In “TH IR DS,” director Jessica Aquila Cymerman conjures an alternate historical narrative that examines America’s divisive nature with an incisive lens. Set in a world where the Civil War never occurred, America is split into three distinct entities: The Union, The Confederate States, and The Pacific States. This fractured reality forms the backdrop for a gripping story centered on Catherine Shepard, a powerful water tycoon, who must broker a clandestine deal to provide water... Read more →
Mike Teverbaugh’s “The (Mostly) True Story of a Common Scold” is a fascinating look at American history through the lens of Anne Royall, the nation’s first female journalist. This play delves into the fraught tensions of the Jacksonian era, where the influence of evangelical leaders sought to reshape America’s ideological landscape. Royall, portrayed by Dendrie Taylor, emerges as a powerful figure, determined in her quest to preserve the secular integrity of the Constitution. The narrative... Read more →
Phil Hendrie’s upcoming performance, “The World of Phil Hendrie,” at Theatre West promises a unique blend of satire and character acting. Hendrie’s career has been defined by his ability to inhabit a multitude of voices, each a hilarious caricature of societal archetypes. From the lisping Chris Norton to the self-important Jay Santos, Hendrie’s characters expose the absurdity of human behavior through exaggeration. His radio show’s innovative format, blurring the lines between host and caller, further... Read more →
In Ronnie Marmo’s direction of Sam Henry Kass’ Brooklyn’s Way, we witness an intense exploration of artistic ambition and personal downfall, set against the ever-gritty backdrop of Los Angeles. Marmo, known for his character-driven narratives, brings a nuanced understanding of the complexities within Kass’ script. The play’s dual protagonists—Scoot, a seasoned writer caught in a web of his own making, and Brooklyn, a young, idealistic assistant—are navigated with a sensitivity that highlights their symbiotic yet... Read more →
In “Patient 13,” playwright and actor Gail Thomas delivers a dark comedy that examines the human psyche’s complexities, especially when faced with mortality. Set against the backdrop of an FDA study on psilocybin as a treatment for anxiety and depression in cancer patients, Thomas explores themes of isolation, vulnerability, and the quest for connection. Her portrayal of a single woman, who must confront her deepest fears and insecurities following a terrifying diagnosis, is poignant and... Read more →
Marcus Folmar’s new comedy, Chicken Stories, serves up a tasty mix of humor and critical social commentary. Staged as a series of vignettes, it examines the role of chicken in Black American culture. Focusing on themes like Black entrepreneurship, generational value shifts, and cultural appropriation, Folmar’s work transports us way beyond the telling of a funny story. The play features a talented cast, including special guest star John Marshall Jones, who adds depth to the... Read more →
Jon Robin Baitz’s play “The Substance of Fire,” directed by Mike Reilly, dives deep into the tangled web of family loyalty and the relentless pursuit of artistic integrity. Reilly guides us through personal trauma, societal expectations, and commercial pressures. At the heart of the story is Isaac Geldhart, portrayed by Rob Morrow, who embodies both resilience and tragic flaw. Marcia Cross brings depth and power to her role as Marge Hackett, a woman ensnared in... Read more →
“Balancing Act,” written by Frank Salisbury and directed by David Datz, recounts the story of an accountant planning to escape with embezzled money, only to be interrupted by a suspicious colleague on the eve of his departure. David Datz, making his directorial debut at Theatre Forty, brings his rich background in directing, playwriting, and acting to this production. Michael Kerr and Starina Johnson star in the lead roles while Jeff G. Rack provided the set... Read more →
Dina Morrone’s “My Uterus, a Womb with a View” is a searing and humorous exploration of the female experience, delivered through a mix of personal narrative and social critique. Morrone navigates the complexities of owning a uterus, shedding light on the often overlooked and misunderstood aspects of womanhood. Her story blends comedy and pathos in a way that both entertains and educates. The play’s structure allows Morrone to navigate through various stages of her life... Read more →
Hailey McAfee’s direction of Lisa Kenner Grissom’s “here comes the night” brings a compelling vision to this dark comedic drama. The play revolves around two complex female characters, Olivia and Maggie, who are forced to confront their personal beliefs and friendship amidst the backdrop of a weekend marked by an at-home medical abortion. McAfee balances the themes of reproductive rights and female friendship, presenting them with both sensitivity and a keen sense of dark humor.... Read more →
