Musicals in LA

Joey D'Auria and Alan Abelew in Ionescopade.
2013 Photos by Ron Sossi

Bill Castellinoreturns to the Odyssey Theatre this month to direct and choreographIonescopade, based on the work of playwright Eugène Ionesco (Rhinoceros, The Bald Soprano, Exit the King); a project that reunites him with his old pal, musical director Gerald Sternbach. The pair originally collaborated on the west coast premiere of Ionescopade in 1981[pictured below]. That production was so successful that it ran for almost ten months, receiving both LA Weekly and Drama-Logue awards.

Then in 1995 Castellino directed Lilianne Montevecchi and Ron Holgate in a revival at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., and last year he directed the Off-Broadway Alliance award-nominated York Theatre production, for which he also received a Lucille Lortel nomination for Best Choreographer. On May 31st, the Odyssey will open a revitalized, updated version of the show and the circle will be complete.

Bill describes the show as a zany musical vaudeville featuring mime, farce and parody – all balanced on the edge of madness, taken from the plays, playlets and poetry of ‘Theatre of the Absurd.’ I asked him what it was like to revisit a production like this over a period of years and how his thoughts have changed about it in that time.

“Writing in the shadow of the great war, the holocaust, the Nazi occupation of Paris and the atom bomb, Ionesco channeled his personal reactions (which may have been fear, anger, insecurity, terror) through language, humor, and observation. He suggests that humanity when faced with the direst of circumstance, will not only survive but perhaps even thrive, learn, and laugh. Ionescopade gives us a sampler of his insights. Here we are in a ‘post 9-11 world’ that views war, terror, paranoia, and fear differently than a ‘post WW2 world’ did - and then again those dark thoughts and upsetting conditions are somehow the same. Each time I revisit the show, I find new dimensions that unite humanity through time and still allow us our own moment on this planet.”

He adds that, over the years, Mildred Kayden(composer, lyricist & co-conceiver) continued to tweak the work. “Ionescopade is made of short plays, playlets, journal entries, and songs inspired by Ionesco’s characters. When reviving the piece, Kayden (sometimes with me) changed the order, made cuts, and substituted plays, keeping the overall concept of an Ionesco ‘sampler presented in vaudeville format’ intact. So, not only is the show a great piece of art that remains relevant and insightful, as the play-maker continued to morph it - it could even more deftly reflect the current world conditions.”

So what is the best way to view a work like this and make sense out of its many seemingly nonsensical pieces? For Bill, “the best way to experience this wacky, odd, and singular theatre event is like walking through a gallery.... you look at one of the works, experience it, allow it to touch you - then move on to the next and then the next. I think allowing each episode to make an impression is more valuable than trying to understand each one in the moment. Laugh and get provoked in the theatre; think about it and figure it out later.

Joey D'Auria, Kelly Lester and Alan Abelew (2013)

Most importantly, Ionescopade is funny - sometimes just plain silly (like life can be), and sometimes hilarious, as we look at our own behaviors when in love, in conversation, or in shock. The show never fails to provoke thought, offer insight, and make us laugh at ourselves. It stitches together the hijinx of modern clowns, the beauty of lofty language, and the innocence of human nature, with a keen observation of our challenges, triumphs, and shortcomings.

The internet speed at which we live redefines ‘non-sequitor.’ Our cultural obsession with celebrity and all the details of stars’ lives redefines ‘absurd.’ Ionesco insists that the best way to cope is through humor – isn’t that a good idea?”

Ionescopaderuns May 31 – August 11, 2013 at the Odyssey Theatre located at 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West Los Angeles, 90025. For reservations and ticket information, call (310) 477-2055 or go to www.OdysseyTheatre.com.

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Don’t miss the annual National Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol this Sunday evening May 26, 2013 (check your local PBS station for times), honoring our servicemen and women. The concert will be broadcast live and features a star-studded line-up, hosted by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise. The broadcast will also go out to the nearly one million American service men and women stationed at bases in 175 countries and 140 U.S. Navy ships at sea, as well as Department of Defense civilians and their families overseas. For more information visit www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/concert

Musicals in LAwill be taking some time off over the Memorial Day Weekend. See you after the holiday. Enjoy your BBQs, relax, and stay safe!

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Dianna Hollowell

South Pacific at The Grove Theatre
The Grove Theatre announces the opening of South Pacific on May 31st, under the direction of Frank Minano. Set on a tropical island during World War II, the musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices. The score’s songs also include such classics as “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “A Wonderful Guy” and “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame.” The show will run weekends, May 31 – June 16 and tickets can be purchased by calling (909) 920-4343, or by visiting The Grove box office or website at www.grovetheatre.com. The Grove Theatre is located at 276 E. Ninth Street, Upland, CA 91786.

Free Movie Mondays in Costa Mesa
Free For All Movie Mondays returns to Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Center. This summer’s special screenings include: The Wedding Singer (July 8), Buena Vista Social Club (July 15), The Lion King (July 22), The Phantom of the Opera (July 29) and Evita (August 5). Movie Mondays are held on the Center’s 46,000-square-foot Arts Plaza. The popular films are projected on the side of Segerstrom Hall. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs or other easily portable seating items. Set-up begins at 5:30 pm, with the movie starting at dusk (approximately 8:00 pm). Guests may bring their own snacks and picnic suppers. This year, Patina Catering has created special themed menus for each movie in addition to offering a selection of assorted snacks and beverages available for purchase. Barbecues and similar food preparation are not permitted. Click Here for more info.

CHESS Extends
East West Players has extended the run of CHESS, now through June 23, 2013. All performances are staged at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Performances are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. www.eastwestplayers.org

4 Flappers and a Funeral
One night only, June 16, 7pm at Sierra Madre Playhouse. It’s Chicago in the 1920’s at the Kitchy Koo Klub – a speakeasy in the basement of a burned out church – with gangsters, flappers, an aging prima donna and…someone’s funeral! The twist? Instead of guessing whodunit, the audience votes and the denouement is tailored to match. 4 Flappers and a Funeral features book by Larry Johnson, original music by Alan Hong and is directed by Ken Salzman with musical staging by Kim Eberhardt. Presented by SanZman Productions, Renaissance Murder Mystery Players and Sierra Madre Playhouse. Tickets are $20. Call (626) 355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024. Ample free parking behind theatre.

The Meat City Beatniks
Eclectic Voices presents a staged reading of the new musical The Meat City Beatniks on Tuesday, May 28 at 8:00 pm at The Eclectic Company. Book and lyrics are by James Dryden, Andrew Osborne& Scott Von Doviak, music & lyrics by Eric Jacobson. Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village, CA 91607. Free admission and complimentary wine and cheese reception. www.eclecticcompanytheatre.org

Ryan Black’s 88’s Lineup for May 29th
Ryan Black’s 88’s is back at Don’t Tell Mama every Wednesday at 8pm. There is no cover charge and seats may be reserved with a dinner reservation by calling (323) 380-7209, or you can reserve online HERE. Special guest co-host for May 29 is Del Shores, writer/prod/director of Sordid Lives, Southern Baptist Sissies, Daddy's Dyin': Who's Got The Will? and The Trial & Tribulations of a Trailer Trash Housewife. Performers include Brandon Alameda, Gina Coconato, Courtney Freed, Debby Holiday, Jalin Hsu, Jennifer Korbee, Tom Korbee, Alex Mohajer, Diane Pancel, Brett Ryback, Craig Taggart, Pam Trotter and guest pianist - Bryan Blaskie. Open mic after the show so bring your music. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/RyanBlacks88s.

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AESOPERA
June 6, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 25, 29, 30
Music byJonathan Price
Libretti by Jeff Goode,Jan Michael Alejandro& Jonathan Price

Love! War! Gods! Frogs! Tragedy strikes and comedy ensues when a young Queen learns that with great power comes great controversy. A poor fisherman is granted three wishes, but that may not be enough for two daughters. A lion sacrifices his claws for love. An inventor tries to outwit fate, and amphibian voters elect themselves a carnivorous queen. With modern flair, these lush and lyrical mini-operas take inspiration from Aesop’s classic fables of human nature’s essential truths and are sure to add a unique presence to this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival. How does a composer begin to develop five mini-operas based on the fables of Aesop?

Director Alison Eliel Kalmus says, “AESOPERA initially began as a short piece that composer Jonathan Price wrote for the Opera in a Month competition sponsored by New Opera Works. OIAM gave each composer a month to write a libretto and score based on an assigned subject. Given Aesop, Jonathan wrote, and won the competition with The Lion & the Wood Nymph, which was then performed in concert by New Opera Works in American Fork, Utah.”

But that wasn’t the end of it. “The following year, Jonathan teamed up with librettist Jan Michael Alejandro to create The Queen & the Dragon for the Academy of New Music Theatre’s presentation at The Colony Theatre in Burbank,” she adds. “Queen was also showcased at the Secret Rose Theatre as part of their Mini-Musical Fest, winning the ADA Award’s ‘Best Evening of One-Act Plays’ 2009. Realizing the potential for a series of Aesop inspired mini-operas, Jeff Goode (The Eight: Reindeer Monologues, Broadway Publishing Playwright of the Year 2007) wrote a third libretto, The Fisher & the Wishes.

Hoping to expand the series, Jonathan then applied and won the Subito grant from the American Composers Forum in 2011. He once again collaborated with Alejandro on The Inventor & the Riddle, and independently created The Frogs & the Crane.”

When he put them all together, the five mini-operas made a complete work – in ‘pentaptych’ form, however Alison says that one more ‘ptych,’ Price and Goode’s The King & the Cupbearer, is in the works.

