PARADISE BLUE by Stan Mazin  (Guest Reviewer)

 

I fell in love with “Paradise Blue”, the production on the MainStage at the Geffen Playhouse, which I saw Friday, November 19th.  This beautiful piece of theatre has everything going for it… Wonderful Set by Edward E. Haynes, jr., Great Lighting by Alan C. Edwards, Luscious Costumes by Wendell C. Carmichael, and some lovely Original Music by David “Preach” Balfour.  Even the sound Designer, Jeff Gardner worked in some Thunder in the final act to emphasize dramatic moments, although I did hear some people say the actors were not loud enough to be heard in the back of the theatre.  The Fight Direction was by Steve Rankin, and they even had an Intimacy Choreographer, Nedra Constance Gallegos.  The Director Stori Ayers kept the action going and the play never got boring or ordinary.  This interesting play was written by Dominique Morisseau, and every scene was packed with LIFE, drama,  and even some humor.  The play takes place in the late ’40s in the Black Bottom jazz section of Detroit, in a less than successful jazz club called Paradise.  Each of the 5 characters in the piece is etched out brilliantly, and the actors are nothing but exquisite in their performances.  Blue, the owner of the club is played by Wendell B. Franklin.  Blue is probably the most troubled character in the play due to his background.  His female interest is Pumpkin, innocently played by Shayna Small… a terrific performance who changes dramatically at the end of the play.  Corn is played with great strength by John Earl Jelks, who is also in the jazz group with Blue and P-Sam, who is probably my favorite character if I had to choose one, brilliantly played by Alani Ilongwe.  It was difficult to take my eyes off him.  Finally, there is Silver,  a ‘worldly’ woman who comes to stay in one of the rooms above the club.  Tyla Abercrumbie plays this complicated woman to the hilt.  All in all a fantastic cast well directed on this superb multi-level set.  The story captured me from the first moment of the play.  Although every seat was taken, we all felt completely safe since the playhouse did a complete screening so no one could enter without showing his or her proof of vaccination, and everyone except the actors had to keep their masks on.  Again, this play is being performed at the Geffen Playhouse in the Gil Cates Theatre.  I hope you love it as much as I did.

 

 BLUES IN THE NIGHT by Carol Segal

            If you love the blues, you can’t help but love this wonderful production, Blues In The Night, playing at the Nate Holden Performing Art Center in Los Angeles.  This Tony and Olivier Award-nominated musical revue was conceived by Sheldon Epps. 

            Set in 1948 in a Chicago Hotel, the show features Vivian Reed, Karole Foreman, Jenna Byrd, wonderful and super talented singers and performers with stunning voices, and one male, Parris D. Mann, who shows his talent as a dancer, as well.  Add to all of that, the terrific live band directed by William Foster McDaniel on piano, Del Atkins on bass, Clayton Cameron on drums, Scott Mayo playing wind instruments, and Fernando Pullum on trumpet, and you have a fabulous show featuring fabulous music.         

            The production was directed by Wren T. Brown.  The lovely scenic design is by Edward Haynes, Jr.  Beautiful costume designs are by Kim Deshazo, lighting design by Donna Ruzika, sound design by John Feinstein, musical director William Foster McDaniel, production stage manager, Mary Michele Miner, property designers, Gordon & Patty Briles, hair and wig designer, Anthony Gagliardi, and casting director, Michael Donovan, CSA. 

            I enjoyed Blues In The Night, so much I didn’t want it to end.  It plays from now to December 5, 2021, at the Nate Holden Performing Art Center, 4718 West Washington Blvd., Los Angeles.  The performance schedule is Friday and Saturday at 8 PM, Sunday at 3 PM.  Regular tickets range from $40 to $50 and are available online at ebonyrep.org or by phone at 323-964-9766.  Groups of 15 or more are available at groups@ebony.rep.org, or 323-964-9766                    

            HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

           

                                                                                                                  

 

 A PERFECT GANESH by Carol Kaufman Segal

            A Perfect Ganesh, a play written by the late Terrence McNally, is playing at The Pico in Los Angeles.  It takes place during a two-week period in India that includes the time that two friends spend time together getting there and coming home.

            You might want to know first, what is a Ganesh?  So I will tell you that “Ganesh is a Hindu god and the son of Shiva and Parvati.  He is the god of wisdom, the lord of good fortune, and is also regarded as the remover of obstacles. Ganesh is depicted as a short fat man with the head of an elephant.  He is one of the most popular and widely worshiped deities.  Worship of Ganesh is thought to bring prosperity, success, and protection.” In this production, Ganesh is performed by Mueen Jahan, elephant head and all!

