THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS – music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb, book by David Thompson Les Spindle – Edge Los Angeles The 2010 musical “The Scottsboro Boys” now in its L.A. premiere, is among the most innovative and thrilling shows to have graced Broadway in recent years, justifiably earning 12 Tony nominations. Yet it lost … Read more
FELA! Book by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones Pauline Adamek – ArtsBeatLA Pounding rhythms, colorful tribal costumes, exquisitely light and authentic African choreography, visually stunning staging and politically charged lyrics – Fela! is a biographical funk concert musical that is not to be missed! Add a charismatic and gifted performer as the central subject (Adesola … Read more
End of the Rainbow by Peter Quilter. Pauline Adamek – ArtsBeatLA If you didn’t get to see legendary actress and singer Judy Garland perform live, then a new play with music about the last days of her turbulent life may offer you the next best thing – that is, if you’re okay with a cringe-worthy and exaggerated depiction of … Read more
Seminar by Theresa Rebeck. Hoyt Hilsman – The Huffington Post Plays about writers and writing present major challenges for both audiences and playwrights. Because writing is such an internal process, full of grinding frustration and occasional exhilaration, it is a tough subject to portray on stage. Playwright and film/TV writer Theresa Rebeck makes a valiant but flawed assault on … Read more
Mary Poppins — Music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman andRobert B. Sherman, book by Julian Fellowes. Pauline Adamek – ArtsBeatLA The beloved tale of the efficient Victorian nanny Mary Poppins is back at the Ahmanson Theatre for a four-week run. With its magnificent staging, gorgeous costumes and sets and complicated song and dance numbers, the Tony-award nominated musical is pure … Read more
War Horse by Nick Stafford. Pauline Adamek – ArtsBeatLA War Horse, the spectacular stage show that captivated Steven Spielberg, is now playing at the Ahmanson Theater in Downtown LA until July 29, 2012. A unique theatrical experience that combines intense drama with elaborate staging and dazzling puppetry, War Horse is essentially a love story between a boy and his horse. At the heart … Read more