SISTER ACT by Stan Mazin, Guest Reviewer

SISTER ACT which is now playing at Casa 0101 is one of the best shows they have ever done at this theatre.  This is a co production along with TNH Productions.  This show has Lyrics by Glenn Slater, Music by Alan Menken, and was directed by Rigo Tejeda, with this company’s Musical Direction by Gabrielle Maldonado, Choreography by Tania Possick, Costumes by Marielena Covarrubias, Sets and Projections by Effy Yizhou Yang, Lighting by Kevin Eduardo Vasquez, and Sound Design by Joshua Cardenas.  While the Production Stage Manager was Jerry A. Blackburn, assisted by Genesis Miramontes, the Stage Manager was Andrew Ortega, assisted by JP Torres.  Rigo moved the show at a quick pace very well, while Tania had the cast moving with her great choreographic and clever moves.  So many outstanding numbers but I cannot list all those I adored.  Several standouts among many were the “Take Me To Heaven” numbers, performed by the nuns expertly lead by Jacquelin Lorraine Schofield as Delores Van Cartier, “When I Find My Baby”, brilliantly performed by Marco Infante as Curtis Jackson, “I Could Be That Guy” sung by Caleb Green as ’Sweaty’ Eddie Souther, with some costume surprise treats by Marilena, “Here Within These Walls” eloquently sung by Beverly Crain, “The Life I Never Led” perfectly sung by Samantha M. Lawrence as Sister Mary Robert, and of course “Sister Act” done with her star turn as she perfectly handled all her songs, by Jacquelin.  

This show is a complete delight and shows the talent of this terrific cast, each and every one of them.  Surprise well done movements by ‘nuns’ who you never expect could do them, each cast member standing out in his or her way to help create this obviously fun show, and performances that will be remembered long after this production is over, make me so happy that I had the experience of being in the audience.  The relationships among the actors felt true and heartfelt.  Even Monsignor O’Hara, performed by Omar Mata stood out in his role.  As I stated before, the performances, the direction, as well as the costumes, and certainly the choreography were all topnotch.  The heart of this show belongs to the cast, and we the audience easily accepted that heart which took us along for a most joyous evening of theatre.  The Press Relations person was Steve Moyer, and the producers were Abel Alvarado, Felipe Agredano, Emmanuel Deleage, Edward Padilla, Conrado Terrazas Cross, El Centro DelPueblo and Riboli Family of SanAntonio Winery in association with Behind The Mask Inc.  Everyone connected with this “Sister Act” should be very proud. 

Reservations can be obtained at www.casa0101.org, the Casa0101 Box Office at 323 263-7684, or email to tickets@casa0101.org.

Reviewed by Stan Mazin, April 19, 2019

BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL:  THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF KWAME BRATHWAITE by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

A new exhibition opened at the Skirball Cultural Center on April 11, the first of its kind to highlight the photography of Kwame Brathwaite.  Brathwaite was born in Brooklyn in 1938. In the late 1950’s he and his brother, Elombe Brath, formed the African Jazz Arts Society (AJAS) whose members included playwrights, graphic artist, dancers, and fashion designers.  They chose the word African in deference to colored or negro.

           

In the early 1960’s the Society created a modeling agency named Grandassa Models.  The name came from Grandassland, a name used by activist Carol Cooks to describe the African Continent.  They disproved of images of pale thin models, light complexions, and straight black hair as seen in Ebony magazines.

            

 In 1962 they premiered “naturally” Hair and Fashion Extravaganzas, which, eventually, became annual events.  The models wore African style clothes and wore their hair au natural which helped popularize Black Is Beautiful and inspired many to reclaim their African roots.

            

The exhibition features over forty images including a portrait of his wife Sikolo in which she is wearing a beautiful beaded headpiece and jewelry by Carolee Prince.  Take time to walk through this exhibition which, due to Brathwaite’s work, is historical in its way.

            

 Black Is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite will be on display at the Skirball Cultural Center through September 1, 2019.  The museum is located at 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles.  For further information call (310) 440-4500       

SPOTLIGHT ANDY WARHOL 10 PORTRAITS OF JEWS OF 20^TH CENTURY

            When visiting the Skirball Cultural Cente, don’t miss seeing the wonderful portraits by Andy Warhol of the  Marx Brothers, George Gershwin, Louis Brandeis, Golda Meir, Gertrude Stein, Sarah Bernhardt, Martin Buber, Franz Kafke, Sigmund Freud, and Albert Einstein, all from 1980

MY LIFE ON A DIET by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

When I knew that Renee Taylor was going to appear in a story about herself at the Wallis, I was anxious to make certain that I got to see her.  You see, I had interviewed both Renee and her husband, Joseph Bologna when I hosted a program on the arts at radio station KPFK.  They were delightful and charming guests, and I looked forward to seeing her again in person.

           

As I checked back to see what date that was when they appeared on my program, I could not believe my eyes when records showed me September 10, 1992!  Well, time has passed, we’ve all grown up, but I can honestly say, that Renee Taylor is still a woman who is charming and can keep one laughing continuously, as I did throughout her wonderful autobiographical comedy, My Life on a Diet, playing at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills.  I have to admit I never stopped laughing throughout the entire play.

            

Renee Taylor was born in the Bronx, New York to Frieda and Charles Wexler.  Her Mother’s wish was for her to be an actress, and Frieda is definitely not left out of some of her humorous stories.  She goes back in time to her beginnings in New York when she worked as a comedian in the early 1960’s at a New York City nightclub as the opening act for an unknown singer named Barbra Streisand.

            

Throughout her performance, she tells salacious stories, along with tips for dieting that she received from well-known Hollywood stars, one funnier than the next – stars such as Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, Barbra Streisand, and Joan Crawford, as she made her way as an actress herself.  She always had, and I presume she still has a phobia regarding her weight.  And of course, she relates stories about her late husband and partner of 52 years, Joe Bologna, who directed this performance. 

            

Theirs was a perfect partnership.  Following their marriage in 1965, they co-wrote and performed in the Broadway hit comedy Lovers and Other Strangers.  In 1970 they received an Oscar nomination for writing the film adaptation.  In 1971 they wrote and costarred in Made for Each Other.  In 1973 they won Emmys for writing the TV special Acts of Love and Other Comedies.   They co-directed and co-starred in the film, It Had to Be You, adapted from their play of the same name.  They were an exceptional talent together, and Renee has continued to prove she is, equally, a talent today.

           

 The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is located at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills.  The productions will close after Sunday, April 14.  To inquire about tickets, go online at TheWallis.org/Diet, or call (310) 746-7000.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

THE ROOT BEER BANDITS by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

The Root Beer Bandits is a family musical playing at the Garry Marshall Theatre in Burbank.  It’s great for “kids”, but don’t get me wrong.  It’s a hoot for grownups as well.  It’s one of those plays that is so full of energy, adorable characters, original songs, dancing, and just plain ole rip roarin’ fun

            

The Root Beer Bandits takes place in Sarsaparilla City, a frontier town in the 1860’s that thrives on its production of root beer.  This is where we meet up with two characters, Copper Penny (Kelly Brandenburg) and Zeke (Josey Montana McCoy) who have just arrived in town.   Zeke has joined with Copper Penney, a brash lady outlaw, and they are up to no good.  They have come to Sarsaparilla City to rob the town of its supply of root beer!

           

Polly Peppercorn (Grace Yoo), the only female to ride the Pony Express, comes to town to deliver a letter to Sheriff Bailey (Clayton Snyder) and they discover that outlaws are planning to steal the city’s supply of root beer. 

              

Will the robbers get away with their plot or will Sherriff Bailey save the city?   What is the outlook for the future of Sarsaparilla City, the Sherriff, Polly Peppercorn,  to Sally Sue Tucker (Cloe Wyatt Taylor), owner of the only lady’s dress shop who comes across the robbers and the robbers themselves? 

