Non-Registered Critics: Peter Foldy
THE HUMAN[OID] EXPERIENCE
Malachi Beasley shows up late in the play as Hedelle’s lover, Lamar. He is a strong presence in a small but effectictive role. A more nuanced perfomance from Ammy Ontiveros could have balanced the dynamic, but all in all, The Human(oid) Experience is a smart, funny piece with heart.
Share this:
POCKETS
Everyone on stage gives it their all. A four piece band, Duke Spookum and The Jimmy Jammers, provide tight musical accompaniment, and Pockets is one that should not be missed. Perfect for kids of all ages.
Don’t miss it.
Share this:
Tommy's Room
Good use of rear screen projection, and excellent singing and guitar playing by Jesse Stevensen only adds to the caliber of this production. Tommy’s Room shocks you as it breaks your heart.
Highly recommended.
Share this:
And Now It's All This!
And Now It’s All This is sharp and insightful as it sheds light on the scandal that is now a part of Beatles history .
Put this one on your “must see” list for this year’s Fringe.
Share this:
Ready Steady Yeti Go
Playwright David Jacobi covers important territory with his timely tale of racism in small town America, but he also touches our hearts with his exploration of first love and the unbreakable bond between family. Those subplots play almost as compellingly as the main story. See this play...poignant and humorous.
Share this:
ALL MY SONS
Ably directed by Gary Lee Reed and produced by Racquel Lehrman this production of All My Sons is a fluid, riveting drama that draws you in and doesn’t let go.
Share this:
Wild Son: The Testimony of Christian Brando
Actor, John Mese delivers the narrative with confident, self-deprecating humor and earnest conviction...
This is a story worth knowing–and a play worth seeing.
Share this:
COME FROM AWAY
“Come From Away” is uplifting and energized. It's a testament to the fact that people are inherently good and may imprint on you the need to trust and be kind to your neighbor.
Share this:
OPPENHEIMER
Liebman cleverly balances Oppenheimer's social unease, his brilliant mind and his sexual appetite. He is supported by a talented, hard-working cast who all deliver impressive performances. There are no slouches on stage. Every actor has a moment to shine... John Perrin Flynn's fluid direction keeps the lengthy piece moving at a good clip. I especially welcomed the staging of a wild, ritualistic dance number in the second act, based on the Nobel Prize winning theoretical physicist Richard Feynman's bongo playing. It's a climactic, tension busting moment that celebrates the success of the Manhattan Project, allowing the cast to cut loose while also giving the audience a moment of much needed levity... Oppenheimer is absorbing and powerful. It should not be misssed.
Share this:
Cal in Camo
Writer, William Francis Hoffman's CAL IN CAMO, making it's West Coast Premiere at the VS Theatre is a chilling, metaphoric drama with dialogue as raw as it's wounded characters... With solid direction from Amy K Harmon, impressive set design by Se Hyun Oh, and an outstanding score by Chris Moscatiello, who also created the sound design, Cal in Camo delivers a compelling and emotional roller coaster ride.
Share this:
The Bench, A Homeless Love Story
Should be seen. Brutal honesty and gentle humor…grabs you by the heart. Delivers noteworthy set design and illustrations from talented artist Daphne Arthur. She has also created a graphic novel called “The Bench” which is available for purchase at the show, with proceeds donated to various charities.
Share this:
Mexican Day
Great performances, strong direction…a play to see. It is not only poignant but also relevant to our current political and racial climate….a powerful and moving conclusion.
Share this:
Hostage
One of the most compelling, heart rendering productions currently showing in L.A. Tracie is dynamic as Barbara Timm, and L.A. audiences are once again taking notice of her strength as an actress.
Share this:
The Giant Void in My Soul
The Giant Void In My Soul is insightful, spot on with excellent performances.
Share this:
Bad Jews
Director, Dana Resnick keeps the dialogue-heavy piece moving at a clip. The play runs 95 minutes but flies by, while never losing your interest.... “Bad Jews” is a powerful, impressive play that will stay with you long after the curtain comes down. I'm already looking forward to revisiting it again before it closes in June.
Share this:
El Nino
Sharp writing from Justin Tanner and spot on performances from a talented cast make Rogue Machine's new season premier, El Niño, a must see theatrical event.
Share this:
4Play: Sex in a Series
4Play has a compelling story line and likeable characters who have both humor and depth. Mr. Brown's dialogue flows as smoothly as a bottle of Dom Perignon and the fine cast have a chemistry that feels, spontaneous and authentic. By the time the pieces of the puzzle are put together and the conflicts come to a head at an awkward, ill fated dinner party, you almost want to swap phone numbers with these people so you can catch up in a few weeks to make sure that things have worked out for them. 4Play feels that involving. Don't miss it!
Share this:
Redline and Sinner's Laundry
Mr. Durso's writing is spot on and with smart direction from Eli Gonda and deeply committed, passionate performances from James Eckhouse and Graham Sibley, Redline evolves into a compelling, edge of your seat thriller. This is a taunt, visceral theatrical experience and by the time father and son reunite for the final showdown, you can cut the tension on stage with a knife.
Share this:
Br'er Cotton
Don't miss it! Top-notch cast…fine directing. Wrapped in a cloud of tension that never lets up.
Share this:
Daytona
Daytona manages to get under your skin. It deals with the loss of love, the will to survive and the difficulty of letting go, it's tragic, fragile characters are not ones you are likely to forget.
Share this:
