review - Sam Harris & Friends

Sam Harris has perfected a pretty good stand-up act over the years. He loves to expound on everything from show business and Liza Minnelli ... to surgeries and artificial body parts ... to dieting and even whine about how a toddler can radically alter one's comfortable lifestyle...he's into sharing news, issues, trends, gossip...take his New Year's resolutions over the course of three years: "Don't look back!...Don't look!...Don't." In there somewhere is a valuable lesson on how to downsize. Wait a minute, does all this jabber need a point? Even if he says absolutely nothing, Harris' greatest talent is to entertain, to put on a  show. And that he blessedly does. As witnessed by Saturday evening's joyful Sam Harris & Friends on the El Portal Mainstage, boy oh boy, he can also still SING! So can all of his guests: Tony winner Levi Kreis, David Burnham, Todd Schroeder and Olivier/Ovation winner Lesli Margherita. It's been a while since I've seen this much overwhelmingly glorious talent assembled on one stage.

The format was songs, patter, songs by Harris, followed by a guest spot, and at the end of the 2+ hour show, which included a 20 minute intermission, everyone got together onstage for a countdown to midnight, "Auld Lang Syne", and as in New York's Finest, The Leading Men of Broadway, which Harris directed last September at the Ford, everyone sat informally semicircle and shared feelings through songs. Highlights included, from Harris: a rousing "I'm Still Here" and "If I Could Change the World", a beautiful "I Love You More"dedicated to his little boy, followed by a hilarious 360 degree comedic turn by Margherita singing "Children" a Jackie Hoffman parody advocating an intense dislike of little tykes. There followed a sizzling, dueling duet of "Stormy Weather" between Harris and Margherita. Levi Kreis shined on "Hallelujah, I Just Love Her So" at the piano a la Jerry Lee Lewis, who he played to a Tony Award as Best Featured Actor in 2010's Million Dollar Quartet, then a personally haunting rendition of "Not While I'm Around" from Sweeney Todd. What versatility and quiet charisma! Todd Schroeder, who accompanied throughout the show except when Kreis sat at the piano, offered a delightful "I Feel Mischievous" at the top of Act II, followed by David Burnham's electric appearance with a soaring "Feeling Good" and the lesser known "Run Away with Me" from The Unauthorized Biography of Samantha Brown. Burnham and Kreis brought down the house with a duet they also performed at the Ford "For Good" from Wicked; Margherita shared a remarkably offbeat "Rainbow Connection" and Harris, a lovely "Over the Rainbow". They closed fervently with "Fly Away". Harris also glowed with a magnificent "Swanee" in recognition of Al Jolson, whom he will essay in a Broadway-bound musical in 2012, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and the rarely heard "Everyone's Gone to the Moon", following his hilarious reading of an otherwise shocking list of happenings culled from 2011's news headlines. He also paid hommage to Liza and their show together Schmoolie Minoolie with a fun parody of "Razzle Dazzle" from Chicago.


What a fantastically memorable evening of comedy and song from all 5 performers! Praise as well to Pegge Forrest and Jay Irwin who did a bangup job producing the evening that included two shows, refreshments, as well as hats and favors and dancing after the second show. Bravo!

Sam Harris & Friends at the El Portal a Great Way to Spend New Year's Eve

Tony Winner Levi Kreis

star Harris looking svelte having lost 25 pounds

lesli margherita, sam harris, me and levi kreis; not pictured david burnham & todd schroeder

review above!

re Year End List for 2011

I've been sharing my list for the last couple of years with BWW, and I am increasingly amazed at all the comments from people who read my reviews and opinions. Healthy that some agree and some disagree. This year more than one person mentioned at least a half dozen plays and performances I should have seen, stating that they belong on every list. I wish I had had the time to see them all.
Let me make one thing clear: I am a one-man band. I see 4/5 plays a week every week throughout the year, but with all the theatre in LA, I am only seeing a small percentage. It would take 10-12 reviewers to cover everything that is out there. I wish I could see more, but it's impossible.
One thing that does make me truly happy is that there exists in LA a serious passion for good theatre, in spite of what New Yorkers think. Yes, world, LA does have good theatre - some great... and some truly wonderful talent, and more and more people are recognizing that and standing up to share their views. Bravo!
I'm so proud to be a small part of it.

