Category Archives: Theatre

Summer Playwrights Festival

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THE ROAD THEATRE COMPANY 

Taylor Gilbert and Sam Anderson Present 

The Fifteenth Anniversary of the Annual 

SUMMER PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL 

23 Plays in 10 Days! 

SPF15 Festival Committee

Cherish Monique Duke – Festival Director

Festival Producers/Play Selection Committee – Frank Collison & Krishna Smitha 

Associate Producer – Haowen Luo 罗浩闻

One of the Largest Playwright’s Festivals in the U.S. 

 
All Play Readings Will Be Held 
At The Road Theatre on Magnolia!! 
 
Friday, July 12th through Sunday, July 21st, 2024
June 13, 2024…North Hollywood, CA…THE ROAD THEATRE COMPANY and Taylor Gilbert, Founding Artistic Director, together with Sam Anderson, Artistic Director, remain committed to their meaningful mission to develop and produce New Works for the Stage.  This July they invite you to the 15th Anniversary of the Annual Summer Playwrights Festival where they will present 23 plays over the span of 10 days.  “It is with great pride that we are able to bring you premieres of all kinds and appreciate your participation in this important process.” says Taylor Gilbert. “Supporting New Work and new voices is essential to our community and we hope to see you here.”                                                                        
 
The 15th Anniversary of the annual Summer Playwrights Festival will take place from Friday, July 12- Sunday July 21, 2024. The festival is now one of the largest staged reading festivals in the nation, with playwrights from across the country and around the world participating. Each reading is followed by a talk-back with the playwright, cast and director. All play readings will be held at The Road Theatre – 10747 Magnolia Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91601.

The Road Theatre has gone on to produce numerous plays over the years from the Summer Playwrights Festival including, High Maintenance by Peter Ritt (SPF 14) Beloved by Arthur Holden (SPF12), Death House by Jason Karasev (SPF8), Stupid Kid by Sharr White (SPF7) and Through the Eye of a Needle by Jami Brandli (SPF7). “We are very proud to be bringing these new plays from the festival to our audiences.” 

SUMMER PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL (SPF 15):

This year’s festival features all New Works by playwrights from across the United States. Taylor Gilbert, Founding Artistic Director, recalls the very moment the festival launched in 2009: “It’s just an idea” said Scott Alan Smith, Associate Artistic Director emeritus, “Let’s start a playwrights festival!” We said “Sure, why not?” Now, 15 years later we are continuing our tradition of bringing New Works to the stage for your enjoyment. We are excited to present 23 new plays up close and personal in our beautiful Magnolia Space.  So join us, get comfortable in one of our seats and enjoy this year’s ride at The Road’s 15th Annual Summer Playwrights Festival!”

“Festival Pass’s” are available for only $75.00 to have access to all the full-length readings, or buy an individual ticket for a suggested donation of $15.00. For more information and to RSVP go to: https://roadtheatre.org/event/15th-annual-summer-playwrights-festival/

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:

Friday, July 12, 8:00PM PT
The Totality of All Things by Erik Gernand

Directed by Taylor Nichols                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
 
Saturday, July 13, 12:00PM PT

 

Nüwa in Fairyland by Brandon Zang
Directed by Elana Luo

Saturday, July 13, 4:00PM PT
Lifeline by Robert Axelrod
Directed by Ken Sawyer

Saturday, July 13, 8:00PM PT
BLACK BEAR ISLAND by Karissa Murrell Myers
Directed by Margaret Starbuck

Sunday, July 14, 12:00PM PT
Some Other Woman Like Me by Katherine Swan
Directed by Elizabeth Herron

Sunday, July 14, 4:00PM PT
You May Find This Hard to Believe, or Moor’s the Pity by Scott Gibson
Directed by Victoria Hoffman

Sunday, July 14, 8:00PM PT
The Patriarch by Shayne Kennedy
Directed by Tally McCormack

Monday, July 15, 8:00PM PT
The Ragged Claws by Lina Patel
Directed by Daniel Talbott

