Orange County Theatre Reviews

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March 12, 2023 | Cypress, Cypress College, Musical, Review, Theater, Uncategorized Comments (0) |

Beauty and the Beast @ Cypress College – Review

photo credit: Jayson Antonio

Written by Patrick Chavis

Disney, Disney, Disney — is it possible to escape the Mouse when you live down in Orange County? I think it’s possible, but it’s very difficult. If you’re not into Disney, you most likely have a friend who is and who, in the last few years, didn’t watch a Marvel movie. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is one of the most popular movies of all time, coming out during the  Disney Renaissance Era of Disney along with other big hits like The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Aladdin. The popularity of these movies led to stage adaptations. Cypress College takes on the stage version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast with a lot of heart, some gorgeous lighting moments, and a very open storybook design. Despite some uneven performances, this show has some claws.

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February 26, 2023 | Costa Mesa, Musical, Review, Uncategorized, Vanguard Uni Comments Off on The Drowsy Chaperone @ Vanguard University – Review |

The Drowsy Chaperone @ Vanguard University – Review

(photo credit: vanguard uni)

Written by Daniella Litvak

It was a dark and stormy night, but I ventured forth to the Lyceum Theater to see The Drowsy Chaperone. I’m glad I made the journey. Cold, rainy, and windy as it was outside, everything was red hot on stage. Continue Reading

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February 24, 2023 | Musical, News, Press Releases, Uncategorized Comments (1) |

The Music Man @ Irvine High School March 2nd-4th, 2023

Taken from the press release:

February 11th, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Music Man By Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey is coming to Irvine High!

Irvine High School is proud to present the hit sensation The Music Man this spring at 4321 Walnut Avenue, Irvine, CA 92604.

The Music Man follows con man Harold Hill on a quest to organize and lead a boys band. He scurries around selling innocent townsfolk band instruments and uniforms but with his little musical knowledge, Harold plans to skip town before he has to give his promised music lessons. Strait-laced librarian and piano teacher, Marian Paroo, sees right through him. When he agrees to help her younger brother overcome his awkwardness, Marian finds herself falling for him. Being a charmer, he risks getting caught in his scheme to win over her heart. This story is told through some of the broadway hit songs which include: “Seventy-Six-Trombones,” “Marian The Librarian,” “Pickalittle (Talk-A-Little),” and “Gary, Indiana.”

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February 20, 2023 | Brea, Curtis Theatre, Musical, Review, Theater, Uncategorized Comments Off on Curtis Theatre & Southgate Productions presents: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder @ Curtis Theatre – Review |

Curtis Theatre & Southgate Productions presents: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder @ Curtis Theatre – Review

Photo by Francis Gerard

Written by Patrick Chavis

You know you’ve struck gold when you’ve created something that is rewatchable. People will rewatch new productions of Les Mis and Into the Woods until the cows come home.  These are good stories and good plays. Even when we know how it’s going to end, we want to watch it again. I experienced this with the musical comedy A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder (hereinafter referred to as Gentleman’s Guide). It’s got a fantastic book of memorable tunes, and it’s genuinely funny. I was not surprised to find out it won a Tony. This new production of Gentlemen’s Guide from Southgate Productions captured the show’s spirit. Even if you’re only vaguely paying attention, it’s not bad. However, overall, the details keeping you engaged were at times lacking. Continue Reading

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February 10, 2023 | Claire Trevor School of Arts, Musical, Review, Theater, UCI, Uncategorized Comments Off on Claire Trevor School of the Arts Presents: Airness @ UCI – Review |

Claire Trevor School of the Arts Presents: Airness @ UCI – Review

Photos by Paul R. Kennedy

Written by Patrick Chavis

Air guitar competitions  — now that is a unique subject matter to cover in a play. I’m not a virgin to the rocking art of air guitar. I’ve never competed, but my bedroom competitions in High School were LEGENDARY! Airness, playing now at UCI’s Claire Trevor Theater, lacks a potent antagonist and relies on the kitsch factor of air guitar and its quirky characters. It’s barely enough to keep things interesting. Continue Reading

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February 8, 2023 | Costa Mesa, Musical, Review, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Theater, Uncategorized Comments Off on Frozen @ Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Review |

Frozen @ Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Review

Written by Alina Mae Wilson

In 2013, Frozen soared into public consciousness on belting power and beatific sparkle. With the nearly universal popularity of songs like “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”, “For the First Time in Forever,” and “Let It Go,” that Frozen would make an appearance on Broadway was utterly inevitable. Perhaps the only surprise is that it’s taken as long as it has. Yet here we are, in the year of our Lord 2023, and Disney’s Frozen has finally arrived in Orange County. Continue Reading

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