            Margaret (Mary Allwright) and Katharine (Kathleen Gray) two middle-aged ladies have traveled together before, but this is a trip unlike any other they have ventured upon, a trip to India in the hopes of ridding themselves of longtime problems in their lives.  Katharine has been haunted for years by the loss of her son.  Margaret is hiding the fact that she has a lump on her breast.  Needless to say, both ladies need the help of Ganesh.  Will they have chosen the right vacation to take together this time?  After some moments of doubt about whether their friendship will continue, due to moments of stress between the two ladies, all ends happily ever after.

            In some ways, much of this play feels as if it is a dream rather than a real happening, but the performances by the entire cast is very well done.  They included Dancers (Svetlana Tulasi, Pavia Sidhu), Man #2 (Delio Eswar), Man #1 (Cameron Gregg), and Walter (Judd Yort).  David W. Callander directed.  Scenic Design is by David Goldstein, and costume design by Michael Mullen,

            A Perfect Ganesh is playing at the Pico, 10508 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles.  Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 3 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays at 7 PM through November 21.  (Dark Nov. 14).  Admission is $35.  Reservations are available at http//onstage411.com/ganesh.  No one under 12 admitted.         

            

 SEVEN GUITARS by Carol Kaufman Segal

            August Wilson’s play, Seven Guitars, playing at A Noise Within in Pasadena, offers insight into the struggles of African-Americans. Directed by Greg T. Daniel, and performed by an outstanding cast, the play takes place in the Pittsburg Hill District in 1948.

            Upon opening, we find Vera (Cherish Monique Duke), Louise (Veralyn Jones), Hedley (Kevin Jackson), Canewell (DeJuan Christopher), and Red Carter (Amir Abdullah) in Vera’s backyard together after the funeral of their close friend Floyd Barton.  Quickly it reverts back in time before Floyd’s death.

            Floyd Barton, a very talented blues musician who had a hit record, returns home after being released from a 90-day sentence in a workhouse for vagrancy.  He didn’t have money to pay despite the fact that he had pawned his guitar.  Floyd came home to convince his girlfriend Vera to go back to Chicago with him where he hopes to become famous.  He also wants his best friends, Red Carter and Canewell to join him in order to record an album with him.  (Canewell also happens to be in love with Vera.)

            On a morning, Canewell comes by and gives Vera a Goldenseal plant before going with Floyd to collect payment for his time in the workhouse.  Floyd intends to buy back his guitar. Unfortunately, he is not able to get the money because he did not have the proper documentation for proof of his time.  Therefore, he is unable to buy back his guitar.

            When Louise sees Vera in the yard, she tells her that her niece Ruby (Sydney A. Mason) is coming to be with her from Alabama.  Ruby is pregnant and is searching for a father!  Red Carter stops by later to give them the news that his wife has given birth.  A few days later, Hedley is out grilling his lunch while singing about a man named Buddy Bolden. When Ruby asks him who he was, Hedley says he was a famous musician and that he had a dream that his father told him that Buddy was going to give him money to purchase a plantation!

            Later Floyd has good news from his manager that he has booked him, Canewell and Red Carter to play at the Blue Goose Club, with promises of retrieving his guitar for him and paying him an advance.  Finally, good news regarding money, but not for long!  The next day, his manager gets arrested for an insurance scam, which means no advance money in which to retrieve his guitar. 

            Floyd goes away for two days, and when he returns, he buries something in the yard. When Vera shows up, she agrees to go back with him.  Later, as everyone is getting ready to go to the Blue Goose, Canewell tells them that he heard there was a robbery in which one man was killed and two others escaped with the money.    

When they return from the Blue Goose, Canewell re-plants Vera’s Goldenseal plant and discovers hidden cash.  Floyd says it is his, and Canewell now knows who one of the other robbers is and leaves him. Meanwhile, Hedley, who has had too much to drink is outside and sees Floyd counting the money.  Hedley mistakes him for Buddy Bolden and thinks he has come to give him his money.  When Floyd refuses to give the cash to him, Hedley cuts Floyd’s throat.  It always turns out that Floyd can never get the money he needs!

            Returning back to the gathering of Floyd’s friends following his funeral, it appears that the police do not have any idea about who killed Floyd.  Meanwhile, there are only two of Floyd’s friends left in the yard, Canewell and Hedley.

            HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Five Guitars continues at A Noise Within, 3352 Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA

Performances are Thursday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 PM, Friday, Oct. 29 at 8 PM, Sat., Oct. 30 at 2 PM & 8 PM, Sunday, Oct. 31 at 2 PM, (Post Show Conversation), Thursday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 PM, Fri. Nov. 5 at 8 PM (Post-Show Conversation), Saturday, Nov. 6 at 2 PM and 8 PM, Sunday, Nov. 7 at 2 PM and 7 PM (Sunday Rush), Thursday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 PM, Friday, Nov. 12 at 8 PM (Post-Show Conversation), Saturday, Nov. 13 at 2 PM and 8 PM, Sunday, Nov.14 at 2 PM

Tickets online:  www.anoisewithin.org   Tickets by Phone:  626-356-3121   

 Ticket at Box Office:  3352 Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 9110                                        

 Regular Prices:  Single tickets from $25, Student Rush with ID an hour before performance - $20              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            

 TENDERLY:  The Rosemary Clooney Musical by Carol Kaufman Segal

            Ensemble Theatre Company in Santa Barbara presented the opening of their first show of the new season at the New Vic, a Southern California premiere entitled Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical.  Santa Barbara is quite a distance for me to travel to see a play, but this was one I really had a strong desire to see.  Therefore, I went many miles away to a lovely theatre that I had never been to in my many years of reviewing plays, and I must admit it was very worthwhile.

            Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical is a biographical-musical about Rosemary Clooney told with just two actors, the lovely singer/actress Linda Purl as Rosemary Clooney and David Engel as her therapist as well as a multitude of characters such as members of her family, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Jose Ferrer.

            A wonderful jazz band is on stage throughout the play accompanying Linda Purl’s voice, which by the way comes across as very similar to Rosemary Clooney’s voice.  Throughout the production, she performs a multitude of songs that were connected to Clooney.  I was also especially impressed with David Engel and how he changed characters, seemingly one after another, and how he still kept the plot moving.

            The book, Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical was written by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, directed by Jenny Sullivan, music direction by George Friedenthal, and choreography by Jean Michelle Sayeg.

            There is still time to see the production at the Ensemble Theatre Company at the New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, Friday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 23 at 8 PM, and Sunday, Oct. 24 at 2 PM and 7 PM.  For tickets visit www.etcsb.org, or call (805) 965-5400.

 

 MAMMA MIA by Carol Kaufman Segal

            The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza is featuring the 5-Star Theatricals production of Mamma Mia.  This musical presents a large cast of wonderful actors, singers, and dancers as well as an interesting plot.  The music and lyrics are by Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus and some songs with Stig Anderson, book by Catherine Johnson, originally conceived by Judy Craymer, musical direction by Anthony Lucca, choreography by Stephanie Landwehr, and directed by Richard Israel.

            Mamma Mia takes place on a fictional island where Donna Sheridan (Kim Huber) lives with her 20-year old daughter, Sophie (Nicolette Norgaard) in a hotel that Donna has run for some years.  Sophie and her fiancé Sky (Max DeLoach) are soon to be married and even though Sophie is not aware of who her father is, she has a strong desire to have her father give her away at her wedding.

            Sophie secretly reads through her Mother’s old diary and comes across three former beaus, anyone of who could possibly be her father. She also secretly sends each of them an invitation to her wedding in the hope that she will discover which, if any of them, is her father.  They are Sam Carmichael (Eric Martsolf), Harry Bright (Brayden Hade), and Bill Austin (Christopher Robert Smith)

            The time of the wedding arrives, and one has to imagine Donna’s feelings at the sight of these three men showing up to attend her daughter’s wedding.  After all, she has lived an independent life for many years. While Donna and Sophie struggle with one another, it appears that Sophie’s wedding may not turn out the way she was hoping. However, not only do they come to an understanding, but Donna makes a big change and all ends happily ever after.  Mamma Mia is a marvelous fast-moving play with wonderful actors, beautiful voices, terrific songs and music, and top dancers and choreography.  

            HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Where:  Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks

When:  Thursday, Oct. 21, 7:30 PM, Friday, Oct. 22, 8 PM, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2 PM and 8 PM,   Sunday, Oct. 24, 1 PM.

Tickets range from $38 -$91        For tickets please call (800) 745-3000

For theatre information, call (805) 449-2787, or buy online at www.5startheatricals.com

Student, Senior and Group discounts are available.

 MY FAIR LADY by Carol Kaufman Segal

            The Lincoln Center Theatre production of My Fair Lady recently opened at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and what a beautiful production it is.  My Fair Lady brings back so many songs that became hits, undoubtedly more than any musical of our time. 

             The story is about Professor Henry Higgins who makes a bet with his friend, Colonel Pickering, that he can turn Eliza Doolittle, a down-and-out bedraggled flower seller, into a duchess within six months.

            After Henry Higgins (Laird Mackintosh) offers Eliza Doolittle (Shereen Ahmed) the chance to change her life through lessons, she arrives at his home, anxious for making her life better.  However, throughout the months that they spend together, Higgins treats Eliza with insults and sarcasm, while she continues to be happy as she finds herself changing.  Throughout the production, she progresses to the day when she proves that her lessons and time have been worth it all.  It seems obvious that she has touched Higgins, but he would never let it be known.

