NBY, MARCH COLUMN 2020: Our Man in Santiago, Taming The Lion, Show Me A Hero & A Body of Water.

Henry Kissinger & Richard Nixon

OUR MAN IN SANTIAGO (Cahuenga)

This comic spy thriller is inspired by the true story of a botched attempt by the U.S. to overthrow Chile’s democratically elected leader back in early 1970. According to Gabriela Garcia Marquez, a plan was hatched by the Nixon Administration and the Chilean military for a coup that had to be aborted when “someone made a mistake in the Pentagon and requested 200 visas for a purported Navy chorus!” In this new political farce, by Mark Wilding, the CIA enlists an inexperienced, unsuspecting agent to follow up with a last-ditch effort to hasten the coup d'état.  As director Charlie Mount states: “It’s about consequentialism. In politics, do the ends justify the means?” Starring Steve Nevil as Richard Nixon and Michael Van Duzer as Henry Kissinger. Produced by Benjamin Scuglia at Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. Los Angeles. Tkts: (323) 851-7977 or www.TheatreWest.org.

TAMING THE LION (Beverly Hills)

Here is another new play, based on a true story, this time set in Hollywood in the 1920’s silent film era. Actor William Haines, after 50 films was the number one box-office draw by 1934. However, he was openly gay, a fact that MGM attempted to conceal with Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg trying to force him to marry a woman to please his fans. In the play, when Haines reveals his devotion to his male lover, Mayer sends Joan Crawford over to talk sense to him. Playwright Jack Rushen has twice won the Julie Harris Award from the Beverly Hills Theatre Guild. Director is Melanie MacQueen, familiar to audiences as she appears annually in “The Manor.”  Produced by David Hunt Stafford for Theatre 40. At Reuben Cordova Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Dr. Beverly Hills. Tkts: (310) 364-0535 or www.theatre40.org. Free parking.

SHOW ME A HERO (North Hollywood)

Oriana Fallaci & Alexander Panagoulis

In 1974, Italian journalist Oriana Fallaci went to Greece to interview freedom fighter Alexander Panagoulis after the collapse of the military dictatorship there. Panagoulis had been imprisoned and tortured for his actions and, when he and Oriana met, they fell in love. Her book, “A Man” was inspired by his life. She was at his side when he once again risked his life to gather evidence against corrupt government leaders. Their dynamic love story is being dramatized by playwright and novelist Willard Manus who lived in Greece for many years as the Mediterranean Correspondent for the Canadian “Financial Post.” This new play is premiering in Los Angeles and is directed by Daniel E. Keough of Theatre West. Produced by Write Act Repertory’s Artistic Director John Lant with Anne Mesa. At Brickhouse Theatre, 10950 Peach Grove St. NoHo. Tkts: (800) 838-3006 Ext. 1 or www.Brownpapertickets.com/event/4510530.

A BODY OF WATER (Hollywood)

In this lyrical drama, a couple in their fifties wake up in an isolated house above a picturesque body of water with no idea of where they are or why they are there. This situation is further complicated by the arrival of a mysterious young woman with a questionable explanation. According to playwright Lee Blessing, his play is about lost identity and rediscovering love and examines the wisdom of embracing a pure moment of joy even when nothing else is certain. Directed by Nan McNamara and produced by Crystal Jackson for Actors Co-op. Blessing has written a new ending to this often-seen play and will participate in talkbacks after the Sunday matinees. At the Crossley Theatre, 1760 N Gower St, on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood. Tkts: (323) 462-8460 or www.ActorsCo-op.org. Free parking.

NBY: FEBRUARY 2020 COLUMN: Christopher Boy's Communion, The Andrews Brothers, Nowhere On The Border, West Adams & The Bluest Eye.

THE CHRISTOPHER BOY’S COMMUNION (West Los Angeles)

This new play, written and directed by David Mamet, is being staged for a very limited run and features an all-star cast that includes William H. Macy and Rebecca Pidgeon (I saw them both in his original production of “Oleanna” in NYC), Clark Gregg (founding member Atlantic Theatre Co) and Fionnula Flanagan (EMMY winner, two TONY nominations) and others. The story involves a grisly murder that has taken place in Central Park and, knowing and admiring Mamet’s work, this promises to be a volatile and meaningful drama. It’s a guest production at the Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles. There will only be 10 performances from Feb. 13-23. For reservations call (310) 477-2055 or online at

https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/10240066

  THE ANDREWS BROTHERS (Long Beach)

