THE CRUCIBLE
Saturday, December 15th, 2007
When Arthur Miller’s The Crucible was written in 1953, it was considered an allegory
for the McCarthy “witch hunts,” in which Communism took the place of Satan in
the original Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Today, as religious fundamentalists (of
various creeds) use blind belief in dogma as a way to persecute those they
disagree with, The Crucible stands even stronger than before as an indictment of
religious fanaticism gone amok. 2007 seems an particularly fitting time for a revival
of this Miller classic, and the production currently running at the Matrix more than
does justice to Miller’s words.
(read more)
CONFESSIONS OF A CHRISTMAS BANSHEE
Sunday, December 9th, 2007
Confessions of a Christmas Banshee is a charming, delightful, and just a bit racy
hour of holiday entertainment, showcasing the triple-threat talents of its L.A.
based cast of four (who met a few years back while performing on Broadway).
(read more)
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Saturday, December 8th, 2007
The universality of A Christmas Carol has never been more evident than in the
Celebration Theatre’s fabulous new GAY adaptation of the Charles Dickens
classic. There have been numerous previous adaptations of ACC for “niche”
audiences. An imdb search turns up The Muppet Christmas Carol, Mickey
(Mouse)’s Christmas Carol, Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol, An All Dogs Christmas
Carol, a Diva’s Christmas Carol, A Flintstones Christmas Carol, Skinflint: A Country
Christmas Carol, Bugs Bunny’s Christmas Carol, A Carol Christmas (with Tori
Spelling as Carol), The Jetsons Christmas Carol, Brer Rabbit’s Christmas Carol, and
A Sesame Street Christmas Carol. Now, at last, the gay community has a
Christmas Carol it can call its own.
(read more)
A TUNA CHRISTMAS
Friday, December 7th, 2007
Earlier this year, Jaston Williams and Joe Sears brought the two dozen or so Tuna,
Texas denizens they created to La Mirada, in a big theater production of
Greater Tuna, which scored both of them Ovation Best Actor nominations.
(read more)
WINTER WONDERETTES
Thursday, December 6th, 2007
In a town where a 3-4 month run in a 99-seat theater can be considered a
smashing success, The Marvelous Wonderettes’ 16 month run at the El Portal
is nothing short of miraculous, and proof positive that even in much
maligned L.A., if you stage it right, they will come.
(read more)
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA
Wednesday, December 5th, 2007
December is family time at the theater. I can’t help wondering how many of
the talented performers in Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities’ production of
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella first said to themselves, “That’s what I
want to do!” while attending a Christmas season show. Certainly, children
exposed to this magical production of R&H’s Cinderella will want to re-
experience musical theater again and again.
(read more)
LOVE SWEET LOVE
Tuesday, December 4th, 2007
Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s greatest hits comprise several dozen of the
most memorable songs of the 1960s. Beginning before the British invasion and
continuing through their 1968 Broadway smash Promises, Promises, Bacharach
and David wrote some of the most timeless hits of the decade. Bacharach’s
melodies and rhythms were complex but accessible and David’s lyrics told stories
that listeners could easily identify with.
(read more)
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Sunday, December 2nd, 2007
As many times as I’ve seen Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on TV, I don’t think
I’ve ever attended a major professional theatrical production, so I didn’t want to
pass up the chance to see South Coast Rep’s 28th annual production of the
Christmas classic.
What a treat it was!
(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.
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