Tuesday, July 16, 8:00PM PT
You Welcome by Anne Valentino
Directed by Denise Blasor

Wednesday, July 17, 8:00PM PT
burn for You by Regan Moro

Directed by India Kotis
 
Thursday, July 18, 8:00PM PT
Incredible Finds, Inc. by Casey J. Adler
Directed by Dana Schwartz

 

Friday, July 19, 8:00PM PT
THE POINT by Ali MacLean
Directed by Ryan McGree

Saturday, July 20, 12:00PM PT
The Life You Gave Me by Novid Parsi
Directed by Ann Hearn Tobolowsky

Saturday, July 20 4:00PM PT
L’HÔTEL by Marisol Medina
Directed by Carlos Lacámara

Saturday, July 20, 8:00PM PT
1980 (Or Why I’m Voting For John Anderson) by Patricia Cotter
Directed by Meeghan Holaway

Sunday, July 21, 11:00AM PT
Otherkin by N.T. Vandecar
Directed by Christina Carlisi

Sunday, July 21, 3:00PM PT
In Case of Bruising by Kamila Boga
Directed by Gerard Joseph

Sunday, July 21, 8:00PM PT
This is an evening of one-act play readings

If You See a Hyena by Bara Swain
Directed by Allan Wasserman   

USE AS DIRECTED by DeLane McDuffie
Directed by Darryl Johnson

The Artemis Cult by Jeanette Farr
Directed by Ru Kazi

H-O-R-S-E by Kathleen Cahill
Directed by Mark Irvingsen

The Previous Incident Versus a Recent Development by Deborah Dashow Ruth
Directed by Avery Clyde

Think It Through by Craig Gustafson
Directed by John Gowans

TALKBACKS
Each play reading will be followed by a moderated discussion with the director and cast. Some discussions will include playwrights.

PRICING:
Buy a festival pass for only $75.00 to experience all the full length shows (One Act night must be purchased separately). Individual play tickets are suggested donation of $15. No donation is too small, but if you can’t afford to donate at this time we understand. Please come anyways and enjoy some live play readings! Reservations are strongly suggested by using the link below.

https://roadtheatre.org/event/15th-annual-summer-playwrights-festival/

THE ROAD THEATRE COMPANY:

Located in the heart of the North Hollywood Arts District, L.A. County’s fastest growing arts community, The Road is an ensemble of 150+ theatre artists fiercely committed to the creation and development of new plays. To further that mission, The Road has launched Under Construction, a diverse collaborative group of new and established playwrights dedicated to socially and politically relevant storytelling for the American stage. Celebrating 33 years of groundbreaking work and led by Founding Artistic Director Taylor Gilbert along with Artistic Director Sam Anderson, The Road is a multi award-winning theatre named as one of the top ten intimate theatre companies in Los Angeles (LA Weekly). Visit www.roadtheatre.org for more info.
 
FOLLOW THE ROAD FOR THE LATEST UPDATES:

 

www.facebook.com/roadtheatre
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www.twitter.com/roadtheatre
www.youtube.com/roadtheatrecompany

#RoadTheatre #SPF15 #Playwrights #LATheatreLivesOnstage #LAthr #Theatre #TheatreIsVital

SUPPORT
This program is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and support from the Office of Councilmember Paul Krekorian.

For more information, please visit us at 

https://roadtheatre.org/event/15th-annual-summer-playwrights-festival/

Roger Q. Mason’s Night Cities

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Casting Announced for Roger Q. Mason’s Night Cities

A New Play About Queer Civil Rights Activist Bayard Rustin

Sunday, June 23 at 7pm

Acclaimed Black Filipinx playwright and Kilroys List honoree Roger Q. Mason will receive an industry reading of Night Cities, a new play about Queer civil rights activist Bayard Rusin, as part of the Not a Moment, But a Movement Festival presented by Center Theatre Group In collaboration with The Fire This Time Festival and Watts Village Theater Company. The reading, directed by Nancy Keystone, will take place on Sunday, June 23 at 7pm at the Kirk Douglas Theatre (9820 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232) in Los Angeles. Tickets ($15) are available for advance purchase at www.centertheatregroup.org.

