“Santa Ana Toy Theater,” A collaborative work by Adriana Sanchez Alexander, Chilo Te, Zuleica Zepeda
I recently attended The Long Road Today/El Largo Camino de Hoy in Santa Ana, a story centering on the community’s response to the death of a young boy playing in the streets of Santa Ana. With a large cast and crew running around, determined to bring the audience different stories and experiences, the show is muddled and lacks decisive strength. Continue Reading
(left to right) Manelich Minniefee& Zachary Eisenstat (Caliban) Tom Nelis (Prospero)
Written by Alina Mae Wilson
William Shakespeare’s The Tempest at South Coast Repertory promised me magic and wonder, which it delivered enthusiastically, albeit single-minded. Meaning, I wish all of their actors were as skilled as their magicians.
The story focuses on the usurped Duke Prospero’s quest for vengeance after his brother Antonio fails to kill him. Prospero escapes to an island with magical books and supplies, where he becomes a sorcerer residing with his daughter Miranda and his spirit slave Ariel, waiting for his moment of revenge. The play begins with Prospero using his magic to create a tempest, ship wreaking the king and many other royals, including Antonio, onto his island. From there, we watch the interactions between the spirits and the group of visitors. Continue Reading
(Left to Right) Danielle Ferland, Ben Wright, Kim Crosby, Chip Zien, and Bernadette Peters in a scene from “Into the Woods” at the Martin Beck Theatre.
Written by Alina Mae Wilson
A celebration of Stephen Sondheim’s musical Into the Woods will be presented on November 9th at California’s Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The evening will be part conversation, and part musical selection and (drumroll please) will feature original cast members Bernadette Peters, Joanna Gleason, Chip Zien, Bernadette Peters, Robert Westenberg, Kim Crosby, Danielle Ferland, Ben Wright, and of course, the inestimable composer and lyricist Mr. Sondheim himself, as well as Bernadette Peters. So essentially, every character you immediately think of when you think of Into the Woods. Continue Reading
Written by: Patrick Chavis
Built in 1925, shut down in 1987 and now recently restored and open to the public, The Fox Theater is a true theatrical institution in Orange County. Whether you want to give to a good cause or just have a good laugh. Being able to sit in the Fox Theater and admire the atmosphere is something that was impossible to do just a few years ago. Seriously, step in and be transported in time, it’s so worth it.
Buy tickets at this link:
http://www.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=677361
Location & Dates:
500 N. Harbor Blvd Fullerton, CA 92832
September, 12, 2014
If you liked this article please subscribe by email on the front page at the bottom right of the page.
Liz Filios, Joel Davel, Matt Spencer and Miche Braden : Courtesy: South Coast Repertory
Written by Alina Mae Wilson
You can’t go wrong with Shakespeare. I take that back, it is actually mind-blowingly easy to go wrong with Shakespeare. It is so unpleasant to watch actors in uncomfortable costumes, uncomfortably performing their lines, making you feel uncomfortable because you don’t know what they are saying, and it’s entirely possible neither do they. The story follows a former Duke named Prospero who uses sorcery to plot vengeance against the people who wronged him. So far, I’m excited, I always wondered what The Count of Monte Cristo (similar revenge story) would have been like if Emond Dantes had known witchcraft.
I’ve heard some good things about the special effects that will be showcased in the performance, especially from the creative team responsible for the show. In their video detailing why this particular production of “The Tempest” stands out from the others, director Aaron Posner calls it “the hardest, the most challenging, and the most…thrilling production” he has ever been part of. He also went on to refer to his co-director Teller(one part of the magic duo Penn & Teller) as a genius and that this production has the type of magic Shakespeare wished he had. Wow. I’m not skeptical, I’m impressed by the obvious passion and fervor that went into this project, and I hope it shows.
Singer-songwriter Tom Waits also collaborated musically with Kathleen Brennan on the music.
Ticket Info at the website:
http://www.scr.org/calendar/view?id=6891
Location & Dates :
South Coast Repertory
655 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
August 29, 2014 – September 28, 2014
If you liked this article, please subscribe by email on the front page at the bottom right of the page.
Nicole Cassesso in Gypsy at The GEM Theater Courtesy: Gem Theater
Written by Alina Mae Wilson
From picking up my ticket to driving away, my experience with Gypsy at the Gem Theater was a pleasant one. A well-acted script and some pretty costumes easily overshadowed the relatively minor sound and lighting issues. Continue Reading