Happy New Year!
http://grigwarereviews.blogspot.com/2011/12/grigware-picks-eddon-awards-2011-best.html

Grigware Picks The Eddon Awards 2011: The Best in LA Theatre

Click below to see full list of awards!
http://grigwarereviews.blogspot.com/2011/12/grigware-picks-eddon-awards-2011-best.html

news - Vicki Lewis Has Special New Christmas EP

Vicki Lewis, best known to audiences for her role as Beth on the hit NBC comedy Newsradio, as well as her work in feature length animation (Finding Nemo, Alpha and Omega) and for her star turns as Velma Kelly in the Broadway production of Chicago and as Gloria Thorpe in the Broadway revival of Damn Yankees announces the release of an EP of four Christmas songs titled Santa’s Little Helper, with all of the proceeds from sales of the EP going to support the Los Angeles organization Project Angel Food.


Project Angel Food’s mission is to nourish the body and spirit of men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Project Angel Food volunteers and staff cook and deliver free and nutritious meals prepared with love throughout Los Angeles, acting out of a sense of urgency because hunger and illness do not wait. They deliver more than 13,000 meals every week to people in need.

Santa’s Little Helper features vocals by Ms. Lewis, and music direction and piano accompaniment by Richard Berent. Berent also lends vocals to the duet “Baby it’s Cold Outside.” Additional tracks are the holiday favorites “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Silent Night”, along with an original composition by Berent and Douglas Braverman titled “The Twelve Nights of Christmas”, a hilarious and slightly naughty send up of the classic “Twelve Days of Christmas”. The EP is available now for digital download on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. It was produced, mixed and mastered by Philip G. Allen, with the original studio recording engineered by Ashburn Miller at Entourage Studios in North Hollywood, CA.

Congratulating Shoshana Bean on Her Opening Night of Cinderella as Fairy Godmother

review below!

review - The Gayest Christmas Pageant Ever!

CRITIC'S PICK

The Gayest Christmas Pageant Ever!

by Joe Marshall

directed by Paul Storiale

Avery Schreiber Theatre

Thursdays, Fridays through December 30

For those who prefer theatre with a message, this is your play; for those who prefer a screamingly funny time, you've also come to the right place - Joe Marshall's The Gayest Christmas Pageant Ever! is now making its West Coast premiere at the Avery Schreiber Theatre. Yes, it's sacrilegious, irreverent, so no one is spared, yet it's a play with a whole lot of tolerance and love for everyone. With a tightly-knit cast and meticulous direction from Paul Storiale, this Christmas Pageant should run annually for many years to come.

Two lovers Rod and Manny (Dennis Delsing and Charlie Vaughn respectively) run the Triangle Theatre Co in WeHo and decide to present a  Gay Christmas Pageant as a fundraiser. Manny, without Rod's knowledge/ consent, has pulled in a  famous playwright to mount his show. When the playwright is insulted and abruptly walks out, Manny must resort to a more flagrant, controversial script Rod has written. Then suddenly Rod has an accident on set, and Manny brings in a New York director, (E.D. Brown) who is thoroughly disgusted with the lack of professionalism in the script and the theatre company. But she agrees to stay on, as a favor to the two boys. There's a dizzying audition, an unbelievably arduous rehearsal period and then the horrifying production beset by accidents, bad karma and bad reviews - that inexplicably turns into a great big hit for the theatre, kind of like Springtime for Hitler in The Producers. The script is insulting to homosexuals, to most races and, more urgently, to the whole Christian concept of Christmas. The straight - but gay wannabe, pot-smoking tech man Jim ( a very funny Josh Patton) has a bigoted mother Monica (over-the-top hilarious Debbie Lockhart) who slings out more notorious remarks than Don Rickles and Rodney Dangerfield combined. There is nothing held back in this hoot 'n holler play; hard to find a virgin at orgy's end.

Paul Storiale has marvelously staged 18 actors in the long but narrow black box stage, and the entire cast are having a riproaring time. Apart from those already mentioned, praise as well goes to Garrett Braddock as Spike/Fromage, William Cutting, Geo Santini as a very affable Je sus, Jen McGlone, Eljaye Montenegro, Sean Cameron Young, Allyson Mandelbaum, Matt Wiley, and every other actor who trods these boards. Marshall's script is deliciously scathing and the entire company bring it orgiastically to life.

