Tag: Theatre Unleashed

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it Theatre Women in Entertainment

HFF18 day 7 – see it or skip it (part 2)

You can find part 1 here.

Our next show was one of our most anticipated shows.  As extreme Die Hard fans who live in Montana, we have never had the chance to catch Theatre Unleashed’s annual Christmas present, and were overjoyed by the prospect of getting to see it at this year’s Fringe.

TITLE OF SHOW:  A Very Die Hard Christmas

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:  We came to this show with high hopes and standards, and were relieved that once again, Theatre Unleashed did not disappoint.  Parody shows will either uplift or alienate fans of the original, and we are proud to say that this show is a definite hit.  From the amazing rewrites of holiday songs to the long list of puns included in the show, the action kept us mesmerized for the entire 90 minutes, which flew by like Christmas morning.  We especially liked the use of the Snowman for Patrolman Powell, and the creative casting methods used by this company that defy logic but which always work.  The only person who seemed typecast was Jim Martyka as Hans Gruber, and anyone who has dealt with him knows I mean this in the best possible way.  We just couldn’t think of anyone else in the Company (except maybe Greg Crafts) that could get away with being such a horrible villain.  Kudos to the amazing ensemble cast for always rising to the top of the fringe.

RECOMMENDATION:  Definitely get off your keister and catch one of the two remaining performances on June 21 at 7:30 p.m. or June 23 at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets are running out, so grab them here.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Sex and the Musical

VENUE:  Three Clubs

REVIEW:  We come to our last show of the weekend, another of our most anticipated shows, and Laura Wiley once again delivers a hit.  We are almost as big a fan of Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha as we are of McClane, and to see this amazing prequel was like a drink of water in a vast desert.  Her cast of Sherry Berg (last year’s Buffy) as Carrie Bradshaw, Emily Craig as Miranda Hobbes, Amanda Hootman as Charlotte York and Alli Miller as Samantha Jones was truly inspired.  I mean, in all of Fringe, who is better equipped to play Samantha than Miller?  The original songs were well written and ably performed by this talented cast, who were supported in their roles by Aaron Matijasic as Stanford Blatch, Reagan Osborne as Allen Prince, Cory Robinson as Mr. Big and Nicholas Rubando as the waiter and Carrie’s editor.  This is definitely a contender for Best Musical of HFF18.

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t miss your chance to see one of the best shows at Fringe.  Catch them on either June 19 or 21 at 11:30 p.m., but be advised, they will sell out.  Grab your tickets today by clicking here.

We’ll be seeing three shows tonight and then taking tomorrow off for the LA Music Critic Awards Winners Showcase.  Details in tomorrow’s reviews.

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it Women in Entertainment

HFF18 day 5 – see it or skip it

We got a slow start yesterday after closing down Three Clubs with the Cherries after a raucous performance of Doctor Nympho vs. The Sex Zombies.  It was great spending time with Sarah Haworth, Schoen Hodges, Alli Miller, Michael Shaw Fisher, Brin Hamblin, Kelly Stevenson and Cory Robinson, as well as the amazing Sarah Chaney, who had been in the cast of Doomsday Cabaret.

Before you know it, it was time to head back for another great night of Fringing, and we had planned to see five shows.  While reviewing our schedule, it occurred to us that we had neglected to schedule one of the shows we really wanted to see, so we had to make some last minute changes to the schedule, which made for a much better night.  Our first stop remained the same, and our evening began at The Broadwater Studio.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Balls’On

VENUE:  The Broadwater Studio

REVIEW:   Katt Balsan is half Russian and Iranian on her mother’s side and French on her father’s side, which gave her an interesting look – exotic muscles.  While she looks like a bodybuilder, she explained that it was all genetics.  Her show took us from her humble roots in France to her current home in Los Angeles, as told through 25 very interesting characters, including several of the Fates.  It was a most original and creative way to explain her life, and the audience loved it.  We were honored to be joined at the show by the Queen of the Solo Show, Jessica Lynn Johnson, as well as one of the premier finds of this year’s Fringe, Lanessa Long.  The packed venue gave Balsan all the energy she needed to turn in a wonderful performance, making us very glad we had chosen to attend her show.  Balsan herself is a ball of energy, and that energy washed over the audience like a tidal wave, completing the circle.  She dedicated the show to her director, the late, great Gary Austin, the founder and original director of The Groundlings, and we are sure he was pleased as well.

