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| Lila Coogan as Anya. Photo by Matthew Murphy. |
Adapted by Terrence McNally and set to a gorgeous score by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, Anastasia is currently celebrating an open-ended run on Broadway and now the touring production comes to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, Oct. 8 - 27, directed by Tony Award®-winning director Darko Tresnjak. For tickets and more information, visit www.hollywoodpantages.com/anastasia.
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Victoria Bingham (Little Anastasia) and Joy Franz (Dowager Empress).
Photo by Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade. |
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| Lila Coogan (Anya) and Stephen Brower (Dmitry). Photo by Matthew Murphy. |
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| Lila Coogan (Anya) and the company. Photo by Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade. |
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Edward Staudenmayer (Vlad), Lila Coogan (Anya), Stephen Brower (Dmitry) and the company.
Photo by Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade. |
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| Jason Michael Evans (Gleb). Photo by Matthew Murphy, MurphyMade. |
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| Lila Coogan (Anya) and Stephen Brower (Dmitry). Photo by Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade. |
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Lila Coogan (Anya), Stephen Brower (Dmitry) and the company.
Photo by Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade. |
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| Patricia Jewel and Ella Saldana North. All photos by Ed Krieger. |
Join MainStreet Theatre Company at the Lewis Family Playhouse for the west coast premiere of OLIVÉRio: A Brazilian Twist beginning October 12th. This musical retelling of Oliver Twist is set in modern-day Rio de Janeiro and features book and lyrics by Karen Zacarías and music by Deborah Wicks La Puma. A live Brazilian band accompanies the production so get your tickets now at www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com. Show runs October 12 - 27!
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L-R: Reuben Uy, Gigi Bermingham, Patricia Jewel, Anthea Neri Best,
Janet Greaves, and Max Torrez |
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| Ella Saldana North |
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| Patricia Jewel |
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October 11, 2019, 11:23 am
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| Karole Foreman. All photos by Pat Loeb. |
Join International City Theatre for an intimate evening with legendary jazz songstress Billie Holiday in Lanie Robertson’s glorious musical portrait of one of the greatest jazz and blues vocalists of all time. Starring Karole Foreman in the title role, and with music direction by Stephan Terry and Ebony Rep founding artistic director Wren T. Brown directing, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill takes the audience through what will be Holiday’s last performance in a seedy Philadelphia bar in 1959. Foreman performs more than a dozen of her best loved songs including “God Bless the Child,” “Crazy He Calls Me,” “T’ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do” and “Strange Fruit.” Oct. 18 – Nov. 3. Get your tickets now at ICTlongbeach.org.
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| Stephan Terry and Karole Foreman |
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| Karole Foreman |
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| Karole Foreman and Stephan Terry |
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October 13, 2019, 11:29 am
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Aurora Florence (Girl) and Tom Frank (Guy)
All photos by Caught in the Moment Photography. |
3-D Theatricals launches its 2019-2020 season with ONCE, The Musical directed by Kari Hayter and choreographed by Linda Love Simmons with musical direction and conducting by David Lamoureux. Adapted from the Academy Award-winning motion picture written and directed by John Carney, ONCE follows a heartbroken Irish guitarist who has given up on love and music until an immigrant girl inspires him to keep going. Their shared love of music draws the two together and the unexpected friendship quickly evolves into a powerful but complicated love story. Through October 27th at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. 3dtheatricals.org
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| The cast of ONCE the Musical |
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| Scott Warra (Da) and Tom Frank |
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| Katherine Washington (Reza) and the cast |
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Andrew Huber (Andrej) and cast
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| Leota Rhodes (Ex-Girlfriend) |
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| Aurora Florence |
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| Katherine Washington and the cast |
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| Cynthia Marty (Barushka), Aurora Florence, and Quinn Copeland (Ivanka) |
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| Tom Frank |
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| Aurora Florence and Tom Frank |
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| Aurora Florence and cast |
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| Andy Taylor (Bank Manager) Aurora Florence, and Tom Frank |
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| Tom Frank, Quinn Copeland, and Aurora Florence |
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October 20, 2019, 1:23 pm
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Katharine McDonough, Adam Pascal and the cast of The Music Man
All photos by Ed Krieger |
Adam Pascal stars as Professor Harold Hill in 5-Star Theatricals’ production of The Music Man at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The Meredith Willson classic musical is directed by Larry Raben, with musical direction by Brad Ellis and choreography by Peggy Hickey. The cast also includes Katharine McDonough as Marian, Trent Mills, Joshua Blond, Lisa Dyson, Savannah Fischer, Dani Gonzalez, Rich Grosso, Joe Hart, Christie Lynn Lawrence, Antonia Vivino, Chris Hunter, Jonathan Matthews, James Thomas Miller, Richard Storrs, L. Michael Wells, Adam Winer, and an ensemble of 24. Now through October 27th. 5startheatricals.com![]() |
Adam Pascal and Katharine McDonough
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Adam Pascal and Trent Mills
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L. Michael Wells, Jonathan Matthews, Chris Hunter and James Thomas Miller
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| Adam Winer and Antonia Vivino |
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| Adam Pascal and Katharine McDonough |
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| Adam Pascal |
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| Adam Pascal, Joshua Blond, and Katharine McDonough |
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| Katharine McDonough and Adam Pascal (center) and cast |
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| Adam Pascal (right) and the company of The Music Man |
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October 26, 2019, 8:34 pm
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David Aron Damane (Jim) and Josey Montana McCoy (Huck).
