Review: GHOSTS OF BOGOTÁ Opens Inspired Season at Stray Cat Theatre
GHOSTS OF BOGOTÁ is the first production in Stray Cat’s intrepid lineup. Playwright Diana Burbano (also an accomplished actress), has fashioned a dark, irreverent comedy, riffing on the incongruous motif of sexual trauma and unholy exorcism. It thumbs its nose on conventions of space and time — as it should, given the task of probing the collective unconscious and whipping up a contentious dialogue with deceased relatives.
Consider Kushner’s – or Ruhl’s – penchant for magical realism, but through the unique lens of the Latinx experience. Burbano dispenses a delectable sass while flouting the spectral realm of departed kin. She checks the boxes, if you will, and treads where lesser dramatists might opt for a quick detour.
BWW Review: 5 Star Theatricals Produces a Lovely Traditional WEST SIDE STORY
West Side Story/book by Arthur Laurents/music by Leonard Bernstein; lyrics by Stephen Sondheim/directed by Larry Raben/choreographed by Karl Warden/music director:Jeff Rizzo/ 5 Star Theatricals at Thousand Oaks Plaza, Fred Kavli Theatre/ through August 4
Ask actors/actresses to name their favorite Broadway musical of all time and they most often concur, West Side Story. Why? It has phenomenal music by Leonard Bernstein, with concise poetic lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, a tight and gripping book by Arthur Laurents ... and ... brilliant choreography established in 1957 by Jerome Robbins. It is one of the most powerful love stories ever penned, next to Romeo and Juliet. With all these elements complementing one another, from the first downbeat of the orchestra and the appearance of the Jets creeping in one by one on a half-lit stage, the show pulls you in and doesn't let go for its almostr three hours ... and its message and images of love linger long after.
BWW Review: WEST SIDE STORY at 5-Star Theatricals
Led by stars Brandon Keith Rogers (Tony) and Giselle Torres (Maria), 5-Star Theatricals' production of 'West Side Story' features scintillating new choreography by Karl Warden, including some stunningly visual interpretations of the story. Dynamic performances all around, this is a MUST-SEE production! Plays through August 4 at the Kavli Theatre in Thousand Oaks.
Photo Flash: 5-Star Theatricals Presents WEST SIDE STORY
5-STAR THEATRICALS concludes its 2018-2019 season with one of the legendary love stories of the musical theatre, WEST SIDE STORY, book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, musical direction by Jeff Rizzo, choreography by Karl Warden and directed by Larry Raben.
BWW Interview: Larry Raben of WEST SIDE STORY at 5-Star Theatricals
An interview with director Larry Raben, who is utilizing new choreography (Karl Warden), ethnic-accurate casting, and a more athletic approach to the look of 'West Side Story' to bring it into the 21st century. 60 years after its debut, the Bernstein/Sondheim classic still packs relevant punch in today's gun and immigrant-conscious society.
US Premiere Of 'FIVE KINDS OF SILENCE'
Boundless Theatre Company in collaboration with Teatro Círculo present the U.S. Premiere of FIVE KINDS OF SILENCE by Shelagh Stephenson directed by Tlaloc Rivas
US Premiere Of 'FIVE KINDS OF SILENCE'
Boundless Theatre Company in collaboration with Teatro Círculo present the U.S. Premiere of FIVE KINDS OF SILENCE by Shelagh Stephenson directed by Tlaloc Rivas