(All photos by Doug Catiller, True Image Studio)
Blood Brothers @ Stage Door Repertory Theatre in Anaheim Hills – Review
Written by Daniella Litvak
If you are familiar with London’s West End theatre scene you may have heard of Blood Brothers. It holds the distinction of having the third longest show run —among musicals —on the West End —behind only Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera.  Unfortunately Blood Brothers did not achieve the same popularity here in the states as it did in England, and productions of it are rare. Fortunately, the denizens of Orange County are currently in luck because Blood Brothers is playing right now in our very own backyard. Continue Reading
Grimm Happy Tales : Into The Woods @ Vanguard University in Costa Mesa – Review
(photo credit:Â Susie Sprinkle–Hudson)
Written by Patrick ChavisÂ
A few years ago, if I had mentioned Into the Woods, I may have been lucky enough to run into a theatergoer who had heard of the musical. Now that Hollywood has adapted it into a film, the show is about as hidden for theatre folks as Comic-Con is for geeks. Everyone knows about it now, and that’s not changing anytime soon. As a consequence, this is a well-known show, and with that comes interesting challenges for the performers. How do we make this production ours? What is this show about, and how can we communicate it in the best way possible? Vanguard University took on the challenge of producing such an epic musical and, under the direction of Vanda Eggington, pulled off an entertaining night of theatre but also missed opportunities to capitalize on the show’s vital moments. Continue Reading
How the Other Half Loves @ Newport Theatre Arts Center in Newport Beach – Review
(photo credit: newport theatre arts Center- Emily MacAgy (Mary), Abel Garcia (William))
Written by Alina Mae WilsonÂ
The Newport Theatre Arts Center is somewhat diminutive and is located on a hill overlooking part of Newport Beach.  You would miss it if you weren’t actively looking for it or driving up the hills to see some nice houses.  I’m here to tell you that How the Other Half Loves is definitely a play to be actively sought out and driving uphill for a few minutes will absolutely be time well spent.  The acting is great almost all around; there’s a steady stream of humor with jokes landing pretty much every time, and the storyline keeps you fully invested in each individual character. Continue Reading
A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum @ Curtis Theatre in Brea – Review
Written by Alina Mae WilsonÂ
One of the hardest things for a script to ‘get right’ is comedy.  Factors impacting a comedic storyline’s success include the age of the viewer, the cultural background of the viewer, and of course, simply each person’s individual preferences.  I just had the pleasure of watching the Curtis Theater’s production of the musical comedy A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and while I would not consider the show perfectly timeless, it does come fairly close.  The singing is good, the acting is great, and the actual jokes land with habitual smoothness again and again. Continue Reading
Arts & Learning Conservatory Presents : INTO THE WOODS JR @ Segerstrom High Theatre – April 21 – 23
Into the Woods and Happy Ever After!
Costa Mesa, CA (March 31, 2017) The Arts & Learning Conservatory is proud to present the Tony Award-winning musical Into the Woods Jr. from Friday, April 21-Sunday April 23rd at Segerstrom High Theater.
Our cast of 35 talented youths, aged from nine years old through early teens, were drawn from all over Orange County: Irvine, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Tustin, Fountain Valley and more. Watch them take on this energetic musical that includes many of your favorite characters: Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk!), and of course the Witch – all who meet and interact in this whimsical & original show. Step into adventure as their different stories intertwine with each other when they all journey into the woods.
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