The cast features Eric Castro,Elyse Cook, Katherine Giaquinto, Victoria Graves,Kyle Hester,Victor Mazzone,Craig McEldowney, Blanche Ramirez, Sarah Reynolds,Tania Solomon, Jeffrey Stackhouse,Miguel Vargas, andKaylie Ann Warfield. Music direction is byLeonardo Sciolis and Hannah Yi Hellems.

Performances take place on the Fringe Mainstage at The Open Fist Theatre, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd 90038. Run Time is 76 minutes.Click Herefor tickets ($15) and more information.

30 MINUTE MUSICALS: INDEPENDENCE DAY
June 18, 19, 23, 25, 26

After bringing you versions of Showgirls, Jurassic Park, Top Gun, Ghostbusters, Teen Witch, Home Alone, and Roadhouse, 30 Minute Musicals is back with their version of the Will Smith summer blockbuster, Independence Day. Watch evil aliens invade the earth and get a lesson in good ole American ass-kicking from Capt. Hiller in musical theatre fashion. 30MM: Independence Day is a Secondline Production, adapted & directed by Brooke Seguin, with original music by Dan Wessels& Brooke Seguin, produced by Tom Detrinis. Click Here for tickets and info.

AND IN THIS CORNER...A LOVE STORY
June 7, 21, 23, 28

This is a 45-minutes world premiere neo-futurist style musical about the battle between heart and mind when caught up in the melee of love featuring new songs, raps, and live graffiti art. Complex Theatres, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd. Click Here for tickets and info.

BANGO
June 8, 15, 22, 29

This 45-minute family-friendly world premiere is the stage presentation of a project that is moving toward production as an Educational TV series. The Teenie-Bops are a human race of “forever-teens” from the distant, psychedelic planet Bango. They are a league of teen special-agents; space-travelers, Fleet 10.10 representing ten nationalities of the world. On a search for other life in the universe, they discover Earth. Eager to help young people save our planet, they land and disguise themselves as a hot, teen-pop band, “Klyyq.” Using the music, dance, language, fashion, and stylings of pop culture, they teach their Creed. Learn*Up: Academics – Heart*Out: Advocacy – and Bang*On: Creative Arts. It’s All-Grade Education via music videos and performance of rock, hip hop, latin, country, musical theatre, classic, classical, and international. Complex Theatres, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd. Click Here for tickets ($10) and info.

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Actors Co-op has announced its 22nd Anniversary Season with five productions concluding with110 In The Shade, music by Harvey Schmidt, lyrics by Tom Jones, book by N. Richard Nash. The season, entitled ‘Stories of the Soul . . . From the Heart’ also includes Ah, Wilderness!by Eugene O’Neill, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, Going To St. Ivesby Lee Blessing, and Lend Me a Tenor,by Ken Ludwig. Here is the schedule for the complete season:

Sept. 13 – Oct. 20, 2013
AH, WILDERNESS!
In this unabashedly romantic and sweetly funny comedy, master playwright Eugene O’Neill returns us to an idyllic age of America focusing on a young man, young love and his coming-of-age. Crossley Theatre

Oct. 11 – Nov. 7, 2013
DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE
What is the nature of the beast that lives in all of us? A smart and suspenseful new take on Stevenson’s look at the evil that lurks in the hearts of men. Suggested for mature audiences due to intense themes. David Schall Theatre

February 7 – March 16, 2014
GOING TO ST. IVES
This gripping psychological drama centers on two women brought together by that which is personal. They explore the dark moral continent of the greatest good, and ultimately share a shocking secret. Crossley Theatre

March 21 – May 4, 2014
LEND ME A TENOR
Winner of three Tony Awards, this madcap, screwball comedy takes place when a fiery-tempered, world famous opera singer goes missing just as he’s to make his debut with a local opera company. A three-ring circus of chaos ensues complete with mistaken identities and backstage shenanigans. David Schall Theatre

May 9 – June 15, 2014
110 IN THE SHADE
In the middle of a heat wave in 1930’s Texas, Lizzie Curry is on the verge of becoming an old maid when a charismatic rainmaker turns her life upside down. 110 In The Shade is a touching musical of love and hope based on the play, The Rainmaker. Crossley Theatre

Bonus Second Stage productions include:

July 11 - July 20, 2013
SPINNING INTO BUTTER
by Rebecca Gilman
The barbed satire about political correctness

July 19 - July 28, 2013
A PERFECT LIKENESS
by Daniel Singer
Lewis Carroll and Charles Dickens square off in this hysterical comedy

December, 2013
CHRISTMAS SHOW (TBA)
A holiday tradition filled with plenty of Christmas cheer

Actors Co-op is located at 1760 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, CA 90028, on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, one block north of Hollywood Boulevard, just off the Gower Street exit of the 101 Hollywood Freeway. Free, well-lit parking is available on Carlos Street (1/2 block east of Gower).

For season subscriptions, which include preferred access to tickets before they go on sale to the general public, priority reserved seating, complimentary tickets to all Co-op Too! (second stage) productions, invitations to opening night galas, 10% discount off additional “bring a friend” tickets purchased throughout the season and easy ticket exchanges, call (323) 462-8460 or visit www.ActorsCo-op.org.

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Lee Melville. Photo by Michael Lamont, courtesy of LA Stage Times

Lee Melville, founding editor of LA STAGE Times and its predecessor, the print magazine LA STAGE, and for 12 years the editor-in-chief of the now-defunct trade publication Drama-Logue has died. He was 74. A memorial event will be held Monday, June 24 at the Colony Theatre, 555 North Third Street, Burbank 91502. The reception will begin at 6 pm, with the program slated to start at 7:30. Reservations are required. Click Here for the reservation link.

His professional life in and around the theatre, mostly in Los Angeles, spanned more than 50 years as an actor, stage manager, producer, critic, writer, mentor and editor. His many and varied contributions to L.A. theatre earned the respect of the theatre community and were officially recognized in 2011 when an award established by The Playwrights’ Arena (of which he was one of three recipients in 2005) was renamed in his honor the Lee Melville Award.

Born in Salt Lake city, UT, in 1939, Melville had a precocious tap-dancing career starting at age four. The family moved to Los Angeles in 1947 where he continued tap-dancing, adding acting as a career goal when he got the lead in his high school senior play. “That bit me,” he told an interviewer. At the same time, he also became editor of the high school year book which triggered a lifelong love of journalism.

After school, Melville became a page at NBC and joined the Freeway Circuit, a theatre company run by actor/teacher Corey Allen that toured synagogues and civic centers. “We did a play called Only in America by Lawrence and Lee,” he said. “Herschel Bernardi played the role of a Jewish journalist in South Carolina. I was the assistant stage manager and had a small role…When the show moved to the Ivar [in Hollywood] I got paid. That’s why I consider 1961 my first professional year in theatre.”

But a move to New York soon after to study with the famed Sandy Meisner and try his luck as an actor proved discouraging, and when Melville was offered a job as assistant stage manager at Starlight Musicals in Indianapolis, he took it. By the time he turned 30, Melville gave up acting, acknowledging that he hated the audition process and admired actors who could sail right through it.

After successfully co-producing a children’s Christmas play in New York and even forming a theatre company, the Brier Hill Playhouse, in Pennsylvania, he returned to Los Angeles in 1972 and rediscovered his love of writing.

A free-lancing career for various theatre publications ended when Bill Bordy, owner of the trade publication Drama-Logue, tapped Melville to become its editor. Melville began a 12-year tenure that saw Drama Logue soar in stature and influence, particularly after he established the popular annual Drama-Logue theatre awards.

When Bordy sold Drama-Logue to Backstage in 1998, Melville took a sabbatical of a few years to handle a family business. But he couldn’t stay away for long. Lars Hansen, a friend and the director of Theatre LA, a new service organization for Los Angeles theatres now known as LA STAGE Alliance, asked Melville to help him start a print publication in 2001. The print magazine, called simply LA STAGE, was published in print for nine years, switching to a digital format in 2009 after the economy tanked. It acquired the new name of LA STAGE Times and Melville continued as editor-in-chief until Spring 2011, but stepped away after his health had taken a couple of direct hits when his partner of 20 years, Bo White, passed away and, in the same week, Melville lost his home to foreclosure.

Melville leaves a significant legacy in the Los Angeles theatre community as a man with great institutional knowledge and affection and admiration for artists. This respect was widely reciprocated. Many of these artists found in him not only a sensitive and knowledgeable advocate, especially in his later years, but a friend, supporter and mentor as well.

About the seemingly endless debate over whether Los Angeles is or is not a theatre town, he said this: “Who the hell cares? We have wonderful theatre groups here of every size and shape… I defy anybody to say they haven’t had wonderful experiences in the theatre [in Los Angeles].”

Obituary courtesy of Sylvie Drake.

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Just Imagine Returns to the Hayworth Theatre
Tim Piper returns to Los Angeles with Just Imagine, an extraordinary rock ‘n’ roll celebration of the life and music of John Lennon. Backed by rock bandWorking Class Hero (Greg Piperon bass; Don Butler on guitar,Morley Bartnofon keyboards and Don Poncher on drums), Piper will channel Lennon at the Hayworth Theatre beginning June 8. Written and directed bySteve Altman, Just Imagine intertwines John Lennon’s songs with the stories behind them to create a unique and electrifying multimedia concert experience.

