Los Angeles Theatre + Broadway News

LOS OTROS World Premiere Begins Previews at CTG's Mark Taper Forum Tonight, 5/23

(5/23/2012) The world premiere of the beautifully crafted musical “Los Otros” begins previews tonight, May 23 at 8 p.m. at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum. With book and lyrics by Ellen Fitzhugh and music by Michael John LaChiusa, “Los Otros” opens on June 3, 2012; performances continue through July 1. Tony Award-winner Michele Pawk has been cast to play the role of Woman and Julio Monge will play the role of Man.

Photo Flash: THE CLOSENESS OF THE HORIZON in its World Premiere at Odyssey Theatre

(5/22/2012) Award-winning playwright Richard Martin Hirsch’s newest play, The Closeness of the Horizon, which received its world premiere at the Odyssey Theatre last weekend, was inspired by the relationship between the playwright and two members of Palisades High School’s 1969 City Champion basketball team. See Bruce Nozick, David Starzyk and Daniel Kash in the production below!

Peter Mac Celebrates Bea Arthur and Judy Garland's 90th Birthdays, 5/27

(5/22/2012) Bea Arthur would have turned 90 years old on May 27, 2012. To celebrate her birthday, actor D.J. Schaefer is transformed as Bea Arthur and will join Judy Garland played by rewound tribute artist, Peter Mac in a very special show Bea Arthur and Judy Garland: Tribute Artists Celebrate 90th Birthdays.

BWW Reviews: Elaine Stritch Sings All-Sondheim Show at Walt Disney Concert Hall

(5/22/2012) On May 19, 2012 the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown Los Angeles hosted Elaine Stritch's hilarious, anecdote-heavy Stephen Sondheim tribute concert ELAINE STRITCH: SINGIN' SONDHEIM...ONE SONG AT A TIME. Met with boisterous, well-deserved standing ovations both at the start and at the end of the intermission-less program, Stritch was in usual top form, dispensing out acerbic comments and witty barbs about her life, her career, and her love and admiration--both personally and professionally--for the Broadway composer.

One More Chance to Catch Nifty, Groovy Chew On This

(5/22/2012) Do you like the music of the 50s, 60s and 70s? I should say, do you love it? Love it in fact, so much, that it has become an addiction? How can you tell? Well, has your vinyl collection become such a clutter that you find yourself tripping over it wherever you take a step? Do you find yourself constantly flipping channels on your car radio to find that oldies but goodies station? Or preferring reruns on TV Land of The Partridge Family or Donnie and Marie over American Idol, Glee or Smash? Sounds to me like you're hooked. You need to come to a BGA Meeting - only one left - on Sunday May 27 at 2 pm at Peter Mac's Supper Club inside the French Market Place on Santa Monica Blvd in WeHo. FYI, BGA stands for Bubble Gums Anonymous with the slogan The more you pop, the better it gets. It's all part and parcel of a nifty little show called Chew On This which has in spades the genre of music that any bubble gum addict could ever possibly wish for.

BWW Reviews: Murray Mednick's Latest Bows at the Lounge Theatre

(5/22/2012) After years of popularity with innovative 'realism-plus' theatre, Murray Mednick's work stands tall, and surprisingly this is my first taste of a Mednick play. I hope it's not my last! My first being The Fool and the Red Queen, now receiving its world premiere production at the Lounge Theatre in Hollywood. With fine direction by Mednick and Guy Zimmerman and a noteworthy cast, the play is an intriguingly magical odyssey that may not suit everyone's tastebuds, but which will certainly compel, entertain, and maybe even enlighten.

Academy to Screen Joan Rivers, Eliot Spitzer Documentaries, 5/30

(5/22/2012) "Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer" and "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work" will screen as the final installment of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 30th annual "Contemporary Documentaries" series on Wednesday, May 30, at 7 p.m. at the Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood. Admission is free.

