Stage Takes

Hollywood Fringe Festival, day 4

5:45 atThe Actors Company

I loved this show! Abi gives us charm and confidence, and a range of feelings throughout this short and personal production. In retrospect, this is the kind of show that will change someone’s outlook on the world, as it engages the viewer to peak behind the masks we wear daily. The play starts inside of her scattered mind and changes pace as reality sets in. This show is powerful and raw, the emotional effect pulls you at your seat. Witty writing with smooth transitions. Abi gives a poignant and memorable performance. Abi made a good choice to perform at an intimate studio space. I noticed how well-rehearsed this show is, which is not uncommon in one person shows. At one point someone opened the door and peaked into the studio, and the moment slipped away and the show went on. Did the energy of the room shift a little or was that just me? What happened to the performer at that moment? I guess that is not something actors think about while preparing a show, but how does one stay in character when something like that happens? Maybe I’m overthinking this point.

A Minor Inconvenience at Actors Company

Two lives, parallel experiences of a cultural shift and coming of age. A show by younger artists, what appears to be personal stories. These two leads have a great voice. I respect the vulnerability that these young artists put into their work and for putting up a show at the Fringe Festival. A musical but the music was too loud. One actor seemed to be having fun, laughing off her mistakes, the rest were too serious. I wish the ensemble was utilized a bit more. The set is minimal, lights are used as spotlights.

Nyx: The Girl Born To Chaos at Actors Company

Very entertaining and enjoyable show! Fun and disturbing, if you’re into that. The show is better than comic book movies, it is a live comic, a surreal experience. I like too that it is short (30 minutes), as it lets the images punch in much harder. The show is graphic, in that there is action and blood, and it is all done very professionally with tremendous choreography. The show is not an origin story, yet there are many possibilities to explore more.

My Tiger at The Broadwater Mainstage

An honest and unique approach to storytelling. Dionysus took the concept of a one-man show to another level with this project. In this production, Didi tells us of the experience of growing up as a mixed race boy in the U.S in the early 1990s and how that shapes him to who he is today. Throughout the show, he comes out to share context, pieces from a memory, and then has actors live them out through a series of vignettes. This is an insightful and enjoyable show. I love the concept, and think the writer is creating an awareness to different types of storytelling. I love how culture plays a central role in this production, and we get to experience different periods in the writer’s life along with different characters. I am not sure if this project needed to be done on main stage, due to the minimalism, but it worked. The transitions often felt repetitive, black outs between monologue and vignette. It is not my job to give notes, but I wondered what it would be like if the speaker was sitting on stage watching his story with us.

Termination Fee at The Broadwater

This is an experimental, existential dark comedy that gets in laughs and thought provoking ideas. The show follows Neal who is let go of his job and wonders how he can continue to support his partner. They trivialize different ideas and it makes us, the audience, question what happiness truly means. The actors were great in their deadpan humor, but it made me wonder about the seriousness of the subject. This feels as though it were written for film, though I have no issue with it being on staage for experimentation.

Saturdays at 10 AM at Eastwood PAC

A genuine, heartwarming, and enjoyable musical that surpasses any expectation of what a Fringe musical would look like! This is a top tier production through the performances which were all filled with great energy, a plot that had good structure, and hilarious, laugh out loud moments. I believe all of the actors used live singing, except for one, which was a satirical character in nature. The energy of the production is so great and every actor gave life to their characters, making each moment purposeful. I will say that these characters are goofy in nature and it was a bit tough to connect to their emotional drives, but it was still a fun watch. The actors professionally dealt with any technical difficulties, such as set pieces falling on the ground or microphones creating noises. The show did go slightly overtime, but fortunately I made it to my Uber so that I can make my 7th show of the day. I sat in the front, and as I turned my head to see how the audience was enjoying, I perceived their bodies as still; they not bopping their heads or clapping their hands to the music. So to answer the question of what could be improved – maybe the audience can act like they are having a good time too. Just kidding, it’s a great show.

Oh Constantine! at The Zephyr Theater

This is one of the funniest projects you will see in all of Fringe! It felt great to laugh out loud every few lines. Oh Constantine! is surrealism, satire, and absurdism all in one. The performances are fantastic and the plot is silly but cohesive and good. The production is filled with elaborate costume and set design, and takes its comedy so seriously that you cannot help but laugh at (with) the satire. I liked the Standout performances! Each actor takes their role so seriously which adds to the humor; different characters that give different flavors. I loved the interactive nature of this piece, how characters worked with the audience to help move the plot along.

