“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.

MY LITTLE PHOBIA

Los Angeles, CA. May 9, 2024. In this world premiere production, Emily Markoe presents “My Little Phobia,” a comedic exploration of her deepest fear (vomit…gross, sorry!). “My Little Phobia,” directed by Julie Pearson, opens at the Hollywood Fringe Festival with performances on June 8th, 19th and 27th at the Broadwater Studio.

Emily wrote a comedy show that’s not about vomit. How could it be? She has emetophobia, the extreme and debilitating fear of vomit! Watch Emily perform her totally normal comedy show while things start going off the rails. Visited by an array of characters including her deranged meditation guru, a demanding Titanic victim, and of course her childhood therapist, Dr. My Little Pony®, Emily tries to keep things under control. But, as it turns out, Emily doesn’t have control over anything: not her show, not her audience, and perhaps most alarming: not even herself.

In this unique production, Emily brings her blend of humor and vulnerability to the stage as she navigates the downs and ups of living with emetophobia. Director Julie Pearson (The Boxcar Adults, The Girls on the Bus) says, “Any of us anxious folks can relate to the uncomfortable weirdness of having to exist in a body, and creating this show has been a fun, thought-provoking journey through neuroses of all kinds.” From hilarious anecdotes to existential crises, My Little Phobia asks how far you would go to avoid the things you fear.

WHAT: Theater Performance: “My Little Phobia.

DESCRIPTION: Emily Markoe wrote a comedy show about cleaning her childhood bedroom. Her show is not about vomit — how could it be? She has emetophobia, the extreme and debilitating fear of vomit. Watch Emily perform her show without any interruptions from anxiety-producing characters, stories of recovered memories, or obsessive-compulsive rituals getting in the way. And there definitely won’t be a visit from her childhood therapist, Dr. My Little Pony®. Emily stopped seeing her years ago! Everything’s normal here.

Please note: vomiting at this show is strictly forbidden.

WHO: Presented and Performed by: Emily Markoe. Directed by: Julie Pearson

WHERE: The Broadwater Studio, 1078 Lillian Way

WHEN:
Saturday, June 8, 2024 @ 4:30PM – Preview
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 @ 11PM
Thursday, June 27, 2024 @ 9:30PM

Running Time: 50min
TICKETS: $12 – hollywoodfringe.org/projects/10438
Recommended admission age: 16+

Photo by Zack Arch Photography

HOLMES & WATSON

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS THE FINAL PRODUCTION

OF OUR 2023-2024 SEASON…

HOLMES & WATSON

Written by Jeffrey Hatcher

Directed by David Ellenstein

 

THE “WHODUNIT” GUESSING GAME BEGINS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29 AT THE LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE!

 

“Tight and clever and full of suspense!” – Arizona Daily Star

  

May 6, 2024…Laguna Beach, CA…LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE presents HOLMES & WATSON, written by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by Laguna Playhouse artistic director David Ellenstein. HOLMES & WATSON will begin previews on Wednesday, May 29 (with a press opening on Sunday, June 2 at 5:30pm) and run through Sunday, June 16 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Dr. in Laguna Beach.
 
Prepare yourself for a fast-paced, thrilling, suspenseful story that will keep you guessing until its final moments. In this worthwhile addition to the Sherlock Holmes canon, there are more twists and turns than a rollercoaster! The legendary Sherlock Holmes is dead. Or so it is assumed. When a telegram arrives informing his loyal companion Dr. Watson that there are three men who each claim to be Holmes, it’s left up to the famous sidekick to take on the case and try to discover if one of the mad men is actually the real Sherlock Holmes.  
 
Comments David Ellenstein, “Some years back, I had a great time directing Jeffrey Hatcher’s Holmes & Watson. It is a thrilling mystery that keeps you guessing right up until the last moment. It was as exhilarating for those of us that worked on the production as it was for the audience that experienced it and overwhelmingly cheered for the wild ride that they had. Years later, audiences that saw that show still tell me what a great time they had.          
 