BWW Reviews: BITCHSLAP! at Macha Theatre Sparks with Davis/Crawford Pairing

(5/22/2012) By the time you leave Darrin Hagen's Bitchslap! you'll either hate or adore two of Hollywood's legendary divas, namely Bette Davis - the actress and Joan Crawford - the movie star. Both left a trail of indelible marks by which to be judged. They were bitchy, glamorous - well, at least Crawford - fiercely prepared - well, at least Davis - overbearing, and always clamored for good press. Ta da! In comes Hedda Hopper, one of the bitchiest, most well-dressed, most obsessively efficient and most overbearing reporters old Hollywood had to offer. Not two, but three queens! Hagen's campy piece is not without its flaws, but will surely entertain you and actually make you perk up your ears to hear a thing or two about Davis and Crawford that you may not have known. That's right, Darrin Hagen has done his homework and very well researched his stars, so movie buffs should be more than pleased. Now onstage through June 17 at the Macha Theatre, ladies and gentlemen, Bitchslap!

BWW Reviews: As On Broadway GCT Revives Ever Popular ANNIE

(5/22/2012) The phenomenally successful 1977 Broadway musical Annie took America by storm and has been filmed twice. After 35 years, and especially now during our country's - what seems to be unending - economic slump, its Depression era optimism holds up better than ever, and in GCT's current well-staged production, there's much to savor.

Late May Live Entertainment Options on the Central Coast of California

(5/22/2012) As we make our way toward the end of May, I hope you will find or make the time to attend some of the many productions currently playing (a number of which will soon bring their runs to a close) at any of the various live performance and theatre venues that make their home here on the Central Coast of California!

BWW Reviews: Peter Mac Rocks with JUDY AND COMPANY

(5/22/2012) Judy and Company with Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Peggy Lee, Tallulah Bankhead and Katie Hepburn, ladies of screen, theatre and TV all sharing top billing, as usual is a joyous Peter Mac show. At the all new Peter Mac Supper Club in Hollywood, Garland opens and closes with a bevy of her hits including, "Almost Like Being in Love", "This Can't Be Love", "The Man That Got Away", "The Trolley Song" and "By Myself" from the film I Could Go On Singing. Garland is in rare form, never missing a beat, even getting in a dig about losing the Oscar for Star to Grace Kelly. Next comes Miss Tallulah Bankhead SINGING an outrageous "Everybody's F------But Me" and "Como te gusta mi pinga...", with Spanish making the obscenity sound acceptable, actually quite delicious. Jokes fly out of her trashy mouth, and there's even a raunchy Snow White fable. Following Tallu comes a hilariously, talk about stoned, Peggy Lee who gives her all to "Is That All There Is?" and the politically incorrect "Manana". Lee's synthetic blonde wig gives Mac some great dish lines. Then, like a tornado from QVC, in flies the one and only Liza Minnelli - ablaze in red sequins - giving us not two but three numbers "Say Yes", "Liza with a Z" and "Maybe This Time" with quite an interesting anecdote about how the former was actually written for Kaye Ballard but became a big hit in theCabaret film for Liza. The final guest is Kate Hepburn who treats us to her inimitable rendition of "Coco" and "The Glory of Love" echoing her unusual 27 year extra-marital relationship with Spencer Tracy.

Darren Criss to Join APOCALYPTOUR's 5/23 Show in LA

(5/22/2012) Team StarKid will be joined by company co-founder Darren Criss for THREE total performances of the APOCALYPTOUR: two at the House of Blues in Los Angeles on Wednesday, May 23 (acoustic set only) and Thursday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. as well as the final show at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City, Sunday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Claudia Restrepo's Abraham Lincoln Play RECONSTRUCTION Set for Hollywood Fringe 6/12-23

(5/22/2012) Reconstruction - a new play by Claudia Restrepo which premieres at the Hollywood Fringe Festival this June 12-23, combines the legend of Lincoln with the story of Sylvia, a young woman who comes to grips with her father’s death through the help of her best friend - a larger than life figure who slings a mean cup of joe - a regular 19th century statesman – Abraham Lincoln.

