THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE at the Geffen Playhouse

Jonas Schwartz –  TheaterMania It is one of the age-old theater questions: Can a performance rise the level of a so-so script, adding depth missing from the dialogue and characterizations? Broadway actor Matt McGrath proves the answer can be yes in The Legend of Georgia McBride, a comedy, now playing at the Geffen, about drag queens in … Read more

ABSINTHE at Spiegelworld

Jonas Schwartz –  Arts In LA Vegas’ dirty little secret has crashed into Los Angeles at L.A. Live. Absinthe, an X-rated burlesque show produced by Cirque du Soleil, defies logic as the human body proves that anything’s possible. The feats performed feel more raw and dangerous than what’s typically seen in polished Cirque shows. Read more… Now running … Read more

RULES OF SECONDS at L.A.T.C.

Jonas Schwartz –  TheaterMania The words “human,” “gentlemen,” and “rules” are peppered throughout John Pollono’s Rules of Seconds, an exploration of the brutality of duels in the 19th century. There may be many rules in dueling, but there’s nothing human or gentlemanly involved in shooting each other because of a tiff.  Read more… Erin Conley – … Read more

AH WILDERNESS at A Noise Within

Frances Baum Nicholson – The Daily Breeze When one thinks of Eugene O’Neill, one thinks of wrenchingly serious plays, but “Ah, Wilderness” gives him a chance to explore the comparative innocence of a life he wished he could have lived. Read more… Jonas Schwartz –  TheaterMania Ah, Wilderness! is a tender memory piece about a family … Read more

LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT at the Geffen Playhouse

Jonas Schwartz –  Arts In LA Mary Tyrone is the female Hamlet. She’s a role that measures an actress’ stamina, talent, and resourcefulness. No wonder many top-echelon actresses such as Jessica Lange, Katharine Hepburn, and Vanessa Redgrave jump at the role. This time, it’s Jane Kaczmarek who takes on the challenge….Read more… Pauline Adamek – … Read more

13 THINGS ABOUT ED CARPOLOTTI at the Broad Stage

Jonas Schwartz –  TheaterMania finds Virginia (Penny Fuller) alone in her home for the first time after her husband, Ed (they were childhood sweethearts), passes away. Worse, she discovers that Ed’s business has been failing for years. As president of the company now, Virginia finds herself on the hook for almost $2 million… Read more… … 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

A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS at the Pasadena Playhouse

Jonas Schwartz –  TheaterMania A Cinderella Christmas, the latest pantomime show at the Pasadena Playhouse, has an age limit. The children at the theater delighted in the sophomoric jokes, sing-alongs, and fourth-wall-breaking conversations with the audience. Read more… Now running through January 8

THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE at the Mark Taper Forum

Jonas Schwartz – TheaterMania Marie Mullen won the best actress Tony for the original Broadway production of  The Beauty Queen of Leenane as a tortured daughter. Now she has returned almost 20 years later to play the tormentor — her cruel, selfish mother. Read more… Deborah Klugman – Stage Raw In 1998, The Druid Theatre Company’s … Read more