Tag Archives: Comedy

Theatre Review: Motel 66

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The Group Rep presents MOTEL 66. Written by Sal Valletta, Gina Yates, Denise Downer, Bill, Fitzhugh, Fox Carney, Doug Haverty, Paul Elliot, and Clara Rodriguez. Directed by Linda Alznauer, Van Boudreaux, Todd Andrew Ball, Larry Eisenberg, Helen O’Brien, Bruce Kimmel, Brent Beerman, and Leota Rhodes. Produced for The Group Rep by Brent Beerman.

During the Dust Bowl that devastated the Great Plains in the 1930s, Route 66 was the salvation for many families that took the historic highway to move west in their search for jobs and a better life. Route 66 goes from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, with many sites and landscapes along the way. MOTEL 66 is a production of 8 different one-acts that honor the fascinating and moving stories of the owners and guests of the quirky motels found along the celebrated route. Each short play takes place in a different motel and a different city. In such a spectrum of experiences, the topics and characters are as varied as one can imagine.

Poolside Therapy shows a couple (Diane Linder and Brad Kahn) in desperate need to spice up their relationship. One of the other guests (Tack Sappington) offers his expertise to make the couple feel attracted to each other again, using an unconventional method to achieve that goal. Written by Sal Valletta. Directed by Linda Alznauer.

One More Night is a moving and funny story of a grieving cowboy (Mark Stancato) and his unexpected change of plans after meeting a whip-smart young girl (talented newcomer Bailey Warner) and her mom (Julie Davis). Written by Gina Yates. Directed by Van Boudreaux.

Forever Friends is a story of two friends (Melissa Lugo and Cierra Lundy) whose strained relationship may or may not have a second chance after years of neglect. Written by Denise Downer. Directed by Todd Andrew Ball.

No Room at the Motel keeps us wondering who the real father is in this hilarious and intriguing story. Chad (Joe Clabby, Room Service) and a pregnant Mary (the always funny Jessica Kent, Harold and Maude, Room Service) engage in a heated argument about accommodation plans. They find the motel manager (Larry Eisenberg) to be a weirdo who doesn’t care about keeping his rooms clean. They also run into Chad’s friend (Sean Babcock), who keeps reminding Chad of his times with women of dubious reputation. Who exactly got Mary pregnant? Written by Bill Fitzhugh. Directed by Larry Eisenberg.

Immaculate Perception is a story of a miraculous sexless pregnancy. At least that’s what Mariah (Sasha Kartman) says. As illogical as it sounds, she tries to convince Sam (Lloyd Pedersen), who is a doctor, about her immaculate pregnancy. As they continue to argue, the continuation of someone’s life through a newborn starts to seem a possibility, even for Sam. Written by Fox Carney. Directed by Helen O’Brien.

Eureka Escorter reveals the oddity of opportunities in the job market. In urgent need as an impoverished recent widower, Miles (Bert Emmett, Animal Farm) takes a job as a driver/rent-a-gent type of gig. He is instructed by Wendolyn (Kathy Diane Tomlin), the lady running the agency, to act as normal as possible in the presence of customers. His first assignment is with Sara (Clara Rodriguez). His first drive will prove to be a wild ride. Written by Doug Haverty. Directed by Bruce Kimmel.

Saving Garbage is a meeting between short-fused motel operator Grace (Cynthia Bryant) and Jimmy (Miguel Lee), the young man who’s been taking the food leftovers from the trash bin at night. A surprising conversation exposes the compelling circumstances of their respective lives. Written by Paul Elliott. Directed by Brent Beerman.

In Quapaw, Oklahoma Betty (a delightful Bonnie Snyder, Room Service) is excited to meet her online friend Magda (Lareen Faye, Harold and Maude), who has promised Betty to make her a child again with the use of magic, despite the concerns of her daughter Deborah (Pascal Gigon) and the incredulity of her son-in-law Stan (Danny Salay). A whimsical story with a not-so-happy ending. Written by Clara Rodriguez. Directed by Leota Rhodes.

Embarking on a spiritual journey of self realization, the characters discover the power of human connection and the possibilities of new beginnings, despite the twists and turns of life. MOTEL 66 is a road trip to a world where humans greif, hope, and believe in miracles, one destination at a time. Always searching, always on the move. 

