Los Angeles Theatre + Broadway News

Viver Brasi to Celebrate 15th Anniversary with INTERSECTIONS/AJE at Ford Theatre, 7/27

(6/18/2013) - Los Angeles and Salvador, Bahia intersect with an evening of jubilant Afro-Brazilian dance, live percussion and lilting vocals under the stars at the Ford. Viver Brasil celebrates its 15th anniversary with Intersections/Aje, a program of exuberant sambas, pulsing maracatus and forros, and exotic orixa tales of love and intrigue at the Ford Theatres on Saturday, July 27 at 8:30 pm.

Fans Invited to Disney's MONSTERS UNIVERSITY Pep Rally at El Capitan Theatre

(6/18/2013) - Fans ready to show their "Monsters University" spirit can "go team go" to Hollywood's legendary El Capitan Theatre to see "Monsters University" and take part in a monstrously fun pep rally being held at the venue.

Celebration Theatre to Present KIM JONG FUN! OR HOW I LEARNED TO LOVE THE BOMB, Begin. 6/28

(6/18/2013) - Celebration Theatre is thrilled to announce the final late night show of its celebratory 30thAnniversary Season, the world premiere of a new sketch comedy show, Kim Jong Fun! Or How I Learned To Love The Bomb, directed by Todd Milliner. Kim Jong Fun! will open on Friday, June 28 and will perform through Saturday, July 27 at Celebration Theatre, 7051B Santa Monica Blvd in Hollywood.

LA Phil Honored with ASCAP's First Place Award for Programming of Contemporary Music

(6/18/2013) - Today, the Los Angeles Philharmonic received ASCAP's first place award for programming of contemporary music as part of the 2012-2013 ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming. The award - the Orchestra's 29th since the ASCAP Awards were inaugurated - will be presented at the League of American Orchestra's 68th Annual Conference in St. Louis, MO. The LA Phil is one of 19 orchestras to be honored with a 2012-2013 ASCAP Award. The League and ASCAP present the awards each year to orchestras of all sizes for programs that challenge the audience, build the repertoire, and increase interest in music of our time. Approximately $725,000 has been bestowed on orchestras since the awards wereestablished in 1947.

Sisters Supporting Sisters and Meme Kelly Present VOICES OF THE UN-HEARD, 7/6

(6/18/2013) - Sisters Supporting Sisters (S3), a 501 (c) (3), and Meme Kelly present Voices of the Un-Heard, a play with powerful monologues, entertaining dance, and inspiring music that celebrates the human spirit's ability to get up after being knocked down! Voices will be offered at the Barnsdall Gallery Theater on Saturday, July 6th at 4 p.m.

BWW Reviews: Edgemar's RAINMAKER Remains A Must See Through Early September

(6/18/2013) - Let me start off by saying that the performance of The Rainmaker on Saturday June 15 was almost cancelled due to the illness of the two actors playing File and the Sheriff. Ron Vignone and Daniel Robinson respectively stepped in with only a couple of hours rehearsal so that the show could go on. With script in hand, both covered their roles quite effectively based on the little amount of time they had for preparation. Bravo!

Lindsay Pearce, Payson Lewis, Jonah Platt and More Set to Star in L.A.'s BARE, 9/5

(6/18/2013) - As previously reported, Glory|struck productions will present the Los Angeles return of the Damon Intrabartolo-Jon Hartmere pop opera at the Hayworth Theatre in Downtown LA, September 5, 2013.

BWW Reviews: La Mirada Stages Intense Revival of Pulitzer Prize-Winning NEXT TO NORMAL

(6/18/2013) - Heartbreaking. Gutsy. Intensely riveting. These are some of the words I jotted down in the dark---while simultaneously wiping tears streaming down my face---during the Southern California Regional Premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical NEXT TO NORMAL, now playing at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts for a limited run ending June 23. The winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this thought-provoking, emotionally-heavy musical play---which features music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey---has now been revived locally in a top-notch, Broadway-caliber staging that truly impresses from beginning to end.

