THE LION at the Geffen Playhouse

Margaret Gray – LA Times I spent much of “The Lion,” singer-songwriter Benjamin Scheuer’s one-man musical at the Geffen Playhouse, inwardly commiserating with my twentysomething self. She hung out in so many coffee shops all those years ago, strung out on caffeine and poetry slams, waiting in vain for someone exactly like Scheuer to walk in … Read more

SYNTHESIS at the Dorie Theatre at the Complex

Paul Birchall  – Stage Raw Playwright Paul Shoulberg’s dark sardonic comedy is a tale of finding love within the rubble of one’s damaged psyche. It’s a work that brings to mind Hemingway’s old koan, “The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places.” Read more… Rob Stevens – Haines His Way My … Read more

I’M JUST WILD ABOUT HARRY at Theatre Unleashed

Deborah Klugman – Stage Raw This latest bit of froth from Theatre Unleashed is a musical adaptation of Brandon Thomas’s 1892 comedy, Charley’s Aunt. While we all need distraction these days, in this case the plot and its prime comic hook are simply too out-of-date to be interesting. Read more… Now running through January 15

AMELIE at the Ahmanson Theatre

Dany Margolies – The Daily Breeze Those who dared to take a charming little French film and turn it into a Broadway-bound musical had to know they’d be facing brickbats along with the plaudits. Or, as the French say, criticism is easy but art is difficult. Read more… Erin Conley – Onstage It is always a … Read more

THE KING AND I at the Pantages Theatre

Erin Conley – On Stage and Screen The production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic The King & I that won four Tony Awards, including Best Revival, in 2015 has made its way to Los Angeles just in time for the holidays. Read more… Rob Stevens – Haines His Way The King and I was the fifth collaboration between … Read more

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE RADIO PLAY at the Belfry Stage

Deborah Klugman – Stage Raw When I was a kid, Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life was shown on TV every holiday season, along with Miracle on 34th Street, another heart-warmer that celebrated the essential goodness of human beings, or a few of them at least. Read more… Now running through December 18

LITTLE DRUMMER BOWIE at the Falcon Theatre

Terry Morgan – Stage Raw A Troubadour Theatre Company holiday show has become a beloved local tradition, often selling out shortly after the dates are announced. There’s good reason for this: Troubie shows are reliably hilarious and fun, combining the classic music of a particular artist with the interpretation of a well-known story. Read more… Rob … Read more