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The convergence of desire and metamorphosis that unfolds before us cannot be mistaken for anything but a supreme moment of what we call le merveilleux quotidien. Here, we witness the precise instant when reality surrenders its tedious logic to the superior logic of dreams. What more perfect assassination of reason could we demand than this fusion of man and beast, where neither maintains the integrity of their original form? The horse - that ancient symbol... Read more →


In "Listing," Russell Brown's debut theatrical work, the playwright translates his cinematic sensibilities to the stage. He builds a narrative that interweaves Los Angeles' architectural heritage with contemporary social tensions. The play centers on Raymond, a real estate agent whose professional and personal worlds collide when he takes on the listing of a modernist masterpiece. Brown's background in film and his work with FORT: LA infuse the production with an authentic understanding of Los Angeles'... Read more →


Matt Roth's direction of "Bob's Holiday Office Party" cleverly balances small-town satire with broader cultural commentary. The production, marking its 27th year, transforms the Odyssey Theatre into a microcosm of Midwestern social dynamics. Roth orchestrates the chaos of this annual insurance office gathering with precision, allowing the ensemble's competing energies to build naturally toward hilarious crescendos. The staging uses the office setting to underscore themes of entrapment and aspiration, as Bob Finhead's dreams of escape... Read more →


Mia Christou’s direction of “A Doll’s House” at the Beverly Hills Playhouse breathes new life into Ibsen’s groundbreaking classic, running in tandem with Allen Barton’s staging (conversation here) of “A Doll’s House, Part 2”. This fresh adaptation tackles the timeless themes of identity, societal expectations, and personal freedom with a contemporary edge that resonates deeply with modern audiences. The parallel productions offer a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of these themes across time, with... Read more →


"An Actor's Carol" reframes Dickens' yuletide narrative through the prism of physical theater, offering a compelling synthesis of vaudeville, clown work, and mime. David Weber's solo performance transforms the Victorian morality tale into a kinetic exploration of redemption, where the performer's athletic prowess serves as both medium and message. The adaptation, crafted by Weber along with Tim Blewitt and Zach Hilbun, strips away traditional theatrical artifice to reveal the raw essence of Dickens' story through... Read more →


“Soldier to Soldier” confronts the paradox of veteran homelessness with unflinching directness. Johnson’s work, emerging from his experience as a Marine and his engagement with Skid Row veterans, transforms personal narrative into political statement. The play’s structural focus on five central characters - Bobby, Karen, Eleanor, Jimmy, and Carlos. Each serve as a microcosm of the larger veteran community. Their interconnected stories reveal the systemic failures in veteran support systems. Johnson leverages the authenticity of... Read more →


“The Ugly Duckling” at Theatre West marks a significant milestone in children’s theater as Storybook Theatre celebrates its 40th anniversary. This adaptation, with book by Lloyd J. Schwartz and music and lyrics by Adryan Russ, transforms Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless tale into an interactive musical experience. Under Barbara Mallory Schwartz’s direction, the production employs theatrical devices that engage young audiences while maintaining artistic integrity. The inclusion of a ballet sequence demonstrates the creative team’s understanding... Read more →


“Two Girls” represents a significant evolution in podcast theater, marking Open-Door Playhouse’s continued commitment to innovative dramatic presentation. Costa’s work, distinguished by its selection as a Heideman Award finalist, explores the aftermath of violence through a poetic dialogue between two women. The piece demonstrates Costa’s ability to distill complex emotional experiences into poignant dramatic moments, a skill evident throughout her body of work. Under Bernadette Armstrong’s direction, Barika Phillips and Ayla Rose Barreau navigate the... Read more →


The intersection of digital media and traditional theater finds compelling expression in Allie Costa’s “Rise Up,” a new audio play that probes the unexpected consequences of seeking spiritual refuge. This production, staged in the intimate format of a podcast theater, demonstrates Open-Door Playhouse’s commitment to nurturing contemporary dramatic voices. Costa’s work, directed by Rachel Berney Needleman, explores themes of isolation and discovery through the story of an impulsive retreat gone awry. The casting of Tiana... Read more →


Knudson’s latest work explores familial grief through the lens of generational trauma. Set in Montana during a 24-hour period, the events take place over two days: first for 12 hours on the initial day, then resume one week later on the day of the funeral. the play examines how past decisions reverberate through time, shaping relationships between parents and children. Through dialogue and emotional revelations, the script reveals how secrets can either heal or further... Read more →


Lisa Robins’ solo performance “Committed?” explores the complex territory of grief and survival in the wake of her brother’s suicide. This world premiere at Rogue Machine Theatre offers a raw, introspective journey through the aftermath of tragedy. Robins’ script, born from a deeply personal experience, navigates the delicate balance between humor and heartbreak. Her approach to this sensitive subject matter is both daring and necessary, challenging us to confront the often-taboo topic of suicide with... Read more →