A TWISTED CHRISTMAS CAROL by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

Phil Olson is an award-winning playwright who has published 16 plays that have been produced many times in countries around the world.  They are all comedies to be sure!  Many of his plays have made their world premieres by the Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood.  His latest Christmas play, A Twisted Christmas Carol, is making its world premier there now.  This comedy is a take-off of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

           

The characters in this play are quite different from those in Charles Dickens’ story.  This story takes place on Christmas Eve in a small town in Texas where we find Buford Johnson (Van Boudreaux) and his wife Darla (Lisa McGee Mann), owners of a barbecue restaurant.  How long they have been married, we do not know, but it is long enough that Buford certainly takes his wife for granted.

            

Their friends, who happen to spend a lot of time with them in the restaurant, are cute and whimsical Daisy Newsom (Veronica Roy) and Bubba Pickford (Christian Land) who has an inkling for Daisy (Veronica Roy) who side-steps his flirtations.

            

 Buford, who doesn’t show much patience, ends up in an argument with Darla and in a rage, runs out of the restaurant.  He leaves in his pickup truck in the midst of a storm, is hit by a twister, and ends up in a coma.  It is then that he is visited by his former business partner, Hank Walker (Paul Cady) who once had his eye out for Darla.  He visits Buford in his dreams as the ghost of Christmas past, present, and future and it all appears very real to him.               

           

The play is quite humorous.  The characters themselves are humorous to begin with, and of course we all know what to expect of the outcome when Buford awakens from his coma.  It ends in a very Happy Christmas for all.

           

A Twisted Christmas Carol is directed by Doug Engalla, set design by Chris Winfield.  This was a funny take on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.   I did not find this play close to being as charming and comedic as all of Olson’s plays that I have seen in the past.  However, I must say that all of the actors helped to keep it moving and funny throughout.

           

 The play is performed Upstairs at the Group Rep on the second floor of the Lonny Chapman Theatre,

10900 Burbank Boulevard, North Hollywood.  It plays Saturdays at 4 PM and Sundays at 7 PM.  For tickets and information go online at www.thegrouprep.com, or call (818)763-5990.

THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER by Carol Kaufman Segal

           

Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman wrote many successful plays in their lifetime.  One of their funniest comedies, The Man Who Came to Dinner, was written in 1939 and was eventually made into a film.  You won’t want to miss a revival of this play being performed by The Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood.

            

The play takes place in a small town in Ohio, in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley (Doug Haverty and Laura Wolfe)..  Sheridan Whiteside (Jim Beaver), a well-known New York radio personality had been invited to dine at their home while visiting the city.  He accidentally falls on some ice at their front door and finds himself confined to their home in a wheel chair for a month. 

           

Not as bad for Whiteside as it is for the Stanleys since he takes complete control of the house and the telephones, giving orders to the family, what they can do and not do while he is recuperating in their home!  He has an entourage of people with him constantly, who he insults, and orders around.  His closest visitor is his secretary Maggie (Hartley Powers), who has been with him for years and knows him only too well.  Others, though,  who have to put up with him, and his bullying, are a full-time nurse, Miss Preen (Kay Cole), and Dr. Bradley (Fox Carney).  His strange entourage of visitors includes performers, radio people, technicians, deputies and even a convict!  All of these characters, along with Sheridan Whiteside, bring comedy to the forefront of this play.  And in the end Sheridan Whiteside gets his retribution.

            

Other cast members include Neil Angevine, Bita Arefinia, Nick Asaro, Michele Bernath, Anastasia Burnett, Cheryl Crosland, Lareen Faye, Michael Gabiano, Chihiro Kato, Momoka Kato,  Christian Land, John Ledley, Sherry Michaels, Barry Pearl, Susan Priver, Steve Shaw, Marina Shtelen, Marc Stancato, Sal Valletta, Chris Winfield, Leslie Young.

            

The Man Who Came to Dinner is directed by Bruce Kimmel.  The entire cast is exceptionally outstanding.  Jim Beaver stands out as absolutely remarkable in a role that he makes his own.   Kay Cole, as Whiteside’s nurse Miss Preen, is utterly hysterical.  The beautiful stage design is by Chris Winfield.  This play will keep you laughing from beginning to end.

