Travis Michael Holder – TicketHoldersLA The underlying message of The Hope Theory comes through this worldclass conjuror and raconteur’s skills and, for a brief time, he makes the chaos we all share these days disappear with the ease of his sleight of hand, shuffling our communal cares and worries back into the deck. Read more… … Read more
Anita W. Harris – LA Theatrix With its combination of political pointedness, humanity and humor, it’s easy to see why “What the Constitution Means to Me” was a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in drama. And the disarmingly expressive Dorney – who switches emotional gears on a dime and responds to audience reactions without … Read more
Anita W. Harris – LA Theatrix The play thus offers a compelling master class in Stalin himself, whom Volok embodies intensely and believably throughout. Music certainly figures as well, aided by pianist Nisha Sue Arunasalam offstage. And dialogue on whether music can be shaped by artists or only serve the public interest is intriguing — … Read more
Anita W. Harris – LA Theatrix Regardless, all of these performers’ sheer talent and enthusiasm make every song a joy to experience. Continuing through this weekend and next only, “Million Dollar Quartet” is a must-see musical with a “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” and then some. Read more…
Anita W. Harris – LA Theatrix The writing throughout is also beautifully literary, especially moving toward the end when a character (portrayed by an emotive Lamer) writes in list form about losing his son to a drunk driver. Sugar answers in an equally compelling way, addressing each item on the list with passionate sagacity. Patrick … Read more
Anita W. Harris – LA Theatrix As directed by Gregory Cohen, pacing is a bit slow at first, but gets more fluid as the story unfolds. However, time between scenes can feel a beat too long while the small troupe is backstage changing costumes and wigs, often with comical mixed success. Read more…
Terry Morgan – ArtsBeatLA Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s Sweeney Todd is my favorite musical. Its combination of a beautiful score, clever lyrics and unusually gruesome subject matter is sui generis. When it’s firing on all cylinders, there’s little in the annals of musical theatre to top its sheer power. And yet it’s a difficult … Read more
Anita W. Harris – LA Theatrix While the story and attitudes of “42nd Street” may feel more aligned to an older generation, this production’s dazzling staging, costuming, singing and dancing—with a message of staying true to yourself and your dream—still make it entertaining today. Read more…
Anita W. Harris – LA Theatrix While the music and spirited performances of “The Lion King” are certainly compelling, it’s the immersive artistry of the puppets and the visually striking details adorning their human animators that make this production must-see theatre. Read more… Patrick Chavis – The Orange Curtain Review Segerstrom’s production does not disappoint, … Read more
Anita W. Harris – LA Theatrix A fusion of remarkable choreography, dance, music and story, Matthew Bourne’s “Romeo + Juliet” offers a charged take on an age-old tale, one that speaks to being human in a cold, oppressive world where love nonetheless finds a way—however fleetingly. Read more… Travis Michael Holder – TicketHoldersLA The … Read more