The Academy Showcases Alfred Hitchcock with Double Feature Tonight

(6/18/2013) - As part a citywide celebration of Alfred Hitchcock films, the Academy will present "Blackmail Times Two!" a double feature of the silent and sound versions of "Blackmail" (1929), featuring live musical accompaniment, tonight, June 18.

BWW Reviews: Renaissance Man Charms in THE ROAD TO HIGH STREET

(6/17/2013) - I decided to see Andrew Potter's one man show THE ROAD TO HIGH STREET, a busker's digital rock & roll story, after reading a glowing recommendation from a theatre colleague who saw it last year's Fringe Festival.

Cirque du Soleil's TOTEM to Return to Greater Los Angeles, 10/11; Tickets Now on Sale

(6/17/2013) - Cirque du Soleil has announced the return of its trademark blue-and-yellow big top in the Greater Los Angeles Area this fall with an all-new awe-inspiring production. TOTEM, a fascinating acrobatic journey into the evolution of mankind, will be visiting the Port of Los Angeles, Irvine and Santa Monica. Tickets now on sale at www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem.

COWBOY VERSUS SAMURAI to Make LA Debut at The Rosenthal Theater, 9/28

(6/17/2013) - Cowboy Versus Samurai, Michael Golamco's hit comedy inspired by Cyrano de Bergerac, will make its Los Angeles debut at The Rosenthal Theater at Inner-City Arts with an opening night on Saturday, September 28, 2013.

Shoshana Bean and More to Perform in CIRCLE OF DREAMS Concert at UCLA, 6/22

(6/17/2013) - The Broadway Dreams Foundation will present Circle of Dreams, a unique Broadway concert open to the public, at UCLA's Freud Playhouse on Saturday, June 22 at 7:30pm. This culmination of a week-long Summer Performing Arts Intensive will be directed by Olivier Award-nominated Stafford Arima (bare, Altar Boyz, Ragtime), choreographed by Emmy Award-nominee Spencer Liff (So You Think You Can Dance, Smash), and will feature veteran Broadway performers alongside a talented roster of LA area BDF students.

North Hollywood's Avery Schreiber Theater to Close this Month

(6/17/2013) - After a 10-year run hosting a variety of shows that helped put the NoHo Arts District on the map, the iconic Avery Schreiber Theater is closing its doors.

PERENNIAL Extends at Burbank's Sidewalk Studio Theatre Through 7/6

(6/17/2013) - Producer Jonathan Oliver Sessler announced today that due to popular demand the World Premiere of "Perennial," a new play about love and how we screw it up, written by and starring Tammy Minoff will be extended for one additional week through July 6, 2013 at the Sidewalk Studio Theatre, 4150 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91505. There will be no performance on Independence Day, Thursday, July 4, 2013.

Brimmer Street Theatre Co.'s PACK UP THE MOON to Open at The Lounge Theatre, 7/13

(6/17/2013) - Brimmer Street Theatre Company has announced it will present its seventh world premiere, Pack Up The Moon by Christina Cigala(developed with members of BSTC), directed by Amy K. Harmon, at the Lounge Theatre in Hollywood. Preview performances begin on Saturday, July 6. Opening is set for Saturday, July 13 at 8pm. Pack Up The Moon will play a limited engagement through August 10.

BWW Reviews: Brilliant Satirical YES, PRIME MINISTER Lands at Geffen

(6/17/2013) - Not unlike David Mamet's November, a screwball look at the overwhelming incompetence of an American President, Yes, Prime Minister by Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn in its American premiere at the Geffen, is a savvy, right-on-target satire of British politics that is over-the-top, hysterically funny with an outstanding director and cast.

BWW Reviews: Theatre Movement Bazaar's HOT CAT Dances its Way Through Tennessee Williams' Masterpiece

(6/17/2013) - HOT CAT takes a very modern approach CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, telling it with imaginative and highly intricate movement with the talented cast often saying more with a choreographed group turn of their heads than could ever be portrayed with words alone. Kudos to Tina Kronis for her vision in direction and choreography, and for sharing her deep understanding of the characters with us.