All photos by Loren Haar |
Rubicon Theatre’s environmental production of Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn runs through November 10th. The show is propelled by a soul-stirring score of country, pop, gospel and bluegrass music created by Roger Miller (“King of the Road”), and is a theatrical celebration of pure Americana. Directed by Kirby Ward, with a company of 23, the production runs Wednesdays through Sundays in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District at 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001. Tickets: www.rubicontheatre.org.
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L-R: Mike Nappi, Nick McKenna, Emma Vielbig, Brandon Ruitter, Sara Freedland,
and Josey Montana McCoy |
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| Sara Freedland, Cassidy Stirtz, and Emma Vielbig |
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| Josey Montana McCoy |
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Josey Montana McCoy, Summer Greer, Cheyenne Green, Renn Woods,
Carter Michael, and Joshua Valerion |
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| David Aron Damone, Larry Cedar, Richard Hebert, and Josey Montana McCoy |
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| Teri Bibb, Josey Montana McCoy, David Aron Damone, and Clarinda Ross |
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October 27, 2019, 12:41 pm
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| The Company of Matilda the Musical. All photos by Jason Niedle |
From the genius of Roald Dahl comes the Tony Award-winning Matilda, the Musical by Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly, the story of an extraordinary girl who - armed with a vivid imagination, a sharp mind and a love for books - dares to take a stand against the tyranny of adults who seek to crush her imagination. Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and featuring a gifted young actress, Matilda is a joyous girl-power romp! Get your tickets now at www.lamiradatheatre.com. ![]() |
| Constance Jewell Lopez and Audrey Cymone and the company |
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| The company of Matilda, the Musical |
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| Erica Hanrahan (center) and the company |
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| Michael A. Shepperd and Nicole Santiago |
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| Audrey Cymone (center) and the company |
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| Nicole Santiago (left) and Michael A. Shepperd (right) with the company |
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| Danil Chernyy, Nicole Santiago and Erica Hanrahan |
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| The company of Matilda, the Musical |
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| Erik Hall, Josh Adamson, Erica Hanrahan and Audrey Cymone |
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December 7, 2019, 12:14 pm
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Caroline Ixnnerbichler (Anna), Caroline Bowman (Elsa), and the Company of Frozen.
|All photos by Deen van Meer |
The Frozen North American tour by Disney Theatrical Producitons has officially opened for a nine-week run at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre starring Caroline Bowman as Elsa and Caroline Innerbichler as Anna, the sisters at the heart of the joy-filled musical. Joining them are principal cast members Austin Colby (Bowman’s husband) as Hans, F. Michael Haynie as Olaf, Mason Reeves as Kristoff, Jeremy Morse as Weselton, Collin Baja and Evan Strand alternating as Sven, as well as Stella Cobb (Young Anna), Alyssa Kim (Young Elsa), Jaiden Klein (Young Elsa), and Arwen Monzon-Sanders (Young Anna).
Frozen also features Caelan Creaser, C.K. Edwards, Michael Everett, Berklea Going, Michael Allan Haggerty, Tyler Jimenez, Hannah Jewel Kohn, Marina Kondo, Dustin Layton, Nika Lindsay, Tatyana Lubov, Adrianna Rose Lyons, Ralph Meitzler, Kelly Methven, Michael Milkanin, Kyle Lamar Mitchell, Jessie Peltier, Naomi Rodgers, Daniel Switzer, Zach Trimmer, Brit West, and Natalie Wisdom.