June 9, 2025

musical, review, reviews, theatre, theatre-review
Hollywood Fringe Festival, day 3

Near Sex For Work at The Hudson

Really fun and insightful show! Daniel Shar reviews his career as a comedian turned porn extra. You might come see it for the sex part, but this show is about the need for human connection. Daniel Shar takes us on the wild ride of his career and shows us (yes) the highs and lows, in his journey. This is a well-structured one-man show that separates itself from stand-up comedy. I definitely recommend this show for the entertainment, the curiosity, and the laughs. Incredible marketing, with the condom program, and the vibes were spot on as we entered the show with hip hop music playing and Daniel’s photo on the projector. Daniel began the show a bit nervous, it seemed, as he appeared to be shaking while holding the dildo microphone, but it was endearing and allowed his confidence to grow throughout the show. Shar sprinkles in humor constantly and knows what he brings to the stage. He gets personal and stays funny thrpugh the dark times. I loved the transitions, how he made it so unique to fit his presence (writing vague; don’t want to spoil the humor). I guess at one point I was confused, thinking the dog was the romantic partner – but I understand that was his way of respecting privacy.

This Is Water and The Broadwater

This Is Water is award winning musician Rain Perry’s retelling of her history growing up in California as a white woman and being aware of the effects of segregation laws. The plot follows as she sits down to write her album and shuffles through her own lineage. On stage she is seated at a desk with boxes of pages behind her, a laptop which projects her research onto the backdrop, and a personal assistant who helps with organization. The action takes place during the pandemic, as she reminisces on her parents who had been cheering on Barack Obama before his election and is currently seeing the effects of the Black Lives Matter protests nationwide. This show is highly relevant for our time, with the ICE raids going on as we speak, and Perry’s experience will resonate with a large audience. “All big social issues are told through a personal story, I wanted to challenge myself to hold myself accountable onstage and hope audiences will do the same.” she writes. I did come in a few minutes late, so I must have missed the introduction. I was a bit confused as to if this show is a work in progress, as she sat on stage with a script, but then realized how that is a piece of the production itself. With others on stage with her, musicians and the assistant, I wondered why she chose not to interact with them as much.

Bathroom Diaries at The Broadwater

I came in not knowing much and appreciate the honesty and vulnerability Christina shares on stage with us; powerful, personal, and an important story to be told. The show follows an only child’s struggles with a bladder condition that later manifests into an eating disorder and alcoholism. Christina sprinkles humor into even her darkest moments, keeping the audience engaged through the different characters she plays.I enjoy seeing personal shows as they can give the viewers a visceral sense of hope. Christina keeps the show’s energy high from the top of the show until the end, and keeps us laughing throughout.I wish more time was spent on the realizations Christina had throughout her journey, what it was like to come to terms with the internal struggles she faced. What was the Belly of the Whale she faced which called for her rebirth? I wondered. It was redeeming that she found love, but I was left with some questions.

Romeo and Juliet in 60 Minutes at The Mcadden Theater

Very enjoyable experience with fantastic performances and good direction! I came into this wanting to dislike it, thinking Shakespeare deserves months if not years of study, yet whatever Colleen has crafted should be shared with more performers and lovers of theater. I came in with the lens of “This group only had a few days to put this together” but whatever predetermined belief I had was surpassed. I liked the quick nature of this style; Shakespeare wrote no subtext and the actors performed it in such a way that was easy to understand. I liked the fight choreography and how all parts of the stage was used. I really wish Mercutio’s Queen Mab monologue made the cut.

Venus in Fur at The Broadwater Mainstage

One of the best shows I have seen all year! The play is about a casting session that intertwines with the personal lives of these characters, juggling with themes of gender, power, and desire. The play runs 90 minutes and not a moment is dull. The play is full of dynamic chemistry, boundaries being blurred, and control being pulled in many directions. Phenomenal performances, a show that looks ready for a professional run. Bryan McKinley as Thomas and Rachael Meyers as Vanda, both give masterful performances. I like how the actors both play with power so well. The physical intimacy on stage is so thoughtfully precise. Lighting shifted the mood as well and the set had many layers to it. There is nothing I did not like in the show itself, but our show went a little overtime. I missed the uber to my next show and only got to see 5 shows today. Maybe that is just a testament into how we, as audience members, fall into doing whatever we are told; a theme in the show.

