BWW Spotlight Series: Meet Nan McNamara, an Award-Winning Actress, World Premiere Director, and Acting Instructor
This Spotlight focuses on Nan McNamara, an award-winning actress who I have seen in many productions at the Actors Co-op in Hollywood, perhaps most notably in the 2017 Ovation Award-winning '33 Variations' in which she played a journalist who was able to go back in time to interview Ludwig Von Beethoven (an outstanding performance by Bruce Ladd) about his work. But what happened to the world premiere production of Lee Blessing's 'A Body of Water' which Nan directed when Covid-19 shut down L.A. theaters?
Photo Flash: Musical Theatre Guild Presents SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
Musical Theatre Guild, the winner of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Margaret Harford Award for sustained excellence in the theatre, concluded their 23rd Anniversary season with SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, the Pulitzer Prize winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. The one-night-only concert took place at Glendale's historic Alex Theatre on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 7:00 PM.
Lucas Hnath's THE CHRISTIANS Comes To Actors Co-op Crossley Theatre
For their final show of Season 27, Actors Co-op Theatre Company is proud to present Lucas Hnath's The Christians, directed by Thomas James O'Leary, produced by Carly Lopez. When the pastor of a mega church unilaterally decides to enlighten his congregation with his own personal revelation, he is faced with doubt and dissension among his flock. Hnath's Obie Award-winning play examines the schism in today's church and the role of faith in America.
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE To Conclude MTG's 23rd Season
Musical Theatre Guild, the winner of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Margaret Harford Award for sustained excellence in the theatre, will conclude their 23rd Anniversary season with SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, the Pulitzer Prize winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. The one-night-only concert will take place at Glendale's historic Alex Theatre on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 7:00 PM.
Actors Co-op Brings ANNA KARENINA To The Crossley Theatre
Actors Co-op presents ANNA KARENINA by Helen Edmundson, adapted from the novel by Leo Tolstoy, directed by Heather Chesley, produced by Kay Bess. Helen Edmudson's ANNA KARENINA is an upside-down telling of Leo Tolstoy's classic tale. A story wrapped in temptation, passion and moral conflict, this eight-person dramatic event is a fast-paced examination of love, adultery and marriage. ANNA KARENINA will run February 8 - March 17. Todays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm. Sunday Matinees at 2:30 pm. Saturday Matinees February 16 and February 23 at 2:30 pm. The play is recommended for ages 13 and older.
SHE LOVES ME Actors Co-op Theatre Company Adds Shows 12/8 & Today
Due to sold out houses, Actors Co-op Theatre Company has added two additional performances, Today-December 8 at 2:30 pm and Today-December 15 at 2:30 pm. The Tony Award-Winning Musical She Loves Me, with book by Joe Masteroff, music by Jerry Bock, and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, based on the 1937 play Perfumerie by Miklos Laszlo directed and choreographed by Cate Caplin, Musical Direction by Anthony Lucca, produced by Crystal Jackson, tells the beloved story of two feuding shop clerks who are unaware that they are the recipients of each other's love letters.
SHE LOVES ME Actors Co-op Theatre Company Adds Shows 12/8 & 12/15
Due to sold out houses, Actors Co-op Theatre Company has added two additional performances, Today-December 8 at 2:30 pm and Today-December 15 at 2:30 pm. The Tony Award-Winning Musical She Loves Me, with book by Joe Masteroff, music by Jerry Bock, and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, based on the 1937 play Perfumerie by Miklos Laszlo directed and choreographed by Cate Caplin, Musical Direction by Anthony Lucca, produced by Crystal Jackson, tells the beloved story of two feuding shop clerks who are unaware that they are the recipients of each other's love letters.
Breaking: Ben Crawford Will Be the New Man in the Mask in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on Broadway
Producers Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group announced today a new leading man for the Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Harold Prince. The longest-running show in Broadway history, and one of the most successful worldwide stage productions of all-time, PHANTOM will welcome Broadway's Ben Crawford when he takes over the iconic title role beginning Monday, April 16, 2018 at The Majestic Theatre (247 West 44th Street).
Peter Joback to Don the Mask for PHANTOM OF THE OPERA's 30th Anniversary on Broadway
Producers Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group announced today final principal casting for the 30th Anniversary of the longest-running show in Broadway history, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Harold Prince. One of the most successful stage productions of all-time, the musical will welcome back international stage star and Platinum-selling Swedish recording artist Peter J back to lead the 30th Anniversary.
