What’ll the Times Think Of Next?

What’ll the Times Think Of Next?

Editorial by Don Shirley  |  August 9, 2010

In separate Sunday articles, the Times has now summed up the current condition of six larger theaters and the sub-100-seat theater scene.  When will we read a similar article about the rest of the L.A. theater scene? READ MORE

Brewsie and Willie’s Past Parallels Our Present

Brewsie and Willie’s Past Parallels Our Present

Editorial by Marta Portillo  |  August 9, 2010

Watching Brewsie and Willie last week I was struck by the strong parallels of the past and present. The piece could not have been done at a more relevant time. READ MORE

Becoming Norman Puts Dixon’s Whole Life Out There

Becoming Norman Puts Dixon’s
Whole Life Out There

Features by Julio Martinez  |  August 7, 2010

Norman P. Dixon readily admits he did not rush into his autobiographical play (with music), which is having its world premiere at NoHo Arts Center.  “Oh this has been brewing for quite a while,” he chuckles. READ MORE

Stunning jigsaw puzzle that is life…

Stunning jigsaw puzzle that is life…

Editorial by Marta Portillo  |  August 7, 2010

When I learned I’d be watching a contemporary opera, I was intrigued. My opera experience is very limited. I have been lucky enough to watch La Boehme at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and Tosca at Le Grand Theatre in Bordeaux, France.  READ MORE

AlohaFest! Songs & Dances from Paradise

AlohaFest! Songs & Dances from Paradise

News by LA Stage Alliance  |  August 7, 2010

ESCAPE TO POLYNESIA with “AlohaFest! Songs & Dances from Paradise” and experience the exciting, pulse-pounding rhythms of Tahitian drums, the majesty of ancient Hawaiian chant and the unique sounds of contemporary Hawaiian music in one spellbinding concert that celebrates Polynesian history and tradition.  READ MORE

The Stakes Are Ridiculously High in Topdog/Underdog

The Stakes Are Ridiculously High in Topdog/Underdog

Features by Ashley Steed  |  August 6, 2010

When Topdog/Underdog first ran off-Broadway it was regarded as one of Suzan-Lori Parks most traditional and accessible plays. The MacArthur “Genius” went on to win the 2002 Pulitzer Prize in Drama for the piece.  READ MORE

Joanna Daniels Drives Becky’s New Car at Pacific Resident Theatre

Joanna Daniels Drives Becky’s New Car
at Pacific Resident Theatre

Features by Deborah Behrens  |  August 5, 2010

Joanna Daniels knows all about life imitating art. The actress/comedienne got a parking ticket while discussing her star turn as a woman who works for an auto dealership in the Steven Dietz comedy Becky’s New Car now making its Southern California premiere to sold out houses at Pacific Resident Theatre.  READ MORE

A New Play Harvest, an LA Times Shakespearean Drought

A New Play Harvest, an LA Times Shakespearean Drought

Editorial by Don Shirley  |  August 5, 2010

A bumper crop of new American plays in small theaters includes Justin Tanner’s and Del Shores’ latest, as well as Opus, Becky’s New Car, Four Places and Fabric. Meanwhile, the LA Times ignores even more close-to-home alfresco Shakespeare. READ MORE

Los Angeles Female Playwrights Initiative  (LA FPI)

Los Angeles Female Playwrights Initiative
(LA FPI)

News by LA Stage Alliance  |  August 5, 2010

There’s something new happening in town. A grassroots movement working to ensure fair representation of women playwrights on LA-area stages is gaining momentum – the Los Angeles Female Playwrights Initiative, or the LA FPI. READ MORE

Jack Grapes Skews Shakespeare in Circle of Will

Jack Grapes Skews Shakespeare in
Circle of Will

Features by Camille Saviola  |  August 4, 2010

Jack Grapes co-authored Circle of Will with Bill Cakmis. Grapes also stars in the play as William Shakespeare along with Joe Briggs as actor Richard Burbage, and a cast of thousands. Ok, maybe that’s a slight overstatement. Make that hundreds. READ MORE

NOTE and Shake and a Little Runt

NOTE and Shake and a Little Runt

Features by Steve Julian  |  August 3, 2010

To put in context the origin of LA’s New One-Act Theatre Ensemble, now Theatre of NOTE, Ronald Reagan was in his first term as President. Cats opened on Broadway.  READ MORE

Stepping Into The Teacher’s Shoes

Stepping Into The Teacher’s Shoes

Editorial by Patricia Sciortino  |  August 2, 2010

Chase Theatre fellow Patricia Sciortino shares her experience with learning sketch comedy writing with her class. READ MORE