LADCC Critics 
A CHORUS LINE – music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante. by Shirle Gottlieb – Gazette Newspapers In 1974, dancer/choreographer Michael Bennett asked 18 dancers why they auditioned for the chorus when the demand for musicals was in decline, there was little work in large productions, and everyone was struggling to … Read more
NEVERWHERE by Robert Kauzlaric, adapted from the novel by Neil Gaiman. David C. Nichols – LA Times Noteworthy creativity accompanies “Neverwhere” in its ambitious West Coast premiere at Sacred Fools. Robert Kauzlaric’s adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel about a parallel world beneath London isn’t flawless, but director Scott Leggett and his resourceful forces turn virtual handsprings to make it play.Read more…
BILLY & RAY by Mike Bencivenga. Bob Verini – ArtsInLA.com “Billy & Ray,” at the Falcon in Burbank, is Mike Bencivenga’s depiction of the collaboration between B. Wilder and R. Chandler on the homicidal film noir classic “Double Indemnity.” If you can make it through act one’s outrageous overacting, jokes that fail to land, and exposition and … Read more
Slipping by David Talbott. Sharon Perlmutter – Talkinbroadway.com There is much to admire about the writing, and directing, of the Rattlestick production of Daniel Talbott’s Slipping. On a scene-by-scene basis, Talbott has a true gift for realistic dialogue; and, when directing his own work, he knows exactly where the pauses ought to go, to make for true-to-life … Read more
AMERICAN MISFIT by Dan Dietz. Bob Verini – ArtsInLA.com It’s easy to describe the formal aspects of Dan Dietz’s “American Misfit,” a world premiere at the Theatre @ Boston Court. Its meaning proves a much bigger headscratcher. Read more…
Marilyn – My Secret by Odalys Nanin and Willard Manus. Mayank Keshaviah – LA Weekly Though iconic Hollywood bombshell Marilyn Monroe’sstory has been examined and re-examined from almost every possible angle over the years, Marilyn — My Secret, Odalys Nanin and Willard Manus’ take, treads ground yet unworn as it explores the star’s bisexuality and lesbian affairs.Read more…
The Miracle Worker by William Gibson. Neal Weaver – LA Weekly There’s always a danger of toppling into sentimentality when retelling a story as uplifting and inspirational as the saga of blind, deaf and dumb Helen Keller and her tough, determined teacher, Annie Sullivan. Playwright William Gibson avoids that pitfall by emphasizing the humor in the situation, … Read more
SLIPPING by Daniel Talbott. Pauline Adamek – ArtsBeatLA Dealing with the emotional highs and lows of adolescence is tough enough, but in Daniel Talbott’scoming-of-age drama, Slipping, the lead character Eli also has to contend with the sudden death of his father, grapple with his sense of self-worth within an abusive sexual relationship and cope with starting at a new … Read more
The Whale by Samuel D. Hunter. Deborah Klugman – ArtsBeatLA In Samuel D. Hunter’s The Whale, Charlie (Matthew Arkin) an obese gay man confronting his own mortality reaches out to the daughter he walked out on years ago. Like Hunter’s play A Bright New Boise (produced to justifiable acclaim last year by Rogue Artists in Los Angeles), this drama is set in Idaho, … Read more
The Beaux’ Strategem Thornton Wilder and Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of George Farquhar’s 18th century farce. Deborah Klugman – LA Weekly Thornton Wilder and Ken Ludwig both contributed to this adaptation of George Farquhar’s early-18th-century comedy, which touches on the tribulations of the unhappily married and the moral shortcomings of the privileged classes. The story features two penniless rapscallions, Jack (Blake Ellis) and Tom (Freddy Douglas), who … Read more