In this madcap salute to the swinging ‘40’s, written and created by Roger Bean whose “Marvelous Wondrettes” is still roaring across the land, a USO show is threatened with cancellation when a certain trio of singing sisters (clue: last name Andrews!) fail to show up. When three earnest and determined stagehands, who believe that “The Show Must Go On!” perform the act with some cross-dressing and a lot of chutzpah - it sure does. Featuring over 25 songs made famous by the Andrew Sisters, including “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Slow Boat To China,” “Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree” and “Accent-chu-ate the Positive” it’s a valentine to the heroes of World War ll. Directed and choreographed by Jamie Torcellini, with a rambunctious live band led by music director Brent Crayon. At International City Theatre in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 330 East Seaside Way, Long Beach. Tkts: 562-436-4610 or www.InternationalCityTheatre.org

NOWHERE ON THE BORDER (North Hollywood)

In this timely play, set in the hostile wasteland between nations, a Border Watch volunteer confronts a Mexican man who claims to be looking for his missing daughter. Playwright Carlos Lacámara, who was two years old when his family left Cuba, made a visit there in 2000 and was moved by the hardships of life on that island. Here he reveals the personal dramas that drive people to cross borders, both physical and emotional. Directed by Stewart J. Zully for Road Theatre Company. At The Road on Magnolia, 10747 Magnolia Blvd. NOHO. Tkts: 818-761-8838 or www.roadtheatre.org

WEST ADAMS (Los Feliz)

Back in the 1980’s my husband and I bought a beautiful Victorian house in West Adams and became friends with the neighbors as well as other lovers of classic homes there. This new play, by Penelope Lowder, is listed as a dark comedy about race and class. I’d better get to see it since the promo notes state that: “Perhaps reshaping a newly adopted neighborhood in your own image isn’t as lofty as one might think!” Directed by Michael A. Sheppard. At Skylight Theatre, 1816½ N Vermont, Los Feliz. Tkts: 213-761-7061 or http://SkylightTix.com

THE BLUEST EYE (Hollywood)

Lydia Diamond adapted this play from the novel by Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison. It’s a portrait of a black girl’s coming of age in the racially turbulent 1940’s and explores the toll taken on a community, a family and an innocent girl. As Morrison stated, “I do not want to dehumanize the people who wound this girl, because that would simply repeat their mistake.” Directed by Bernadette Speakes with choreography by Shari Rhone. At The Hudson Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood. Tkts: 323-856-4249 or 323-960-1055 or www.Plays411.com

SUNDAY DINNER review

In my teens I lived for two years with an Italian family in Brooklyn, and this delightful play made me feel right at home again. Not that family secrets and bitter confrontations didn’t happen in my own Irish environment, but the style was different. 

This perceptive dramedy explores how one group deals with their secret shames when a young priest, the apple of his mother’s eye and the respected confidant of his father, returns home for a visit that lifts the lid off too many long-suppressed secrets.

Playwright-director Tony Blake explores how we each have the right to speak and be heard, but are we willing to risk the consequences. 

One character’s ironic, “The truth shall set you free!” is soon demonstrated to be perhaps the greatest hurt of all. Once known we can never go back, and the final revelation shows how the truth can actually be a dagger in one’s heart. But, as Blake makes clear, it must finally be spoken.

As the matriarch, Sharron Shayne is a gentle spirit who one and all want to protect; and as paterfamilias John Combs is a blustering dad who believes family always comes first no matter the consequences. James Tabeek, as their Son the Priest, demonstrates the conflict between protection, the truth, and standing on principle.

Also excellent are Michele Schultz as the fierce maiden aunt; Kevin Linehan as the bossy older brother; Meghan Lloyd as the plaintive sister-in-law, and Dennis Hadley as the jovial but hurting cousin. You have to see the play yourself, since to describe the amusing, if sometimes tragic conflicts, would give it all away. Go and discover it.

The impressive set by Jeff G. Rank, and eclectic costumes by Michéle Young, pull you into this realistic Bronx-family world. Produced by David Hunt Stafford for Theatre 40. At the Reuben Cordova Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills.

NBY. January 2020. BAD HABITS review, SUNDAY DINNER, DISPOSABLE NECESSITIES, THE GIVER.

Alley Mills & Orson Bean

BAD HABITS (Santa Monica)             

Having spent ten years living among nuns in a British Catholic Boarding School I must admit none of them had such bad habits as these Sisters of St. Cyril. This bevy of virgins often curse like truck drivers, make snide comments about their young school charges, have a drinking problem, and in general behave more like Hollywood tarts than the nuns I knew. But, as my friend director Fran Freedman quipped, “Morna, perhaps you should have recused yourself!”

