I’m still on hiatus but so much is happening that I decided to post an update of What’s Happening! Now, back to my fishing...
BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT: Michael Butler is mounting a new production of the original HAIR in L.A. and is crowdfunding to ignite the venture. He’s elated to start this awakening, this movement; the same Movement he and HAIR created in the 1960s and 70s. Check out the compelling video.
“I produced the original Broadway production as well as the feature film of HAIR because of my concern for the political drift in America. War, Freedom, Civil Rights, Openness, Women’s Rights and the Environment which were just some of issues,” says Butler. “Today there are many more problems. It’s time for HAIR to rise again as a NewNation, to help create a movement to address our common concerns.” The production reunites director Rachel Anderson and Michael Butler as they recreate a lively forum for social activism and change. Their history of work spans 14 years which have been spent in shared passion for using theatre to bring awareness and transformation to the world around them. Anderson is committed to building an authentic tribe, not of “actors” but activists, for HAIR, who will declare a message of compassion, freedom, and empowerment to the community and beyond. “This won’t be simply an evening of entertainment. This will be a movement....a place to gather, to educate, to honor, and to learn.” They are also thrilled to have Ben Vereen as part of their tribe. www.HairNewNation.com
OPENINGS:The Colony Theatre presents the west coast premiere of Breath and Imagination:The Story of Roland Hayes, a true story by Daniel Beaty, directed bySaundra McClain, with musical direction by Rahn Coleman. Previews begin on September 11 and opening night is set for Saturday, Sept. 14 at 8pm. The will run through October 13. Roland Hayesmade history as the first world-renowned African-American classical singer. He was the son of slaves, and grew up in poverty on a Georgia plantation. As a man, he became the toast of two continents, headlining at Carnegie Hall and singing for kings and queens of Europe, blazing a path for Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, and countless others who came after. In this extraordinary, inspiring play filled with music, audiences will discover how the gift of his father’s pocket watch set him on his remarkable journey to greatness. Elijah Rock plays Hayes;Karan Kendrick will play his mother, Angel Mo’, and Kevin Ashworth is The Accompanist. Tickets: (818) 558-7000 ext. 15 or www.colonytheatre.org.
The Pokémusicalis back by popular demand following its sold-out run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. It re-opens on Sept. 6 for a four-week run at Theatre Asylum–The Elephant Space. The Pokémusical follows the first journey of Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu and the rest of the crew from the original games and animé as they traverse Kanto - this time with a little added song and dance. Viewed through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy with a dream, their everyman journey shows us what it truly means to be the “very best.” Remember: all good things come to those that take life by the Pokéballs. With an original book and lyrics byAlex Syiekand music by Andrew L. Cooper, The Pokémusical is presented by Color and Light Theatre Ensemble in association with DOMA Theatre Company and Combined Artform. Staging is by Joanna Syiek, with musical direction by Jennifer Lin. Performances are Fridays at 8pm and Saturdays at midnight through Sept. 28. Tickets: (323) 802-4990 or www.colorandlighttheatre.org.
Kentwood Players presents the comedy rock musicalLittle Shop of Horrors with book by Howard Ashman and music & lyrics by Alan Menken, Sept. 13 – Oct. 19, at the Westchester Playhouse. The production is directed by Michael-Anthony Nozzi, with musical director Joshua Eli Kranz, and produced by Shari Barrett and Sheridan Cole Crawford. It will feature original Audrey II puppets designed by Michael-Anthony Nozzi and costumes designed by Maria Cohen and Arlene Cohen. The cast includes Kristin Towers-Rowlesas Audrey andBrett Chapinas Seymour, with Elizabeth Adabale (Ronnette), Shari Barrett, Randy Brown (Orin), David Contreras, John Devereaux, Ruth Andrea Featherstone, Rusty Gregg, Barbara Haberman, Addy Hall, Emma Hall, Trevor Hart, Stephanie Hotz, Carly Linehan (Audrey Sept. 20-22), Amanda Majkrzak (Crystal), Peter Miller (Mr. Mushnik), Fiona Okida, Michael Sandidge, Ethan Schyman, Hollister Starrett, Cole Edward Wagner, and Brittney S. Wheeler (Chiffon) Tickets: (310) 645-5156 or www.kentwoodplayers.org.