Before I directed this play, I was not a huge Sherlock Holmes enthusiast, but the play led me to read the Conan Doyle source material and I gained a new understanding for the lasting appeal of the detective. These stories are extremely well written. I became captivated by the detail and specificity of the character and literary style. I became a Sherlock fan. There is a reason Mr. Holmes endures through all sorts of adaptations and across time. 
 
Jeffrey Hatcher is such an accomplished and skillful playwright. His specialty is exactly this genre – so this play bristles with intrigue, humor and verve. It truly captures the Holmesian style and mystery. The idea of a new production of Holmes & Watson at Laguna Playhouse fills me with eager anticipation. I am so excited by the exemplary cast we have assembled and the amazing design plans that will lift this play to its full potential. I believe Laguna Playhouse audiences are going to have a great time with this one.”

 

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM AND CAST 

 

DAVID ELLENSTEIN (Director) Born into a theatrical family, David Ellenstein has been working in professional theatre for the better part of five decades. In May 2023, he was named Artistic Director of Laguna Playhouse, after filling the role in an interim capacity since September 2023. In addition, he has been the Artistic Director of North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach, CA since 2003.  At Laguna Playhouse, credits include directing A Shayna Maidel, The Angel Next Door, Chapatti, Alexandros and playing “Einstein” in Picasso at The Lapin Agile. Other directorial credits include The Chosen at Paper Mill Playhouse; Halpern and Johnson and Sonia Flew at Coconut Grove Playhouse; The Glass Menagerie, Rocket City and Honky Tonk Angels at Alabama Shakespeare Festival; His Royal Hipness at 59E59 in NYC; and Long Day’s Journey into Night at Renaissance Theatre. As Artistic Director at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach since 2003, over 60 Directorial credits including Way Down River, The Tempest, A Moon for the Misbegotten, The Outsider and The Homecoming. His career includes acting credits of playing the title roles in Hamlet at LA Theatre Center and LA Rep; Richard III at California Shakespeare Festival; Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof at Moonlight Stage; Jonathan in Sight Unseen, Max in Laughter on the 23rd Floor and Matt in Talley’s Folly at North Coast Rep as well as over three dozen film and television episodes.

 

JEFFREY HATCHER (Playwright) His Broadway credits include: Never Gonna Dance (book). Off-Broadway credits include: Three Viewings and A Picasso at Manhattan Theatre Club; The Government Inspector at Red Bull Theater; Scotland Road and The Turn of the Screw at Primary Stages; Lucky Duck (book w/ Bill Russell) at the New Victory Theater; Tuesdays With Morrie (w/ Mitch Albom) at the Minetta Lane Theatre; Murder By PoeThe Turn of the Screw, and A Connecticut Yankee At King Arthur’s Court at the Acting Company; Ten Chimneys at Peccadillo Theater Company; Neddy at American Place; and Fellow Travelers at Manhattan Punchline. Other theatre credits include: Compleat Female Stage BeautyMrs. Mannerly, Murderers, Mercy Of A Storm, Smash, Armadale, Korczak’s ChildrenWork Song (w/ Eric Simonson), To Fool The Eye, Sherlock Holmes And The Suicide Club, Jeffrey Hatcher’s HamletThe Scarecrow And His Servant, Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, The Critic, Holmes And Watson, and others at the Guthrie, the Old Globe, Yale Rep, the Geffen, Seattle Rep, Huntington Theatre Company, the Shakespeare Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse, Cleveland Playhouse, South Coast Rep, Arizona Theatre Company, San Jose Rep, the Empty Space, Indiana Rep, Children’s Theatre Company, History Theatre, Madison Rep, Intiman Theatre, Illusion Theater, Denver Center, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Milwaukee Rep, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Asolo Repertory Theatre, City Theater, Studio Arena, and dozens more in the US and abroad. FILM/TV: “Stage Beauty,” “Casanova,” “The Duchess,” “Mr. Holmes,” “The Good Liar,” “Columbo,” “Murder at the Cannes Film Festival,” and “The Mentalist.” GRANTS/AWARDS: NEA, TCG, Lila Wallace Fund, Rosenthal New Play Prize, Frankel Award, Charles MacArthur Fellowship Award, McKnight Foundation, Jerome Foundation, Barrymore Award (Best New Play), and the 2013 Ivey Lifetime Achievement Award. 