MOTEL 66

The Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre
10900 Burbank Blvd
N. Hollywood, CA 91601

September 21 through October 22

Saturdays at 4 PM

Thursdays and Sundays at 7 PM.

Tickets: thegrouprep.com/show/motel-66-2023

Written by Sal Valletta, Gina Yates, Denise Downer, Bill, Fitzhugh, Fox Carney, Doug Haverty, Paul Elliot, and Clara Rodriguez. Directed by Linda Alznauer, Van Boudreaux, Todd Andrew Ball, Larry Eisenberg, Helen O’Brien, Bruce Kimmel, Brent Beerman, and Leota Rhodes. Produced for The Group Rep by Brent Beerman. Cast: Diane Linder, Brad Kahn, Tack Sappington, Julie Davis, Mark Stancato, Bailey Warner, Melissa Lugo, Cierra Lundy, Sean Babcock, Joe Clabby, Cathy Diane Tomlin, Larry Eisenberg, Dawn Halloran, Doug Haverty, Jessica Kent, Kat Kemmet, Anica Petrovic, Sasha Kartman, Lloyd Pedersen, Bert Emmett, Lee Grober, Clara Rodriguez, Cynthia Bryant, Miguel Lee, Lareen Faye, Pascale Gigon, Danny Salay, and Bonnie Snyder. Creative team: Mareli Mitchel-Shields (Dramaturg), Nick Foran (Lights & Sound Design),and Doug Haverty (Graphic Designer).

MOTEL 66 poster
A scene from MOTEL 66
A scene from MOTEL 66
A scene from MOTEL 66
A scene from MOTEL 66

Theatre Review: Freud on Cocaine

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The world premiere of Freud on Cocaine is presented by the Whitefire Theatre. Written and directed by Howard Skora.

Scarface, get out of the way, here comes Freud! Most people associate Sigmund Freud with psychoanalysis, but not everyone knows about his little dirty secret: His addiction to cocaine. Howard Skora exposes without reservation some of the most shocking details about Freud’s use of cocaine and the consequences on his professional practice and private life.

Sigmund Freud (Jonathan Slavin, Home Front) falls in love with Martha Bernays (Sara Maraffino), but he is broke and Martha’s mother (Sigute Miller) does not approve of him, “he’s not a doctor doctor” she tells Martha. Against all odds, Freud and Martha get married, and like in all great stories, addiction becomes a bond too strong to resist. Soon, Martha and even her mom start using cocaine. Depression? Hysteria? Pain? Addiction to other drugs? No problem, cocaine cures it all. 

Freud saw cocaine as a panacea to treat and cure different ailments. When his patient Emma Eckstein (Amy Smallman–Winston) tells him about her hysteria and her proclivity to flying solo, Freud thinks there’s a nasogenital connection and starts prescribing cocaine, getting her hooked to the Devil’s dandruff. Even for his best friend Ernst von Fleischl-Marxow (Aaron LaPlante), Freud has some cocaine to spare to help him cope with pain and his addiction to morphine. 

Of course, Freud needed a supplier for his extensive use of cocaine. And what a better drug dealer than Emmanuel Merck (Barry Brisco) from Merck Pharmaceuticals. In exchange of hyping the miraculous benefits of cocaine, Merck provided an endless supply of the powder to Freud. More product, more prescriptions to his patients. And more product available for personal use. But as usual, too much of a good thing it’s just an illusion.

Skora exposes the life of a man who became hugely successful in his profession, but whose relentless motivation to prove his worth lead him to sacrifice his personal life. Freud on Cocaine is a fabric of different textures. It shows the power of love, the effects on guilt, the continuous search of empirical and scientific evidence, but at the end of the day, it shows that Freud was a human being with virtues and shortcomings, just like everyone else. But the main strength of this play is the superb dialogue. It’s an endless stream of comedy from beginning to end. Instead of treating the subject matter as a sea of tears and sorrows, Skora uses his characters as conduits to deliver some of the funniest lines in the contemporary theatre scene. As sinister as it might sound, drugs and comedy relate pretty well with the audience. Personal experiences? Maybe. Make sure you don’t miss this gem. You won’t regret.           