BWW Reviews: THE TIME MACHINE MUSICAL Shows Potential at Hollywood Fringe

(6/16/2013) - THE TIME MACHINE MUSICAL is a one-hour condensed version of a longer two act musical adapted for the Fringe by Steve Altman and Joshua Fardon based on the H.G. Wells sci-fi story.

Now Playing Onstage in Los Angeles - Week of 6/16/2013

(6/16/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 6/16/2013 for Los Angeles

Avery Schreiber Theater to Close at the End of June

(6/15/2013) - After a 10-year run hosting a variety of shows that helped put the NoHo Arts District on the map, the iconic Avery Schreiber Theater is closing its doors.

SUNNY AFTERNOON Set for Hollywood Fringe Festival June 14

(6/15/2013) - SUNNY AFTERNOON, written and Directed by Christian Levatino will be presented in a fully staged workshop production opening Friday, June 14th at 8:00pm // Hollywood Fringe Festival

Jonathan Drahos to Lead 'Method' Acting Class at Rubicon Theatre, 7/22-8/14

(6/15/2013) - Rubicon Theatre Company will offer a new acting class taught by professional actor Jonathan Drahos. This program, entitled The Acting Intensive, will be the newest addition to Rubicon's extensive offering of summer educational workshops. Now celebrating their 11th year, these programs have focused on developing skills and techniques such as: basic theatre terminology, confidence building, stage presence, proper voice techniques, developing an awareness of body language through character work, and other fundamental techniques through improvisation, scene study and theatre games.

BWW Reviews: The New American Theatre Presents A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM in 1930's Greece, Complete with Gypsies!

(6/15/2013) - The summer theater season wouldn't be complete without multiple interpretations of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream to quench our appetite for the Bard's most beloved comedy. I have never seen a production more understandable or better staged than the current one at the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble presented by the New American Theatre, directed by Jack Stehlin.

Porters of Hellsgate Bring ORWELLIAN to Hollywood Fringe 2013, Now thru 6/30

(6/15/2013) - The Porters of Hellsgate presents Orwellian, a one-man show starring Larry Cedar, produced in association with The Orwell Estate, at Hollywood Fringe 2013, running tonight, June 15-30.

STAGE TUBE: Angela Bassett, Paula Abdul and More React to CTG's SCOTTSBORO BOYS

(6/14/2013) - In the video below, Angela Bassett, Paula Abdul, Dawnn Lewis, and more discuss the importance of THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, a bold and thrilling new musical. Click below to watch their reactions to CTG's production, which runs now through June 30, 2013.

Bernadette Peters to Perform in Concert with the Pasadena POPS, 6/29

(6/14/2013) - Tony award-winning singer, actress and American icon, Bernadette Peters performs with the Pasadena POPS for one night only on Saturday, June 29 at 7:30 pm at the Los Angeles Arboretum. The star of stage, film and television will sing from her extensive songbook including 'Let Me Entertain You' (Gypsy), 'No One Is Alone' (Into the Woods), 'Some Enchanted Evening' (South Pacific), 'Send in the Clowns' (A Little Night Music), 'Being Alive' (Company) plus signature songs from her illustrious career.

Larry Cedar, Lisa Cole and Bill Ratner Talk Hollywood Fringe Solos on ARTS IN REVIEW

(6/14/2013) - Julio Martinez-produced and hosted Arts in Review, celebrates the best in LA-area theater and cabaret, Fridays (2 to 2:30PM) on KPFK Radio (90.7FM). Today, June 14, Martinez spotlighted Larry Cedar, Lisa Cole and Bill Ratner - performing in solo plays that are making their debuts at Hollywood Fringe Festival 2013.

Rogue Machine's DYING CITY Continues Through Aug 5

(6/14/2013) - Winning upwards of 50 awards (including Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, LA Weekly, Ovation, and Garland Awards) in just the past five years (BEST PRODUCTION two years in a row), Rogue Machine's first offering (which opened on May 18th) for the 2013 season has sold out the original run. They will now be extending the schedule for the Los Angeles premiere of Dying City by Christopher Shinn (OBIE winner, Pulitzer Prize finalist) through August 5th.