The Old Globe has announced the cast and creative team for The Last Goodbye, a new musical fusing Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with the incendiary songs of the legendary singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley. Conceived and adapted by Michael Kimmel, the rock musical is directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Alex Timbers, with choreography by Sonya Tayeh and orchestrations, music direction and arrangements by Kris Kukul. The Last Goodbye will run Sept. 20 – Nov. 3, with opening night set for Sunday, Oct. 6 at 6:30 pm. Jay Armstrong Johnsonwill play Romeo and Talisa Friedman will appear as Juliet, along with Hale Appleman (Mercutio), Stephen Bogardus (Friar Lawrence), Nancy Snow Carr (Lady Montague), Shannon Cochran (Lady Capulet), Brandon Gill (Benvolio), Bryan Scott Johnson (Montague), Eric Morris (Paris), Daniel Oreskes (Capulet), Tonye Patano (Nurse), Wallace Smith (Prince Escalus) and Jeremy Woodard (Tybalt) with James Brown III, Billy Bustamante, Drew Foster, Adam Perry, Steve Schepis and Nik Walker (Ensemble), Megan Carmitchel (Offstage Singer) and Bradley Gibson (Swing). Tickets: (619) 23-GLOBE or www.theoldglobe.org.
International City Theatre opens its 2014 season with Let’s Misbehave: The Music and Lyrics of Cole Porter, Jan. 24 – Feb. 16 (previews Jan. 22 & 23). In the California premiere of this de-lovely musical conceived by Karin Bowersockand Patrick Young with book by Bowersock, over 30 classic songs by Cole Porter are woven together to tell the story of three single friends in 1930s New York who make a pact to find true love. Their quest is all in good fun until two of the women, Alice and Dorothy, find they have eyes for the same man. It’s clever, funny and irresistibly romantic, featuring songs like “Night and Day,” “Begin the Beguine” and “Anything Goes” from one of America's most beloved and prolific musical theater composers. For information about the complete 2014 season and to subscribe, call (562) 436-4610 or go to http://ictlongbeach.org/
Santa Monica Playhouse is currently presentingAdults, Keep Out!, a delightful musical, written mostly for adults, filled with intrigue, adventure, romance, political satire, and liberal doses of humor, dedicated to Indiana Jones, The Game of Thrones (without the nudity) and the Little Rascals - told in the Playhouse signature commedia-circus style. Featuring Kate Bergeron, Gina Rizzo Bishop, Patrick Censoplano, Ryland Dodge, Sarai Jimenez, Obi Ndefo, and Jessica D. Stone. The show plays Saturdays at 7pm & Sundays at 3pm through Sept. 29. Tickets: 310-394-9779 x1 www.santamonicaplayhouse.com
CONCERTS/CABARET: South Coast Choralecelebrates the life ofMatthew Shepard, the gay, twenty-one year old college student whose murder helped shed light on the issues of hate and bullying in America, with a musical experience that will move and inspire you.Beyond the Fence honors his memory on the 15th anniversary of his passing. Performances of Beyond the Fence will take place October 11, 12, 18 &19 at 8pm and October 13 & 20 at 2pm at Scottish Rite Theater, 855 Elm Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813. For more info:www.sccsingers.com
On Friday, August 30, Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles will once again bring Los Angeles together for its annual outdoor Soundtracks Sing-Along at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. This year, they’ll be crooning to the tunes of Saturday Night Fever, the legendary 1977 movie musical starring John Travolta as disco king Tony Manero. Relive all the trendsetting music of the Bees Gees, KC and the Sunshine Band, Kool & the Gang and more, against the backdrop of Tony’s encounters with love, parents, racial tension and of course, those famous dance moves. https://gmcla.secure.force.com/ticket
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts announced the return of Tribute Fridays 2013, featuring some of the most extraordinary tribute bands performing anywhere in the world. Performances include The Garth Guy (Dean Simmons), Tribute to the Music of Garth Brooks with special guest artist Shades of Shania (Kim Simmons), August 30 at 8pm, and House of Floyd, Tribute to the Music of Pink Floyd, September 6 at 8pm. Tickets: (562) 944-9801or (714) 994-6310 or www.lamiradatheatre.com.
MUSE/IQUE, known for counter-conventional presentations that feel more like parties than formal concerts, announces its 2013-14 season, featuring live performances in surprising locations across a limitless range of musical styles. Events include a free family hip-hop dance party launching the season in October, five concerts in the adventurous “Uncorked” series, three outdoor concerts in MUSE/IQUE’s popular “Summer of Sound” series at Caltech’s Beckman Mall, and its first major fundraiser, “Rail-Bound Sound!,” a musical rail-bound adventure from Pasadena to LA’s Union Station. Tickets and info: (626) 539-7085 www.muse-ique.com.