A young Bayard Rustin—before Civil Rights Movement fame—must choose between his private desires as a queer black man and his public calling as an agent of social justice and civic change. Set against the vibrant labor movement of the 1930s and 40s, this piece embraces the musicality, dream imagery, and liberation of jazz playwriting to explore one man’s quest for complex humanity in a world that limits who we are to how we can be used for the good of others.

The cast will feature Christopher Livingston (Julius Caesar at The Public), James Patrick Nelson (Memorial with Pan Asian Rep), Larry Powell (Brokeology with Lincoln Center), and Dennis Renard (Come Get Maggie with Rogue Machine).

Roger Q. Mason (they/them) is a writer and performer who uses the lens of history to disrupt the biases that divide rather than unite us. Their playwriting has been seen on Broadway (Circle in the Square Reading Series), Off and Off-Off-Broadway, and regionally. Mason’s World Premiere of Lavender Men was lauded by the Los Angeles Times as “evoking the mingled visions of Suzan-Lori Parks, Jeremy O. Harris and Michael R. Jackson.” They are a recipient of the inaugural Catalyst Fellowship, awarded by the Dramatists Guild Foundation, in celebrations of theater makers whose work impacts social justice and civic change through art. As a filmmaker, Mason has been recognized by the British Film Institute, Lonely Wolf International Film Festival, SCAD Film Festival, AT&T Film Award, and Atlanta International Film Festival. Their films have screened in the US, UK, Poland, Brazil, and Asia. Mason holds degrees from Princeton University, Middlebury College, and Northwestern University. They are a member of the Dramatists Guild of America, and an alum of the Ma-Yi’s Writing Lab, Page 73’s Interstate 73 Writers Group, and Primary Stages Writing Cohort. Mason currently produces a memoir/cooking segment on Instagram called Cooking with Q: A Playwrights Guide to Telling My Trouble. Previously, they co-hosted the podcast Sister Roger’s Gayborhood and hosted This Way Out Radio’s Queerly Yours: Portraits in Courage. Mason has served as lead mentor of The Marsha P. Johnson Institute’s Starship Fellowship, the New Visions Fellowship, and the Shay Foundation Fellowship. They are currently on faculty at CalArts. Instagram: @rogerq.mason

The Ghee Ghee Pik

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THE GHEE GHEE PIK

The Group Rep’s world premiere play THE GHEE GHEE PIK written by Suzy London, directed by Kathleen R. Delaney and produced for The Group Rep by Lloyd Pedersen.  What happens when the technology of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is implanted in the human brain? Inspired by actual events, THE GHEE GHEE PIK dramatizes the true story of one woman’s quest to vastly improve her challenged life and the unexpected consequences of such a union.  The play runs June 13 – July 14, Thursdays and Sundays 7:00pm, Saturdays 4:00pm, Upstairs on the second floor of the Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood 91601.  Free early bird lot parking and free street parking.

 

Show Schedule:

Thursday, June 13 at 7pm (newish time)

Saturday, June 15 at 4pm

Sunday, June 16 at 7pm – Talkback w/cast & staff

Thursday, June 20 at 7pm (newish time)

Saturday, June 22 at 4pm

Sunday, June 23 at 7pm (newish time) – Talkback w/cast & staff

Thursday, June 27 at 7pm (newish time)

Saturday, June 29 at 4pm

Sunday, June 30 at 7pm

Thursday, July 4 at 7pm (newish time)

Saturday, July 6 at 4pm

Sunday, July 7 at 7pm

Thursday, July 11 at 7pm (newish time)

Saturday, July 13 at 4pm

Sunday, July 14 at 7pm – SHOW CLOSES

The cast features the talents of Diana Angelina (Barbara Kelly), Davino Buzzotta (Trevor Dickson), Mandy Fason (Margaret Kelly), Doug Haverty (Joel Mackson), Cierra Lundy (Angela Donaldson), Jason Madera (Dr. Bennett Kenilworth), Kevin Michael Moran (Kendrick Gold), Helen O’Brien (Roberta Link), Stevie Stern (Dr. Jennifer Atchison) and Cathy Diane Tomlin (Judge Dana Smythe).