Freud on Cocaine

Whitefire Theatre
13500 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Sept. 8 – Nov. 4
• Friday at 8 p.m.: Sept. 8 ONLY (opening night)
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 23; Sept. 30; Oct. 7; Oct. 14; Oct. 28; Nov. 4 (dark Oct. 21)

Tickets: whitefiretheatre.com

Written and Directed by Howard Skora. Starring Jonathan Slavin, Barry Brisco, Aaron LaPlante, Mitch Rosander, Sara Maraffino, Sigute Miller, Amy Smallman–Winston. Presented by the Whitefire Theatre, Bryan Rasmussen, producing artistic director. Creative team: Scenic designer Dusti Cunningham, costume designer Michael Mullen, and video designer John Knowles.

 

Freud on Cocaine poster
A scene from Freud on Cocaine
A scene from Freud on Cocaine
A scene from Freud on Cocaine

Theatre Review: Room Service

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Room Service is presented by The Group Rep. Written by John Murray and Allen Boretz. Directed by Mareli Mitchel-Shields. Produced by Kathleen R. Delaney for The Group Rep.

it’s 1937 in New York and Joseph Gribble (Tommy Jacobs) tells theatre producer Gordon Miller (Will Maizel) that he needs to pay a $1,200 bill for his stay at the White Way Hotel, or else, he will be evicted from the hotel together with his troupe of actors. To complicate things, Leo Davis (Timothy Willard), the young playwright of Godspeed, comes to New York to join them and get an advance. Unbeknownst to Davis, Miller is broke without a financial backer to produce his play.

Room Service is a script with plenty of punch lines and physical comedy to allow the actors to shine. Mareli Mitchel-Shields directs an ambitious production with a stellar cast that gives new life to a screwball comedy from the Art Deco era. Each character is a building block to achieve conflict and comedy to create chaotic situations with witty dialogue and fast paced action. Joe Eastburn is a terrific actor with an imposing stage presence. He combines perfectly the eccentricity and hilarity of Gregory Wagner, the supervising director of the White Way Hotel.

The meet cute scene between Leo and Hilda Manney (Jessica Kent, Harold and Maude) is also a highlight in the play, bringing whimsiness and romanticism to one of the subplots of the story. As time runs out for Miller and his group to come up with the money to pay the hotel bill and produce the play, the tension builds up and forces the troupe to devise creative and delusional solutions.

Chris Winfield (Set Design) does a remarkable job recreating the Art Deco style of the 1930s, taking us back to the slapstick comedies of the Golden Age of Hollywood. As a treat, there are characters that sing during the intermissions, adding a special touch to this production.

Room Service delivers a hilarious and dynamic story with exceptional acting, costumes, and scene design to continue The Group Rep’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Room Service

Lonny Chapman Theatre – Main Stage (First Floor)
10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood 91601

September 8 – October 15, 2023
Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm. Sundays at 2:00pm.

Tickets: thegrouprep.com

Written by John Murray and Allen Boretz. Directed by Mareli Mitchel-Shields. Produced by Kathleen R. Delaney for The Group Rep. Cast: Fox Carney, Joe Clabby, Joseph Eastburn, Tommy Jacobs, Jessica Kent, Sam Logan, Will Maizel, Matthew McLaughlin, Jackie Shearn, Bonnie Snyder, Axel Truitt, Sal Valletta, Grant Velarde, Timothy Willard, and Chris Winfield. Creative team: Chris Winfield (Set Design), Frank McKown (Lighting Design), Aylah Robinson (Costume Design), Reid Woodbury, Jr. (Sound Design), and Paul Cady (Music Director).

Room Service poster
A scene from Room Service
A scene from Room Service
A scene from Room Service

Theatre Review: Exorcistic The Rock Musical

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HRS Productions and Orgasmico Theatre present Exorcist The Rock Musical. Book, lyrics, and music by Michael Shaw Fisher. Directed by Chadd McMillan and Alli Miller-Fisher. Produced by Emma Hunton, Alli Miller-Fisher, and Chadd McMillan.

