Hollister Starrett
Latest News on Hollister Starrett:
Review: THE WEDDING SINGER Celebrates Going After Your Biggest Dream: A New Sound System (Jul 7, 2019)
Photo Flash: First Look at THE WEDDING SINGER at The Morgan-Wixson Mainstage (Jun 29, 2019)
BWW Review: MARY POPPINS The Broadway Musical Proves Anything Can Happen When You Let It (Jul 3, 2018)
Review: THE WEDDING SINGER Celebrates Going After Your Biggest Dream: A New Sound System (Jul 7, 2019)
Photo Flash: First Look at THE WEDDING SINGER at The Morgan-Wixson Mainstage (Jun 29, 2019)
BWW Review: MARY POPPINS The Broadway Musical Proves Anything Can Happen When You Let It (Jul 3, 2018)
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Review: THE WEDDING SINGER Celebrates Going After Your Biggest Dream: A New Sound System
However, director Mattsson, who helmed the Morgan's sold-out hit production of Mary Poppins last season, certainly should have known about the theater's sound system problems and addressed them in advance of the opening. For as entertaining as this big rock musical should have been, unfortunately it suffers from the worst of all problems in staging such a musical extravaganza - a sound system which cannot handle the volume needed to successfully present such an undertaking. Consequently, even the music track was played too softly to achieve the necessary effect, with the singers often barely audible over it. Perhaps the biggest saving grace in the production is the entertaining choreography which fills the stage with clever, comical, and attention-grabbing costumes and wigs which honor the 'big' outrageous mid-80s fashion trends.
However, director Mattsson, who helmed the Morgan's sold-out hit production of Mary Poppins last season, certainly should have known about the theater's sound system problems and addressed them in advance of the opening. For as entertaining as this big rock musical should have been, unfortunately it suffers from the worst of all problems in staging such a musical extravaganza - a sound system which cannot handle the volume needed to successfully present such an undertaking. Consequently, even the music track was played too softly to achieve the necessary effect, with the singers often barely audible over it. Perhaps the biggest saving grace in the production is the entertaining choreography which fills the stage with clever, comical, and attention-grabbing costumes and wigs which honor the 'big' outrageous mid-80s fashion trends.
Photo Flash: First Look at THE WEDDING SINGER at The Morgan-Wixson Mainstage
The Wedding Singer, the Broadway musical based on the hit Adam Sandler film, will be presented at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre, opening tonight and running through August 3 as the final production of the 2018-19 Mainstage season. The musical is based on the New Line Cinema film written by Tim Herlihy. with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy. directed by Kristie Mattsson, produced by Spencer Johnson, choreographed by Niko Montelibano, music direction by Daniel Koh, and stage managed by Ashley DeFrancesco.
The Wedding Singer, the Broadway musical based on the hit Adam Sandler film, will be presented at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre, opening tonight and running through August 3 as the final production of the 2018-19 Mainstage season. The musical is based on the New Line Cinema film written by Tim Herlihy. with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy. directed by Kristie Mattsson, produced by Spencer Johnson, choreographed by Niko Montelibano, music direction by Daniel Koh, and stage managed by Ashley DeFrancesco.
BWW Review: MARY POPPINS The Broadway Musical Proves Anything Can Happen When You Let It
When Santa Monica's Morgan-Wixson Theatre decided to present MARY POPPINS The Broadway Musical as the final production of their 2017-18 Mainstage season, the group had no idea how the old theater adage "The Show Must Go On" would prove the title character's belief that "anything can happen when you let it." You see, the original directing team deserted the production a month before it was due to open, with an incomplete cast in place and tickets already having been sold. How could the challenge be met on time? Let me assure you, thanks to its new directors Kristie Mattsson and Aric Martin, musical directors Andrew Lederman and Daniel Koh, choreographers Lauren Blair and Holly Weber, and producers Anne & Larry Gesling, Spencer Johnson, and Meredith Wright, I would never have known such an additional challenge had been in place given the incredible quality of the production I saw!