            My Fair Lady was directed by Bartlett Sher who made a slight change to the ending of this production that gave it a new perspective without changing a single word.  The entire cast consisted of thirty-three actors.  All performers (actors, singers, dancers) were exceptional.  Music Director was John Bell, choreography by Christopher Gattelli, costumes by Catherine Guber.         

            My Fair Lady is playing at the Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, through October 31.  Tickets are available by calling 800-982-2787, in person at the Dolby Theatre box office, or online at BroadwayInHollywood.com.  It is open for people 12 years old and up.  The performance schedule is Tuesday through Friday at 8 PM, Saturday at 2 PM and 8 PM, and Sunday at 2 PM and 6 PM.  No evening performance Sunday, October 31.

         

 BIDEN MY TIME by Carol Kaufman Segal

            Biden My Time is a production that was presented at the Zephyr Theatre as a special preview performance by Capitol Comedy.  This is a new troupe of exceptionally talented singers and impressionists, brought together by writer, director, producer Nicholas Zill.  Why the name Capitol Comedy?  That name might give you a hint of what to expect.

            When the play began, I found out that there are no political persons who are safe from being brought to life in a comedic way that involves dancing, singing, and just all-out very funny acts with songs that may be familiar, but with new lyrics that keep one laughing throughout. 

            Biden MyTime was presented twice at the Zephyr Theatre on October 3, once at 12 Noon and again at 2:30 PM.  Therefore, some of the roles were performed by two different cast members.  The performers included Danial Amerman (Joe Biden), (Now you are aware of how the show got its name), Shefalii Deshpande (Kamala Harris), Travis Joe Dixon (Joe Bidon, Anti-vax pitchman), Cristina Florez (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez), Bella Gil (Alexandria Ocasio-Crotez), Alivia Long (Kamala Harris), Joy Mamey (Mitch McConnell, Rachel Maddow), Aaron Matijasic (Bernie Sanders, Jeff Bezos), Lauren O’Brien (video interviewee Loreen Loomis), Sarah Oliver (Mitch McConnell, and Josh Odsess-Rubin (Bernie Sanders, Jeff Bezos, Republican speech consultant).

            Biden My Time was written and produced by Nicholas Zill, directed by Caitlin Hart, music director and pianist was Brenda Varda.  I would suspect you will be hearing about and having the chance to see more of Capital Comedy in the future.  When the time comes, you won't want to miss them.

  

 BIRTHDAY  CLUB by Carol Kaufman Segal           

            If you enjoy light-hearted comedies (and who doesn’t these days?) you will not want to miss Birthday Club by Phil Olson, playing at The Group Rep Theatre in North Hollywood.  The play is about five women who get together to celebrate each of their birthdays to share their friendships and keep aware of what is happening in their lives.

            After the passing of one of the members of the Birthday Club, Emily (Raquel Brooks), Kathy (Katelyn Ann Clark), Cheryl (Cathy Diane Tomlin), Abby (Kelley Goode), original members, have invited Sarah (Davonna Dehay) to their meeting see if she qualifies to become a new member of their group.

            Sarah’s background appears to be much different from the four members of the club who have been coming together to support each other throughout the years.  As they drink, eat and celebrate, they discuss what is happening in their lives with their families, their marriages, work, and all of the problems of the world.  On the other hand, Sarah seems to have had a more rigid upbringing and drinking is against her religion. 

            At each meeting, you will learn more and more about the lives of each individual member and watch the changes growing in Sarah.  The question (and the plot) throughout the play is whether or not Sarah is in coherence enough with the other members of the Birthday Club to be accepted into their lives.  To find out about this, you will find yourself laughing, as well as wondering what the outcome will finally be throughout the entire play.  

              Playwright Phil Olson has written 18 plays (all comedies) that have had over 400 performances in seven countries.  Stan Mazin, Director, has appeared on Broadway and The Carol Burnett Show throughout its run.  The play is produced for the Group Rep by Alex Brown.  The production team includes Set Design by Mazin/Emmett, Lighting Design by Douglas Gabrielle, Sound Design by JC Gafford, Costumes by Cheryl Crosland, Assistant Director Michele Bernath, Graphic Design by Doug Haverty, Online Marketing by Kristin Stancato, Stage Managed by John Ledley and Photography/Videography by Doug Engalla.

            Birthday Club plays Saturdays at 4 PM and Sundays at 7 PM through October 24 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, located at 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood.  General admission is $20.00, seniors and students (with ID), $17.00.  For tickets and information, go online at www.thegrouprep.com, or call 818-763-5990.           

            All patrons must be vaccinated with proof of full vaccination and ID required upon entry. Entire cast and crew have been fully vaccinated.

            HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

 AS GOOD AS GOLD by Carol Kaufman Segal

    I had the good fortune to watch a number of performances by Theatre 40 on my computer in the past year-and-a-half.  However, I am pleased to be able to once again enjoy live performances by this theatre company now in their 55th season, the first production being a comedy entitled As Good As Gold by popular book author Marilyn Anderson.

