When I was a kid, Mom took me to see my very first live play at Karamu House in Cleveland. I don’t remember the name of the play, but it had something to do with talking animals in Africa and a young herdsman. What I remember is that it was so bright and so right there and so very much fun. When we yelled or squealed at the action on stage, sometimes the herdsman turned to the audience and let us know he knew we were there, before turning back into the world he was living for us on the stage. That sort of thing never happened when watching movies or television. Ever. READ MORE
National Asian American Theater Festival:
Krystal’s Vlog #1 — Pre-Conference Excitement
by Krystal Banzon | June 20, 2011
All this week LA STAGE Times will present coverage of the 3rd Annual National Asian American Theater Festival via daily vlogs from Krystal Banzon, a first generation Filipina American who is an emerging theater director. She is a SDC Foundation Observership recipient (with Chay Yew), LGBT Point Foundation Scholar for theatrical directing, a 2011 Old Vic New Voices TS Eliot US/UK Exchange director and a 2007 Fulbright Scholar to the Philippines. READ MORE
Connie Chats
by Connie Danese | June 20, 2011
Connie talks to Lez Miz people on opening night and to Sean Galuszka about his Fringe show Poison Apple, which innovatively uses texting in its marketing. READ MORE
When Gritty Meets Pretty:
Gary Lennon’s The Interlopers directed by Jim Fall
by Tom Provenzano | June 17, 2011
In conversation, playwright and screenwriter Gary Lennon speaks softly and philosophically, with tremendous insight into the human condition. He speaks of a spiritual growth and a journey toward inner peace. But this journey has been extremely rough going, and his dramatic writing reflects the pain of his life experience with a tone that sounds diametrically opposed to his speaking voice. READ MORE
FRINGE: Alien Finds A Home
by Lynde Houck | June 17, 2011
Las Vegas, Nevada is not considered the theatrical capitol of the world. Slot machines, poll dancers and $3.99 steak dinners certainly left a lot to the imagination especially for a young girl in the 80’s. Fortunately, my high school, like most any other in America, would put on theatrical productions. And by joining the cast, I was bit by the bug. READ MORE
Directors Lab West 2011, Days 5-6
by Doug Oliphant | June 17, 2011
Each year the Lab chooses a theme around which all its sessions are based and a play around which many group workshops are organized. For 2011 the theme is “Exploring the Bigger Picture” and the play The Good Person of Szechwan. READ MORE
Two RADAR L.A. Productions About Actors — and a Third From LA
by Don Shirley | June 16, 2011
RADAR L.A. present two productions about troubled acting troupes, The Method Gun and Neva, that combine the same Chekhovian tones of rueful loss and affectionate satire. Maybe they’re not for all tastes, but theater fans should find much to enjoy and admire in them. Too bad Land of the Tigers isn’t getting a similar treatment. READ MORE
LA STAGE INSIDER
by Julio Martinez | June 16, 2011
American Night: The Ballad of Juan José, by Richard Montoya and Culture Clash, will play the Kirk Douglas Theatre next March. David Crosby comes through for the Blank and Brings a friend; Re-Animator the Musical keeps on ticking at theSteve Allen; Gypsy extends at West Coast Ensemble; and Flamenco Forever returns to Barnsdall Park. READ MORE
A Ghosts Story and Breast Cancer
by Julie Pearson-Little Thunder | June 16, 2011
Everywhere I go, and almost everyone I talk to, has been affected by breast cancer in some way. And, as is true in so many circumstances, I find that Native oral traditions are often a better way to imaginatively explore and explain the horror and absurdity of this decidedly modern disease, than a naturalistic approach. It’s like our ancestors knew these stories would be needed for multiple purposes for countless generations into the future. READ MORE
Applications to Perform at 52nd Annual LA County Holiday Celebration Now Open
by LA Stage Alliance | June 16, 2011
The Los Angeles County Arts Commission seeks County-based youth and adult community and professional choirs, music ensembles, folk and traditional artists and dance companies to perform in the 52nd Annual Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration on December 24, 2011. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, August 3, 2011. READ MORE
Young Playwright’s Festival: The Walk to the Vet
by Catherine Mayer | June 16, 2011
I love going for walks by myself. I love the feeling of being out in the open, that vulnerability balanced by an empowering sense of independence. Ironically, and unfortunately, I live in a sprawling city where cars are more practical than walking. When I’m older I’m going to move to a place designed for walkers, a pedestrian’s paradise. I’ll walk all I want and see new people and things and think up stories inspired by them. READ MORE
FRINGE: The Upside of Apocalypse
by Clara York | June 16, 2011
For almost a decade, I’d been living in Tujunga, a quirky town known for aging bikers and crack addicts. I barely knew any of my neighbors. Then the Station Fire of 2009 began burning the foothills above my house. The best place to see the flames happened to be in my front yard, and my neighbors and I were bonded in an instant. In the face of death and destruction even the most jaded of Angelenos became a family. READ MORE