“The Bauhaus Project” and “Crevasse”

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‘The Bauhaus Project’ & ‘Crevasse’

WHAT:
Two new productions highlight the rise of fascism and anti-Semitism in Germany and the power of art to resist. A group of struggling Southern California art students creates a dramatic presentation on the history of the famous Bauhaus School in The Bauhaus Project by Tom Jacobson, a world premiere theatrical event presented in two binge-worthy parts (Part 1: Bauhaus Weimer and Part 2: Bauhaus Dessau and Bauhaus Berlin) by Open Fist Theatre Company. Filmmaker and Nazi propagandist Leni Riefenstahl meets Walt Disney in the world premiere of Jacobson’s Crevasse, a co-production of Son of Semele and The Victory Theatre Center. A series of related events will take place throughout the summer at the ArtCenter College of Design, Skirball Cultural Center and more under the collective title Reflections on Art and Democracy.

WHO:
♦ The Bauhaus Project
• Written by Tom Jacobson
• Directed by Martha Demson
• Starring Jack Goldwait, Sang Kim, Chloe Madriaga, John C. Sweet
• Presented by Open Fist Theatre Company

♦ Crevasse
• Written by Tom Jacobson
• Directed by Matthew McCray
• Starring Leo Marks and Ann Noble
• Presented by Son of Semele and The Victory Theatre Center

WHEN:
♦ The Bauhaus Project
Previews: July 5, July 6, July 7
Performances: July 12 through August 18:
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: Part 1 (Bauhaus Weimar)
• Saturdays at 4 p.m.: Part 1 (Bauhaus Weimar)
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Part 2 (Bauhaus Dessau & Bauhaus Berlin)
• Sundays at 4 p.m.: Part 2 (Bauhaus Dessau & Bauhaus Berlin)
Audience members can choose to view the entire Bauhaus Project over the course of two evenings (any Friday and any Saturday at 8 p.m.); two matinees (any Saturday and any Sunday at 4 p.m.); or on a single Saturday, at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. (The history is sequential, so it is not advised to view the parts out of order.)

♦ Crevasse
Previews: July 19 and July 20
Performances: July 26 through August 18:
• Fridays at 8 p.m.
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.
• Sundays at 4 p.m.

WHERE:
♦ The Bauhaus Project
Atwater Village Theatre
3269 Casitas Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90039

♦ Crevasse
The Victory Theatre Center
3326 W Victory Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505

TICKETS:
♦ The Bauhaus Project
• Part 1 and Part 2 (combination ticket): $50
• Part 1 or Part 2 (individual ticket): $35
• Students receive $5 off either price
• Previews: Pay What You Can

♦ Crevasse
• Performances: $32–$40
• Groups, students, seniors and union members: $25
• Previews: $20

♦ 3-play package (Bauhaus Part 1, Bauhaus Part 2, Crevasse): $75

HOW:
♦ The Bauhaus Project: www.openfist.org
♦ Crevasse: www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org

Design for Living

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‘Design for Living’

WHAT:
Odyssey Theatre Ensemble presents Design for Living, a witty and charming romantic comedy by Noël Coward that was banned in 1930s London for its risqué content and bawdy themes. Otto loves Gilda. But… so does Leo. Gilda loves Otto… but she also loves Leo. And what’s going on between Otto and Leo? Filled with Coward’s scintillating dialogue, Design for Living is an emotional, dramatic, hilarious and scandalous love triangle. Or as the threesome’s longtime friend Ernest Friedman calls it, “a three-sided, erotic hotch-potch.” It’s a revolving door of passion, treachery and never-ending champagne. Can love prevail against the norms of society?

