Elaine Mura – Splash Magazines A TIME TO KILL was an impressive and likely daunting undertaking for an all-volunteer company like the Group Rep, and they managed to acquit themselves very well. The cast of 17 pulled together as a coherent whole to create a highly entertaining and compassionate story of violence, racism, and … Read more
Ed Rampell – Hollywood Progressive “The Revolutionists” ponders the issue of political violence – which of course is very timely – and revolutionary violence in particular. In addition, the play deals with race, gender, class and the role of the arts in social movements. And this play is told from women’s point of view, … Read more
Travis Michael Holder – TicketHoldersLA A provocative character study that unfortunately offers little to learn or ponder beyond the tragic realization of what a sad life one broken person has lived. While Rachel Sorsa’s powerhouse performance and Elina de Santos’ clear, symbiotic direction make it a compelling watch, the unrelenting hopelessness of the script … Read more
Anita W. Harris – LA Theatrix Overall, though, “Red” is a highly interesting and densely woven play that is a brilliant ode to Rothko, and also to art itself and humanity’s impulse to create. Laguna Playhouse’s rich production — with two talented and committed actors — brings the story to vibrant life, immersing us … Read more
Elaine Mura – Splash Magazine Adeptly helmed by LaTanya Richardson Jackson, ANGRY, RAUCOUS, AND SHAMELESSLY GORGEOUS proceeds to do just what the words in the title suggest – no, demand. Of course, Jackson has the advantage of a quartet of talented and seasoned actors to take on the roles of the four principals. After … Read more
Terry Morgan – ArtsBeatLA The world seems to be suffering an empathy shortage lately, or at the very least the lack of that quality in our current leaders. Worse, there is an impression in some parts of society that empathy is simply another word for weakness: they don’t have it, they don’t want it, … Read more
Travis Michael Holder – TicketHoldersLA This production is richly produced, newly balanced with a remarkable updated script, and acted with exceptional clarity and heart, proving you don’t have to break a Golden Age classic to make it matter to modern audiences—you just have to find its heartbeat. Read more… F. Kathleen Foley – Stage Raw … Read more
Ed Rampell – Hollywood Progressive According to playwright Jami Brandli’s playbill note, O: A Rhapsody in Divorce is “a comedic reimagining of The Odyssey,” featuring a crucial plot twist in Homer’s saga wherein, as Brandli observes, “the male hero go[es] on this life-changing journey while the woman stays home waiting for their man to return.” … Read more
Terry Morgan – Arts Beat LA One never knows where inspiration will strike. Eboni Booth’s play, Primary Trust, is partly set in a tiki bar that is its protagonist’s favorite place on Earth. Although the story is set in New York, Booth mentioned in an interview that her inspiration for that bar was Damon’s, an … Read more
Martin Hernandez – Stage Raw Despite a puzzling Orientalist bent at times, this update of the Greek tragedy remains a pungent critique on governmental repression and the hubris it fosters; woe to those who fail to heed its message. Read more… Edward Hong – The Nerds Of Color Kenneth Cavander’s translation & adaptation of the … Read more