Theater Reviews by Morna

Morna Martell

Reminder: With Covid, all theatres still require proof of vaccination and wearing of masks to attend.

 

APARTMENT LIVING – Los Feliz

Playwright Boni B. Alvarez explores the realities of the years living under Covid lockdown showing that in some ways it improves people’s lives, but in others hidden truths are revealed that change. We are flies on the wall – or windscreen – as these neighbors come and go while their relationships deepen or unravel.

Leading an excellent cast, is businesswoman Cassandra (Charrell Mack) who while planning her wedding to actor-boyfriend Alex (Gabriel Leyva) is also looking forward to finding time for some ardent lovemaking. Next door is worried nurse Easter (Gigette Reyes) valiantly trying to persuade her charmingly naïve son Dixon (Andrew Russel) to wear a mask. On remote calls a friend, Mayisha (Geri-Nikole Love) gives unwelcome advice and, in a baffling store encounter, a chatty White Woman ((Rachel Sorsa) claims to be racially blind.

Directed with intensity by Jon Lawrence Rivera, there are about 25 short scenes separated by time and distance with choregraphed set changes that bring a cinematic value to the story. At Skylight Theatre, 1816 ½ N. Vermont, Los Feliz. For tickets: 213-761-7061 or http://skylighttix.com.

 

A DEATH-DEFYING ESCAPE – Hollywood

This darkly funny new comedy by Judy Carter promises to make you gasp from a series of jaw-dropping feats of real, onstage magic. Then you’ll be moved by the inspiring story of a lady magician’s quest to find love by escaping life’s emotional shackles. Writer-performer Carter is joined by actors Kevin Scott and Lyndsi LaRose, with direction by Lee Costello. At Hudson Guild Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles. Call: (818) 887-1499

 

THE PATH TO CATHERINE– North Hollywood

This new musical, based on historic truth, tells the story of three royal women and the path that led a teenage princess to become Catherine the Great! – one of the world’s most powerful female monarchs. The show features a cast of just three women, and has a sung-through score, with modern musical elements utilizing a combination of percussive grooves and soaring melodies that bring this historic tale into the 21st century. Starring Elise Walters as Catherine, Jessica Reiner-Harris as Joanna, Robyn Roth as Elizabeth, and Martha Thatcher as Sophie. Book and lyrics are by Patricia Zehentmayr, with music by Jan Roper, and directed by Joanna Syiek. Jonathan Harrison is associate producer for Write Act Rep. At The Brickhouse Theatre, 10950 Peach Grove St., North Hollywood. Tkts: (800) 838-3006 or online at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5382768

 

A HEATED DISCUSSION – Downtown

In Levy Lee Simon’s provocative new play, the spirit world, dismayed at the state of the world today, convenes a number of famous departed Black iconic figures – among them Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Ida B. Wells, James Baldwin, Lorraine Hansberry, Maya Angelou, Richard Pryor, Tupac Shakur, and Nina Simone for a rousing meet-up. Their viewpoints, comments, and solutions are as diverse as the individuals who comprise this combustible mix of personalities. The cast includes Toni-Ann Hampton, David Bollar, Ayonna Michelle, Tiffany Coty, LaShada Jackson, Kimberly Bailey, Rosie Lee Hooks, Quonta Beasley, Rogelio Douglas III, Alex W.S.T. Chumley, Kyle Sparks, Julio Hanson, Garret Davis, Vanja Renee, and Ben Guillory. Directed by Guillory, the opening date coincides with the birthday of Paul Robeson (1898-1976), for whom The Robey is named. This production marks the return of Robey Theatre Company to live, in-person staging. At Los Angeles Theatre Center, Theatre Four, 514 S. Spring Street, LA.

Reservations: (213) 489-7402 or http://therobeytheatrecompany.org

Information at office@therobeytheatrecompany.org

 

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