When Santa Monica's Morgan-Wixson Theatre decided to present MARY POPPINS The Broadway Musical as the final production of their 2017-18 Mainstage season, the group had no idea how the old theater adage "The Show Must Go On" would prove the title character's belief that "anything can happen when you let it." You see, the original directing team deserted the production a month before it was due to open, with an incomplete cast in place and tickets already having been sold. How could the challenge be met on time? Let me assure you, thanks to its new directors Kristie Mattsson and Aric Martin, musical directors Andrew Lederman and Daniel Koh, choreographers Lauren Blair and Holly Weber, and producers Anne & Larry Gesling, Spencer Johnson, and Meredith Wright, I would never have known such an additional challenge had been in place given the incredible quality of the production I saw!
Review: Youth Participants in the Award-Winning Y.E.S. Program Shine in A WINTER'S TALE Musical
Led by Director/Musical Director/Costume Designer Anne Gesling, along with Choreographer Lauren Blair, the Y.E.S. musical production for November/December 2017 was A WINTER'S TALE, and I can tell you these two talented women worked miracles with a cast of 39 young performers already at the triple-threat status. As a former secondary teacher, I can honestly say that I have never seen such a talented group of young performers work together as the members of this group do, with not one of them breaking the fourth wall or character, all the while keeping their accents authentic with their harmonious singing always in tune and dancing perfectly in step and always presented with enthusiastic joy.
Led by Director/Musical Director/Costume Designer Anne Gesling, along with Choreographer Lauren Blair, the Y.E.S. musical production for November/December 2017 was A WINTER'S TALE, and I can tell you these two talented women worked miracles with a cast of 39 young performers already at the triple-threat status. As a former secondary teacher, I can honestly say that I have never seen such a talented group of young performers work together as the members of this group do, with not one of them breaking the fourth wall or character, all the while keeping their accents authentic with their harmonious singing always in tune and dancing perfectly in step and always presented with enthusiastic joy.
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.
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: 21st Annual Youth Musical THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE a Big Hit at the Morgan-Wixson
Surely most theatre folks have seen productions of the fabulous musical THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, making the show the 2002 season's most awarded new show on Broadway, based on the original story and screenplay by Richard Morris for the 1967 Universal Pictures film directed by George Roy Hill and starring Julie Andrews. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, the current production directed by Anne Gesling for the Y.E.S. Youth/Teen Program at Santa Monica's Morgan-Wixson Theatre is just as good as many adult production I have seen, given the cast's talent, Gesling's spot-on fast-paced direction and fabulous 1920's costuming, Daniel Koh's musical direction creating wonderful cast harmonies, and creative choreography by Lauren Blair.
Surely most theatre folks have seen productions of the fabulous musical THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, making the show the 2002 season's most awarded new show on Broadway, based on the original story and screenplay by Richard Morris for the 1967 Universal Pictures film directed by George Roy Hill and starring Julie Andrews. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, the current production directed by Anne Gesling for the Y.E.S. Youth/Teen Program at Santa Monica's Morgan-Wixson Theatre is just as good as many adult production I have seen, given the cast's talent, Gesling's spot-on fast-paced direction and fabulous 1920's costuming, Daniel Koh's musical direction creating wonderful cast harmonies, and creative choreography by Lauren Blair.
FIRST LOOK: Kentwood Players Presents AN IDEAL HUSBAND by Oscar Wilde, Opening Tonight
Kentwood Players kicks off its 65th Anniversary Year by presenting 'An Ideal Husband' by Oscar Wilde from tonight, January 9 to Saturday, February 14, 2015 for a six-week run todays and Saturdays at 8pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045. The production is directed by T. Samantha Barrios and produced by Melodie S. Rivers and Terry Delegeane.
Kentwood Players kicks off its 65th Anniversary Year by presenting 'An Ideal Husband' by Oscar Wilde from tonight, January 9 to Saturday, February 14, 2015 for a six-week run todays and Saturdays at 8pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045. The production is directed by T. Samantha Barrios and produced by Melodie S. Rivers and Terry Delegeane.
FIRST LOOK: Kentwood Players Presents AN IDEAL HUSBAND by Oscar Wilde, Opening 1/9/15
Kentwood Players kicks off its 65th Anniversary Year by presenting 'An Ideal Husband' by Oscar Wilde from Friday, January 9 to Saturday, February 14, 2015 for a six-week run on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045. The production is directed by T. Samantha Barrios and produced by Melodie S. Rivers and Terry Delegeane.