 

The cast of HOLMES & WATSON features (in alphabetical order): Richard Baird (The Rainmaker at Laguna Playhouse) as “Watson,” Matt Koenig (Cabaret at La Mirada Theatre) as “Holmes #2,” Matthew Floyd Miller (Sleuth at Ensemble Theatre Company) as “Holmes #1,” Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper (Oliver at 5-Star Theatricals) as “Dr. Evans,” Mike Peebler (Hamlet at Theatricum Botanicum) as “Orderly/Moriarty/Inspector,” Alice Sherman (Amadeus at North Coast Repertory) as “The Matron/The Woman,” and Christopher M.  Williams (Tartuffe at Laguna Playhouse) as “Holmes #3.”

                                                                                                                                              

The design team for HOLMES & WATSON is as follows: scenic design by Stephen Gifford; costume design by Kate Bergh; lighting design by Jared A. Sayeg; sound design by Ian Scot; props design by Kevin Williams; hair and wig design by Peter Herman.  Casting is by Michael Donovan Casting; Michael Donovan, CSA & Richie Ferris, CSA.  The Production Stage Manager is Vernon Willet.                                    

 

ABOUT THE SCHEDULE AND PRICING

HOLMES & WATSON will preview on Wednesday, May 29 at 7:30pm; Thursday, May 30 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm; Friday, May 31 at 7:30pm; Saturday, June 1 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm; (with a press opening on Sunday, June 2 at 5:30pm) and run through Sunday, June 16, 2024 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Dr. in Laguna Beach.

 

Performances are Wednesdays through Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 2:00pm & 7:30pm; Sundays at 1:00pm & 5:30pm. There will be added performances on Thursday, May 30 at 2:00pm; Thursday, June 6 at 2:00pm & Tuesday, June 11 at 7:30pm. There will be no performance on Sunday, June 16 at 5:30pm. There will be a post-show talkback following the Friday, June 7 performance.                   

 

Tickets range from $45 – $84 and can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com or by calling (949) 497-2787. Group discounts are available by calling 949-497-2787 ext.229.  Prices subject to change.                                                                                                                                                      

The box office is open Tuesdays – Sundays: 12pm to 4pm; Mondays open 2 hours prior to show time and until 15 minutes after curtain.  Open until showtime on all performance days.

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

 

 

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.

Ugly Lies The Bone

UGLY LIES THE BONE

Comes to life at the Hollywood Fringe Festival.

Los Angeles, CA. May 7, 2024. Grim Abbey Productions proudly presents Lindsey Ferrentino’s drama, “Ugly Lies the Bone,” at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival. Directed by award-winner Lulenoxx and featuring a talented and diverse cast, this production will captivate audiences with its exploration of resilience, love and the human spirit. Opens June 8th for six performances at McCadden Place Theatre.

The play deals with the life of Jess, a soldier returning home from her third tour in Afghanistan, scarred both physically and emotionally by the horrors of war. With severe burns from an IED explosion and PTSD from the trauma she experienced at war, Jess embarks on a journey of rehabilitation and self-discovery. Through the innovative use of Virtual Reality therapy, she navigates the challenges of her new reality, confronting the changes in her hometown and reconnecting with loved ones who struggle to understand her pain.

“Ugly Lies the Bone” is a poignant exploration of deep emotions and dark themes, infused with moments of comedy and hope. Jess’s journey is one of resilience and determination, as she confronts her anger and sarcasm to embrace the possibility of a new life. The play sheds light on the complexities of disability and the ways in which individuals and communities navigate unfamiliar terrain.

