Orange County Theatre Reviews

August 10, 2022 | Laguna beach, Laguna Playhouse, Musical, Review, Theater, Uncategorized Comments (0) |

Xanadu @ The Laguna Playhouse – Review

(Photo credit: Matthew Saville)

Written by Daniella Litvak

Xanadu began life as a film. The film is remembered for a few things. It was a notorious flop – to the point of inspiring the Razzies. The soundtrack was a worldwide smash. The film starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, who turned in good performances in spite of everything, and it was Gene Kelly’s final film role.   In the 2000s, Xanadu was adapted into a successful Broadway musical and scored several Tony nominations. Now it is closing out the Laguna Playhouse’s historic 100th anniversary season. Continue Reading

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August 2, 2022 | Bold Theatre, Review, Theater, Uncategorized Comments (0) |

The MotherF*** with a Hat @ The Bold Theatre – Review

Written by Patrick Chavis

Stephen Adly Guirgis’s The MotherF*** with a Hat is playing now at the Bold Theatre in Los Alamitos from July 22 – August 7, 2022.

The show has a bold title, pun not intended, but it fits with the attitude and vibe of the script. The Mother Fucker with the Hat is the story of Jackie, played by Adam Navarro, a former drug dealer, who was released from jail and wants to get back with his longtime, drug-addicted girlfriend Veronica, played by Emanuela Boisbouvier. Before the couple can start their relationship back up, Jackie discovers a red hat and suspects Veronica has been cheating on him while he was in prison. This sets the rest of the play in motion as Jackie searches for the Mother Fucker with the Hat. Continue Reading

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July 26, 2022 | Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa Playhouse, Review, Theater, Uncategorized Comments (0) |

Noises Off @ Costa Mesa Playhouse – Review

(Photo credit: Mike Brown)

Written by Patrick Chavis

A British farce is a particular type of comedic play that originated in England. It often centers around an improbable situation causing chaos and distress for the zany characters involved. I’ve always seen it like a cartoon on stage. Under the careful direction of Kathy Paladino & David Rodriguez, the Costa Mesa Playhouse puts on a hilarious and well-executed physical comedy. Costa Mesa’s production of Noises Off is a strong rendition of this modern meta-theatrical farce. Continue Reading

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July 25, 2022 | Anaheim, Musical, Review, The Chance Theater, Theater, Uncategorized Comments (0) |

Green Day’s American Idiot @ Chance Theater – Review

Photo credit : (Camryn Long & Doug Catiller)

Written by Daniella Litvak

“We are the kids of war and peace/From Anaheim to the Middle East”[1]

A lot has been said about the similarities between the Vietnam War and the Iraq War. One way they differ though is how they impacted popular music. While the Vietnam War spawned a subgenre of protest songs that are highly regarded to this day, the protest songs commenting on the Iraq War are not numerous or as well remembered. Green Day’s 2004 rock opera American Idiot is the exception to the rule. In addition to becoming a commercial and critical success, American Idiot spawned a Broadway musical adaptation of the album, and now it’s playing at the Chance Theater. Continue Reading

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July 7, 2022 | News, Press Releases, Theater, Uncategorized Comments Off on 2022 NEW SWAN FESTIVAL @ UC IRVINE – NEWS |

2022 NEW SWAN FESTIVAL @ UC IRVINE – NEWS

Written by Patrick Chavis

Information taken directly from the website.

New Swan Shakespeare Festival is a professional Shakespeare festival located on the campus of UC Irvine in Orange County. We typically produce two Shakespearean works in rotating repertory under the stars. New Swan features students and professionals working side by side to produce scintillating Shakespearean productions in a 130 seat, 15 ton, portable, mini-Elizabethan space.

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July 1, 2022 | Electric Company Theatre, fullerton, Review, Theater, Uncategorized Comments Off on Electric Company Presents: Romeo & Juliet @ The Muckentahler Cultural Center – Review |

Electric Company Presents: Romeo & Juliet @ The Muckentahler Cultural Center – Review

(Photos by Dave Smithson)

Written by Daniella Litvak

How should a theater lover spend their summer nights? By seeing Shakespeare performed in an outside venue, of course. Fortunately, Electric Company Theatre is ready to cater to the craving with their production of Romeo & Juliet. Continue Reading

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