A mysterious secret. A family torn apart. As one sister struggles with being an outsider and harnessing her powers within, the other sets out on a thrilling adventure to bring her family together once again. Both are searching for love, but they’ll learn that to find it they’ll have to look inside themselves first.
This all-new production is created for the stage by an award-winning team. It features the songs you know and love from the original Oscar®-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. Joining them on a creative team that has won a cumulative 16 Tony Awards are Oscar winner Jennifer Lee (book), Tony and Olivier Award winner Michael Grandage (director), and Tony winner Rob Ashford (choreographer). Get your tickets now at HollywoodPantages.com!
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| Caroline Bowman as Elsa |
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| Collin Baja (Sven) and F. Michael Haynie (Olaf) |
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| Caroline Innerbichler (Anna), Naomi Rodgers, and Caelan Creaser |
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| Caroline Innerbichler (Anna) and Mason Reeves (Kristoff) |
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| The Company of Frozen |
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| Mason Reeves (Kristoff) and Collin Baja (Sven) |
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| Caroline Bowman (Elsa) |
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| The Company of Frozen |
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| Caroline Innerbichler (Anna) and the Company of Frozen |
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December 8, 2019, 2:24 pm
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John O'Hurley and the Company of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell: A Pirates' Christmas.
All photos by Cathy Cunningham |
Peter Pan and Tinkerbell: A Pirates' Christmas is a singing, swashbuckling adventure performed in the high-flying style of a British holiday Panto. Take off on a wild quest with Tinker Bell (Ashley Argota), Wendy (Bryce Charles) and Peter Pan (Lincoln Clauss) as they try to put a stop to the plot of some dastardly pirates who plan to kidnap Peter as a present to Captain Hook (John O'Hurley). Filled with big laughs, magic, dancers and contemporary songs by everyone from Taylor Swift to The Bee Gees, this family show has a little bit of something for everyone. Make it your new holiday tradition! Tickets are available at www.lagunaplayhouse.com.
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| Lincoln Clauss and Ashley Argota |
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| L-R: Dakota Lotus, Daniel Peters, Lincoln Clauss and Bryce Charles |
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| Clarice Ordaz (center) and the Company |
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| Lincoln Clauss (center) and the Company |
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| John O’Hurley and Ben Giroux |
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| Dakota Lotus and Bryce Charles |
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| Ben Giroux and John O’Hurley |
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| John O’Hurley, Dakota Lotus, Bryce Charles, Daniel Peters and Lincoln Clauss |
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December 11, 2019, 4:48 pm
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L-R (front): Rick Batalla, Dave C. Wright, Beth Kennedy and Chelle Denton.
Back row: Janelle Lillian, Matt Walker and Luis “L.T.” Martinez. All photos by Ed Krieger |
Troubadour Theater Company is back and better than ever for the holidays with A Christmas Carole King, combining the soulful songs of Carole King with that seasonal favorite, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Adapted by Matt Walker and featuring musical direction by Derrick Finely choreography by Matt Walker, Suzanne Jolie Narbonne and Luis “L.T.” Martinez, it runs through December 22nd at the El Portal Theatre. Starring Rick Batalla, Chelle Denton, Beth Kennedy, Janelle Lillian, Luis “L.T.” Martinez, Mike Sulprizio, Cloie Wyatt Taylor, Matt Walker and David C. Wright, with set design by Christopher Murillo; sound design by Daniel C. Tator; and costume design by Halei Parker. It’s the hottest ticket in town so get them now at www.elportaltheatre.com!
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| Mike Sulprizio and Matt Walker |
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| Mike Sulprizio, Janelle Lillian, Matt Walker, Chelle Denton and Cloie Wyatt Taylor |
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| Mike Sulprizio and Rick Batalla |
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| [Center] Cloie Wyatt Taylor and Mike Sulprizio with the Company |
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| Mike Sulprizio Matt Walker and Dave C. Wright |
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L-R: Dave C. Wright, Matt Walker, Mike Sulprizio, Chelle Denton, Luis “L.T.”
Martinez, Janelle Lillian, Rick Batalla and Beth Kennedy |
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| Mike Sulprizio, Patrick Steven Toth and Kendall Johnson |
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Luis “L.T.” Martinez, Cloie Wyatt Taylor, Beth Kennedy, Matt Walker, Janelle Lillian,
Chelle Denton, Rick Batalla and Dave C. Wright |
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December 12, 2019, 5:20 pm
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Sean Bell, Joshua David Cavanaugh, Adolpho Blaire and Zak Edwards.
