Don Grigware - Page 79

Beach Blanket Babylon originally conceived, written & directed by Steve Silver/ directed & choreographed by Kenny Mazlow/ Club Fugazi, North Beach, San Francisco/ plays forever......

Funny Girl is rarely mounted anywhere. Seeing the show - somewhat flawed: could have a stronger book - but one that I adore - in Sacramento this week, it dawned on me why. You must have one singularly incredible star performer - one who can act and sing greater than most (the greatest star - please forgive, Mr. Merrill!), and let's face it, there are many talented ladies available, but just not that good, at least not up to the unforgettable Barbra Streisand who originated the part.

Singer/musician extraordinaire Corky Hale plays a heavenly harp and also sings and plays piano along with guest artists Sally Kellerman ('Ive Got a Crush on You'), Freda Payne (a divine 'Alfie'), Tricia Tahara ('My Romance'), Ariana Savalas, and Brenna Whitaker on Corky Hale and friends...I'm Glad There Is You. Hale sounds like a young Ella Fitzgerald ('The More I See You') and all six women work magically on some truly great standards. OK, it's mellow... it's oh so pretty...it's easy listening... it's one terrific album!

Telling one's life story to an audience requires unparal-leled bravery. To admit openly that one is gay and to express the fears that go along with it - about coming out to parents, friends and the public - is an even greater act of courage, but one that becomes quite liberating, as joyously detailed by Norman P. Dixon in his one-man play about growing up Mormon, Becoming Norman, currently playing at the NoHo Arts Center. Through sharing his story, that many will relate to and say, 'That's me up there!', this talented man looks ahead to a new life and encourages us to follow suit.

Opus by Michael Hollinger/ directed by Simon Levy/ Fountain Theatre/ extended through August 29

Pre-millenium American dreams got quickly dashed on 9/11/01, but even long before that, back to before the 80s when Howard Korder wrote Boys' Life, hopes/dreams never really sustained teenagers or college-age youth. There has always been confusion about identity - what constitutes happiness as a man and as a woman, and young men, in particular, have sought the escape hatch so as not to confront the issue of growing up. Korder really digs into the pysche of three guys who have been lifelong friends in this play which is given a superlative representation at Crown City Theatre.

Popular KNBC meteorologist/funny man Fritz Coleman brings his new show An Evening with Fritz Coleman/On the Fritz to the El Portal Theatre in NoHo August 19-22 only. Coleman certainly needs no introduction to Angelenos as he has been reporting the weather three times daily in his own inimitable style for the past 27 years on Channel 4. In our talk, he discusses the new show, his roots, his favorite comics and even explains a little about the whys of the fantastic summer weather we've been experiencing.

Based on the rat pack film of the 60s of the same title with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Peter Lawford, Robin & the 7 Hoods is now a classy, sassy, jazzy musical, set in the early 60s... with all the glorious old standards by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen, and helmed by the ingenious Casey Nicholaw, whose staging and choreography send it soaring. There is something to please everyone: an engagingly upbeat gangster storyline, that includes not one but two love scenarios, the aforementioned sensational music and dance, and a fabulous dream cast that infuse the whole proceedings with a winning team spirit.

At first glance, this Walk is a heavily dramatic discussion between a savvy Russian diplomat Andrey (Larry Eisenberg) and a novice, yet sharp American negotiator John (Fox Carney), who meet in Switzerland to develop a treaty for nuclear disarmament. Seemingly heavy drama! However, as the piece progresses, during the course of their walk in the woods - to break the monotony of the indoor table talks - the beauty of the outdoors, the clean air, and the less stressful ambiance lead toward an unexpected alliance between the two men. A sort of friendship develops, as it were, that, as in life, plays out in gamelike fashion with a conflicting mix of ups and downs. No room for boredom here, as a fair amount of levity ensues.

There's only one mystery writer, in my book, who has managed to capture and enthrall the hearts of millions through the past century, the one and only Agatha Christie. Her plays, like the longest running play on the West End The Mousetrap as well as this early hit Black Coffee, not only keep audience on the edge of their seats, guessing whodunit, but are as entertaining and fun as all get out, particularly when led by the devilishly fun Miss Marple, or in this case, the unparalleled Hercule Poirot. Theatre 4o's handsome production of Black Coffee is a real treat with a stellar ensemble.

I revert to childhood when I see a Mel Brooks movie or show. The sillier the better: the sight gags, the double entendres, the more the merrier. The New Mel Brooks Musical, Young Frankenstein is a real rip-roaring hoot of a show from start to finish with a great cast and zippy fast-paced direction from Susan Stroman.

Del Shores' plays are unusual, and simultaneously funny and heartbreaking. Yellow has been extended again at the Coast Playhouse through September. In our chat he talks about the genesis of his plays including Yellow and a bit about the sad demise of the Logo Series Sordid Lives.

Michele Lee brought her acclaimed night club act Catch the Light to the California International Theatre Festival @ Founder's Hall in Calabasas for one night only Saturday July 24. Although suffering from a bout of laryngitis, Lee proved the consummate trouper, doing about half of her show and substituting a few other songs to suit the lower registers of her voice. Lending a helping hand was Festival Director actress/singer Linda Purl who sang 2 sets of tunes, thus giving Lee some rest time in the wings. Ah, the unpredictability of live theatre! Sometimes it's wondrous.

Once upon a time...Rodgers and Hammerstein took a simple fairytale and made it into a captivating musical. Cabrillo Music Theatre's lovely production of their now classic Cinderella has all the right ingredients to enthrall audiences of all ages that can truthfully answer the question 'Do You Love Me Because I'm Beautiful?' with a resounding YES!

Described as a mix of Cirque and French cabaret, Beyond has music -songs and a lot of dance, aerial acts, a contortionist, beautiful girls, well-toned handsome boys and many added surprises to please the senses. Conceived by Aurelien Roulin as an international type of variety cabaret, its prime goal is to entertain - and that it does quite copiously.

Some shows I can see again and again, especially if they're composed by Jerry Herman. Hello Dolly is one of those extra-special feel-good musicals and 3D Theatricals' production now in Santa Ana @ The OC Pavilion is wondrously delectable.

Brave, gutsy, passionate to volcanic proportions, singer/actress extraordinaire Natalie Toro brought her new cabaret show The Broken Road to the Inner Circle of the Magic Castle on Monday July 12 for one night only. She captured the focus of the wall-to-wall audience with her opening number 'Life of the Party' from Andrew Lippa's 'The Wild Party' and never lost control. Fiercely funny and fearless in her entire approach, Toro covered her career on the road - cruel and lonely - with an infectious sense of humor. Any actress who can share her negative reviews - actually read them aloud - has my respect and adoration. That takes courage with a capital C and Toro has it in spades.

There's only one mystery writer, in my book, who has managed to capture and enthrall the hearts of millions through the past century, the one and only Agatha Christie. Her plays, like the longest running play on the West End The Mousetrap as well as this early hit Black Coffee, not only keep audience on the edge of their seats, guessing whodunit, but are as entertaining and fun as all get out, particularly when led by the devilishly fun Miss Marple, or in this case, the unparalleled Hercule Poirot. Theatre 4o's handsome production of Black Coffee is a real treat with a stellar ensemble.