Los Angeles Theatre + Broadway News

Crown City Theatre to Open NIGHT HAWKS World Premiere, 6/13

(5/13/2013) - Crown City Theatre Company presents a World Premiere play, NIGHT HAWKS by Dennis A. Pratt & Robert Vincent O'Neil, directed by Barry Pearl and Robert Vincent O'Neil. NIGHT HAWKS is a unique and provocative story about 2 old men caught in the crossfire of their own personal purgatory.

Lillias White to Bring A WOMAN ON LOVE to Catalina Jazz Club, 6/3 & 10

(5/13/2013) - Chris Isaacson Presents and Upright Cabaret present the West Coast club return of Broadway diva and Tony Award-winner Lillias White in her new show, A Woman On Love, at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. There will be two performances only, on Mondays, June 3 and 10 at 8:30pm, with cocktail and dinner service beginning at 6:30pm. The June 10 show also marks the second anniversary of The Night After The Tonys, a tradition begun in 2012 by Ms. White and Upright Cabaret.

Son of Semele Ensemble Extends OUR CLASS at Atwater Village

(5/13/2013) - Award-winning theatre company, Son of Semele Ensemble (SOSE), has extended the west coast premiere of Our Class, by Polish playwright Tadeusz S?obodzianek, in an English version by Ryan Craig. Directed by Matthew McCray, the critically-acclaimed production of Our Class will continue its run at the Atwater Village Theatre, with performances resuming May 24.

THE SPOLIN PLAYERS Present AN EVENING OF SPOLIN GAMES at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, 6/9

(5/13/2013) - The Spolin Players Improvisational troupe is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Viola Spolin (known as 'The High Priestess of Improv') by performing her theatre games at The Hollywood Fringe Festival. Each hour-long completely improvised show will be completely different and original. Bring your imagination and suggestions, and get ready to laugh a lot!

HEIRESS, GHOST SONATA, GALILEO and 'LONG DAY'S JOURNEY' Set for ANW's Reading Series, 6/5-8/14

(5/13/2013) - A Noise Within (ANW), the acclaimed classical repertory theatre company, continues this season's 'Words Within' Wednesday night play reading series with four free, one-night-only readings this summer at its Pasadena theatre: THE HEIRESS by RUTH AND AUGUSTUS GOETZ, based on the 1880 Henry James novel Washington Square, on June 5, 2013, 7 pm; THE GHOST SONATA by AUGUST STRINDBERG, considered one of the world's greatest modern playwrights, on June 19, 7pm; GALILEO, a timeless classic by BERTOLD BRECHT on July 24, 7 pm; and LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT by EUGENE O'NEILL on August 14, 7 pm. The readings feature A Noise Within resident artists as well as artists from the theatre company's current repertory productions.

Terri White to Make LA Concert Debut at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal, 5/19

(5/13/2013) - Continuing its nearly 7 year reign as the most critically acclaimed, award-winning supper club of its kind in the greater Los Angeles area dedicated to presenting the best of Broadway performers and nightclub artists in concert, Sterling's Upstairs at The Federal welcomes Broadway's Terri White Sunday, May 19, direct from her critically acclaimed cabaret concert in the Barbara Cook Spotlight Series at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' in Washington, D.C.

SkyPilot Theatre Company's WE'RE ALL IN THE MOOD FOR A MELODY Set for 5/17

(5/13/2013) - Welcome to the Cafe Chanteuse, where in between performances of classic pop and Broadway tunes, hearts are broken, lives are changed and maybe even one or two dreams come true. Because everyone is beautiful at the ballet -- but at the Cafe Chanteuse, everyone has a chance to be a star!

Gia Mora Brings EINSTEIN'S GIRL to The Gardenia, 5/17 & 18

(5/13/2013) - Nationally recognized actor and vocalist Gia Mora announces the return of her newest solo show, Einstein's Girl, to The Gardenia in Hollywood, California. The show will play for two nights on Friday and Saturday, May 17 and 18 at 9pm. The Gardenia is located at 7066 Santa Monica Boulevard, just east of La Brea Avenue.