            

Performances run Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM, through January 12, 2020, at the Lonny Chapman Theatre (Main Stage), 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. (Talkback following Sunday’s matinee December 29)  For further information, or for tickets, go online at www.thegrouprep.com, or call (818) 763-5990.

            

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

LOVE ACTUALLY LIVE by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

You may have seen the film Love Actually written and produced by Richard Curtis for Universal Pictures that opened in theaters Nov. 3, 2003.  The movie is a romantic comedy that takes place in London during the Christmas season, and that has made it a staple to be shown somewhere every Christmas since.

           

Last year, during the Holiday Season, The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills presented the world premiere of Love Actually Live in a most unusual production in collaboration with For the Record, and by special arrangement with Universal Theatrical Group. 

           

Because it was such a tremendous hit last season, Artistic Director Paul Crewes said, “We knew we made a very special production the moment the curtain rose on Love Actually Live last season.  So I’m really pleased that we can collaborate again with our For the Record family this holiday season and share this very unique experience with Los Angles audiences once again.”  Therefore, Love Actually Alive is back again this season at The Wallis.

            

The scenic design by Mathew Steinbrenner is most unusual with multiple screens high up on the stage that show the scenes from the movie followed by live actors and singers who perform matching characters in the scenes.  Very unique and clever, to say the least, and so well done by the entire cast, all who are superb singers, actors, and musicians.  An outstanding orchestra, conducted by Jesse Vargas, adds to the success of this outstanding musical presentation adapted and directed by Anderson Davis.

          

  Starring in the production are Tomasina Abate, John Battagliese, Declan Bennett, James Byous, Gabriela Carrillo, Nayah Damasen, Rogelio Douglas, Jr., Jon Robert Hall, Carson Higgins, Doug Kreeger, Ruby Lewis, Emily Lopez, Chris Mann, Carrie Manolakos, Molly Rogers, Aubrie Sellers, Levi Smith and Rex Smith (all Broadway performers).   

           

I had never seen the film, Love Actually.  However, I did see Love Actually Live, at the Wallis last Holliday Season and looked forward to seeing it again this year.  In fact, I may have enjoyed it even more the second time around.  It is such an unusual extravaganza that has so much oomph.  I love every minute of it.

           

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is located at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills. Love Actally Live plays Wednesdays through Fridays at 7:30PM, Saturdays at 2 PM and 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2 PM and 7 PM, through December 29.  (No performances on December 24-25.)  For ticket information, call (310) 746-4000, or email tickets@thewallis.org for assistance.      

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

FIFTEEN MEN IN A SMOKE-FILLED ROOM by Carol Kaufman Segal

           

Fifteen Men In A Smoke-Filled Room is about Warren G. Harding, our country’s 29^th President and written by Colin Speer Crowley.  In 1899, prior to his becoming President, Harding was elected to the Ohio State Senate and was the most popular Republican in Ohio.  He became the lieutenant governor of the state, but failed to win the governorship.  However, in 1915 he became a United States Senator from Ohio    

            

The play takes place in Chicago Illinois at The Congress Hotel (elegant design by Jeff G. Rack).  It is Friday, June 11, 1920, during the time of the Republican National Convention  We find Warren G. Harding (David Hunt Stafford) being cajoled  into becoming the presidential nominee of the Republican Party by his ambitious campaign manager, Harry M. Daugherty (John Combs).  Harding has no interest at all in running for the office.  His thoughts are more embedded into being able to spend more time with his mistress, Nan Britton (Sarah Walker) and their young daughter, who he never sees.

            

Harding and his wife, Florence Kling Harding (Roslyn Cohn) seem rather cool with one another, but we discover more about her when she makes arrangements to meet with Daugherty in order to convince him not to try to force her husband into accepting the nomination.  Florence insists that she has received an omen from a psychic alleging that he will die if he is elected.  In her strong and pleading request to Daugherty, it is obvious that she loves her husband and, strongly, believes in the warning.  Daugherty shows zero concern for Florence’s pleading. 

            

We meet Nan when she shows up at the hotel to see Harding.  When he tells her he is not interested in becoming the President of the United States and that he wants to give up the life he has in order to spend it with her and their daughter, she insists that he should run.  There is no doubt that it is more important to her that he is a man of high rank and position.

