Los Angeles Theatre + Broadway News

ANMT's 15 Minute Musical Series Set for 6/24-25

(6/19/2013) - Once a year, every June, like clockwork, you can hear composers weeping in North Hollywood, and threatening to call attorneys, and then kissing and making up and saying they've just had the most wonderful experience of their lives. Yes, it's time for the annual 15-Minute Musical project at the Academy for New Musical Theatre: June 24th and 25th at the Met Theatre in Hollywood. For the final project of Academy's famous writers' workshop, composers and lyricists and bookwriters are put together on writing teams and are given eight short weeks to write, revise and polish a brand-new musical written for five actors whom they've never met before.

Hollywood Fringe's LIFE, AUDITED Set for United Solo Festival this Fall

(6/19/2013) - The audiences of the Hollywood Fringe Festival have been enthralled by LIFE, AUDITED, directed by Rafeal Clements. Remaining performances are June 22nd, 26th and 30th at Theatre Asylum, 6320 Santa Monica Blvd. Tickets are $10.

Amy Brenneman & Original NYC Cast to Open RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN at Geffen Playhouse, 8/21

(6/19/2013) - The original New York cast -- Amy Brenneman (Judging Amy, NYPD Blue, Private Practice), Beth Dixon, Virginia Kull, Kellie Overbey andLee Tergesen (Monster, Wayne's World, Weird Science) - are set for the West Coast premiere of Rapture, Blister, Burn, written by Gina Gionfriddo, in the Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse, opening Wednesday, August 21, 2013 (previews begin August 13).

Deadline for ANMT's Search for New Musicals Extended to 7/15

(6/19/2013) - Have you written a great new musical, and are you looking for feedback and/or an opportunity for a concert reading? Don't miss the July 15 deadline for the annual Search for New Musicals at the Academy for New Musical Theatre.

Photo Flash: First Look at Melinda Porto, Steven Good and More in El Portal Theatre's MODROCK, Beg. Tonight

(6/19/2013) - The era of the British Music Invasion comes alive in 'ModRock,' a new musical, which is having its world premiere engagement beginning tonight, June 19 (press opening Sunday June 23 at 5pm) at the El Portal Theatre. 'ModRock' is set in the vibrant, swinging London of the mid 1960's - a time when styles and cultures clashed, the British bands ruled the pop charts and all fashion trends emerged out of Carnaby Street. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action!

STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes - Liz Femi's TAKE ME TO THE POORHOUSE

(6/19/2013) - The audiences of the Hollywood Fringe Festival have flocked to Liz Femi's TAKE ME TO THE POORHOUSE, directed by Jane Morris. Remaining performances are tonight, June 19th, the 21st and the 28th at The Lounge Theatre, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd. Tickets are $10, and 10 percent of all proceeds go to the Mama Hope Foundation to 'stop the pity and unlock the potential' in several African communities. Click below to watch a behind-the-scenes interview with Femi!

Melinda Porto and Steven Good Star in MODROCK at El Portal Theatre, Beg. Tonight

(6/19/2013) - The era of the British Music Invasion comes alive in 'ModRock,' a new musical, which is having its world premiere engagement beginning tonight, June 19 (press opening Sunday June 23 at 5pm) at the El Portal Theatre. 'ModRock' is set in the vibrant, swinging London of the mid 1960's - a time when styles and cultures clashed, the British bands ruled the pop charts and all fashion trends emerged out of Carnaby Street.

CITIZEN TWAIN, Starring Val Kilmer, Extends Through July 28 at Kirk Douglas Theatre

(6/18/2013) - Val Kilmer, famous for his portrayals of iconic characters such as Jim Morrison (The Doors), Doc Holliday (Tombstone) and Batman (Batman Forever), inhabits the spirit of yet another legendary figure: Mark Twain. Kilmer continues to develop Citizen Twain, a solo show about the man considered to be the world's greatest storyteller, at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City, June 28 to July 28 for a limited five-week engagement, followed by this fall by performances in London's West End.

20-Year-Old ZK Lowenfels Becomes Youngest Female Playwright in U.S. with SEWER RATS AT SEA Debut

(6/18/2013) - Twenty year-old prodigy, ZK Lowenfels (known as 'Z') became the youngest female playwright in the country this week with her debut Sewer Rats at Sea- which premiered at the fourth annual Hollywood Fringe Festival on June 16th.

Liz Femi's TAKE ME TO THE POORHOUSE Continues thru 6/28 at Hollywood Fringe; Set for NYC's United Solo Fest

(6/18/2013) - The audiences of the Hollywood Fringe Festival have flocked to Liz Femi's TAKE ME TO THE POORHOUSE, directed by Jane Morris. Remaining performances are June 19th, 21st and 28th at The Lounge Theatre, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd.

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.