Review: 3-D Theatricals SPAMALOT Brings Stunning Broadway Caliber Production to Local Audiences
When Monty Python's Flying Circus first premiered on television in 1969, few could have imagined how influential the program would become thanks to the inventive minds of its six main collaborators Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. Known for their surreal slapstick humor which satirized the over-politeness perceived to be the epitome of British culture, the series spawned multiple films, some stage performances, and the outrageously hysterical musical SPAMALOT, mostly based off the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and some of the television show's more memorable skits. The original 2005 Broadway production was nominated for 14 Tony Awards, including the scenery and costumes currently being used in the thoroughly entertaining 3-D Theatricals musical comedy extravaganza from August 4 - 13 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center and August 18 - 27, 2017 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
BWW Review: GMCLA Knocks HE HAD IT COMING Out of the Park
On April 1 and 2 GMCLA presented its spring concert at the Alex Theatre in Glendale He Had It Coming, a compilation of Broadway tunes with special guest star Tony winner and Emmy nominated actor/singer Alan Cumming and a few magnificent surprises. Needless to say, the show was one of their longest, running almost two hours and a half including intermission, but was well worth it.
BWW Review: OYE MI CANTO a Thrilling Show for GMCLA
GMCLA never disappoints. Their summer concert Oye Mi Canto, which took place at the Alex Theatre Saturday June 25 and Sunday June 26 featured the small Gay Men's Chorus of Cuba Mano a Mano whose singing skill and artistry blew the roof off the Alex Theatre in Glendale. Combined with GMCLA, the Latin sounds were rhythmic to the point of heart-pounding and oh so moving in every way. This is the first time the five men chorus have performed outside of Cuba on tour, and their very presence with GMCLA shows the mission of Gay Men's Choruses everywhere to come together in unity to champion the causes of gay men worldwide, especially in light of the horrific Orlando, Florida massacre two weeks ago.
It's hard to beat Latino rhythms. They pull you in and make you move and groove to the
BWW Reviews: A Big Shout Out to GMCLA and VEGAS, BABY!
As part of season 36, GMCLA (Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles) outdid themselves in the presentation of their summer show Vegas, Baby! the weekend of June 20-21 at the Alex Theatre, Glendale. It was a fun, fun production like those of yesteryear, which featured much more than just the group's singing talent. Choreographers Billy Rugh and Michelle Benton had small groups from the chorus dancing their tushes off in several scenarios including a salute to showgirls (Cy Coleman's and Dorothy Fields' 'Pretty Legs'/'Big Spender'), gambling fever ('Luck Be a Lady'), a tribute to Rocky and Vegas boxing ('Rocky Medley'), and just a plain old mischievous look at female as well as scantily clad male dancers shimmying those strip club poles ('She Works Hard for the Money').
BWW Reviews: GMCLA Scores with Stephen Schwartz Tribute Concert NOT ENTIRELY WICKED
On Saturday June 22 and Sunday June 23 at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) presented Not Entirely Wicked, a salute to the music of Stephen Schwartz with special guests Schwartz and consummate singer Liz Callaway.The show began with plentiful numbers from Pippin and Godspell, but seemed somewhat low on energy and drive, despite several intermittent solos and some visual lighting treats. Thank heavens, Schwartz made an early appearance singing and playing the piano, which included a duet 'Love Song' from Pippin with Callaway. Callaway also essayed a glorious 'West End Avenue' from The Magic Show. Following this section, the chorus segued into a medley of Schwartz's movie hits from Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Beautiful sounds all around! The show was now officially cooking with GAS!
Photo Flash: GMCLA Presents THE NUTCRACKER: A Choral Fantasy
GMCLA presents there own twist on a theatrical classic. Since actors of the Greek theatres in the city of Thespiae and long before Shakespeare had penned his very first stage play, men have been theatrically portraying women in productions. Now, in the tradition of Madam Butterfly and Hairspray, the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) tackled the classic pageantry of the 'Nutcracker: A choral Fantasy' at the Alex Theatre in Glendale California with male chorus members doubling in the female roles. Among those in attendance include Loni Anderson, Kate Linder, Assembly member John Perez (46th District) and Dee Wallace.