WHO:
• Written by Noël Coward
• Directed by Bart DeLorenzo
• Starring Brooke Bundy, Sheelagh Cullen, Shireen Heidari, Kyle T. Hester, Andrew Elvis Miller, Garikayi Mutambirwa, Max Pescherine
• Produced by Beth Hogan
• Presented by the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, Ron Sossi Artistic Director

WHEN:
Previews: July 3 and July 5
Performances: July 6 – Aug. 25
• Wednesdays at 8 p.m.: July 3 (Preview), July 17* and Aug. 7 ONLY
• Fridays at 8 p.m. (wine nights): July 5 (Preview), 12, 19, 26; Aug. 2, 9*, 16, 23
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: July 6 (Opening Night), 13, 20, 27; Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24
• Sundays at 2 p.m.: July 7, 14, 21, 28; Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25
*Post-performance discussions on Wednesday, July 17 and Friday, Aug. 9
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:
• Saturdays and Sundays: $20–$37
• Fridays: Pay-What-You-Can (reservations open online and at the door starting at 5:30 p.m.)
• Previews: $20

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

Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground and What the Constitution Means to Me

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ENSEMBLE THEATRE COMPANY 

Presents Two Very Special Events!

John Rubinstein starring in

EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF LAND

by Richard Hellesen

Directed by Peter Ellenstein

July 11 – 14, 2024

&

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME

by Heidi Schreck

Directed by Matt Hawkins

August 15 – 18, 2024

 

Performances begin Thursday, July 11 at The New Vic Theatre in Santa Barbara

 

June 6, 2024…Santa Barbara, Calif… Santa Barbara, CA – The Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC) of Santa Barbara announced today the addition of two captivating special event presentations: Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground by Richard Hellesen, directed by Peter Ellenstein and What the Constitution Means to Me by Heidi Schreck and directed by Matt Hawkins. ETC invites the Santa Barbara community and visitors to experience these extraordinary productions. Both plays are being presented outside ETC’s 5-play season and offer unique insights into American life and governance, encouraging audiences to reflect on the past and consider the future. Individual and group tickets are on sale now through the company’s ticket office and website.

 

“These powerful – and timely – performances truly resonated with me, and not just my artistic side,” said Scott DeVine, ETC’s executive director. “Having received my undergraduate degree in political science, I’m a firm believer that the lessons of our past are destined to be repeated if we do not share them with future generations. These special productions deliver on ETC’s mission to share theatrical events that entertain, educate, provoke thought, ignite imagination, and encourage conversation. I believe our diverse audience will find them to be thought provoking, historically accurate, creative renditions of our collective history at a time when being familiar with and discussing our past is essential.”                                                                                                 

Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground is a compelling exploration of one of America’s most influential leaders and a poignant reminder of the resilience and vision required to lead a nation. This one-man show delves into the life and legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower, offering an intimate portrayal of the man behind the presidency. The production features Tony Award winner John Rubinstein (Pippin, Children of a Lesser God) in A New Los Angeles Repertory Company production. 

 

“With such division in the country today, I wanted to go back in our history and look at an individual who led with faith and optimism during a very crucial time,” says playwright Richard Hellesen. “Despite the Cold War, McCarthyism and the start of the Civil Rights movement, Eisenhower believed in Democracy. On our stage, Eisenhower says ‘some days it feels like democracy is going to have a hell of a time persevering. But this piece of ground, that we all share…if we’re going to leave our young people something better, then we just can’t be complacent. …We have to keep choosing the harder right instead of the easier wrong. Never be content with half-truth when the whole truth can be ours.’” 

 

Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground provides an engaging historical narrative that will resonate with audiences of all ages and will take the stage at The New Vic for a limited run from July 11 – 14, 2024.

 

Next, we present the University of Notre Dame Production of the Tony-nominated and Pulitzer Prize finalist play What the Constitution Means to Me by Heidi Schreck, directed by Matt Hawkins and starring Stacy Stoltz, Paul Fagen and featuring a local student debater. What the Constitution Means to Me is a deeply personal and timely piece recounting Schreck’s teenage years participating in constitutional debate competitions.  The production examines the profound ways the U.S. Constitution shapes our lives.