Peter Joback to Don the Mask for PHANTOM OF THE OPERA's 30th Anniversary on Broadway
Producers Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group announced today final principal casting for the 30th Anniversary of the longest-running show in Broadway history, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Harold Prince. One of the most successful stage productions of all-time, the musical will welcome back international stage star and Platinum-selling Swedish recording artist Peter J back to lead the 30th Anniversary.
Actors Co-Op production of 33 VARIATIONS Extends Through 3/26
Actors Co-op (Ovation Award-Winner 2014 Best Intimate Theatre Musical for110 in the Shade) is thrilled to announce that the third show in its celebratory 25th Silver Anniversary season, the critically-acclaimed (LA Times CRITIC'S CHOICE!, Stage Raw TOP TEN, Ovation Recommended), smash-hit, Los Angeles intimate theatre premiere of 33 VARIATIONS by Moises Kaufman, choreography by Michelle Parrish and directed by Thomas James O'Leary (Next to Normal) is EXTENDING through SUNDAY, MARCH 26at the Actors Co-op David Schall Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St. (on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood) in Hollywood.
Photo Flash: Passionate Play 33 VARIATIONS Takes Off in LA
Actors Co-op (Ovation Award-Winner 2014 Best Intimate Theatre Musical for 110 in the Shade) presents the third show in its celebratory 25th Silver Anniversary season with the Los Angeles intimate theatre premiere of 33 VARIATIONS by Moisés Kaufman, choreography by Michelle Parrish and directed by Thomas James O'Leary (Next to Normal). 33 VARIATIONS will preview on Thursday, February 9 at 8pm and will open on Friday, February 10 at 8pm and run through Sunday, March 19 at the Actors Co-op David Schall Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St. (on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood) in Hollywood.
Actors Co-op Present the Los Angeles Intimate Theatre Premiere of 33 VARIATIONS
Actors Co-op (Ovation Award-Winner 2014 Best Intimate Theatre Musical for 110 in the Shade) presents the third show in its celebratory 25th Silver Anniversary season with the Los Angeles intimate theatre premiere of 33 VARIATIONS by Moises Kaufman, choreography by Michelle Parrish and directed by Thomas James O'Leary (Next to Normal). 33 VARIATIONS will preview on Thursday, February 9 at 8pm and will open on Friday, February 10 at 8pm and run through Sunday, March 19 at the Actors Co-op David Schall Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St. (on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood) in Hollywood.
BWW Review: NEXT TO NORMAL at Pico Playhouse
Last Sunday, we ventured into Los Angeles to see two Ventura County theater alumni in a production of Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey's Next to Normal, the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical that is being staged at the Pico Playhouse. Michelle Lane and Harrison Meloeny were both in Cabrillo Music Theatre's 2015 production of Mary Poppins and have reunited to appear in this highly acclaimed production.
BWW Review: Engrossing NEXT TO NORMAL at Pico Playhouse
Bipolar disease most often occurs in women creating abnormal behavior patterns, and usually treated with drugs. In the Pulitzer Prize winning Next to Normal, the problem is presented via a wife and mother, Diana (Michelle Lane). Her behavior shows extreme mental instability, and the effects on her husband Dan (Nick Sarando) and teen daughter Natalie (Isa Briones) cause a serious rift in their ongoing relationships. Eventually a heartfelt loss from the past unravels that is at the core of the woman's suffering. Structured in a most unusual way, Next to Normal is akin to a rock opera, but it is not completely sung; there is intermittent dialogue. The most emotional moments, though, come through song, so the music by Tom Kitt and book by Brian Yorkey flow together smoothly, and with the three tiered open set and loosely structured staging, what occurs is an unparalleled musical drama. Now in the intimate space of the Pico Playhouse, the complex drama unfolds crystal clear with fine direction from Thomas James O'Leary and a marvelously skilled ensemble, all of whom sing and act their socks off.
BWW Interview: ISA BRIONES Opens Up About NEXT TO NORMAL
ISA BRIONES was born Isabella Camille Briones in London, England. Her parents, Jon Jon Briones and Megan Johnson Briones are both actors and singers, and her younger brother, Teo Briones is also an actor. She began modeling in New York at the age of 3, and started acting when her family moved to Los Angeles in 2006. She is best known for her role in the film Takers, playing Matt Dillon's daughter. Isa is entering her senior year of high school, and is excited to be making her professional theater debut in this production of Next to Normal. School theater credits include: Velma in Hairspray, Brooke in Legally Blonde and Abigail in The Crucible. TV and film: "Takers," "Cutthroat", "Lonely Boy".
NEXT TO NORMAL Next Up at Pico Playhouse
Triage Productions and Standing Room Only Productions present Next To Normal, with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, directed by Thomas James O'Leary, features a live five-piece band conducted by music director Taylor Stephenson.