    The play features three women, Maggie Carson (Marie Broderick), Karly De Haven (Nicola Victoria Buck), and Elaine Katz (Wendy Hammer), who are all screenwriters and very close friends.  They have become frustrated with the sexism in their field in Hollywood, and decide to do something about it.  Why not write a script featuring exciting action and featuring a very handsome, sexy man that all women would dream about - and written by - who else but Mr. Handsome, Sexy Man himself?  And they name him Adam Gold!

    So far, so good, but then they come upon a problem.  How will they manage to get a studio to know about the film, like it, and want to buy it?  As luck would have it, they accidentally come upon a  perfect young man named Jeffrey (Landon Beaty), who, at first, questions whether he is capable of handling such a job, but quickly decides (why not?) that he will do it.

    Well, Adam (as he is now known) turns out to be a perfect imposter and actually takes over as if he were really the one who wrote the film.  He is very successful in his new job and quickly takes complete control.  Now, where does that leave Maggie, Karly, and Elaine throughout the rest of the play?  I guarantee you, you will find out through a lot of laughable happenings to the end.

    Other members in the cast include Will Bradley (Lance), Chance Denman (Luke), and David Westbay (Ed Mansfield).  The play is directed by Roger K. Weiss.  The assistant director is Ann Hearn Tobolowsky, and the set design is by Jeff G. Rack.

    The play runs Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM through October 17.  Admission is $35.  Reservations are available online at www.theatre 40.org or by phone at (310) 364-0535.  Theatre 40 is located in the Reuben Cordova Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Dr., Beverly Hills.

 

   Note:  My review of this production is based on seeing it as a prevue presentation.

CODE PINK PERFORMANCES added at LOFT ENSEMBLE

  

    

Due to popular demand, Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood has announced four additional performances of Code Pink.  The added performances are on Saturday, August 28, at 8 PM, Saturday, August 29, at 7 PM, Saturday, September 11, at 8 PM, and Sunday, September 12, at 7 PM.  All seats are available on a "Donate What You Want" basis and reservations are available.  

    See review of Code Pink by Carol Kaufman Segal written July 13, 2021, for further information.

The Importance of Being Earnest by Carol Kaufman Segal

     

    The Importance of Being Earnest is a classic comedy, undoubtedly the most popular comedy by Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), playing at the Freemont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena.  It is set in London and Shropshire, England and is based around two young men, Jack who lives in the country, and his friend Algernon who lives in London.

    Jack (Austen Hall), who lives in the country, likes to look for excuses to get away to London to see his friend Algernon (Adam Lanson), leaving his young ward, the lovely heiress Cecily Cardew (Veronica Coutsky), in the country.  He invents a troublesome brother (he names him Ernest) to whom he has to look out for periodically as his excuse to get away from home.  But the real reason he wants to go is to see his friend Algernon's beautiful cousin, Gwendolen Fairfax (Roza Zemia).

    Later, after Algy (as he is called) finds out more about Jack and the fact that he has a beautiful ward back home, he decides to leave London to visit Jack in the country in order to meet and pursue Cecily.  He arrives in Shropshire posing as Jack's friend Ernest.  Gwendolen eventually shows up in Shropshire, and Jack admits to her that his name is not Ernest, but Jack.  After wooing Cecily, Algernon admits to her that his name is not Ernest either.  This appears to be a problem with the ladies, as both seemed to have the desire to marry someone named Ernest.

   

    But what is more problematic is the fact that Lady Bracknell (Tamarah AshtonI) Gwendolen's mother, will not allow her daughter to marry someone like Jack who has no social status.  As an orphan, Jack had been found by his adopted parents in a handbag at King's Cross Station.  And because Jack is Cecily's guardian, he refuses to let her marry Algernon unless Lady Bracknell changes her mind and lets him marry Gwendolen.

          

    However, fate steps in when Lady Bracknell inspects the handbag that Jack was found in as an infant because it matches exactly the missing handbag that Algernonn's infant brother was in when he was found.  So obviously, Jack had to be Algernon's missing baby brother who had been named Ernest!  The play ends knowing that both couples will soon be getting married.

       

    Other cast members include Connor Chaney, John Farley, Christopher Girt, and Georgan George. Jack J. Bennett directed.  Gloria Bennett was the producer and musical director.  Costumes are by Tamarah Ashton assisted by Jaclyn Khitikian.

    

    The Importance of Being Ernest plays at the Fremont Center Theatre, 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena.  It plays Fridays at 7:00 PM, Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM through September 25.  All seats are & 30,00.  In addition to the live in-person performances, the show is livestreamed with a live stream family pass available for $40.00.  

    For online tickets go to http://yougstarstheatre.org/tickets.