All photos by Jeanne Tanner |
A loveable, nerdy “guy group” from the 50s and 60s struck down in the prime of life gets sent back to Earth for one night to perform the big holiday concert they never got to perform in life, in Plaid Tidings, written and directed by Stuart Ross. The fun-filled, hilarious musical comedy features a slew of holiday favorites such as “Cool Yule,” “Let it Snow,” and “Joy to the World”; a hysterically funny speed-date version of “The Ed Sullivan Show” featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir; and other memorable hits from the era, like “Sh-Boom,” “Fever” and “Hey There.” Now through December 29th at Rubicon Theatre in Ventura. Get your tickets now at www.rubicontheatre.org!
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| Adolpho Blaire, Sean Bell, Joshua David Cavanaugh and Zak Edwards |
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| Joshua David Cavanaugh, Zak Edwards, Adolpho Blaire and Sean Bell |
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| Sean Bell, Joshua David Cavanaugh, Adolpho Blaire and Zak Edwards |
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| Adolpho Blaire and Sean Bell |
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December 14, 2019, 5:13 pm
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Emily Abeles as Anne Shirley.
All photos by Doug Catiller, True Image Studio |
Chance Theater brings the heartwarming musical Anne of Green Gables back to its stage for the fifth time, directed by artistic director Casey Long and starring Emily Abeles as Anne Shirley. Based on the best-selling novel, it is a perfect holiday story the whole family can enjoy. The Cuthberts expect to adopt a boy, but receive, instead, a red-haired, wide-eyed orphan girl named Anne. Though clever, this precocious young girl has a penchant for getting into trouble but still manages to work her way into the hearts of her adoptive parents as well as the residents of rural Prince Edward Island. The show runs through December 29th at Chance Theater in Anaheim so get your tickets today! www.chancetheater.com
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| Maya Valenciano (Diana Barry) and Emily Abeles |
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| David Šášik, Caleb Smith, Grace Bates, Maya Valenciano, and Darla Jacobs |
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| William Crisp (Matthew Cuthbert) and Emily Abeles |
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| Marina Coffee (Marilla Cuthbert)and Emily Abeles |
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| David Šášik (Gilbert Blythe) and Emily Abeles |
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Maya Valenciano, Samantha Bussard, Carolina J. Flores, Emily Abeles,
and Marina Coffee |
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Caleb Smith, Emily Abeles, David Šášik, Samantha Bussard, Owen Di Sciullo,
and Lily Bryson |
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January 16, 2020, 2:43 pm
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| The Cast of Rock of Ages |
Rocker alert! Rock of Ages, the ‘80s rock musical that took Broadway by storm has officially opened and is now playing an open-ended in Hollywood. “The five-time Tony Award-nominated hit classic is back with an immersive theatrical and dining experience at a specially built performance venue and nightlife destination named after the venue at the center of the show, The Bourbon Room.” Sure to be a don’t-miss destination for both visitors and locals alike, you can get tickets now at www.rockofageshollywood.com.
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| Sean Yves Lessard as Stacee Jaxx |
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| Nick Cordero as Dennis |
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| Ian Ward as Drew |
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| Nick Cordero (Dennis), Frankie Grande (Franz) |
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| Matt Wolpe as Lonny |
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| Callandra Olivia (Sherrie) and Ian Ward (Drew) |
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| The Cast of Rock of Ages |
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| Pat Towne (Hertz) and Frankie Grande (Franz) |
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| Ian Ward (Drew), Nick Cordero (Dennis) and Matt Wolpe (Lonny) |
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| The Cast of Rock of Ages |
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February 8, 2020, 2:22 pm
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Christopher Patow, Holly Reichert, Reese Hewitt, Ron Hastings,
Jennifer Richardson, and Ashlee Espinosa. |
Chance Theater presents Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori’s Fun Home, based on the true life experiences of writer Alison Bechdel and her father Bruce, which Bechdel wrote about in her graphic novel of the same name. This production at the Chance will highlight the intimate nature of the story by re-configuring the stage into an alley design. The action will take place in the middle and the audience will be seated on opposite sides with no one further than three rows away from the stage. This up close and personal experience is a perfect way to experience Alison’s personal story about sexual awakening and quest for closure with her overbearing and one-of-a-kind father. Through March 1st. For tickets, call (714) 900-3284 or go to www.chancetheater.com. All photos by Doug Catiller, True Image Studio.