British Production of THE SECRET OF SHERLOCK HOLMES Set for Hollywood Fringe

(5/22/2012) This June, three British talents bring one of the world’s most beloved duos to Hollywood. Renowned Brit actors JOHN MAWSON and MARIO VERNAZZA, team up with the directing talents of one of London’s most beloved theatre practitioners, AMIR KORANGY, head of acting at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London for 14 years, to present THE SECRET OF SHERLOCK HOLMES on Sat June 9th, 4:00pm (Preview), Thu June 14th 10:00pm, Sat June 16th 4:00pm, Thu June 21st 7:00pm, Sat June 23rd 7:00pm and Sun June 24th 2:30pm at Theatre Asylum, 6320 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles 90038.

THE FOUNTAIN Continues Towne Street Theatre's 2012 Reading Series Tonight, 5/22

(5/22/2012) Towne Street Theatre presents a staged reading of "The Fountain" by Harriet A. Dickey, Tuesday @ 8pm tonight, May 22, 2012 at the Stella Adler Theatre, located at 6773 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, Calif. $5 donation requested.

Clay Aiken, Andrea McArdle and More Set for Great American Songbook Hall of Fame Gala, 6/16

(5/21/2012) Three stars of Broadway and pop music – plus a celebrity DJ – have joined the entertainment lineup for the Encore Celebration presented by Krieg DeVault. The June 16 event benefits the Center for the Performing Arts and serves as the first annual Great American Songbook Hall of Fame.

Storyteller Brings THE ROAD TO HIGH STREET to Hollywood Fringe, 6/7-23

(5/21/2012) From the back roads of Rhode Island and the streets of San Francisco, to the stages across the USA, Canada, Europe and Japan, entertainer Andrew Potter brings his current work, a multimedia storytelling performance to the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Potter, an accomplished guitarist, juggler, storyteller and video producer has combined these skills into an hour long show called ”The Road to High Street: A Digital Rock & Roll Comedy.”

Yes, And … Productions to Present the LA Premiere of ORDINARY DAYS, 5/26-6/10

(5/21/2012) Yes, And … Productions, led by Helen H. Ota and Michael C. Palma, will present the Los Angeles premiere of the musical Ordinary Days by Adam Gwon at the Imagined Life Theater from May 26 – June 10, 2012.

glory|struck Productions' SPRING AWAKENING in Concert Supports 'Love is Louder', 7/20-29

(5/21/2012) SPRING AWAKENING, the 2007 Tony Award winning best musical, comes to vibrant life on the Hayworth Theatre stage, courtesy of glory|struck Productions, in a new and exciting rock-concert format this summer to raise the volume of awareness for the LOVE IS LOUDER movement.

Theatre de la Ville-Paris to Launch RHINOCEROS US Tour - LA, Berkeley, Ann Arbor - this Fall

(5/21/2012) David Eden Productions has announced initial details of a major US tour, presenting on September 21 and 22, 2012 the American premiere engagement of the Theatre de la Ville-Paris production of Rhinoceros, by Eugene Ionesco, directed by Emmanuel Demarcy-Mota, in Los Angeles at Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA (CAP UCLA), with subsequent presentations to follow in Berkeley at Cal Performances on September 27, 28, and 29 (matinee), and in Ann Arbor at University Musical Society (UMS) on October 11, 12, and 13.

Upright Cabaret's VIVA LAS VEGAS to Feature Leslie Odom, Jr., 6/15

(5/21/2012) Upright Cabaret’s AMERICAN ICON Series ends another season with VIVA LAS VEGAS - a presentation of personality and pop that honors the flashiest performers of all time: ELVIS, CHER & ELTON JOHN.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic to Release Shostakovich Album, 6/19

(5/21/2012) The Los Angeles Philharmonic continues its collaboration with Deutsche Grammophon with the new release of two works by Shostakovich – the world premiere of the Prologue to Orango and Symphony No. 4. Both works, led by LA Phil Conductor Laureate Esa-Pekka Salonen, were recorded live at Walt Disney Concert Hall in December of 2011. The 2-disc set will be available June 19, 2012.

