So Cal Arts & Entertainment
August Wilson at the Matrix
If you’re as passionate about live theatre as I am, I urge you to catch August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running” at the Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles—whether the trains are running or not. Yes, it’s black history month, but this installment in the playwright’s Pulitzer...
read moreABT and Perlman at Segerstrom, Agatha Christie at Fullerton’s Stages
I like to write about shows people can see. This post is the exception, although you might take a chance and show up at Fullerton’s STAGEStheatre this weekend, hoping for no-shows. Their production of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Nile” (through Feb. 10) is such a...
read moreItzhak Perlman and klezmer all-stars at SCFTA, “Radio and the Jews”
Klezmer, that uplifting genre of rhythm known variously as Jewish jazz, Jewish party music and Jewish soul music, is rarely heard live in Orange County. That alone is reason enough to mark “In the Fiddler’s House” (Thursday night at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert...
read moreCulture Clash at South Coast Rep, “1776” at La Mirada Theatre
One thing is certain when it comes to Culture Clash—no one is safe. No nationality, ethnicity or religion, no political point of view or sexual preference gets a free pass from the group. A few people are always going to be offended, no matter what. Only one person...
read moreErnie Kovacs, Egon Schiele mark centennials on DVD
Johnny Carson, despite his legacy, was a Johnny Come Lately. Before Johnny, before David Letterman, before Jay Leno, there was Ernie Kovacs. The crazy, cigar-chomping Hungarian with the bushy eyebrows and the mustache, an obvious inspiration for all three, did...
read moreBest of 2018 Theatre, “Xmas Carol” at SCR, “Charlie Brown’s Xmas” at Chance
Yes, Virginia, he can still somersault into his hat. There are many reasons to catch South Coast Repertory’s 39th anniversary production of “A Christmas Carol” (before it closes Dec. 24), but surely Hal Landon Jr.’s trademark shtick with the topper is one that keeps...
read more“Jane Austen’s Emma” in Anaheim, Caryl Churchill’s “Vinegar Tom” in Orange
Carroll O’Connor once described to me a Broadway flop he auditioned for as resembling “a Christmas tree that topples over from the sheer weight of ornaments.” That pretty much sums up “Jane Austen's Emma, The Musical” (at Anaheim’s Chance Theater through Dec. 23). The...
read more“Spiral Staircase” and “Man Who Cheated Himself” newly restored on video
Never mind Black Friday, it’s Noirvember. Two new 4K restorations of film noir titles have hit my desk recently, one classic and one forgotten gem. Robert Siodmak (“Phantom Lady”) may not be a familiar name to you but he was acclaimed The New Hitchcock early in his...
read more“Don Quixote’ at SCFTA, “Kings” at South Coast Rep
The current political situation is nothing to laugh at, that much is certain. Where is Will Rogers when we need him more than ever? Will and his wicked spot-on witticisms may be a thing of the past, but a modern day pundit named Sarah Burgess provides plenty to chew...
read moreForgotten silent stars, budding directors and zany comics on Blu-ray & DVD
If you’ve never heard of “You Never Know Women” (1926), you’re not alone. But this obscure silent drama was of great importance in the career of director William Wellman, according to his son—his deft handling of the assignment won him the opportunity to direct...
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