John A. Goux’s “California Soul: A Descendent’s Story,” adapted from his novel of the same name, offers a fascinating blend of personal heritage and historical narrative. This staged reading at Theatre West promises to unearth the complex tapestry of California’s founding through the lens of Goux’s familial connections. As a former professor of music and mathematics, Goux brings an interdisciplinary perspective to this stage adaptation of his debut novel. The play’s premise - a young... Continue reading

Marlon Hoffman’s debut solo album “Holy Matters” emerges as a powerful exploration of resilience and introspection. Co-produced with Davey Johnstone, the album showcases Hoffman’s raw, outlaw voice against a backdrop of seasoned musicianship. The title track sets a contemplative tone, while collaborations like “Suicide Ride” and “Runnin’ Outta Road” inject a rocker’s energy into the mix. Hoffman’s songwriting, particularly in tracks like “Om Namah Shivaya (Lady in Paris)” and “Grandpa Dave,” reveals a nuanced approach... Continue reading

“Demolition,” directed by Max Mayer at the Pacific Resident Theatre, navigates the complexities of masculinity, identity, and personal growth within a deceptively simple narrative. The play juxtaposes Doug, a rugged, blue-collar worker, against Paul, a delicate, introspective young man on the verge of adulthood. Matthew Letscher’s script explores the contrasts between these characters, using their interactions to delve into deeper themes of mentorship and the varied influences on a young man’s development. The dynamic between... Continue reading

In “TH IR DS,” director Jessica Aquila Cymerman conjures an alternate historical narrative that examines America’s divisive nature with an incisive lens. Set in a world where the Civil War never occurred, America is split into three distinct entities: The Union, The Confederate States, and The Pacific States. This fractured reality forms the backdrop for a gripping story centered on Catherine Shepard, a powerful water tycoon, who must broker a clandestine deal to provide water... Continue reading

Mike Teverbaugh’s “The (Mostly) True Story of a Common Scold” is a fascinating look at American history through the lens of Anne Royall, the nation’s first female journalist. This play delves into the fraught tensions of the Jacksonian era, where the influence of evangelical leaders sought to reshape America’s ideological landscape. Royall, portrayed by Dendrie Taylor, emerges as a powerful figure, determined in her quest to preserve the secular integrity of the Constitution. The narrative... Continue reading

Phil Hendrie’s upcoming performance, “The World of Phil Hendrie,” at Theatre West promises a unique blend of satire and character acting. Hendrie’s career has been defined by his ability to inhabit a multitude of voices, each a hilarious caricature of societal archetypes. From the lisping Chris Norton to the self-important Jay Santos, Hendrie’s characters expose the absurdity of human behavior through exaggeration. His radio show’s innovative format, blurring the lines between host and caller, further... Continue reading

In Ronnie Marmo’s direction of Sam Henry Kass’ Brooklyn’s Way, we witness an intense exploration of artistic ambition and personal downfall, set against the ever-gritty backdrop of Los Angeles. Marmo, known for his character-driven narratives, brings a nuanced understanding of the complexities within Kass’ script. The play’s dual protagonists—Scoot, a seasoned writer caught in a web of his own making, and Brooklyn, a young, idealistic assistant—are navigated with a sensitivity that highlights their symbiotic yet... Continue reading

In “Patient 13,” playwright and actor Gail Thomas delivers a dark comedy that examines the human psyche’s complexities, especially when faced with mortality. Set against the backdrop of an FDA study on psilocybin as a treatment for anxiety and depression in cancer patients, Thomas explores themes of isolation, vulnerability, and the quest for connection. Her portrayal of a single woman, who must confront her deepest fears and insecurities following a terrifying diagnosis, is poignant and... Continue reading

If you haven’t already tried it out, you’ve at least heard of the potential for AI to enhance our educational practices. It can provide students with personalized feedback. It can streamline our administrative tasks. And it can facilitate creative projects for both faculty and students. At the same time, we need to examine its ethical and practical implications. Top of the list is academic integrity. As AI tools become more sophisticated - and students become... Continue reading

Marcus Folmar’s new comedy, Chicken Stories, serves up a tasty mix of humor and critical social commentary. Staged as a series of vignettes, it examines the role of chicken in Black American culture. Focusing on themes like Black entrepreneurship, generational value shifts, and cultural appropriation, Folmar’s work transports us way beyond the telling of a funny story. The play features a talented cast, including special guest star John Marshall Jones, who adds depth to the... Continue reading

Jon Robin Baitz’s play “The Substance of Fire,” directed by Mike Reilly, dives deep into the tangled web of family loyalty and the relentless pursuit of artistic integrity. Reilly guides us through personal trauma, societal expectations, and commercial pressures. At the heart of the story is Isaac Geldhart, portrayed by Rob Morrow, who embodies both resilience and tragic flaw. Marcia Cross brings depth and power to her role as Marge Hackett, a woman ensnared in... Continue reading

“Balancing Act,” written by Frank Salisbury and directed by David Datz, recounts the story of an accountant planning to escape with embezzled money, only to be interrupted by a suspicious colleague on the eve of his departure. David Datz, making his directorial debut at Theatre Forty, brings his rich background in directing, playwriting, and acting to this production. Michael Kerr and Starina Johnson star in the lead roles while Jeff G. Rack provided the set... Continue reading

Dina Morrone’s “My Uterus, a Womb with a View” is a searing and humorous exploration of the female experience, delivered through a mix of personal narrative and social critique. Morrone navigates the complexities of owning a uterus, shedding light on the often overlooked and misunderstood aspects of womanhood. Her story blends comedy and pathos in a way that both entertains and educates. The play’s structure allows Morrone to navigate through various stages of her life... Continue reading