  

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

                

    

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN EXTENDS through September 12, 2021

See review dated August 4, 2021 

SCHEDULE                                                                                                                                                Thursday, August 12, 7 PM                                                                                                                                 Fridays, August 20, August 27, September 10, 7 PM                                                                                    Saturdays, August 14, August 21, August 28, September 4, September 11, 7 PM                                            Sundays, August 15, August 22, August 29, September 5, September 12, 7 PM

Circles are now on sale and can be purchased at http//sierramadreplayhouse.org, or be calling                11   (626) 355-4318.

                                          

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN by Carol Kaufman Segal

     

    There is nothing like the joy of a wonderful musical with good performers, good music, and good for the whole family.  I am pleased to announce the opening of You're A Good Man, Charley Brown being presented by the Sierre Madre Playhouse outdoors at the Sierra Madre Memorial Park, located at 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA.  And isn't it wonderful to be able to watch  a musical in person rather than watching it on zoom?! 

    This lively musical is presented without a plot, but more like a comic strip, which is what makes it more fun to watch, relax, and enjoy.   A marvelous cast brings the comic characters to life.  They include Hamilton Davis Weaver as Charlie Brown, Mary Zastrow as Lucy,  Marcha Kia as Sally, Luke Sweeney as Schroeder, Alexander Mashikian as Snoopy, and Melvin Biteng as Linus. 

     One can't help but fall in love with each of the characters, who come alive by these wonderful actors who prove their talents as singers and dancers as well. You don't have to be a child to enjoy everything about this production.  

    The outdoor stage is perfect, the scenic design by Nick Santiago, and lighting design by Derek Jones.  All of the performers really look like children in costumes by Shon Leblanc and wig designs by Diahann McCrary.  The book, music. and lyrics are by Clark Gesner with additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, additional dialogue by Michael Mayer, produced and directed by Charistian Lebano, Associate Producer Gary Lam, Musical Director Sean Paxton, and Choreographer Palmer Davis.

     Seeing You're A Good Man, Charley Brown made  for a wonderful evening of entertainment with safety protocols that were in effect and will remain in effect throughout the run of the production. Seating is in socially distanced circles, six feet apart, to accommodate parties of two, four, or six.  This will primarily be lawn seating (please bring your own blankets), but there will also be circles designated for people who bring chairs.  A limited number of lawn chairs will also be available to rent. They will remain in effect throughout the run which will end Sunday, August 29.  All performances are at 7 PM Fridays through Sundays, dark on August 6 and August 23, with two additional runs Thursday August 12 and  Thursday August 26.

    Circles are now on sale and can be purchased at http://sierramadreplayhouse.org, or by calling 

(626) 355-4318.

    Sierra Madre Memorial Park is located at 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd,  Sierra Madre, CA 91024.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR FAMILYS

"Bonus!  August Sundays from 5:30-6:30 pm:  Family Craft Sundays at Memorial Park.  Join us for family-friendly crafting in the park before our Sunday performances (Aug. 8, 15, 22, and 29)!  All craft materials provided in partnership with Cal Poly Pomona's Center for Community Engagment."

Code Pink by Carol Kaufman Segal

       I am pleased to be bringing you a review of Code Pink, a world premiere play written and directed by Adam Chambers and Jana Lee Hamblin with additional writing by The Cast.  The production is being presented by Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. 

     It is wonderful being able to attend live theatre again.

    This is the company's first production since their shut down due to the coved pandemic.  It is an unusual subject performed by a large and exceptionally powerful cast that includes, in alphabetic order, Bahasi Chapman, Nicole Craig, Britt Crisp, Madylin Sweeten Durrie, Sydney Jenkins, Matt Monaco, Ignacio Navarro, Bree Pavey, Lessie Pinto, Natasha Ranae Potts, Sarah Siverson, Sara Sommers, Vel Stacy.

    The play features stories that take place in a twenty-four-hour period in a hospital maternity ward where almost anything can happen.  The stories are focused on the lives of a variety of people - nurses, doctors, administrators, and patients - where we become all too aware that everyone has his or her own story.  It is an exceptionally different and unusual look at the lives of these hard workers, performed by a very strong cast that brings realism to each character that they perform.  You won't be too surprised to see some performers with tears in their eyes.  And most interestingly, all of the people, and their stories, were inspired by real people and real stories.    

    The scenic design for Code Pink is by Madylin Sweeten Durrie, the lighting design is by Tor Brown and the sound design is by Travyz Catz.  Marc Leclere is the Assistant Director, and Stage Managers include Calvin Picou and Gillo Gius.  The graphic design is by Amanda Chambers.  Producers for Loft Ensemble are Jennifer Brofer and Bree Pavey.