            

The outcome of course, as we all know, is that Warren G. Harding did become the 29^th President of the United States on March 4, 1921.  He died of a heart attack on August 2, 1923, just 881 days after taking office!  During his time in office he was quite popular, but he is actually considered one of the worst presidents in our country’s history, mostly for the fact that there were so many scandals during his tenure, including The Depot Dome. During the play a clever way of going through periods of Harding’s rein are divulged by a radio announcer (Roger K. Weiss)

           

Fifteen Men In A Smoke-Filled Room is directed flawlessly by Jules Aaron.  A superb cast brings these historic characters to life.  Roslyn Cohen is especially outstanding in her scene of angst that she shares with John Combs.  An additional actor in the play is Kevin Dulude who plays two minor roles (Newspaper Editor/Waiter). 

            

Fifteen Men In A Smoke-Filled Room is playing at Theatre 40, located in the Reuben Cordova Theatre at the Beverly Hills High School, 241 S. Moreno Dr., Beverly Hills.  It plays Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM and 7 PM, through December 15 (dark November 28 and 29).  Tickets are available online at www.theatre40.org, or by calling (310) 364-0535.               

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

THE GREAT LEAP by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

The Pasadena Playhouse, in association with The East West Players, presents the Los Angeles premiere of Lauren Yee’s The Great Leap.  The play is directed by Tony Award winner BD Wong who starred in the New York off-Broadway Atlantic Theatre and San Francisco American Conservatory Theatre productions of the play. 

           

It is 1989 and Manford (Justin Chien), a high-school senior in San Francisco is longing to join the American team going to Beijing to compete with the Beijing University basketball team in an exhibition game considered a “friendly match”.  He sneaks into The San Francisco University during a practice period to plead with Coach Saul (James Eckhouse) to be placed on the team.  Coach Saul is not convinced by him since he is not out of high school yet and also because he is too self-assured about his ability.  But when Saul discovers that his ability is everything he says it is, he acquiesces.

            

The plot then turns back to 1971 when we find Saul in Beijing who is there at the request of the government to help train the Beijing University team and, perhaps, looking for them to become more competitive. There he works with Coach Wen Chang  (Grant Chang) who also narrates the story.   In Saul’s attempt to explain the crux of the game to Wen Chang in order to win, we learn the differences in the mind-set of the games played by American athletes as opposed to those played by the Chinese and why the difference.

            

Returning to 1989, Manford’s mother has recently died and his cousin Connie (Christine Lin) has taken it upon herself to look out for him.  When he tells her about his plans to go to Beijing to play in the “friendly match”, she is against his going there, but he eventually convinces her that he should go even though she has concerns.

           

When Saul and his team, along with Manford, arrive in Beijing, the heart of the story begins to untangle.  After 18 years, Saul and Wen Chang meet once again, only this time as adversaries, and the understanding of each character becomes an important part of the entire story.  Bo Won’s direction is flawless and the four actors are brilliant in their roles.  This is a very different and worthwhile production that gives us insight into an otherwise different culture.

            

The Great Leap continues at the Pantages Playhouse, 39 South El Molino Ave., Pasadena, through December, 1, 2019.  Performances are Tuesdays through Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 2 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM and 7 PM.  Tickets are available online at PasadenaPlayhouse.org, by phone at (626) 356-7529, or in person at the Playhouse Box Office at their site.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDB

           

THE SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER FEATURING TWO NEW EXHIBITIONS

THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS:  STANLEY KUBRICK PHOTOGRAPHS  by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

Stanley Kubrick (1928-1999) was a renowned filmmaker known for films such as Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, and The Shining.  I was surprised to learn that, years ago, as I perused one of my favorite magazines, I was seeing photographs by a very young Stanley Kubrick.

           

Kubrick was only 17 seventeen years old when he sold his first photograph to the illustrative Look magazine and became a regular staff member of the periodical.  As he captured scenes of everyday life, Kubrick’s work appeared to be far advanced for his age, but undoubtedly, had a strong affect throughout his creative life.