Those who object to the show have difficulty looking within and laughing at what they see. The play's message? Love who you are and translate that into the work! This is a total love of theatre at its fragile best!

5 out of 5 stars

http://www.averyschreibertheatre.com/

Judy Garland Christmas Show

(DJ Schaefer as Bea Arthur and Peter Mac as Judy Garland)

http://grigware.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-judy-garland-christmas-special.html

review - Cinderella Panto

Here's last year's review: Additional comments about this year's version appear at the bottom.
                         CRITIC'S PICK :  A Modern Musical Extravaganza

           Cinderella

             The Family Fun Christmas Show

             written by Kris Lythgoe

     choreography by Mark Ballas

               directed by Bonnie Lythgoe

                El Portal Mainstage

               through December 19

This sparkling new version of the classic fairytale Cinderella is a joy for adults and kids alike. In fact, it's done in the style of a British Panto(short for Pantomime), which has nothing to do with silent mime, but is classified as a winter comedy with music hall or vaudeville sensibility and enough audience participation to make it raucous and fun for the entire family. The Lythgoe Family's new entertainment @ the El Portal is certainly that, judging by audience reactions on the day I attended. Everyone was cheering, booing and participating in top form making for a fun-filled afternoon.

There's a sort of interlocutor or narrator Buttons (Benny Harris) who breaks the fourth wall and talks to the audience, the kids in particular, and gets them to root for Cinderella (beautiful Veronica Dunne) and hiss the ugly wicked stepsisters Cowel (Eddie Driscoll) and Seecrest (Mark Edgar Stephens). In this story, there's a Baron (Jerry Mathers) who is father to Cinders and the two uglies. Of course, there's a fairy godmother (Jennifer Leigh Warren), a handsome Prince (Freddie Stroma) and his attendant Dandini (James May) and Little Man as Blitzen, a real live pony who glides Cinderella's carriage to the ball. Harris is wonderfully entertaining and sympathetic as Buttons, Mathers is his characteristically confused Beaver Cleaver, Warren sings beautifully as Fairy, and Dunne and Stroma make a gorgeous couple; even May as the attendant has some cute comical moments, but it's Driscoll and Stephens who steal the show as the campy evil stepsisters, whose bawdy inuendos will delight parents and go right over the heads of the wee ones. They'll be too busy laughing at their excessively gaudy appearance to pick up on the adult jokes.

QDos Entertainment UK is responsible for the lovely sets and great costumes, especially the over-the-top outfits for Cowel and Seecrest; Mark Ballas' choreography is winning with tiny tots dancing around the stage with the grace of sugar plum fairies. And the original music is bright, bubbly and uplifting.

This is the show to see this holiday season - one that will delight the entire household. It's Cinderella like you've never seen it before: you'll laugh yourselves silly! The British tradition has arrived, and will soon become an American one as well!
5 out of 5 stars
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
2011 boasts a brand new cast with two returning from 2010: the captivating Veronica Dunne is back as Cinders and Mark Edgar Stephens, so funny last season as Seecrest this year tackles Cowel. New additions are Fred Willard as the Baron, Shoshana Bean as Fairy, Jeff Sumner as Seecrest, Todd Buonopane as Buttons, David Hernandez as Dandini, and Nico Evers-Swindell as the Prince- each and every one bringing his own special talent to the fore. Production team is the same as before, and this Cinderella remains a really fun show for kids of all ages, not as terribly bawdy as some would prefer, but, first and foremost, family friendly.
Until January 8, 2012!

review - Fruitcake Follies

Leslie Carrara & Lolly (Lardpop), James Gray & Dena Drotar

Fruitcake Follies 2011: what silly fun!

Like my yamaka? Hand crocheted by Cindy Abrahms.

The Fruitcake Follies has been a tradition for the past 13 years - oops! unlucky number...naaah, I feel lucky every time I'm there in the basement of the Mexican restaurant - Casita del Campo -  with James Gray, Momma, Eric Seppala, and this year's regulars Sandy Fox and Dena Drotar. Special guests for the closing night Tuesday December 20 were Cindy Abrahms - the no-talent lady who crochets, sort of like a kindly Madame DeFarge as she surveys the silliness of what's going on, tossing out handmade yamakas (see mine in the photo above), and Leslie Carrara of Sesame Street with her adorable pet Lolly, Beaver and other little eye-popping creatures.