June 8, 2025

review, reviews, shakespeare, theatre, writing
Hollywood Fringe Festival, day 2

Soft Animal at The Broadwater

The history of human evolution in about 45 minutes: exceedingly hilarious, phenomenal, one of the best shows I will see this season! George Aivaliotis communicates through clown work and physical comedy, creating an immersive, psychedelic, variety one-man show. Aivaliotis has such great energy and connects with the audience throughout the show. Quick and hilarious costume changes that occur, images that will not leave my mind – on a positive note. True theater magic in which the performer rolls with what the audience gives him. Absurdist theater that is about everything and nothing at the same time. Maybe a small issue, but I believe there are specific ways to hold a prop gun on stage. I could be mistaken, but otherwise everything was great.

The Club of Broken Fasts at The Broadwater

What a delightful show and terrific ensemble piece! Come see this show for a fun time. I don’t know much about this theater company but it feels like my high school self’s dream come true, retellings of modern classics in a Shakespearean style (hence the About the Project written in iambic pentameter).Broken Fasts = Breakfast, The Breakfast Club! It’s an interesting concept. A co-director stepped in for a missing actor, last minute, but not a beat was missed! I liked the way the actors worked with the needed accommodations was top notch professionalism. Hilarious translation of classic lines from The Breakfast Club, such as, “Eat you my shorts!” and more. Great use of the set and lighting, theater that felt magical through the way they conducted transitions between scenes. Well-crafted characters with phenomenal execution. Everything had extreme detail to it.

And What of the Children at The Broadwater

A very intense, emotional-driven show. Themes that might be deeply disturbing but important to bring to the stage. Haunting, sinister, and uncomfortable at times, but you become interested in these character’s lives. Twists that will have audiences gripping their seats! I liked the transitions between scenes; not to give any spoilers, but I thought it was very creative and took us inside the minds of the characters in a way I have not seen before. I liked the juxtaposition of the tough themes and Hanna playing the voice of reason. I could not tell the relationship of Scott to the other actors by the way he behaved. Once it was revealed he was the older brother, I remained confused. The energy was low throughout the play, it seemed, and at times I wanted these characters to fight harder for their goals. The play began with a few light moments of humor but remained dark for the rest of the show, leaving little room for humanity and connection.

Amazing Sex Life of Rabbits at The Broadwater

Smart, hilarious, and surprisingly biting comedy that plays like a Christopher Durang fever dream. A simple concept at the start, but a play that examines class, relationships, and the needs between partners.A remarkably fun show with strong characters, sharp writing, excellent story, and a great dynamic between the characters. Very enjoyable show, the house was full and not a beat was missed. Top tier performances, hilarious physical comedy, and full of surprises. These actors all knock it out of the park! Strong characters, great chemistry and dynamic between the actors, and an excellent story. Some of the characters feel a little malleable. You find yourself, as the audience, questioning their choices. The show answers its own questions rather than leaving the audience to think about these themes.

June 7, 2025

comedy, movies, review, reviews, theatre
Hollywood Fringe Festival, day 1

All Cats Go To Hell by Mandy Rubeli is an incredible production. It starts with children playing in the streets but leads to mythological proportions. Mandy Rubeli is such a fantastic writer, the play follows great structure and each character is fantastically layered. Thought provoking themes that include death, grief, and the afterlife. The show leaves you with visceral feelings, a range that begins from laughing with each other line, to a the eerie feelings the play offers. Great performances and great chemistry between the actors; although they played characters much younger than themselves (I believe), they were able to find the guiding force behind each character. Without giving spoilers, I will say that I liked how each character develops throughout the play. I love the physicality on stage, how each actor is able to embody the environment. The less you know, of this play, going in, the better.

Tales of the Ancient East by Antony Zioni is a short, 45 minute show, at the Hudson Theater. This was a fun experience, a spectacle that will leave you entranced. A one-man rock opera about the Old Testament. Antony Zioni put together a very ambitious project with a stunning production design. Too much fog made for a nice spectacle but felt a bit claustrophobic for the viewer. I did not really follow the story, felt like there was too much going on. Long transitions/blackouts made me wonder if this must be done as a one-person show. It is a great start, there is much passion in this project.