Yes, the audience clearly loved it, especially when they were drawn into the action as stand-ins for little kids in school. The cast, even though all in imminent danger of excommunication, were excellent. Even Orson Bean, as the shrewd local Bishop, entertained delightfully with jokes that were perhaps rather risqué for a man of the cloth.

Alley Mills was the humanistic Mother Superior over Sisters’ Mouchette van Helsdingen, Jacquelynne Fontaine, Lee Garlington and Jacquelin Lorraine Schofield (who I wish could have finished her soaring solo that threatened to bring down the house). Kelsey Griswold dazzled as the mysterious visitor and Jennifer Sagiao was a formidable secretary and deft furniture mover.

Humorist Playwright Steve Mazur claims to be “the proud product of a parochial school education” and I suspect he got caned on his knuckles quite a few times. Director Mike Reilly says, “This is, ultimately, a life affirming, joyful play” and he certainly brought it to life for the matinee audience.

Imaginative set by Brad Bentz was perfect framing for Michael Mullen’s elegant traditional nun’s costumes.

At Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Ave, Santa Monica. Tkts: (310) 397-3244 or www.ruskingrouptheatre.com. Free parking.

SUNDAY DINNER (Beverly Hills)

Michael Matera, a young priest stationed in Chicago, returns to his parent’s home in the Bronx after his grandfather’s death. As the Matera clan gather at the family home for Sunday dinner dark secrets of sin, secrecy and shame start to unravel. When his father confesses a crime to Michael he refuses to give him absolution yet has guilty secrets of his own to deal with. This world premiere drama is written and directed by Tony Blake and produced by David Hunt Stafford. At Theatre 40, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Bevely Hills. Tkts: (310) 364-0535 or www.theatre40.org. Free Parking.

DISPOSABLE NECESSITIES (Venice)

In this play, the disposables in the title refers to people aging and dying but, due to the wonders of the digital world, it’s possible to download one’s soul into another host or body. However, only the very rich can afford this and can even choose to be anyone they desire. Playwright Neil McGowan takes a comedic look at greed, the value of life… and even death! Directed by Guillermo Cienfuegos and produced by John Perrin Flynn. At Rogue Machine Theatre, 1416 Electric Ave, Venice. Tkts: (855) 585-5185 or www.roguemachinetheatre.com

THE GIVER (Westchester)

This multimedia presentation takes us to a futuristic community where life is idyllic, with designated mothers, appropriate family units and assigned partners. Here is a precisely choreographed world where a young man finds everyone obeys and no one thinks to ask questions. Jonas’ journey is filled with heightened sensory experience as he goes from this place of no choice,… to where? Adapted by Eric Coble from the book by Lois Lowry. Directed by Harold Dershimer. At Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave, Westchester. Tkts: (310) 645-5156 or boxoffice@kentwoodplayers.org

NBY-December 2019 - LOVE ACTUALLY-LIVE, MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Tis the season for Holiday shows and favorite memories from movies past…

  

LOVE ACTUALLY - LIVE (Beverly Hills)

If you saw the 2003 British-themed movie, and loved it, here is a chance to see it in a 3-dimensional world, with live actors and singers, and a 15-piece orchestra, all in sync with your favorite scenes. This series of short stories, showing different aspects of love in the weeks leading up to Christmas, are now blended into a living theatre experience with stars from Broadway returning from its last season’s world premiere at the Wallis. I hear that more than 12,000 people flocked to the show, and reports are that people were leaving the theatre after each performance crying, laughing, hugging, humming the soundtrack, and embracing the holiday spirit. So, what more can I say! Songs include “Trouble With Love” and “Both Sides Now.” At Wallis Annenberg Center, 9390 N Santa Monica Blvd, BH. Tkts: (310)746-4000 or www.TheWallis.org/Love

   

MIRACLE ON 34^TH STREET (Hollywood)

In this 1947 Christmas classic, an old man going by the name of Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) fills in for an intoxicated Santa in Macy's annual Thanksgiving Day parade. Kringle proves to be such a hit that he is soon appearing regularly at the chain's main store in midtown Manhattan. When Kringle surprises customers and employees alike by claiming that he really is Santa Claus, it leads to a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, his authenticity. Well, its been adapted into musicals on Broadway and TV, and was even broadcast on radio with the original cast. Now you can see a new adaptation at Actors Co-op, on the campus of First Presbyterian Church at 1760 N Gower St, Hwd. Tkts: (323) 462-8460 ext.300 or www.actorsco-op.org

EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!) (Sierra Madre)

So, if you are fed up with that annual Charles Dickens’ moody “Christmas Carol” so are the performers in this outrageous holiday romp. It’s a madcap musical where a group of actors decide they will perform holiday traditions from around the world, from ancient times to now. They also intend to try and include every carol ever sung! “It’s incredible and difficult to describe, so get your tickets to experience it for yourself” says Broadway World. Gary Lamb directs, and music director Sean Paxton performs the music live. At Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W Sierra Madre Blvd. TKTS: (626) 355-4318 or www.sierramadreplayhouse.org

And last but not least…

 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE - A LIVE RADIO PLAY! (Santa Barbara)

Here is the absolute favorite Christmas story, that informs us that “every time a bell rings” an angel gets its wings! Set in sunny Santa Barbara, in 1947, the show features mock radio commercials for local businesses from that time. The story of idealistic George Bailey, who gives up his dreams to help others, and whose life’s decisions on Christmas Eve bring about the intervention of his Guardian Angel, comes to life with five talented actors performing dozens of characters and with live Foley sound effects right before your eyes. Jonathan Fox, artistic director for Ensemble Theatre Company, promises: “We ring in the holiday season with this one of the most iconic films of all time… brought to life by our own Brian McDonald… from the film everyone knows and loves.” It’s the perfect holiday show for the entire family. At the New Vic, 33 W Victoria St. Santa Barbara. Tkts: (805) 965-5400 ext.115 or www.etcsb.org

Review. WRONG KIND OF PEOPLE (Downtown)

In this madcap tale it’s 1942, and a young African American law student (Ken Ivy) is given the “colored” suite in a Los Angeles luxury hotel. Since he is there to study overnight for his upcoming Bar Exam he tries to make the best of it. However, the affable bellhop (Damon Rutledge) warns him there may be a few folk climbing in the window, but not to worry! 

Well, as it turns out one wacky visitor (Darrell Philip) brings the law to him in more ways than expected and, even if the law books remain unopened, he ends up with a sweet if fiery girlfriend (Chauntice Green). Don’t even ask about the adulteress (Stephanie Schulz) and the mobster (Stephen Tyler Howell) who enter through the doorway!

Author George W. Corbin, whose fine “Daughters of the Kush” I recall as a sophisticated drama, is here channeling the Marx Brothers to a quite hilarious degree. 

However, mischievous director C. Julian White forgot that audiences need to hear, as well as see, since his excellent actors spoke so softly and intimately to each other that about 50% of the dialogue was incomprehensible. Otherwise, a great deal of fun was had by all.

Presented by Robey Theatre Company at Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S Spring St. Downtown LA. Tkts: (866) 811-4111 or www.thelatc.org

TITUS ANDRONICUS - Or How I Love All of Shakespeare’s Play’s but One…

    

    Having directed a production of this really sadistic play, and after shuddering through Julie Taymor’s gruesome film TITUS, I am always reluctant to attend live performances of this play. Well, a braver soul than I, name of Mikey Mulhearn, just gave the lie to my timidity with a bold production at the Kimpton Everly Hotel in Hollywood. Mulhearn presents non-traditional Shakespeare with his gender-bending company SHAKESPEARE ON THE DECK now in its 2^nd year.

    My theater colleague, costume designer Tricia Stubbs, has been urging me to come along and see for myself the unique approach of this new group. Here are her comments after attending a performance of Titus last month:

“This play was first performed somewhere between 1590-1594 making it one of his earlier plays and his first tragedy. The setting tells the story of the fictional Roman general, Titus Andronicus, who comes back from a 10-year war with the Goths where he has lost 21 of his sons. He returns with Tamora, Queen of the Goths, as hostage with her 3 sons. When he sacrifices her eldest son in revenge for his own dead sons, he sets off a chain of horror starting with the rape and mutilation of his own daughter.

This production was both brilliant and powerful, each character well defined, each actor speaking their lines clearly, distinctly and with true passion. Shah Granville (Titus), Keaton Shyler (Tamora), Nima Rad (Lavinia) and Jahel Caldera (Aaron the Moor) head this superb gender neutral and race neutral company. Although there was no comic relief in this play, the fact that a white liquid was used in place of red blood lightened this otherwise very heavy show.”

Mulhearn directs his own adaptations of each play and transforms the space beneath the hotel’s Everbar into a fantastic otherworld. A new program, "Shakes After Dark," will include folio classes, public readings, fight nights, and free Shakespeare in a bar. For info: www.shakesonthedeck.com