           

There is so much humor throughout the show, and all performed by a wonderful cast.  Accompanying the actors are the Whyman Boys; Ryan Whyman (saloon piano), Blake Estrada (bass), Ben Matthis (guitar/keyboard), and Jordan Bush (banjo/guitar).  Book and lyrics are by Joseph Leo Bwairie and Lori Marshall, music by Rachael Lawrence, choreography by Christine Lakin, the town’s scenic design by Tanya Orellana, and the beautiful costumes by Jessica Champagne-Hansen, directed by Joseph Leo Bwairie.

            

The Root Beer Bandits plays at the Garry Marshall Theatre Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 2 PM and 7 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM, through April 28, at the Garry Marshall Theatre, 4252 W. Riverside Dr., Burbank.  Tickets are available online at garrymarshalltheatre.org, or by phone at (818-955-8108.

Bring the whole gang!!

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN by Carol Kaufman Segal

            Catch Me if You Can was first a book by Frank Abagnale Jr., followed by a movie based on his book, followed by a musical based on the movie, all of which are based on the true story of this astonishing man., Frank Abagnale, Jr.. Catch Me If You Can the Musical is a production of Musical Theater West playing at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach.  The book was written by Terrence McNally with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman (who also wrote the music and lyrics for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)

            The musical begins when Frank (Jacob Haren) is trapped at the Miami International Airport by an FBI Agent, Carl Hanratty (Jeff Skowron) and his squad (Richard Bulda, Jeffrey Scott Parsons, and Jonathan Sangster).  When Hanratty begins questioning Frank about how he has managed to get away with all the tricks of his trade for so many years, he promises to disclose his secrets if he will let him reveal his entire story to him and his men.  And thus the story begins.

            The show then becomes a flashback of Frank’s life, when, at the age of 17, his parents (Michael Corbett as Frank Abagnale, Sr. and Sandy Bainum as Paula Abagnale) file for divorce, and when they fight over custody of him, he becomes so upset he decides to run away.  From that time on, he becomes an unbelievable con man, a person with an unusual mind because he first figures out how to write and cash fake checks, then how to pass as an expert in a number of fields, and gets away with it, claiming to be a lawyer, spending time as an airplane pilot, to working as a pediatrician at a children’s hospital.  Because he has cashed millions of dollars worth of checks, and held occupations for which he was not qualified, Hanratty and his men had begun their search for him

            As faith would have it, Frank falls in love with a nurse, Brenda Strong (Katie Sapper) and she brings him to New Orleans to meet her Mother, Carol Strong (Rebecca Spencer), and her Father, Roger Strong (Doug Carfrae).  Frank wants to impress Brenda’s parents and tells them that he is a lawyer, a doctor, and because he knows their religion, a Lutheran!  Even though they don’t believe him, they approve of his continued company with Brenda.  He then proposes to her and she accepts 

            Prior to their engagement party, Frank becomes aware that Hanratty has finally tracked him down.  Since he has to run in order not to be caught, he tells his story to Brenda and tells her he will return to her as soon as he is safe from Hanratty.  Just as he departs, Hanratty shows up and questions her as to where Frank has gone.  Because she loves him, she refuses to give him the information, but Hanratty finds a way to get it from her.

            The scene then returns to the airport where Frank was caught and he completes his story.  When Hanratty warns him not to try to run, he realizes if he does, he could be killed.  Therefore, he gives up.   Frank Abagnale, was sentenced to fifteen years in prison, but was  released after serving seven years.  Because of the value of this man, he is hired by the FBI to work with Hanratty where theirs is a friendly partnership.  Of course, Frank keeps his promise to Havverty!

            A great story?  Most certainly it is.  But what makes this production so great is not just the story, but the way it is presented with the wonderful music by Shaiman and Wittman the outstanding performances by the entire cast, the dancing  by beautiful chorus girls (Choreographer Peggy Hickey}, a fine orchestra (Music Director Dennis Castellano), and the outstanding direction by Larry Rabin.

