Tag: Michael Shaw Fisher

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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.

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

HFF18 day 8 – see it or skip it

Monday was a busy day, with 13 reviews to write, as well as three more shows to take in.  The reviews took a while, but I still had time to make a stop at Tom’s for a world famous pastrami sandwich before heading down to Three Clubs for our first show.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Night of the Rootbeer

VENUE:  Three Clubs

REVIEW:  Believe the hype – this is complete and utter nonsense.  If you love shows that are a complete waste of time, then this one is for you.  JJ Mayes gathers his best 20 best friends for a night of rootbeer, debauchery, posing and . . . who cares!  It was massive fun to watch these gifted actors act like complete and utter fools, and consume massive amounts of rootbeer.  At least one thing was accomplished . . . we finally know the source of Michael Shaw Fisher’s depravity – it’s the rootbeer!

RECOMMENDATION:  If you have nothing better to do, then see this show, but you have to get down on your knees with Scott Golden to get an invitation.  Two more shows on June 20 at 11:30 p.m. and June 23 at 2:30 p.m.  Don’t forget to make a donation at the door so they will let you leave.

TITLE OF SHOW:  From Toilet to Tinseltown

VENUE:  The Hobgoblin Playhouse

REVIEW:  If you are a hard-core Harry Potter fan, then this is definitely NOT the show for you.  Moaning Myrtle takes us from the bathroom at Hogwarts and embarks on a journey culminating in the comedy clubs of Hollywood.  FYI, Myrtle is a potty mouth, but she’s so damn funny.  This was the perfect follow-up to the nuttiness that is Night of the Rootbeer.  We laughed ourselves silly, and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.  The Hobgoblin may be out of the way, but in this case it was definitely worth the trip (and the parking charge).

RECOMMENDATION:  This one should definitely be on your list.  For a good time, call Myrtle.  Don’t miss her final show on June 23 at 5:30 p.m.  Get your tickets here.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Blind Spots

VENUE:  Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre

REVIEW:  Finally, a true play that is s well-crafted drama.  We were beginning to suspect that there was no true culture, and then we saw Blind Spots.  Thank you Colette Freedman for creating such a moving and stirring play, and for daring to do it without a single male!  Constance Dalton-Pawie has directed a masterpiece of theater, which is one of the best shows at HFF18.  Her delightful cast (Tamara Burgess, Koni McCurdy, Lindsay McGee, Michelle Pedersen and Veronica Wylie) work well as an ensemble.  The chemistry between these players is very evident, and makes the show seem like a documentary on free speech.  It was the perfect way to end a day of Fringe craziness.  We definitely see whatever this amazing team puts together next.

RECOMMENDATION:  You don’t want to miss their final show on Friday, June 22 at 7 p.m.  This one is the one that you will remember and treasure long after Fringe is over.  Get your tickets here.

If you need a break from the Fringe, come join Indie Voice Blog as we celebrate the LA Music Critic Awards with a winner’s showcase at The Mint on Pico Boulevard.  Doors open at 6 and there will be live music and awards all night, featuring the music of Lexie Rose, Pam Taylor, Alexis Keegan, Pi Jacobs, Great Willow, The Khourys, Rusty Young of Poco, Cindy Alexander, Ted Russell Kamp of CALICO the Band, Shiragirl and ROCKET.  Tickets are only $13 at the door.  Please join us.

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

HFF18 day 4 – see it or skip it (part 2)

Our final show for Thursday was our most anticipated one at this year’s Fringe – the marriage of Orgasmico Theatre Co and Cherry Poppins.  Here’s the low down.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Doctor Nympho vs. The Sex Zombies

VENUE:  Three Clubs

REVIEW:   When we found out that Michael Shaw Fisher was writing a rock musical for this year’s Fringe, we were excited, and when we realized it would be done by the Cherry Poppins crew, we were over the moon.  The five year wait (since 2013’s Exorcistic) was worth it, as this show is a masterpiece from start to finish.

We still remember the way we felt when we first saw Doomsday Cabaret, and the feeling was back on the first note of Doctor Nympho.  Director Sarah Haworth brought out every nuance of Fisher’s amazing music and book, and the over-packed venue responded enthusiastically.

The story line about a virus that turns people into sex zombies was wonderfully laid out and brought to reality by the amazing members of Cherry Poppins, including the central cast of Alli Miller as Dr. Nympho, Fisher as her husband, with Kim Dalton and Kristyn Evelyn as their children.  Haworth led the sex zombies, joined by Amber Braken, Reagan Osborne, Cory Robinson, Meredith Lim and Lauren Avon.  They were ably supported by Jeff Sumner as Jerry, Rebecca Reaney as Dr. Shatz, Shannon Glasgow as Stacy, Schoen Hodges as Adam and Sarah Wines as Eve, with special dance appearances by Taylor Baker as Poet and Brin Hamblin as Virus.

Of course, what would a rock musical be without a killer band, and this one was truly amazing, led by Sandy Chao Wong.  She was joined by Krishnan Swamiathan on bass, Ludvig Brathan and Kenny Echizen on guitar and Tim McIntyre and Dennis Nilsson on drums.

Very special kudos to the choreography team of Hamblin, Reaney, Haworth and Miller, who somehow managed to keep this huge cast dancing and performing on the venue’s postage stamp sized stage, without any major incidents.  It was an incredibly thing of beauty to watch this amazing cast dance, sing and act, and we left the venue feeling just as good as we did the first (and the 12th) time we saw Doomsday Cabaret.

RECOMMENDATION:  If you only see one Fringe show, then this had better be it.  But be forewarned – it will SELL OUT, so make our plans to attend the remaining performances on June 16 at 5 p.m., June 21 at 7 p.m. and June 23 at 11 p.m.  You can purchase tickets here.

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Hollywood Fringe Festival Theatre

Ten most anticipated shows at HFF18

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Fringe Shows

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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