BE A GOOD LITTLE WIDOW by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

The Odyssey Theatre is home to a visiting production written by Bekah Brunstetter entitled Be A Good Little Widow.  The play takes place in 2007 in Hartford, Connecticut, in the home of newlyweds, Melody (Adrienne Visnic) and Craig (Sterling Knight).   

           

It is very clear that newlyweds, Melody and Craig, are deeply in love and happy in their marriage and new home.  Melody has had to move far away from her family, while due to Craig’s job, they live close to his mother, Hope (Sandy Bainum).  Hope is a widow, and she and her son have a close relationship.  Sadly, she doesn’t appear to be happy with the woman he chose to marry.

            

Craig leaves on a business trip, and as fate would have it, the plane he is on crashes and no one survives the accident.  Melody is left a young widow who has excessive difficulty coping with her situation.  With her parents living far away, and her poor relationship with Craig’s mother, she finds some solace in Craig’s business friend Brad (Khylin Rhambo) until he proves to want to be more than just a friend.

           

As Melody grieves and sees Craig in her imagination, Hope spends time with her to help her grieve and survive as a widow.  The animosity between mother and widow slowly fades away.  Perhaps Hope was not as callous as she had appeared. 

            

Be A Good Little Widow is a play filled with emotion, and the entire cast deserves acclaim for their outstanding portrayals.  The play is excellently directed by Brandon Baer, scenic design by Pete Hickok.  Performances are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM, through June 9, at the Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles. Tickets are available online at https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/1010034, or by calling (310) 477-2055, ext.2.

 MAMMA MIA! by Carol Kaufman Segal

           

East West Players is featuring Mama Mia! at the David Henry Hwang Theatre.  The musical features an array of Abba hits (music and lyrics by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, and the book by Catherine Johnson). A fabulous cast, under the auspicious direction of Snehal Desai, performs a spectacular rendition of this charming play.

            

20-year old Sophia Sheridan (Grace Yoo) and her mother Donna (Joan Almedilla) reside in a rural resort hotel, the Villa Donna, on a peaceful Greek Island, owned and run by Donna.  There will be many guests arriving at the hotel soon for the coming marriage of Sophia to her fiancé, Sky (Max Torrez).  Sophia longs to have her father walk her down the aisle, but her mother never told her who that person is.  Having found her mother’s diary, and secretly reading it to try to find the answer, she learns of three different men who were involved with her mother at about the same time.   Anyone of them could be her father.  Therefore, unbeknownst to Donna, she invites all three of them to the wedding.  

            

When Sam Carmichael (Alan Ariano), Harry Bright (Danny Bernardo), and Bill Austin (Michael Palma) show up at the hotel, Donna is beside herself, not knowing what she will do with these men suddenly appearing from her past.  She seeks help from her best friends, former singing partners, Rosie Mulligan (Elvira Barjau) and Tanya Chesham-Leigh (Anthea Neri).  Sophie too, is in a quandary, not knowing how to figure out which of the three men is her father    and seeks the help of her two bridesmaids, Ali (Nicole Santiago) and Lisa (Jules Aurora). 

           

If all of this isn’t enough to create havoc, Sam, Harry, and Bill, never having known one another, each comes to the conclusion that he was invited to the wedding because he is the father of the bride-to-be.  Problems? You bet!  Sky is upset enough to want to call off the wedding!  But all must end well in this charming musical with its wonderful music and a superb cast of singers, dancers, and actors.  They also include Al Rafael (Pepper), Kevin Trinio Perdido, (Eddie) and Ala Tiatia (Father Alexandrios).  And it wouldn’t be the same without the Ensemble that includes Edelyn Okano, Dekontee Tucrkile, Steven Agdeppa,  and Andrew Ge.

            

The live band, conducted by Marc Macalintal, (keyboard), includes Vince Reyes (guitars), Chris Spilsbury (guitars), Khris Kempis (bass guitar), and Craig Bunch (percussion).  The excellent choreography is by Preston Mui.

           

Mama Mia! plays Thursdays and Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 2 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM, at the David Henry Hwang Theatre, 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, through June 9.  Tickets are available online at wwweastwestplayers.org, or by phone at (213) 625-7000.

           

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED                    

A BAD YEAR FOR TOMATOES by Carol Kaufman Segal

            A Bad Year for Tomatoes, written by John Patrick, is playing at Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills.  His first few plays did not fair too well on Broadway, but his stage adaptation of Vern J. Sneider’s novel in 1953, The Teahouse of the August Moon, earned him both the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony award for Drama. 

