Written by Patrick Chavis
(photo credit: Kerrin Piché Serna)
This 2011 Pulitzer Prize-winning and 2012 Tony Award-winning play, Clybourne Park, is now playing at the Costa Mesa Playhouse from Jan 20 – Feb 12, 2023. Continue Reading
A Christmas Carol @ South Coast Repertory – Review
(photo credit: Jenny Graham/SCR)
Written by Daniella Litvak
Charles Dickens wrote in the preface to A Christmas Carol,
“I have endeavored in this Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humor with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me.”
His endeavor succeeded. Year after year — December after December — his “Ghost of an Idea” visits those of us walking the Earth. It’s unavoidable. However, good adaptations — like the one currently running at the South Coast Repertory — of this classic are great reminders of why this story has and will continue to endure. Continue Reading
Dancing at Lughnasa @ Costa Mesa Playhouse – Review
(photo credit: Stephanie Noel Garrison)
Written by Daniella Litvak
You know how Game of Thrones has been described as The Sopranos meets Middle Earth and Breaking Bad as Goodbye, Mr. Chips meets Scarface? If I had to play that game with Dancing at Lughnasa, I would say it is Pride and Prejudice meets Angela’s Ashes. Continue Reading
Nina Simone: Four Women @ South Coast Repertory – Review
(photo credit: Jenny Graham)
Written by Patrick Chavis
The Civil Rights movement has been captured in numerous plays, films, and media throughout the decades with various levels of quality and production. South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa has produced a stunningly unique and heartfelt production of Nina Simone: Four Women that lets the audience explore the late singer’s psyche and the diverse experiences and views of Black women during the era. Continue Reading
The Whale @ Costa Mesa Playhouse – Review
Photo credit: Kerrin Serna
Written by Patrick Chavis
Peter Hilton, Mia Anderson
The Whale will have a full cinematic release in movie theaters in early December 2022. It has already accrued early accolades on the film festival circuit with standing ovations for Brendan Fraser, who plays the lead character. The movie, mainly known by the theatre community, is based on the play produced in the early 2000s and garnered some prestigious theatrical awards. The Costa Mesa Playhouse puts on a whale-sized, powerhouse production of this powerful, dark, and crudely honest story about family, regret, and life. Continue Reading
Noises Off @ Costa Mesa Playhouse – Review
(Photo credit: Mike Brown)
Written by Patrick Chavis
A British farce is a particular type of comedic play that originated in England. It often centers around an improbable situation causing chaos and distress for the zany characters involved. I’ve always seen it like a cartoon on stage. Under the careful direction of Kathy Paladino & David Rodriguez, the Costa Mesa Playhouse puts on a hilarious and well-executed physical comedy. Costa Mesa’s production of Noises Off is a strong rendition of this modern meta-theatrical farce. Continue Reading
