Orange County Theatre Reviews

Costa Mesa, Review, South Coast Repertory, Theater, Uncategorized Comments Off on Gem of the Ocean @ South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa – Review |

Gem of the Ocean @ South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa – Review

(Photo courtesy: Jordan Kubat)

Written by Patrick Chavis 

Gem of the Ocean, now playing at South Coast Repertory, is the first play in a 10-play series by August Wilson, covering every decade of the twentieth century. These plays were not written in order, nor was Gem of the Ocean the first play written. Regardless, they all demonstrate Wilson’s talent for getting to the point of serious issues -predominantly African-American issues but a few other topics -while creating dramatic, honest, and entertaining theatre. South Coast Repertory’s rendition of this classic play is a strong production. However, more importantly, its lessons about right, wrong, and truth are still incredibly relevant more than a decade later.   Continue Reading

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fullerton, Fullerton Union High School, Review, Theater, Uncategorized Comments Off on Secret in the Wings @ Fullerton Union High School – Review |

Secret in the Wings @ Fullerton Union High School – Review

(photo courtesy :  Melanie Pinzon) 

Written by Daniella Litvak 

Of all the plays I have had the privilege of reviewing this year, Secret in the Wings is by far the most unconventional.  This quality is a double edged sword.  On the one hand we are being treated to stunning visuals and some hysterical moments of black comedy.  On the other it leads to muddled and repetitive storytelling.  It is an interesting, unnerving theatrical experience. Continue Reading

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fullerton, Review, Stagestheatre, Theater Comments Off on The Woman in Black @ STAGEStheatre in Fullerton – Review |

The Woman in Black @ STAGEStheatre in Fullerton – Review

Written by Patrick Chavis

October is the time of the year for themed plays –particularly horror themed. Sadly, the horror genre is not all that popular in the modern theatre scene –at least with standard plays. However, I’m noticing some real horror innovations in Immersive Theatre these days. Usually, when people want to put on a horror play, we are taken back to the classics. One of these classics is The Woman in Black. It’s so popular the play opened in 1989 and has consistently run for 28 years, which makes it one of the longest-running West End (London Theatre) shows ever. This two-hander play is a slow-burning thriller with an old-school approach to horror (they take a long time to do anything). While the cast and overall stage work in this production is well executed in many areas, the long, (unfortunately) necessary, expository monologues in this play drain some of the plot’s momentum and demand its audience to be very patient theatergoers. Still, it’s a classic for a reason and a good study of some of the genre’s basics. Continue Reading

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CSUF, fullerton, Review, Theater, Uncategorized Comments Off on A new Frankenstein has risen : Frankenstein @ California State University, Fullerton – Review |

A new Frankenstein has risen : Frankenstein @ California State University, Fullerton – Review

(photo courtesy : Jordan Kubat) 

Written by Daniella Litvak 

It’s October, and with October comes opportunities to wear costumes, eat pumpkin-flavored treats, and enjoy the thrill of a horror story.  What better way to start the month of frightful delights than with a real classic —the monster story all other monster stories aspire to —Frankenstein!  As is the case with most classic tales, there are numerous versions of Frankenstein for everyone to experience, but the iteration currently running is unlikely to be one you’ve seen before.  It’s an original production that is so new it did not even exist six months prior to its debut. Continue Reading

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