            Myra Marlow (Diana Angelina) is a well-known television star who has become stressed out over the demands of her career.  All she wants is some peace and quiet where she can relax while she writes her autobiography.  She finds just the spot in a small farmhouse in Beaver Haven, Vermont, where she can even plant tomatoes in her spare time.  She arrives at the home accompanied by her long time friend and agent, Tom Lamont (David Datz) who tries to talk her out of this phase and to return with him to her job and to marry him.  No such luck there!

            The moment Tom leaves and she starts to feel the comfort of being alone, (using her real name, Myrtle Durtle), she is interrupted by Amanda Conlon (Cora Gump) and Reba Harper (Ann Ryerson), the Beaver Haven Welcoming Committee.  Actually, they turn out to be the town’s nosey neighbors!  As soon as they leave, the town’s handyman, Piney (Jeffrey Winner) shows up at her door dragging his axe and offering her his services.  Following this interruption, last, but not least, Willa Mae Wilcox (Leda Siskind) makes her appearance at her door, and Myra realizes she is going to have to find a way to keep the meddlers from intruding on her privacy.

            Myra makes up a tale of having a dangerous and unhinged sister who she has to keep locked up in an upstairs bedroom, hoping to scare off her constant intruders.  And while this falsehood works somewhat for awhile, lying usually finds its way to more dire circumstances, and Myra finds herself in a whole lot of trouble with the town’s sheriff (William Joseph Hill).  Fortunately, Tom Lamont arrives just in time to save Myra and to convince her of her next step.

            Though John Patrick wrote a large number of plays, his real success came from writing scripts for radio and for the screen. This comedy, written in 1974, is about characters who are too much over the top in outrageous silliness, perhaps some of which might have been played down somewhat.  The play is directed by Larry Eisenberg, Co-Artistic Director of the Lonny Chapman Group Repertory Theatre, and an established actor in his own right.  Set design by Jeff G. Rack is outstanding as always.

            A Bad Year for Tomatoes plays Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM, through June 16, at Theatre 40, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Dr. Beverly Hills.  Tickets are available online at wwwtheatre40.org, or by phone at (310) 364-0535.

           

LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL by Carol Kaufman Segal

           

A new production of the Tony award-winning Broadway play, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & GrillI is playing at the Garry Marshall Theatre in Burbank.   Lady Day is the nickname that was given to American jazz singer, Billy Holliday (1915-1959).

           

Billy Holliday began singing in nightclubs in Harlem and was discovered by producer John Hammond.  She became a successful jazz recording artist in the 1930’s and 1940’s.  By the late 1940’s she had become an alcoholic and user of drugs.  And though she was still successful as a concert performer in the 1950’s (she performed at Carnegie Hall in sold out concerts), her drug and alcohol abuse led to her downfall.

           

This play takes place in 1959 in a sordid bar in Philadelphia where Billy Holliday (Deidrie Henry) is performing one of her latest shows about four months prior to her death.  Her backup artists include Jimmy Powers (Abdul Hamid Royal at the piano) and James Leary (bass player).  It is obvious there is a problem with Billy before her performance begins.  Fortunately, Jimmy helps to soften the situation as best he can throughout her show.  She begins her performance with a song, but as she continues, she intersperses her singing with bits of her life, stopping sometimes for a smoke or a drink.  Meanwhile the audience becomes privy to what occurred throughout her life that pushed Billy Holliday towards her brink of disaster, not the least of which was her color.

           

Deidrie Henry is magnificent as Billie Holliday in every way.  Her voice is absolutely beautiful, (I have never been a fan of Holliday’s voice per se.) and her performance is very realistic.  Royal and Leary are an outstanding combo and the three musicians light up the show.

           

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill was written by Lanie Robertson and directed by Gregg T. Daniel.  It is playing Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 3 PM, through June 9, at the Garry Marshall Theatre, 4252 West Riverside Dr., Burbank.  For tickets visit www.garrymarshalltheatre.org, or call (818) 955-8101.

JULIUS WEEZER by Carol Kaufman Segal

            It is difficult to believe that the Troubadour Theater Company recently opened a production at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood marking their silver anniversary – (believe it or not) 25 years of bringing uproarious musical comedy to fervent Troubie audiences.