“Poems for Mary” by Lloyd J. Schwartz, premiering at Theatre West, explores the profound and often uncharted emotional territories within familial relationships. Schwartz, renowned for his diverse work, including “A Very Brady Musical” and “Gilligan’s Island- The Musical,” shows us the subtleties of grief, discovery, and reconciliation. The play’s story revolves around two grown children who uncover their deceased father’s secret poetry, revealing facets of his life and personality previously unknown to them. This discovery... Continue reading

Hailey McAfee’s direction of Lisa Kenner Grissom’s “here comes the night” brings a compelling vision to this dark comedic drama. The play revolves around two complex female characters, Olivia and Maggie, who are forced to confront their personal beliefs and friendship amidst the backdrop of a weekend marked by an at-home medical abortion. McAfee balances the themes of reproductive rights and female friendship, presenting them with both sensitivity and a keen sense of dark humor.... Continue reading

Lisa Kenner Grissom’s “here comes the night” explores friendship, choice, and social pressures against the backdrop of modern digital life. The story revolves around two women—Olivia, a climate science advocate, and Maggie, a social media influencer—who reconnect during a weekend that challenges their perspectives on reproductive rights and personal agency. Kenner Grissom navigates the complexities of female friendship and the stark contrasts between the characters’ lifestyles and ideologies. The play delivers character development and dialogue... Continue reading

Bernadette Armstrong’s direction of “The Seahorse” at Open-Door Playhouse combines subtle storytelling with profound emotional depth. This play, set against the backdrop of an aquarium visit, unfolds a narrative of a father sharing the news of an upcoming addition to their family with his young daughter. Armstrong’s directorial choices enhance the play’s intimate atmosphere, drawing us into the personal and transformative moment shared between the characters. The decision to revive “The Seahorse” during Pride Month... Continue reading

Tom Alper’s play “The Pitch” at the Odyssey Theatre dissects the ethical dilemmas and personal challenges faced by a single father in desperate circumstances. The story follows Tom Allen, a widower struggling to support his 15-year-old daughter through a morally dubious job in a boiler-room operation selling machine parts. Directed by Louie Liberti, the production features a mostly new cast, bringing fresh energy to this gripping story. Alper’s script is reminiscent of David Mamet’s “Glengarry... Continue reading

Catalina Swinburn’s “Healing Rituals” revalidates the place of women throughout history. Swinburn uses weaving as a metaphor for female expression, a practice that has historically substituted for the silence imposed on women across time. Her works, which she calls “anticipated archaeology,” describe the presence and accumulation of fragments that provide new meaning to the whole. The UV prints on Arches Aquarelle, each 105h x 75w cm, depict heads of female stone, terracotta, and bronze sculptures... Continue reading

Bernadette Armstrong’s direction of “Wabi Sabi” highlights the delicate balance between past and present relationships. The play, set in a high school library, serves as a microcosm of the bittersweet nature of reconnecting with friends from the past. Armstrong guides Franco Machado and Whitton Frank through a narrative that questions self-acceptance and the acceptance of others. Her direction realizes the emotional nuances of Rachael Carnes’ script, creating a resonant experience for each of us. The... Continue reading

“Psycho Beach Party,” brought to life by Co-Director Tom DeTrinis, blends camp, satire, and psychological intrigue. The play’s fusion of 1960s surf culture and Hitchcockian suspense serves as both a nostalgic homage and a sharp critique of the period’s societal norms. DeTrinis captures the chaotic energy and multifaceted personalities of the protagonist, Chicklet Forrest, whose multiple alter egos navigate a roller coaster of absurdity and profundity. The play weaves comic elements with darker themes, such... Continue reading

“Expatriated,” co-written and performed by Candace Leung and Dominique Roberts, offers an exploration of migration and the contrasting experiences of individuals based on racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Staged at The Broadwater (Second Stage), the play captures the lives of an LA lawyer navigating life in Hong Kong and a Hong Kong lawyer adapting to a new reality in LA. Through a series of poignant and humorous vignettes, Leung and Roberts delve into the complexities of... Continue reading

Shelley Cooper’s “Jenny Lind Presents P.T. Barnum” blends historical research and operatic performance to reimagine the story of one of the 19th century’s most intriguing figures. Cooper’s portrayal of Jenny Lind, the Swedish Nightingale, captures the internal conflict of a woman who was simultaneously celebrated and exploited. The production examines Lind’s complex relationship with P.T. Barnum, exposing the moral ambiguities and societal challenges of their era. Cooper’s performance transitions between dramatic monologues and operatic arias.... Continue reading

“Expect-Asian,” written and performed by Jeffrey Han and directed by Anne Mesa, explores the Asian American experience, focusing on cultural identity and familial obligations. The narrative follows Jack, a young Asian American, as he navigates his father’s rigorous expectations and societal pressures. This coming-of-age story is both a personal journey and a broader commentary on the challenges faced by many young Asian Americans in their search for self-identity. Mesa skillfully handles the intimacy of a... Continue reading

Pam Levin’s “Astrologically Screwed” offers a fascinating look at fate and free will. Through a narrative shaped by a psychic’s ominous prophecy, Levin combines humor and existential dread. The play’s structure, hopping between past events and a foreboding future, creates a tension that mirrors the protagonist’s internal struggle. Levin’s performance is deeply personal and universally relatable, as she navigates themes of destiny, love, and self-determination. Chera Marks’ direction balances mystical elements with grounded human experiences.... Continue reading