Lisa Kenner Grissom’s “here comes the night” explores friendship, choice, and social pressures against the backdrop of modern digital life. The story revolves around two women—Olivia, a climate science advocate, and Maggie, a social media influencer—who reconnect during a weekend that challenges their perspectives on reproductive rights and personal agency. Kenner Grissom navigates the complexities of female friendship and the stark contrasts between the characters’ lifestyles and ideologies. The play delivers character development and dialogue... Read more →
Bernadette Armstrong’s direction of “The Seahorse” at Open-Door Playhouse combines subtle storytelling with profound emotional depth. This play, set against the backdrop of an aquarium visit, unfolds a narrative of a father sharing the news of an upcoming addition to their family with his young daughter. Armstrong’s directorial choices enhance the play’s intimate atmosphere, drawing us into the personal and transformative moment shared between the characters. The decision to revive “The Seahorse” during Pride Month... Read more →
Tom Alper’s play “The Pitch” at the Odyssey Theatre dissects the ethical dilemmas and personal challenges faced by a single father in desperate circumstances. The story follows Tom Allen, a widower struggling to support his 15-year-old daughter through a morally dubious job in a boiler-room operation selling machine parts. Directed by Louie Liberti, the production features a mostly new cast, bringing fresh energy to this gripping story. Alper’s script is reminiscent of David Mamet’s “Glengarry... Read more →
Bernadette Armstrong’s direction of “Wabi Sabi” highlights the delicate balance between past and present relationships. The play, set in a high school library, serves as a microcosm of the bittersweet nature of reconnecting with friends from the past. Armstrong guides Franco Machado and Whitton Frank through a narrative that questions self-acceptance and the acceptance of others. Her direction realizes the emotional nuances of Rachael Carnes’ script, creating a resonant experience for each of us. The... Read more →
“Psycho Beach Party,” brought to life by Co-Director Tom DeTrinis, blends camp, satire, and psychological intrigue. The play’s fusion of 1960s surf culture and Hitchcockian suspense serves as both a nostalgic homage and a sharp critique of the period’s societal norms. DeTrinis captures the chaotic energy and multifaceted personalities of the protagonist, Chicklet Forrest, whose multiple alter egos navigate a roller coaster of absurdity and profundity. The play weaves comic elements with darker themes, such... Read more →
“Expatriated,” co-written and performed by Candace Leung and Dominique Roberts, offers an exploration of migration and the contrasting experiences of individuals based on racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Staged at The Broadwater (Second Stage), the play captures the lives of an LA lawyer navigating life in Hong Kong and a Hong Kong lawyer adapting to a new reality in LA. Through a series of poignant and humorous vignettes, Leung and Roberts delve into the complexities of... Read more →
Shelley Cooper’s “Jenny Lind Presents P.T. Barnum” blends historical research and operatic performance to reimagine the story of one of the 19th century’s most intriguing figures. Cooper’s portrayal of Jenny Lind, the Swedish Nightingale, captures the internal conflict of a woman who was simultaneously celebrated and exploited. The production examines Lind’s complex relationship with P.T. Barnum, exposing the moral ambiguities and societal challenges of their era. Cooper’s performance transitions between dramatic monologues and operatic arias.... Read more →
“Expect-Asian,” written and performed by Jeffrey Han and directed by Anne Mesa, explores the Asian American experience, focusing on cultural identity and familial obligations. The narrative follows Jack, a young Asian American, as he navigates his father’s rigorous expectations and societal pressures. This coming-of-age story is both a personal journey and a broader commentary on the challenges faced by many young Asian Americans in their search for self-identity. Mesa skillfully handles the intimacy of a... Read more →
Pam Levin’s “Astrologically Screwed” offers a fascinating look at fate and free will. Through a narrative shaped by a psychic’s ominous prophecy, Levin combines humor and existential dread. The play’s structure, hopping between past events and a foreboding future, creates a tension that mirrors the protagonist’s internal struggle. Levin’s performance is deeply personal and universally relatable, as she navigates themes of destiny, love, and self-determination. Chera Marks’ direction balances mystical elements with grounded human experiences.... Read more →
Matt Ritchey’s direction comes to the forefront in an upcoming audio play written by F.J. Hartland and debuting at the Open-Door Playhouse. The narrative unfolds at a party where two men, played by Matthew Scott Montgomery and Kevin Phan, grapple with conflicting memories of a past relationship. The play’s audio format and its exploration of memory, identity, and truth present challenges and opportunities for storytelling. With over 100 directorial credits, Ritchey’s involvement promises a production... Read more →
