BWW Review: Tour-de-Force Performances Highlight DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA at Edgemar Center for the Arts
Every once in a while, I am treated to an amazing evening of theater featuring actors who step outside of themselves and totally encompass their characters every single moment they are onstage. With performances as riveting as any I have seen, Tanna Frederick and Robert Standley are marvels to behold as unlikely lovers Roberta and Danny in John Patrick Shanley's DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA, brilliantly directed with soulful abandon by Carl Weathers at the Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica. The Rainbow Theatre Company production is the show to see this summer!
BWW Review: JACK & JILL Spar For Love at Santa Monica Playhouse
In Jack & Jill, playwright Jane Martin introduces us to a fictitious contemporary couple, both from previous failed marriages, who meet, have a reluctant affair, replete with doubts and insecurities, and eventually tackle marriage. At the very top they are skeptical about love and commitment - at least she is - so like a modern day George Bernard Shaw, Martin predicts unhappiness, a great deal of it. What makes this two-character comedy work especially well is the finite chemistry between its two stars Tanna Frederick and Robert Standley, two dynamite actors who are a joy to watch, under the expert direction of Jack Heller at the Santa Monica Playhouse through March 27.
DON GRIGWARE Picks The BEST PRODUCTIONS AND PERFORMANCES in LOS ANGELES THEATRE for 2015
There are undoubtedly other productions worthy of merit in 2015 which I did not cover. This list is based only on what I saw and reviewed.
(alphabetical listings; Equity, Equity-waiver & Non-Equity productions are mixed)
(artists performing outside LA may be included in performance categories)
No set, costume, or technical awards. I leave that to the bigger awards and to the expertise of those who really know those fields inside out.
BWW Review: GCT Performs a Rollicking GUYS AND DOLLS
My first association with musical composer Frank Loesser was as an actor in the 70s in a revue of his music. I played Sky Masterson of Guys and Dolls and sang a duet of 'I've Never Been In Love Before'. I came to realize quite rapidly how lovely his music is and how well he manages to capture the moment of genuine emotion within a song. Upon seeing Guys and Dolls several times since, I have been awestruck as well by Abe Burrows and Joe Swerling's ability to take Damon Runyon's New York Broadway characters from the 20s and blow them up into something overwhelmingly moving and appealing. The two worlds of sin and redemption have never been connected so naturally, cleverly and colorfully nor with such style and panache. Now at GCT, the cast give their all to Loesser's Runyonesque romp and it comes up a surefire hit.
BWW Reviews: Edgemar's RAINMAKER Remains A Must See Through Early September
Let me start off by saying that the performance of The Rainmaker on Saturday June 15 was almost cancelled due to the illness of the two actors playing File and the Sheriff. Ron Vignone and Daniel Robinson respectively stepped in with only a couple of hours rehearsal so that the show could go on. With script in hand, both covered their roles quite effectively based on the little amount of time they had for preparation. Bravo!
The Rainbow Theater Presents THE RAINMAKER at Edgemar Center for the Arts, Now thru 3/24
Henry Jaglom & The Rainbow Theater Company, in association with Edgemar Center for the Arts, presents Tanna Frederick and Robert Standley in "The Rainmaker," a play by N. Richard Nash. The cast also includes Benjamin Chamberlain, David Garver, Ralph Guzzo, Steve Howard and Scott Roberts. The show is directed by Jack Heller and produced by Alexandra Guarnieri.
O! Ovation Award-Recommended TENNESSEE IN THE SUMMER Extends to 6/10, Burbank
Sal Romeo ETC and SST Productions, producers of the critically acclaimed and O! Ovation Award Recommended play, "Tennessee in the Summer," written by Joe Besecker, will be extending its run until Sunday, June 10, 2012. Starring Jack Heller as Tennessee Williams, Tamara Braun as Woman, Louise Davis as Rose Williams, Edwina Williams and Nurse and Robert Standley as Youngman, Frankie Merlo and Dakin Williams, performances will be given at Sidewalk Studio Theatre, 4150 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91505 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., June 1, 2, 8 and 9, 2012 and Sundays at 7:00 p.m., June 3 and 10, 2012.
Photo Flash: First Look at TENNESSEE IN THE SUMMER at the Sidewalk Studio
Sal Romeo ETC and SST Productions will present Joe Besecker's award-winning play, TENNESSEE IN THE SUMMER, based on the life of the famed playwright Tennessee Williams, at Sidewalk Studio Theatre, 4150 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91505 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m., April 13 - May 20, 2012. Check out these preview photographs featuring the cast including Jack Heller and Tamara Braun.
Sidewalk Studio Theatre to Host TENNESSEE IN THE SUMMER this Summer, Burbank
Sal Romeo ETC and SST Productions will present Joe Besecker's award-winning play, "TENNESSEE IN THE SUMMER," based on the life of the famed playwright, Tennessee Williams, at Sidewalk Studio Theatre, 4150 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91505 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m., April 13 - May 20, 2012.
DCLO Does Funny Girl After 17 Years
In a rare revival, the first in 17 years, DCLO (Downey Civic Light Opera) is now presenting the 60s' mega Broadway smash Funny Girl. What made Barbra Streisand a household name due largely to her overwhelming vocal range and to the huge success of 'People' is now in the capable hands of talented Karen Volpe under the skilled direction of Marsha Moode.
