Category Archives: Theatre

Odyssey adds 3 p.m. matinee for ‘Stalin’s Master Class’

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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

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“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

Nora and Jim

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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.

Magic for Animals

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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.

Echo Theater Company’s Theater Truck

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NEWS RELEASE

Echo Theater Company’s Theater Truck comes to
Ladera Park with family-friendly ‘Much Ado About Nothing’
 

WHAT:
All the magic of Shakespeare in under one hour. Bring a basket and a blanket and enjoy a free, family friendly, 40-minute version of Shakespeare’s screwball comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, courtesy of Echo Theater Company’s THTR TRUK.

WHO:
• Written by William Shakespeare
• Directed by Robert Lee Hart and Sky Paley
• Presented by The Echo Theater Company

WHEN:
• Saturday, June 1 at 5 p.m.

• Sunday, June 2 at 5 p.m.
• Saturday, June 8 at 5 p.m.
• Sunday, June 9 at 5 p.m.

WHERE:
Ladera Park Amphitheatre
4777 W. 62nd Street
Windsor Hills, CA 90056

ADMISSION
FREE

HOW
• www.echotheatercompany.com
• For more information and latest updates follow @thtrtruk on instagram.

Theatre Review: Misalliance

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A Noise Within presents Misalliance to close out its 2023-2024 “Balancing Act” season. Written by George Bernard Shaw. Directed by Guillermo Cienfuegos. Geoff Elliot and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott are the producing artistic directors.

What can women do in Edwardian England to defy conventions? In the case of Hypatia (Erika Soto), she aggressively chases down the man she likes and rejects marriage proposals. As for Lina (Trisha Miller), she flies a plane and also rejects marriage proposals left and right. In George Bernard Shaw‘s world, these two characters symbolize the beginning of the new female image taking shape in the post-Victorian England, a stark contrast to the passiveness and intellectual inferiority expected from women in previous periods.

To recreate the Art Nouveau interior design from the Edwardian period, designer Angela Balogh Calin used an impressive glass wall and a massive painting to simulate an expansive background garden. Calin’s artisan skills are evident in the multiple details around the set. The walls, the floor, and the furniture décor they all exhibit organic shapes and floral motifs that give off an air of sophistication to the ample stage.

Bear in mind that Misalliance is a wordy play with long monologues. Shaw used some of the characters as an audience for his social and political views. In a few scenes, some characters just sit passively, listening to the other characters go on and on with their monologues. Fortunately, these scenes lead to some of the finest comedy lines in the history of theatre. This play is a masterful combination of inventive dialogue and physical comedy. One of the benefits of having a fine director like Guillermo Cienfuegos is that he allows his superb cast to let loose and bring their craft to another level. The performances of Josey Montana McCoy as the intellectually superior but physically inferior Bentley and Joshua Bitton as the socialist Baker are as hilarious and entertaining as they can be. Add to this the skills of Peter Van Norden, Deborah Strang, and Frederick Stuart and you have the human capital to stage a magnificent production to bring alive the fun madness of Shaw’s study on class, gender, and generation.

Soto, always a lively performer, unlocks that irresistible sense of hysteria that explodes at the first opportunity. She delivers consistent performances and is building up an impressive resume, participating in some of the most iconic productions of ANW.

The Misalliance billboard shows a picture of Trisha Miller as Lina Szczepanowska, which is indeed, the central character in the play. With her commanding stage presence, Miller embodies the perfect Lina, a willful and determined woman with no time for superfluous romanticism. Even though Lina only appears in the second act, it is immediately obvious that this character is the one that turns things upside down. She defies norms and is an inspiration not only to Hypatia but to the male characters as well. Lina is a fearless woman who pushes the limits. With her free spirit, she challenges conventions and is a sneak peek of the things to come for the place of women in society. With this play, Miller adds another stellar performance to her brilliant career at ANW.

