Category: Theatre

Categories
Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Theatre

Ten most anticipated shows at 2017 Hollywood Fringe Festival

We have been covering the Hollywood Fringe Festival since its inception in 2010, with the exception of 2015 when work prevented us from being there.  During that time, we have seen a boatload of shows, most of them good, with some great and some not so great ones thrown in.  We look forward to the schedule being announced on May 1, so that we have time to comb through the offerings and formulate our schedule to best view as many of the shows as we can.   We truly love the new Scheduler feature on the Fringe website which has made creating this year’s schedule much easier.

This year are also privileged to be able to present our first award, the Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence, which will honor a non-musical fringe show that best incorporates music into the show.

Based on our experience with certain companies and actors, we seek them out because they have traditionally given some of the best performances, and this year is no different.  Here are our Top Ten most anticipated shows at this year’s festival.  We are including the venue name in our description.

10.  Hot Dates (3 Clubs).  We picked this show because of the title, and because we absolutely love Deana Barone.  We know that Barone always brings out the best in her clients, and this show just sounds like a lot of fun.

9.  Chemo Barbie (Studio C).   Like the previous show, we picked this show in part based on our previous relationship with the director, Jessica Lynn Johnson, who has directed some of the best theater we have seen at the Fringe.  We do love solo shows, and Johnson’s clients have some of the most compelling stories.

8.  Nosferatu (Studio/Stage).   Who doesn’t like a classic horror story?  We are intrigued by the twists in this particular production, such as a female in the lead role, but we have total faith that Michelle Holmes will deliver a stunning performance.  This should be a great show.

7.  Lovesick (Sacred Fools).   This is another Jessica Lynn Johnson show, and it truly has us pumped for the Fringe.  Although we are not familiar with the work of Gabriela Demarco, she has demonstrated in her marketing that she has great potential.  We look forward to another great show here.

6.  Under the Jello Mold (Ruby Theatre).   Director/producer Tom Cavanaugh is another Fringe veteran that has consistently brought great shows to the Fringe, and we have no doubt that this will be another hit.   This is also one of the shows being considered for the Cornwall Award.

5.  The Girl Who Jumped Off the Hollywood Sign (Lounge).  The fact that this show has won awards at other fringes was a compelling reason to add it to our list.  We also love the Golden Age of Hollywood, and look forward to their interpretation of that time.  Last but not least, this show is also up for the Cornwall Award.

4.  Nothing Bad:  A Werewolf Rock Musical (Studio/Stage).   What would Fringe be like without a horror-themed rock musical?  Michael Shaw Fisher and his company are not doing one this year, so we had to find another one to take its place,  This one looked good for a number of reasons, and we are truly looking forward to being “rocked.”

3.  Three Can Keep a Secret (Studio/Stage).   Theatre Unleashed has consistently delivered great shows, so this one was a no-brainer.  We love Greg Crafts and look forward to seeing one of his own plays.  We are also looking forward to the remount of his previous show, The Spidey Project, which will give TU another opportunity to do what they do best – sing.

2.  Turbulence (Sacred Fools).   We fell in love with Robot Teammate last year when they delivered one of the best shows in Thug Tunnel.  We are confident that they will do it again with this show.

  1. Shakeslesque (3 Clubs).   Our most anticipated show this year is another no-brainer.  Cherry Poppins delivered a mega-hit last year with their show, and have consistently offered LA some of its best entertainment value over the past year, with consistent sold-out shows.  Not to mention the fact that the infamous Mr. Fisher is in the cast of this show, and the incredible talents of the Cherry Poppins ladies, especially Alli Miller and Sarah Haworth Hodges, this show is a can’t miss opportunity to see how the stories of Mr. Shakespeare translate into burlesque.

See you at the Fringe!

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Theatre Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 19

Welcome to a new week.  Next month at this time we will be in Los Angeles for the final two weeks of the Hollywood Fringe Festival.  We are pleased to announce that we will be sponsoring our first award this year, in honor of our friend Larry Cornwall, who passed away in March from brain cancer.  The Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence will be given to a play that best incorporates music within its context.  We are also happy to announce that the uber-talented Alli Miller and Michael Shaw Fisher will be assisting us in determining the winner of the award.  Both of them are multi-winners at Fringe, and integral parts of their companies, Cherry Poppins Productions and Sacred Fools.  Come join us at the Fringe!

SHANNON HURLEY TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM

Shannon Hurley has launched a pre-sale for her new album, New Day, which will be released on June 30.  We will have a review of the album posted shortly.  In the meantime, check out her website and pre-order the album.  Based on what she has done in the past, we are sure this new album will be equally wonderful.

MUSIC VIDEOS

Our only new video this week comes from the Big Apple.  The New ResistANTS released their video for “Onny Swar” on May 11.  We kinda like this grunge-punk sound and think you will too.

NEW SINGLES

Toronto-based High Signs has released the first single, “A Much Larger Ocean,” from their forthcoming album If So, Then What?  This hard-driving rock song contains some powerful truth.  Let us know what you think.

For all you electronica fans, here’s the latest from Adrian Underhill.  He has asked Toronto-based producer Harrison to remix the song, and we like the results.  Let us know what you think.

Last, but not least, we present 19-year old Kylie Odetta with the first single, “Stress,” from her new EP, Undertow, set to be released on May 19.  We think her vocals are dreamy and look forward to hearing more from this up and coming artist.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival Monday Mashup Theatre Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2017: Vol 17

Happy May Day!  We’ve got a lot of news and new music videos to share with you today.  Let’s get to it.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL NEWS

The Eighth Annual Hollywood Fringe Festival will be held in Los Angeles from June 8 to 25, with previews starting on June 1.  Tickets go on sale today and the Festival looks to be bigger and better than previous years.  Fringe Central, the social “watering hole” for participants at the Festival, will be one of the first events at the venue that used to be Dragonfly on Santa Monica Boulevard.  We are looking forward to covering the Fringe again this year and will be attending from June 15-25.  We will publish reviews on every show we see.  Keep checking in with us for the latest in HFF17 news.

ALI HANDAL SIGNS RECORDING DEAL

Los Angeles indie musician and icon Ali Handal recently signed a recording deal with Red Parlor Records.  The label will release her next album “That’s What she Said,” in the near future.  We will let you know as soon as we get additional information.

OLIVIA MILLERSCHIN WINS SONGWRITING CONTEST

Michigan indie artist Olivia Millerschin recently won the Great American Song Contest in the singer-songwriter category with her song “We Know Not.”   Millerschin has always been one of our favorite teen musicians, and we love that she is finally being recognized for her talent.  She is currently on a west coast tour.  Catch her live if you live in or near Los Angeles, North Hollywood, Thousand Oaks, Phoenix or Las Cruces.

NEW MUSiC VIDEOS

We are proud to share several  new music videos – let us know what you think about them.

First up is the latest from LA Music Critic Award winner Alison Iraheta’s band Halo Circus, who are hard at work on a tour to support their latest EP The East Lansing Sessions.  Check out the video for “Band-Aid,” which we think is amazing.

Next up is another LA Music Critic Awards winner, Curtis Peoples, who has released a new video for “Damage Control,” featuring his wife, comedian and actress Tara Perry Peoples.  We think you’ll enjoy the chemistry between them, and the song kicks ass too.

Our final new video this week is from an artist we recently reviewed on Get it or Forget it – Single by Sunday.  We were very impressed with this band and think you will be too.  Check out their video for their first single, “Nevereverever.”

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Theatre Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: vol 16

Welcome to the last week of April.  We have been getting so much response from indie artists lately, and are proud to be able to introduce you to some new artists that are definitely worth checking out.  Grab your coffee, put on your headphones, and check out what’s happening in the world of indie music and theater.

MCT’S PRODUCTION OF ‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’ OPENS THIS WEEK

The final production of the season for the Missoula Community Theater, The Wizard of Oz, opens to the public on Friday, April 28.  Featuring a large cast and directed by local dance icon Heather Adams, the show is scheduled for three weeks of performances.  Tickets are available at the MCT Center for Performing Art Box Office, as well as online at MCTink.org.  We’ll have a review of the opening night performance this weekend.

ALEXIS KEEGAN HONORS PRINCE WITH LATEST LIVE VIDEO

Hard to believe that Prince has been gone for a year.  Multi-LA Music Critic Award winner Alexis Keegan recently honored Prince during her concert at the world-famous Mint in Los Angeles.  Check out her amazing cover of “When Doves Fly/Purple Rain.”

ADHOC RELEASES VIDEO FOR ‘MY CITY’

Adhoc is a band out of Montreal that has reached out to debut their new music video for “My City.”  Check it out and let us know what you think about these guys.

K-SYRAN IS BACK WITH THE VIDEO RELEASE OF ‘DIZZY’

Norway’s K-Syran is back with another dance tune that has been very popular in Europe.  Check her out and let us know your opinion of this interesting artist.

BIRDSWORTH PROMISES TO ‘TREAT US GOOD’

Just learned about this promising British group Birdsworth, who record all their music in a shed and toss out their own blend of tea bags at their shows.  We think you’ll like their latest music video, which was released last month.  Let us know what you think.

MESALFIE RELEASES VISUALLY STUNNING MUSIC VIDEO

Rome-based indie pop artist MesAlfie has released a beautiful, artfully stunning music video for his single, “Must see New York.”  We think you will love it for the amazing artwork, but we love the song as well.  Let us know what you think and we’ll see you next week.

 

Categories
Reviews Theatre

‘Noises Off’ brings laughter and mayhem to UM’s Montana Theatre

The final production of the 2016-2017 school year for the University of Montana’s College of Visual Arts and School of Theatre & Dance opened on campus on April 19, and it was the perfect closing number for a season of great works.

The play, written by Michael Frayn, has always been a favorite of theatre geeks and participants, and this production pulled out all the stops to make it especially meaningful.  Director Pamyla Stiehl, with help from Scenic Designer Alessia Carpoca, Costume Designer Linda Guilis, Lighting Director Mark Dean, and Audio Designer Cole Milligan, perfectly capture the spirit and intent of the playwright’s vision, while the stage managing job of Sophia Holter brought it all together on stage, all to the delight of the packed house.

The chemistry between the nine members of the cast was truly evident in this magical farce, which depends on that chemistry in order to pull off the multitude of pratfalls and physical comedy that make Noises Off the penultimate homage to the theatre.  Putting on a great show while looking totally inept takes a great deal of talent and skill, and this cast excelled in both.  Christina Heagney as Dotty Otley, Ryson Sparacino as Lloyd Dallace, Dillon Westhoff as Garry Lejeune, Christina Tripp as Poppy Norton-Taylor and Natalie Johnson as Brooke Ashton were all hilarious in their featured roles, especially the slapstick antics of Johnson, who had to be spot perfect In her ability to look inept.  They were truly complemented by Tyson Gerhardt Hirsch as Frederick Fellowes Genevieve Barlow as Belinda Blair, David Mills-Low as Selsdon Mowbray and Curen Feliciani as Tim Allgood in their supporting roles.  Feliciani truly stood out as the bumbling stage hand and understudy for the hapless production, the play within the play, Nothing On.

If you need a good physical release from your stress, combined with side-splitting laughter, then Noises Off is the perfect place for you.  The production will continue at 7:30 p.m. on April 22, 26, 27, 28 and 29 and at 2 p.m. on April 23 and 30.  Tickets are available at the UMArts Box Office or online at umt.edu/theatredance.  We highly recommend this production and can hardly wait to see what’s in store for the next season.

Categories
Reviews Theatre

‘The Madwoman of Chaillot’ offers perfect combination of humor and moral

The students of the University of Montana’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and School of Theatre & Dance provide the perfect combination of humor and moral with their latest production, The Madwoman of Chaillot. 

The play was written by Jean Giraudoux, adapted by Maurice Valency and perfectly directed by Randy Bolton.  It is being presented in the limitless black box at the Masquer Theatre in the University’s PAR/TV center.  Bolton’s direction was complemented by the wonderful work of Assistant Director Henry Maher, and Lighting Coordinator Mark Andrews and carried out to perfection by Stage Manager Cheyanne Chadwick and her Assistant Stage Manager Mikaila Stinar.

The play was written as an allegory during the Nazi occupation of France, but the undertones and story are just as relevant in today’s political climate.  Kudos to Dramaturge Joshua Kelly for his assistance in keeping the story ‘on point.”

The performance is a true ensemble piece, and the pacing of the show is like Speedy Gonzales on crack.  It is extremely fast paced, never drags, and keeps the audience on their toes as the dialogue moves between serious and hilarious, often in the same sentence.

Massive kudos to Natasha Conti, who brings the title character to life with an outstanding performance worthy of a Tony Award.   She is supported by the likewise amazing performances of Zach French as the Ragpicker, Hamilton Clement as Pierre and her three-woman morality council of Jenna Lockman as Constance, Annie Sacry as Gabrielle and Jasmine Sherman as Josephine.

Although the remainder of the cast turned in worthy performances, the other stand-out in this truly remarkable cast was the one who spoke the least, the Deaf-Mute played by Kira Mills.  She conveyed so much in her portrayal that went beyond words and made her performance truly memorable.

Madwoman is a true work of art and should be experienced by everyone.  Remaining performances are set for Saturday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 9 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are available online at umt.edu/theatredance or at the UM Arts Box Office.

 

Categories
Reviews Theatre

Laughter flows abundantly ‘Over the River & Through the Woods’

Plays do not seem to have the same drawing power for MCT as musicals, but if the crowd present on opening night last Friday are any indication, the current production of Over the River & Through the Woods should change that perception.

The production was perfectly directed by Teresa Waldorf, University of Montana adjunct instructor and Educational Outreach Coordinator for Montana Rep., with assistance from Scenic Designer Spencer Perry, Properties Designer Lesley Washburn, Costume Designer Kara Chandler, Sound Designer Gregory Boris and Hair & Make-up Designer Maeve Ball.  The set was breathtakingly beautiful, and one of the most elaborate this reviewer has ever seen at MCT.  Megan Wittshire provided the final piece of the production puzzle with a truly amazing job of stage management.

With a core cast of just five actors plus one amazing supporting member, the ensemble cast turned in a fine performance that kept the audience in stitches.  At times we laughed so hard we were on the verge of crying.  Throughout the memorable show, this cast taught us the value of having family close at hand, and left the audience not only entertained but educated on this fact.

While the story revolves around grandson Nick, played admirably by Ian Tooley, it was a true ensemble effort, with Mike Verdon (Frank), Anne-Marie Williams (Aida), Paul Ronaldo (Nunzio) and Salina Chatlain (Emma) each turning award-winning performances as Nick’s grandparents.  Brit Garner was perfectly cast in the supporting role of Caitlin,  niece of Emma’s Canasta partner brought in to help the grandparents keep Nick close to home.

This is definitely a play that needs to be seen, if not just for the humor provided by the amazing playwright Joe DiPietro.  You will leave the theater entertained and energized, and we highly recommend you bring your friends and family to this outstanding show.

Tickets are still available at the MCT Box Office or online at MCTinc.org.  Remaining performances are scheduled for 2 pm. on March 12, 18 and 19, 6:30 p.m. on March 12 and 19, and 7:30 p.m. on March 15, 16, 17 and 18.

Categories
Reviews Theatre

UM’s production of ‘Thinner Than Water’ blasts preconceived notions of family dynamics

The latest black box production of the University of Montana’s School of Theatre & Dance and College of Visual and Performing Arts is Melissa Ross’ stirring drama Thinner Than Water, currently being staged in the Masquer Theatre at UM’s PAR/TV building.

We attended the opening night sold out production, and judging from the audience’s reactions, the performance was a smashing success.

One of the beauties of black box theatre is that there is no pre-constructed set on stage, which alleviates the audience building up any pre-conceived notions about the performance.  It was the perfect showcase for this production about family dynamics, since the material presented was not in keeping with the popular notion that “blood is thicker than water.”

Skillfully directed by John Kenneth DeBoer, with technical assistance from Scenic Designer Mike Monsos, Costume Designer Lynn Martyn, Lighting Designer Timothy McHenry and Audio Designer Caitlin Larson, the production was perfected staged managed by Sadie Framness.

Annika Hanson was perfectly cast as elder sister Renee, with much support from Matt McDaniel as Gary and Danielle N. Sather as Cassie, her siblings, and Megan Merhar as Gwen, who portrayed their father’s girlfriend.  Further support was provided by the amazing ensemble cast of Anna Evans as Angela, Jake Bender as Henry, Joshua Pitt as Benjy and Aaron Williams as Mark.

This was a true ensemble production, as each cast member contributed equally to the story line.  Even so, Hanson and Merhar were so relatable to the audience at large through their larger than life portrayals, while Pitt’s Benjy provided some much needed laughs and surprises.

This is a production that will definitely leave the audience questioning some of their long-held beliefs about family, while providing a story line that just about everyone can relate to.  We highly recommend this production, which is part of one of the best seasons of shows we have ever seen at the University.

Thinner Than Water can be see today and next Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., as well as 7:30 p.m. performances on March 1, 2 and 3.  Tickets are available at the UMArts Box Office or online at umt.edu/theatredance.

Categories
Big Sky Documentary Film Festival Theatre Women in Entertainment

BSDFF brings ‘Bright Lights’ to Missoula’s Wilma Theatre

Kicking off their 14th annual run, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival opened on Friday night with a screening of the HBO documentary Bright Lights at the Wilma.  Fans began lining up before 6 p.m. for the free screening, and filled the house to capacity.

The documentary tells the story of the relationship between Debbie Reynolds and her children, Carrie Fisher and Todd Fisher, and is based on a small portion of the film archives of the family.  It was heartfelt and raw, and made you want to laugh, cry and cheer, all at the same time.

The film was introduced by current Executive Director Rachel Gregg, who was joined by the film’s producer, Todd Fisher.  Fisher returned after the screening and participated in a Q&A session that lasted for nearly an hour.

The Festival continues through February 26, with screenings at a multitude of venues, including the Wilma, the Elks Lodge, the Public House, the Roxy and the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.  Headquarters for the event will be at the Rocky Mountain School of Photography (216 N. Higgins), where you can purchase tickets and merchandise, participate in the VR Experience or attend classes on documentary filmmaking through the Doc Shops series, which begins on Monday, February 20.

For more information, check out the Festival’s website.  You can find the schedule here.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Awards Monday Mashup Theatre

Monday Mashup 2017: Vol 7

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone in love.  Thought we ‘d kick off this week’s Monday Mashup with the latest music video from our friends at Redhead Express.  This original song was written by lead singer Kendra and features her husband Kelly and their son in a simply beautiful homage to love.  Check it out and share it.  If you love what they’re doing, please consider becoming one of their Patreon supporters.

INDIE ARTIST MAKES HISTORY AT GRAMMY AWARDS

Chance the Rapper, an unsigned independent artist who has never recorded a physical album, took home three Grammys last night from his seven nominations.  He won for best rap album for Coloring Book, best rap performance for “No Problem,” and best new artist.  What sets him further apart is the fact that this award winning album is only available through streaming.  Way to set the bar high, Chance.  Here’s to the future of the music industry!

Speaking of the Grammys – huge shout out to a couple of indie artists who performed at the show.  Adrienne Woods played her cello during John Legend’s performance, while indie triple threat actress Tiffany Phillips was a part of the Beyoncé performance.  Way to go!

BALCONY TV HOSTS STREETS OF LAREDO

We introduced you to the amazing sound of Streets of Laredo back in October 2016.  Balcony TV recently hosted them and filmed a music video for their hit single “99.9%,” which they released today.  Check it out.

MORE MUSIC VIDEOS

Two more indie artists recently released music videos.  First up is the amazing Shannon Hurley, who released a stunning Max Headroom-esq video of her forthcoming single “Someday.”

Our second video is a premiere from a new artist we were recently introduced to.  We like what we see so far – please let us know your opinion.  His name is Dario and his tune is called “Good Morning World.”

Enjoy your week!