            This time they have hit upon Shakespeare with their latest world premiere of, Julius Weever a take-off of you know who!  This latest musical parody is directed and adapted by the company’s Artistic Director Matt Walker, who also plays the role of Cassius.  Joining him in this hysterical romp is Rick Batalla (Decius, Lucius), Joseph Leo Bwarie (Octavius Caesar), Victoria Hoffman (Portia), Beth Kennedy (Metellus, Calpurnia), Matt Mecrhant (Marcus Antonius), Bob Nage Brutu)Suzanne Jolie Narbonne (Servant to Cleopatra/Cup Bearer), Andy Robinson (Julius Caesar), Morgan Rusler (Cinna, Cinna Te Poet, Soothsayer), Mike Sulprizio (Casca), Cloie Wyatt Taylor (Cleopatra), and David C. Wright (Trebonius/Servant to Caesar).

            If you took the time to read all of these characters, you might ask, “What in heaven’s name is Cleopatra doing in this take-off?”  Well, that’s the Troubies for you.  Don’t ask me.  Just enjoy this crazy romp through 90 minutes of fun and laughter with music, singing, comedy, and even part circus.  Oh, I almost forgot, you’ll be rockin’ to some of that music as well.   A five-piece band includes Ryan Whyman (keyboard), Derick Finely (drums), Mikala Schmitz (cello), Mike Abraham (guitar), and Blake Etrada (bass). 

            Julius Weever runs Friday, May 10, 8 PM, Friday May 17, 8 PM, Saturday, May 18, 4 PM and 8 PM, and Sunday, May 19, 4 PM, at the El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd.  Tickets are available online at www.elportaltheatre.com, or by calling the box office at (818) 508-4200 or (866) 811-4111. 

ABOUT THE TROUBDOUR THEATER COMPANY

“Troubadour Theater Company is a free-wheeling, no holds barred, Commedia Del-Arte flavored, slapstick driven Los Angeles based ensemble of actors, musicians, and comedians that has been performing for audiences throughout Southern California and beyond since 1995.  Their fast-paced, laugh-filled, loose adaptations (some of the lines are still there) of classic plays, literature and film, as well as their original productions and hilarious sketch material, make this company a unique and exciting experience for theater-goers of any age.  For more information on the Troubies, visit www.troubie,com or Instagram @thetroubies and Facebook at www.facebook,com/troubadoourtheatrecompany. ”

LES MISERABLES by Carol Kaufman Segal

            
After performing on Broadway for 2 ½ years, Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Les Miserables is playing at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.  It features new staging and scenery that brings this musical back to life again with its captivating story, based on the novel by Victor Hugo.  The story is told through the outstanding music by Claude-Michel Schonberg and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean Marc Natel.  Just a few of the memorable songs include I Dreamed A Dream, One Day More, On My Own, and Bring Him Home.

             
Les Miserables takes place during the repercussions of the French Revolution in 19^th century France with Jean Valjean (Nick Cartell), a prisoner being brutalized on a workforce for stealing a loaf of bread.  He eventually escapes his bondage, and once free, he is fortunate to gain help from someone who turns his life around.   He becomes caring of other people, a man of compassion.  However, he is continually sought after by his adversary, Inspector Javert (Josh Davis).  Valjean eventually ends up in Paris and becomes involved in the Student Revolution where he learns the meaning of life, love, and deliverance.

Other characters, who impact Valjean’s life and are important to the full story and final outcome, are Fantine (Mary Kate Moore), Eponine (Paige Smallwood), Cosette (Jillian Butler), Madame Thenardier (Allison Guinn), Thenardier (J Anthony Crane), and Marius (Josh A. Grosso).

            
The Broadway production of Les Miserables opened March 12, 1987 and closed May 18, 2003, after 6,680 performances.  It is the fifth longest-running Broadway show in history.  Theatre-goers always rush to see it when and where it reopens.  This includes people who have never seen it and look forward to the opportunity of doing so, and those who long to revive their memories of it due to its captivating music and interesting story. 

            
The production at the Pantages Theatre is riveting with the wonderful music performed by an exceptional cast and staging.  Though it runs three hours, the time passes all too quickly. As much as I enjoyed the show and the cast, I have to admit that I found it difficult, at times, to understand the words they were singing, and found the women’s voices exceptionally weak in resonance.


 Les Miserables plays Tuesdays through Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 2 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays at 1 PM and 6:30 PM, through June 2, at the Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd,, Los Angeles.  Tickets and/or information are available by calling (800) 982-2787, or online at www.hollywoodpantages.com.

           

            RECOMMENDED

MISTAKES WERE MADE - Coulda-Woulda-Shouda by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

Mistakes Were Made is making its world premiere at The Santa Monica Playhouse.  Written by playwright Jerry Mayer, it is his 10^th play to premiere at the Playhouse, and like most, they come from personal happenings in his own life.