This year's theme was an old-fashioned Christmas vs. a modern one? with Gray winning out for the old-fashioned side. As usual, he served as Host, Momma was assigned costumes, Seppala decorations, Drotar was to be in charge of the cheer department and Fox, fun and games. The set was delightfully new this year, and with Seppala's added change in decor, down came the wallpaper to the strains of "We Need a Little Christmas". Fox played a very funny game of charades with two contestants one of whom was too inebriated to even stand - Drotar had been refilling every one's margarita glasses, as well as making the special brownies Gray kept eating throughout Act I. By Act II, he fell into a stoned heap, awaking only to watch some scenes from favorite movies like White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer to which he and the cast were deliciously added, especially cute as little animals underfoot in Rudolph... Drotar did a knockout "Surabaya Santa", Seppala played a trio with "Hey, Santa", Leslie and Lolly a precious "Silent Night". Momma did a fun "Silver Bells" to the words "SilverLake", "Santa Baby" and "Santa Lost a Ho!" with Fox and threw some cookies she had baked into those grubby little paws of audience members. The first act closer of "Jingle Bells" and "Sleigh Ride" rolled into one with the whole cast dressed as elves was a visually resplendent treat.

Gray is so inventive and creative and each Follies is unique and fun-filled. I can't wait for the Firecracker Follies to celebrate the 4th of July for two weeks in June of 2012! Don't miss this nutty, silly crew of zanies in June and December of each and every year!

momma really does have milk ... and cookies for santa

review - White Christmas

CRITIC'S PICK
Irving Berlin's White Christmas The Musical
book by David Ives and Paul Blake
music & lyrics by Irving Berlin
choreographed by Randy Skinner
directed by Norb Joerder
@ Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Segerstrom Hall, Costa Mesa
through January 1, 2012

White Christmas is always a treat on film (1954) and even brighter on stage. The touring and original Broadway productions, which played Los Angeles only once at the Pantages, in 2005 were gloriously directed by Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Randy Skinner, who turns the second act opener "I Love a Piano" into one of the most inventive & lively tap sequences ever.

Now on stage at Segerstrom Hall, Costa Mesa the new touring company under the banner Theatre of the Stars Atlanta has supplied this production with meticulous director Norb Joerder, and wisely brought back Randy Skinner for his brilliant Tony Award nominated choreography. The sturdy acting company makes this production a sublimely frothy confection playing through New Year's Day January 1, 2012.

Stephen R. Buntrock (Bob Wallace), David Elder (Phil Davis), Stefanie Morse (Betty Haynes) and Shannon M. O'Bryan (Judy Haynes) give diliriously energizing performances and with Tony Lawson (Sheldrake), Joseph Costa (General Henry Waverly), the ever-resourceful and resilient Ruth Williamson (Martha Watson) and Caroline Farley (Suzie) offering consistently steady support, the ensemble is top-notch. Praise as well to Melinda Cowan and Amanda Paulson as the silly laugh.at.anything dancers Rita and Rhoda and to Richard Pruitt as Ezekiel who is drop dead funny even when he keeps his mouth shut.

Irving Berlin's standards are some of the best songs ever written, and the show contains many not used in the film. The stage score includes: "Sisters", "Happy Holiday", "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy", "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep", "Blue Skies", "How Deep Is the Ocean", "I've Got My Love to Keep me Warm" and of course, "I Love a Piano" and the title tune. Ives' and Blake's book stays faithful to the original film story, and although thin on plot, corny and sentimental, it's one of the most heartwarming pieces of fluff in existence. And youngsters are going to see it, so, irregardless of what they think or say, its legacy lives on. Bravo!

Skinner has scaled down his original choreography on "...Piano", but even pared, it has its own special zing. Kenneth Foy has adapted the original scenic design superbly and Carrie Robbins' costumes are breathtakingly beautiful.

Don't miss this glorious White Christmas now on stage through January 1 only in Costa Mesa! It's worth the drive.

