THE UNSEEN
Friday, June 26th, 2009NOT RECOMMENDED
My idea of a perfect theatergoing month would be one in which twenty shows out of twenty would merit a WOW! review. I realize that this would only bolster the erroneous impression that, as one person put it, “Steven Stanley has never met a show he didn’t like,” but I’ve never understood reviewers who consistently pan what they see and then keep going back for more. I go to the theater because, quite frankly, nothing makes me happier.
(read more)
BABYLON HEIGHTS
Thursday, May 28th, 2009NOT RECOMMENDED
WARNING: Language in this play and in my review is rated NC-17.
(read more)
THE CRUCIBLE
Sunday, May 3rd, 2009NOT RECOMMENDED
Arthur Miller’s The Crucible holds a special place in my heart. It gave me my very first experience as a stage actor at the age of 16, and though I later watched the 1996 film on video, it wasn’t until December 2007 that I saw The Crucible staged for the very first time, decades after high school, in a production that left me devastated, as the playwright certainly intended.
(read more)
THE SEAFARER
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009NOT RECOMMENDED
Once in a great while, I see a show which, despite first class acting, direction and design, just doesn’t work for me. This is the case with Conor McPherson’s The Seafarer, now playing at the Geffen. The London Observer called The Seafarer “succinct, startling and eerie, and the funniest McPherson play to date,” and Ben Brantley of the New York Times wrote about the Broadway production, “McPherson is quite possibly the finest playwright of his generation.” As someone who would prefer all his theatergoing to provoke wows, I wish I could understand their enthusiasm.
(read more)
GOTHMAS
Saturday, April 11th, 2009NOT RECOMMENDED
When a show’s pre-performance announcements include the warning “Rated R for adult situations and fucking,” you know you’re in for something different. That something is Gothmas, billed as a “dark, holiday, horror, bisexual, romantic, funny, feel-weird rock musical for the whole family (no children).” The show is indeed dark, and features holidays from Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas to Valentine’s Day—and horror (one character is axed to bits). A few characters are gay and one is bi. It’s sometimes quite funny (in a weird sort of way), and the songs have a grunge rock sound to them. It’s certainly not for children nor is it likely for the average L.A. theater audience, but those who’ve made The Rocky Horror Show a cult hit may eat it up.
(read more)
POPE JOAN
Thursday, January 29th, 2009NOT RECOMMENDED
Following their award-winning revival of Hair, producer Michael Butler and director/choreographer Bo Crowell return with the world premiere musical Pope Joan, the saga of history’s only female pope, who (supposedly) reigned for less than three years in the 850s.
(read more)
RESIGNATION DAY
Saturday, January 17th, 2009NOT RECOMMENDED
In Resignation Day, playwright Charles Pike imagines a day in the life of Terry Southern (played by Chairman Barnes), screenwriter of such 60s classics as Dr. Strangelove and Easy Rider as well as cult favorites Barbarella and Candy, a day in 1974 which happens also to be the day that Richard Nixon resigned the office of President of the United States.
(read more)
THE BALTIMORE WALTZ
Sunday, January 11th, 2009NOT RECOMMENDED
Paula Vogel’s 1992 The Baltimore Waltz received the Obie for Best New American Play, yet has rarely if ever been performed locally. For this reason alone, Rude Guerrilla’s just opened production is sure to generate considerable interest. Director R.J. Romero writes that Vogel’s work has been “a major presence throughout my adult reading and theatre viewing life,” making it a certainty that love and care have gone into this production. Romero’s sound design is especially effective in creating a fanciful, romantic atmosphere, and his cast demonstrate real commitment to achieving the director’s goals.
(read more)
Since 2007, Steven Stanley's StageSceneLA.com has spotlighted the best in Southern California theater via reviews, interviews, and its annual StageSceneLA Scenies.
COPYRIGHT 2024 STEVEN STANLEY :: DESIGN BY