Directly from the bottom of hell, the characters of the original 1973 film come to life in a majestic spectacle of blasphemy, light, and rock ‘n’ roll. Megan (Emma Hunton) and her mom Kate (Leigh Wulff) continue the original story with a parody that brings laughter and electric performances to an engaged audience.

Sizzling demons, horny priests, and possessed humans come together to pay homage to one of the most influential horror films in cinema history. This musical resumes the ancient dichotomy of good vs evil that has intrigued the minds of people since the beginning of times. Exorcistic puts a spin on the topic with a display of irreverent dialogue and suggestive imagery to enhance the musical experience. The live band plays rock, hip hop, and jazzy tunes to accompany the sensational voices of the eclectic ensemble.

The fog, lighting, and costumes create powerful visuals to match the thrilling performances. Exorcistic is a stimulating revival of The Exorcist, a film that became a cultural reference point around the world. The rotating cast delivers a miscellaneous parade of talent to surprise the audience on every show, making it an exciting and dynamic production.

Exorcistic

Three Clubs

1123 Vine Street

Los Angeles, CA 90038

June 30- July 22, 2023

Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM

Tickets: exorcistic-the-rock-musical-tickets

Book, lyrics and music by Michael Shaw Fisher. Directed by Chadd McMillan and Alli Miller-Fisher. Produced by Emma Hunton and Alli Miller-Fisher. Starring Emma Hunton (CLUELESQUE), Brian Logan Dales, Leigh Wulff, Frankie Grande, Gabby Sanalitro, Jesse Merlin, Janaya Mahealani Jones, Carly Jibson (CLUELESQUE), Garret Clayton, Jeff Sumner, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Elle Deran, Michael Sheppard (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Valley Song), Nick Bredosky, Mitchell Johnson, Kim Dalton, Briana Cuoco, Richardson Cisneros-Jones, Choreographed by: Camal Pugh, Musical Director/Arrangements by Michael Teoli.

Exorcistic The Rock Musical poster
A scene from Exorcistic The Rock Musical.
a scene from Exorcistic The Rock Musical.
A scene from Exorcistic The Rock Musical

Theatre Review: Grown Up Orphan Annie

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Grown Up Orphan Annie will be running during the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Written and performed by Katherine Bourne Taylor. Produced by DJ Taylor.

The beloved character Annie (Katherine Bourne Taylor) is now grown up and some details about her life are now disclosed. Being the adopted daughter of Daddy Warbucks created some moral conflicts on the young girl, and now she needs to come to terms with her new reality as a grown up, living the lifestyle of a celebrity. After the death of Daddy Warbucks and the dog Sandy, Annie starts searching for a new sidekick. Unfortunately, she is mislead to believe that Keiko the orca can be her new friend. Unbeknownst to her, Keiko died years ago, creating a new disappointment in her life.

The picaresque style of Harold Gray‘s Little Orphan Annie comic strip continues in this new solo performance. Taylor develops a series of adventures to find new friends and a new sidekick, all of this with an ambientalista undertone, trying to save the planet from the billionaires of the world.

The show is interactive, creating very funny situations with the participation of the audience, specially the first half of the play. The show was workshopped with the innovative Elysian Theatre, and Taylor will be taking her solo performance to the Edinburgh Fringe after the Hollywood run. As part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival, Grown Up Orphan Annie will be playing during the month of June.

Grown Up Orphan Annie

The Broadwater (Studio)

1078 Lillian Way

Los Angeles, CA 90038

Sat June 10th at 3:30 PM

Fri June 16th at 10:30 PM

Thurs June 22nd at 8 PM

Tickets: hollywoodfringe.org/projects/9585

Written and performed by Katherine Bourne Taylor. Workshopped with The Elysian Theater’s Very In Progress Programming. Original Music by Gabriella Hirsch. “Hard Drive Daddy” Music by Katie Greer. Produced by DJ Taylor.

 

Grown Up Orphan Annie poster
Grown Up Orphan Annie
A scene from Grown Up Orphan Annie

Theatre Review: Inappropriate!