            

Through A Different Lens: Stanley Kubrick Photographs is an exhibition on view at the Skirball Cultural Center through March 8, 2020, where more than 130 photographs reveal his talent that led to his success as one of Hollywood’s great directors of memorable movies.  The Skirball offers docent-led tours of the exhibit Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 PM to 2 PM, and Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, at 1 PM to 2 PM, and 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM.

             

EL SUENO AMERICANO/THE AMERICAN DREAM:  PHOTOGRAPHS BY TOM KIEFER  by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

The Skirball Cultural Center is featuring the first major museum presentation of El Sueno Americano/The American Dream:  Photographs by Tom Kiefer.  The exhibition features over 100 photographs of items that once belonged to migrants that were confiscated and discarded by United Sates border officials in Arizona.

           

Kiefer worked as a janitor at a Custom and Border station in Ajo, Arizona from 2003 to 2014.  He requested  permission to donate discarded food items to a local pantry, and while rummaging through the bins, he found a great deal of personal items being trashed every day, such as clothing, toys, medication, toiletries, letters, tooth brushes, water bottles, bibles, even money that was confiscated from migrants every day. 

           

Kiefer documented and, with fine art photography, put together the more than 100 portraits of objects that are on display at the Skirball Cultural Center.  It is difficult to express my feelings as I perused this exhibition.  I spoke to Tom Kiefer, personally, and could see how distraught he felt over the manner in which the immigrants were regarded. 

            

The exhibition includes newly recorded interviews with Kiefer and with migrants who have crossed the border.  He generated it to prove the hardships put upon migrants and to hope for better understanding and treatment of others.  It will be on view at the Skirball Cultural Center through March 8, 2020.

            

The Skirball Cultural Center is located at 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For further information calL (310) 440-4500, or go online at www.skirball.org.

LOVE IN BLOOM by Carol Kaufman Segal

           

In May of 2010, The Santa Monica Theatre celebrated 50 years of bringing continuous theatrical entertainment to the community.  As Chris DeCarlo surmises, that is 2600 weeks, with not one dark week during the entire time.  During the years they have created entertainment paying tribute to artists who have influenced them in their work such as William Shakespeare, Gilbert and Sullivan,and Marcel Marceau.  In May, 2020, the Santa Monica Playhouse will celebrate its 60^th anniversary, and to celebrate the coming event, they are presenting their very successful 10^th anniversary production, Love In Bloom.

            

This charming musical production was written by the two stars and Co-Artistic Directors Evelyn Rudie and Chris DeCarlo.  Words and music are by Evelyn Rudie and Matthew Wrather.  Like everything created at the Playhouse, everything is created entirely by the company.  This light-hearted, charming, and humorous musical comedy is all about wanting true love, romance, fairies, magic, and lots of confusion.  

           

When Prince Hamelot (Patrick Censoplano is subject to a marriage to someone he does not know and desires to marry for love, it takes the “magic” of Orion (Chris DeCrlo) and Talia (Evelyn Rudie), the King and Queen of the Faeries, to take control of the situation and make certain that those who find love are those who were destined to be together in the first place making “all’s well that ends well.” 

            

The original songs and lyrics are lively and charming and the entire cast proves their acting and musical talent.  The other cast members include Tara Brown (Constance/Onesto), Rachel (Lady Merrymount), Zane Garcia (Calabasas/Mother Frisbe), Graham Silbert (Frivolio/Father Pyramid), and Cynthia Zitter (Cortina/Portico).  The production is a perfect presentation for this holiday-filled time of year. 

           

Love In Bloom plays Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 3:30 PM, through November 24, in The Other Space at the Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4^th Street, Santa Monica.  Tickets are available by calling (310) 394-9779, Ex. 1, or online at theatre@santamonicaplayhouse.com.

            

RECOMMENDED            

1984  by Carol Kaufman Segal

George Orwell (June 25, 1903 – January 21, 1950) was an English novelist, essayist, and journalist, best known for his novel 1984 that was written towards the end of his life, in 1949. The novel was made into a film three times, in 1945, 1956, and lastly in 1989.  Michael Gene Sullivan, an actor, writer, director, and teacher adapted the novel for the stage and it opened at The Actors’ Gang under the direction of Academy Award winning actor Tim Robbins, Artistic Director of the theatre.  It has been repeated there and is, once again, playing at the theatre in Culver City.