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| Ketino Christopher as Joan and Madelyn Velazquez-Heywood as Medium Alison |
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| Ashlee Espinosa as Alison Bechdel and Holly Reichert as Small Alison |
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Holly Reichert as Small Alison, Reese Hewitt as Christian Bechdel, and
Christopher Patow as John Bechdel |
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Jennifer Richardson as Helen, Ashlee Espinosa as Alison Bechdel, Holly Reichert
as Small Alison, and Ron Hastings as Bruce |
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| Holly Reichert as Small Alison and Ron Hastings as Bruce Bechdel |
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| Ashlee Espinosa as Alison Bechdel |
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| Ketino Christopher as Joan and Ron Hastings as Bruce Bechdel |
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February 9, 2020, 1:42 pm
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L-R Margaret Odette, Amy Kim Waschke, Noshir Dalal, Eugene Young, and
Tom Myers. All photos by Jeff Lorch. |
This swashbuckling adventure follows the escapades of the real life queer 17th century swordswoman and opera singer, Julie D’Auginy, played by Margarette Odette. Robert Ross Parker directs the world premiere production of Revenge Song: A Vampire Cowboys Creation, written by Qui Nguyen and featuring original songs by Shane Rettig (music) and Qui Nguyen (lyrics). True to the superhero style of the Vampire Cowboys Theatre Company, the story gives history an outrageous comic book aesthetic and creates a wholly original genre – one that is hilariously fun, and full of hip hop, rock and epic fight scenes. It’s a heroine’s journey you’ve never seen before so get your tickets now at www.geffenplayhouse.org. Feb 4 – March 8 (Opening night, Feb 13).
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| Tom Myers and Margaret Odette |
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| Amy Kim Waschke, Margaret Odette, and Beth Hawkes |
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| Margaret Odette |
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| Beth Hawkes and Margaret Odette |
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| Margaret Odette and Amy Kim Waschke |
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| Tom Myers and Beth Hawkes |
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| Tom Myers and Margaret Odette |
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| Eugene Young and Margaret Odette |
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| Noshir Dalal and Eugene Young |
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| Tom Myers, Margaret Odette, and Noshir Dalal |
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| Amy Kim Waschke, Noshir Dalal, and Beth Hawkes |
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| Eugene Young, Margaret Odette, Beth Hawkes |
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February 15, 2020, 9:30 am
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Front L-R: Kevin Bailey, Fatima El-Bashir, and Carly Thomas Smith.
Above: Payson Lewis. All photos by Barry Weiss |
David Carver Music presents HAMLET The Rock Musical, featuring music and lyrics by Cliff Jones and additional music, lyrics and orchestrations by Craig Fair. Bill Castellino directs a cast of 16 led by Payson Lewis as Hamlet, Kevin Bailey as Claudius, Carly Thomas Smith as Gertrude, and Fatima El–Bashir as Ophelia. Joining them are Thomas Hobson (Horatio), Ian Littleworth (Laertes), Larry Cedar (Polonius), Michael Deni (Marcellus), Justin Michael Wilcox (Rosencrantz), Alli Miller (Guildenstern), and Steve B Green (Ghost/Priest), along with Deanna Anthony, Marie Gutierrez, Tim McGarrigal, Bruce Merkle, and Julia Springer. The creative team also includes musical director and conductor Doug Oberhamer and choreographer Janet Roston.
Performances will take place now through February 23rd at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood before the production begins to tour. Catch this inventive rock and roll staging now. Tickets and more information are available at Hamlettherockmusical.com. Running time: 90 minutes with a 15 minute intermission. And in the interest of giving back, the production will donate one dollar from every ticket sold to Actors For Autism. “To thine own self be true!”
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| Fatima El-Bashir as Ophelia and Payson Lewis as Hamlet |
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Center: Carly Thomas Smith (Gertrude) and Kevin Bailey (Claudius) with
Payson Lewis (Hamlet/above) along with the Company of Hamlet |
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February 17, 2020, 5:08 pm
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The Company of Escape To Margaritaville
All photos © Matthew Murphy |
Who’s ready for a Cheeseburger in Paradise? It’s time to kick back, relax, and Escape To Margaritaville! The score to this island musical comedy is packed with terrific Jimmy Buffet tunes like “Fins,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Volcano,” and “Margaritaville,” plus some new additions to keep the fun going. The book is by Emmy Award® winner Greg Garcia (My Name is Earl, Raising Hope) and Emmy Award® nominee Mike O’Malley (Survivors Remorse, Shameless).