RECOMMENDATION:  If you need a quick pick-me-up, then we highly recommend you fit this show into your schedule.  You can still catch her final performance on June 22 at 5 p.m.  You can purchase tickets here.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Glitch

VENUE:  The Broadwater Studio

REVIEW:   We were unprepared for this intense show about mass shootings in our schools.  The premise and story were timely, in light of the outrage over recent occurrences, but the cast seemed likewise unprepared to turn that outrage into a memorable show that would spark change.  The premise was there – a reporter interviewing a young man convicted of killing kids and teachers at his former high school, but they delivered nothing more than a clichéd attempt at portraying these characters.  We were joined at the show by Michael Shaw Fisher, and had the chance to discuss the show afterward.  We both agreed that it would have been better if the reporter had started out neutral and then slowly emerged as outraged, while the cold, calculating criminal needed to have more “mood swings” as he attempted to explain how everything came to pass.  Like The Dangerous Cures of Dr. B, this show left its audience in a daze, as they ran out of the theater looking for escape from the reality of the show’s material.

RECOMMENDATION:  The show could be a powerful tool, but it seriously needs some attention to detail.  It ran over and was too long.  If they fix those problems, then it would be worthwhile.  In the meantime, you should probably skip it.

TITLE OF SHOW:  The Women of Lockerbie

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:   After the previous show, we were in need of some beauty and magic, and we found it in spades in this glorious production.  Wonderfully directed by Jim Blanchette, the story is about closure, and the continued hope that good will overcome evil.  It is set in the hills of Lockerbie, Scotland, where one of the greatest disasters in aviation occurred as 270 souls lost their lives in the terrorist explosion of Pan Am Flight 103.  Leah Verrill, who portrayed the distraught mother, Maddie Livingston, led an amazing cast that included Alan Heitz as her husband Bill, Lisa K. Wyatt as the stalwart Olive Allison, Lize Fenning and Liesl Jackson as her two friends, Ed Ackerman as the American bureaucrat George Jones and Eloise Coopersmith as the well-meaning custodian Hattie.  The show is presented as a Greek tragedy, and very skillfully designed and executed.  It brought us, and we’re sure other audience members, to tears, and is the best thing we have seen at Fringe thus far, truly worthy of the Top of the Fringe award.

RECOMMENDATION:  You simply MUST see this one.  Do whatever it takes to secure tickets to one of the remaining shows on June 17 at 9:30 p.m. or June 20 at 9 p.m.  You can purchase your tickets here.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Met Again

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:   Met Again is the latest in a string of hits that Theater Unleashed has mounted at Fringe.  This show had everything a great Fringe show needs – amazing acting, a compelling story, and a stellar audience, which included my friend and fellow critic Tracey Paleo of Gia on the Move. Julia Plostnieks and Michael Lutheran turned in Tony Award worthy performances as the central characters, and were supported by the likewise stellar acting of Megan Duquette and Graydon Schlichter.  This play showed the power of love as it told the story of a couple that went through a lot of ups and downs during their journey through life and death.  It was beautiful, bittersweet, and gave us hope that we could all find a love like these two shared.  Plostnieks is one of the most talented actresses to ever grace the stage at Fringe, and has consistently turned in amazing performances, especially during [title of show].  She surpassed her previous performances with this one, and is worthy of Best Actress, were such an award given at Fringe.  The pairing of this show with Women of Lockerbie was genius, and gave us a beautiful feeling to end the night.

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t even think about it – this one is a MUST SEE.  Make your plans NOW to attend one of their remaining performances on June 20 at 7:30 p.m. and June 23 at 5 p.m.  Grab your tickets TODAY by clicking here.

Our evening didn’t end there, as we headed back over to Three Clubs to close out the night with the rollicking fun of Cherryoke.  What a fun time, and the hostess was none other than Taylor Baker of Cherry Poppins.  What a fun time was had by all, with amazing performances by such Fringe luminaries as Michael Shaw Fisher, David Haverty, Victoria Watson, and Reagan Osborne, among others.