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BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT: Michael Butler is mounting a new production of the original HAIR in L.A. and is crowdfunding to ignite the venture. He’s elated to start this awakening, this movement; the same Movement he and HAIR created in the 1960s and 70s. Check out the compelling video.
“I produced the original Broadway production as well as the feature film of HAIR because of my concern for the political drift in America. War, Freedom, Civil Rights, Openness, Women’s Rights and the Environment which were just some of issues,” says Butler. “Today there are many more problems. It’s time for HAIR to rise again as a NewNation, to help create a movement to address our common concerns.” The production reunites director Rachel Anderson and Michael Butler as they recreate a lively forum for social activism and change. Their history of work spans 14 years which have been spent in shared passion for using theatre to bring awareness and transformation to the world around them. Anderson is committed to building an authentic tribe, not of “actors” but activists, for HAIR, who will declare a message of compassion, freedom, and empowerment to the community and beyond. “This won’t be simply an evening of entertainment. This will be a movement....a place to gather, to educate, to honor, and to learn.” They are also thrilled to have Ben Vereen as part of their tribe. www.HairNewNation.com
OPENINGS:The Colony Theatre presents the west coast premiere of Breath and Imagination:The Story of Roland Hayes, a true story by Daniel Beaty, directed bySaundra McClain, with musical direction by Rahn Coleman. Previews begin on September 11 and opening night is set for Saturday, Sept. 14 at 8pm. The will run through October 13. Roland Hayesmade history as the first world-renowned African-American classical singer. He was the son of slaves, and grew up in poverty on a Georgia plantation. As a man, he became the toast of two continents, headlining at Carnegie Hall and singing for kings and queens of Europe, blazing a path for Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, and countless others who came after. In this extraordinary, inspiring play filled with music, audiences will discover how the gift of his father’s pocket watch set him on his remarkable journey to greatness. Elijah Rock plays Hayes;Karan Kendrick will play his mother, Angel Mo’, and Kevin Ashworth is The Accompanist. Tickets: (818) 558-7000 ext. 15 or www.colonytheatre.org.
The Pokémusicalis back by popular demand following its sold-out run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. It re-opens on Sept. 6 for a four-week run at Theatre Asylum–The Elephant Space. The Pokémusical follows the first journey of Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu and the rest of the crew from the original games and animé as they traverse Kanto - this time with a little added song and dance. Viewed through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy with a dream, their everyman journey shows us what it truly means to be the “very best.” Remember: all good things come to those that take life by the Pokéballs. With an original book and lyrics byAlex Syiekand music by Andrew L. Cooper, The Pokémusical is presented by Color and Light Theatre Ensemble in association with DOMA Theatre Company and Combined Artform. Staging is by Joanna Syiek, with musical direction by Jennifer Lin. Performances are Fridays at 8pm and Saturdays at midnight through Sept. 28. Tickets: (323) 802-4990 or www.colorandlighttheatre.org.
Kentwood Players presents the comedy rock musicalLittle Shop of Horrors with book by Howard Ashman and music & lyrics by Alan Menken, Sept. 13 – Oct. 19, at the Westchester Playhouse. The production is directed by Michael-Anthony Nozzi, with musical director Joshua Eli Kranz, and produced by Shari Barrett and Sheridan Cole Crawford. It will feature original Audrey II puppets designed by Michael-Anthony Nozzi and costumes designed by Maria Cohen and Arlene Cohen. The cast includes Kristin Towers-Rowlesas Audrey andBrett Chapinas Seymour, with Elizabeth Adabale (Ronnette), Shari Barrett, Randy Brown (Orin), David Contreras, John Devereaux, Ruth Andrea Featherstone, Rusty Gregg, Barbara Haberman, Addy Hall, Emma Hall, Trevor Hart, Stephanie Hotz, Carly Linehan (Audrey Sept. 20-22), Amanda Majkrzak (Crystal), Peter Miller (Mr. Mushnik), Fiona Okida, Michael Sandidge, Ethan Schyman, Hollister Starrett, Cole Edward Wagner, and Brittney S. Wheeler (Chiffon) Tickets: (310) 645-5156 or www.kentwoodplayers.org.
