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Interview: Director Brian Pirnat On THE TRANSLUCENT FROGS OF QUUUP Musical

Every so often, a new play or musical being done in Los Angeles catches my eye with a big dose of curiosity. Such is the case with the musical The Translucent Frogs of Quuup with Book by Chris Larner and Music by Mark Stevens, produced by Alchemy Theatre Company and directed by Brian Pirnat with music direction by Brigitte Bellavoine at the Westchester Playhouse from June 14-22. Since I had never heard of it, I decided to speak with the director about the musical and his interest in directing it.
Photos: First Look at Kentwood Players' STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Kentwood Players will present STEEL MAGNOLIAS by Robert Harling. Performance dates are Friday, March 15 through Saturday, April 6, 2024, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. See production photos here!
Kentwood Players to Present STEEL MAGNOLIAS Beginning in March

Kentwood Players will present STEEL MAGNOLIAS by Robert Harling from March 15 to April 6, 2024 at the Westchester Playhouse. Learn more about the production here!
Photos: First Look at Kentwood Players' A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER

Kentwood Players presents the Tony Award Winning Musical A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder on Friday, November 10 through Saturday, December 9, 2023.
Photos: First Look at Kentwood Players' 9 TO 5

Kentwood Players presents 9 TO 5 the Musical with Book by Patricia Resnick, Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton, opening just in time to welcome the holiday season on Friday, November 11 through Saturday, December 10, 2022 on Friday/Saturday at 8pm, Saturday/Sunday at 2pm at the Westchester Playhouse.
Kentwood Players Presents 9 TO 5 Beginning Next Month

Kentwood Players presents 9 TO 5 the Musical with Book by Patricia Resnick, Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton, opening just in time to welcome the holiday season on Friday, November 11 through Saturday, December 10, 2022 on Friday/Saturday at 8pm, Saturday/Sunday at 2pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045.
The Morgan-Wixson Theatre Brings Magic To The Mainstage With CINDERELLA This Month

The musical CINDERELLA waltzes onto the Morgan-Wixson Theatre Mainstage in Santa Monica July 8-24, 2022.
BWW Interview: Jonathon Saia on the NEW WORKS FESTIVAL at Morgan-Wixson Theatre

I was so impressed with the two new plays I saw, Boulevard of Bold Dreams and Pretender, I decided to speak with New Works Festival Co-Producer Jonathon Saia (who is also active with the Morgan-Wixson as a D.E.I. Committee Member and Play Reading Committee Member) to find out more about how and why the New Plays Festival came into existence.
Sterling's Upstairs Celebrates Record-Breaking Season

To date, Sterling's Upstairs at The Federal in the NoHo Arts District of North Hollywood, CA has enjoyed record-breaking attendance during its 2019 Winter, Spring and Summer seasons, thus the coming of Fall sets high expectations and comparable goals for Executive Producer Michael Sterling.    
Sterling's Upstairs At The Federal Highlight's 2019 Seasonal Record Ticket Sales

To date, Sterling's Upstairs at The Federal in the NoHo Arts District of North Hollywood, CA has enjoyed record-breaking attendance during its 2019 Winter, Spring and Summer seasons, thus the coming of Fall sets high expectations and comparable goals for Executive Producer Michael Sterling.
Review: LITTLE WOMEN, THE MUSICAL Celebrates the Power of Family to Overcome Life's Challenges

LITTLE WOMEN, THE MUSICAL with book by Allan Knee, music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, is based on the beloved 1869 classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. It's a song-filled adaptation of the touching tale of young love, achieving dreams, and the power of family to overcome even the most difficult of life's challenges. No doubt almost every young woman read the novel at some point during their lives, devouring the tale of the March sisters adventures (budding author Jo, practical Meg, sweet Beth, and romantic Amy) who are coming of age during the Civil War under the care of their doting mother, whom they call Marmee, while their father is away fighting for the North. They gather together to read his too infrequent letters, each warmly cuddling together around their beloved mother like a safe cocoon in a world being torn apart by violence around them.
BWW Review: Spectacular SEUSSICAL Takes Audiences on Flights of Fancy at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre!