SAG-AFTRA National Board of Directors Met in Los Angeles May 19-20

(5/21/2012) The National Board of Directors of the newly formed SAG-AFTRA met for the first time over May 19 and 20, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. SAG-AFTRA represents more than 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other media professionals.

Four Clowns Present Two Nights of SUBLIMITY, 5/25 & 26

(5/20/2012) Sublimity by David Bridel, directed by Jeremy Aluma and David Bridel, will be presented by Four Clowns and The Clown School in Los Angeles for two performances only. Shows take place at the Lyric Hyperion Theatre & Cafe (2106 Hyperion Ave. LA, CA 90027) on Friday, May 25 @ 8pm and Saturday, May 26 @ 8pm. $10 tickets here, or at www.fourclowns.org.

Photo Flash: AINADAMAR at Long Beach Opera Plays Tonight, 5/20

(5/20/2012) The Terrace Theater at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center is set to present AINADAMAR, the operatic biography of Federico Garcia Lorca, late this month for a limited engagement. The show is scheduled to perform for two nights only tonight, May 20 and May 26. See photos of Suzan Hanson, Peabody Southwell and Ani Maldjian on stage below!

Musical Theatre West Continues Reiner Reading Series With BELLS ARE RINGING, 5/20

(5/20/2012) BELLS ARE RINGING, the next staged reading of MUSICAL THEATRE WEST’S REINER READING SERIES, will take place tonight, May 20, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

13th Annual Directors Lab West Runs Now thru May 26 at Pasadena Playhouse

(5/19/2012) Directors Lab West Steering Committee previously announced the dates for the 13th annual Directors Lab West. The 2012 Lab takes place May 19-26 in residence at Pasadena Playhouse. The Lab continues its tradition of bringing together dedicated theatre directors, choreographers and master artists for a week of intense discussions and exploration of the art form.

Pasadena Playhouse's PREMIERE GALA: DESTINATION is Tonight, May 19

(5/19/2012) The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Charles Dillingham, interim Executive Director) previously announced that the “best party in Pasadena” annual fundraiser entitled PREMIERE GALA: DESTINATION would be held at the private home of Playhouse Board member Stephen Bennett and his wife Chantal Bennett in San Marino tonight, May 19, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. This year’s event will honor two “jewels” – Playhouse Board Chair Michele Dedeaux Engemann and The Pasadena Playhouse. Gala Chair Sheila Grether-Marion and The Playhouse Board of Directors will be spearheading this gala event which will sparkle with cocktails, a seated dinner catered by The Kitchen For Exploring Foods, dancing and live entertainment provided by Wayne Foster.

Murray Mednick's THE FOOL AND THE RED QUEEN Plays Hollywood Fringe, Now thru 6/24

(5/19/2012) Padua Playwrights have announced the world premiere of the latest comic meditation from poet-playwright Murray Mednick. Directed by Mednick and Guy Zimmerman, The Fool and The Red Queen opens tonight May 19 at the Lounge Theatre in Hollywood, where it will continue to run through June 24 as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival.

Pacific Symphony’s 2012 Gala Set for Tonight, 5/19

(5/19/2012) Pacific Symphony’s 2012 gala whisks guests back in time to La Belle Époque, a joyous time in cultural history—turn-of-the-century France. The sensuous and gregarious excitement of the Moulin Rouge and Folies Bergère abounds, as the evening of music, dancing and French-influenced cuisine takes place tonight, May 19, at 5:30 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Irvine at Jamboree Center.

Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet Declares Today, May 19, 'Stephen Schwartz Day'

(5/19/2012) Desert Theatre Ensemble Company today announced that Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet has declared today, May 19 to be recognized as "Stephen Schwartz Day".

