Review. ABSOLUTELY HALLOWEEN in Santa Monica

 

 

            To review a children’s show requires that I have a child to observe so I can see it from their perspective. Sophia is four years old and is a very determined child, who’s not easily pleased, so bringing her to this show was a challenge. Will she enjoy it? Will she ‘get’ it? Will she join in all the fun, and even get her photo taken with her favorite character?

            Many kids there were dressed in costumes, and all were delightedly engaged in the story, the performances and the interaction required of them. Well, I’m happy to report that, even though Sophia kept sheltered on her mother, Rachel’s, lap throughout, she was mesmerized and enchanted. When leopard-skinned feline, Cattypuss, asked for verbal help from all the children, Sophia led the rest.        

   It was at intermission that Sophia, normally a bold, fierce, kid, became a shy little girl! Awed by the fabulous Cattypuss, who invited her to come and share a selfie, little Sophia actually held back! Ah, if you knew her, as I know her, this would amaze you as it amazed me!

            This is all to let my readers know that “Absolutely Halloween” is the perfect show to bring your grandkids, no matter how contrary they sometimes seem to be. It’s a magical journey wherein a child named Candy learns about the true meaning of Halloween, i.e., that it’s not only about Trick or Treating for free sweets!

            The fine cast is led by Cydne Moore as a friendly Witch, show-stealing Meghan Nealon as the ever-mischievous Cattypuss, and Tiffany Haile as Candy, with colorful support by Kendal Evans, Michala Peltz and Celeste Akiki. Direction is by Chris DeCarlo, with book, music & lyrics by DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie. Vivid costumes are by designer Ashley Hayes.

   Santa Monica Playhouse, now in its 59^th year, is back live (but wear masks) and in this case its business is to bring joy and amazement to young people. Old people too – you see Grandpa came with us and he never even dozed off for a second!

            Santa Monica Playhouse is at 1211 4^th Street between Wilshire and Arizona. Tickets at Playhouse Box Office, or call (310) 394-9779 ext.2 or online at www.SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com

 

Review: BEARINGS by MATT CHAIT On Hollywood’s Theatre Row

  

       This intriguing new play starts off as a Kafkaesque mystery when a near delirious young man enters a luxury hotel in Pasadena looking for his room that he left only hours before.  There is no record of his having ever been there but after a while the reception he gets from the management is quite warm and obliging. 

Soon one starts to wonder if perhaps this is hiding a scheme to destroy the man’s mind. 

However, by being patient and enjoying the journey I guarantee that when the pieces fall into place, author Matt Chait does not let us down. The final revelation satisfies one’s curiosity as well as proves a delight in the magic spell of live theater.

            As for the performers, leading an excellent cast is Will Bradley, tormented but sweetly honest as the beleaguered hero; then there are Justin Huen and Kim Estes, hotel-managers, both so calm and reasonable that our suspicions are roused. 

There are scene-stealers Rebecca O’Brien as a wonderfully funny overworked waitress, and Valerie Larsen as a superbly frustrated and harried mom-housewife. 

Others worth noting are Trip Langley as a snotty desk clerk, Jane Papageorge as a lascivious student, Allison Reeves as a dedicated nurse and Vanessa Born as a cheery boy with a python pet.

Directed with panache by author Chait and presented by The Complex with Erin Trainer as executive producer. Performed in the Flight Theatre, (aptly named for its very high flight of stairs) at 6472, Santa Monica Blvd., in Hollywood. Yes, this is the row of small theatres, known as The Complex, that are endangered and demanding that this historic Theatre Row have protective status as the theatrically productive home for Los Angeles’ imaginative and daring Live Theatre!

Unfortunately, I only got to see this evocative play close to its final weekend and it’s worth hurrying over before it closes, and the fine cast and crew disperse to other triumphs. TICKETS & RESERVATIONS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bearings-tickets-395606518747