Socks Whitmore – Stage Raw The term masochism (defined by the dictionary as “the tendency to derive pleasure, especially sexual gratification, from one’s own pain or humiliation”) is derived from the name of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, an Austrian author whose association with the subject stems from the plot of his best-known work, Venus in Furs. … Read more
Rob Stevens – Haines His Way The Lady’s Not For Burning reviewed by Rob Stevens – WorldStage Theatre & Co. is presenting a CliffsNotes version of the play at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. The nearly 90-minute version of the three-act verse play is said to be “reimagined for a post-Covid world” but that reimagining … Read more
Frances Baum Nicholson –The Stage Struck Review With its provocative title, “Nude/Naked,” Lightning Rod Theater’s premiere production at the in Hollywood, may at first seem to be something prurient. What fascinates more than anything else is how much it is not, at least not if you’re really listening. Now running through February 17
Ellen Dostal – BroadwayWorldThis adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy has been reconceptualized to connect with the modern day #MeToo movement by offering an alternative explanation for one of its leading character’s actions. It is built on the notion that all of the women are victims of sexual abuse – most specifically, Lady Macbeth – who, … Read more
Neal Weaver – Stage Raw This curious play, written by Meghan Brown, developed with Fugitive Kind Theatre, and incorporating input from director Amanda McRaven, is a freewheeling fantasia drawn from themes, characters, and situations in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. It’s also an apocalyptic dystopia, cast in the form of a sequel depicting events that occurred after the … Read more
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. Dany Margolies – ArtsInLA.com Apparently this Shakespeareplay doesn’t need to be performed on the steps of a real-life city hall to impress. Here, a chamber version captures the story’s expanse while feeling immediate, near, and unfortunately modern. Add in the casting of women in traditionally male roles, modern-day business attire, and non-declamatory performances, … Read more