    Performance schedules of Code Pink are Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 7 PM through August 15.  General admission is PAY WHAT YOU WANT.  Seats may be reserved online at www.loftensemble.org, or by phone at (818)452-3153.  Loft Ensemble is located at 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood.

    Highly Recommended

MOTEL 66  by Carol Kaufman Segal

    The theatre world is coming back alive in our area, and I am very pleased to have been able to attend my first live production since March of 2020.  This world premiere of Motel 66, by The Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, consists of twelve new one-act plays that take place in different cities along Route 66.  It is performed as two separate programs of six short plays in each program.  It opened June 17 and will continue through August 1.  Six plays under the title of Head East are featured Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 PM, and six plays under the title of Go West are featured Fridays and Sundays at 8 PM. There will be no shows on July 1, 2, 3, and 4 (July 4th weekend).

   

HEAD EAST

A Different Man by Lloyd Pedersen

Directed by Larry Eisenberg

Featuring Fox Carney & Katelyn Ann Clark

A couple, looking for a way to entice their sex life, begin celebrity role-playing.

Cleveland and Dallas by Steve Shaw

Directed by Barbara Brownell

Featuring Paul Cady & Mark Stancato

Will a man be able to console a close musician friend back from his life of despair?

 

Midnight Meeting by Denise Downer

Directed by Linda Alznauer

Featuring Kelly Goode, Melissa Lugo, Manny Rodriguez, & Sal Valletta

Will a teacher stay with the married man she thinks she loves, or will she decide to move on after encountering a ghost at the motel? 

The Journey by JC Gafford

Directed by Bruce Kimmel

Featuring Erika Bowman & Maria Kress

The road trip of two longtime friends tasks an odd turn when one of the women reveals the music in her soul.

Venus Flytrap by Van Boudreaux

Directed by Heidi Mendez

Featuring Todd Andrew Ball & Jennifer Whitney

When two lost souls happen to meet, does it promise an adventure along Route 66?

Last Exit for Lodging by Bill Fitzhugh

Directed by Melanie Lee

Featuring Jennifer Karraz, Chris McGahan, Cathy Diane Tomlin, & William Wilson

A traveler finds herself getting nowhere in a rat-trap motel dealing with a bad-tempered manager until the higher-ups intervene.

GO WEST

Creative Differences written and directed by Tom Lazarus

Featuring Michael Gabiano, James Lemire & Troy Whitaker

Casting changes heat up the "hot set" of the 60's TV show Route 66.

 Somebody Else by Fox Carney

Directed by Marie Broderick

Featuring Stephanie Colet, Julie Davis, Lisa McGee Mann, & Patrick Skelton

An illicit tryst turns out to be more than a man can handle due to his carelessness.

You Only Live Once by Craig Holland

Directed by Sascha Vanderslik

Featuring Michele Bernath, Rishi Mehta, & Aroon Nayer

A younger brother wants to help his older brother make a bold and major change in his life with help from out of this world.

Saving Laura by James J. Cox

Directed by Kathleen Delaney

Featuring Alex Brown, Jennifer Collins, & Doug Haverty

Two teachers help a young woman find solace in literature as a sudden violent event fast approaches.

A Farewell to Palms by Stan Mazin

Directed by Stevie Stern

Featuring James J. Cox & Lloyd Pedersen

Two middle-aged gay men meet together at their favorite Route 66 motel.

Stuck In The Middle With by Doug Haverty

Directed by Helen O'Brien

Featuring Raquel Brooks, Truett Jean Butler, Beccy Quinn

Three women from different states meet and become instant friends, that is until they each discover that they each have a key to the same motel room!

                                                           **

       The Group Rep offers top actors, writers, and directors within their company.  I am not always a lover of short plays, but I found every one of these twelve plays of interest with superb performances by everyone involved - writers, directors, and actors.   You may choose to see one evening of six plays at a cost of $20 for each.  But you can purchase tickets for all twelve plays at a special price of $30.  If you are like I am, believe me, after seeing six plays, you will be anxious to see the other six plays as well.  The plays are presented in the newly built outdoor theatre, The Yard, which is a wonderful experience as well as offering covid guidelines.   

    The Yard at the Group Rep is located outdoors at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood.  One evening of shows is $20, Tickets for both evenings of shows are $30.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.thegrouprep.com.  Reservations can be made by phone, 818-763-5990, and tickets paid for at the door.

                                                                

 WEST COAST JEWISH THEATRE'S MAGICAL MUSICAL MYSTERY FOLLIES EXTENDED THROUGH  MAY 29  by Carol Kaufman Segal    

     My review of the West Coast Jewish Theatre's Magical Musical Mystery Follies is available on this blog dated May 6.  If you are interested in being able to see this wonderful two-hour virtual show, it is available again if you did not get to see it when it was offered previously, or if you would enjoy watching it once again.  You can now enjoy it every Saturday night through May 29, at 7:00 PM, Pacific Standard Time.