A musician, actor and songwriter Tim Piper has traveled the world performing music made famous by The Beatles and has distinguished himself as the preeminent John Lennon with roles in the CBS production The Linda McCartney Story, E! Channel’s John Lennon Story, Beatle Wives and as the singing voice of Lennon for the NBC TV movie of the week, In His Life -The John Lennon Story. Just Imagine runs June 8 - August 25. The Hayworth Theatre is located at 2511 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90057. For reservations and information, call (323) 960-4442 or go to www.plays411.com/justimagine. Photo by Jacki Korito.

Mandy Patinkin in Concert with Pasadena Pops
Mandy Patinkinkicks off the inaugural Zev Yaroslavsky Signature Series at the Ford Theatres in Hollywood on Sunday, June 9 at 8:00 pm. Conducted by Eric Stern, the evening will dazzle with musical adaptations of popular standards and Broadway classics, sung in Patinkin’s inimitable style. From Rodgers and Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim, Harry Chapin, and back to Irving Berlin and Cole Porter, Patinkin performs for the first time with the Pasadena POPS. Tickets start at $55. Click Here for tickets and more information.

The Purpose of Theater Criticism in the Twenty First Century.
Sponsored by LA’s most popular theater site, Bitter Lemons (www.Bitter-Lemons.com), and moderated by its Editor-in-Chief, Colin Mitchell, this panel will be an irreverent yet substantive discussion, tapping the best minds in LA Theater. Panelists include Steven Leigh Morris, LA Weekly, Tony Frankel, Stage and Cinema, Margaret Gray, Los Angeles Times, Anthony Byrnes, KCRW, Terry Morgan, LAist and Ramona Pielar Gonzales, pLAywriting in the City. It’s all going down on Sunday, June 23rd, 11:00 – 1:00 pm at Fringe Mainstage, Open Fist Theatre, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd.

This will be a real conversation about the survival of the theater critic, the relevancy of the professional theater critique as opposed to the user review, the role of the theater critic, what makes a theater critic a professional or a serious theater critic and what distinguishes them from everyone else, why or why not people should listen to the serious theater critic and the evolution of theater criticism and potential new ways for theater critics to connect with new audiences using the new media, and much, much more. Admission is FREE. This is a great opportunity for theater makers as well as theater journalists and rising theater critics throughout the blogosphere and beyond to really get down and dirty into this subject and find some answers. Click Here to reserve your spot.

Globe Honors Announced

The winners of the 2013 Globe Honors and The Road to the Jimmy™ Awards, the annual competition recognizing excellence in high school theater throughout San Diego County, were announced on Monday. Hunter Schwartz of Canyon Crest Academy and Annika Gullahorn of Pacific Ridge School won in the categories of Leading Actor and Actress in a High School Musical, respectively, and will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to participate in the National High School Musical Theater Awards/The Jimmy™ Awards competition to be held on July 1 at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. Additional winners of this year’s Globe Honors were Samuel Brogadir of San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts and Alexis Young of Escondido Charter High School (Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theatre), Mitchell Connelly and Samantha Littleford, both of Coronado School of the Arts (Outstanding Achievement in Spoken Theatre) and Alexandra Adams of San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (Outstanding Achievement in Technical Theatre).

Globe Honors and The Road to the Jimmy™ Awards invited high school theater students to compete with songs, monologues and portfolios in front of a live audience and a panel of judges. Winners of all Globe Honors categories received $1,000 scholarships, and the winners of the Musical, Spoken and Technical Theater categories will participate in a two-day trip to Los Angeles where they will go behind the scenes at Center Theatre Group, attend a casting workshop and take in a show. Pictured L-R: Alexandra Adams, Samantha Littleford, Alexis Young, Annika Gullahorn, Samuel Brogadir, Hunter Schwarz and Mitchell Connelly. Photo by Doug Gates.

SDMT Holds Ain’t Misbehavin’ Auditions
San Diego Musical Theatre is holding auditions for Ain’t Misbehavin’ The Fats Waller Musical Show directed by Ron Kellum with musical direction by Don LeMaster. AEA Guest Artist Contract AEA ($400.00 weekly). There is pay for non-equity as well. Auditions are Tuesday, June 11 from 12:00 - 4:00pm. Callbacks are June 11 from 5:00 - 8:00pm. Prepare 16-32 bars in style of the show and a song from the show. Bring 2 headshots, 2 resumes and sheet music in the correct key. To schedule an appointment email Jill at Jill@SDMT.org . If you have additional questions please call (619) 977-7100. Actors must be 18 years or older.

Audition location: San Diego Musical Theatre, 4652 Mercury Street, SD 92111
First Rehearsal: Equity & Non-Equity on Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Soft Opening: Friday, September 27, 2013
Press Opening: Saturday, September 28, 2013
Closes: Sunday, October 13, 2013
Performance location: Birch North Park Theatre, San Diego, California

Seeking: All African-American cast. All characters must move well.

NELL– FRENCHIE DAVIS cast

ANDRE – An unrepentant party hound. A flirt and a bit of a womanizer. Must dance. Male, 25-45 years old. Vocal range: G2 – E6

ARMELIA – A voluptuous and sassy woman. Very strong-willed and not afraid to share her thoughts. Female, 18-25 years old. Vocal range: G3 – C6

CHARLAINE – A sweet young lady. Very innocent. Strong dancer. Female, 18-25 years old. Vocal range: G3 – G5

KEN – Jovial, cheerful, and loud. Larger than life. Male, 30-45 years old. Vocal range: F3 - F5

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Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

Chance Theater presents the hilarious and irreverent emo rock musical Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson by Alex Timbers, with music and lyrics by Michael Friedman, and directed by Kari Hayter. The show begins previews on July 5, opens July 12 and continues through August 4. Part history, part rock concert, and part SNL sketch comedy satire, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson reimagines and reinvents the life of “Old Hickory” from childhood to maverick president. Chance is reconfiguring their theater into a grungy Wild West tavern for this fiery musical, and it features many of the artists from last season’s hit musical West Side Story. The cast includes Keaton Williams, Robert Wallace, Zachary Storey, James McHale, Gary Fields, Nick Adorno, Kyle Cooper, Gasper Gray, Ashley Arlene Nelson, Alex Bueno, Chelsea Baldree, Alyssa Harris, Dannielle Green and Janelle Kester, with choreography by Kelly Todd, music direction by Robyn Wallace, scenic design by Christopher Scott Murillo, lighting design by Steve Giltner, sound design by Dave Mickey, costume design by Carin Jacobs, and fight choreography by David McCormick. www.chancetheater.com

Haves and Have Nots
ANMT presents its annual 15 minute Musicals on Monday June 24 at 7:30 pm entitled Haves and Have Nots: Four Short Musicals about Inequality written by John Aaron, Joel Adlen, Ron Barnett, Ben Boquist, Brian Graden, David Anthony Hall, David Haworth, Denis McCourt, R.K. Rich, and Robert Rosen starring Nikki Jenkins, Kevin Noonchester, Rachel Tyler, and Peter Welkin. They are directed by Scott Guy with musical direction by Jake Anthony. The Met Theatre is located at1080 N. Oxford, Hollywood. Deadline for reservations is Tuesday, June 25. Click Here for more information.

DOMA Theatre Company Sponsors Fringe Musical Award
DOMA Theatre Company has announced it will sponsor the 2013 Hollywood Fringe Festival’s “Best Fringe Festival Musical” award, to be accompanied by a $1,000 check designated for further development of the winning production. DOMA staff members will attend and rate Fringe Festival musicals in ten overall categories, including music/lyrics, book, direction, choreography and acting, as well as set, costume, lighting, sound and prop design. The highest score will determine the winning production, to be announced at the closing festivities on June 30. “We see this as a way to give back to the local theater community,” says DOMA executive producer Marco Gomez. A joint venture between DOlf Ramos and MArco Gomez, DOMA has carved a name for itself by presenting large-scale, Broadway-style musicals in a small intimate setting at Hollywood’s MET Theatre.

Ryan Black’s 88’s Lineup for June 5th
It’s Loud & Proud, A Gay Pride Celebration at Ryan Black’s 88’s at Don’t Tell Mama on June 5 at 8pm. There is no cover charge and seats may be reserved with a dinner reservation by calling (323) 380-7209. Special guest hostess is Momma, with Greg Nabours on the 88. Performers include Cortes Alexander, Laura Dickinson, Erin Duncan, Shelly Goldstein, Jalin Hsu, Yilin Hsu, Paulette Ivory, Jen Malenke, William Martinez, Diane Pancel, Katrina Parker, Jenny Strattan, Anne Fraser Thomas, Stephanie Wall, and Matt Zarley. Open mic after the show so bring your music. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/RyanBlacks88s.

Grove Theatre’s Rockin’ Beach Blast
Get ready for a summertime concert packed with the classic sounds that bring back memories of sunny beach days. At the Rockin’ Beach Blast, you’ll hear all your favorite surf music inspired by the Beach Boys and other SoCal classic rock groups. Headlining the show is The Nocturnes, a five-member group from the 1960's who honor the Beach Boys in their tribute show. Also on the bill are the TCB Flash Band, Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello tribute artists AK Kist and Megan Walker, and The Blues Brothers tribute artists Martin Anthony and Chris Luna. Rockin’ Beach Blast is one night only on June 29 at 8:00 pm at The Grove Theatre in historic downtown Upland. Call (909) 920-4343 for tickets or visit www.grovetheatre.com.

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On the bus L-R: Bryan West, Scott Willis, Joe Hart and Wade McCollum.
Flying: Brit West, Emily Afton and Bre Jackson. Photos by Joan Marcus

Get ready to be glitter-bombed! Everything in this musical gets a touch of the pink as a bus named Priscilla treks across the outback taking two drag queens and a transsexual on a transformative journey none of them will ever forget. And it’s all bursting to the rafters with spectacular sequined costumes, high-flying belting divas, neon flashing lights, and big, bold characters in 8-inch platform heels, all dancing to the soundtrack of the 70’s and 80’s. What more could a girl ask for? Confetti, you say? Yes, they’ve got that too.

The Compnay in "MacArthur Park"

Tim Chappel andLizzy Gardinerwon a well-deserved Tony Award for Priscilla’s flamboyant, over-the-top costumes, filling this fantasyland road show with a breathless parade of whimsical creations. Cupcake-inspired Marie Antoinette gowns with candle hats and jellyfish-like parasols, a mini-dress made entirely from flip flops that would have been the envy of Carnaby Street in the ‘60s, enormous disco bell bottoms, fantastic feathered emu headdresses, and dancing pink paintbrush designs are as memorable as if they were characters in their own right.

The Company in "It's Raining Men"

Priscilla goes from zero to sixty in mere seconds as three diva angels descend from the heavens perched on what looks like whipped cream clouds made by the trains of their skintight silver dresses, all while singing a terrific cover of “It’s Raining Men.” Below them, Miss Understanding (Nik Alexzander) steals the show with a hilariously athletic tribute to Tina Turner and “What’s Love Got To Do With It?”

From here we meet our three leading ladies – long, leggy Tick/Mitzi (Wade McCollum) who decides to make the journey to his wife’s casino (at her request) in rural Alice Springs to meet his 8-year old son he’s never seen and fill in as an act in her club. Though gay, he and Marion (Christy Faber) are on good terms but he’s terrified what his son will think of him if he finds out who he really is and what he really does. McCollum is a dynamic entertainer and exceptional dancer, and it is a showstopper of a role and he makes it look effortless.

L-R: Wade McCollum, Bryan West, Scott Willis & Company in “Colour My World”

He enlists his two friends, Bernadette (Scott Willis), an aging Norma Desmond-esque transsexual in flowing leopard print silks, and Adam/Felicia (Bryan West), a younger drag queen with a definite fixation on Madonna, to join him for moral support. Willis is delicate and perfectly poised, and his flashback to his Les Girls days is a poignant memory that plays out sweetly alongside his unlikely relationship with Bob, the mechanic (a charming Joe Hart).

For West it’s all about having fun and his youthful energy & pretty face make him the perfect third musketeer of this mismatched trio of friends. Favorite look and number – his sparkly X-men super hero outfit that he wears while singing "Sempre Libera" (from La Traviata) atop a gigantic silver high heel on Priscilla’s roof. There’s even an oversized boom box tucked into the toe strap. I don't know what it all meant but I loved it anyway.

Bryan West in "Sempre Libera"

The songs are fabulous. “I Say A Little Prayer,” “I Love The Nightlife,” “I Will Survive,” and “Hot Stuff” have never sounded better. Each song lead-in is set up beautifully, either sparking a gag (“MacArthur Park is one of the best), or marking a serious turn in the story (“True Colors” will leave a lump in your throat). Music director Brent Frederick makes the most of them all, eliciting spectacular vocal performances from his cast, and giving his orchestra plenty of opportunity to shine. (You gotta love the horns in “MacArthur Park.”) Choreography by Ross Coleman is electric and Simon Phillips’ direction weaves it all together with great style.

Center L-R: Wade McCollum, Scott Willis, Bryan West & Company in “I Will Survive”

Priscilla has as many sweet, tender moments as it does bubble and froth, and though the story carries little surprise, it doesn’t matter at all. The costumes, the dancing, the soundtrack, and a trio of terrific leading performances are plenty to make this traveling show a hit.

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT
Now through June 16, 2013
Pantages Theatre
Tickets: www.HollywoodPantages.com.

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Facebook the Musical

Yes, really. Thanks toMashablefor letting us know about this hilarious musical number. Check it out and see if you think it captured the essence of Facebook-checking madness.

Love Songs, A Musical Announces Cast

Chromolume Theatre has announced its next production, the world premiere of Love Songs, A Musical, with book, music & lyrics by Steven Cagan, directed by Kay Cole, featuring orchestrations and arrangements by Doug Walter and music direction by Richard Berent. The show runs June 21 – July 28 with opening set for Saturday, June 22 at 8pm. Filled with gorgeous songs and a timeless story, Love Songs follows the journey of six friends and colleagues through the vagaries of love and marriage. Jeremy is out of town, trying to get home in time for his nuptials to Gaby. Sarah, engaged to Ben for six years, can’t get him to commit. Longtime lovers Roy and Rose are happy just the way they are. The unexpected ways in which the three couples act and interact combine to achieve the the all too often, all too elusive, happy ending.

The cast will feature Eduardo Enrikez, Kurt Andrew Hansen, Jean Kauffman, Craig McEldowney, Jean Altadel Ruiz, and Sara J. Stuckey. The scenic and sound design are by James Esposito, lighting design is by Lynn Downey, and costume design is by Darby Gray. For tickets visit www.crtheatre.com or call (323) 205-1617. Chromolume Theatre at the Attic is located at 5429 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, 90016.

Ben Fuller & Sara Collins

A Trio of Brimmer Street Theatre Fringe Events

Brimmer Street Theatre Company has announced three events set to be part of the 2013 Fringe Festival, performed consecutively on three Friday nights, June 14, 21, and 28 at the Lounge Theatre in Hollywood. First up on each Friday at 7:45 pm is True Hustle, a solo show in which Marie Lively shares the true story of how a naive Christian temp became a corporate smut queen for one of the most famous (and infamous) pornographers in town.

Next at 9:15 pm is I Could’ve Been Dancing ... A Magical Evening of Song and Laughs, in which Ben Fuller, along with Sara Collins, asks the age-old question, do you believe in magic? Do you ever find yourself gazing into the mirror, hopelessly searching for your spirit song? Audiences will need look no further, as Ben and Sara woo your wants and slap your senses as they serenade with a selection of songs and duets, filled with sharp banter and tongue-in-cheek interpretations. This isn’t your grandmother’s lounge act.

The evening concludes with Human Puppet at 10:30 pm, an experiment in interactive theatre that puts spectators in control of the performers and the action. Via radio remote, an audience member can guide the words and motions of a single actor, (David Jette and/or Jon Prescott) interacting with the environment and with the other performer, saying and doing things that no playwright could have imagined. Tickets for True Hustle and I Could’ve Been Dancing are available at www.hollywoodfringe.org for $15 each, or a three-show package (including Human Puppet, which if seen by itself is free) is available at www.BrimmerStreet.org for $20.The Lounge Theatre is located at 6201 Santa Monica Boulevard (at El Centro) in Hollywood.

The Sherwood Award Open for Applicants
Applications and information for the 2014 Sherwood Award are now up on the Center Theatre Group’s website at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org/Sherwood. CTG’s annual Richard E. Sherwood Award for emerging theatre artists is a $10,000 fund designed to nurture Los Angeles artists. The goal of the Award is to cultivate emerging artists of promise associated with performance in Los Angeles, and invite them to engage in a professional relationship with Center Theatre Group. Applicants should be dedicated to improving the future of their respective artistic fields, have demonstrated leadership, and be pushing existing boundaries. Artists are not limited by title, role or genre, but they must have a relationship to the art of performance. Two upcoming orientation dates will be held on June 17 and June 22. They are not mandatory, but will be very helpful in answering questions about the application process. Good luck!

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Thank You, Minvera
Alan Stillson, creator of I Remember Lou presents the world premiere musical Thank You, Minerva July 23 – August 18 at The Secret Rose Theatre. In it, the beautiful Goddess Minerva is summoned down to earth by her parents Jupiter and Juno to inspire lyricists to create the hit songs we know today. The show also features original music by Alan Stillson. The cast stars Rachel Berman as Minerva, John McCool Bowers as Jupiter and Julia Shear Kusherner as Juno, along with Jackson Smith, Jonathan Byram, and Rachel Howe playing American lyricsts. The creative team includes Alan Stillson (producer/writer), Alissa-Nicole Koblentz (director), Bonnie Janofsky (musical director), Patrick T. Rogers (production manager) and Natasha Baumgardner (costume designer). Performances take place at the Secret Rose Theatre, 11246 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601 in the heart of the NoHo Arts District. Tickets are available at www.stillsonworks.com or call (818) 884-4284.

MainStreet Theatre Company Announces 2013-24 Season
The MainStreet Theatre Company will present a world premiere, a west coast premiere, and a family friendly musical, all based on children’s literature for its 2013 – 2014 season. All three shows will be performed in the beautiful City owned and operated 536 seat Lewis Family Playhouse. The season includes:

Aesop in Rancho Cucamonga
Oct. 26 – Nov. 10, 2013
By Luis Alfaro
Directed by Robert Castro

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley
Feb. 1 – 16, 2014
Book by Timothy Allen McDonald
Music by McDonald, Jonathan K. Waller, David Weinstein & Stephen Gabriel
Lyrics by McDonald & Waller
Directed by Kevin Cochran

The Magic Finger
May 2 – 18, 2014
Adapted by David Wood
Directed by Abigail Deser
Musical Direction by Janice Rogers Wainwright

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley is based on the popular book by Jeff Brown and tells the story of Stanley Lambchop, a normal boy in all respects, who wants to do something amazing. One night, the bulletin board above his bed falls right on top of him– and he wakes up flat! This fun musical follows Stanley’s adventures around the globe as he mails himself to places he’s always dreamed of, including Hollywood, Paris and Honolulu, until he finally finds his way back home and becomes a three‐dimensional boy once more. For tickets and more information go to www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com or call (909) 477‐2752.

