Registered Critic: Lorenzo Marchessi - The Geek Authority
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir
“A Haunting Love Story – ‘The Ghost and Mrs. Muir’ – Is Heartfelt, Charming and Fresh!!”Written By Lorenzo Marchessi
The Glendale Center Theatre (GCT) has done it again and brought yet another original musical adaption of the 1945 novel written by Josephine Leslie under the pseudonym of R. A. Dick of ‘The Ghost and Mrs. Muir’. This heartfelt and loving musical book was written for its premiere at the GCT by Carter Thomas and the music was written by Tracey Thomas. Yes, this version is a very melodic musical – well done!Executive Producer Brenda Dietlein brought together an amazing production team that help create this wonderful love story of the meaning of life for two very different – but equally quite similar alike – people. One has passed on and remains attached to his home (the Captain) and the other a recently widowed woman who lost her reason for doing anything. Along with her faithful house maid Martha and her little daughter Anna – all three discover the true meaning of life and love.
The Marriage Zone
Imaginative, fun, funny and very clever – all I can say is; “The Marriage Zone” is fantastic! Part Sci-Fi, part comedy, part Wow!
Auto Draft reviewed by reviewed by Lorenzo Marchessi reviewed by Lorenzo Marchessi
“”The Marriage Zone” Is Fantastic! Part Sci-Fi, Part Comedy, Part Wow!”
THE GEEK AUTHORITY – By Lorenzo Marchessi
Without spoiling it for you it’s a wonderful story of a couple (Beth and Cal) with one son (Ryan). Through the magic of creative writing, they meet their younger selves (Named Ellie and Skip). Then, at the same time, they meet their older selves (Mike and Liz). Its alternate universes crosses streams – I think. Both at the same time, yes, at the same time. Now, this show was double cast and bear with me as I try to explain the wonderful performances and the characters they play of the cast that I saw…
Ann Leighton plays Beth – the now Beth plays a delightful mother and wife who wants a change. Selling the house they lived in for so long, her life with her husband Cal has become more than stale – why? Well Ann gives an exciting and passionate performance with all the energy needed to eventually show everyone can change their mind, attitude and passions. I love her interactions with both her younger and older selves. I loved her energy and passion for really brining home some very important family issues and hurdles.
Pic 001 – Top L. – Ann Leighton, Ryan Cargill, Megan Barker, Jeff Pride – Top R. – Ann Leighton, Jeff Pride, Alex Hyde-White, Jaycee Jule – Center Pic – Jeff Pride, Ciaran Brown, Ann Leighton
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“ “Dial M” Held The Test Of Time – A Smart & Clever Murder Tale Even For Today!”
THE GEEK AUTHORITY – By Lorenzo Marchessi
Frederick Knott, penned this tale of mystery, intrigue and misdirection that became so popular it has been performed, filmed and even 3-D over the past 60 years with much success. This cleverly directed production was sharply guiding by director Bruce Kimmel who gives the piece a smart edge and allowed the actors to roll with a modern spin on these characters. Although set in London, 1954, it has a modern ‘feel’ to it and therefore made it a completely ‘real’ mystery that still holds its mystery and intrigue today!
Simply put, when playboy tennis pro Tony Wendice discovers his rich wife, Margot is having an affair with handsome American Mark Hallidy, he devises an ingenious plot to murder her. But when his scheme takes an unexpected, deadly twist, Tony improvises—implicating Margot for first degree murder – but…
Pic 001 – Top L. – Adam Jonas Segaller, Michael Rob – Top R. – Justin Waggle, Carrie Schroeder, Adam Jonas Segaller – Bot. L. – Michael Robb, Carrie Schroeder – Bot. R. – Justin Waggle, Carrie Schroeder – Center Pic – Doug Haverty, Carrie Schroede
A Midsummer Night’s RUSH
Artistic Director Sebastian Munoz did an amazing job bring together some wonder writers, directors and talent to produce about one hour of surprisingly funny shorts all springing around – with many twist and turns – modernized to local Los Angeles locations – and still, all centered at its core with Shakespeare’s classic we all know and love.