5 out of 5 stars

www.scfta.org

review - GMCLA's Naughty & Nice

GMCLA (Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles) annually present the best holiday concert in town. Honoring both Chanukah and Christmas, this year's show entitled Naughty & Nice was most definitely more nice than naughty with special guest artist Melissa Manchester at the top of her form. There were most definitely fun shenanigans though in the mildly naughty department. Take for example the off-center"Chanukah in Santa Monica", the raucous stomp number "Christmas This Year" closing the first half, and those Malibu Monks doing their unbelievably dextrous thing by turning over those lyric cards with split-second timing on the "Hallelujah Chorus" (see photo below).

There was also a delightful "Mr. Grinch" sung out with the delicious flavor of streetcorner barbershop harmony (Greg Knotts, DJ Pick, Ken Harned and David Sperber) and an electric closing "Joyful, Joyful" by Kudwig Van Beethoven as performed in the film Sister Act 2 with some great original choreography by Michael Peters (photo below). On the nice side nothing was more beautiful sounding than Richard Carpenter's arrangement of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" as performed regally by trio Curtis Foreman, Chris Etscheid and Louis Ramirez with Ethan Lin on flute.

Manchester was at her glorious best making four separate entrances with three costume changes singing her signature "Whenever I Call You Friend", "Midnight Blue", the heartfelt "A Mother's Prayer" and a simply lovely "Cradle in Bethlehem" by Bryan Alfred.

There was also a fun singalong segment of bells tunes that included "Sleigh Ride", "Silver Bells" and "Jingle Bells". Kudos to artistic director/conductor E. Jason Armstrong for consistently fine work.

Maybe there was more nice than naughty, but that's just fine, as GMCLA is the nicest, most versatile chorus around bar- none...and whatever they do, they do it better than anyone else. I can't wait for Christmas 2012.

review - The Judy Garland Christmas Special

Peter Mac as Judy Garland is motivation enough to go on down to the Gardenia for a fun-filled evening of  entertainment, and with Christmas fast approaching, what could be more pleasurable than a stroll down memory lane and TV's delightfully homespun The Judy Garland Christmas Special. In that very show audience get to see a really youngish Liza Minnelli (Glory Gale), a young Lorna Luft (Alissa Cote) and little brother Joey Luft (not so little David Marker). And very special guest star - this was pre Golden Girls - Bea Arthur (D. J. Schaefer), who camps it up buddy-style with la Garland.

In this delicious parody of the TV special, we hear offstage voices like that of Joan Crawford, trashing Garland's maid for offering her a wire-hanger for her coat, and that of a chastising Kate Hepburn coaxing Crawford to the bar. The offstage dialogue gives Mac opportunity to make a quick costume change and come literally spinning back as none other than the Ghost of Christmas Future - an older Liza Minnelli - who, in a dream sequence duets with the younger Liza (Gale) on a sizzling "Steam Heat". Schaefer has a ball as Arthur asking Garland frequently about the booze, and singing a cute "White Christmas" out of which come more than a few zingers about Be White - B. White,  get it, Betty White. In case you didn't know Bea hated Betty, for God only knows what reason. Mac and Schaefer duet blissfully on "Jingle Bells", "It Happened in Sun Valley", "Winter Wonderland", "Happy Holidays", and "There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays". Other highlights include: Cote singing in precocious Luft style "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town", Marker doing a very sweet "Where Is Love?" from Oliver, Mac essaying a lovely "O Holy Night", "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and, sharing a wish Garland made at 41 in 1960 to Santa Claus with super musical director Bryan Miller, an engaging "All I Want for Christmas Is a One Night Stand at Carnegie Hall". Garland's actual appearance there came in 1961 and what a great plug for Mac to get in that 2011 is the 50th anniversary of that unforgettable concert! Of course, the kids encourage mama to end with everyone's all time favorite "Over the Rainbow".

What a grande way to spend a pre-holiday evening, camping up the 60s with Garland! You have two more chances to visit the incomparable Peter Mac: tonight Friday December 16 and tomorrow Saturday December 17. Remember: the Gardenia at 9 pm! Don't miss The Judy Garland Christmas Special, which I'm told, will have some extra special added surprise guests!

call for reservations:

(323) 467-7444

review - Fela

RECOMMENDED
Fela
book by Jim Lewis & Bill T. Jones
music and lyrics by Fela Anikulapo Kuti
directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones
Ahmanson Theatre
through January 22, 2012

"Original: No Artificiality" intones in song Sahr Ngaujah as Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Nigerian multi-instrumentalist musician and human rights activist (1938-1997). Originality in everything was indeed what Kuti represented. He travelled the world and not only brought innovations to music with his Afrobeat, but also through exposure to American Black Power attempted to fight European imperialism and 'change the world'. He unsuccessfully ran for President of Nigeria. In 1977 his mother Funmilayo (Melanie Marshall) was violently assassinated and his wives brutally attacked and raped by the Nigerian military. Despite rejection and humiliation, he never gave up fighting until his death in 1997.