Elaine Stritch Makes Walt Disney Hall Debut in SINGIN' SONDHEIM...ONE SONG AT A TIME Tonight, 5/19

(5/19/2012) Following a journey of iconic performances – from Sondheim’s Company to her Tony award-winning show Elaine Stritch at Liberty to her Emmy award-winning appearances on 30 Rock – the ferociously age-defiant “Broadway Baby” makes a rare West Coast appearance for Elaine Stritch Singin’ Sondheim…One Song at a Time, her Walt Disney Concert Hall debut.

Macha Theatre/Films Presents BITCHSLAP! West Coast Premiere, Now thru 6/17

(5/19/2012) MACHA THEATRE/Films presents the West Coast Premiere of BITCHSLAP! by Darrin Hagen, directed by Odalys Nanin.

WHEN YOU BELIEVE: A Conversation With and Tribute To Stephen Schwartz Plays Tonight, 5/19, Palm Springs

(5/19/2012) Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz will be honored with Desert Ensemble Theatre Company's inaugural Melpomai Award at When You Believe: A Conversation With and Tribute To Stephen Schwartz tonight, May 19 in Palm Springs.

Open Fist's Gala Honors THE WEST WING's Melissa Fitzgerald Tonight, 5/19

(5/19/2012) Join the members of the Open Fist Theatre Company in an evening under the stars, at the Historic Gilmore Adobe. This will be the Open Fist’s 22nd year operating as one of the most prestigious theatre company’s in Los Angeles. Their eighth annual Gala will take place tonight, May 19th, 2012 6:00 PM, and will honor Melissa Fitzgerald (the West Wing).

La Mirada Theatre Presents Debby Boone's REFLECTIONS OF ROSEMARY, Today, 5/19

(5/19/2012) Debby Boone’s Reflections of Rosemary is an intimate, deeply heartfelt tribute to her late mother-in-law, the legendary singer Rosemary Clooney. DEBBY BOONE in “REFLECTIONS OF ROSEMARY” will perform two performances only - on Saturday, May 19 at 2pm & 8pm at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada.

BWW Reviews: Brinkley Headlines CHICAGO Tour in L.A. Return

(5/18/2012) The six-time Tony-winning 1996 Revival of CHICAGO is still earning cheers and packing in audiences both on Broadway (now in its 16th year!) and its still-running national tour--the latter of which has shimmied its way back to L.A. for a return engagement at the Pantages Theatre through May 27. This time, supermodel Christie Brinkley is on board as Roxie Hart. Though it's quite hard not to ignore our lead star's weaker chops, you will no doubt be floored by the incredible, top-notch talent that hovers all around her.

Sheena Metal Joins Ensemble Studio Theatre's Board of Directors

(5/18/2012) Sheena Metal, an entertainment icon who has anchored numerous radio shows for over 17 years in Los Angeles, has been named to the Board of Directors of Ensemble Studio Theatre Los Angeles, it was announced by Gates McFadden, Artistic Director.

BWW Reviews: Re-Animator the Musical Returns

(5/18/2012) When it first came out in 1985, RE-ANIMATOR quickly became a hit among horror fans and established a cult following both for the film and its mad scientist, Jeff Combs, who played Herbert West. Graham Skipper plays West in the musical and is just as fiendish as his film counterpart and funnier than ever in the broadly drawn, extremely eccentric role.

Win Tickets to See IL DIVO in Concert!

(5/18/2012) The world's foremost classical crossover quartet IL DIVO is set to embark on its 2012 world tour, the group's fourth, which follows the release of the quartet's latest album, Wicked Game (on Syco/Columbia Records) and provides a new mark of achievement for the signature vocal blend and unique operatic arrangements which have captivated millions and launched a classical-crossover sensation. To celebrate the kick-off of this much-anticipated world tour, BroadwayWorld invites you to enter for a chance to WIN ONE PAIR OF TICKETS to see IL DIVO live in concert!