Tom Dugan’s “Irish Goodbye” at Dugan’s Backyard Playhouse reminds us of the power of intimate, site-specific theatre. Set in a small New Jersey pub, Dugan creates a narrative of redemption and unexpected companionship between a disgraced cop and an ex-beauty queen. Their encounter on a cold Christmas Eve transcends the confines of the pub and echoes universal themes of loneliness and human connection. Dugan’s blend of dark comedy with profound emotional moments shows his ability... Read more →
“When He Was Young and Pretty” juxtaposes the experiences of two generations of gay men. The production blends humor with moments of vulnerability. The play’s setting - a modest apartment where an older man prepares dinner for a younger visitor - serves as an intimate backdrop for the unfolding dialogue. Lamb’s direction ensures that the conversation feels organic and deeply personal, drawing us into the characters’ shared and contrasting histories. The production provokes reflection on... Read more →
“Serendipitous,” directed by Gary Lamb, examines the shared experiences of LGBTQ individuals. Set in the confined space of a malfunctioning elevator, the play brings together a septuagenarian gay man and a young gay man, whose lives intersect in a moment of unexpected intimacy. The minimalistic setting serves as a crucible for the characters’ stories, revealing layers of vulnerability and strength. Lamb’s direction balances the touching and the comedic, allowing the natural chemistry between Franco Machado... Read more →
Jude Lucas’ direction of “If All the Sky Were Paper” affirms her grasp of theatrical storytelling with its blending historical reverence with innovative stagecraft. With her background in theatre and education, Lucas brings Andrew Carroll’s exploration of wartime correspondence to life with a balance of authenticity and artistic vision. The play looks at the letters written by soldiers and their loved ones and requires a directorial touch that honors the emotional weight of these real-life... Read more →
Tanna Frederick’s “Lion Eyes,” premiering at the Whitefire Theatre, looks at a young actress navigating the treacherous waters of Hollywood. Directed by Levy Lee Simon, this one-woman show uncovers the dark and often exploitative underbelly of the entertainment industry, portraying the stark realities behind the glitz and glamour. Frederick, known for her work in indie arthouse films and notable stage productions, channels this experience into the creation of a character whose life mirrors the chaotic... Read more →
Avery Volk’s “Girl in Reverse: A Feminine Rage Manifesto,” premiering at The Zephyr Theatre, melds the deeply personal with the universally resonant. Volk, both playwright and performer, journeys through the landscape of emotional and sexual awakening with a raw, unflinching honesty. The narrative explores the complexities of identity and desire through the lens of a woman experiencing an unexpected shift in her relational dynamics. The interplay of her inner child, id, higher self, and the... Read more →
Janya Govani’s “Convenience”, making its world premiere at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, explores a modern woman’s psyche. An intimate journey through the tumultuous inner world of its protagonist, it reveals the complexities and pressures that characterize contemporary life. Govani, born in Rajkot, Gujarat, India, brings a rich cultural heritage and extensive training in theatre, dance, and music to this avant-garde performance. The production’s use of multimedia and experimental techniques pushes the boundaries of conventional theatre,... Read more →
Gregg Ostrin’s “The Spy Who Went Into Rehab” is a subversive comic exploration of toxic masculinity through the lens of a James Bond-like character. The play blends humor and social commentary. Set in a rehab center, the story follows a spy who embodies the outdated machismo of the 1960s as he confronts his addiction and behavioral issues. This setting becomes a crucible for transformation. Here, the protagonist must engage with a diverse group of self-aware,... Read more →
Dylan Jones’ solo show, premiering at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, takes a deep look at identity and womanhood. Directed by Amanda McCraven and co-created with Allan Wasserman, the production unpacks the complexities of self-perception and societal expectations through the lens of iconic female figures and mythical sirens. Jones’ invocation of acting legends such as Bette Davis, Barbara Stanwyck, and Greta Garbo serves as a critique of the idealized images of women that have dominated cultural... Read more →