Have you been waiting for the perfect musical extravaganza to which you can take your entire family, from the youngest to oldest member? Now is your chance by experiencing SEUSSICAL the musical at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. It is such a fabulous production from its perfect cast, direction, lighting, set, and more incredible costumes than you can count, I guarantee you will walk out thinking just 'How Lucky You Are' to have seen it.
BWW Review: COMPANY Musically Examines the Benefits and Pitfalls of Marriage

Over the years, I have seen many productions of COMPANY and am pleased to tell you the current production at the Morgan-Wixson in Santa Monica is by far the best one I have ever seen thanks to the brilliant direction and fabulous casting done by Kristin Towers-Rowles, herself a triple-threat performer who could no doubt shine in any of the musical's roles herself. The entire revival is perfect in all aspects including musical direction by Daniel Koh, the glorious 70s costumes designed by Michael Mullen, the fabulous multi-level New York-inspired set designed by William Wilday, evocative, attention-focusing lighting designed by Donny Jackson, and the fun choreography by Jaime Pierce, which all combine to make this the perfect introduction to Sondheim's body of work.
Dickey's Barbecue Pit Kicks Off New Butcher Tacos of the Month with Sriracha Chicken Taco

Starting July 1, Dickey's Barbecue Pit is offering its newest limited time offer with the expansion of its butcher taco offerings. Following the tremendous success of Pulled Pork Street Tacos, Dickey's introduces Sriracha Chicken Butcher Tacos as a sweet and spicy summer treat.
BWW Review: THE ADDAMS FAMILY Guarantees a Fun-Filled Macabre Time for All

Anne Gesling directs many shows, especially musicals, for the Morgan-Wixson. But this time she has outdone herself with the perfect casting of each actor in the entire THE ADDAMS FAMILY production, making the show a guaranteed hit. Along with her show producer Meredith Wright, musical director Daniel Koh and frequent collaborator, choreographer Lauren Blair, be prepared for a spectacular and gloriously fun time. Be sure to bring theatre lovers of all ages so you can celebrate the joy of laughter together.
BWW Review: LEGALLY BLONDE Offers a Frolicking Good Time for Everyone!

I have to admit I had never seen the 2001 MGM movie, Legally Blonde before seeing LEGALLY BLONDE The Musical at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. And I am happy to say it is great fun for all ages in every aspect from the effervescent musical numbers presented by the remarkably energetic cast to the over-the-top bright pink costumes designed by Kristie Rutledge. Director/Musical Director Anne Gesling and choreographer Lauren Blair surely spent hours on end putting together the many incredibly intricate musical numbers, including the momentous "What You Want," Elle's video essay to get into Harvard, which includes at least 3 set changes, several costume changes by dozens of cast members, and many types of dance from tap to jazz. That 12-minute number alone is worth the price of admission on its own!
BWW Review: NEXT TO NORMAL Asks Who is Crazier? The One Who Gets Help or the One Who Hopes for the Best?

NEXT TO NORMAL tells the story of a mother, Diana Goodman, who struggles with bipolar disorder and the effect that her illness has on her family. This contemporary musical is an emotional powerhouse that addresses such issues as grieving a loss, ethics in modern psychiatry, and the day-to-day reality of suburban life. With provocative lyrics and a thrilling score, this musical shows how far two parents will go to keep themselves sane and their family's world intact. The production plays more like a modern operetta as there is little dialogue with most of the story being told via the story-forwarding song lyrics.
First Look: INTO THE WOODS, Opening Tonight at the Westchester Playhouse

Kentwood Players presents the Tony Award winning musical "Into the Woods" with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine, from Friday, November 14 to Saturday, December 20 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm, with two Thursday night performances at 8pm on December 11 and 18 at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045. The production is directed by Shawn K. Summerer with musical direction by Catherine Rahm, produced by Lori Marple-Pereslete and Tony Pereslete by special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
BWW Interview: Two Stephen Sondheim Musicals Open in West Los Angeles This Week

American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim is known for his immense contributions to musical theatre for over 50 years. He is the winner of an Academy Award, eight Tony Awards (more than any other composer) including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, eight Grammy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, and the Laurence Olivier Award. Sondheim fans are in for a treat this holiday season with two Sondheim shows playing within just a few miles of each other: Kentwood Players at the Westchester Playhouse is presenting 'Into the Woods' and Chromolume at the Attic Theatre is presenting 'Putting it Together' with both productions opening on November 14, 2014.
Photo Flash: First Look- Kentwood Players Presents INTO THE WOODS, Opening 11/14

INTO THE WOODS is tied together by an original story involving a childless baker and his wife and their quest to begin a family, their dealings with a Witch who has placed a curse on them, and their interaction with other storybook characters during their journey. Join Cinderella, Little Red Ridinghood, Rapunzel, Jack the Giant Slayer, and many other famous storybook characters as they each venture into the foreboding woods in search of magical items, love, money, or simply a purpose in life. This classic mash-up of Grimm's fairy tales teaches all of us the true consequences of what it means to "get your wish."

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