Now on stage at the Ahmanson, Kuti's passion for his music, his people and his country is kept fiercely alive through the Tony nominated performance of Sahr Nguajah. This man is nothing short of amazing. He acts, dances, sings, plays the saxophone and trumpet and leads audience participation with an unrelenting energy and fervor that become contagious. Due to the extreme demands of the role, Fela is double cast with Adesola Osakalumi alternating with Ngaujah at certain performances.

Were it not for Fela, we would perhaps not come to know very much about the Nigerian culture in the 70s and 80s - the excruciating pain and suffering that Kuti's people endured at the hands of the Nigerian government, overrun by corporate greed ... and their  customs, starkly primitive, yet stimulating nonetheless. The actors' words and images with actual newsreel footage on background screens serve to enlighten, but it is Kuti's vibrant music, which was influenced by jazz, Sinatra, James Brown and other internationally popular styles, that grabs our attention throughout. Act I offers the variety Kuti brought to his music, how the horns add so much more to the steady rhythms of the percussion instruments. Act II, with the torture of the women and Funmilayo's death, presents selections of a more spiritual nature, none more gripping than Marshall's stunning interpretation of "Rain" in which she, as Funmilayo, advises Fela from the great beyond.

This piece works so well because of its resplendent ensemble, every member adding character and individuality to the unified whole. Apart from Ngaujah and Marshall, Paulette Ivory as Sandra brings an unstable yet stunning power to the American black woman who educated Kuti about what it meant to be black in a white supremist society. Kuti's other women, called 'whores' by the powers that were, are not only strikingly beautiful, but move, every step, with an attitude that is noticeably alluring and formidable.

Set and costume design by Marina Draghici is indescribably captivating. Some may turn off to the consistently loud quality of much of the music, but few are those who will not be moved by what they see, for it is the strangely exotic nature of Fela that makes it a phenomenal cultural experience.

4 out of 5 stars

news - Some Lovers

@ Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Old Globe, San Diego
new Burt Bacharach musical based on O'Henry's Gift of the Magi

costarring jason danieley & michelle duffy

Song Stylist Cindy White On Hand @ Sterling's To See Thea Gill Perform

along with director David Galligan and choreographer Lee Martino

Thea Gill Offers Stunning Body and Soul

review below!

review - My Three Angels

RECOMMENDED
My Three Angels
by Sam and Bella Spewack
directed by Larry Eisenberg
Group rep, NoHo
through January 15

Sam and Bella Spewack's My Three Angels is one of those black yet heartwarming Christmas comedies, akin to It's A Wonderful Life, that really digs into the underbelly of the human condition. Christmas is never joyful for those facing unsettling economic and personal problems that cry out for even a temporary solution. Remedy? Out of the blue come three uniquely different convicts on a work release program who take jobs with a shopkeeper and his family on Devil's Island. They may begin with menial jobs, but through their darkly scheming, treacherous manner end up producing miracles. Now on stage at Group rep in NoHo, Larry Eisenberg's production of My Three Angels emanates heart and soul guaranteed to make it a truly big hit this holiday season.

These convicts Joseph (Lloyd Pedersen), Jules (Robert Gallo) and Alfred (Garrett Marshall) - three wise men or three stooges? - use crime, even murder, this time to the advantage of the Ducatel family (Doug Haverty, Julia Silverman and Kelsi Zahl) who must salvage their business from the cruel upper hand of evil cousin Henri Trochard, bent on closing down their shop. Felix (Haverty) is a self-described honest man but hardly a resourceful businessman, allowing far too much credit to customers like Madame Parole (Hersha Parady), who take advantage of his generosity. Marie Louise (Zahl) happens to be in love with Trochard's nephew Paul (Daniel Sykes), but Trochard has promised Paul's hand in marriage to the daughter of a wealthy family, creating a further gap in family ties between Trochard and the Ducatels. The three handymen proceed to interfere intensely in every matter of the family's business, which naturally is none of their business, but in spite of or rather by means of the mayhem created, things start to turn around surprisingly in the Ducatels' favor.