Murder, Oops! by Molly Sharpe at The Broadwater; Sharpe really owns the stage, through endless energy, with the various characters she plays in this show! The play begins with a character who finds her This show is non-stop laughs and will go places you would not imagine. Highly entertaining! She greeted us outside and talked to us all the way throughout the beginning of the show. This truly feels like a show that no one else but Molly can do. I enjoyed the numerous times she breaks the fourth wall and makes the show interactive. The minimalism in this show works.

June 6, 2025

review, reviews, theatre, tv, writing
Time to get active again

The Fringe Festival begins later this week and it is my prime inspiration for openning up this webpage. Last year, I had my journal out and wrote about each show; this year I will be contributing to the site – which was created shortly after June. I am looking forward to seeing shows, as I already have 39-40 shows booked! Hoping to get others to see shows too.

June 4, 2025
44 the Musical at The Kirk Douglas Theater

44 The Musical, now playing at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City, is a wildly entertaining, high-energy romp through the Obama presidency that keeps the laughs coming from start to finish. Writer, director, and lyricist Eli Bauman orchestrates the production with a confident hand, delivering a show so sharp and quick-witted that you barely have time to catch your breath between punchlines.

The show is a masterclass in political satire, with an unmistakably left-leaning lens. Bauman doesn’t shy away from making his point, and characters like Ted Cruz (played by Michael Uribes) and Herman Cain (Dino Shorté) are portrayed with hilarious, over-the-top flair. The jokes land hard, and the satire is biting—but always playful, never mean-spirited. The musical numbers are cleverly written and expertly performed, blending commentary with just the right amount of absurdity.

The play looks at the Obama presidency through the lens of Joe Biden, which already sounds comedic. I will say that, at first, I felt the story lacked structure. It began with various monologues setting up exposition for the play, reminiscent to that of an Ancient Greek chorus, and then scenes which felt like different episodes out of a sketch show. Needless to say, the story did build up and themes played throughout the show. T.J Williams as Barack Obama and Chad Dorick as Joe Biden led outstanding performances and made a strong comedic duo.

What sets 44 apart is how well the cast manages to sidestep the trap of impersonation. Rather than mimic the real-life political figures they portray, each actor builds a distinct, stylized character, leaning into caricature without losing nuance. It’s a smart choice that adds depth to the comedy and makes the satire all the more effective. Shoutout to Summer Nicole Greer who played different ensemble characters and showed remarkable ability to stay captivating on stage and exceed with musical talent.

The ensemble is uniformly strong, showcasing a high level of talent in singing, dancing, and acting. Transitions are seamless, the choreography crisp, and the energy electric. Whether belting a solo or diving into a tightly coordinated ensemble number, the cast delivers with precision and enthusiasm.

For audiences who lean progressive, 44 The Musical will feel like a home run. It’s cheeky, subversive, and just the right amount of ridiculous. But above all, it’s a joy to watch—an uproarious, well-crafted piece of musical theater that wears its politics on its sleeve and its heart onstage.

May 9, 2025

musical, reviews, theatre
To Each Their Own presented by Art Crush LA

Just getting back from To Each Their Own, a new play written by Travis Williams, and still gripping my seat from the plot twists and gritty, raw performances the show has to offer. The story follows a trio of bank robbers as trust and loyalty become jeopardized. Highly recommend this production! A visceral experience of the life of bank robbers, behind the scenes. Really good direction by Brooklyn Sample that allows no beat in the play to go wasted, and excellent writing by Travis Williams (who also appears in the show) that gives these characters well-developed back stories and internal motivations. The play is set in the interior of a bar, the Tito Tavern in Ohio. The play worked very well in this small and intimate space, allowing the ‘action’ to occur off-stage with the characters reconvening throughout the show. I think this type of show could be done at a big stage, or a small one as this. The props are used very purposefully placed and used by the characters. Choreography, by Marc Antonio Pritchett, was well-done too.

I thought the characters were well-written, had detailed histories, relationships, and backstories. The actors did a good job of bringing the characters to life, and each character gets their moment. William Wilson, who plays Doug, carries the intensity of the play and finds meaning within each word; creating a very personable character whose pain commands the stage. James Lemire, who plays Benny, brings an authenticity and humor into the plot; giving the most honest performance through simplicity. Tabitha Trosen, who plays Bailey, steals the hearts of the audience and portrays reason in this trio. Travis Williams and Jason Madera steal the show with their supporting roles, giving the show different flavors in their own, unique way. Madera had us laughing at each of his moments.

