Tag: Jessica Lynn Johnson

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos Theatre

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 40

We have reached the end of 2019, making this our final Monday Mashup of the year.  We have enjoyed sharing these singles and music videos with you this year, and we hope you have discovered some great new indie artists.

Still to come is our Ten Great Singles and Ten Amazing Videos for the month of December, as well as our list of the best singles, videos, albums and EPs of 2019.

Unfortunately, the pressure of working two jobs has caught up to this 61 year old lover of all things indie, and Indie Voice Blog must regrettably take a hiatus.  Although we will not be publishing regular weekly blogs, we will still pop in from time to time to share special reviews and other indie news.

This project has always been a labor of love.  Sadly, we don’t have the time or energy to continue at the present time.  We do hope to be back at some point in the future.  We hope that you will continue to seek out indie music in the meantime.

SOLOFEST 2020

The biggest festival of solo shows is almost here at LA’s own Whitefire Theatre (13500 Ventura Boulevard).   From January 4 to March 20, you can catch 80 shows during a 90 day period.  If you love solo shows, this is the festival for you.  For more information, check out the website of the festival director, Jessica Lynn Johnson.  If we were in town, this is where we would be.

NEW SINGLES

We start this edition out with a bang that should propel you into the new year.  Check out the straight ahead rocking sound of Lute and their single, “Victims of the Fall.”  It clocks in at 7:54, and every second of it is worth your attention.  They are living proof that prog rock is not dead.

We totally shift gears on our second single, with the country twang of Francesca Brown, who suffers from the “Hashslingin’ Blues.”  This one will give you food for thought.

Our third single is pure pop from the UK, featuring the upbeat and soulful sound of JASH, who only wants it to be “Us Together.”  We think he’s got a great chance at seeing his dreams come true.

Next up is Watch me Breathe, a band we introduced to you back in August.  We love their latest, “Garden of Eden,” and think this is a band we need more of.

Our final single this week is from a new female folk duo named Jack Rabbit.  Their harmonies are exquisite, as demonstrated on their debut track, “December.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We kick things off with a video that literally debuted a few hours ago, featuring one of our favorite LA songbirds, Katie Ferrara.  As we look back at 2019, consider the words of her song, “Living in Black and White.”

Next is a lyric video from Canadian electro-pop band 12xPretty.  They just want to be “Somewhere Else.”  We’re glad they’re here now.

Our third video belongs to the retro Brit pop sound of Certain Animals.  The cinematography has the quirkiness of Doctor Who, and will definitely make you interested in the “Automaton.”

Video number four is from Michael Hornbuckle, who we have not heard from since we reviewed his album back in 2016.  We are so glad he’s back and simply can’t get enough of “Witches Wore Black.”

We close things out with the amazing classic rock sound of Revolution Saints, who remind us a lot of Journey.  Check out “When the Heartache has Gone” and we think you’ll be a believer as well.  We can’t wait to hear more when their album drops on January 24.

 

Categories
Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it

HFF19 preview day 2 – see it or skip it

Day 2 was not as hectic as day 1, but just as enjoyable.   I worked my part-time job in the morning, then spent the afternoon writing reviews of the day 1 shows, as well as getting ready for my own preview performance last night.  One of my roommates at the Air BnB wanted to see the show, and wanted to spend some time discovering what the Fringe is.  Although he is the son of long-time Fringe reviewer Ken Worther, Angel Morales had never been to a Fringe show.  He made a great +1 for the evening, and got the chance to see what I do first-hand, including having dinner with one of my fringeships, Rasika Mathur.  Thanks for coming along.

TITLE OF SHOW: Uprooted:  A Tale of Navigating Turbulence to Find Home

VENUE:  The Lounge Theatres

REVIEW:  Solo shows have always been one of my favorite forms of Fringe expression, and I review a multitude of them each year.  I love their honesty and triumphant story, and the bravery it takes to share these sometimes dark truths with the public.  During my nine years of reviewing Fringe shows, one director keeps popping up behind my favorite shows, and that is Jessica Lynn Johnson, who not coincidentally directed this show.  Vanessa Boss revealed so much in this show which was totally relatable and filled me with more hope that I was following the correct path.  What made her show so different was her use of mythological creatures to represent the different aspects of Boss’ psyche and bring her struggles to life so that we could all cheer as she made life-changing discoveries.  Although a bit slow at first, she soon hit her stride and kept the audience mesmerized with her beautiful storytelling.  Her audience interaction skills were likewise brilliant, enabling her to break the third wall without missing a beat.  It was the perfect show to prepare me for my own preview show that occurred later that night.  Thanks for a wonderful experience.

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t miss this show.  Remaining performances are June 23 at 12 p.m. and June 29 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 39

It’s that rare fifth Monday, and we have a very special Mashup for you today.  We are proud to debut a new single that is being released tomorrow, in advance of the release of the artist’s first novel on November 6, which is based on notes from her ten years of touring in Los Angeles and San Diego.  We are in the process of reviewing the book and think you will love her new sound and new stage name.  In addition, we have five new singles and five new music videos to share, so let’s get this party going.

TABITHA RHYS TO RELEASE FIRST NOVEL

Tabitha Rhys is a long-time indie artist who has taken her experiences from touring through Los Angeles and San Diego to write her first novel, Love Music Madness, which is being released on November 6.  Check out the book trailer:

That song you hear in the background was written by Rhys.  Since she no longer has a band, she enlisted the help of Stereium to create the “Lana del Rey” sound.  The song is being released TOMORROW, but we have a sneak preview for you today.  We really love her style, and can’t wait to review the novel and any more music that follows.  You can purchase the single on iTunes.

LA MUSIC CRITIC LAUNCHES INDIEGOGO CAMPAIGN

Our very own LA Music Critic has launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise money for his first solo show, scheduled to premiere at HFF19 in Los Angeles next June.  Please check out his campaign and support him if you can.  We thank you for whatever you can contribute.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single comes from another amazing artist from Blue Élan Records, whose new album V will be released in January 2019.  In the meantime, enjoy the southern charm of The Vegabonds‘ new single, “I Ain’t Having It.”

Next up is “Hiya”, the latest offering from TNEO (The New Electronic Orchestra).  They wanted to say hello to all their current and future fans with this delightfully upbeat song.  You can’t help but be uplifted by this beautiful pop/classic sound, and we think you’ll soon become a fan if you aren’t already.

Our third single comes from one of our favorite female indie artists.  Jess Klein has consistently delivered amazing songs, and her new single, “Mammal,” is no exception.  Enjoy this one, and be free to be you.

Our next single comes from Perth, Australia-based artist Frankie Crea.  We think you will love his new song, “Dream.”

Our final single this week is from Canadian band Victory Chimes.  Check out “Halos” from their forthcoming album, due for release next month.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from Ziggy Alberts, another amazing Aussie indie artist.  We love the simple and sweet sound of “Stronger,” and think you will too.

Next is “Killah,” the visually stunning music video from indie folk artist Frank James.  This one should become one of your favorite jams, as he mixes hip-hop with folk to create a truly unique sound.

We are so proud to present our third video from the amazing Jane Ellen Bryant, who we recently reviewed in our Get it or Forget it series.  Check out this incredible video for her song, “Too Smooth.”  We think it truly describes this artist.

Our fourth video is likewise smooth, with the groovy R&B/soul sound of Dom Marcell.  Here is his song, “Thats Whats Up.”

We close out this week and the month of October with this video from Germany-based trio The Trouble Notes.  This is one of the best pop/classical songs we have heard and we love their video for “Grand Masquerade.”  We think you will truly love both the sound and the cinematography.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Norphlet, Marty Elkins, Bruce Katz Band, Changelings, Leeroy

It’s already Wednesday again, and I’m getting ready for my first session with Jessica Lynn Johnson, the director of my solo show, Livin’ the Dream.  We are working hard to give you a treat next June at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, and I can’t wait to see your reaction to our show.  In the meantime, here are five artists to consider as we head over the hump to the weekend.

Artist Name:  Norphlet

Album Name:  Norphlet

Label:  849854 Records DK

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Brand New; 2.  Heirlooming; 3.  The Recess (Interlude); 4.  Omador; 5.  Cardinals

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Norphlet is an up and coming duo featuring a Californian and a Texan, and we couldn’t be happier with the results.  These songs belong on the radio, and we truly love the first two singles, “Brand New” and “Heirlooming.”  The songs are truly well written, with intelligent lyrics, an amazing lead guitar and a powerful drum foundation.  The instrumental interludes are straight alt rock, and would make the perfect soundtrack for commercials, while the tracks themselves should be considered for placement in television and film.  We also love the lo-fi production, which brings out the strong vibe of this band, especially on the acoustic ballad “Cardinals.”  We have no doubt that this band has what it takes to make it in the industry, and we look forward to seeing what they have in store for us.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get it!

Artist Name:  Marty Elkins

Album Name:  Fat Daddy

Label:  Nagel Heyer Records

Genre:  Jazz/Blues

Track Listing:  1.  You Turned the Tables on Me; 2.  On Revival Day; 3.  How can you Face Me; 4.  That’s all There is to That; 5.  It’s too hot for Words; 6.  Cow Cow Boogie; 7.  I Cover the Waterfront; 8.  It’s a Pity to say Goodnight; 9.  My old Flame; 10.  Fat Daddy; 11.  I Can’t Face the Music; 12.  Sugar; 13.  These Foolish Things; 14.  Travelin’ all Alone

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  These jazz standards may have been previously recorded by such jazz legends as Alice Faye, Ella Fitzgerald and Ethel Waters, but Marty Elkins breathes new life into them, infusing them for a new generation.  Her voice is impeccable, and the arrangements will have every traditional jazz lover jumping for joy.  We love her scatting on “You Turned the Tables on Me,” as well as the organ and trumpet.  This is a great album for chilling after work, and relaxing with a glass of your favorite wine.  Elkins seamlessly blends jazz and blues, and even adds a gospel touch to “On Revival Day.”  We simply love every song, and think you will too.

Recommendation:  If you love traditional jazz and the blues, then this one is a must-have.  Get it!

Artist Name:  Bruce Katz Band

Album Name:  Get Your Groove

Label:  American Showplace Music

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Hesitation Blues; 2.  Freight Train; 3.  Beef Jerky; 4.  Shine Together (Tribe of Lights); 5.  River Blues; 6.  Make Things Right; 7.  Get Your Groove!; 8.  Zone 3; 9.  Rush Hour; 10.  Wasn’t my Time; 11.  The Bun

Publicist:  Rick Lusher

Review:  Traditional blues always sound better with a funky organ and a wailing guitar, and this album has that in spades.  Add to that the soulful voice of Bruce Katz and you have the perfect recipe for a rocking blues sound that will get you on your feet and grooving to the music.  The instrumentals “Freight Train,” “Beef Jerky” and “River Blues” would work great as commercial placements, while the remainder of the songs are radio friendly and also good material for music supervisors.  You can’t go wrong with the amazing sound of this band, and we would love to see them perform live, as we are sure that all of the amazing energy would translate well in a concert setting.  “Shine Together (Tribe of Lights)” and “Make Things Right” would make great theme songs for a worthy charity.  They are very inspirational and the cherry on top of this perfect album.

Recommendation:  Don’t “hesitate,” Get this one today.

Artist Name:  Changelings

Album Name:  From my Raygun With Love

Label:  Marshmallow Pavement Records

Genre:  Dream Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Love Like Diamonds; 2.  Fridge Buzz; 3.  Baby We’re Falling Upwards; 4.  Moondance Venus; 5.  Escapist; 6.  Withdrawal; 7.  Andrea; 8.  They Don’t Hold a Candle

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  We have heard so much great music lately from down under, and Changelings has to be near the top of the heap.  Their music is very chill and dreamy, with a vibe that totally relaxes the listener.  The songs are truly radio friendly, and perfect for numerous placements in film and television.  These songs are like diamonds, perfectly reflecting the light.  Lead single “Moondance Venus” is the obvious choice for a break-out song, and we think it highlights the best parts of this album.

Recommendation:  We highly recommend you Get this one.

Artist Name:  Leeroy

Album Name:  Burn to Ashes

Label:  A&R Records

Genre:  Indie Rock/R&B/Reggae

Track Listing:   1.  Burn to Ashes; 2.  Freedom’s Prisoners; 3.  Mr. Steal Your Girl; 4.  Roamer

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  We were hooked from the first notes, but the amazing vocals truly put this one over the top.  We just wish there were more than four tracks, because our appetite is ravenous for more.  We love the fact that his music combines elements of rock, R&B and reggae, and especially love “Mr. Steal Your Girl.”  Leeroy is an amazing guitarist and vocalist, and we expect great things from him in the not too distant future.

Recommendation:  Drop what you’re doing and Get this one.

 

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

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 27

It’s our final Monday Mashup of the month, and we have some great new music to share with you.  Check out the latest news as well.

LA MUSIC CRITIC TO DEBUT SHOW AT HFF19

Our very own LA Music Critic, Bob Leggett, will be debuting a solo show at next year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival.  Inspired by the amazing productions put on by the Soaring Solo Community, he has hired Jessica Lynn Johnson to help him develop his show, Livin’ the Dream, which will debut at HFF19 next year.  The show is the story of his life and career, focusing on not just dreaming about great things, but accomplishing them as well.  Watch for the Indiegogo campaign being launched in August, and support him on his latest adventure.  We are very proud to be a part of what should be a great show.

VK LYNNE RELEASES AUDIO BOOK OF POETRY

VK Lynne, the lead single of multi-LA Music Critic Award winning band The Spider Accomplice is releasing an audio book containing 35 of her poems, read by a plethora of her friends.  Entitled The Release and Reclamation of Victoria Kerygma, the audiobook is available on Bandcamp.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, members of the Mountain Home Music family of artists.  They have created a beautiful song that is being released to support the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Trust Fund which, like the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, provides support for struggling artists.  We think you will love this beautiful arrangement and we hope you will likewise support these organizations that help indie musicians.

Our next single is an upbeat pop tune from Mike Edel.  He was featured in our March Ten Great Singles article, and this time around, he promises he will “Go With You.”  We think this one could be a huge hit, and look forward to what’s still to come from this amazing artist.

Our third single is being released by Elkka through Femme Culture, and is an upbeat dance tune called “Stay (warm edit).”  We think this one goes hand in hand with our previous single, and should help get your Monday off to a great start.

Our fourth single continues the positive spin as CJ Hooper releases his first track from his forthcoming album.  “When we Rise” is the perfect remedy for the Monday blahs.

Our final single this week comes from Caibedo Island.  They encourage us to be “Stronger,” and we love the sentiment.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video comes from an artist we reviewed last week, Roger Len Smith, who was introduced to us by a long-time friend Bobbo Byrnes, lead vocalist of The Fallen Stars.  Here is “Raining on a Sunny Day.”

Next up is the latest video from Grammy-nominated artist Janiva Magness for the title track from her latest album on Blue Élan Records, Love is an Army, featuring LA Music Critic Award winning artist Bryan Stephens.  We hope you enjoy this one as much as we do.

Our third video this week is a political statement about gentrification of our great cities.  Nick Ferrio releases “I Don’t Know How Long” and we totally understand his concerns.

Our fourth video has the rhythm of the islands as Constanza Herrero talks about “Packing Up.”  This video should get your juices flowing and get you on the dance floor.

Our final video this week is the R&B and soul sound of Roxanne Tataei.  Here’s “Crimson Eyes.”  We hope this firmly places your Monday in a good place.  Have a great week and we’ll be back soon with our articles on the Ten Amazing Videos and Ten Great Singles released in July.

 

 

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

HFF18 day 14 – see it or skip it

Just arrived back in Montana, and realized we hadn’t published reviews for the final day of Fringe.  We had a remarkable time this year, and can’t believe that we have to wait another year before we do it all over again.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Yarn

VENUE:  Broadwater Second Stage

REVIEW:  This show applied for our sponsored award, so I was expecting a play that included music.  Imagine my surprise to arrive and find out it was physical theatre with no words and limited to no music.  Not only that, but it was supposed to be 45 minutes long, and when it reached 55 minutes, we had to leave to attend another show.  It definitely had its moments of slapstick humor, but it seemed like they didn’t know when to quit, and it just went on and on and on.  Needless to say, we were not impressed.

RECOMMENDATION:  If we had known that this was not a play, we would have been better prepared, and probably enjoyed it more.  As it was, the audience seemed to love it, and The Broadwater gave it an extension.  It was not one of our favorites, but at least it has found its audience.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Maddy’s Musical

VENUE:  Three Clubs

REVIEW:  Three Clubs has been running a show called Mimosas and Musicals on Sunday afternoons during Fringe, but decided to change it up for the final day of Fringe.  They brought back their “MadLibs” game show from a couple of Fringes past, and called it “Maddy’s Musical.”  The concept was for the audience to pick a collection of 10 songs (solos, duets and group numbers) and then the cast would have five minutes to create a narrative that would tie those songs together.  The event was hosted by Le Phantom (Nick Rubando) with piano accompaniment and sidekick comedy by Cheedo.  The cast contained original members Kate Bowman, Lauren Byrd, Nathan Ondracek and Reagan Osborne and had guest stars of Alli Miller and Adam Lau.  Needless to say, it was pure chaos and magic, and the audience had a blast.  This is the stuff that Fringe legends are made of.

RECOMMENDATION:  If you ever get another chance to see these guys do what they do best – sing and improv, then you would be well advised to see it.

TITLE OF SHOW:  My Own Private River Phoenix

VENUE:  Asylum Studio C

REVIEW:  For our final show of HFF18, we decided to see another Jessica Lynn Johnson directed show.  This show was the perfect one to close out this year.  Ai Yoshihara was hilarious as she explained how she had fallen in love with River Phoenix when she was nine years old, but had to change her plans when he died at the age of 23.  She began her quest for her very own version of him, and with the support of her family, left Japan to seek him out in America.  She used her unique humor, as well as cute audio-visual clips and fun character impressions to deliver a compelling story.  We had a blast and so did the audience.

RECOMMENDATION:  We would love to tell you that you still have another chance to see this remarkable show, but alas, she did not win an encore.  Nevertheless, it was wonderful and we would gladly see it again.

We’ll be back tomorrow with our Best of HFF18 list, including our own award selections.

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

HFF18 day 13 – see it or skip it

As we wrap up our coverage of HFF18, we find ourselves slowing down and more fully savoring the beauty and talent of the available shows, and Saturday was a perfect example.  We had originally packed our schedule but ended up only seeing two of those shows, opting instead to check out a couple of additional shows that had a lot of buzz and for which we were personally sought out to attend.  It proved to be the perfect remedy for our last full day of fringing this year.

Because of the Cultural Event happening on Hollywood Boulevard, the street was closed between Highland and Western.  We decided to come around the north end, travelling down beautiful Laurel Canyon Boulevard and then south on Santa Monica.  It only added about 20 minutes to our trip, so we had time to stop at Eat This and enjoy their breakfast special with scrambled eggs, mixed with bacon and cheese.  So worth it.  From there it was over to The Lounge Theatre to start our day with a pair of Jessica Lynn Johnson solo shows.

TITLE OF SHOW:  SQUIRREL!!

VENUE:  The Lounge Theatre

REVIEW:  Soaring Solo and Johnson are becoming synonymous with quality Fringe shows, and this one was no exception.  Sarah Rose Reynolds is a force of nature, a comedic actress who can sing and does both with an unforgettable flair.  She wears her ADHD like a badge of honor, and gave us not only an incredibly funny and refreshing show, but revealed herself to be a wonderful human being as well.  It was also amazing how our two worlds intersected, as we discovered we had several friends in common, including The Groundlings’ Tracy Newman and indie music queen Abby Posner.  We even had the same taste in Fringe shows, as we met up later in the day for another amazing musical treasure at Three Clubs.  Reynolds earned herself an encore, and will be back next weekend.

RECOMMENDATION:  Reynolds only performed three shows during Fringe, two of them before we arrived in Los Angeles, so we were privileged to get to attend her closing show.  Thank goodness for you LA that you will have one more chance to see her next Saturday, June 30 at 5 p.m.  Get your tickets now because she is almost sold out, and you don’t want to miss this masterpiece of solo theater.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Wild at Hart:  A Tale of Trauma & Triumph

VENUE:  The Lounge Theatre

REVIEW:  This show was the 14th one we reviewed for our Larry Cornwall Award, and it was a true image of beauty.  Kamakshi Hart has a beautiful voice, whether chanting her mantra or singing out show tunes.  Her story, although full of pain and trauma, is told so beautifully that the audience can’t help but be uplifted by her unquenchable spirit and her ability to triumph over that tragedy.  Of all the #metoo stories at this year’s Fringe, hers is the most touching and powerful.  Johnson has once again left her mark upon an actor with this compelling tale of incest, rape, and abuse and the ultimate freedom obtained through dealing with that trauma and learning how to help others faced with similar pain.  Hart’s ability to bounce back and conquer her shame is an encouraging story and model for us to emulate.  We are so thankful that we had the opportunity to take that journey with her and to be able to apply it to our own personal battles.

RECOMMENDATION:  Like Reynolds’ show, this one was only performed three times.  We hope for your sakes that it is extended.  If it is, do whatever it takes to see this one.

We threw out our schedule for the rest of the day, and decided to check out a couple of shows that we had really wanted to see.  Rasika Mathur joined us, along with Johnson and Reynolds for our next show at Three Clubs, one of the best venues for Fringe.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Stages:  Girl Meets Boy, Boy Meets Boy, Girl Meets Drink

VENUE:  Three Clubs

REVIEW:  Emily Goglia is one of the most gifted voices and talents we have ever experienced in our eight years of doing Fringe.  You’ve probably seen her on NBC’s Grease Live! or if you’re a fan of a capella music, on The Sing-Off as the lead singer of Element.  At any rate, she is a voice that you will never forget, and we are privileged to get the chance to see her perform so intimately on the small stage of the Hollywood Fringe.  When she’s not singing in Los Angeles, she tours the world with the USO show, entertaining our troops.  Stages is a work of art and beauty, capturing the essence of the five stages of grief with a powerhouse performance that has literally taken Los Angeles by storm.  You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll drink plenty of alcohol, and anxiously await the chance to do it all again.  We’re just sad that we didn’t discover the amazing talent earlier, but now that we have, we will tell the world about her.

RECOMMENDATIONS:  Be on the lookout for the next chance to catch her, as this was her closing performance.  By any means necessary, don’t miss her next show.

TITLE OF SHOW:  The Parisian Dream

VENUE:  The Assistance League Playhouse

REVIEW:  The venue was one of the most beautiful we have ever seen, and perfect for this amazing show by Cabaret Versatile, who we had not experienced since 2012.  Director Lola Ohlala has assembled a remarkable troupe who truly understand and demonstrate the beautiful art of French cabaret, and took the audience on a sweet journey to Paris.  The dancing by troupe members Natalie J. Davis, Ohlala, Sarah Marquelle Krueger and Julianne Kusmierczyk, and British newcomer Georgie Leahy was breathtaking, while Krueger and Ohlala also mesmerized us with their singing voices.  They were supported by the acting of Evan O’Brien and Aaron Stiles, who truly complemented the troupe with their comedic mime.  This was a true Fringe event and must be experienced.  We will treasure the memories of this performance until the next time they return, which we hope will not be another six years.

RECOMMENDATION:  If you EVER get the chance to see Cabaret Versatile, we highly recommend you jump at that opportunity – they will give you a show that you will never forget.

 

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

HFF18 day 6 – see it or skip it (part 1)

Saturday was our busiest day of HFF18, with nine shows on our schedule, ranging from 11:30 a.m. to 11:55 p.m.  We knocked out the Friday reviews and then headed down to Fringe – first stop, The Broadwater.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Stripped

VENUE:  The Broadwater Studio

REVIEW:   Julia Cavanaugh is a former exotic dancer who discovered that recovery from emotional trauma is possible, and doesn’t require you to remove your clothes.  She was extremely vulnerable during the show, and shared her hard fought lessons learned with strength and confidence.  Although not quite yet a triple threat, she did have an amazing voice, and supplemented her impressive acting skills with that beautiful singing voice.  The show was humorous and powerful, and left this reviewer wanting to know more.  We will definitely be looking for bigger and better for Ms. Cavanaugh.  This was the first of five shows we reviewed on Saturday that were directed or assisted by the Queen of the Solo show herself, Jessica Lynn Johnson, and it was great to see her impressive students, and have the chance to hang out with her at the first three shows.

RECOMMENDATION:  This was one of the best solo shows we’ve seen this year.  Don’t miss your chance to check it out.  She has one show remaining on June 21 at 9:30 p.m.  Grab your tickets here.

TITLE OF SHOW:  My Calico Soul

VENUE:  The Broadwater Studio

REVIEW:   Steve Brock is many things – singer-songwriter, actor, bisexual, autistic, talented, but what he definitely is not is timid.  He confidently tells his story in song and speech, and draws the audience in with his sweetness and charm.  He was honest about his labels – those imparted on him and those he assigned himself.  He led the audience through his life story, and even had a talk back session at the end so that the audience could ask question about anything they did not understand.  Although there were some technical issues, Brock handled them with grace, and did not let them interfere with his show.  His voice is sweet and he writes beautiful songs, especially the title track that he uses to open and close the show.  All in all it was a most worthy effort.

RECOMMENDATION:  You should definitely check this one out, especially if you like to see how hard work and perseverance wins out over obstacles.  His remaining shows are June 22 at 9:30 p.m. and June 24 at 4 p.m.  You can buy your tickets here.

TITLE OF SHOW:  #METOO

VENUE:  Asylum Studio C

REVIEW:   Star Stone brings one of the most timely of topics to the Fringe stage – #metoo.  Her performance breaks chains and shatters taboos about eating disorders, alcoholism and unwanted sexual advances.  Her courage is manifested in this show, and the 25 characters you will meet explain the struggles she has endured, and eventually conquered.  You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll get pissed off, but ultimately you will be proud of her accomplishments in the struggle for female empowerment and the right to say “No.”  Consent is far too often a difficult thing to obtain, but men in general need to understand that it is a mandatory part of any sexual encounter.  Stone reminds us of this, and helps liberate us from the belief that men always get their way – by any means necessary.  We reject that notion, and vow to always obtain consent, whether it has been granted before or not.  Men have no right to assume that just because she doesn’t say anything, it’s all right to proceed.  Let us treat each other like we want to be treated, and allow true love to grow and healing to begin.

RECOMMENDATION:  Every man in Los Angeles needs to see this show and learn the truth, and every woman needs to come and be uplifted with this positive message.  The final show is June 22 at 8:30 p.m.  Get your tickets here.

We’ll be right back with part 2.

Categories
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.

 

 

Categories
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!