 

“This play is part memoir and part societal commentary, blending personal reflection and historical facts to deliver a powerful reflection of America,” said DeVine. “What the Constitution Means to Me is an importance play for all Americans to see, it is universal, no matter our differences; it will have you thinking about the foundation and the future of our democracy and I hope inspiring conversation within our theater and our community.”   

 

What the Constitution Means to Me will take the stage at The New Vic for a limited run from August 15 – 18, 2024.

ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND TICKETS

 

Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground – Showtimes

Thursday, July 11 at 7:30 pm
Friday, July 12 at 8:00 pm
Saturday, July 13 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Sunday, July 14 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

 

Ticket prices range from $40 – $86

What the Constitution Means to Me – Showtimes

Thursday, August 15, 7:30 pm
Friday, August 16, 7:30 pm
Saturday, August 17, 2:00 pm
Saturday, August 17, 7:30 pm
Sunday, August 18, 2:00 pm

To ensure access to everyone in our community, especially younger audiences, ETC is pricing every seat for the run of What the Constitution Means to Me at $30, and anyone under 18 can get a free ticket.  This special pricing is made possible thanks to the generosity of our Producers, Susan Lichtenstein and John Rokacz, and Supporting Producer, Paula Bruice. 

 

Single tickets for both shows are available through the ETC box office at (805) 965-5400, or online at etcsb.org. Prices subject to change. 

Theatre Review: The Spy Who Went Into Rehab

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The Spy Who Went Into Rehab is presented by Pacific Resident Theatre. Written by Gregg Ostrin. Directed by Cyndy Fujikawa.

Simon Cross (Satiar Pourvasei) is sent to the most challenging mission to date: Cure his addiction to women, gambling, drinking, and killing the most dangerous criminals. Will he be able to survive the grueling therapy at the rehab center?

Under the strict guidance of therapist Stella (Jill Renner), Simon will go through a radical transformation. At the rehab center, Simon will interact with other addicts that will teach him a lesson on sensitivity and empathy. There is Gary (Stuart W. Howard), Yvonne (Rachel Townsend), and Pixie (Alondra Andrade). Insensitive to their feelings, Simon’s macho attitude triggers the trauma on these three addicts, a signal that he needs an urgent intervention to change his toxic masculinity.

Playwright Gregg Ostrin has created a mesmerizing and relatable play that gives a new look at the typical spy character that has been so popular in movies and TV. One of the most interesting features of this play is not only Simon’s transformation through his interaction with the other characters, but also how he is able to help the other addicts to overcome their fears and achieve a positive transformation for themselves.

Pourvasei’s performance is one of a kind. His nonchalant demeanor and clueless notion of his negative behavior at the beginning of the play heightens the comedic aspect of his character. Overall, the dialogue and physical comedy delivered by the rest of the cast combine perfectly to treat the audience to an exhilarating performance. Director Cyndy Fujikawa is able to translate the text effectively into an energetic visual experience that highlights the comedy and the intriguing aspects of the story. Fujikawa also acts in this production as Z, the person behind the organization that sends Simon to special missions.

The story and the plot get the audience invested in the characters. Will Simon manage to complete his therapy? Is he still relevant, or is he just a toxic relic from the past? Is therapy working for the other addicts? And how about Stella, the therapist?

The play has comedy, suspense, addiction, a Mexican standoff, and a surprise visit of Simon’s nemesis, Lazarus (with a cat). The question is, who will save the world if Simon retires?

The Spy Who Went Into Rehab

Pacific Resident Theatre
703 Venice Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291

Opening: 8pm on Friday, June 7, 2024
Schedule: 8pm Fridays, Saturdays; 3pm Sundays
Closing: July 7, 2024
Written by Gregg Ostrin. Directed by Cyndy Fujikawa.
Cast: Satiar Pourvasei, Jill Renner, Stuart W. Howard, Rachel Townsend, Alondra Andrade, and Cyndy Fujikawa.
Creative team: Michael Franco (Lighting Design), Jason Culp (Sound Design), Rachel Townsend (Choreography).

