Travis Michael Holder – TicketHoldersLA Anyone who’s been privy to my usual grumblings concerning the dated nature of traditional musical comedy as opposed to the innovation of contemporary musical theatre will appreciate my excitement about David Lindsay-Abaire’s multiple-Tony-winning 2021 musical adaptation of his also award-winning play. To me, it’s the quintessential paradigm of how such … Read more
Patrick Chavis – LA Theatre Bites Podcast 7.5 out of 10! Above Average! Listen more… Jonas Schwartz – Theatermania Dragon Lady is a touching, hilarious mixture of karaoke and familial strife as writer and actor Sara Porkalob’s forebearers see two different realities of the immigration experience. Playing multiple characters in her one-person tribute to her … Read more
Jonas Schwartz – Theatermania Martin Crimp’s translation of Edmond Rostand’s classic Cyrano de Bergerac plays fast and loose with Rostand’s original text, but the story of a love triangle built on words and beauty remains the same in the new production at Pasadena Playhouse. Read more…
Jonas Schwartz – Theatermania Ultimately, this comedy is not up to par with the Old Globe’s usual standards — a work that’s already on the regional track but doesn’t add much to a season’s lineup. It’s unclear what was afoot in choosing this unremarkable play. Read more…
Jonas Schwartz – Theatermania Get down to San Diego for this extravaganza at La Jolla Playhouse. Sasha Velour is THE artist amongst artists. Read more…
Anita W. Harris – LA Theatrix “The Brothers Size” is ultimately the mesmerizing story of two very different brothers, each learning to make space for the other in a world that threatens to crowd in on their love, despite – or perhaps because of – their protective circle. Read more… F. Kathleen Foley – Stage … Read more
Jonas Schwartz – Theatermania Jon Robin Baitz’s The Substance of Fire could be a sincere one-act about two people ruled by rage who make themselves vulnerable to each other. Unfortunately in this production, the second act is shackled to a first act that feels like warmed-over Succession, which exists only to give context and ends … Read more
Jonas Schwartz – Theatermania Tiny Father engrosses its audience by focusing on the human aspects of our over-complicated medical industry. Instead of offering a soapbox speech, this West Coast premiere at the Geffen is a complicated, sensitive tale of two people trying to make the best of difficult circumstances. Read more…
Katie Buenneke – Stage Raw This is a unique production, where the sum of the parts may be greater than the show itself. There’s a lot to like about most of the elements of Jelly’s Last Jam, especially for anyone who enjoys hearing and seeing jazz performed at a high level, but Jelly Roll Morton’s … Read more
Jonas Schwartz – Theatermania Reefer Madness, The Musical has risen from the grave in the city where it first slayed for over 18 record-breaking months. Director and choreographer Spencer Liff and a stellar cast make this revival at the Reefer Den in Hollywood a winner, delivering an intoxicating high as potent as the original. Read … Read more