Force Of Nature production Of “Midsummer Night’s Rush” is a fanciful farce with a Shakespearean twist! And it’s fun and funny for adults and young adults alike. There is adult language. If you love Shakespeare or you just to want experience Elizabethan Bard’s noteworthy tales in very fun way come this this show. Bring your friends – they’ll thank you for it after.
reviewed by
THE GEEK AUTHORITY – Lorenzo Marchessi
“Rough Magic” written by Marnie Olson and directed by Francisco Roel.
It’s “The Tempest” at the La Brea Tar Pits – with Anastasia Elfman, Alex G-Smith and Michael Guthrie. OMG – too funny! Anastasia knocked it out of the park with her transition and characterization of two personalities. She was fun and comically inventive with her actions and attitude. Alex was Anastasia’s perfect foil as her comic timing was sharp and smart and these two just made me laugh in hysterics. Michael shinned as the crack dealer with such a precise twitch driven performance and hysterical responses. This really cracked me up!
“The Sound And The Furry” written by Tom Jones and directed by Andy Schultz.
It’s “Macbeth” at the Los Angeles Zoo with Madeleine Kang, Sheen Midori and Jerry Chappell. Madeline and Sheen just did a wonderful cat and mouse game as reincarnated – opposite sexed former Kings in the afterlife. While trans-gendering Jerry is reincarnated as MacBeth’s wife in charge of the afterlife’s HR duties and gives a colorfully demanding list of HR do’s and don’ts to the newly acquired in purgatory. This was smart and very funny.
I’M NOT A COMEDIAN…I’M LENNY BRUCE
“’I’m Not A Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce” Is A Fantastic & Dynamic One Man Show at Theatre 68!”
THE GEEK AUTHORITY – Lorenzo Marchessi
Theatre 68 in North Hollywood has brought an amazing and colorfully entertaining one-man show that explores the inner thoughts of a legendary comic performer and it’s done with amazing style and panache – it’s called “I‘m Not A Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce”.Staring Ronnie Marmo as Lenny himself – it was both an exciting and truly an audience immersive experience. Ronnie brings this real feeling person to life. The humor, the confusion and often his inner thoughts (often very funny) to life with such charm and pace – your will forget you are not ‘really’ watching the actual Lenny Bruce. I was impressed with the attitude and light-heartedness of the various points in Lenny’s life that Ronnie really enveloped and made compassionate, and above all, fun for the audience. It’s a truly tour de force performance for Ronnie.
If you didn’t know, he was born Leonard Alfred Schneider (Birth October 13, 1925 and died August 3, 1966), better known by his stage name “Lenny Bruce”, was a Jewish-American stand-up comedian, social critic, satirist who was renowned for his open, free-style and critical form of comedy which integrated satire, politics, religion, sex, and vulgarity. It was his 1964 conviction in an obscenity trial was followed by a posthumous pardon, the first in the history of New York State, by then-Governor George Patak back in 2003. He paved the way for future outspoken counterculture-era comedians, and his trial for obscenity is seen as a landmark for freedom of speech in the United States.
Tough Brown Leather
“Amazing One-Woman Show About Life, Adulthood, Family & Football –“Tough Brown Leather” Is Powerful!”
THE GEEK AUTHORITY – Lorenzo Marchessi and the Hollywood Fringe Experience #01
The Lounge Theatre in Hollywood was the home of a very powerful and moving piece. It is a performance piece of a personal exposition of a young woman’s experiences and embellished in a very dramatic way. Mixed with humor and various dialogues of parents, friends, mentors and more and it was called “Tough Brown Leather”. It’s an amazing one hour experience and something to be seen.