Winston Smith (Will Thomas McFadden) is a citizen of Oceana where everyone is under the rule, and the eyes, of the Party led by the ever-knowing leader known as Big Brother.  We find him in the middle of a sparse room where, obviously, he has been held for some time as he is being watched through screens surrounding the room and interrogated by four Party Members.   They include Party Member No. 1 (Tom Szymanski), Party Member No. 2 (Guebri VanOver), Party Member No. 3 (Bob Turton), and Party Member No. 4 (Ethan Corn).   

           

It appears that Winston has had difficulty living under the oppression of the Party and Big Brother, and has fallen in love with a girl named Julia (Guebri VanOver).  Time passes as the Party members continue their questioning of Winston who never gives in.  Finally, O’Brien appears in the room to take over the interrogation (Tim Robbins, who undoubtedly is Big Brother).  He begins to question Winston and when his answers don’t suit O’Brien, he tortures him.  Over time Winston finally breaks down and accepts his fate.  The power of Big Brother persists.

            

This play is quite a challenge, and under the judicious direction of Tim Robbins and performed by an able cast, it is something very unusual and thought provoking at the same time.  It will continue through December 7^th at the Actors’ Gang located at 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City.  For a schedule and/or for tickets, call (310) 838-4264, or go online at theactorsgang.com.                

ALL MY SONS  by Carol Kaufman Segal

            Arthur Miller (October 15, 1915 – February 10, 2005) was an American playwright whose dramas were popular from the late 1940’s to the early 1960’s.  He also wrote some screenplays, most notably The Misfts which starred Marilyn Monroe who he later married. 

            One of Miller’s plays, All My Sons, opened on Broadway January 29, 1947.  After 328 performances it closed November 9, 1949 and won New York Drama Critics Circle Award.  This wonderful drama is being presented at the Pacific Resident Theatre in Venice with a sterling production.

            World War II began in 1939 and ended in 1945.  This play takes place in the backyard of the Keller home in the outskirts of an American town in August, 1947.  Joe Keller (Richard Fancy) runs a factory that, during the war, provided parts for fighter-planes used against the enemy.  He and his wife Kate (Terry Davis) have two sons who fought for their country during the war.  Chris (Marc Valera) came home.  Unfortunately, their eldest son Larry went missing in action and, unfortunately, Kate is certain that her son is still alive and, without a doubt, will someday come back home.

            Larry was engaged to marry Ann Deever (Amy-Helene Carlson) who moved away after his disappearance.  Chris has invited Ann to come for a visit leaving Kate quite upset when she realizes his intent is to ask Ann to marry him.  This undermines all thoughts of Larry ever coming home!  She is totally against their marriage even though Ann has accepted Chris’s proposal and admits her love for him.

            As the play progresses we learn that Joe and Ann’s father Steve were once partners in the factory and due to some parts that were installed in some aircraft that Joe told Steve to use, twenty-one Air Force pilots died.  It turned out the parts were defective and Steve ended up in prison, while Joe, who claimed he was home sick that day, was cleared.

            Suddenly Ann’s brother George (Scott Deever) shows up at the Keller home because both he and his father have heard about Ann’s intent to marry Chris and they both intend to keep it from happening.  As the plot thickens, we learn more and more about the truth of the entire story, why Ann’s family is so adamant about her becoming a part of Joe’s family even though, no matter what, she intends to marry the man she loves.  The play builds up, increasing in its intensity until its final moment.

            All My Sons is a classic.  It was made into a film in 1948, and again in 1987.  It allows for very dramatic acting, and keeps an audience’s interest throughout.  The Pacific Resident Theatre’s production is an exceptionally outstanding revival of this play.  Richard Fancy has been a member of PTR for many years.  I have seen him in a number of plays and he is one of the finest actors on our local stages.  His background also includes films and television.

            Marc Valera and Scott Jackson deserve special recognition for their performances.  However, the entire cast gives energy to this production under the direction of Elina De Santos.  Other cast members include Enzo De Angelis (Bert), Scott Sheldon/stand-in for Rick Garrison (Frank Lubey), Tania Getty (Sue Bayliss ), Jason Huber (Dr. Jim Bayliss) and Katy Downing/stand-in for Jennifer Pollono (Lydia Lubey).            