One thing my friend stated that stuck with me, is that these characters did not dress visibly poor. Everyone makes choices about how they dress during the day, so why did these characters choose to dress that way? In thinking more about the socioeconomic state of the characters of the play, I feel that the actors embodied the high stress levels of poverty — but I can agree that they looked too good. The costume choices gave it a noir feel, so I am undecided on whether costume choices hurt or helped the production.

I am very excited to see where this play, and each of these performers, writer, and director are headed. This seems to be Travis’s debut as a playwright in Los Angeles and, well, it is outstanding. Whether this production lives outside of this space or the creators move on to different works, I will keep them in my mind. The play runs 90 minutes with one intermission. To Each Their Own presented by Art Crush LA will play at the Atwater Village Theater through May 4, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Visit www.artcrush.la for more details.

April 26, 2025

review, reviews, theatre, theatre-review, writing
Memory Lane is a Desert Road by Eight Ball Theatre (Zephyr Theater)

Memory Lane is a Desert Road is a very special show that will stay in my memory for a long time. Memory Lane felt very personal and captured universal elements as well. The show illuminates a Nubian-American’s search for self in a tapestry of photographs, memories, and history. The plot uses Mark’s photographs to travel throughout different historical events in the middle east, as a white man, through Fatima’s experience of them. I was so surprised to find out that Nemma Adeni was not the writer as well, based on how truthful and personal each line felt. Also, I was surprised that her father, Wiley Sutton, was not her actual father, based on the chemistry they created. The writing, too, was rich and poetic. Adeni and the ensemble powered through the show, stayed present with each moment, and played a range of storytelling. I loved how seamlessly each actor transitioned into different characters and brought humor to the story. They did well in creating layered dialogue during synchronization of lines — good work with representations of parallel timelines on stage. Jack Cain charmed every moment with intention.

Amazing use of the entire set, terrific direction by Sarah Showich! Really loved how the set design was interactive for the actors throughout the show; the photos came to life by their placements on stage. The actor’s movements exemplified different terrains. Themes included finding your identity, easy travel access being white, and the middle east conflict. Highly recommend this important piece of theater, playing through April 14th at the Zephyr Theater.

April 5, 2025
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (The Pantages Theater)

I hate to support big theater but here we are. I was thoroughly entertained by Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at The Pantages Theater, particularly for its scenic design and visual effects which were truly magical. Needless to say, I am reminded of how Martin Scorsese called Marvel movies “theme park cinema”. This was the Marvel of the stage, certain aspects exceeded what theater-goers are used to — and now I think, where do we go from here?

The characters and performances were charming, the story was entertaining. The spectacle might be too spectacular to suspend disbelief, but it did work. Nothing too deep to write about here; I think it was worth the price of the ticket and kids will love it. I’m surprised to see a non-musical at The Pantages Theater but this one came out on top. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will be playing at the Pantages Theater through June 22, 2025 – I do recommend it!

April 4, 2025
Bat Boy The Musical by Open Fist Theater Company

I have long been a fan of the work by Open Fist Theater Company and their productions are getting better and better. Bat Boy The Musical is one of the best shows I have seen all year, so far, and all of the rave reviews I have been are correct. Bat Boy is a musical written by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming with music by Laurence O’Keefe. If you had the chance to see Amber Ruffin’s Bigfoot! The Musical some years ago, then this show is of similar style. Knowing nothing, I thought it would be a prequel to Batman, but it’s actually about a humanoid bat who was found in a cave by 3 teenagers. Themes of discrimination and a battle of self are heavy in the plot. He becomes adopted by a family and learns to fit in with society while wrestling with his shadow self.

I loved how immersed the actors were in their roles. As an audience member, I lost myself in the world created by the director, Pat Towne. Loved the choreography which actors added their own flavors to the various characters. Loved the live music that balanced out perfectly with the performers. This is such a good ensemble that I feel like it would be antithetical to name any specific actor, as all actors stood out.

Bat Boy plays through April 14th at the Open Fist in Atwater Village Theater. You don’t want to miss this!

March 30, 2025