Actor Giovanni Ortega and Host Kristina Nikols on ActorsE
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ActorsE Chat is a Live Chat Show on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production
ActorsE Chat is a Live Chat Show on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production
ActorsE Chat is a Live Streaming Chat Show on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production
ActorsE Chat is a Live Streaming Chat Show on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production
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BEYOND DARK: THE BEST OF THEATRE IN THE DARK
Review by: Kristina Nikols
“Beyond Dark: The Best of Theatre in the Dark” combines the best of two shows, “Dark” and “More Dark” from the Odyssey Theatre’s two evening festival of short plays. The 90-minute show takes place completely in the dark. Comprised of 17 pieces by various authors, the show takes the audience on a series of many journeys–from horror, to death, and even sex and comedy. The 12-member ensemble does an excellent job bringing each piece to life.
The unique nature of the event’s staging lends itself most successfully to the horror pieces. Sitting in a pitch-black theatre while madness and terror plays itself out within earshot taps into our shared primitive past where the night held so much danger and threat. The visceral experience heightens the overwhelming sense of fright and leaves the audience very uncomfortable. “Tell-Tale Heart,” written by Edgar Allen Poe and Directed by Ron Sossi, is simply captivating. Cary Thompson, who plays The Murderer, terrifies and rivets with his creepy voice and physicality (made visible by just a hint of light).
Beth Hogan enthralls with her delivery of “A Story” and “A Happening,” as the former frightens with ghost stories from the venue itself and the latter serves as a delightful (and yummy) mid-show break. “La Llorona,” written by Dorothy Fortenberry and directed and acted by Denise Blasor, and the closing “Dancing in the Dark,” with Alan Abelew and Sheelagh Cullen, are both moving. Sound Designer, John Zalewski superbly uses the 8-channel surround sound system to create realistic and unique sounds that completely immerse the audience in the reality of each piece.
Sitting for 90 minutes in the dark can be a bit long, but it is, nevertheless, an exquisite experience of emotions and senses. I highly recommend “seeing” the show.
“Beyond Dark: The Best of Theatre in the Dark,” plays until February 9, 2013. Please visit their website and scroll below for additional details.
BEYOND DARK
Written By: Freidrick Durrenmatt, Dorothy Fortenberry, Ernest Kearney, Lynn Manning, Anna Nicholas, John O’Keefe, Edgar Allen Poe, Danny Robins & Dan Tetsell, Ron Sossi, Matei Viesnec, and the Theatre in the Dark acting ensemble.
Directed by: Jeremy Aluma, Denise Blasor, David Bridel, and Ron Sossi
PRODUCTION:
Dramaturg: Sally Essex-Lopresti
Sound Design: John Zalewski
Scenic Design: Simon Schabert
Lighting Design: Kathi O’Donohue
Properties Design: Katherine S. Hunt
Assistant Directors: Joe DeSoto and Vesna Hocevar
Stage Manager: Josie Griffin-Roosth
Graphic Designer: Fred Baxter
CAST:
Alan Abelew*
Marcia Battise*
Denise Blasor*
Ron Bottitta*
Sheelagh Cullen*
Jean Gilpin*
Beth Hogan*
Kristina Lloyd*
Anna Nicholas*
Cary Thompson*
Terry Woodberry
*Member of Actor’s Equity
WHERE:
The Odyssey Theater
2055 South Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
WHEN:
January 5, 2013 – February 9, 2013
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm
Sundays at 2 pm
TICKETS:
Fridays: $25
Saturdays and Sundays: $30
Students and Equity/SAGAFTRA: Fridays $15
RUNNING TIME:
90 minutes, no intermission
PARKING:
$3 parking in lot, free parking on side streets
CONTACT:
Reservations: 310-477-2055, ext. 2
www.odysseytheatre.com
Thespian Thoughts is a show on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production.
ActorsE Chat is a Live Chat Show on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production
ActorsE Chat is a Live Chat Show on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production
“Miss Saigon is simply delectable.”
Mobile version MISS SAIGON “Miss Saigon,” currently playing at the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater in Claremont, is simply delectable. The spacious venue, with a full stage and a variety of seating options, provides a complete entertainment experience. The evening starts off with a satisfying dinner as the air fills with the relaxing sounds of guitarist Michael Ryan. Just as the diners complete their meal the evening’s raison d’etre begins: the award winning musical “Miss Saigon.” Miss Saigon takes place at the end of the Vietnam War when Kim (Nicole Santiago-Barredo), a Vietnamese girl, finds herself working in a brothel for The Engineer (Eymard Cabling). On her first night on the job she meets Chris (Eduardo Enrikez), an American GI. They fall in love and make plans to depart to America, but complications arise during the chaotic downfall of Saigon. Director Neil Dale puts together a beautiful piece with constant movement and action. Act I opens slowly and could be sharper at times, but the show comes together with a powerful ACT II. Everyone in the cast of twenty-four does a fine job dancing, singing, and playing multiple characters. Transitions are seamless with intricate, eye-catching set design by Dwight Richard Odle, adapted by Neil Dale and Orlando Montes. Dale’s choice of incorporating footage of the Vietnam War babies is a great touch. Choreographer, Janet Renslow, creates invigorating dance numbers, including one that beautifully incorporates the use of masks. The most pivotal scene depicts the fall of Saigon; it is executed masterfully with phenomenal set design and choreography that even includes a helicopter and moving gates. Anguish emanates from the entire ensemble who exquisitely capture the turmoil and desperation of the moment. Eduardo Enrikez and Nicole Santiago-Barredo have wonderful chemistry together as Kim and Chris. Nicole’s subtle strength and specificity in all her actions are gorgeous to watch. Eymard Cabling’s solos as The Engineer are the highlight of the show; with mischief and guile, as well as playfulness and soul, Eymard absolutely shines!
If you are looking for a nice evening out with good food and musical entertainment, venture to the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater in Claremont. “Miss Saigon” plays until September 30th. Please visit their website and scroll below for additional details. MISS SAIGON Directed by: Neil Dale Originally produced on stage by Cameron Mackintosh CAST: *Member of Actor’s Equity WHERE: WHEN: TICKETS: Due to adult content, this show is not recommended for those under 18 years of age. PARKING: CONTACT:
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Review by: Kristina Nikols