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Inappropriate! is produced by NEO Ensemble Theatre, playing during the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Written by Rom Watson, Maura Swanson, Beth Polsky, Laura Huntt Foti, and E. M. Forster. Directed by Michael Caldwell and Rachel Winfree.

Welcome to a play in the form of comedy show with clever hints of political commentary and sexual innuendos. The play is a series of seven short stories from five writers. Curb Your Urges introduces us to a game show with naughty temptations. The Sub is a solo performance from a substitute teacher. First Date…well, bring your gas mask. The Last Reading deals with Genghis Khan and his disturbing pursuit of women (a divalicious actress is in the reading!). The Pharmacy is a public display of private health issues. Bible Study is another solo performance of a religious woman. Maybe not that religious. The cherry on top is Howard’s End, a eulogy in memory of Howard, a story where the ensemble put all their stuff on the stage for the audience to enjoy.

Inappropriate! is a perfect combination of new and experienced talent, all wrapped in hilarious and irreverent 1 hour show not to be missed.

Inappropriate!

The Three Clubs

1123 Vine St,

Los Angeles, CA 90038

Tickets: hollywoodfringe.org/projects/9747

Playwrights: Michael Caldwell, Laura Huntt Foti, Beth Polsky, David St. James, Maura Swanson, Rom Watson and Rachel Winfree.

Featured actors: Michael Caldwell, Ewan Chung, Alex DeRita, Jessica Dowdeswell, AnnaLisa Erickson, Dee Freeman, Debra Kay Lee, Alexis C. Martino, Beth Nintzel, David St. James, Rachael Sizgorich, Jerry Weil and Rachel Winfree…plus special surprises from monologist Maura Swanson.

 

Inappropriate! poster
A scene from Inappropriate!
A scene from Inappropriate!

Theatre Review: Holy Waters

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The Hollywood Fringe Festival is in full swing and this time we are reviewing Holy Waters, written by Eleanor Vigneault and directed by Augusta Mariano.

A daughter (Eleanor Vigneault) is on the phone getting fired when she receives the surprising visit of her mom (Anita Barone). With no job, no boyfriend, and only a toy as a companion, the daughter doesn’t seem to have much of a future. The mom decides to take her daughter on a road trip and figure out their relationship along the way, with the help of some whisky, of course.

Vigneault explores the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship and the hardships of a household with limited income that pushes the tolerance of the family members to the limit. As they travel together, the contrasts and similarities between the two become more evident, for better or worse.

Vigneault and Barone excel in their roles in this heartfelt and exceptionally hilarious play. The seriousness of their fragility and religious undertones is offset by the continuous comedic lines that they deliver so naturally. Director Augusta Mariano uses of the limited space creatively. Even though is a small stage, Mariano moves the action around, using every inch of the available space.

The writing, directing, and acting make Holy Waters a rare find this festival season. It’s a snippet of the talent working creatively in intimate theatres; a showcase of the potential in the thriving LA theatre scene.

Holy Waters

Actors Company (The Little Theater)

916 N. Formosa Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90046

Opening: Sunday 6/4 @ 4pm
Friday 6/9 @ 8:30pm
Saturday 6/10 @ 12:30pm & 11:30pm
Closing: Sunday 6/11 @ 6:30pm

Tickets: hollywoodfringe.org/projects/9929

Written by Eleanor Vigneault. Directed by Augusta Mariano. Starring Anita Barone and Eleanor Vigneault. Creative team: Stage Manager Maddy Glave, Sound Design Jeremy Robinson, Set Design Mike Mariano, Board Op Ezra Fisher.

 

Holy Waters poster
A scene from Holy Waters
A scene from Holy Waters

Theatre Review: Starmites

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Starmites is presented by Open Fist Theatre Company. Music and lyrics by Barry Keating. Book by Stuart Ross and Barry Keating. Directed by Scott Peterman. Music direction by Jan Roper.

A shy Eleanor (Talia Gloster) is usually immersed in her world of comic books, but her mom (Cat Davis) is concerned about Eleanor’s obsession with her comics. In her fantasies, however, Eleanor becomes the superhero that can save the entire galaxy with the help of Space Punk (Bradley Sharper), the Starmites (Rieves Bowers, Alex Hogy and Jasper Wong), and lizard man Trinkulus (Brendan Mulally). Their mission is to fight the evil forces of Shak Graa (Brendan Mulally) and The Banshees (Elle Engelman, Lindsey Moore Ford, Sarah Martellaro and Sophie Oda), led by Diva (Cat Davis).