Misalliance is another big win for A Noise Within, a company committed to stage relevant and majestic productions, setting a high standard of quality to the theatre scene.

Misalliance

A Noise Within
3352 E Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107

Performances May 18 – June 9
• Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.: May 15 ONLY (Preview)
• Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.: May 23, May 30, June 6 (dark May 16)
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: May 17 (Preview); May 24*; May 31*; June 7*
• Saturdays at 2 p.m.: May 25; June 1; June 8 (no matinee on May 18)
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: May 18 (Opening Night); May 25; June 1; (No 8 p.m. performance on June 8)
• Sundays at 2 p.m.: May 12 (Preview); May 19; May 26*; June 2; June 9
*Post–performance conversations with the artists take place every Friday (except the preview) and on Sunday, May 26.
A student matinee will take place on Thursday, May 16 at 10:30 a.m. Interested educators should email education@anoisewithin.org.

Tickets: anoisewithin.org

Written by George Bernard Shaw. Directed by Guillermo Cienfuegos. Geoff Elliot and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, producing artistic directors.

Cast: Joshua Bitton, Dan Lin, Josey Montana McCoy, Trisha Miller, Riley Shanahan, Erika Soto, Deborah Strang, Frederick Stuart, Peter Van Norden.

Creative team: Scenic designer Angela Balogh Calin; lighting designer Ken Booth; composer and sound designer Christopher Moscatiello; costume designer Christine Cover Ferro; wig and make up designer Tony Valdés; properties designer Stephen Taylor; dialect coach Andrea Odinov; and dramaturg Miranda Johnson-Haddad. The assistant director is Rachel Berney–Needleman. The production stage manager is Angela Sonner, assisted by Hope Matthews.

Theatre Review: Going Mad: Alice in Hollywoodland

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Odyssey Theatre Ensemble and Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy present Going Mad: Alice in Hollywoodland. Written by Richard Alger. Directed by Tina Kronis. Produced for Odyssey Theatre Ensemble by Beth Hogan.

The topsy-turvy world of Alice in Wonderland is re-imagined by Playwright Richard Alger. This time, Wonderland is the backlot of a Hollywood studio. Alice (Norene Flowers) is about to start principal photography of her project when Virginia (Victoria Davidoff), the studio executive, decides that the beginning of the script needs to be changed. Encouraged by Whitey Lepus (Cristian Venegas), a desperate Alice enters a door that leads her to the underworld, a place of strange characters that are supposed to help her navigate the treacherous environment of the studio system.

This production showcases the talent from the Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy, a full-time professional training conservatory for actors, technicians and costumers. Some of the actors have participated in other professional productions and this is evident in their performances. They deliver their lines fluidly and their movements show the excellence of their training.

There was a bit of a hiccup at the beginning of the show and the music was a bit too loud to hear the actors in the first scene. However, things got better as the actors warmed up. Scene by scene the actors got into the rhythm of the play and started to show off their potential. Flowers is the star of the show and she delivers an exceptional and consistent performance throughout the play. Davidoff and Venegas were also excellent in their characterizations. Four of the actors that also show great confidence and theatrical skills are Tony Gonzalez as Humphry, delivering a convincing monologue, Cara Schell Sandefur as Blanche, Alex Bravo as Tuttle Lloyd/Max, and Elizabeth Mackessy as Chessie.

Director Tina Kronis makes this play highly kinetic. There is plenty of dancing and singing with a modern feel and a homage to old Hollywood. The blocking, with special effects included, adds a visual element that translates the surrealism of the script into moving images. A similar approach was observed in TINY LITTLE TOWN, a new musical, also produced by Theatre Movement Bazaar, a musical that also blended comedy with energetic movement.

Although this play features college actors, their performances and the production in general is a well-developed endeavor that shows the level of commitment from the producers, the playwright, the director, and of course, the future thespians. It is also an example of the productive training received at the Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy, an institution preparing theatre artists since 1929.