    The show features a variety of entertainment with very talented performers, including singers, actors, musicians, writers, magicians, and even an orchestra that will keep you entertained for two hours.  West Coast Jewish Theatre Director Howard Teichman directs the show (and also introduces the acts)  The Associate Producer is Bill Froggatt.  You can register online at http://wcit.org or call (312) 821-2449. The price of the ticket to obtain the link is $36.00   Those who register will be sent a Vimeo link to the show.

    Until the West Coast Jewish Theatre and Howard Teichman can welcome you back to their theatre in person, in the meantime, there is Magical Musical Mystery Follies.

    

MAGICAL MUSICAL MYSTERY FOLLIES  by Carol Kaufman Segal

    The West Coast Jewish Theatre, under the direction of Howard  Teichman, recently presented its Magical Musical Mystery Follies online.  Audiences had the opportunity of watching a very entertaining show with a variety of talent, from musicians to singers, comedians, magicians, and actors. 

    Performers included vocalist Sarah Spiegal, known for songs from the past (30's and 40's), beautiful cantorial music by soloist Kimberly Haines, vocalist Melissa Brandzel singing songs from Broadway, and Bob Brandzel performing klezmer music, and also guest Cantor Marcelo Gindin

    An excerpt from Neil Simon's The Prisoner of Second Avenue was performed by Actors Richard Epcar and Ellyn Stern. Ruthie Lane sang more show tunes, Actor/Writer Shelly Kurtze performed an original piece he had written for the show about an issue facing the Jewish community.  Comedy was performed by Sunda Croonquist, Magic Castle Magician Victor Benoun performed magic and illusions, and The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony and Choir, performed under the direction of Dr. Noreen Green.

    Magical Musical Mystery Follies, with Howard Teichman as host, was presented online on Saturdays April 24, May 1, and May 8.  If you missed it when it was presented, you are in luck because it is going to be offered again online in the near future for View on Demand.  Keep watching for it because you won't want to miss this two-hour offering of it when it returns.  

 

Stories From the Violins of Hope by Carol Kaufman Segal

            The Braid (formerly The Jewish Women’s Theatre) was scheduled to do a live production of Stories from the Violins of Hope last spring at Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles  Since they had to postpone performing the production live due to COVID, they made the decision to present a live performance of it on Zoom.  It was a magnificent presentation, written by Lisa Rosenbaum, directed by Susan Morgenstern, and Ronda Spinak, Artistic Director and Producer.    

            With beautiful music performed throughout by five marvelous musicians from the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony,  Amnon Weinstein tells the story about how he, along with his son Avshalom, began collecting and restoring the violins that survived the Holocaust. 

            Virtuoso violinist Niv Ashkenazi, plays the only violin from the Violins of Hope collection that is currently in the United States.  The rest of the collection remains in Israel until live concerts can begin again.  The violins that Amnon collected had survived concentration camps, ghettos, transport trains and the forests of Eastern Europe.    The story is one that had to be told, as Amnon said.

            Rick Zieff performed the role of Moshe, Amnon Weinstein's father, and Robert Trebor played   Amnon Weinstein.  Other members of the cast included Rosie Moss, Cliff Weisman, Andrew Fromer, Lisa Ann Grant, and A. J. Meijer.

            I hope that when the pandemic is behind us, The Braid will have the opportunity to present this marvelous production in their theatre for those who did not get the opportunity to see it and for those who would, like me, wish to see it again.    

 YOU I LIKE:  A MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF JERRY HERMAN by Carol Kaufman Segal

You I Like:  A Musical Celebration of Jerry Herman, is performed on the stage of an empty Pasadena  Playhouse (due to the COVID and is streaming through February 7.  Conceived by Andy Einhorn (musical director of the last  Broadway revival of Hello Dolly), he accompanies a marvelous cast of Broadway singers on the piano as they bring Herman's magnificent Broadway music to life.  The cast includes Ashley  Blanchet, Nicholas Christopher, Andrea Ross, Ryan Vona, and Lesli Margherita.     

Jerry Herman was born July 10, 1931, in New York City and died December 26, 2019, in Miami after a tremendously successful career.   His list of musicals on Broadway include Milk & Honey, Hello Dolly, Mame, Dear World, Mack & Mabel, The Grand Tour, La Cage Aux Folles, Jerry's Girls, Showtune, Parade, Mrs. Santa Claus, A Day In Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, and Miss Spectacular. 

Throughout the show, twenty-nine of some of the most popular and well-known songs are sung by the phenomenal cast.  This was a true tribute to an exceptionally talented man.  

The show is on demand from the Pasadena Playhouse via Playhouse Live, streaming through Feb. 7.  Tickets are $24.99 per household.  Running time is 90 minutes.  For further information go to
Playhouselive.org.