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Rob Nagle (Flute), Rick Batalla (Bottom), Mike Sulprizio (Snout), Lisa Valenzuela(Starveling)
and Matt Walker (Puck). Photos by Chelsea Sutton.

There are no fewer than nine different productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream playing in theatres around the Southland this summer but I can guarantee that none of them will be done up quite like the Troubies’ A Midsummer Saturday Night’s Fever Dream at the Falcon Theatre. Combining Shakespeare’s text with iconic Bees Gees songs from the “Saturday Night Fever” disco era, and adding an abundance of improvised jokes, over-the-top sight gags, and plenty of audience participation, they once again celebrate the mischief that inevitably transpires on a Troubie stage.

Most of Shakespeare’s familiar plot happens in Act I. After an ominous prologue by trickster Puck (Matt Walker, who also directs) and a brief set-up of characters, we escape to the woods where the real action takes place. Here Faeries play tricks at the expense of four Tolucean lovers. Helena (Beth Kennedy) loves Demetrius (Joseph Leo Bwarie), Demetrius loves Hermia (Katherine Malak), Hermia loves Lysander (Tyler King), and no one loves Helena…that is until the Faerie King Oberon (Matt Merchant) orders Puck to use a magical flower to tilt the scales in Helena’s favor. When Puck anoints the wrong lover’s eyes it becomes merry mayhem for all, including Oberon's Queen, Titania (Monica Schneider), on this mercurial midsummer night.

At the same time, a band of amateur actors, consisting of Rick Batalla (Bottom), Rob Nagle (Flute), Lisa Valenzuela (Starveling) and Mike Sulprizio (Snout), rehearses a play to be performed before the duke. More about them later.

Walker is an impish Puck, more ominous than usual, who resembles bat boy (yes, the one from the musical), with his shirt pulled up over his head revealing tiny little green horns and a unitard-clad body that snaps across the stage like a rubber band. He can save an inflatable tree from sudden death, execute a booger bit that makes the entire audience groan for five minutes, and still continue to call the shots like the true ringmaster that he is.

From top: Katherine Malak, Tyler Cook,
Beth Kennedy & Joseph Leo Bwarie.

Malak’s Hermia is a saucy little maid who curtsies every time her name is spoken aloud. When her dream becomes a nightmare in the woods she has a freakishly funny psychotic episode that leans to the macabre as she drags herself across the floor, wild-eyed and shuddering, her face caught in the glow of the footlights. It’s a hilarious choice and her full throttle commitment to the joke makes it even funnier.

Kennedy is endearing as her nerdy girl BFF Helena and though it’s clear why she’s the odd woman out (lime green elastic waist pants and a Martina Navratilova wig are only the beginning), her determination to win over Demetrius keeps us rooting for this underdog all the way. Plus, she has an easy command of the text that brings fresh colors and a disarming honesty to Helena’s often-recited speeches.

The Troubie secret weapon this time around, however, is Joseph Leo Bwarie as Demetrius. His boy band creation in long blonde locks definitely knows how to glamour the audience, both with his big brown eyes and with his gorgeous tenor voice. He should, since he toured as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys for almost five years. He’s a ringer for the “Saturday Night Fever” sound and captures all the nuances needed for the reimagined catalogue of Bee Gees hits.

You want more to laugh at? Try Oberon’s bare-chested shake weight addiction, Helena and Hermia’s Three Stooges fight, Puck’s Princess Leia/R2D2 riff, or Theseus’ (Morgan Rusler) dead serious line delivery while wearing gold rimmed platform heels and a perfectly coiffed brunette ladies wig.

What does that leave for Act II? A completely hysterical version of the tragedy, Pyramus and Thisbe, presented by the Rude Mechanicals at the wedding of Theseus, Hippolyta, and the now reunited couples that makes up for some uneven pacing and repetitive choreography in Act I. While not all of the first act’s jokes land, stay tuned for a brilliant comeback in Act II, beginning with Puck’s spin on Shakespeare’s verse in iambic pentameter.

Enter Rick Batalla playing Pyramus in a Marvin the Martian get-up that made me laugh out loud. Thisbe is Rob Nagle – much “More Than a Woman” – who has stolen Miss Piggy’s voice and wrapped it delicately in a shy little milk maid’s basketball-sized bosom. Oh, the things that happen to this poor couple destined to meet at the chink of a wall. Oh, the comedy that ensues when a funny man and a straight man know how to work a scene just right.

Valenzuela’s Starveling is now a thickly-accented Latino worker who moonlights selling oranges under the freeway and ‘hangs the moon’ in this play-within-a-play as I’m sure you’ve never seen it before. Sulprizio’s wall gag will require that you keep a close watch on any extraneous body parts to fully comprehend the joke.

Yes, it’s a Pyramus and Thisbe worthy of its own complete act and when everybody dies at the end, it’s still not over. From there we jump to the afterlife and the company’s big number “Disco Inferno,” followed by a very funny epilogue to the dream and an audience & cast dance off onstage to “How Funky Can You Get.”

If your parents kept a trunk full of dress-up clothes for the kids from their disco days it would contain the kind of retro pieces and sparkly theatrical staples that Sharon McGunigle uses to create Midsummer a la Troubie style. Set designer Jeffrey McLaughlin’s Jackson Pollock-inspired floor is an especially eye-catching collage of color. Eric Heinly’s band makes sure everyone is “Stayin’ Alive.”

Tickets are hard to come by for the show as this one was almost sold out before it even opened. If you miss it at the Falcon, you can catch it at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts July 12 - 14, ’cause after all, it isn’t summer without the Troubies.

The cast of A Midsummer Saturday Night's Fever Dream

A MIDSUMMER SATURDAY NIGHT’S FEVER DREAM
The Troubies @ the Falcon Theatre
Now through July 7, 2013
Fri. at 8pm, Sat. at 4pm & 8pm, Sun. at 4pm & 7pm
4252 Riverside Dr., Burbank, CA 91505
Tickets: (818) 955-8101 or www.FalconTheatre.com

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Vicky and Davis in I Do! I Do!
Laguna Playhouse present Davis Gaines (The Phantom of the Opera) and Vicki Lewis (“Newsradio”) in I DO! I DO!, music and lyrics by Tom Jones, book by Harvey Schmidt and directed by Alan Souza. The charming story of Michael and Agnes and their 50 years of marriage takes place around a large four-poster bed and features the musical standard, “My Cup Runneth Over.” The Playhouse stage will light up with this funny and heartwarming musical about the joy, struggles, humor and passion that is every marriage. I DO! I DO! will begin previews on Tuesday, July 9 and will open Saturday, July 13 at 7:30pm and run through Sunday, August 11 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach. For tickets visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com or call (949) 497-ARTS (2787).

Wrap Your Heart Around It
Falcon Theatre is proud to present Wrap Your Heart Around It, written, composed and performed by Five-time Grammy nominated Nashville musician LynnMarie Rink. Produced by Emmy award winning producer/director Paul Miller and directed by the acclaimed Michael Kearns, with musical direction by Nashville recording artist Paul Carrol Binkley, Wrap Your Heart Around It is a powerful one-woman show chronicling the true story of LynnMarie Rink’s life-long struggles with her father’s alcoholism, her own religious beliefs, and her experience as a 40-year-old mother of a special needs child. “My hope,” says LynnMarie, “is that my story will provide encouragement to people facing similar issues.” Filled with inspiring humor and exciting musical performances, LynnMarie’s story is one of triumph and acceptance. July 19 – August 11, with opening night on Friday July 20 at 8:00 pm at the Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Dr., Burbank, CA 91505. For tickets, call (818) 955-8101 or go to www.FalconTheatre.com. Tickets go on sale June 21, 2013.

Fame Jr. at The Grove Theatre
Granada, in cooperation with Family Theatre at The Grove, presents Fame Jr. June 21 – 30, Friday nights at 7:29 pm and Saturdays & Sundays at 2:00 pm. Directed and choreographed by Ginger Kinison, Fame Jr. which is set during the last years of New York City’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts on 46th Street (1980-1984), is the bittersweet but ultimately inspiring story of a diverse group of students as they commit to four years of grueling artistic and academic work. With candor, humor and insight, the show explores the issues that confront many young people today. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and can be purchased by calling (909) 920-4343 or by visiting www.grovetheatre.com.

Ryan Black’s 88’s June 12 Lineup
June 12 features special guest Jai Rodriguez along with Brandon Alameda, Brielle Batino, Jill Marie Burke, Ben Caron, Michael Patrick Coughlin, Laura Dickinson, Tawny Dolley, Zachary Ford, Courtney Freed, Rebecca Johnson, Joanna Jones, Ethan Le Phong, Kyle Rosenblum, Ben Toth, Matt Zarley, and Coco & Ruby. Guest music director is Bryan Blaskie. Click Here for reservations or call (323) 380-7209. Open mic after the show 10:00 pm – 2:00 am.

ANMT Summer Boot Camp
ANMT's Musical Theatre Summer Boot Camp is offering the following sessions for writers and actors. Register by June 15 to get the early registration discount.
AUDITION SLAM SATURDAY, with Joshua Finkel
CABARET ACT CREATION AND PERFORMANCE CLASS, with Joshua Finkel and Jake Anthony
LONGFORM POP SONGS - JUST DON'T CALL 'EM MUSICALS, with Scott Guy
OUTLINING ANYWHERE, with Elise Dewsberry
PUTTING YOUR ACT TOGETHER, with Shelly Markham
WRITING LYRICS: A NEW APPROACH, with Kay Parker
For more information, and to register, visit www.anmt.org and click on BOOT CAMP.