All Eleanor and her friends have to do is go to the forest, find Shak Graa and The Banshees, fight them, win, and save the entire galaxy. Simple, but when love and jealousy get in the way…

Scott Peterman selected a young group of actors and paired them up with Cat Davis, a fantastic singer, actress, and comedian. The result is a fun and energetic performance for this revival of the Tony-nominated sci-fi fantasy musical. The excellent music is performed live by a three-piece band, directed by Jan Roper. Peterman’s expereince as a show and content director for world-class acts such as the Smashing Pumpkins and Bon Jovi is evident in this carefully curated visual explosion of music and kinetics. The visuals really add to the whole experience. The colors, graphics, and costumes contribute to the nostalgic and extravagant look of the comics from the 80s.

Starmites is a simple story where the dances, music, and cutting edge performance technology take center stage to offer a fun experience to delight the audience in a family-friendly musical.

Starmites

Atwater Village Theatre
3269 Casitas Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90039
• FREE parking in the ATX (Atwater Crossing) lot one block south of the theater.

Performances: June 2–July 8
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: June 2 (opening); June 16; June 23; June 30; July 7 (dark June 9)
• Saturdays at 3 p.m.: June 24
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: June 10; June 17; July 1; July 8 (no evening performance June 24)
• Sundays at 3 p.m.: June 18; June 25; July 2 (no matinee June 4 or June 11)
• Sundays at 7 p.m.: June 11

Tickets: openfist.org

Music and Lyrics by Barry Keating. Book by Stuart Ross and Barry Keating. Directed by Scott Peterman. Music Direction by Jan Roper. Choreography by Becca Sweitzer. Fight Choreography by Jacob Grigolia–Rosenbaum. Starring Rieves Bowers, Cat Davis, Elle Engelman, Lindsey Moore Ford, Talia Gloster, Alex Hogy, Sarah Martellaro, Brendan Mulally, Sophie Oda, Jack David Sharpe, Bradley Sharper, and Jasper Wong. Presented by Open Fist Theatre Company, Martha Demson, artistic director. Creative team: Scenic and projection design by Scott Peterman and Linda Strawberry, lighting design by Gavan Wyrick, and costume design by Linda Muggeridge. The production stage manager is John Dimitri.

Starmites poster
A scene from Starmites
A scene from Starmites
A scene from Starmites

Theatre Review: Under the Skin

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The West Coast premiere of Under the Skin is presented by International City Theatre. Written by Michael Hollinger. Produced and directed by caryn desai [sic].

Suddenly, your absent father shows up at the door and asks for your kidney. Would you give it to him? Under the Skin delves into organ donation and the hilarious and difficult relationship between Raina (Allison Blaize) and her father Lou (Tony Abatemarco), who never attended any of her birthday parties when she was a kid. During his days as a player, Lou started an alternate family with Marlene (Tanya Alexander), who gave birth to his son Jarrell (Julian Smith). 

Things get more complicated when Raina meets Jarrell and the two start a conversation. Secrets are revealed and relationships may not be what they seem to be. In the meantime, Lou’s kidney failure continue to progress and time is running out to save his life.

Michael Hollinger‘s writting is a combination of tragedy and comedy that is engaging and leaves the audience in a state of wonder as the scenes move forward. The health deterioration Lou experiences later in life forces him to face his own failures as a father and husband. At the same time, this character shows the complexities of life experiences and the power of human connections, whether filial or romantic. The character of Raina shows the lifelong impressions experienced in childhood and the emotional scars left as a result of bad parenting. All of these textures of human interactions are displayed in this play brilliantly.

Director caryn desai [sic] unifies love, compassion, and the power of blood in a cohesive and entertaining manner, building up the intrigue and disbelief throughout the play. Desai manages to lighten up the seriousness of organ donation and add a touch of comedy to the ordeal of waiting for a donor while attempting to fix broken relationships. 