The moment Gabrielle Archambault encountered Ferrentino’s powerful script, she was compelled to bring it to life on stage. “ This piece is perfect for anyone who has ever felt lost, in pain, or like no one around them can understand the turmoil they are going through,” she exclaims, “We hope to share this piece and empower those who are struggling with physical or emotional pain to seek help and guidance, through Jess’s story, we aim to inspire hope and resilience, reminding audiences that no matter the obstacles they face, there is a way forward.”

WHO: Presented by: Grim Abbey Productions Directed by: Lulenoxx Cast includes: Gabrielle Archambault, Sheer Aviram, Carver Folkes, Suni M!, and Hans Heilmann.

WHERE: MCCADDEN PLACE THEATRE – 1157 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood, CA 90038.

WHEN:
Sunday, June 08, 3:30 PM
Saturday, June 15, 6:30 PM
Saturday, June 22, 11:30 AM
Sunday, June 23, 8:30 PM
Friday, June 28, 8:00 PM
Sunday, June 30, 2:30 PM

TICKET PRICE: $15 – The Hollywood Fringe Festival – ugly lies the bone

Admission age: 16+ / Running time: 90 minutes.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION TEAM:

Gabrielle Archambault (Producer) is drawn to projects surrounding trauma recovery. A female, queer, actress, producer, and writer, she is passionate about telling stories that help people feel that they are not alone in difficult experiences, and that they can get through to the other side. With a degree focus in Musical Theatre and practical experience as a filmmaker, she is looking forward to getting back to her roots and hitting the stage again. Film and TV experience include supporting roles in the feature film No Tears in Hell and the new tv show Second Chances. As a writer she is currently pitching several features and a pilot based off the book Amish Vampires in Space. ga

Lulenoxx (Director (they/them)) is a queer, non-binary screenwriter, director and creator. As a theater maker, they have over 10 years of directing, writing and devising experience at the professional and educational level, with a focus in new work, especially opera. Lulenoxx is a member of the She-Collective and is an Alumni of Lincoln Center’s Director’s Lab. Lulenoxx is also an award winning filmmaker, winning CineStory Foundation’s 2024 LGBTQIA+ Scholarship, PANO’s Marilyn Horowitz Screenwriting Award (2nd Prize) and has received development opportunities and fellowships from Stowe Story Labs and Athena Film Festival’s Writers Lab (Finalist for the Chinonye Chukwu Emerging Writer Award). Their primary goal as a storyteller is to tell the truth, in whatever form it manifests. They are currenting working on their first feature film, Pairs to the Floor, with Unseen Films Oregon.

Instagram: @ grimabbeyproductions

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CALENDAR LISTING INFORMATION

May 2023

WHAT: Theater Play: “Ugly Lies the Bone” by Lindsey Ferrentino

DESCRIPTION: The play deals with the life of Jess, a soldier returning home from her third tour in Afghanistan, scarred both physically and emotionally by the horrors of war. With severe burns from an IED explosion and PTSD from the trauma she experienced at war, Jess embarks on a journey of rehabilitation and self-discovery. Through the innovative use of Virtual Reality therapy, she navigates the challenges of her new reality, confronting the changes in her hometown and reconnecting with loved ones who struggle to understand her pain.

WHERE: MCCADDEN PLACE THEATRE – 1157 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood, CA 90038

WHO: Presented by: Grim Abbey Productions Directed by: Lulenoxx Cast includes: Gabrielle Archambault, Sheer Aviram, Carver Folkes, Suni M!, and Hans Heilmann.

WHEN:
Sunday, June 08, 3:30 PM
Saturday, June 15, 6:30 PM
Saturday, June 22, 11:30 AM
Sunday, June 23, 8:30 PM
Friday, June 28, 8:00 PM
Sunday, June 30, 2:30 PM

TICKET PRICE: $15 – The Hollywood Fringe Festival – ugly lies the bone

Admission age: 16+

Running time: 90 minutes