The Old Globe has announced the cast and creative team for The Last Goodbye, a new musical fusing Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with the incendiary songs of the legendary singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley. Conceived and adapted by Michael Kimmel, the rock musical is directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Alex Timbers, with choreography by Sonya Tayeh and orchestrations, music direction and arrangements by Kris Kukul. The Last Goodbye will run Sept. 20 – Nov. 3, with opening night set for Sunday, Oct. 6 at 6:30 pm. Jay Armstrong Johnsonwill play Romeo and Talisa Friedman will appear as Juliet, along with Hale Appleman (Mercutio), Stephen Bogardus (Friar Lawrence), Nancy Snow Carr (Lady Montague), Shannon Cochran (Lady Capulet), Brandon Gill (Benvolio), Bryan Scott Johnson (Montague), Eric Morris (Paris), Daniel Oreskes (Capulet), Tonye Patano (Nurse), Wallace Smith (Prince Escalus) and Jeremy Woodard (Tybalt) with James Brown III, Billy Bustamante, Drew Foster, Adam Perry, Steve Schepis and Nik Walker (Ensemble), Megan Carmitchel (Offstage Singer) and Bradley Gibson (Swing). Tickets: (619) 23-GLOBE or www.theoldglobe.org.
International City Theatre opens its 2014 season with Let’s Misbehave: The Music and Lyrics of Cole Porter, Jan. 24 – Feb. 16 (previews Jan. 22 & 23). In the California premiere of this de-lovely musical conceived by Karin Bowersockand Patrick Young with book by Bowersock, over 30 classic songs by Cole Porter are woven together to tell the story of three single friends in 1930s New York who make a pact to find true love. Their quest is all in good fun until two of the women, Alice and Dorothy, find they have eyes for the same man. It’s clever, funny and irresistibly romantic, featuring songs like “Night and Day,” “Begin the Beguine” and “Anything Goes” from one of America's most beloved and prolific musical theater composers. For information about the complete 2014 season and to subscribe, call (562) 436-4610 or go to http://ictlongbeach.org/
Santa Monica Playhouse is currently presentingAdults, Keep Out!, a delightful musical, written mostly for adults, filled with intrigue, adventure, romance, political satire, and liberal doses of humor, dedicated to Indiana Jones, The Game of Thrones (without the nudity) and the Little Rascals - told in the Playhouse signature commedia-circus style. Featuring Kate Bergeron, Gina Rizzo Bishop, Patrick Censoplano, Ryland Dodge, Sarai Jimenez, Obi Ndefo, and Jessica D. Stone. The show plays Saturdays at 7pm & Sundays at 3pm through Sept. 29. Tickets: 310-394-9779 x1 www.santamonicaplayhouse.com
CONCERTS/CABARET: South Coast Choralecelebrates the life ofMatthew Shepard, the gay, twenty-one year old college student whose murder helped shed light on the issues of hate and bullying in America, with a musical experience that will move and inspire you.Beyond the Fence honors his memory on the 15th anniversary of his passing. Performances of Beyond the Fence will take place October 11, 12, 18 &19 at 8pm and October 13 & 20 at 2pm at Scottish Rite Theater, 855 Elm Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813. For more info:www.sccsingers.com
On Friday, August 30, Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles will once again bring Los Angeles together for its annual outdoor Soundtracks Sing-Along at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. This year, they’ll be crooning to the tunes of Saturday Night Fever, the legendary 1977 movie musical starring John Travolta as disco king Tony Manero. Relive all the trendsetting music of the Bees Gees, KC and the Sunshine Band, Kool & the Gang and more, against the backdrop of Tony’s encounters with love, parents, racial tension and of course, those famous dance moves. https://gmcla.secure.force.com/ticket
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts announced the return of Tribute Fridays 2013, featuring some of the most extraordinary tribute bands performing anywhere in the world. Performances include The Garth Guy (Dean Simmons), Tribute to the Music of Garth Brooks with special guest artist Shades of Shania (Kim Simmons), August 30 at 8pm, and House of Floyd, Tribute to the Music of Pink Floyd, September 6 at 8pm. Tickets: (562) 944-9801or (714) 994-6310 or www.lamiradatheatre.com.
MUSE/IQUE, known for counter-conventional presentations that feel more like parties than formal concerts, announces its 2013-14 season, featuring live performances in surprising locations across a limitless range of musical styles. Events include a free family hip-hop dance party launching the season in October, five concerts in the adventurous “Uncorked” series, three outdoor concerts in MUSE/IQUE’s popular “Summer of Sound” series at Caltech’s Beckman Mall, and its first major fundraiser, “Rail-Bound Sound!,” a musical rail-bound adventure from Pasadena to LA’s Union Station. Tickets and info: (626) 539-7085 www.muse-ique.com.
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