            All My Sons plays Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 PM, Sunday at 3 PM, through November 15, with, one Saturday matinee on Nov. 16, at 3 PM.  For information and tickets call (310) 322 8392, or go online.

            HIGHLY RECOMMENDED                    

           

CHAMP AND HIS FOUR WOMEN by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

Champ and His Four Women is a new play written by local playwright Art Shulman.  He has written many full-length plays that include comedies, dramas, and dramedies.  He says, “I’ve written over 60 plays, including 14 produced full-length plays (some not produced yet) and many one-acts.”   His plays have been produced throughout the United States as well as in Canada.

            

A premier of one of Shulman’s plays, Champ and His Four Women, is being performed at T.U. Theatre in North Hollywood.  It takes place in the living room of Champ’s condominium in the present time.  Champ is also known as Richard (Anthony Backman).

            

Richard lives alone and has since his wife Princess, also known as Susie (Rebecca Westberg) passed away two years ago.  Unfortunately, her demise has left a big hole in Richard’s life and, in his imagination he still sees her and communicates with her.  Obviously, Richard’s whole life is in confusion, and he has difficulty living it normally.  Therefore, he decides to put his condo up for sale.

            

Enter Real Estate Agent Cheryl (Caroline Westheimer) a very attractive young lady who, without meaning to, upsets Richard’s life somewhat because he finds her an attractive friendly lady.  Richard does not seek a woman in his life since his marriage was so perfect with Susie.  However, his wonderful neighbor, Esther (Leah Bass) finds Caroline in his house in an early morning when she delivers him his laundry which she, so helpfully, has been doing for him since the loss of Susie.  Of course, he plays down the evening they spent together and lets Esther know that they each slept in separate bedrooms.  Of course, Esther thinks that it is time for Richard to begin a normal life, and finding a mate can’t be wrong.

            

And wouldn’t you know it?  Another lovely young lady, Annie (Shelby Janes) enters his life and she has an eye for him as well.  And now he is torn more, meanwhile, trying to figure out what is happening to him while he continues his conversations with his imaginative Susie.  In his struggle to return to a happy life, he must deal with four women, Esther who tries to give him advice, Cheryl, his real estate professional, Annie, a cute woman who sometimes reminds him of Susie, and then there is Susie who doesn’t really exist.  Will Richard finally make his decision to come back to life and choose a woman to make him happy once again?

            

Champ and His Four Women has a great deal of reality to it.  It is not unusual when a perfect marriage is upset by the loss of one’s partner and the remaining one finds it difficult to go on living a happy life.  But that is life, and we have to hope that the remaining spouse can keep on living a normal life after a certain amount of time devoted to bereavment.

             

The play is written in a light comedy style with a talented cast that does justice to their characters under the astute direction of Stan Mazin.  It plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM, through November 24, at Theatre Unlimited (T.U. Studios), 10943 Camarillo St., North Hollywood.  For tickets, go to onstage411.com.   

BARRYMORE  by Carol Kaufman Segal

John Barrymore, February 15, 1882 - May 29, 1942, was an American stage and screen actor, a member of a famous theatrical family in America.  His father, Maurice Barrymore, was a famous stage actor and his mother, Georgie Drew, was the daughter of actor John Drew.  They had three children, all of whom became famous actors.  Lionel was born in 1878, Ethel in 1879, and John, the youngest became the most famous actor in the family.

           

The play, Barrymore, written by William Luce with Robert Benedict as John Barrymore and featuring Todd Andrew Ball as Frank, is playing at the Lonny Chapman Theatre.  It is directed by Robert Benedict and produced by Todd Andrew Ball.

            

The play takes place in a once flourishing, now idle, theater in the heart of New York City.  It’s an early evening in the spring of 1942 when the once famous actor arrives at the theater where his intention is to recreate his celebrated performance of Richard III for a group of invited friends and guests.  (This, of course, includes those who are attending the production at the Lonny Chapman Theatre.)             

           

He begins his performance, but seems more interested in wanting to tell his guests about his life.  He side-tracks from the play to talk about the Barrymore Family, his successes, his struggles, and his love life, as well as imbibing alcohol, interspersing at moments to stop and then trying to remember the lines to continue with the play.  Thank goodness for Frank who prompts him from behind a curtain.

