Orange County Theatre Reviews

September, 2016
Archive

September 21, 2016 | La Mirada Theatre, Musical, Review, Uncategorized Comments Off on The Hunchback of Notre Dame @ La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts – Review |

The Hunchback of Notre Dame @ La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts – Review

Written by Alina Mae Wilson 

If you have been longing for a bit of Disney without the Disney feel, your time has finally come.  The Hunchback of Notre Dame is playing over at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.  Based more closely on the plot from Victor Hugo’s markedly more sinister novel, this tale of the famed bell-ringer incorporates music from the 1996 Disney film to create a mesh of political intrigue and romance that promises to capture the spirit of the movie and pain from the novel but does not fully deliver on either front. Continue Reading

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September 13, 2016 | Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa Playhouse, Review, Theater, Uncategorized Comments Off on Red Scare on Sunset @ Costa Mesa Playhouse – Review |

Red Scare on Sunset @ Costa Mesa Playhouse – Review

(Photo by Joel D. Castro)

Written by Patrick Chavis

Certain playwrights (not unlike certain film directors) have styles that are so defined and essential to their stories. It almost feels like you’re being hit over the head with them. They positively scream, “HERE I AM EVERYONE. THIS IS MY PLAY!” Charles Busch is one such playwright. Red Scare on Sunset is another stylish show with cross-dressing, gay humor, and satire. LOTS of satire, which is quite enjoyable, although some of the scenic transitions could use a tad more creativity. The Michael Brown directed  Red Scare on Sunset packs all of the weirdness and comedic timing you would expect from a Busch script about invading communists. Continue Reading

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September 12, 2016 | Musical, Newport Beach, Newport Theatre Arts Center, Review, Uncategorized Comments Off on I Do! I Do! @ Newport Theater Arts Center – Review |

I Do! I Do! @ Newport Theater Arts Center – Review

Written by Daniella Litvak 

How I Do! I Do! made it to the stage is a tale many other musicals share. The story originated in the Broadway play The Fourposter, which debuted in 1951, and a film version followed shortly afterwards. Then in the 60s The Fourposter was adapted into the musical I Do! I Do. It was nominated for several Tonys and won the award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. Continue Reading

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September 5, 2016 | Review, Santa Ana, Theater, Theatre Out, Uncategorized Comments Off on WTC View @ Theatre Out in Santa Ana – Review |

WTC View @ Theatre Out in Santa Ana – Review

Written by Alina Mae Wilson 

Over in Santa Ana, Theatre Out is putting on a show that focuses on what is probably the most horrifying date in living America’s collective memory –September 11th.  Written by Brian Sloan and directed by David C. Carnevale, WTC View ventures into the United States’ mental and emotional response to the pain of that day.  The reflective nature found here is both sorrowful and deeply cerebral. Continue Reading

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