Kentwood Players kicks off its 65th Anniversary Year by presenting 'An Ideal Husband' by Oscar Wilde from Friday, January 9 to Saturday, February 14, 2015 for a six-week run on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045. The production is directed by T. Samantha Barrios and produced by Melodie S. Rivers and Terry Delegeane.
Photo Coverage: Kentwood Players' FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Celebrates Its Spectacular Opening Weekend!
Audiences and critics are raving about the Kentwood Players production of the Tony Award winning FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, presented at the Westchester Playhouse during the musical's 50th anniversary celebration of its 1964 Broadway debut. With packed houses during its opening weekend, be sure to call (310) 645-5156 to get your tickets in advance for performances through April 19.
Audiences and critics are raving about the Kentwood Players production of the Tony Award winning FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, presented at the Westchester Playhouse during the musical's 50th anniversary celebration of its 1964 Broadway debut. With packed houses during its opening weekend, be sure to call (310) 645-5156 to get your tickets in advance for performances through April 19.
PHOTO FLASH: First Onstage Photos of Kentwood Players' FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Opening 3/14
Kentwood Players proudly presents the Tony Award winning musical "Fiddler on the Roof" with book by Joseph Stein, lyrics by Jerry Bock, and music by Sheldon Harnick from March 14 to April 19 with 20 performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm, and Thursdays on April 3, 10, and 17 at 8pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045.
Kentwood Players proudly presents the Tony Award winning musical "Fiddler on the Roof" with book by Joseph Stein, lyrics by Jerry Bock, and music by Sheldon Harnick from March 14 to April 19 with 20 performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm, and Thursdays on April 3, 10, and 17 at 8pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045.
PHOTO FLASH: First Look at Kentwood Players' FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Opening 3/14
Kentwood Players proudly presents the Tony Award winning musical "Fiddler on the Roof" with book by Joseph Stein, lyrics by Jerry Bock, and music by Sheldon Harnick from March 14 to April 19 with 20 performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm, and Thursdays on April 3, 10, and 17 at 8pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045.
Kentwood Players proudly presents the Tony Award winning musical "Fiddler on the Roof" with book by Joseph Stein, lyrics by Jerry Bock, and music by Sheldon Harnick from March 14 to April 19 with 20 performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm, and Thursdays on April 3, 10, and 17 at 8pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045.
Photo Flash: First Look at Kentwood Kids' MR. POTCHER'S HOLIDAY, a Musical for the Whole Family
Kentwood Players is delighted to present our next Kentwood Kids production, 'Mr. Potcher's Holiday,' a family musical comedy with book and lyrics by Bob Silberg, music by Barbara Klaskin Silberg. Performances will take place on Saturdays, November 30, December 7 and 14 at 11:00am and 2:00pm at the Westchester Playhouse.
Kentwood Players is delighted to present our next Kentwood Kids production, 'Mr. Potcher's Holiday,' a family musical comedy with book and lyrics by Bob Silberg, music by Barbara Klaskin Silberg. Performances will take place on Saturdays, November 30, December 7 and 14 at 11:00am and 2:00pm at the Westchester Playhouse.
Kentwood Players' Critically Acclaimed LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS to Close 10/19
Kentwood Players has received critical praise and audience raves on its wildly popular production of the comedy rock musical 'Little Shop of Horrors' at the Westchester Playhouse. Performances continue through October 19, 2013 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm Call (310) 645-5156 for tickets before they are gone!
Kentwood Players has received critical praise and audience raves on its wildly popular production of the comedy rock musical 'Little Shop of Horrors' at the Westchester Playhouse. Performances continue through October 19, 2013 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm Call (310) 645-5156 for tickets before they are gone!
Critics Praise and Audiences Rave about LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at the Westchester Playhouse
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is a family event that takes a small Sci-Fi premise and adds a plant, some rockin' music, and a wild group of characters on a roller coaster of fun! Bring the whole family!
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is a family event that takes a small Sci-Fi premise and adds a plant, some rockin' music, and a wild group of characters on a roller coaster of fun! Bring the whole family!