Written and performed by Tonya Jones, a young actress with a wonderful bold personality and a dramatic performer who lets her passions and past reveal some very charming, warm and even some very traumatic experiences about her life and centering it all around her favorite sport, football. She created this character ‘Sara’ – who is funny and warm – and used both life experiences and some colorful ties-ins to create the vivid life of an young eight year old growing into womanhood and her strength, her persecution and her desire and love of football as a metaphor for her life growing up,
Directed by Michael Phillip Edwards who allowed Tanya to have a very well blocked usage of her stage with only two chairs and the images projected behind her as her props, which gave the show a strong center and real sense of warmth and charm.
Pic 001 – All pics – Tonya Jones
Long Way Down
Long Way Down “It’s Bizarre, It’s Creepy – But Magnetically Engaging At The Same Times – “Long Way Down” Is Different”
THE GEEK AUTHORITY By Lorenzo Marchessi
Collaborative Artists Ensemble presents one of the most interestingly creepy productions I have seen in a long while. Although motivated by a religious thread of ‘god told me too’ mentality, “Long Way Down” generated an extreme uncomfortable feeling as the story unfolded and it was performed at the Sherry Theatre in North Hollywood. Not that this is bad thing, but it definitely makes you wonder if there are real people who think this way and do this kind of thing.
Written by Nate Eppler and directed by Steve Jarrard, (who also did the very definitive scenic design) – it tells the story of a lady who for personal, religious and somewhat overblown self-righteous reasons – sees the need to kidnap, kill and bury children. There. I said it. Now for me it was the performance that kept me glued. Their high energy and over the top insanity something like this subject matters needs to feel ‘real’.
Lauri Hendler plays Karen and she is the woman who has this religious mission combined with a psychotic need to steal and kill babies that is so bizarre and so wrong- that it was her performance that glued me to the stage. Often wild-eyed and demanding, yet sympathetic to Meg’s character – while lying through her teeth – Lauri gives a perfect ‘villain’ performance in a non-villain role. I loved just despising what she represented. I had to unplug my mind to remind myself she was an actress and did a good job making me dislike her character. That’s good acting.
Pic 001 – Top L. – Lauri Hendler, Meg Wallace – Top R. – Lauri Hendler, Meg Wallace – Bot. L. – Lane Wray, Meg Wallace – Bot. R. – Lane Wray, Lauri Hendler, Meg Wallace
Annie Get Your Gun
Annie Get Your Gun “ “Annie Get Your Gun” Is A Rip Roarin’ Fun Musical For The Whole Family!”
THE GEEK AUTHORITY – By Lorenzo Marchessi
Premiering on Broadway in 1946 for the first time with the original show stopper herself – Ethel Merman. Glendale Center Theatre does it again with a rip-roaring fun revival of “Annie Get Your Gun”! It’s a musical with lyrics and music by Irving Berlin and a book by Dorothy Fields and her brother Herbert Fields. The story is a richly fictionalized version of the life of the real Annie Oakley (1860–1926), a sharpshooter from the Ol’ West who starred in the real Buffalo Bill’s Wild West shows, and her almost hap-hazard romance with sharpshooter Frank E. Butler (1847–1926).
Director Tim Dietlein did, once again, two things well – he cast the show with talented performances and allowed the story to unfold in a very fun, musical and visual way that young and old will adore. The music is fun, the dance is broad and the story is full of moments of laughter and heartwarming relationships.
Victoria Strong is Annie Oakley and she has an amazing voice and was channeling innocence, the Ol’ West, and the smarts of a woman who has been raising her brothers and sisters with compassion and heart. Her amazing sense of humor and timing along with the fantastic talent of song and dance will make you both laugh out loud and sing along. She will surprise and just crack you up when she sings songs like “Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly” and “You Can’t Get a Man with a Gun”. Her song “They Say It’s Wonderful” was such a wonderful sentiment of this character’s inner desire and Victoria was amazing performing it.