Photo Flash: Tom Irwin, Marin Ireland, Bruce Norris and More in Rehearsal for CTG's A PARALLELOGRAM

(6/14/2013) - Rehearsals have started for 'A Parallelogram,' the riveting new play by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winner Bruce Norris. Directed by Tony Award-winner Anna D. Shapiro, 'A Parallelogram' will be presented at the Taper, July 10 through August 18, 2013. The opening is scheduled for July 21. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast and creative team in rehearsal below!

SkyPilot Theatre Co. to Present THE ISLAND, 7/13-8/18

(6/14/2013) - THE ISLAND is a new musical that re-imagines Shakespeare's THE TEMPEST in a modern-day alternate timeline where Queens, Dukes and Sorceresses all vie for control of Italy's city-states. The sorceress Prospera and her daughter Miranda have been stranded on The Island for fifteen years when a passing plane offers them a chance at revenge and escape. An eclectic score of traditional musical theatre, big band, pop, and even hip-hop retells the epic tale. Featuring original music from the songwriting team behind SkyPilot Theatre Co.'s EARTHBOUND, which earned a 'Pick of the Week' from LA Weekly.

StubHub Center To Reveal New Marquee on June 19

(6/14/2013) - The welcoming ceremony to officially launch StubHub Center, formerly known as The Home Depot Center, StubHub Center, in Carson Calif. on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills is the 125-acre multi-sport facility that serves at the home of back-to-back MLS Cup Champion LA Galaxy and Chivas USA franchises, world class competition and training facilities for amateur, Olympic, collegiate and professional athletes, will take place on Wednesday, June 19.

Summer Stages: BWW's Top Summer Theater Picks for Costa Mesa / Orange County!

(6/14/2013) - Though the coming of summer usually signals local theaters' final shows for the 2012-2013 season, there are still plenty of things to see, hear and experience in the O.C. to keep avid theatergoers entertained. Below is a listing of our five top Summer Must-See Picks, plus a few other noteworthy shows to check out, too!

Summer Stages: BWW's Top Summer Theatre Picks in Los Angeles

(6/14/2013) - Summer Stages in Los Angeles

Hollywood Fringe Fest Presents Anastasia Coon's Solo Show GRACIE AND ROSE, Now Through 6/28

(6/14/2013) - Gracie and Rose are two women who fall in love in Wyoming in the late 1950's. Gracie has been passing as a man, George, for some time, in order to do men's work and live the way she feels most authentic. Anastasia Coon presents the full-length Los Angeles premiere of her solo show Gracie and Rose. Los Angeles Writer's Center Director Che'Rae Adams directs the limited run of the full work in development, June 13-28 at Art of Acting LA during the 2013 Hollywood Fringe Festival.

Photo Flash: First Look at Kentwood Players LEND ME A TENOR, Opening 7/12

(6/14/2013) - Kentwood Players presents the 1989 Tony Award-winning comedy/farce 'LEND ME A TENOR' by Ken Ludwig from Friday, July 12 to Saturday, August 17, 2013 for a six-week run on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045. The production is directed by Gail Bernardi and produced by Susan Goldman Weisbarth.

BWW Reviews: International City Theatre's DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE

(6/14/2013) - A man - seemingly oblivious to the sound of his own cell phone ringing - sits in a cafe during lunchtime. His phone ringsand ringsand rings until, no longer able to bear the intrusive sound, Jean, a young woman from a nearby table, asks him to please answer it.

Brimmer Street Theatre Brings TRUE HUSTLE, I COULD'VE BEEN DANCING and HUMAN PUPPET to Hollywood Fringe, Now thru 6/28

(6/14/2013) - Brimmer Street Theatre Company has announced three events set to be part of the 2013 Fringe Festival, all to be performed on three Friday nights, today, June 14 and June 21, and 28 at the Lounge Theatre in Hollywood.