We’ll be packing in nine shows on Saturday and another five on Sunday, so we won’t be posting any reviews until Monday.  Have a wonderful Father’s Day weekend.  Hope to see you out and about the Fringe.

 

 

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Hollywood Fringe Festival Theatre

Ten most anticipated shows at HFF18

We can hardly believe that it’s time again to head down to Los Angeles for the ninth annual Hollywood Fringe Festival.  Out of the 380 available shows, we have chosen 51 to attend, including about 15 we are screening for our annual Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence.  Here are the ten shows we are most excited about.  We are including links to their pages as well as the name of the venue.

10.  Earworm (McCadden Theatre) – We love the premise of this show and think it could be fun.  They are also up for the Larry Cornwall Award.

9.  Sex and the Musical (Three Clubs).  Laura Wiley brought us the incredibly fun Buffy kills Edward last year and we can’t wait to see what she does with this one, a prequel to the beloved Sex and the City show from HBO.

8,  With my Eyes Shut (Studio/Stage).  One of our favorite actresses from last year was Esther Mira.  She’s back with a new show, and it’s also being considered for the Larry Cornwall Award.

7.  Wild at Hart (The Lounge).  Solo shows are always a big hit for us at Fringe, and no one directs them better than Jessica Lynn Johnson.  This one should be great and it’s up for a Larry Cornwall Award as well.

6.  Sam Shaber:  Lie, Death & Duran Duran (The Complex).  Who doesn’t love the music of Duran Duran?  We are definitely intrigued by this one and it’s also being considered for the Larry Cornwall Award.

5.  Met Again (Studio/Stage).  A tender love story, and it’s a Theatre Unleashed show.  What more do we need to say?

4.  Stripped (The Broadwater).  Fringe gives us the chance to check out the taboo, and to see it from different viewpoints.  This one should be interesting to view, and it’s up for a Larry Cornwall Award as well.

3.  A Very Die Hard Christmas (Studio/Stage).  Living in Montana, we have missed this holiday show from Theatre Unleashed for the past three years.  We are true Die Hard fans and can’t wait to see this production.  Besides, who doesn’t want to see Jim Martyka as a villain?  This one is also being considered for the Larry Cornwall Award.

2.  Doctor Nympho vs. The Sex Zombies (Three Clubs).  Three words sum up this one – Michael Shaw Fisher!  This is the first Orgasmico musical since 2013’s Exorcistic, and he’s doing it in conjunction with one of the hottest companies at Fringe – Cherry Poppins.  What can go wrong?

1,  The Craftlesque (Three Clubs).  This is another show that we have missed being in Montana.  Alli Miller and Sarah Haworth Hodges and their Cherry Poppins ladies are sure to make this one great.

We’ll see you in Los Angeles Monday night.  This is gonna be epic!

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews Theatre

HFF17 – see it or skip it (day 2) part 2

So, the first part of our day we attended three shows that were on the dramatic side.  We closed out the night with a pair of musicals at Studio/Stage, both of which were on our list of most anticipated shows.

TITLE OF SHOW:  The Spidey Project

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:  Theatre Unleashed never fails to deliver outstanding performances, whether at Fringe or the rest of the year, and this show is one of their best.  It was flawlessly directed by the playwright and lyricist himself, Justin Moran, and retold the Spider-Man origin story in a delightful and unique way – through music.  The back story of the production is equally impressive, so grab me when I’m out and about and we’ll discuss.

With the current media attention on superheroes, especially those from Marvel, The Spidey Project is particularly timely for this year’s Fringe.  Every performer was outstanding, but several deserve special kudos, among them Travis Nilan, who played Peter Parker/Spider-Man, both in the original one night only performance in New York and again for this run in Los Angeles.  He was totally believable in his portrayal, and made the story come alive.  He was aided in this endeavor by an outstanding supporting cast, including Heather Lake as Betty Brant, Henry Kaiser as Kent Holbrook, Presley Roy as Gwen Stacy, Richard Abraham as Uncle Ben, Margaret Glaccum as Aunt May, Adam Slemon as J. Jonah Jameson and Christopher Jewell Valentin as Flash Thompson.   Kudos also to the amazing choreography of Lindsay Braverman and the tight musical production of musical director Jennifer Lin.  

