Theater
Reviews
LOS
ANGELES, CA -
For an unforgettable night of Passion, don't miss The East-West
Players' new production of Stephen Sondheim's most demanding, yet
satisfying musical. Passion, a musical (or operetta) in one act,
is an amazing creation by one of the finest composers in Broadway
history. Although the demands for sets and staging are minimal,
the difficulty of the singing and acting is what stops most regional
theaters from producing this show. However, the cast of the
East-West Player's production was phenomenal, allowing the audience to
experience Passion as Sondheim no doubt conceived it.
Beginning
with a "heated" bedroom scene between Clara and
Giorgio, the rich, lyrical, yet haunting tones create a colorful
backdrop for this story of love, infatuation, passion and
obsession. Linda Igarashi has a marvelous voice, perfect
for the lovely Clara. Looking so beautiful in her stunning
costumes, she is a stark contrast to the plain, yet complex
Fosca, who her lover Giorgio (Michael Dalager) later befriends.
The drama that unfolds between his
character and Fosca is mesmerizing while at the same time
disturbing. Both Michael and Jacqueline Kim (playing Fosca) give
superb performances in this drama that explores the complexities of
the human heart.
The
supporting cast, which helps to underscore the main plot by actually
repeating musical themes and motives of the main character, was
exceptional. Each actor gave an equal amount of
"passion" to their performances, and when added to the whole
production, made this an unforgettable, moving experience. Both
the director (Tim Dang) and musical director (Scott Nagatani), deserve
an ovation for an excellent job. - M.
Upward
Visit
the East West Players Website:
www.eastwestplayers.org.
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Theater
Reviews (cont.)
Fried
Chicken &
Latkas
BEVERLY
HILLS, CA - This dynamic, touching and wildly funny "One
Woman Experience," starring Rain Pryor, is a must
see. Rain, coming from a comedic family, namely her
father, Richard Pryor, is in her own right a wonderful
performer, singer and comedienne. Starring in a one woman
show is no easy task: there are no other cast members to rely on.
Rain is captivating, keeping the energy alive with her comic caricatures
of people from her past as well as original songs
accompanied by Gail Johnson, musical director/pianist.
Rain's
characters and stories were once on scraps of paper lying around
her apartment. As the years went by, her show began to
take form into what it is now, an entertaining, touching comedy
about her life. When Rain moved into one of her
characters, it was easy to forget she was still on stage.
Her characters come to life. From her best friend in
school or her Jewish step mother to her Grandmother on the Pryor
side, Rain keeps the audience laughing while exploring the
meaning of life as viewed from two different, yet surprisingly
similar ethnic groups.
Carl
Reiner once said of Rain, "This girl can do anything.
She's magnetic and electric on stage. I'm coming
back. The torch has been passed!" Don't miss
her show now playing at Canon Theater in Beverly Hills.
For more information about this show, or for future
performances, visit www.rainpryor.com.
- M. Upward
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Upcoming
Theater
At
The Pasadena Playhouse
October
10 - November 16
For
Tickets and information:
www.pasadenaplayhouse.org
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