Going Mad: Alice in Hollywoodland

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

May 16 – May 25, 2024
• Thursdays at 8 p.m.: May 16 and May 23
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: May 17 and May 24
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: May 18 and May 25

Tickets: odysseytheatre.com

Written by Richard Alger and directed by Tina Kronis, co-founders of Theatre Movement Bazaar. Produced for Odyssey Theatre Ensemble by Beth Hogan. Presented by the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, Ron Sossi Artistic Director, and Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy.

Cast: Emma Baker, Alex Bravo, Victoria Davidoff, Norene Flowers, Delfin Gamboa, Tony Gonzalez, Tracy Chapman Kamenga, Kal Karnchananasej, Adam Lopatka, Elizabeth Mackessy, Manuel Marin, Cara Schell Sandefur, Art Sandoval, Markel Sealy, Lucas Sheppe, Cristian Venegas, and Sam Sooin Yang.

Creative team: Set Design by Maureen Weiss, Light Design John A. Garofalo, Costume Design Luz Stehelin, Sound Design Rebecca Kessin, Tina Kronis, Richard Alger, Assistant Costume Design Raquel Muñoz & Johnny Hagan, Stage Manager Jasmine White, Assistant Stage Manager Chris Avedis, and Prop Master Tim Christian.

The Last Five Years

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Sierra Madre Playhouse Presents
Jason Robert Brown’s Acclaimed Musical
The Last Five Years

 Captivating Love Story Explores Complex Dynamics of a Relationship through the Lens of Time

May 17 – June 16, 2024

WHAT:

Sierra Madre Playhouse Presents
The Last Five Year
Book/Music/Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown

 PRODUCTION TEAM:

Director/Set/Props: Josh Shaw

Music Director/Piano: Joshua Foy

Costume Design: Hailey Springer

Lighting Design: Grace Berry

Stage Manager: Bri Westad

Assistant Stage Manager: Carolyn Wasson

Substitute Stage Manager: Colton Bassett

CAST (double cast)

Cathy: Margaret Berkowitz

Cathy: Jackie Bonsignore

Jamie: Jayde Mitchell

Jamie: Bryan Mittelstadt

WHEN:

Friday, May 17, 8:00 PM – With Ensemble

Saturday, May 18, 4:00 PM – With Live Piano

Saturday, May 18, 8:00 PM – With Live Piano

Sunday, May 19, 2:00 PM – With Live Piano

Friday, May 24, 8:00 PM – With Ensemble

Saturday, May 25, 4:00 PM – With Ensemble

Saturday, May 25,8:00 PM – With Ensemble

Sunday, May 26, 2:00 PM – With Live Piano

Friday, May 31, 8:00 PM – With Ensemble

Saturday, June 1, 4:00 PM – With Live Piano

Saturday, June 1, 8:00 PM – With Live Piano

Sunday, June 2, 2:00 PM – With Live Piano

Friday, June 7, 8:00 PM – With Live Piano

Saturday, June 8, 4:00 PM – With Live Piano

Saturday, June 8, 8:00 PM – With Ensemble

Sunday, June 9, 2:00 PM – With Live Piano

Friday, June 14, 2024, 8:00 PM – With Live Piano

Saturday, June 15, 4:00 PM – With Live Piano

Saturday, June 15, 8:00 PM – With Live Piano

Sunday, June 16, 2:00 PM – With Live Piano

WHERE:

Sierra Madre Playhouse
87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard
Sierra Madre, CA 91024

 RUN TIME:

Approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

 TICKETS & INFORMATION:

Tickets are $12 – $45

626.355.4318

www.sierramadreplayhouse.org

Late Sunday Afternoon, Early Sunday Evening

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LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON, EARLY SUNDAY EVENING
It’s Scary Giving Birth to One’s Life, Isn’t It?