Theatre Review: Nora and Jim

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Nora and Jim is 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. Written by Nora Connolly. Directed by Ronan Wilmot. Musical accompaniment by Dermot Kiernan. Produced by Marcus Fox.

As a prelude to Bloomsday, Playwright Nora Connolly and Director Ronan Wilmot present Nora and Jim, a poignant and lyrical play relating the intense and often troubling relationship between celebrated Irish writer James Joyce (Johnny O’Callaghan) and his muse and wife Nora Barnacle (Lisa Dobbyn).

The play is narrated by both characters, mainly by Nora. It’s a recollection of their continuous travels through London, Paris, Zurich, Pula, Trieste, and Rome. It’s an entertaining depiction of Joyce’s struggles as a writer and his sexual obsession with Nora. Analyzing his writings, the sexual undertones of his work relates to his understanding of human nature. For Joyce, the imagination and sexual instinct are two of the most powerful driving forces in life.

Joyce’s genial writings, however, were met with scrutiny and he struggled to secure a fixed income. Two kids and health issues made it even more difficult for the couple to be financially stable. In addition, Joyce spent the little money they had on alcohol, stressing Nora’s frustrations with him.

The play has numerous references to Joyce’s writings. As they moved around, he continued to write and look for publishers willing to accept his radical views on religion and politics, especially his criticism of Catholicism and British colonialism. Working in a bank and as a teacher, he finished writing Dubliners, Stephen Hero, Ulysses, and Exiles. All of this while experiencing a declining health and dealing with the mental instability of his daughter Lucia. Other challenges included living through the two most devastating wars of the 20th century, WWI and WWII.

On June 6th, The Glendale Room was the stage for Nora and Jim; it’s a small space that makes it feel even more intimate, like a private and exclusive performance. A touch of class to the production is the background music by Dermot Kiernan, playing a selection of traditional Irish pieces from the era.

Featuring an exciting all-Irish team, this production offers poetry and comedy in a sophisticated theatre experience not to be missed. It’s a moving performance to celebrate one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. James and Nora’s legacy continue to inspire people from all over the world. It’s a story of romance, eroticism, radicalism, and more importantly, a reflection of the human experience.

Nora and Jim

Performances at The Glendale Room
The Glendale Room – 127 Artsakh Avenue, Glendale 91206
WHEN: June 6th, 7th, 8th,13th, 14th, 15th @ 8:00PM

Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/nora-and-jim-tickets

Performances at The Hollywood Fringe Festival
The Broadwater Studio -1078 Lillian Way, Los Angeles, CA 90038
WHEN: June 9th @12:30pm
June 16th @ 2:00pm (*special Bloomsday performance)
June 17th @ 9:30pm

Tickets: hollywoodfringe.org/projects

Written by Nora Connolly. Directed by Ronan Wilmot. Musical accompaniment Dermot Kiernan. Produced by Marcus Fox. 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.

Cast: Lisa Dobbyn and Johnny O’Callaghan.

Theatre Review: The Sandwich Ministry

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Skylight Theatre Company presents The Sandwich Ministry. Written by Miranda Rose Hall. Directed by Katie Lindsay. Produced by Gary Grossman and Armando Huipe for Skylight Theatre Company.

When Claudia (Maha Chehlaoui) tells the story of the widow that put into the temple treasury the two small copper coins she had, Hannah (Jordan Hull) loses her patience, and an argument ensues. Caught in the middle is Joyce (Jayne Taini), a close friend of both Claudia and Hannah. The three women gather to make sandwiches for the neighbors that have been displaced by the storm that flooded the town.

Claudia is the wife of the church’s minister. Joyce has been attending the same church for a long time and has known Claudia for years. Hannah, on the other hand, has not been attending the ministry for quite some time. As the three women prepare the sandwiches, the tension is evident between Claudia and Hannah. The exposition reveals that the two of them were once very close friends, but their relationship started to fall apart as Claudia became more distant.