           

Robert Benedict gives an exceptionally fine performance.  It is as if one is seeing the long ago deceased actor come to life.  Take note, the date of this play takes place very close to the time of John Barrymore’s death.

           

Barrymore plays Saturdays at 4 PM and Sundays at 7 PM, through November 3, Upstairs    at the Group Rep (on the second floor) of the Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood.  For information, go online at www.thegrouprep.com, or call (818) 763-5990.  The Upstairs venue is not handicapped accessible.  Not recommended for minors.

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD by Carol Kaufman Segal

             

Night of the Living Dead, is an independent horror film that was written, directed, photographed, and edited by George A. Romero and co-written by John Russo in 1968.  Though it was greatly criticized for its gruesome scenes, it eventually earned the praise of critics and is now regarded as a cult classic. 

            Could anyone have imagined such a film being adapted for live stage productions?  But Writer Gus Krieger did just that, and you can see this very eerie production performed by the Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood.

            The play opens with Barbara (Kate Faye) and her brother Johnny (Sean Faye) visiting the burial site of their father when they are suddenly attacked by zombies.  Fortunately, Barbara somehow gets away, but unfortunately, her brother does not.  Barbara manages to get to a farmhouse that appears to be abandoned.  She is joined by Ben (Marc Antonio Pritchett) who finds his way to the farmhouse when he runs out of gas. 

            The news is very bleak as it appears that these “living corpses” have overtaken the country.  There is no telling how many there are or how the situation can be solved.  They thrive on the flesh of the living, and those who die, are killed, or bitten by any zombie will come back to life as a zombie as well.  The only way to annihilate them is to destroy their brains.  Ben takes over and, with Barbara’s help, they do their best to block the windows and doors of the house.

            Barbara and Ben discover another problem when they find out there are five other people hiding in the basement of the farmhouse.   They are Harry (Matthew Jayson Cwern), Helen (Lisa McGee Mann), Karen (Kaia Mann) and a young couple, Judy (Cameron Kauffman) and Tom (Ashkhan Aref).  Ben insists that they are better off by coming up out of the basement, and when they decide he might be right, they adhere to his suggestion.  However, this causes more problems for Ben and Barbara when Harry wants to take charge of the situation.  While they try to make plans as to how to escape from the farmhouse, multitudes of walking corpses are everywhere outside, and escaping appears less and less a possibility.  Can they all survive their dreadful situation?  

            Other cast members who perform as broadcasters and interviewers and some as zombies include Ian Runge,  Greg Abbott, Van Boudreaux, Patrick Burke, Paul Cady, Fox Carney, Kyle DeCamp, Larry Eisenberg, Doug Engalla, Lareen Faye, JC Gafford, Doug Haverty, Taylor Martin, Adam Neubauer, Jake Scozzaro, Cardonna Atkins, Donathan Atkins, Stephanie Colet, Julie Davis, Hisato Masuyama, and Troy Whitaker.  Those who perform as zombies can certainly give one chills! 

            The production is directed by Drina Durazo, set design is by Winfield/Durazo, costume design by Angela M. Eads, makeup design by Julia Hapney, and fight choreographer is Marc Antonio Pritchett.  As you can see, it took a great many people to bring this spooky play to the Lonny Chapman Theatre.

            Night of the Living Dead plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, through Nov. 10, with special performances Wednesday, Oct.30 and Thursday, Oct. 31, at 8 PM, at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., No. Hollywood.  Tickets are available online at www.thegrouprep.com, or by phone at (818) 763-5990.                                 

           

             

           

GRUMPY OLD MEN:  The Musical  by Carol Kaufman Segal

           

Grumpy Old Men: The Musical is an all-out fun musical playing at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.  Making its West Coast Premiere, the musical is a redo of the 1993 romantic comedy, the screenplay written by Mark Steven Johnson with musical score by Alan Silvesltri.  It featured Walter Mathau, Jack Lemon, and Ann-Margret. The theatre production is by Dan Remmes, with music by Neil Berg, lyrics by Nick Meglin.