Music by Claude-Michel Schonberg
Lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and Alain Boublil
Adapted from the original French lyrics by Alain Boublil
Additional Material by Richard Maltby Jr.
Orchestrations by William D. Brohn
Choreographed by: Janet Renslow
Orchestra Conductor: David Lamoreux
Music Direction by: Desmond Clark
Assistant to the Director and Choreographer: Danielle Martin
Costumes: Fullerton Civic Light Opera
Set Design: Dwight Richard Odle, adapted by Neil Dale and Orlando Montes
Lighting Design: Jean Yves Tessier
*Eymard Cabling
Nicole Santiago-Barredo
Eduardo Enrikez
Colette Peters
James Oronoz
Joseph Andreas
Stella Kim
Kyle Leeper
Marie Gutierrez
Elaine Loh
Shay Louise
Andrea Somera
Amanda Mae Steele
Chaz Feuerstine
Arthur Johansen
Orlando Montes
Jayson Puls
Justin Matthew Segura
Eric Taylor
Marius Beltran
Lorenzo Caunan
Fernando Christopher
Garrick Macatangay
Peter Varvel
Candlelight Pavilion
455 W. Foothill Blvd.
Claremont, CA 91711
August 24, 2012 – September 30, 2012
Thursday – Saturday evenings at 6p.m.
Sunday evenings at 5p.m.
Saturday & Sunday matinees at 11a.m.
Adults: $48 – $68
Tickets include meal, show, and sales tax.
Appetizers, desserts, beverages, and waiter’s gratuity are additional.
Free on-site parking.
909-626-1254, ext. 1
www.candlelightpavilion.com
ActorsE Chat is a Live Chat Show on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production
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America’s turbulent late 1960’s provides the background for an exciting re-envisioning of Shakespeare’s classic “Measure for Measure.” Currently showing at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, the play provides more than a measure of engaging theater. A solid cast brings the text to life in a production that director Ellen Geer stages with seamless transitions, period music, and an expert eye towards making the material both approachable and relevant to current times.

Duke Vincentio (Aaron Henry), renamed Governor for the 1968 California setting, disguises himself as Friar Lodowick to mingle amongst the people and learn where improvements can be made; he appoints Colonel Angelo (Adam Mondschein) to take over while he is “away.” Angelo’s first order of business: ordering Claudio’s (Colin Simon) death due to copulating with Juliet (Crystal Clark) out of wedlock. Lucio (Melora Marshall) fetches Isabella (Willow Geer), Claudio’s sister, from the convent to convince Angelo to let Claudio go.