Hollywood, California, May 16, 2024.Vee Kumari unveils her passion project “Late Sunday Afternoon, Early Sunday Evening” written by Jean Lenox Toddie, a heartfelt and poignant one-act play at Hollywood Fringe Festival 2024. Set against the backdrop of a Boston home, this captivating production stars Vee Kumari alongside the talented Sanchita Malikin a tale that delves deep into the complexities of life, love, and legacy. Opens at the Hobgoblin Playhouse, June 6th.

Padma, portrayed by Vee Kumari, roams the corridors of her home, grappling with the profound question of fulfillment in her twilight years. Haunted by memories of past lives filled with excitement, she stands at a crossroads, pondering the essence of her existence and the relationships defining it. Alongside her strong-willed granddaughter, Libby, Padma embarks on a journey of self-discovery and revelation, where three idealistic characters intertwine in a narrative transcending generations. “Late Sunday Afternoon, Early Sunday Evening” invites women to explore the boundless possibilities of their second act in life. It’s a mesmerizing tale of coming-of-age, infused with a twist that will captivate audiences.

In a parallel world to Padma’s, Vee Kumari discovers resonance and inspiration in this evocative tale, channeling her own passion into the character and storyline. With an intimate understanding of the themes of longing, self-realization, and the bonds between generations, Kumari delivers a performance that is as soul-stirring as it is profound. “This story is near and dear to my heart,” she says. “It speaks to the universal experience of seeking fulfillment and daring to chase our dreams, no matter our age or stage in life. I believe audiences, particularly empty-nesters, elders, and adult grandchildren, will find solace and inspiration in Padma’s journey. It is a very human story with self-doubt, courage, and kindness about how we each discover our ever-changing places in the world.”

WHERE: The Hobgoblin Playhouse, 6440Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90038, 323 591-4849

PERFORMANCE DATES
Thursday June 6, 2024, 9pm – Preview
Thursday June 20, 2024, 6:30pm
Monday June 24, 2024, 8:30pm
Friday June 28, 2024, 10pm
Saturday June 29, 2024, 12pm

Running time: 55 minutes

TICKET PRICE: $15.00 –https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/10684?tab=tickets
Admission age: 12+

The Sandwich Ministry

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41st Season Starts with New Voices & New Plays
Slices of Americana in the 21st Century
Skylight Logo Black (1).png
Skylight Theatre Company Kicks Off Their 41st Season with
 “The Sandwich Ministry”
A new play by Miranda Rose Hall / Directed by Katie Lindsay
Opening at 8:30pm on Saturday, June 1st with reception to follow
8:30pm Fridays & Saturdays, 3:00pm Sundays, 7:30pm Mondays through July 7, 2024
(no performances on Mondays, June 3 & 10)
 
Skylight Theatre, 1816 ½ North Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90027

EVENT DETAILS FOR CALENDAR: Run-time is approximately 75 minutes (no intermission)

Sandwich Ministry Social Media (2).jpgWhat: “The Sandwich Ministry”

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

Recommended for age 13 +

Cast: Maha Chehlaoui, Jordan Hull, Jayne Taini.

Description: A small town. A once in a century storm. Three women gather to supply food for neighbors who’ve been displaced from their homes by floods. As they contend with the damage of the storm, they learn that what brings them together threatens to tear them apart. Is their friendship strong enough to make it through the night? Funding for this production is provided by Yale’s Binger Center for New Theatre.

Where:

Skylight Theatre
1816 ½ North Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA. 90027

When: Previews May 25, 26, 31

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

How: Reservations: (213) 761-7061or online at www.skylighttheatre.org

How Much: Previews $15 +

Opening night tickets on August 26: $48 +
Regular: $20 – $42
Students: $20
Seniors: $35
To access a limited amount of Pay-What-You-Can tickets to any performance, use a code ACCESS. Advance sale only
Facebook: SkylightTheatreCompany
Twitter: @SkylightThtr
Instagram: SkylightTheatre