We were saddened to learn that Reprise Theatre Company has come to an end. Founded by Marcia Seligson in 1997, Reprise went on to present 48 main-stage musicals and more than 30 special events through its final productions in 2012. What began as lightly-staged concert versions quickly grew into fully realized productions. Over the past sixteen month hiatus Reprise explored different sources of funding, possible new venues, and the potential of expanding its programming. While they discovered many exciting possibilities, they ultimately concluded that sustained funding was not available and made the difficult decision to cease operations. Thank you for the terrific productions over the years, Reprise. We will miss you!
Avery Schreiber Theatre Closes
And, after a 10-year run hosting a variety of shows that helped put the NoHo Arts District on the map, the iconic Avery Schreiber Theater is closing its doors. The renowned theater, which opened on July 1, 2003 and played host to shows like The Columbine Project, Black Angels Over Tuskegee, The Big Voice, Total Improv Kids (all of which eventually went off Broadway) and dozens of others from a number of gypsy theatre companies, will be renovated into a gastro pub called Fat Dog, continuing the trend of chic eateries opening up in the neighborhood. Owner Linda Fulton will move her Total Improv Kids next door to The Sherry Theater and she will still be active in helping to run NoHo’s Whitmore Lindley Theater as well as lending a hand to a sister theatre to be called the Avery Schreiber Playhouse run by Joanne Mosconi. We wish her all the best!
Fourplay is Clifford Bell, Mary Pat Bowe, Andrea Press and Kelley Yearout. 4 Friends is Bryan Miler, Brenda Silas Moore, Wayne Moore and Gilmore Rizzo. Join them June 29 at MBar in Hollywood, 1253 N. Vine Street (at the southwest corner of Fountain and Vine). Doors open at 7pm and the show begins at 8pm. Valet parking is available and reservations are strongly encouraged: 323-856-0036.
Tanglin’ Hearts Opens at Theatre 40
Tanglin’ Hearts, a country-western musical will play July 25 – August 25 at Theatre 40, with opening night set for July 26. It features book and lyrics by Zora Margolis, music by Peter Spelman and story by Margolis and Charlotte Houghton inspired by Shakespeare’s As You Like It. The production is directed by Allison Bibicoff. Gonzalo Palaciosmusical directs and it is produced by David Hunt Stafford for Theatre 40. The cast includes Brielle Anne Batino, Susan Brindley, Madison Cassaday, Nick Denning, Trip Langley, Kevin Michael Moran, Cailan Rose, Bruce Schroffel, Sarah Schulte and Sean Smith. Kyle Nudo is assistant director and Jan Roper is the vocal coach & accompanist.
In the musical you’ll find Texans who want to preserve the piece of paradise they call home vs. greedy despoilers who will resort to any foul tactic in the interests of power and greed. There’s plenty of toe-tapping country music and cowboys and cowgirls falling in love; even, a couple of the ladies in disguise. Theatre 40, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90212. This is on the campus of Beverly Hills High School. Theatre 40 is a professional company and there is ample free parking beneath the theatre. For tickets call (310) 364-0535 or go to www.theatre40.org.
This is a shout out to the folks down in San Diego as they get ready for their First Annual San Diego Fringe Festival – to be held July 1 - 7, 2013. Breathing new life and inspiration into the performing arts community, producer Kevin Charles Patterson (director of the non-profit arts organization ), has led the efforts to bring local, national, and international artists together for a week of performances including; theatre, dance, music, puppetry, cabaret, cirque, comedy, multi-media presentations and more! Over 50 artists from San Diego, and around the globe will present performances at 10th Avenue Theatre and Arts Centre, Space 4 Art, Seaport Village and the NewSchool of Architecture + Design, along with other less traditional venues around town. Click Here for more information.