           

Dick Turner (Paul Linke), Jeff Cohen (Gregg Berger), and Mel Friedman (Kyle T. Heffner) were all comedy writers for a TV show in their younger days.  Time has passed, and when they get together at Canters Deli to reminisce over old times, they all realize that Mistakes Were Made by each of them, as well as others in their lives, that left problems with their friendships as the years passed by.

            

Fortunately, during all of those bygone years, their lives have changed and mistakes can be fixed as these men discover as they hark back to the old days.  They learn, by discussing all that has been gnawing at them over the years, they are able to realize that their friendships are what matters now.

            

The stories looking back are told with aside skits that will keep you laughing maybe even crying.  Human comedy can sometimes do that.  The skits include Matt Fowler (Charlie, Young Dick, Young Jeff, Young Mel, Dick Jr.), Rachel Galper  (Helen, Young Helen, Young Ruth, Gayle, Young Gayle), and Christine Joelle (The Apple Genius, Sally the Waitress, Charlene the Girlfriend, Susan Kramer the Producer, Ann Tyler the Actress, Esther Turner – Dick Jr’s wife).

           

Playwright Jerry Mayer’s writing career began over 40 years ago.  He first began writing jokes, then spec scripts until he began writing scripts for some of the most popular shows in the 70’s such as All In the Family, M*A*S*, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show as well as many other television shows.  He spent six years as a writer and Executive Producer of The Facts of Life.  He wrote his first play in the mid-80’s which had its World Premier at the Santa Monica Playhouse and that launched his success as a playwright. 

            

Santa Monica Playhouse has been home to Mayer’s premiers and all have been directed, as this one has, by renowned Director Chris DeCarlo.  What makes Mayer’s plays so popular is, to quote Chris DeCarlo, his “plays are a delight for a director, a cast, and of course, an audience.  He writes about issues people can identify with, laugh at, and care about.”   Mistakes Are Made is no exception.  With that, and an outstanding cast, this is a play you can’t help but enjoy.

           

Mistakes Were Made, plays Saturdays at 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 3:30 PM through June 30^th at the Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4^th St., Santa Monica.  For tickets, or for further information, call the Santa Monica Playhouse Box Office at (310) 394-9779, ext. 1, or you may purchase tickets online at SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/mistakes.html.

RECOMMENDED

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

The stage production, Singin’ In The Rain playing at the La Mirada Theatre, is adapted from the musical screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and songs by Naci Herb Brown and Arthur Freed.  The 1952 film starred Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald `O’Connor, and Jean Hagen.   The musical stage version opened on Broadway in 1985 and won that year’s Tony award for Best Book for a Musical.  Nothing from the movie is left out of the stage production, every song and dance, including the title number with a real rainstorm on the stage!

           

The story takes place during the silent-film era just at the time that talkies are beginning to be made.  Don Lockwood (Michael Starr and Lina Lamont (Sara King) are an on-screen couple that have been promoted as the same off-screen.  However, Don has an aversion to Lina, an egotist whose spine wrenching voice can only be a hindrance for a star in talkies. Don happens to meet Kathy Selden (Kimberly Immanuel), a talented dancer and singer who is trying to make it in films.  His longtime friend, Cosmo Brown (Brandon Burke), adds to the main characters in the story.

           

Within the plot of Singin’ In The Rain are the memorable songs sung by the very talented cast that include You are My Lucky Star, You Were Meant for Me, Good Morning, (to name a few) and of course Singin’ In The Rain which is performed in an outstanding presentation by Michael Starr as he sings and dances in a downpour of rain on the stage!  All of the original movie choreography by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen is replicated in this production directed and choreographed by Spencer Liff.   The dance routines and those performing them are marvelous. The Musical Director, Keith Harrison, conducts a full orchestra. 

            

All other cast members, who appear as characters important to the plot, include Peter Van Norden, Jamie Torcellini, Kelley Dorney, Candace J. Washington, Clarice Ordaz, Cheyenne Omani, Justin Cowen, Grant Hodges, Ethan Daniel Corbett, Bruce Merkle, Maggie Darago, and Adam Lendermon.  The Ensemble includes Chaz Feuerstine, Veronica Gutierrez, Tayler Mettra, Shanon Mari Mills, Theresa Murray, Samuel Shea, DJ Smith, RodrigoVeranda, and Breanne Wilson.

           

Singin’ In The Rain plays Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 2 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM, through May 12, at the La Mirada Theatre For the Performing Arts in La Mirada.  Ticket are available by calling the Theatre Box Office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310, or online at www.lamiradatheatre.com.

          

  I loved every moment of this wonderful production.  It is very deserving of being

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED