Category: Women in Entertainment

A series of articles on leading indie women

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music New Music Friday Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Ponderosa Grove launches The Debut

cover art by Matthias Petsche

It’s New Music Friday, and we are pleased to bring you a new Get it or Forget it of an amazing new band that features one of our long time friends in the indie music world – Candace Devine.

For those of you who don’t know, I spent quite a few years working in the music business as a publicist and manager.  One of the artists that I used to manage was Devine, who I combined with another long-time friend, Dave Yaden, to form David and Devine.  Twelve years ago this month we launched them with a tour of NYC and the east coast.

Devine went on to get married, move to Prescott, Arizona and start a family.  She has now hooked up with Johan Glidden and Drew Hall to form Ponderosa Grove, and we couldn’t be more impressed with their debut album.

Artist Name:   Ponderosa Grove

Album Name:  The Debut

Label:  Farasi Records

Genre:  Folk/Americana

Track Listing: 1.  Slowing Down in Real Time 2.  Freedom Ride; 3.  Waterline; 4.  It Never Rains; 5.  Til Tomorrow; 6.  Save my Soul; 7.  You Got Me; 8.  One Seat; 9.  Love; 10.  Holding me Back; 11. Into the Blue

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Every so often a new band hits the market that stops you in your tracks and makes you take notice.  The last band that stopped me was Sugarland with the release of their debut album Twice the Speed of Life . . . until today.  This amazing new album has everything that propelled Sugarland to super-stardom, including great songwriting, impeccable musicianship, and a powerhouse female lead vocalist.

Ponderosa Grove features Devine on lead vocals, sharing the mic with Hall on guitar/vocals and Glidden on guitar/violin/vocals.  They are joined by Cosimo Bohrman on bass, Shawnee Snaketail on keys/synthesizer, Kenneth Crouch on organ/Wurlitzer, Bryan Taylor on drums/percussion, Steph Griffin on trumpet, Paul Ruffner on saxophone, and Vince Porter on tuba/trombone.  Devine also wrote or co-wrote 10 of the 11 tracks, which were produced by Dylan Ludwig and mastered by Hans DeKline.

There is not a weak song on the album, and we wouldn’t be surprised to hear quite a few of them released as singles.  Although the vibe of the album is folk/Americana, there are subtle hints of R&B, jazz and blues, which gives the band a great cross-over window of opportunity.   We do love this entire album, but the tunes that grabbed our attention the most were “Slowing Down in Real Life,” “Waterline” (with obvious inspiration from Fleetwood Mac), the powerful “Save my Soul,” the soulful ballads “You Got Me” and “Into the Blue”, the jazzy “Love” and “Holding me Back.”

Recommendation:  Drop whatever you’re doing and go get this one NOW!!  If you’re lucky enough to be in Prescott, Arizona, they’re celebrating tonight with a Record Release show at Downtown Square at 6:45 p.m.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music New Music Friday Reviews Women in Entertainment

Katie Knipp shows her depth of talent with the release of The Well

In recent years, there has been an increase in the visibility of indie music.  Indie artists are being nominated for and winning major awards like the Grammys, as well as being exposed in television, movies and radio.  Today we explore one of those artists, Katie Knipp, and her latest EP masterpiece, The Well.

Knipp wrote these songs during the turbulent times of 2020, and captured the feelings and frustrations of that period.  She accomplished this feat by working with such talented musicians as Zack Proteau on electric bass and rhythm guitar, Neil Campisano on drums and percussion, Chris Martinez on electric guitar and Otis Mourning on saxophone and clarinet.  She also convinced Mick Martin (harmonica), Justin Au (trumpet), Brandon Au (trombone) and Keith Cotton (Hammond organ) to provide guest instrumentation.  Knipp supplied the vocals, piano, Rhodes, Hammond and dobro guitar to the mix.

We previously featured her first single, “Chamomile and Cocaine,” last July.

The Well debuted last week on the Billboard Blues Albums Chart at #4, one of the highest debuts ever by an indie artist.  It’s easy to see why.

Artist Name: Katie Knipp

Album Name:   The Well

Label:  Self-released

Genre:   Blues

Track Listing:   1.  Sad Eyed Lover; 2.  The Gospel of Good Intentions; 3.  Better Me; 4.  Chamomile and Cocaine; 5.  Bullet Train.

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:   What can we say.  Her voice is delightful, and perfectly suited to the blues.  Her songwriting chops are some of the finest currently on display anywhere and the chemistry she has with her band members is to die for.   They may call it the blues, but there’s nothing depressing about the quality of sound and music that Knipp exudes.  The EP kicks off with the toe-tapping sound of “Sad Eyed Lover,” and truly takes off from there.  This one is the perfect pairing with the Chicago blues sound made famous by The Blues Brothers.  She takes it back a step with the moody and jazzy sound of “The Gospel of Good Intentions,” before roaring back with the delta blues sound of “Better Me.”  Our favorite cut is “Chamomile and Cocaine,” but truthfully, you can’t go wrong with any of these musical gems.  “Bullet Train” just puts an exclamation point on this work of art.

Recommendation:   This is a no-brainer.  You simply MUST add this one to your music collection.  We wouldn’t be surprised to see this one up for Grammy consideration.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Women in Entertainment

Leni Black opens up her heart to let us know how she feels

Leni Black is an emerging Nashville-based singer/songwriter with a no-holds-barred songwriting style that has sprung up from such diverse inspirations as the Grateful Dead, Carole King and Carly Simon.   Even her stage name came from another inspiration – her grandfather, Leonard Epstein, who was a singer/songwriter in NYC that sounded like Frank Sinatra.  She combined his stage name “Lenny” along with her grandmother’s maiden name.

“How I Feel” is a song about the desperate feeling of not being able to say how to feel in the moment.  It came out of a chance writing session with three rookie Nashville songwriters,” explains Black.

“Israel (McFarland) and I met by chance through another Nashville songwriter who suggested we all get in a room and write together. An hour into the session the song was nearly finished. I came in with a melody for the chorus, and as soon as Israel hopped on the piano and sang “your eyes are the problem” I knew we were going to work well together. We both love pulling on heartstrings and being as emotional as possible. Greyson Campbell, who was the link between us, always kept us in check with where the song was headed as we could get off track pretty easily talking about our own experiences hiding feelings.
“I didn’t realize Israel was also a talented musician and producer.  We did a couple of takes of the song in his room and I came back the next couple of nights for background vocals, a couple of weeks later the song was finished.  We are both new to Nashville and passionate about writing, now with a couple more songs in the works.  What I love about working with Israel is that he also uses his own experiences and pours his heart into a song.  Whenever we write it is always an emotional hour or so.  The only good cries I had this year were with him in the room with a piano.”
McFarland is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter and producer with a growing portfolio of original songs and a passion for creating great music.   He explains, “This production really gave me the chance to stretch my creativity.  While it was influenced by our indie-pop roots, the main focus was creating something that felt new and authentic to the artist.”

Spotify – HOW i FEEL

Black likes to say that she doesn’t write a lot of love songs – but she’s written a ton of breakup songs.  That’s because when she’s in the throes of a relationship, riding the wave of joy and expectation, shes too in the moment to write reflectively about it.  Yet she has plenty of time post-breakup, when she’s engulfed in tearful emotions and in need of catharsis, to write her heart out.  Now that she’s going after her long-delayed dream of making music for a living, she’s got an incredible stockpile of emotional outpourings that she hopes will connect with everyone who has ever gone through these same types of experiences – which is pretty much everyone.

The Maryland native is the first to admit that she “kind of let life take me wherever I wanted throughout my 20’s.  I’m basically a runaway bride who doesn’t know what eggs she likes” – a reference to a hilarious scene in the 1999 film where Richard Gere accuses Julia Roberts of not having a mind of her own because her tastes change with every new guy she meets.

“I stayed inside weekend after weekend crying and writing, singing and playing music to heal from all the heartbreak I kept going through,” Leni says.  “I probably slipped into some sort of depression without many of my friends knowing.  I’m generally a very happy, easygoing and sarcastic person.  I don’t normally express my emotions verbally.  Songwriting has given me that outlet and I’ve been doing it since I got my first journal.  It’s always been a form of expression for me that I have kept to myself.”

We think this young lady has a whole heap of potential and we are thoroughly impressed with her new song, which debuted last Friday, February 26.  She reminds us of early Taylor Swift, and we can easily see Black on the radio for an extended period of time.  We can’t wait to see what comes next and we will be rooting for her success.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol 22

There are very few challenges that I have been unable to meet in my life, but trying to become a shift manager at Pizza Hut is on that list.  As a result, I am actively pursuing other employment and have an interview tomorrow for another customer service job.  I apologize for my lack of attention to this blog, but it has been hard to concentrate on music when I was fighting such an uphill battle.  Thankfully, that battle is over, and we’re back to start a new week with the latest Monday Mashup.

On the LA Music Critic Awards front, we have not been getting the number of views that the nominations normally bring and as a result there has only been one artist nominated for Fan Favorite so far.  We strongly encourage the nominated artists to rally their fans in this regard.  Your fans still have until August 28 to vote.

We are redefining our scope of reviews, and plan to follow this format in the future.  Mondays (Monday Mashup) will feature singles and videos, and recent artist news and updates.  Tuesdays and Thursdays (Tuesday/Thursday Treats) will feature reviews of artists we are familiar with and have previously reviewed.  Wednesdays (Unknown Wednesdays) will feature new artists who have not been previously reviewed by this blog.  Fridays (New Music Friday) will feature reviews of releases scheduled for that day.  We hope that you enjoy our new focus.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from a new artist who came to our attention courtesy of The Village Idiots.  Her name is Allanah Jeffreys and we think that she has an amazing future, if her latest song “Loyalty” is any indication.  Enjoy this piece of amazing artistry.

Next up is the intriguing sound of Teach me Human, who sound similar to Crash Test Dummies.  We really love the sound of their latest single, “Lonely Night,” and think it just might be the breakout hit they need.

Our third single is the latest jazz masterpiece from Lady Antebellum guitarist (and LA Music Critic Award winner) Slim Gambill.  Here he teams up with Jeff Coffin for the masterful “54321.”  This one deserves a Grammy!

Next up is a smooth synth-pop/rock artist by the name of Emily Breeze, and we really are digging on her sound.  Check out “Work” and see if it doesn’t brighten your day.

Our final single this week is from Axel Mansoor, and this incredibly sweet groove should get your week off to a great start to “Paradise.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up this week is a video with breathtaking cinematography from Soaware.  Check out the rocking sound of “Voltures.”  We last featured them back in April, and their rocking has only improved.

If you love blues rock then you will love the latest from Dudley Taft, “Give me a Song.”  We think this one will power your week.

Our third video will remind you of the powerful vocals of Adele, but this artist may make you forget all about her.  She is a powerful force who we think will be on the music scene for a long time.  Check out “99” from Harlea.

Next up is the synth-heavy sound of Holliday Howe, who’d “Rather Forget.”  We think everyone can identify with the sentiments expressed in her video, and think she has a definite future in indie music.

We close out this edition of Monday Mashup with the latest R&B goodness from Bassette, as she shows us that “She Bad.”  Get your groove on and enjoy this new week.

 

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Reviews See it or Skip it Women in Entertainment

HFF19 day 5 – see it or skip it

No fringing tonight – it’s our Third Annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase, honoring Women in Entertainment.  Doors at The Mint open at 6 p.m. and the show kicks off at 6:30, with Emily Zuzik, Dree Mon, Jordan Siwek, Constanza Herrero, Brigitte Rios Purdy, Amilia K. Spicer, Manda Mosher and The Spider Accomplice set to perform.  We will also be honoring Fanny Walked the Earth with our 2019 Icon Award.  Tickets are available at the door for $13, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  Please join us.  In the meantime, here are our reviews from Monday night.

TITLE OF SHOW:  All our Pretty Songs

VENUE:  Asylum Studio C

REVIEW:  This show should be required viewing for all millennials and others seeking guidance on whether to follow their dream or settle for the security of a real job.  The staging of the show was brilliant.  Hats off to playwright John Brahan, who also performed on the drums, director Dan Schultz, who likewise took the role of the artist seeking his dream, and Shanlie Phillips as the semi-spoiled but gifted daughter of music industry parents.  To sound like an artist who doesn’t have any talent takes a lot of skill, and Schultz pulled it off.  But this wasn’t supposed to be a true display of their musical talents, rather a biting look at coming of age, and in that they succeeded.

RECOMMENDATION:  This one is definitely worth checking out.  Remaining performances are June 22 at 10 p.m. and June 29 at 8 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Raised by Wolves

VENUE:  Stephanie Fuery Studio Theatre

REVIEW:  Once again a brave solo artist has given us an absolute gem that is easily one of the best, if not the best, show at HFF19.  All the way from Canada comes the compelling and emotionally draining story of Marla Black, and I was proud to be crying by the end of the show.  I learned so much about the pack structure of wolves and sled dogs, and how it applies to every day living.  This was a Ted Talk/Seminar disguised as a Fringe show, and would be a bargain at ten times the price.  Don’t miss this priceless and thought-provoking show.

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t miss this show.  The only remaining performance is June 22 at 5:30 p.m., so get your tickets before it sells out.  Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Ten Amazing Videos Women in Entertainment

Ten amazing videos released in May 2019

Everyone seemed to enjoy our list of singles yesterday, so we’re back today with our list of music videos, as Friday’s preview performance of Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey) gets closer to fruition.  We hope to see you all at one of our performances on June 7, 16, 20, 23 or 28.  Click the link for tickets and more details.

We start things out with another outstanding hard rock band with a female vocalist that could easily stand shoulder to shoulder with Amy Lee.  We are blown away by Cold Kingdom and their lead singer Elissa Pearson, as demonstrated on the truly rocking “A New Disaster.”

Next up is the latest from Nashville rocker Kristen Dinsmore aka DINZY, who is tired of people that “Lie to Yourself.”  This girl can wail and we think we just may have found the next Avril Lavigne.

Our next video is for all the OG video game nerds, as it provides a truly Atari-level retro feel and perfectly captures the mood of the song.  Here’s LUV DOT GOV with “Helsinki.”

Video number four comes from the latest but possible the best Ariana Grande-influenced pop performer, that packs a healthy dose of Janet Jackson as well.  We think she has a huge future in this business, and can’t wait to see what comes next.  Here’s Olivia O’Brien with “Just a Boy.”

Diamond Thug bring us indie pop bathed in their native South African rhythms, delivering a stunning sound that you will want to enjoy over and over again.  Here’s their video for “Tell Me.”

We kick off the second set of five videos with the latest from K-POP star J. Lee, who encourages us all to follow our “Dream.”  We love the way he weaves retro and current pop with outstanding hip-hop on this amazing tune.

Rock seems to be the language of the day and it is bursting forth from every frame of the new video by Kiss Kiss Bang.  Check out “Hearts on Fire” before it burns a hole in your screen.

Next up is a music video from Emmy-nominated actress Ginesse from daytime TV stalwart The Young and the Restless.  We guarantee this one is fresh and sweet and not at all what you would expect.  Enjoy “the inbetween.”

Video number nine has an intriguing animated look with a fun and catchy pop tune that will have you on the dance floor in nothing flat.  Check out okaywill and their song “Falling for You.”

We close out the month the way we began.  We shared their single during our first Monday Mashup, and are happy to now bring you the video for their over of the T-Rex hit “The Motivator.”  Here are two of the finest female rockers to ever perform, and we look forward to seeing what their new partnership will produce.  Here are Brie Darling and Cherie Currie.

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Live Concerts Reviews Women in Entertainment

The Americana scene is kicking at Highland Park Bowl

For quite a few years, the Americana scene has thrived in the area around The Grand Ole Echo near Dodger Stadium.  While that area still exists, Americana has found an additional home at the Highland Park Bowl, thanks to Prickly Pear Presents.  The event occurs every Wednesday night through at least the end of July.  We were fortunate enough to attend on May 15, which featured Nikki O’Neill, Manda Mosher and Emily Zuzik.

Zuzik and Mosher are both winners of the LA Music Critic Awards and will be featured at the next Winners Showcase on June 18 at The Mint LA.  This year’s Showcase will honor Women in Entertainment and features 10 female performers.  The event benefits Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  Tickets are available on the Mint’s website or through PayPal using “lamusiccritic@yahoo.com” as the payee.  Tickets are available in advance for $10, and if available, at the door for $15.

The event was held in Mr. T’s Lounge at this vintage bowling alley.  First up was the R&B infused Americana sound of O’Neill.  She was the only act we had not heard previously, and her set was an unexpected pleasure.  Her sound was diverse, with elements of Alabama and traditional R&B, skillfully delivered by her four-piece  band, which included Joshua Pessar on guitar and backing vocals, Rob Fresco on bass and backing vocals, and Rich Lackowski  on drums and percussion.  Her last album, Love Will Lead You Home, was released in 2017, and their new album will be released shortly.   O’Neill has also been a contributing writer for Guitar Player magazine and is the author of the e-book Women’s Road to Rock Guitar, published by Alfred Music.   Although Pessar turned in some impressive guitar licks and Lackowski and Fresco kept a steady rhythm,  the set suffered from a lack of interesting stage banter.  The music itself was impressive, especially their closing song “That’s how you Lose Her,” which featured the Janis Joplin-like vocals of Halina Janusz from the Grateful Dead tribute band Jerry’s Middle Finger. 

Next up was Mosher, formerly from CALICO the band.  She and her husband Eric Craig, along with Dan Wistrom on pedal steel, guitar and backing vocals, Aaron Stern on bass and Jesper Kristensen on drums, put on a clinic of how to mix rock and Americana, are truly a sterling example of the influence of Tom Petty on the entire Americana scene.  Mosher’s voice is so smoky and strong that is perfectly suited to Petty’s musical style, while her stage presence reminds us of a younger Emmylou Harris.  The overall sound of the band is head and shoulders over their peers.  Unfortunately, like O’Neill, the set suffered from the lack of banter between the songs, , leaving way too much “dead air” between songs.   Once they tighten up the set with appropriate banter, we think they will be unstoppable as a premier concert destination. 

Wrapping up the evening was the sterling sound of Zuzik and her amazing band, which included Wistrom, Topher Allis on drums and the incomparable Ted Russell Kamp on bass, who was taking a break from his recent touring with both Shooter Jennings and Duff McKagan.  Kamp will also be producing Zuzik’s forthcoming album.  Zuzik is even rockier than Mosher, but neither of them has forgotten their roots.  Zuzik reminds us of a combination between Chrissie Hynde and Sheryl Crow.  The band also turned in an impressive cover of The Faces’ mega hit “Stay with Me,” delivered in a style that was part James Brown and part Mick Jagger.  All in all it was an impressive end to this incredible night of Americana music.  Can’t wait until June 18 to see them again.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 21 (updated)

We’ve reached Memorial Day, and the opportunity to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep us free and strong.  Never forget what they did to give us the chance to live our own lives.

It was another busy week, working for Trendsource, completing the tech and dress rehearsals for my solo show at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey), and having the chance to see the latest masterpiece from the ladies and gentlemen of Cherry Poppins Productions.  They put on a masterful production of Clash of the Queens, which succinctly summed up the entire eight seasons of Game of Thrones, and sold out the Globe Theater in downtown LA in the process.

Speaking of my solo show, it’s hard to believe that my preview is less than two weeks away, with the entire Fringe kicking off with the Opening Party on June 12.  It’s going to be a great Fringe, and should be worthy of being the tenth year.  Please check out my show which will be at studio/stage (520 N. Western Avenue) on June 7 at 10 p.m., June 16 at 5:30 p.m., June 20 at 10 p.m., June 23 at 9 pm. and June 28 at 7 p.m.  Tickets are available on the Fringe website.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from Toronto.  If you’re going to catch something, we suggest you catch The Black Fever.  We simply love the sound of “No Work” and recommend that you listen intently to the lyrics of the song.

Our next single is a killer remix that combines Monsta X, Steve Aoki and DVBBS.  The song is called “Play it Cool” and it is mega-hot and a sure-fire way to get the gang on the dance floor.  Request it from your favorite DJ.

Our third single is an incredible song from London-based Theo Bard entitled “The Gift.”  It truly is an amazing electronic song with incredible vocals and well-crafted lyrics.  This one is a definite keeper.

Our next single combines electronica with jazz and pop and highlights the talent of the amazing KYOSi on her track, “Boo Radley.”  We think this one will become your favorite dance track.

Our final single this week is from the upcoming album Fuel the Crazy by Brazilian-born electro-pop artist Carvi.  We are totally digging on her “Vibe.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from teen sensation Maddie Rose, who delivers a stunning video for her song “Liv Tyler.”  This one is going on repeat and we think you’ll love it.

Next up is a video shot in Los Angeles by Trapdoor Social for their song, “The Move.”  The song is amazing, as is the video.  Be part of the solution and join in “The Move.”

Next up are the powerful vocals of Dejhare on her video for “Trust my Love,” which remind us of Madonna’s True Blue album.  We think this one is stunning and look forward to seeing what she does next.

Our next video comes from New York-based band Wild Planes.  Put on your rocking shoes and enjoy their latest single “Money.”

Our final video this week is from Aly and AJ, who we last heard from when their song ‘Church” was included in our March edition of Ten Great Singles.  They’re back with a beautiful video for their song “Don’t go Changing,” which could easily be a Top 40 hit.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Reviews Women in Entertainment

Casey Ahern brings it home at the Mint

You may not have heard her name, but we guarantee you will in the not too distant future.  Casey Ahern is a 20-year old singer-songwriter who is a multi-talented professional that is a potential game-changer on the country/Americana scene.

The southern California based Ahern, who has been performing consistently with her band since she was 16, defines herself as a contemporary country artist.  Truthfully, her music has a strong resemblance to what came out of Laurel Canyon in the 70s – with obvious influences of artists like Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne and the Eagles.

Photo by Haley Ahern.

Ahern recently released a four-song EP called He was Summer (which we will be reviewing shortly), produced by David Brown, who has worked with Fleetwood Mac (including solo works by Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks), Alice Cooper, Willie Nelson and Frank Zappa.

“David brought out elements of that classic Fleetwood Mac sound that I love so much,” explained Ahern.  “Thanks to my parents, I grew up listening to country, all decades of country music, from Glen Campbell to Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, and so it’s got a unique mix of influences.  As my first EP, the songs represent the different aspects of who I am as a person and artist, and the people, places and values that are important to me.”

Considering the fact that Ahern was just getting over pneumonia, her vocal quality was pretty good, but nothing compared to the smooth sound of her EP.  What truly sets Ahern apart from her peers is her amazing songwriting, which tells elaborate stories that her listeners can truly connect with and relate to.

Photo by Haley Ahern

She performed two of the songs on the EP – the title track “He Was Summer” and “Indio,” as well as four more great songs that included “Bradley” (a song about a town in northern California, “Never Finish Anything,” “Just a Dance,” and “Seeing Eye Dog” (our personal favorite, with our favorite line “Love is blind, but I’ve got a seeing eye dog”).  She was joined onstage by Alex Kawasaki on upright bass and Aaron Rudin on cajon (who had an amazing solo on the closing track, “Indio.”

Photo by Haley Ahern

Ahern is heading to Nashville next month to work on her follow-up EP.  We can hardly wait to hear the result.

 

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Reviews See it or Skip it Theatre Women in Entertainment

Cherry Poppins and Celebration Theatre deliver a gem

We have been covering the Hollywood Fringe Festival every year since it was started in 2010, with the exception of 2015.  When we returned to the Fringe in 2016, we discovered Cherry Poppins Productions, an amazing troupe of dancers that were so much more than traditional burlesque.  Every one of them could sing, act, and dance, but they were also amazing people both on and off stage.  We quickly became not only fans of their inspiring and truly entertaining shows, but also friends with most of them, including their brilliant co-founders Alli Miller and Sarah Haworth, as well as their “other halves,” Michael Shaw Fisher and Schoen Hodges.  We had been good friends with Fisher since 2012, based on his brilliant work with Orgasmico Theatre Co (Doomsday Cabaret, Exorcistic, the Werewolves of Hollywood Boulevard).  When he joined forces in 2017 with Miller, Haworth and Hodges on the award-winning Shakeslesque:  To Thine own Cherry be True, we knew that this would turn into the greatest entertainment merger of all time.

During HFF18, we witnessed the mastery of a new rock musical from Fisher called Doctor Nympho vs. the Sex Zombies, which combined the amazing burlesque of the Cherries with the brilliant songwriting chops of Fisher.  It was our most anticipated show of the Festival, and we loved reviewing it.  Imagine our joy to arrive for HFF19 and find out that they were doing the show AGAIN before the festival at Celebration Theatre.  We simply knew that we had to see it again, and see what changes had been made to stage it in a bigger and more traditional space.

Celebration moved to The Lex a few years ago, and we had not had the chance to check out their new digs.  We love what they have done with the space, and felt it the perfect location for the return of Doctor Nympho.

For the most part, this new version included the same cast as last year’s Fringe show, with a few notable differences.  Madeline Heil replaced Rebecca Reaney as Dr. Shatz and brought an entirely new sexiness to the role that only a Ginger can.  Likewise, Natalie Masini took on the role of Fisher’s assistant, Stacy, in place of Shannon Glascow, and truly nailed it.  Everjohn Feliciano joined the cast to round out the Zombettes, and was the perfect addition to originals Haworth, Lauren Avon, Amber Bracken, Meredith Lim, Reagan Osborne and Cory Robinson.  Miller reprised her role as Dr. Nympho with Fisher as her husband, and Kim Dalton and Kristyn Evelyn as their children.  Jeff Sumner was outstanding in his return as Jerry, giving the audience a Tony-worthy performance, while Hodges as Adam, Sarah Wines as Eve, and Brin Hamblin as Virus rounded out the cast, providing some of the finest dancing seen on any LA stage.  In fact, Hamblin is one virus we wouldn’t mind catching.

Of course, none of the brilliant stage work would be possible without Fisher’s amazing book, music and lyric, Haworth’s direction  or Miller and Hamblin’s choreography.  Music Director Sandy Chao Wang and Vocal Director Michael Teoli also contributed heavily to the success of the show.

Let loose and enjoy a thrilling night at the theater with the Cherries and Orgasmico.  This one is worthy of multiple viewings, and never gets old.  Don’t miss your chance to see it again or for the first time.

The show runs through May 26, with performances on May 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and May 12, 19 and 26 at 7 p.m. at Celebration Theatre (6760 Lexington Avenue).  Tickets are available through this link.  Come get infected.

You can also purchase the original cast recording of the soundtrack for only $10, and relive the music over and over again.