Pic 001 – Top L. – Victoria Strong, Andrew Husmann – Top Center Two Pics – Cast of AGYG – Top R. – Victoria Strong, Andrew Husmann – Bot. L. – Thomas H. Killam – Bot. Center Two Pics – Cast of AGYG – Bot. R. – Victoria Strong, Frank Rodriguez
Separate Tables
“Story Driven – Character Strong – Theatre 40’s “Separate Tables” Is Gripping!”
THE GEEK AUTHORITY – By Lorenzo Marchessi
It’s 1958 and at the Beauregard Hotel in England which is a place where certain people like to return to and others just like to be part of, “Separate Tables” at Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills is a play that is layered with personalities, problems and surprises you’ll not see coming. “Separate Tables” made its actual debut in London in 1954 and eventually made its way to Broadway where it was nominated for the Tony award in 1957. It’s engaging. It’s got a slower pace at first – but as the information is discovered, you will become more and more entranced into where every character is going.
Produced by David Hunt Stafford and directed by Jules Aaron, the play has some unusual staging. There are literally seats in the audience where either you are trying to peer around furniture or staring at the performer’s backs. The blocking was slightly awkward. However the focus is clearly on the characters which made for some of the most of the exciting dramatic moments.
Written by Sir Terence Rattigan, “Separate Tables” is actually a mash-up of two short plays where they share a location which is a dining room in a residential hotel in Bournemouth, England. Coincidently they also share some of the same characters as well.
ROAR
“Speaking Out – Taking A Stand – Musically – That’s What “ROAR” Is All About!”
THE GEEK AUTHORITY – By Lorenzo Marchessi
Artistic directors Gary Lamb and William A. Reilly run Crown City Theatre like a theatre should be run – they use talents from all extremes of performance, acting, dancing, singing and even fresh stylistic events and shows! “ROAR” is no exception. Performed only at Crown City Theatre in North Hollywood. If you like music. You love this. If you like live performance musicians, a rockin’ band, you’ll love this. If you like classic songs of the long past, the more recent past and even new songs of the day. Again, you’ll love this!
‘Midnight Special’, ‘Where Have All The Flowers Gone’, ‘The Power of Love’, ‘Born In The USA’, ‘Respect’, ‘America’ (Neil Diamond), ‘American Pie’, ‘La Bomba’ are just some of the songs to name a few in this two act performance piece of the this band that call themselves ‘The 1st Amendments’! Featuring songs from artists like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and many more!
Conceived and written by Davitt Felder and featuring over 25 songs in two acts, it’s the musical journey through time. About songs that had something to say about society, protest songs that spoke of America and how it resonated in music and song over the decades. It’s a clever fun way to see how the world was envisioned at the time when these songs actually debut to listeners of America. Including a few original tunes as written by Davitt himself.
MACBETH in RHYTHM
“Performance Art + Shakespeare – “Macbeth In Rhythm” – Is Hypnotically Enthralling!
THE GEEK AUTHORITY – By Lorenzo Marchessi
One of the joys of performance art is that it relies on the performances and their ability to interpret a story, music or even the abstract. Now throw in the Ol’ Bard himself and some backbeat rhythms and chanting that will haunt and send chills up your spine and you have what The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles calls “Macbeth In Rhythm” which performed right in downtown Los Angeles this spring. This is all part of the “2017-Year of Macbeth” as part of The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles yearlong celebration of Macbeth.
With only four performances of Macbeth in Rhythm at The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, this limited run of an amazing interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s classics, was something to behold. Advertised as an “…experimental ensemble performance…”, it was directed by Hannah Chodos. I must say Hannah did an amazing job assembling these performers who knew the text of the Bard and was able to physicalize it all in a very dramatic, rhythmic dance presentation. The energy could be felt through the floor. The sweat could be seen on the performers brown and the gritty nature of the play just simply heart pounding for me.