Obviously Michael Comes to the Fringe
This 50-minute world premiere play with music is adapted from an original short story by LA’sJohn Maidman. Michael, age six, doesn’t like most people. They yell and they smell and they don’t make any sense. In order to cope with the illogic of daily life, this precocious introvert constructs his own imaginary castle filled with elaborate games and experiments. But despite his attempts to ward off dumb questions and irritating peers, they somehow manage to get under his skin. Music is by composer Court Hoang. Laura Steinroeder directs and produces. The design team also includes Giselly Rodriguez (lighting designer), Kimberly Aldinger (costume designer), Dani Roach (graphic designer), Shannon Dickey (stage manager). Featured in the cast are Zach Brown, Tori Gaines, Tanya Giang, Katie Kerr, Katie Lyman and Spencer Morrissey. Performances are Thursday June 13 at 7pm, Wednesday June 19 at 7pm, Saturday June 22 at 2:30pm and Saturday June 29 at1pm. The Elephant Space, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038. For tickets go to http://hff13.org/1391. General Admission: $10.

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Dominic McChesney as Alfie and Audrey Curd as Adele Rice

Fringe shows run the gamut. You’ll see everything from hastily rehearsed vanity projects to edgy original pieces, and works-in-progress of all kinds. Each one is worthy of a look for there are hidden jewels everywhere and you never know exactly where you’ll find one. Happily, I can tell you where you can see one right now. At the Lillian Theatre in Hollywood. There, a brand new L.A. theatre company is making its debut by presenting A Man of No Importance, a handsomely staged Irish musical written by Terrence McNally, with music & lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.

It is directed & choreographed with exceptional skill by Janet Miller who presents a beautifully polished production in every regard. The attention to detail is exemplary and, from the very first notes of the penny whistle and a proper Irish band, it allows one to simply sit back and drink in the essence of the world being created upon the stage.

Based on the 1964 film starring Albert Finney, it is the “Tragedy/ Comedy of Alfie Byrne (Dominic McChesney),” and tells the simple story of a man whose only dream is to bring beauty and art to the world. During the day he does it by reciting poetry to his fellow passengers and friends on their daily bus ride to work. At night he leads them as the director of St. Imelda’s Players, a community theatre group that is the embodiment of all the artistic sensitivity in his heart.

On the day a newcomer steps onto the bus – a lovely, young woman (Audrey Curd as Adele Rice) who comes from a neighboring town – Alfie knows that he has finally found his leading lady to star in the one play he has not yet been able to produce. She will be his Princess in Oscar Wilde’s Salome and dance the Dance of the Seven Veils. It will be his greatest achievement. It is also a role that in any other era and time Alfie might well have played himself, but that here can only be expressed behind a locked door where he is free to transform himself with the aid of makeup and his imagination. But secrets are a heavy burden to carry and only lose their power once they see the light of day.

Eventually Alfie realizes that he can no longer deny his heart and, though it be in search of the “love that dare not speak its name,” he is ready to take the consequences of being seen for who he truly is. Though not everyone accepts him, and much of his world falls apart along the way, those who do rally around him show him that life, like art, is a collaboration, and they intend to be there to help him create another day.

McChesney was born to play Alfie. Much rests on his ability to be likeable, natural and present in every moment as he is the heart of the piece. Perhaps it is because I somehow sat where I could always see his eyes that I found him to be deeply connected to what he was saying. He inhabits the role with a simplicity and grace that goes beyond the words.

Shirley Anne Hatton plays his spitfire of a sister, Lily, who is determined to find Alfie a good wife and won’t marry until she completes her task. She’s a terrific singer who belts out two of the best numbers in the show, proving her skill with comedy in “The Burden of Love” and letting loose her frustrations in a bitterly poignant “Tell Me Why.” Of course, it helps that the material itself is so well-written. Flaherty & Ahren’s songs are rich with life and always enhance the storytelling by vividly capturing the spirit of a moment.

Another great example is Robbie’s “The Street of Dublin,” in which he sings of his beloved city while trying to get Alfie to come out to the pub with him. Robbie (Keith Barletta), the tall handsome young bus driver, is Alfie’s secret object of affection and Barletta is charming as all get up. He has an easy manner and sparkling eyes that light up the stage and is one among many excellent casting choices that Miller has made.

The cast of A Man of No Importance

David Gilchrist offers two distinctly different characters as the gruff butcher-turned-actor Carney and as Alfie’s silent inspiration, Oscar Wilde, complete with cape and carnation. Curd’s Miss Rice is appropriately timid at the start, and though she has troubles of her own, she becomes an integral part of Alfie’s transformation while Matt Stevens’ sweet graveside remembrance of his wife, “The Cuddles Mary Gave,” is sure to melt the stingiest heart.

Miller gives her ensemble multiple opportunities to shine throughout the show as she highlights their individual quirks to create a thoroughly entertaining amateur theatre company filled with characters we all can recognize. And they, in turn, throw themselves in with a joyful exuberance that infuses everything they do, bringing humor and hope to a world that never contains enough of either one.

Corey Hursch’s musical direction is impeccable down to the last detail of the singers and onstage band. The dialect work, an element that is critical to the success of this type of musical, is expertly handled by coach, Jill Massie, and carried out beautifully by the cast. Design elements – most particularly Katherine Barrett’s lighting and Kathy Gillespie& Barbara Weisel’s costumes – easily furnish the look of Dublin in the 60’s.

This musical, like the good people who are presenting it, is the real deal. Full of heart and sensitivity, it is a class act all the way around and its company handles its coming out party with an abundance of colloquial charm. For those who create art, and for those who enjoy the fruits of their labor, it is a triumph. “Life goes on and so must we artists,” says one of Alfie’s actors as the lights fades. I hope these Good People continue to go on for a very long time.

A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE
Good People Theater Company
Through June 30, 2013
Lillian Theatre
1076 Lillian Way
Tickets: www.goodpeopletheaterco.org

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Steve Altman as William Parke in The Time Machine Musical

The Time Machine Musical is a one-hour condensed version of a longer two act musical adapted for the Fringe by Steve Altman and Joshua Fardon based on the H.G. Wells sci-fi story. Fardon directs what is in essence a memorized staged reading style production with cast members seated in chairs at the back of the stage when not in scenes. Altman is responsible for the book, music & lyrics and also stars as the production’s leading man, William Parke, aka the time traveler. Parke invents a time machine and travels to the future where he finds that humans have evolved into two groups; the Eloi, who spend their days in a hallucinogen haze, and the evil Morlocks who rule over them.

To serve the time frame (no pun intended) of the Fringe schedule, the creative team has made the decision to eliminate all but the major plot points and present a series of songs from the show with brief sections of dialogue and Fardon acting as narrator in between. Cheeky choreography – perhaps the best element of this particular production – is the work of Tara Raucci, and though not always well-executed by the full cast, lends energy and life to an otherwise unfocused endeavor.

Muscially, the show is a blend of pop rock numbers and rock & roll specialties with stylistic nods to the circus, vaudeville, the Beatles, electronica, and Gilbert & Sullivan. The voices are not typical musical theatre voices for the most part, nor would you consider them true rockers. As such the solo numbers seem to lack confidence and do not always keep the audience engaged. Exceptions include Altman’s “I Figured it Out,” Raucci’s lovely pop ballad “Freedom,” some of the Morlocks’ guttural rock offerings and a few Eloi sections that I’m unable to credit to the right singer because they are not specified in the program. When the ensemble does click in at the ends of songs the choral harmonies are unexpectedly stirring.

The piece has potential but I wonder if a theatrical production is really the right form for this particular tale. I can picture it being staged in a club, rock concert style, with singers on hand held or stationary mics while the band’s potential to create mood & scene changes is enhanced. (The band is great by the way).

It would also allow for a pretty terrific set of effects using video projections, sound manipulation, and a crazy lighting design that would stimulate the power of the audience’s imagination to fill in the gaps of what isn’t shown onstage. The beginnings are evident in the current presentation but with limited resources are not able to be fully realized yet. Perhaps there will be more to come on that front as development continues but in it’s current form I didn’t find it a satisfying theatrical experience.

As for it’s future, I guess only time will tell.

THE TIME MACHINE MUSICAL
Through June 27, 2013
Elephant Stages
1076 Lillian Way
Tickets: http://hff13.org/1176

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Sunset Boulevard at Musical Theatre West
Musical Theatre West presents the much anticipated Southern California 20th Anniversary revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, July 12 – 28 at the Long Beach, Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Based on the 1950 Oscar-winning movie about a former star of the silent screen era living in the past in her decaying mansion on the fabled Los Angeles street, it will be directed by Larry Raben with musical direction by David Lamoureux and musical staging by John Todd. MTW’s Sunset Boulevard opens exactly 20 years to the day of the show’s world premiere in London at the Adelphi Theatre where it ran for 1529 performances. Tickets are available online at www.musical.org or by calling (562) 856-1999, Ext. 4. The Box Office is located at 4350 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90804 and is open 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm Tues. - Sat. The Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center is located at 6200 East Atherton Street, Long Beach, CA 90815.