RECOMMENDATION:  This one is a no-brainer, and deserves one of our highest See it ratings.  Unfortunately, the show is sold out for the remainder of Fringe, but you can sign up for the wait list and more than likely get to see one of the remaining performances on June 21 at 7 p.m. or June 24 at 7:45 p.m.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Nothing Bad: A Werewolf Rock Musical

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:   With the absence of Orgasmico Theatre Company at this year’s Fringe, we were looking to this rock musical to help us get over that loss.  While the production did not ascend to quite that level, it was a worthy effort by first time company They Played Productions.  The show combined elements of Pleasantville, Teen Wolf and Wolfen to create a hybrid musical of the ideal small town with a dark secret.  Hats off to first time playwright and director Erik Blair, who has crafted a wonderful story about coming of age within a “too perfect” community.  He was wonderfully aided in his efforts by songwriter and musical director Dan Sugimoto, and producer Thea Rivera.

Lyndsey Wegner and Lexi Eiserman were perfect in their portrayals of Mayor White and her daughter, Lily White, respectively, both of whom had dark secrets they did not want to come to light.  Their voices were amazingly strong and they brought their respective characters to life in a goose-bump raising way.  They were aided in their performances by an amazing cast of supporting actors, including Jake Saenz as Christopher Cross, Tyler Angier as Luke Diamond, Renee Wylder as D’nise D’Arthur, Tyler Carlson as Dean Swenson, Mathew San Jose as Jake Stone and Danielle Philapil as the Beast.  Jessica Tucker and Rachel Berman were also great in their ensemble roles.

RECOMMENDATION:  Like The Spidey Project, this show is sold out for the duration of its Fringe run.  However, we recommend that you See it, and sign up for the wait list for your chance at the final performance on June 24 at 9:30 p.m.

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Reviews

HFF16 – Day Two (part 1)

Day 2 of the 2016 Hollywood Fringe Festival began with A Feast of Snacks, the latest production from one of the Fringe’s best groups, Theatre Unleashed.  This year the group is using the Lounge Theater as their base of operation, and the place was packed and filled with anticipation as we chatted with one another and eagerly awaited the show.  On top of that, it was the birthday of their Director of Development, Jim Martyka.

The show is a smorgasbord of musical delights but calling them “snacks” is like calling a filet mignon a Big Mac.  Every one of these mini-musicals could have stood on their own, and getting all four was like being at an all-you-can-eat buffet in Vegas after winning the jackpot on one spin.

Michael Gordon Shapiro has written not one but four masterpieces that kept this writer laughing with glee and totally enthralled, and 75 minutes flew by in the blink of an eye.

Snacks

Beginning with the first segment, “The Charmed Life,” which featured Heather Lake in the lead role, the cast hits the stage like gangbusters, and never lets up.  Every member showed the multi-facets of their talents in both starring and supporting roles.  Lake once again showed the audience why we all clamor to hear her voice and laugh at her comedic performances.  She truly has a gift for making the absurd believable.

The second segment,”Climb the Smallest Mountain,” featured David Foy Bauer in the lead role, with a scene-stealing assist from the birthday boy himself, Martyka. combined elements of Karate Kid with Happy Gilmore to create a wonderful show.

The third segment, “The Escape Artist” was making its World Premier at the Fringe, and introduced to us the brilliance that is Graydon Schlichter, a delightful con man trying to get out of jury duty, until he comes across an equally gifted con woman (Lindsay Braverman) who is doing the same thing.

Last but surely not least was “HMS Headwind,” which also featured Schlichter as the captain of the ship which was pursuing the pirate vessel commanded by Black Abigail (Sammy Lappin).  This was my favorite portion of the show, and it was the perfect way to cap it off.

Hats off to Managing Director Greg Crafts and his lovely bride Jenn Scuderi Crafts (Artistic Director and Feast Stage Manager) for his leadership of Theatre Unleashed that allows them to consistently deliver some of the best entertainment during the Fringe.  Kudos also to every member of the cast (Braverman, Bauer, Margaret Glaccum. Lauren Holiday, Lake, Lappin, Mark Lopez, Carey Matthews, Matthew Martin, Martyka and Schlichter) for doing what they do best – entertain.