            

The play takes place in small town Wabasha, Minnesota where most folks know just about everyone who lives there.  Two elderly neighbors, John Gustafson (Mark Jacoby) and Max Goldman (Gregory North), have known each other since, well, like forever, and they have been feuding over 50 years.  Naturally, their rivalry has been caused by the opposite sex.  Ariel (Leslie Stevens), a very beautiful and charming woman moves to Wabasha, and the rivalry between the two men seeking her favors, roils their ire further.

            

We meet a number of town-folks who have called Wabasha their only home.  There is John’s grown-up daughter, Melanie (Ashley Moniz) and his 94-year old father, Grandpa Gustafson (Hal Linden).  Living with Max is his son Jacob (Craig McEldowney) who has been in love with Melanie all the while they were growing up, but never had the nerve to tell her.  Chuck Barrels (Ken Page) owns the town’s bait and apothecary shop, and when his relative, Punky Barrels (Cathy Rigby) is in need, he takes her in to his home.  An outsider shows up quite often in Wabasha, Sandra Snyder (April Nixon) from the IRS, and proves to be a thorn in John Gustafson’s life.  (Will he really lose his home because he is in debt to the IRS?)

There are many other town-folks that we meet throughout this delightful musical. They include Harry the Postman (Peter Allen Vogt), Stan (Joe Abraham), Fran (Heather Jane Rolff),   Karla (Fatima El-Bashiri),  Bo (John Battagliese), Lo (Neil Starkenberg), Tim (Allen Everman), and Unis (Karla J. Franko).  They keep the production moving with their singing, dancing, and just being members of the community.  The fine orchestra plays under the direction of Benet Braun, choreogrphay is by Michele Lynch, scenic design by Michael Carnahan, costume design by Dustin Cross, all under the direction of Matt Lenz.         

            

Grumpy Old Men: The Musical plays Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 2 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays, at 2 PM, through October 13. at  the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada.  Tickets are available online at www.lamiradatheatre.com, or by calling the Theatre Box Office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310.   

THE SPANISH PRAYER BOOK  by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

The Spanish Prayer Book, written by Angela J. Davis and directed by Lee Sankowitch, is making its world premiere at The Road Theatre on Magnolia.  It is based on real events that occurred following World War II.

            

Michaela Adler (Allison Blaize) is an atheist even though she was the daughter of the late Rabbi Jacob Adler (Allan Wasserman) who recently passed away in London.  She has made a trip there to deal with some rare volumes of Jewish manuscripts that, prior to World War II, belonged to a Jewish Institution in Germany.  These precious, and valuable books, were smuggled out of Germany by Jacob’s Father, Alexander Adler (Carlos Lacamara) before the Germans could destroy them.  He also smuggled out the young, pregnant librarian, Channa Wild (Tiffany Wolf) who was the only living sole still in the Institution when they escaped.

           

Joan Adler (Laura Gardner), has been separated from Michaela’s father for years, and Michaela, herself did not get along with her difficult father. Michaela recently lost her teaching job and is only working part time.  She also has a daughter with some medical issues that has her in financial straits.  Because of her situation, Joan has arranged for the manuscripts to be put up for auction in London to help Michaela, but naturally, they both have to agree to do so.

          

In the process, Michaela meets Julien (Richard-John Seikaly) a Muslim scholar who was her father’s assistant and who is an expert in rare antiques. They become romantically involved which puts Michaela in a quandary since Julien is against putting the manuscripts up for auction and tries, strongly, to convince Michaela not to do so. 

            

The actors are absolutely marvelous in their roles.  Amy Tolsky plays several roles.  However, the night I saw it, she performed only the role of the Law Clerk.  Her other roles, that of the Customs Official and the Auction House Assistant were performed by Nancy Fassett.  Allison Blaize is exceptional to me because I could see real tears in her eyes during moments of her performance.  The splendid scenic design and projections are by Yuki Izumihara.  My dilemma with the play happens when the no-longer-living people from the past show up a number of times during the production, often making it quite difficult to follow.  I suppose I could say it is the structure of the play that does not run as smoothly as the performers themselves.

            

The /Spanish Prayer Book plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM, through November 23, at The Road on Magnolia, 10747 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood.  Tickets are available online at www.roadtheatre.org, or by calling (818) 761-8838.