Under the Skin is a delightful story of redemption, love, and forgiveness. It is a story of rich characters and their unusual reactions when they get second chances in life.    

Under the Skin

International City Theatre
Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
330 East Seaside Way
Long Beach, CA 90802

Performances: April 28-May 14
• Thursdays at 8 p.m.: May 4, May 11
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: April 28 (Opening Night), May 5, May 12
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: April 29, May 6, May 13
• Sundays at 2 p.m.: April 30, May 7, May 14

Tickets: ictlongbeach.org

Written by Michael Hollinger. Directed by caryn desai. Starring Tony Abatemarco, Tanya Alexander, Allison Blaize, and Julian Smith. Produced by caryn desai [sic]. Presented by International City Theatre.

Creative team: Set designer Timothy Mueller, lighting designer Donna Ruzika, costume designer Kim DeShazo, sound designer Dave Mickey, and prop designer Patty Briles. Casting is by Michael Donovan, CSA and Richie Ferris, CSA. The production stage manager is John Freeland, Jr.

 

Under the Skin poster
A scene from Under the Skin
A scene from Under the Skin
A scene from Under the Skin

Theatre Review: The Pilot Who Crashed the Party

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The world premiere of The Pilot Who Crashed the Party is presented by Public Works Improvisational Theatre Foundation in association with Paul Sand Projects. Written and directed by Tony Award winning actor and Second City alum Paul Sand. Produced by Amanda Weier.

Sally (Jacqueline Wright) is celebrating her 50th birthday in her house up in the mountains in a stormy night when a small plane crashes into her house. The pilot (Sol Mason) manages to enter the house, but does not remember who he is, puzzling the party guests. The night then becomes a mystery when everyone tries to figure out the party crasher. The partygoers are Laura (Claudia Ferri), Ilo (Francis C. Edemobi), (Debra Lane), Daniel (Lee Boek), and the evening’s musicians (Yennie Lam on violin and Chris Rorrer on cello).

After consulting a medical book as a quick reference, the guests decide not to let the pilot sleep so he doesn’t fall into a coma. One by one, they take turns to keep him awake.  They all seem to like the pilot, except Daniel, who thinks the pilot is an intruder with bad intentions. When it’s Sally’s turn to care for the pilot, things heat up and take a new direction. 

Even though the play’s pacing in the first act feels a bit slow at times, it’s Jacqueline Wright’s sassy and hilarious performance that drives a great deal of the play’s action and comedy. Her voice and body language are a combination of classic Hollywood with femme fatale, a suitable complement to the mysterious feel of the play.

The second act is where the action really happens. Sally’s relationship with the mysterious pilot and the way Daniel snaps trigger the most memorable scenes of the play. The lighting and projections (lighting designer Azra King-Abadi, projection designer Fritz Davis) add striking elements to the action throughout the play. Paul Sand presents a story with overtones of mystery and passion with a sense of wonder. It’s up to the audience to deduce the ending. 

The Pilot Who Crashed the Party

Broadwater Theatre Main Stage
6320 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038

April 8 – May 7:
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: April 14, April 21, April 28, May 5
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: April 8 (Opening), April 15, April 22, April 29, May 6
• Sundays at 3 p.m.: April 16, April 23, April 30, May 7

Tickets: www.onstage411.com/Pilot

Written and Directed by Paul Sand. Starring Marcia Lynn Anthony, Lee Boek, Francis C. Edemobi, Claudia Ferri, Debra Lane, Sol Mason, Jacqueline Wright. Musicians: Yennie Lam (violin) and Chris Rorrer (cello). Produced by Amanda Weier. Presented by Public Works Improvisational Theatre Foundation in association with Paul Sand Projects. The creative team includes scenic designer Jeff G. Rack; costume designer Linda Muggeridge; lighting designer Azra King-Abadi; sound designer Shoshana Kuttner; and projection designer Fritz Davis. The assistant director is Alex Hogy, and the production stage manager is Anna Kupershmidt.

 

 

The Pilot Who Crashed the Party poster
A scene from The Pilot Who Crashed the Party
A scene from The Pilot Who Crashed the Party
A scene from The Pilot Who Crashed the Party