DOMA Theatre Presents NINE
Doma Theatre presents NINE July 12 – August 18 at LA’s MET Theatre, directed by Marco Gomez, with musical direction by Chris Raymond and choreography by Rae Toledo. Embark on a musical journey that explores the passion and pitfalls of an Italian film director grappling with his mid-life crisis and creative block. All Guido Contini wants to do is make a film – but the women in his life are demanding attention. Amid a failing marriage, a distraught mistress and the betrayal of his former muse, Contini ponders his unraveling life and career by revisiting the innocence of his childhood at the age of nine. Through a series of flashbacks and dreams, Contini discovers the solution to his problems by combining art and reality in a spectacular collusion of love, regret and fidelity. The cast features David Michael Trevino, Lovlee Carroll, Michelle Holmes, Emilia Sotelo, Andrea Arvanigian, Brittany Rodin, Leslie Marrero, Devin Holliman, Donovan Baise, Ra’Shawn Durell, Victor Mercado, Alan Lee, Melissa Anjose, Toni Smith, Liza Baron, Amy Garbettand Tania Possick. The MET Theatre is located at 1089 N. Oxford Ave., Los Angeles CA 90029. For reservations, call (323) 802-4990 or go to www.domatheatre.com.

Watson Returns to Sacred Fools
Sacred Fools Theater presents Watson and the Dark Art of Harry Houdini, murder, mystery, magic and a heartbreak that is almost too much to bear June 21 - 27. After a string of brutal murders, Watson and Holmes travel to New York on the trail of the killer. The mysterious Harry Houdini seems to know more than he's telling, but is he friend or foe? Nothing is as it seems in this sequel to The Fools’ Watson: The Last Great Tale of the Legendary Sherlock Holmes. Scott Leggett and Joe Fria reprise their roles as Watson and Sherlock Holmes this time matching wits and trying to bring to heel the greatest escape artist of all time, Harry Houdini, who has more than playing cards up his sleeve.

Written & directed by Jaime Robledo with original musical by Ryan Johnson. The cast also includes Carrie Keranen as Violet Hunter, Eric Curtis Johnson as Mycroft Holmes, Cj Merriman as Mary Morstan Watson, Graham Skipper as Sigmund Freud/Pike and Donal Thoms-Cappello as Harry Houdini, along with Lisa Anne Nicolai, Mandi Moss, Brendan Broms, Aaron Mendelson and Perry Daniel as The Stagehands. Click Here to preview the Johnson’s score. For tickets and more information visit http://sacredfools.org/.

connie and jimmy, Episode 3

In the third installment of connie & jimmy, an episodic 1940’s black & white mini-series, Jimmy breaks shocking news to Connie over a “fancy” meal but the reality of the meal turns out to be just as shocking! Jimmy has all the best intentions but he can’t seem to avoid slipping up. Good thing Connie can keep him in check with her talent for turning classic songs on their heads in an effort to teach Jimmy an important faux pas. “connie & jimmy” keeps your heart all aflutter but your feet on the ground with an homage to Edith Piaf’s ‘No Me Quitte Pas’. http://connieandjimmy.com/

A British Invasion Kritzerland
Kritzerland presents The British Invasion, Songs from the UK Musicals of the ‘60s and ‘70s Sunday, July 7 at 7:00 pm starring Chelsea Emma Franko, Tessa Grady, Kevin Odekirk, Barry Pearl, and Jenna Lea Rosen with special guests Tony Tanner and Kerry O’Malley. Music director is Shelly Markham. For reservations call (818) 754-8700. Cover charge $15 + $10 food minimum + $3 facility charge. Sterling’s at The Federal, 5303 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601.

Lend Me a Tenor
Kentwood Players presents the 1989 Tony Award-winning Lend Me a Tenor by Ken Ludwig July 12 - August 17 at the Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045. The production is directed by Gail Bernardi and produced by Susan Goldman Weisbarth. Lend Me a Tenor is a hilarious comedy/farce taking place in a Cleveland, Ohio hotel suite in 1934. The Cleveland Opera Company has booked the renowned tenor Tito Merelli, known to his fans as “Il Stupendo,” to sing the lead in Otello at their gala fundraiser. Unfortunately, even before the star leaves his hotel room, everything begins to unravel. Chaos ensues when Merelli's wife, who has mistaken an autograph-seeker hidden in his closet for a secret lover, leaves him and the distraught tenor accidentally is given a double dose of tranquilizers to calm him and passes out. Saunders, the opera company's General Manager, is determined that the show will go on, so he asks his assistant Max to impersonate the opera star. What follows is a chain-reaction of mistaken identity, plot twists, farcical double entendres, innuendos, and constant entrances and exits through many doors leading from one comical situation to another. Featured in the cast are Samantha Barrios, Rachel Boller, Harold Dershimer, Matt Landig, Maria Pavone, Scot Renfro, Susan Weisbarth, and Michael Willens. For tickets go to www.kentwoodplayers.org.

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Andrew Potter in The Road to High Street

busker (n) : a person who entertains people for money in public places

I decided to see Andrew Potter’s one man show The Road to High Street, a busker’s digital rock & roll story, after reading a glowing recommendation from a theatre colleague who saw it at last year’s Fringe Festival. I trust her judgment and felt that if she loved it that much, there must be something there. Plus, he was back for a second go-round at the Fringe and that's always a good sign.

The topic already interested me as I’m familiar with the world of busking and have many friends who got their start performing for crowds on the street and living off the fortunes gained from passing the hat. It’s a tough life, the success of which depends on one’s ability to be likeable, creative, and flexible in every given moment. You must also wholeheartedly love what you do.

Potter is all of the above and his Fringe show reflects his obvious good nature and appreciation for the time he’s spent entertaining the masses. He sings, he plays guitar, and he tells stories that make you feel like you’re hanging out at a backyard barbecue. A multi-media aspect of the show includes video clips and enhanced photographs that help paint a complete picture of his early days as a busker, for those who have no idea what that means. It’s an imaginative way to go and Potter sells the casual hour of entertainment like a pro.

He talks of “Living in a Beer Tank” – quite literally – when he first moved to San Francisco with his buddy, Wheeler, the other half of his juggling act. At $200 a month, the beer tank was a steal, and all they could afford in the way of living quarters. No windows, beer stains on the walls, and one bathroom to be shared by all the tenants of the brewing company’s tanks (it was a popular choice for alternative housing) aside, it was a place in which they could develop their act. The images are hilarious, as are the stories about their neighbors, which included a punk rock band and a man named Big Dick. If he didn’t have photographs to prove he was there you might think he’d made it all up.

“My Sailing Fiasco” is a lesson in what not to do in the water and “The Third Egg” is a groaner of a tale about the duo’s juggling competition act that ends with one of them having to eat a raw egg to satisfy the crowd. Calculate the number of shows they did in a day and someone – usually Potter – consumed an awful lot of albumen. Eeuw.

In one of his sweeter stories he talks about how he convinced his girlfriend to move west (though he could only get her to come as far as Montana). He serenaded her on his guitar over the phone with a charming little fruit and vegetable ditty he wrote to express his feelings. “I can’t wait until we can celery-brate…You’re such a peach and we make a pear…” Corny? Yes. But he must have done something right because she did eventually marry him.

In fact, it is his stories about his family that make the show more than just a comedian’s typical song and dance down memory lane. Boats and his dad, the ballet and his daughter – plus a final tribute to the buskers he’s known – and you’ve got a slice of an artist’s life that just might make you think about your own. This was a great way to spend an hour at the Fringe; with an engaging Renaissance man, his electric guitar, and a whole lot of stories I guarantee you’ve never heard anywhere else.

THE ROAD TO HIGH STREET
Through June 30, 2013
Theatre Asylum (Asylum Lab)
1078 Lillian Way, Los Angeles, CA 90038
www.hff13.org/680
www.theroadtohighstreet.com

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Laura Sperrazza as Megan

When Michael Shaw Fisher walks out to introduce Exorcistic: The Rock Musical Parody Experiment at its Fringe Mainstage home, it takes a few minutes before you realize that the musical has actually begun. Already knee deep in the show-within-a-show concept, he explains that this is a workshop presentation of his world premiere rock musical as backstage business becomes part of the onstage action.

Over the next 80 minutes the show will progress from The Staged Reading to The Fringe to The Pantages as a theatre company mounts a musical parody production of The Exorcist and unwittingly unleashes a demonic force that takes over and leads them through an Exorcist-inspired series of deadly events.

Book, music & lyrics are by Fisher and the show features a 70s rock score, full of Michael Teoli’s arrangements, that blows the roof off the place. Fisher’s lyrics are raw, profane, and hilarious, extracting all of the film’s most controversial lines in its songs, most of which feature titles I can’t reprint here.

The book is still going through changes (yes, a necessary evil now that it is up in front of an audience and the team can see what flies and what doesn’t). Fisher has already announced that this is a work in progress and feedback is welcomed as he shapes the piece into a finished product. The audience was not particularly responsive at the late night performance I attended but that didn’t stop the actors from going balls to the wall every minute. My guess is that many of them never saw the film so were oblivious to the way Fisher and director Pat Townehave cleverly fashioned scenes and stage business to reference Exorcist’s unforgettable images.

Curt Bonnem and Jesse Merlin

Curt Bonnem’s devious Captain Howdy is a maliciously creepy entity that he throws himself into with gritty glee and Jimmy Swan’s Troubled Priest is disturbing on a whole other level. Fisher, Jesse Merlin, Anna Bowen and Sarah Chaney all serve up boldly twisted characters with dead seriousness and total commitment.

But let’s face it. The reason to see this original musical is for the electrifying performance of Laura Sperrazza as the Possessed Girl. The Glombies lead singer is a gyrating, no hold barred paradox of innocence and decadence, belting out incredibly difficult vocals with such all-consuming passion you’ll be amazed. What she can do with her voice is nothing short of astonishing. Watch the preview above and you’ll see what I mean.