Tommy Tune to Host Actors Fund Tony Viewing Party in LA, 6/9

(5/13/2013) - Broadway Icon, Tommy Tune, will host The Actors Fund's 17th Annual Tony Awards Viewing Party on June 9th, 2013.

Hollywood Fringe Announces Festival App for iPhone & Android

(5/13/2013) - The Hollywood Fringe announced the launch of a new festival app today meant to 'enhance the overall Hollywood Fringe experience'. Users who download the free mobile app will have the ability to purchase tickets on their phones to over two hundred festival productions, as well as browse shows by location, time or category. The app provides a personalized experience by allowing users to create unique profiles, manage a list of favorite shows and customize their schedule. Additional features include a map and navigation for all Fringe venues, access to show reviews and a news feed of the latest Fringe events. The app is now available in both the Apple and Google Play stores.

BWW Reviews: SPAMALOT Entertains with Killer Rabbits, Taunting Frenchmen and Show-Stopping Musical Numbers

(5/13/2013) - Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Monty Python's SPAMALOT tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table in 932AD as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail.

BWW Reviews: Zombie Joe's RICHARD III - Young and Dark

(5/12/2013) - All of its pieces add up to Shakespeare's Richard III but Zombie Joe's version directed by Denise Devin is certainly an oddball mix. Picture a thin, pale Duke of Gloucester (W. Lochridge O'Bryan) with hollow cheekbones and sunken eyes who looks to be barely out of his twenties, a Lady Anne (Anna Gillcrist) with the essence (and visual resemblance) of Julia Stiles, and a wild-eyed Margaret (Tina Preston) with the haunted look of the almost dead, and you get the idea.

MOVIE MUSICAL, Starring Aunt Cassie Rolle, Set for Memorial Day Weekend, 5/24-25

(5/12/2013) - Do you love movie? You love Musicals? When the Movie Musical show starring Aunt Cassie Rolle come see the movies which never should have a musical score. Movie Musical runs Memorial Day Weekend: Friday May 24 and Saturday, May 25 at 9pm.

BWW Reviews: DELICIOUS REALITY Shares Tantalizing and Provocative Tales from LA's Restaurant Scene

(5/12/2013) - Everyone loves a good meal, especially when someone else prepares it for you. But at a restaurant, do you ever think about who really cooks your meal and what they go through to prepare it for you? DELICIOUS REALITY gives voice to the underprivileged restaurant workers in a very entertaining and seriously eye-opening performance piece.

Now Playing Onstage in Los Angeles - Week of 5/12/2013

(5/12/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 5/12/2013 for Los Angeles

FALLING FOR MAKE BELIEVE Adds Special Show Tonight at The Colony Theatre

(5/12/2013) - The Colony Theatre has announced that the final production of its 'Season of Premieres,' the World Premiere of FALLING FOR MAKE BELIEVE, is a sellout smash hit, and will add a special performance tonight, May 12, to accommodate the demand for tickets.

Playbill and Performing Arts Magazine's Ruth Kraft Passes Away

(5/11/2013) - Ruth Kraft (nee Nathanson) died peacefully in her sleep May 9, 2013 surrounded by her family. Mrs. Kraft had been battling cancer for many years.

Photo Flash: MILLIONAIRE MATCHMAKER's Patti Stanger Visits SKETCHY QUEENS

(5/11/2013) - Patti Stanger star of Bravo's The Millionaire Matchmaker attended last night's performance of Sketchy Queens starring Kay Sedia and Reba Areba now playing at the Cavern Celebrity Theater in Silverlake, CA. Check out photos of her with the stars below!

Crooked Heart's THE OTHER F WORD to Make World Premiere at Hollywood Fringe, 6/9

(5/11/2013) - Crooked Heart Theater announced today that its new play The Other F Word will have its world premiere at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in June.

Chromolume Theatre Extends DO LORD REMEMBER ME Through May 26

(5/11/2013) - DO LORD REMEMBER ME by James de Jongh, directed by Wilson Bell has extended at the Chromolume Theatre through Sunday, May 26, 2013.