Eisenberg has wisely cast evenly - every actor suits his role, making for a totally delightful ensemble.

Gallo hasn't been this good in a long time, Pedersen's inherent sense of what works comedically simply shines, and Marshall's take on what Alfred wants and how to get it is just wonderful to watch, even when he fumbles severely. Parady as the stuffy, obnoxious Madame Parole is hilarious, and Zahl as Marie Louise is divine. Her energy is up, up, up, never missing a beat. Winfield is perfectly despiccable as Trochard. Silverman does well in lending care and support in a rather thankless role as wife Emilie. Sykes is at his best in his dying moments as Paul, and Haverty lends Felix a tough, optimistic upper chin. Director Eisenberg really brings out the charm in this piece, and Chris Winfield's set is one of Group rep's most colorful and spot.on, as are the beautiful costumes by Angela Eads. One note: the angelic trio could be more playful ; the sillier they get, the funnier their scheme. Their pacing also needs to be consistently bright throughout.

With too many presentations and adaptations of A Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life around town, it's a refreshing change to see a holiday play that is rarely produced. My Three Angels is a truly fine offering from Group rep, one of their very best in quite a while.

4 out of 5 stars

(Photo credit: Sherry Netherland)

mini-review - Jesus on His Way

RECOMMENDED with RESERVATIONS
Jesus on His Way
written & directed by Tai French
The Big Victory 
through December 18


All hell breaks loose when Donna's family come together to celebrate Christmas in Tai French's jubilant Jesus On His Way on stage at the Big Victory in Burbank through December 18. The cast is dyn -o -mite, there are plenty of laughs and ample time to reflect on what forgiveness means in most relationships. My only objections are the over-the-top Hallelujah next to last scene in the play - its religious fervor may be fine in a church, but as is makes the play look like a plug for Christian fanaticism - and, the last scene, which is anti-climactic, destroying much of the credibility already established. There is no way Donna's lover Vaughn would totally change - he is too stubborn and selfish a character, making this otherwise naturalistic play unrealistic.


The cast is superb, as is French's direction, keeping the momentum up, bright and fun to watch. Kudos to Anika C. McFall, La 'Keishia Simon - a hoot as Vita, Ginja Wellington as Gloria, Guy D. Williams, Jahmel A. Holden, Calvin C. Winbush, David Jite and Egbert Bernard for their heartfelt portrayals.


3 out of 5 stars

Troubies' A Christmas West Side Story

matt walker pleased with my comments

beth kennedy did not cut her hair!!

review below!

CABARET review - Thea Gill

On Sunday evening December 11, actress Thea Gill, well known for Showtime's Queer as Folk, made her cabaret debut at Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's. This stunning beauty can really sing and her show entitled Body and Soul allowed her avenues as singer/actress that she truly loves, but has little opportunity to explore.
Directed by David Galligan and with slick choreographic moves by Lee Martino, Gill captivated her audience with a sensuality, style and glamor reminiscent of cabaret's heyday, but now sorely missing. Think the pure sexuality of Lana Turner and the vocal prowess of Ruth Etting, and you come close to the inimitable way Thea Gill presents herself. With fab Grammy Award-winning Gail Deadrick at the piano, Ed Livingstone on bass and Robert Miller on drums, the 65-minute set could not have been smoother.

Highlights included: "Shakin' the Blues Away", "You Took Advantage of Me", a lovely "Night and Day", the rarely sung but beautiful "I'll Never Stop Loving You" combined with "On a Bus to St. Cloud", "It's All Right With Me", "My Man", a terrific rendition of "Ten Cents a Dance" where Gill payed tribute to Ruth Etting, and the tile song "Body and Soul". She offered a loving "Something Cool" by Billy Barnes, made famous on record by June Christie, where she told a great story about how Tennessee Williams' Blanche du Bois influenced the atmosphere of the composition and then proceeded to dedicate it to all the Blanches of the world, the role from A Streetcar Named Desire Gill only recently got a chance to play to stellar reviews. There was a meaningful "Our Love Is Here to Stay" by Ira Gershwin and in true holiday spirit, she closed with "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas".