Fisher’s Exorcistic may not be fully settled yet but it’s on the right track as director Pat Towne continues to make the most of this dedicated ensemble. By the time the bodies are buried, and the guttural expletives and rock & roll exorcism ends, you’ll have had quite an otherworldly experience. It’s got cult following written all over it.

EXORCISTIC: THE ROCK MUSICAL PARODY EXPERIMENT
Orgasmico Theatre Company
Through June 29, 2013
Fringe Mainstage, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd.
http://hff13.org/1136

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Tommy Hobson and ensemble in 30 MM: Independence Day

If you like your musicals short, fast-paced, funny, and smart enough to spoof the big guys while delivering a healthy dose of pure fun, this is the musical for you. Brooke Seguin’s 30 MM: Independence Day clocks in around 40 minutes, which is plenty of time to run the aliens out of town and save the planet in a manner that would do the Fresh Prince proud, especially if he got to do it with a rap.

Charismatic Tommy Hobson takes on the Will Smith role of black astronaut “Blastronaut” Steve Hiller, a hotheaded pilot who can’t wait to get up in the air and kick some alien ass. He’s terrific at capturing Smith’s overly confident attitude, plus he sings and dances and has great timing. Michael Bernardi’s impersonation of Jeff Goldblum as David Levinson is equally as funny. Bernardi’s got the oddball actor’s mannerisms and distinct vocal pattern down, along with a sexy pants swagger that makes it even funnier.

All of the actors are in fine form with Seguin playing David’s cigar-wielding father, Julius (Judd Hirsch from the movie), Todd Masterson as crop duster Russell Case (Randy Quaid), Sixx Carter as Steve’s dolphin-loving stripper girlfriend Jasmine (Viveca A. Fox), Lindsay Wray as first lady Marilyn Whitmore (Mary McDonnell), Samantha Scanlon as David’s ex-wife Constance Spano (Margaret Colin), JD Barton as Albert Nimziki (James Rebhorn), Justin Braun as Dr. Brackish Okun (Brent Spiner) and down the line.

Chaz Bono as President Thomas Whitmore

The leader of the free world, Thomas Whitmore (Bill Pullman in the film), is played by none other than Chaz Bono wearing a dark suit and looking perfectly presidential. When he steps in to help Steve and the other Black Knights save the world in his plane it is a triumphant victory for all.

Dancing aliens (Tom DeTrinis, Tania Possick and Sarah Schrieber), a slow motion sequence, a tap dancing “Plausible Deniability” number, comic references to Men in Black, Fiddler on the Roof, and a dog named Boomer (Kirby Slager) keep it all speeding along.

Kirby Slager as Boomer the dog

The quick cut scenes and song snippets come fast and furious in 30 MM: Independence Day with no time to waste. Original music is by Seguin and Dan Wessels,with lyrics that are full of clever turns and echo the creativity in the scene choices. It’s the kind of show that leaves you wanting more, and that’s a very good thing.

30 MM: INDEPENDENCE DAY
Through June 30, 2013
Celebration Theatre
7051 Santa Monica Boulevard
Tickets: www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/1190

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BARE Revival
Producers Topher Rhys and Jamie Lee Barnard have announced casting for the upcoming L.A. revival of bare, directed by Calvin Remsbergand presented by glory|struck productions this fall at the Hayworth Theatre. Performances begin September 5 with opening scheduled for Friday, September 6th. This will not be the revised incarnation of the musical that was recently seen Off-Broadway; the Los Angeles revival will preserve the authors’ original vision featuring the music of Damon Intrabartolowith book and lyrics byJon Hartmere. Musical direction and music production is by by Elmo Zapp and Jen Oundjian will choreograph the show.

A story of discovery, acceptance and love, bare centers on the clandestine relationship between two roommates in a well-locked dorm room: charismatic, golden-boy Jason and sensitive, soulful Peter. As the pair navigates adolescence, we see the consequences of secrecy unravel though their eyes and those around them.

This electrifying rock musical will star Payson Lewis(NBC’s The Sing Off),Jonah Platt(The Office), Lindsay Pearce(Glee, The Glee Project), Katie Stevens(American Idol),Nathan Parrett,(The Voice), Caitlin Ary, Kelsey Hainlen, Casey Hayden, Christopher Higgins, Reesa Ishiyama, Harrison Meloeny and Katherine Washington. Original bare cast members Stephanie Andersen and John Griffin will return to the show alongside Alissa-Nicole Koblentz as the adult figures. Stephanie Andersen will be reprising her role of Sister Chantelle after originating the iconic character in the 2000 Los Angeles premiere and 2007 studio album. John Griffin, who received a 2001 Ovation Award nomination for portraying Jason, will be seeing St Cecilia’s from the other side of the confessional, this time as The Priest. Tickets go on sale in July at www.bare-la.com. For more information visit www.facebook.com/barelosangeles.

Troubies Head to La Mirada
The Troubies take their summer hit, A Midsummer Saturday Night’s Fever Dream directed byMatt Walker to La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts July 12 – 14. How Deep Is Your Love for the Troubies?! Join them as they dig down to their roots and dust off their fairy wings, tights and white disco suits to re-imagine Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The star-crossed lovers steam and scheme, and the Bard‘s most famous fairy, Puck, will be Jive Talkin’ as this assorted band of merrymakers heats up into a Disco Inferno. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada. For tickets call (562) 944-9801 or visit www.lamiradatheatre.com.

Sunset Boulevard Announces Complete Cast
Casting has been announced for Musical Theatre West’s production ofSunset Boulevard, to run July 12 - 28 at Long Beach’s Carpenter PAC, exactly 20 years to the day (July 28) after the show’s world premiere. Larry Rabendirects, with musical direction by David Lamoureuxand musical staging by John Todd. The cast features Valerie Perrias Norma Desmond, David Burnham as Joe Gillis, Norman Largeas Max von Mayerling, Ashley Fox Lintonas Betty Schaeffer, Jeff Skowron as Sheldrake & Manfred and Marc Ginsburg as Artie, along with Lucas Coleman, Peyton Crim, Marisa Field, Brad Fitzgerald, Karla Franco, Juan Guillan, Caitlin Humphreys, Will Huse, Tom McMahon, Tiana Okoye, Kirklyn Robinson, Trance Thomas and John Todd. For tickets call (562) 856-1999, ext. 4 or visit www.musical.org.

WCOPA Finals
The 17th Annual World Championships of Performing Arts(WCOPA)Finals Competition will be held Friday, July 19, 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the California Ballroom - Westin Bonaventure Hotel, 404 S. Figueroa Street, LA 90071. A limited number of tickets are available for CA residents. Talent contestants from the more than 40 countries and the USA will vie for the crown in various competitive events: dancing, singing, modeling, acting, variety and instrumental. Witness who will take the crown at this finals competition! And returning this year to perform on the World Champions stage is superstar Filipino recording artist and 2005 WCOPA Grand Champion, Jed Madela. Tickets: $25 online at http://wcopafinalscompetition.eventbrite.com.

Brecht On Brecht Returns
Brecht On Brecht, based on the writings of Bertolt Brecht, conceived by George Tabori from various translations and arranged & directed by Alistair Hunterreturns to Atwater Playhouse for three performances June 28 - 30. Presented by The Other Theatre Company, it is a mixed-media collage of poems, scenes, songs, and images that present the life, times, and work of Bertolt Brecht (Threepenny Opera) one of the great playwrights, directors, and poets of the 20th century. The new cast includes Gil Hagen-Hill, Daniel Houston-Davila, Belinda Howell, Susan Kussman, and Gregg Lawrencewith musicians Gayle Bluemel (who also musical directs) and Scott Shepherd. Atwater Playhouse, 3191 Casitas Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90039. For tickets call (323) 960-1054 or go to www.Plays411.com/brecht.

Chicago Stars
Initial casting has been announced for the Hollywood Bowl production of Chicago, directed by Brooke Shields and conducted byRob Fisher, to run July 26 - 28. The cast will star Samantha Barks, as Velma, Drew Careyas Amos, Lucy Lawlessas Mama Morton and Stephen Moyeras Billy Flynn. The role of Roxy and rest of the cast are TBA. www.hollywoodbowl.com

Ryan Black’s 88’s June 26 Lineup
Don’t Tell Mama LA - Wednesday June 26 at 8pm with co-hostess Reba Arebaand musical director Greg Nabours. Artists include Cortes Alexander, Melissa Bailey, Julie Dixon Jackson,Julie Garnye, Crystal Starr Knighton, Kat Kramer, Alex Mohajer, Jai Rodriguez, Jerry Sharell, Vanessa Stewart, French Stewart, Haviland Stillwell, Rena Strober, Alistair Tober, Danielle Truitt, and the cast of DOMA Theatre’s NINE. Open mic after the show. Click Here for reservations or call (323) 380-7209.

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IONESCOPADE: On the Edge of Madness with Bill Castellino

PBS Airs National Memorial Day Concert from the Capitol

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What's Happening Around Town for June 5, 2013

What's Happening Around Town for June 7, 2013

Review: The Troubies' A Midsummer Saturday Night's Fever Dream

What's Happening Around Town for June 11, 2013

Hollywood Fringe Review: A Man of No Importance

Hollywood Fringe Review: The Time Machine Musical

What's Happening Around Town for June 16, 2013

Hollywood Fringe Review: The Road To High Street

Hollywood Fringe Review: EXORCISTIC: The Rock Musical Parody Experiment

Hollywood Fringe Review: 30MM Independence Day

What's Happening Around Town for June 22, 2013