BWW Reviews: Welk Resorts' CHICAGO Sizzles On Through June 2

(5/11/2013) - Chicago/book by Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse/music by John Kander; lyrics by Fred Ebb/directed & choreographed by Ray Limon/Welk Theatre, San Diego/through June 2

2Cents Theatre Group to Stage RENT and PRIVATE EYES in Rep, Beg. 5/24

(5/10/2013) - 2Cents Theatre Group has announced its production of Rent, Jonathan Larson's legendary Broadway smash hit, which is now celebrating its 20th anniversary. Directed by Kristen Boule, with musical direction by Morgan Fitch, Rent is set to open on Friday, May 24. Private Eyes by Steven Dietz, directed by Shaunessy Quinn, opens on Thursday, May 30, and it will run in repertory with Rent, through June 30 at the Hudson Theatre Mainstage in Hollywood.

Hollywood Fringe Festival To Feature Shakespeare Productions

(5/10/2013) - The 2013 Hollywood Fringe Festival, an 18 day-long explosion of theatrical events, will take over Hollywood June 13 - 30, 2013 and that means I'll be starting my Fringe coverage of what to see in some specialized areas. First up, it's a look at what you Shakespeare lovers will find at The Fringe.

LA STAGE DAY Set for 5/18

(5/10/2013) - LA STAGE Alliance has announced LA STAGE DAY, a day-long community event for the greater Los Angeles performing arts community. Generously hosted by California State University Los Angeles, the activities will take place on the campus of CSULA on Saturday, May 18, from 8:30am - 7pm.

BWW Reviews: MY MOTHER'S KEEPER Shares Memories of Four Generations of Women in a Show Business Family

(5/10/2013) - MY MOTHER'S KEEPER, written by Jane Press and directed by Robin McKee, is a highly autobiographical memory play that moves fluidly back and forth between 1914 when an event involving Press' great-grandmother sets off a cycle of damage and dysfunction, and the present. While the humor of this play may be Jewish, the experience of being part of a big, crazy family is universal.

BWW Reviews: The Porters of Hellsgate Plummet the Depths of TIMON OF ATHENS

(5/10/2013) - "How this lord is followed!" exclaims a Painter in reference to Timon of Athens early in Act I of the play that bears his name. Director Charles Pasternak interprets the line quite literally by having his throng of greedy hangers-on trail behind Timon as he moves about the stage, billowing en masse like a bridal gown's train that sweeps and glides with every turn.

MY MOTHER'S KEEPER Plays the Electric Lodge, Now thru June 16

(5/10/2013) - My Mother's Keeper, written by Jane Press and directed by Robin McKee, will perform at the Electric Lodge Fridays - Sundays, tonight, May 10 through Sunday, June 16, 2013 with a benefit performance on Thursday May 9. Part of the proceeds from the May 9 performance will benefit 50/50 Leadership with the money being earmarked for a documentary on the book 'Beauty Bites Beast' by Ellen Snortland. Tickets are $28.00 and can be purchased at (310) 306-1854.

3-D Theatricals Presents PARADE, Now thru 5/26

(5/10/2013) - 3-D Theatricals presents PARADE, tonight, May 10 - 26, 2013 at Plummer Auditorium, 201 East Chapman Ave, Fullerton, Calif., directed by T.J. Dawson, choreographed by Dana Solimando and musically directed by David Lamoureux.

Photo Flash: Kentwood Players presents Neil Simon's CALIFORNIA SUITE May 10 to June 15, 2013

(5/10/2013) - Kentwood Players presents Neil Simon's CALIFORNIA SUITE from tonight, May 10 to June 15, 2013 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester (LA 90045). The production is directed by Alison Mattiza and produced by Larry Jones by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

Win Tickets to THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS at the Ahmanson in LA!

(5/9/2013) - The Scottsboro Boys plays the Ahmanson Theatre from May 21 - June 30, 2013 and BroadwayWorld is giving its readers a chance to win a pair of tickets to the show on Friday, May 31 at 8PM! Click here to enter!