Amy Anders Corcoran (Freaky Friday) recreates the original direction by Tony Award-Winner Christopher Ashley (Come From Away); Choreography is by Tony Award-Nominee Kelly Devine (Come From Away), with associate choreography by Andrew Turteltaub (Escape to Margaritaville), and the production features music direction by one of Los Angeles’ favorite musical directors, Matthew Smedal(Clueless: The Musical). February 18 – March 8 at the Dolby Theatre. Remember, it’s 5:00 somewhere. Tickets and more information is available at www.broadwayinhollywood.com.
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| Sarah Hinrichsen as Rachel and Chris Clark as Tully |
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| Rachel Lyn Fobbs as Marley, Matthew James Sherrod as Jamal and the Company |
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| The Company of Escape To Margaritaville |
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| Shelly Lynn Walsh as Tammy and Peter Michael Jordan as Brick |
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L-R: Shelly Lynn Walsh (Tammy), Peter Michael Jordan (Brick), Chris Clark (Tully),
and Sarah Hinrichsen (Rachel) |
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| The National Tour Company of Escape To Margaritaville |
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| Amir Levi in Nathan C. Jones: A Love Story |
“May you live in interesting times,” has taken on new meaning in 2020 amid the current world health crisis. No one could have imagined a scenario like this where theater doors would be forced to close indefinitely. And yet, they have. But you can’t dampen the heart of an artist for they will always find a way to create. That resilience is what should inspire us all as we continue to look to the future.
The Blank Theatre has a long history of keeping its eye on the future. For the last 30 years, The Blank has nurtured countless artists with its Young Playwrights Festivals, developmental Living Room Series, and fully-produced mainstage productions, all led by the impeccable Daniel Henning. And while the Living Room Series is unable to continue in person for now it has found a new outlet online, just as compelling. Two thought-provoking solo works are currently being presented: Nixon on Nixon, a new play by Sean Waldron starring Rob Nagle, and Nathan C. Jones: A Love Story?, a new musical by Vanessa Claire Stewart and Brendan Milburn starring Amir Levi.
On the surface, Nathan C. Jones appears to be an unassuming little show about a young man and his new romance. But, as the audience is drawn further and further into the story, it becomes clear that the writers are exploring much deeper questions about loneliness, the desire to be loved, and what happens when reality sits on shifting sands.
The 50-minute piece plays out episodically in Nathan’s living room beginning with a call from Chad that establishes their ongoing relationship. As Nathan realizes Chad could be the one, it brings out all of Nathan’s hopes, dreams, doubts, and insecurities in a series of stream of consciousness scenes and songs that provide a window into the thought process of a mentally fragile individual.
Milburn’s music is light and airy, with a decidedly upbeat musical theatre sensibility that functions as a running “soundtrack” for Nathan thinking through his days. The exception (and best of the lot) is a song in which Nathan builds up the courage to friend Chad on Facebook. It captures the wistfulness of wanting to be accepted and loved, giving depth to both the character and the overall production. Lyric duties are shared by Milburn and Stewart, whose deceptively simple book keeps its secrets until the big reveal but drops clues along the way.
Henning directs with a light touch. He knows exactly when to highlight a moment and when to pull back and let the writing do the work. This is a recorded and edited version of a theatre piece - with none of the artists working in the same space - and a unique example of modern-day guerrilla theatre reinvented for a new age. The world they’ve created is intentionally elusive and Levi never overplays his hand. He makes Nathan an odd, but likable sad sack of a human being; at times, a vulnerable underdog you really hope gets his happy ending and, at others, a train-wreck you can’t look away from. Chances are you know a Nathan or two without even realizing it. Don’t leave before the epilogue which brings everything into perspective.
Nathan C. Jones: A Love Story? is a quirky slice of life that hits home in today’s off-kilter reality. It may not be the musical you expect but it is most definitely the musical we need. Relevant? There’s no question about it.
Two additional performances will stream live on June 4 and 11 at 5pm PDT/8pm EDT at www.youtube.com/TheBlankTheatreCo. You can comment in the chat box while the show is streaming which creates a fun way to engage with the rest of the audience, or you can eliminate the chat if you want to watch the production full screen. The show will be available for three weeks and will then move to The Blank’s Third Stage on Patreon. There is no charge to watch the performances however you are encouraged to make a donation which will go to the artists who created the show HERE. For more about the Blank Theatre visit www.theblank.com.
Photos courtesy of The Blank Theatre
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