We took Tuesday off from the Fringe for our third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase at The Mint LA, and it was OFF THE HOOK! Thank you to all the artists that performed – Emily Zuzik, Dree Mon, Jordan Siwek, Constanza Herrero, Brigitte Rios Purdy, Amilia K Spicer, Manda Mosher and The Spider Accomplice. Thanks also to Brie Darling, June Millington and Jean Millington aka Fanny Walked the Earth, as well as Cherie Currie, for reminding us of our rock and roll history. It was such an honor to be able to recognize Fanny with the 2019 Icon Award. Special thanks to Kirk and the gang from Blue Élan Records for all of your support, and to the amazing staff at The Mint LA for providing excellent service. We can’t wait for next year.
It was so great to come back to the Fringe last night for some very interesting shows. Here are our reviews.
TITLE OF SHOW: Start Swimming
VENUE: The Broadwater (Main Stage)
REVIEW: This show was different than anything else we have seen this year. The show comes to us from the Edinburgh Fringe, where it received rave reviews. Truthfully, this is the kind of play that you either love or hate, as it espouses strong feelings and passions. It raises a lot of issues as it questions authority and raises the question – can I as an individual change the world. There is no question that the cast believed they could, as they truly left it all on the stage with their passionate performances. Definitely come to this one with an open mind, and be prepared to be wowed by the concept and construction of this play.
RECOMMENDATION: This one is definitely worth checking out. Remaining performances are June 23 at 10 p.m., June 27 at 5 p.m. and June 29 at 1 p.m. Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.
TITLE OF SHOW: The Same Room
VENUE: The Broadway (Studio)
REVIEW: Kelly Pierre has written one of the most compelling shows of HFF19. Scott Golden has captured her intent and directed a show that is worthy of attention, praise and awards. Not only did Pierre write the play, but she appears with the amazing Fringe virgin Sam Sheeks in this outstanding two-hander. The play begs the question – what does it take for us to heal, forgive and have compassion on those with whom we interact? It needs to be experienced, as reviews cannot capture the power and ultimate beauty of this play. Trust us when we tell you that this is truly life-changing theater. Thanks for sharing it with us.
RECOMMENDATION: The Same Room is truly a MUST-SEE at HFF19, and definitely worth checking out. Remaining performances are June 22 at 8 p.m. and June 26 at 10:30 p.m. Although it is sold out, we strongly advise you to get on the waiting list.
TITLE OF SHOW: Meg Jo Beth Amy & Louisa
VENUE: The Broadwater (Blackbox)
REVIEW: Louisa May Alcott is an American literary treasure, and I’m sure she would have loved this interpretation of her book, which is told from the POV of Alcott as she wrote the stories. Tier5 has created a masterpiece of theater that should appeal to just about every living, breathing human, and director Ariel Francoeur captures every nuance of the story, giving his amazing cast everything they need to bring it to life. Musical director Michelle Walker, who also plays Beth, truly adds to the process with original and borrowed music, leading the rest of the cast to bring their all to their performances. Hats off to Hilary Kelman as Louisa, Maya Bhagwat Bassuk as Meg, Nicole Orabona as Jo, Margaret Gorrell as Amy and Walker as Beth are the quintessential Little Women, and they get amazing support from James Cougar Canfield as Niles the Publisher, Pilar Adara as Marmee, Benjamin Cardona as John F. Brooke, and Mel Gonzales as Laurie. Brandon Thomas Martin and Dana Placentra were also brilliant in their myriad of supporting roles.
RECOMMENDATION: If you love modern interpretations of literary classics, or just love great theater, then this show should be at the top of your list. There are only three remaining performances before they head to the Capital Fringe Festival in Washington, DC – June 20 at 5 p.m., June 22 at noon and June 23 at 4:30. Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.