Gabriella DeMarco’s one-woman show looks at ambition, identity, and the transformative power of personal spaces. Directed and developed by Jessica Lynn Johnson, this production merges humor, pathos, and a touch of surrealism. The narrative centers around a high school dropout who aspires to become a real estate mogul and Airbnb Superhost in the desert. DeMarco’s character embarks on a journey filled with obstacles ranging from financial struggles to the chaotic realities of home renovation. The... Read more →
“Foxy Ladies Love Boogie 70’s Explosion!” directed by Fritz Brekeller, is an audacious and nostalgic journey through the 1970s that celebrates the era’s iconic music and formidable women. Premiering at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, this rock musical revue captures the essence of the decade known for its cultural upheavals, musical innovations, and flamboyant fashion. Brekeller navigates through over 70 musical numbers, ranging from the heartfelt melodies of Karen Carpenter to the electrifying disco anthems of... Read more →
Miranda Rose Hall’s “The Sandwich Ministry” combines themes of community, resilience, and the fragility of human connections against the backdrop of a small town ravaged by a once-in-a-century storm. Directed by Katie Lindsay, the play shows how communal efforts in times of crisis can both unite and strain relationships. As the three central characters gather to prepare food for their displaced neighbors, Hall dissects the dynamics of friendship. She shows how external pressures can augment... Read more →
"TehrAngeles," a musical written and directed by Nakta Pahlevan, explores the Iranian diaspora experiences in Los Angeles during the 1980s. The narrative centers on Zohreh and her daughter Sima. Their lives intertwine with a diverse cast of characters. Each character reflects the challenges and hopes of refugees in a new land. Pahlevan's crafting of the story, co-directed with Afshin Katanchi, offers a compelling portrayal of cultural displacement and identity. Representing the Iranian refugee experience, the... Read more →
Nick James' "Unsavory Fellow" refracts ambition and delusion through the lens of dark comedy. This one-man show dissects the life of a man chasing grandiose dreams in Hollywood, a narrative as captivating as it is cautionary. With aspirations of supermodeling, gigolo ventures, and acting, James’ story unmasks the inherent absurdity and relentless drive within the entertainment industry. The performance thrives on its dual nature. It blends humor with stark reality to highlight the fragility of... Read more →
Heather Fink’s solo performance “Quicksand” is about personal tragedy and resilience. The play is a raw, unflinching examination of the most challenging aspects of human existence - caregiving, grief, and the search for meaning amidst chaos. Fink, an accomplished comedian and filmmaker, brings her many talents to the stage in a narrative that moves back and forth between dark humor and touching reflection. “Quicksand” stems from a personal event: Fink’s father suffered a paralyzing stroke.... Read more →
Stefan Marks’ “Ophelia” blends existential themes with whimsy and poignancy. It is a narrative about time, memory, and the human condition, where Marks explores the complex interplay between past and present, reality and illusion. The play’s protagonist, a middle-aged son coping with his mother’s advancing dementia, becomes a vessel for our journey through fragmented memories and elusive truths. Marks’ writing stands out with its emotional depth and intellectual rigor. The play’s structure, with its non-linear... Read more →
“Me, Myself, and Why (Am I Here?)” examines self-confrontation and existential crisis. Written, produced, and performed by Maria Margaret Wilson, the play unravels the layers of personal identity and the cumulative impact of life’s experiences. With a background in comedy and improvisation, Wilson infuses her narrative with a delicate balance of humor and gravity. The play’s premise—a 38-year-old woman grappling with her inner “baggage” as she approaches middle age—serves as a metaphor for the universal... Read more →
Written and performed by Gerry Fishman, directed by Francisco Roel, “Coming of Age at 65” is a poignant exploration of late-life rejuvenation and the complexities of familial relationships, performed with a blend of humor and introspection. Fishman’s narrative delves into the intricacies of his relationship with his father, his bond with his children and grandchild, and the personal demons he has battled. These themes are personal and relatable. They offer the audience a mirror on... Read more →
"DEAR AUNTIE B," directed by Sally Hughes and written/performed by Becca Lustgarten, explores love and grief through the lens of Auntie B, an Upper West Side advice columnist faced with a life-changing crisis. The play navigates her public persona and private turmoil, using her role as a cultural commentator and dating guru as a facade that slowly unravels. Hughes balances the contradictions within Auntie B’s character—her outward flamboyance and inner vulnerability. This duality is central... Read more →