Photo Flash: Phylicia Rashad and More at JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Opening Night

(5/9/2013) - 'Joe Turner's Come and Gone' opened last night, May 8, at CTG's Mark Taper Forum, directed by Phylicia Rashad. BroadwayWorld has photos from the opening night festivities below!

The 20th Anniversary Celebration for Towne Street Theatre Continues With 6/29 5K Walk

(5/9/2013) - The 20th Anniversary Celebration for Towne Street Theatre continues with a 5K Walk on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at Kenneth Hahn Park, 4100 S. LaCienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90056. The walk event time is 8:00 am - 12 noon, with on-site registration beginning at 7:30 am in the recreation area.

Joey & Lee's Cabaret Awesome to be Held at Upstairs at Vitello's Restaurant

(5/9/2013) - Joey and Lee's Cabaret Awesome at Upstairs at Vitello's will present entertainer NEILE ADAMS in her new 60-minute cabaret show, "One Hell of a Ride," directed by Ted Sprague, with Andy Howe serving as Musical Director and Pianist, Karl Vincent on Bass and Steve Pemberton on Drums. The show will be presented for One Night Only on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. at Upstairs at Vitello's located in Vitello's Restaurant; 4349 Tujunga Avenue; Studio City, CA 91604.

Celebrate Sundance Institute Los Angeles Benefit Set for 6/5

(5/9/2013) - Sundance Institute today announced filmmaker Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station) will be honored with theVanguard Award, presented by Tiffany & Co. Actress Kerry Washington will present the award to Coogler at the third annual 'Celebrate Sundance Institute' benefit on June 5, 2013 in Los Angeles. As previously announced, the benefit will also honor the life and work of beloved journalist and film critic Roger Ebert with the Vanguard Leadership Award in Memoriam, in recognition of his advocacy of independent cinema. The award will be presented by Sundance Institute President and Founder Robert Redford and accepted by Ebert's wife, Chaz Ebert.

Tracie Thoms, Skylar Astin, Justin Long and More Set for 24 Hour Plays in Los Angeles

(5/9/2013) - Last night at the Montblanc Rodeo Drive Boutique in Los Angeles, Montblanc and Urban Arts Partnership announced the cast of the third annual and highly anticipated return of The 24 Hour Plays in Los Angeles, taking place on June 22nd at the Broad Stage. President and CEO of Montblanc North America, Jan Patrick Schmitz, and Urban Arts Partnership Artistic Board Chair Rosie Perez, announced the lineup of highly esteemed actors including Lizzy Caplan, Brooklyn Decker, Seth Green, Melanie Griffith, Gillian Jacobs and Justin Long.

Kay Sedia and Reba Areba Star in SKETCHY QUEENS for Mother's Day Weekend, Now thru 5/12

(5/9/2013) - Sketchy Queens is an evening full of hilarious sketch comedy. The show headliner is everyone's favorite Tupperware Diva Kay Sedia and introducing Mexico's #1 country music star Reba Areba.

STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek - JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE, Directed by Phylicia Rashad at Mark Taper Forum

(5/8/2013) - August Wilson's 'Joe Turner's Come and Gone,' directed by Phylicia Rashad, opens tonight, May 8 at 8 p.m. at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum. The lyrically rich and powerful play continues through June 9, 2013. Click below to get a sneak peek of the show!

Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Announces 2013-14 Officers

(5/8/2013) - The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle has elected new officers for its 2013-2014 term.

FALLING FOR MAKE BELIEVE Adds Special Show 5/12 at The Colony Theatre

(5/8/2013) - The Colony Theatre has announced that the final production of its 'Season of Premieres,' the World Premiere of FALLING FOR MAKE BELIEVE, is a sellout smash hit, and will add a special performance Sunday, May 12, to accommodate the demand for tickets.

AMPLYFi Welcomes JETSET GETSET With Special Guest Ben Babylon, 5/9

(5/8/2013) - Jetset Getset will join other young bands for an evening of multicultural entertainment at Hollywood's all-ages nightclub AMPLYFi onThursday, May 9, beginning at 7:30 p.m.