As they gather for the sandwich ministry, their respective backgrounds are disclosed. The play delves into the complexities of human relationships and how hard it is to fix them. Playwright Miranda Rose Hall uses the church and a storm as the environment to explore the possibilities of a hopeful reconciliation.

The script is extraordinary, the story and the plot create rich characters that explore themes of friendship, faith, and the importance of mutual support in times of crisis. The direction by Katie Lindsay captures effectively the relationship dynamics of three women whose lives and faith are succumbing to the disappointments of unrealized dreams.

The performances are moving, capturing the essence of the text. The three thespians excel in portraying the sense of community and the urgent need for human connections.

The Sandwich Ministry

Skylight Theatre
1816 1⁄2 North Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA. 90027

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

Tickets: skylighttheatre.org

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

Cast: Maha Chehlaoui, Jordan Hull, Jayne Taini.

Creative team: Carolyn Mraz (Scenic Design), R.S Buck (Lighting Design), Hope Kozielski (Assistant Lighting Design), Mylette Nora (Costume Design), Noel Nichols (Sound Design),
Benjamin Rawls (Technical Director), Victoria Hoffman (Casting), Cedes Sifuentes (Production Manager).

Theatre Review: The Winter’s Tale

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Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum presents A Winter’s Tale. Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Ellen Geer.

Rage takes over Leontes (Aaron Hendry) and all hell breaks loose in this story of jealousy and redemption. Director Ellen Geer presents a fine ensemble to extract the humor and drama of the script and delivers an engaging rendition of Shakespeare’s psychological and romantic play.

One of the highlights of this production is Sophia Dawson‘s performance as Perdita. The role suits her well and she looks comfortable on stage. She projects convincingly the innocence and playful spirit of her character. Her speech and movements add magnetism to the iconic heroine. Visually speaking, Dawson has an astonishing resemblance to Edmund Leighton’s My Fair Lady, a romanticized depiction of a young woman from the Middle Ages.

Aaron Hendry offers an excellent performance as King Leontes, showing the dramatic transformation from an enraged husband consumed by jealousy to a repentant man consumed by sadness and regrets. Willow Geer as Hermione, explores the nuances of tragedy in a display of utter despair, reflecting the time when women had little choices to protect themselves against abuse and defamation.

The comedic relief comes mainly from Autolycus (Gerald C. Rivers), a pickpocket, Old Shepherd (Earnestine Phillips), and Clown (Daniel Ramirez), three actors with excellent timing. The comedy turns things around and the play takes a lighter tone, leading to the unexpected resolution of the story.

As usual, Geer stages this production with period costumes, making the play more appealing to the audience. The music and the dances keep things exciting and add kinetics to the performances. This Modern American staging of Shakespeare offers a sophisticated version of the drama and comedy of the text. It’s entertaining and visually exuberant.

Keep in mind that it’s an open stage surrounded by nature, so bring warm clothes; it can get chilly at night.

A Winter’s Tale

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Topanga CA
(midway between Pacific Coast Highway and the Ventura freeway).
Exit the 101 at Topanga Canyon Blvd. South to access Theatricum from the Valley.

June 1–September 30 (see website for full schedule)

Tickets: theatricum.com

Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Ellen Geer. Presented by Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum.

Cast: Aaron Hendry, Willow Geer, Max Lawrence, Sophia Dawson, Earnestine Phillips, Christian Jordan Smith, Gerald C. Rivers, Daniel Ramirez, Aubrey Sage, Liza Rash, Tim Halligan, Michelle Jasso, Melora Marshall, Franc Ross, Andy Stokan, Kevin Rauch, Timothy Willard, Aralyn Wilson, and Julius Geer-Polin.

Creative team: Composer and musical arranger Marshall McDaniel; costume designer A Jeffrey Schoenberg; lighting designer Zach Moore; sound designer Grant Escandón; prop master Ian Geatz; and wardrobe supervisor Beth Eslick. The assistant director is Sara Carpenter and the production stage manager is Karen Osborne, who is assisted by Sky Wahl.