Photo Flash: First Look at Kentwood Players LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Through 10/19
Kentwood Players has a smash hit on its hands with the comedy rock musical LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS now onstage through October 19 at the Westchester Playhouse. Here's your first look at onstage photos of the production including the set and puppets designed by Michael-Anthony Nozzi and costumes designed by Maria Cohen and Arlene Cohen.
Kentwood Players has a smash hit on its hands with the comedy rock musical LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS now onstage through October 19 at the Westchester Playhouse. Here's your first look at onstage photos of the production including the set and puppets designed by Michael-Anthony Nozzi and costumes designed by Maria Cohen and Arlene Cohen.
Photo Flash: First Look at Kentwood Players LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Beg. Tonight
Kentwood Players proudly presents the comedy rock musical 'Little Shop of Horrors' with book by Howard Ashman and music and lyrics by Alan Menken, from tonight, September 13 through October 19.
Kentwood Players proudly presents the comedy rock musical 'Little Shop of Horrors' with book by Howard Ashman and music and lyrics by Alan Menken, from tonight, September 13 through October 19.
Photo Flash: Kentwood Players Opens LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, 9/13
Kentwood Players proudly presents the comedy rock musical "Little Shop of Horrors" with book by Howard Ashman and music and lyrics by Alan Menken, from September 13 through October 19, 2013 for a six-week run on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045. The production is directed and choreographed by Michael-Anthony Nozzi with musical direction by Joshua Eli Kranz, and produced by Shari Barrett and Sheridan Cole Crawford by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. The production features original Audrey II puppets designed by Michael-Anthony Nozzi and costumes designed by Maria Cohen and Arlene Cohen.
Kentwood Players proudly presents the comedy rock musical "Little Shop of Horrors" with book by Howard Ashman and music and lyrics by Alan Menken, from September 13 through October 19, 2013 for a six-week run on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045. The production is directed and choreographed by Michael-Anthony Nozzi with musical direction by Joshua Eli Kranz, and produced by Shari Barrett and Sheridan Cole Crawford by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. The production features original Audrey II puppets designed by Michael-Anthony Nozzi and costumes designed by Maria Cohen and Arlene Cohen.
Photo Flash: First Look at Kentwood Players LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS running 9/13 to 10/19
Kentwood Players proudly presents the comedy rock musical 'Little Shop of Horrors' with book by Howard Ashman and music and lyrics by Alan Menken, from September 13 through October 19, 2013 for a six-week run on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045. The production is directed and choreographed by Michael-Anthony Nozzi with musical direction by Joshua Eli Kranz.
Kentwood Players proudly presents the comedy rock musical 'Little Shop of Horrors' with book by Howard Ashman and music and lyrics by Alan Menken, from September 13 through October 19, 2013 for a six-week run on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045. The production is directed and choreographed by Michael-Anthony Nozzi with musical direction by Joshua Eli Kranz.
BWW Reviews: The Aerospace Players Light Up the Stage with THE KING AND I at the Armstrong Theatre
The cast of THE KING AND I includes the incredibly talented and imposingly regal Ron Banks as the King of Siam, who has performed the role over 500 times in both national and regional productions. He was born to play the role and embodies the heart and soul of a King caught between loving his culture yet wanting to be accepted as a modern man.
The cast of THE KING AND I includes the incredibly talented and imposingly regal Ron Banks as the King of Siam, who has performed the role over 500 times in both national and regional productions. He was born to play the role and embodies the heart and soul of a King caught between loving his culture yet wanting to be accepted as a modern man.
Kentwood Players Announces the Winners of the 2012-2013 Season Marcom Masque Awards
For the 2012-2013 season, every cast member and technical designer for each show of the season (The Miracle Worker - Doubt, a Parable - Scream Queens, The Musical - Fortinbras - The 39 Steps - Ragtime) was nominated for a Marcom Masque Award in appropriate categories. This year's Marcom Masque Awards Ceremony was held on Saturday, June 29 at the Westchester Playhouse, home of the Kentwood Players.
For the 2012-2013 season, every cast member and technical designer for each show of the season (The Miracle Worker - Doubt, a Parable - Scream Queens, The Musical - Fortinbras - The 39 Steps - Ragtime) was nominated for a Marcom Masque Award in appropriate categories. This year's Marcom Masque Awards Ceremony was held on Saturday, June 29 at the Westchester Playhouse, home of the Kentwood Players.
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