The entire cast, from leads to ensemble members, completely hold their own and create a believable world full of engaging life. Willow Geer’s piety, vulnerability, and strength are captivating throughout the play; her scenes with Adam Mondschein (as the uncompromising, lustful Angelo) are both disturbing and entertaining. Earnestine Phillips provides powerful vocal moments as the prostitute Mrs. Overdone, and Gerald C. Rivers amuses as “pimp” Pompey. Charlie Howell as the inebriated prisoner, Thomas Ashworth as quirky Elbow, and Leo Knudson as Froth provide excellent comedic release, and Paul Turbiak exudes warmth as a noble, upstanding, and likeable Jailer.

Gillian Doyle as Escalus successfully takes on the traditionally male role, and Melora Marshall as Lucio has so much fun that you can’t help but have fun with her! During Shakespeare’s time, the men played female roles, so it’s great to see a female play a male role with such commitment and humor!

Outstanding theater coupled with a magical outdoor venue make the Theatricum definitely worth a visit. “Measure for Measure” plays until September 1st. Please visit their website and scroll below for additional details.

MEASURE FOR MEASURE
By William Shakespeare
CAST:
Austin Andries
Thomas Ashworth*
Crystal Clark
Kevin Connolly
Gillian Doyle*
Willow Geer*
Bill Gunther
Aaron Hendry*
Charlie Howell
Adam Huss
Taylor Jackson Ross
Leo Knudson
Melora Marshall*
Adam Mondschein*
Robert Paterno
Earnestin Phillips*
Gerald C. Rivers*
Colin Simon
Savannah Southern-Smith
Paul Turbiak*
ENSEMBLE:
Kristal Adams, Allen Barstow, Michael Bates, Sarah Latin-Kasper, Ben Birmingham, Frank Weidner, Giana Bonmarito, Natasha Buran, Hayley Brown, Charlie Howell, Taylor Jackson Ross, Leo Knudson, Jasmine LaRue, Shalie Mals, Haley Rade, Carolyn Marie Wright, Rachae Thomas, Ian Campbell, Mollyann Davis, Julie Dietz, Miquela Skye Rivers, Mary Eleen Schneider, Trevor David, Cassandra Elwell, Luis Ordaz, Evan Tamayo, Emily McLeod, Hannah Pell, Carolyn Marie Wright
UNDERSTUDIES:
Kristal Adams, Austin Andries, Ian Campbell, Liz Eldridge, Talylor Jackson Ross, Leo Knudson, Savannah Southern-Smith, Evan Tamayo, Rachae Thomas, Paul Turbiak*, Carolyn Marie Wright
CREATIVE TEAM:
Director: Ellen Geer
Stage Manager: Kim Cameron*
Assistant Director: Carolyn Marie Wright
Assistant Director: Crystal Clark
Assistant Stage Manager: Juliana McBride
Costume Designer: Erica D. Schwartz
Properties Master: Shen Heckel
Sound Designer: Ian Flanders
Lighting Designer: Zachary Moore
Lighting Assistant: Lauren Tietz
*Actors Equity Member
WHERE:
The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Topanga, CA 90290
(Midway between Pacific Coast Highway and the Ventura Freeway)
WHEN:
June 2 – September 1, 2012
Dates and times vary. Please see website (theatricum.com) for additional information.
TICKETS:
Adults: $33 (lower tier—wooden seats); $20 (upper tier—cement seats)
Seniors (60+): $25/$18
Students, Military Veterans, AEA Members: $20/$15
Children (7-12): $10
Chidren 6 and under: Free
Pre-show Discussion:
Sunday, July 15 at 2:30p.m.
PARKING:
$5 in the lot.
Free on Topanga Canyon Blvd.
CONTACT:
(310) 455-3723
www.theatricum.com
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Audience members are advised to dress casually (layers are helpful due to temperature changes) and to bring cushions for bench seating. Cushions are available to rent for $1. Snacks are available at the Hamlet Hut, and picnic grounds are available for use before and after performances.

Sam Brilhart, Virginia Newcomb and Akie Kotabe on ActorsE Chat with Kristina Nikols. Photo by John Michael Ferrari
ActorsE Chat is a Live Streaming Chat Show on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production
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