Thea Gill, like the femme fatales of film noir she so loved growing up, is a real PM gal in an AM town. She is ultra beautiful, alluring, and warm. Hopefully she will record this evening of songs that she was born to sing. Brava!

mini-review - Bob Cratchit & Mr. Tightwad

RESERVATIONS
Bob Cratchit & Mr. Tightwad
@ The Secret Rose

Sorry to say, this adaptation (Katrina Wood) of Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol is a major disappointment. The performance was sluggish - at least on the afternoon I attended, and there are no real redeeming qualities for the changes made to the script. If you are attempting to present the story from a different perspective, fine, do that, but make sure there is a reason and that it is completely clear. To add contemporary characters to delight a younger generation - like a rock 'n roll Goth Girl for the Ghost of Christmas Present (nice work from Athena Rose) within the traditional Victorian setting makes no sense. Even having Bob Cratchit narrate doesn't change or enhance anything. The music is OK, but hardly memorable; it needs more buoyancy and hope. I kept asking myself "What's the new twist on this?" The small plot elements changed would be better off left as Dickens wrote them.

On the plus side there's a very enjoyable performance by Foster Walker as Cratchit. His aggressive personality is rather engaging, and the slight conversion to a Scrooge-like nature at play's end is fun to watch. It's a pleasure to see the vibrantly talented Emily Bridges, but she is quite wasted as Nell. Some nice work from the ensemble and excellent staging, but an overall unstimulating presentation that may turn off ardent fans of Charles Dickens.

3 out of 5 stars

review - A Christmas Westside Story

CRITIC'S PICK
A Christmas Westside Story
written & directed by Matt Walker
The Troubies @ the Falcon
through January 15

With such memorable Christmas shows before it like It's a Stevie Wonderful Life, Santa Claus Is Comin' to MOTOWN and Frosty the Snow Manilow, A Christmas Westside Story joins the ranks of the Troubies' very, very best. Why? Because everyone's now classic film favorite A Christmas Story blends perfectly with everyone's favorite music from Westside Story. Both entail the pangs of growing up. What better base for drama? And both depict violence - Westside Story on a bigger scale, but there's assuredly more than a glimmer of it in A Christmas Story.


A Christmas Story is definitely the more humorous of the two works, and it's even funnier when scenes are punctuated with Westside's bigger than life, operatic tunes.To see the Old Man's (Rick Batalla) obscenely silly prize lamp of a sexy feminine leg come to life as Lampy (Monica Schneider) who sings "I Feel Pretty" or to witness the Red Ryer BB Gun come to life as Ralphie's (Matt Walker) true love Red (Katharine Malak) intoning  "One Life" (two hands, one gun) are exhilarating sights that must be experienced first hand... Or when Ralphie's Mom (Leah Sprecher) exclaims "A Toy Like That" (will shoot your eye out), this is but one uproarious laugh of many, many to be heard throughout the evening. Yes, Schwartz' (Robert Petrarcha) tongue sticks to the flagpole, Ms. Shields (Lisa Valenzuela) assigns the now infamous Christmas composition on which Ralphie gets a C+ - You'll shoot your eye out! Farkus (Brandon Breault) and Toady (Christine Lakin) - Gee, Farkus and Toady (to the strains of "Officer Krupke") - attack and fight with Ralphie ("The Rumble"). I can't give everything away, but you should get the picture of how entertaining this little parody truly is.

Also on hand in this fantabulous cast are Beth Kennedy, accomplishing spectacularly funny physical feats as always, as little brother Randy - she has a great Christmas present for Rick Batalla as Old Man to help him stop improvisizing. Everyone is sensational with Batalla the primo example of milking every joke for what it's worth. Eric Heinly on drums serves splendidly as musical director. The set (Matt Jespersen) - with brickwall background for the playground, and  wintry costumes (Naomi Yoshida) are just great. Choreography by Molly Alvarez rocks, especially in "America" and "Triple Dog Dare" to the strains of "Play It Cool". Last but not least, there's Matt Walker. It is because of this man's brilliance as director and artistic director of the Troubadour Theater Company that productions like A Christmas Westside Story exceed expectations.


                                                                                                         5+ out of 5 stars