary genius.

WHO: Written by Nora Connolly. Directed by Ronan Wilmot. Starring Lisa Dobbyn and Johnny O’Callaghan. Special Musical Guest Dermot Kiernan. 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.

WHERE: The Glendale Room – 127 Artsakh Avenue, Glendale 91206

WHEN: June 6th,7th, 8th,13th, 14th, 15th @ 8:00PM

TICKETS: $25.00 Home | NoraAnd Jim

Admission:18+. The show runs 55 minutes.

WHAT: MAGIC FOR ANIMALS

DESCRIPTION: Magician Blends Artistry and Activism to Redefine the Magic Experience. In a vibrant fusion of magic, activism, and entertainment, Liz Toonkel presents “Magic For Animals,” a groundbreaking theatrical experience captivating audiences with humor, wit, and social commentary. As a queer female magician and animal rights activist, Toonkel offers a fresh perspective. The show challenges traditional magic norms, exploring human autonomy, consent, and animal rights. Through seamless tricks and storytelling, it prompts reflection on our relationships with animals and each other. Drawing on Jewish values and feminist art, “Magic For Animals” sparks dialogue on social justice and change.

WHO: Written and performed by Liz Toonkel

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

PERFORMANCES:

Saturday, June 8, 2024, 9:30 PM

Thursday, June 13, 2024, 8:00 PM

Saturday, June 22, 2024, 5:00 PM

Friday, June 28, 2024, 10:30 PM

Sunday, June 30, 2024, 3:30 PM

TICKET PRICE: $15.00

TICKET LINK: The Hollywood Fringe Festival – magic for animals

Ages 14+. Show runs 60 minutes.