Orange County Theatre Reviews

Anaheim, The Chance Theater, Theater, Uncategorized Comments Off on A Play About Words : In a Word @ The Chance Theater in Anaheim – Review |

A Play About Words : In a Word @ The Chance Theater in Anaheim – Review

(PHOTO COURTESY: DOUG Catiller)

Written by Scotty Keister

Deflection and reflection. In Lauren Yee’s play, In a Word, now running at Chance Theater, words matter. The behavior of its characters is reflected in how they use words. Many times the same words are used over and over again but adopt different meanings with each use, as the characters choose to use the words to deflect or reflect the truth. Continue Reading

Read more

Costa Mesa, Musical, Review, South Coast Repertory, Uncategorized Comments Off on Once Upon the Stage… Once @ South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa – Review |

Once Upon the Stage… Once @ South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa – Review

(photos by Jordan Kubat) 

Written by Scotty Keister 

Once, the movie and the stage musical now running on the South Coast Repertory Segerstrom Stage, is a romance that defies clichés. There is no last minute run to the airport, no sudden eye-opening change of heart, nor is there a throw everything away and surrender to the passion of the moment. There are two people who fall in love, make each others’ lives better, and then move on as friends. It is a romance that celebrates compassion over passion. It celebrates a love of music over a love of self. The title itself is an abbreviated take on the fairy tale line “Once upon a time…” As such, this musical is one of a kind and an exquisite treat. Continue Reading

Read more

Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts, Review, Theater, Uncategorized Comments Off on Don’t Dress For Dinner @ Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts – Review |

Don’t Dress For Dinner @ Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts – Review

Written by Alina Mae Wilson 

Huntington Beach High School just kickstarted their year with the hilarious, two act farce Don’t Dress For Dinner.  The fact they attempted a work with such expansive dialogue is to their credit, and the fact that every wink and nod enabled the jokes to land without a hitch makes them worthy of acclaim.  To put it plainly, the cast from HBHS is terrific.   Continue Reading

Read more

Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa Playhouse, Review, Theater Comments Off on Real Women Have Curves @ Costa Mesa Playhouse – Review |