"H*tler’s Tasters", directed by Sarah Norris and written by Michelle Kholos Brooks, stages youth, power, and survival against a backdrop of dark comedy. It occurs during the oppressive regime of the Third Reich. Set in the claustrophobic confines of Hitler's Wolf’s Lair, the play uses the historically based yet largely unknown story of young German women conscripted as Adolf Hitler’s food tasters. The story threads a delicate balance. It explores the absurdity of these young... Read more →
“GRIT,” a one-woman show written and performed by Lisa Natale, explores resilience and personal transformation with courage and grit. Her narrative examines the complex interplay between her evolving relationship with her body and the broader societal narratives surrounding trauma and recovery. Through a skillful fusion of dance, music, and monologue, the show enacts the visceral realities of domestic violence and sexual trauma. In so doing, it maps a cathartic journey towards empowerment. Natale’s performance is... Read more →
Mayuri Bhandari's "The Anti 'Yogi'," set to premiere at the 2024 Hollywood Fringe Festival, is a compelling theatrical critique of Westernized yoga culture. Through the lens of an Indian artist, Bhandari unveils the complexities of cultural appropriation and identity within the realms of spiritual disciplines that have been commodified in the West. The performance combines dance, dramedy, and poetry to navigate the personal and cultural tensions encountered by an Indian yoga professor. This approach not... Read more →
Joseph Pearlman offers a refreshing perspective on the acting profession. He focuses on the importance of enjoyment and enthusiasm. His teachings embrace fun in the pursuit of acting excellence. He wants actors to liberate themselves from fear and desperation, the better to foster an environment of creativity and authentic expression. His philosophy promotes practical steps that actors can take to eliminate desperation and self-doubt. He wants actors to focus on selfless, outcome-detached performances. This increases... Read more →
INTRODUCTION. In 1914, the city of Long Beach hired two men to work as bounty hunters. Their pay? $15 a head. Their quarry? Social vagrants, i.e., gay men. Exposure for these social vagrants meant humiliation, a fine, prison, exile, or, in one case, suicide. This true story inspired The Twentieth-Century Way, written by Tom Jacobson and directed by Reed Flores for the Long Beach Playhouse Studio Theatre. The premise, direction, and acting are top notch.... Read more →
INTRODUCTION. Can a bed be a red herring? It can in Harold Pinter’s The Lover. House right, there’s a bed. A single bed. It’s there, but not really. On a small stage, it represents the bedroom. House left, the living room. Thing is, as the story develops, and you realize what’s going on, that bed, so full of possibility, literally and metaphorically, never gets used for the purpose for which the story’s title implies it... Read more →
INTRODUCTION. A few years after moving, a family has yet to unpack their stuff. This doesn’t suggest laziness as much as it represents emotional baggage. Each character in Deborah Zoe Laufer’s black comedy unpacks emotional baggage in their own peculiar way. WHAT'S IT ABOUT? 11th grader Rachel Stein’s (Tara Coffey) attitude towards life stems from events on 9/11. Her father, Arthur (Chris Bange), only just escaped from one of the Towers. Sixty-five of his financial... Read more →
"Play is the highest form of research," attributed to Albert Einstein INTRODUCTION. Under normal circumstances, I would never paint a design on a stranger’s face, much less let her paint one on mine. I would never play charades. Do pantomime. Dance with abandon, sober, during the day. Singly; with someone else; or together with an entire room of strangers. I would never fill in sentence blanks on walls. Paint something based on a wall prompt.... Read more →
A PLAYful Conversation with Olivia Hamilton, Co-Conjuror of The Silent PLAY Experiment, by James Scarborough
April 19, 2018
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INTRODUCTION. I’ve always wondered why the story’s called Antigone and not Creon. Or at least why Creon’s not given equal billing in the title. Antigone must choose between death and the mourning and burial of a dead brother. She's the visceral one. Creon is the administrative one. He has to rule a kingdom, nepotism be damned. He’s not evil. He’s just put in the position of pushing the boundaries of decency that his law and... Read more →
It’s a domestic squabble with global implications. Though it deals with international intrigue, the tone is domestic and intimate. 1930, a distinguished physicist’s library, 25 miles outside London. A stolen formula for – gasp! – an atomic bomb. The murder of said physicist. Leads abound. An Italian doctor, a suspect because he’s foreign. The physicist’s son, low in self-esteem and desperate for cash. His wife’s up-to-now unknown connection with international espionage. The physicist’s personal secretary,... Read more →