Feast continues on June 19 at 10 p.m., June 24 at 8 p.m. and June 25 at 11:55 a.m.  Don’t miss it!

As wonderful as Feast was, my second show, Chemistry, brought me back to earth with a serious show about mental illness, which told the story of what happens when a depressed girl and a manic boy fall in love.

Chemistry

Written by the brilliant Jacob Marx Rice, Chemistry educates its audience with a rapid fire dialogue and performances by two very gifted actors, Autumn Bruewer and Colin Conrad, who turned in very believable representations of individuals facing the trappings of mental illness.

The beauty of Fringe is that you can be entertained and you can be educated at the same time.  For that reason alone, we highly recommend Chemistry.  Although the material is dark and serious, it is a truly timely and necessary piece of art that must be experienced.

Chemistry has two more performances on June 16 at 8:30 p.m. and June 18 at 3 p.m.  It is well worth the price of admission for the real-world education you will receive from viewing this show.

My third show of the day, Sex, Nudity, and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction was the dramatic equivalent of Feast, with five short plays by members of The Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights.

Sex Nudity

All five plays were brilliantly written and performed, and covered topics including gay rights, wounded veteran issues, sexuality in the deep south, and being single.  Every member of the cast turned in believable performances that kept the audience engaged.  I was especially enthralled by the fourth story about two sisters who were running a small town café.  I won’t give away the shocking ending, but it alone is worth the price of admission.

Definitely check out this show at Fringe.  You can catch it on June 18 at 11 p.m. or June 25 at 2:30 p.m. at Asylum @ 6470 within the Complex Theatre on Santa Monica Boulevard.

The remainder of my Sunday shows will be covered in my next post.

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Fringe Shows

Ten shows I’m looking forward to at 2016 Hollywood Fringe Festival

I attended the first five Hollywood Fringe Festivals before missing last year.  I am very excited about attending this year’s event, and will arrive on Saturday, June 11.  I am currently scheduled to attend 29 shows, with time for a few more.  These are the 10 shows I can’t wait to see (in alphabetical order):

A Feast of Snacks – Theatre Unleashed has consistently put on some of the best productions at every Fringe.  This one contains four mini-musicals.  How do you top that?

A Horse with a View – I met Chris Piehler last year at the Zootown Fringe Festival and he blew me away with his show.  Looking forward to seeing what he has for us this year.

All the Best Killers are Librarians – Sacred Fools is legendary for putting on good theater.  Their serial killer series was one that I wanted to see had I been in LA.  Since they are offering a couple of them during the Fringe, they immediately went on my list.

Broadway Noir – This show came highly recommended from several of my friends at the Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire, so it had to be included.

Gilda:  A Tribute to the Beloved Comedienne Gilda Radner – Who doesn’t love Gilda Radner?  I was a big fan of the early years of SNL, and can’t wait to see this tribute to Gilda.

Lamprey:  Weekend of Vengence – Another play featured in the Sacred Fools Serial Killer series.

My Big Fat Blonde Musical – This one comes highly regarded by my friends at Theatre Unleashed.  Plus I love musicals.

The Old Woman – One of my favorite one person show writers is John Grady, and I have seen both of his past two Fringe shows.  His new one sounds like a touching tribute to his mother.

The Father, The Son and the Holy Sh!t – Shadley Grei impressed me with his last show, Marshall’s Law.  When I found out he was doing a solo show, it immediately went on my list.

Tilt – Two more of my favorite Fringe performers combine in what is sure to be another Fringe winner.  Ben Moroski, who brought us the solo winners This Vicious Minute and Wake, and Michael Shaw Fisher, who contributed Doomsday Cabaret, The Werewolves of Hollywood Boulevard and Shakespeare’s Last Night Out, should provide another one with their latest offering.  This is probably my most anticipated show

I will post reviews of these and all the other shows I attend here on Indie Voice Blog.  Follow my blog to get the latest reviews.  Just click on the link below.  Have a great time Fringing with us.