            

Catch Me If You Can, produced by Musical Theater West, continues at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the Cal State Long Beach campus, 6200 Atherton St., in Long Beach, through April 14.  Tickets are available at www.musical.org, by calling (562) 856-1999, or at the Musical Theatre West box office.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED        

           

           

           

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY by Carol Kaufman Segal

           
 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, written by David Greig, based on the 1964 novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, is playing at The Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.   Dahl also wrote the book Matilda which was also made into a musical (see review on this site).  I had never read either novel nor had I ever seen either musical until this season.  I thoroughly enjoyed Matilda the Musical.  However, I find Charlie and the Chocolate Factory entirely too appalling to even be considered for children.  I understand that Dahl was trying to create a point about good and bad children, but the manner in which it is accomplished, in this fairy tale, is beyond my acceptance.  This is not to say that the production, itself, was not well done.

           

 Charlie Buckett (alternates: Henry Boshart, Collin Jeffrey, Rueby Wood) is from a very poor, but loving family and Charlie is a warm-hearted young boy.  When he finds out that Willy Wonka (Noah Weisberg), the owner of a chocolate factory, is giving away five tickets to five lucky children who can find them hidden in the factory’s chocolate bars, he longs to be one of those lucky “kids”.  And wouldn’t you know it?   Charlie finds the very last golden ticket.  There is excitement in his family, and Grandpa Joe (Clyde Voce), who hasn’t walked in years, hops out of bed and accompanies Charlie on his dream-come-true adventure.    
            
The following are the other four children who were lucky enough to join Charlie on the tour: (or were they?)  Veruca Salt (Jessica Cohen), Augustus Gloop (Matt Wood), Violet Beauregarde (Brynn Williams), and Mike Teavee (Daniel Quadrino, each one more flawed in character than the other, and as they roam through the factory each one is eliminated in a not too pleasant fashion, leaving Charlie, the well-mannered and caring child, the one who is given the chocolate factory by Willie Wonka.

            
There is some outstanding music in the production by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.  At the opening, young Reuby Wood was a delightful and talented Charlie and the entire cast carried the play off perfectly.  If the outcome of the children, in order to make a point, does not affect you, as it does me, then this might be a show that you can enjoy        

            
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory plays Tuesdays through Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 2 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays at 1 PM and 6:30 PM, through April 14, at the Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles.  For further information call (800) 982-2787, or go online at HollywoodPantages.com.      

THE SECRET OF CHIMNEYS by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

The group Rep is presenting Agatha Christie’s play, The Secret of Chimneys. The novel was originally written in 1926 and was adapted by Christie into a stage play in 1931.  Long forgotten due to her daughter’s request not to make known that it existed, a copy was discovered later in Canada where it had its world premiere in 2003.

            

The mystery takes place in the council chamber at Chimneys, a country estate South of London in 1947(set design by Chris Winfield).  You will find a number of characters visiting and arriving at the estate, which often makes it difficult to understand who some of the characters are and why they are involved.  However, there is a mystery about the manor that remains to be seen as the play progresses and all of the “guests” become involved.

            

Lord Catarham (Lloyd Pedersen) is, seemingly, the host of a gathering of people that includes an heir to the throne of Herzoslovakia (Doug Haverty), an attractive young woman, Virginia Revel (Stasha Surdyke), and eventually a young man, Anthony Cade (Lee Grober) who has come to look into the secret of the manor.   Suddenly, a gunshot is heard and Anthony Cade and Virginia Revel, together, find the dead body of the royal member of the gathering.   

           

Superintendent Battle (Daniel Lench) of Scotland Yard arrives on the scene and each and every guest is questioned.  As the mystery of the murder evolves, Anthony Cade becomes a suspect, but the plot of stolen diamonds, secret oil concessions, exiled royalty, and murder has yet to be solved by Scotland Yard’s Superintendent Battle.  By play’s end, you will be totally surprised!

            

All of the actors bring reality to their roles. Since the play is set in London, the actors take on British accents which they do extremely well. Other members of the cast not mentioned heretofore are Todd Andrew Ball, Michele Bernath, Dave Buzzotta, Bruce Nehlsen, Michele Schultz, and Gabrielle Sigrist, all under the perceptive direction of veteran Director Jules Aaron.  If you enjoy mysteries, you can’t help but be intrigued by this play.

              

The Secret of Chimneys plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM, through May 5, at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood.  Tickets are available online at www.thegrouprep.com, or by phone at (818) 783-5990.