The incredibly talented performers listed in alphabetical order include Sam Breen, James Cowan, Lindsey Moore Ford, Emmie Nagata, Danielle O’Terry, and Ben Weaver, and, with all their energy, they put in a very engaging and stimulating performance. The words of Shakespeare flowed but the heart and soul of the text was expelled in both word, song and the most incredibly choreographed rhythmic dancing. These performers could act. These performers could sing. These performers moved me. A cohesive team that wove a wonderful and artistic tapestry.
Twelfth Night
“ZJU’s “Twelfth Night”, Director Devin Has Stunned Us Again! Shakespeare Rocks!
THE GEEK AUTHORITY – Lorenzo Marchessi
Written by the Ol’ Bard himself, William Shakespeare in 1601-ish (we thinks), created a comedy of confusion with this historically and critically acclaimed piece that has entertained audiences for centuries now. Zombie Joes Underground Theatre Group in North Hollywood has a marvelous spring production of this piece that I can only say was inspiring – and funny – and just plain fun.
Director Denise Devin spun her Shakespearean ‘Magic Wand’ again and interwove a complicated story into just about an hours’ worth of the Bard’s humor. She cast a colorful company, she sprinkled in some acrobatic dance and even a smidgen of music – as the entire company does sing and dance. Again, this is one of her fortes, Denise takes all the classics of Williams and makes them accessible for/to today’s ADD attention span and makes them so much fun to watch.
In short the story goes somewhat like this…Viola is shipwrecked on the coast of Illyria and she comes ashore with the help of a captain. She lost contact with her twin brother, Sebastian, whom she believed to be drowned. Disguising herself as a young man under the name Cesario, she enters the service of Duke Orsino through the help of the sea captain who rescues her. It’s a swap, confused, misdirected, switch of a love affair whereby…. Viola has fallen in love with the Duke Orsino, creating a love triangle between Duke Orsino, Olivia and Viola whilst Viola loves Duke Orsino, Duke Orsino loves Olivia, and Olivia loves Viola disguised as Cesario. Confused? Good – because that’s where all the comedy ensues.
NOSFERATU, A Symphony In Terror!
It’s something everyone should see. Crown City Theater production of “Nosferatu” is a wonderful experience that you can’t see anywhere else. Really. It’s performance art mixed with drama and in a full blown horror theme that will literally creep you out on so man levels. This is well written, well directed, well cast and a theatrical experience you will never forget. Theatre is amazing overall – “Nosferatu” is the kind of production that will remind you exactly why that is.
reviewed by Lorenzo Marchessi
“We Made It A Blast! ‘Scum & Villainy’ Was/Is A Jar-Jar Binks That WE Turned Into A YODA!”So finally, the confirmations come then the when and where are held another 2-3 month for ‘confirmed’ ticket holders. $50 a shot, with two free drinks, plus t-shirts and hats that were extra $$$! What do we get. We still have no idea. Then the address is given and we now have to select a date to go. With a group of 10 of us going – it was more than difficult to find several days we had in common let alone we could find ONE day that would work for all of us. We did.
Farragut North
Odyssey Theatre’s “Farragut North” Is TV Drama On Stage!”
THE GEEK AUTHORITY- Lorenzo Marchessi
Here is a play written by ‘House of Cards (HOC)’ writer Beau Willimon who is attempting to bring the HOC’d-like drama to the stage. Although the subject matter is timely, poignant and something to be aware of in these amazingly troubled political times, it still seems like a TV show as opposed to a full out dramatic theatrical production. I like the message it sends and I loved the performances, but I still felt like at times, because there were so many blackouts (which are really scene changes), that they were really supposed to be (or have) commercial inserts.
Director Cathy Fizpatrick Linder seems to do her best with the staging and movement, however I think her talent shines both in the casting and in the focus of the scenes. Although limited in moment and set, the important moments were well focused and made that much more poignant with her direction.
Basically, it’s the story of two candidates and their PR personnel and staff. The corruption that occurs when trying to watch each side for making mistakes or something politically destructive to leak out to the press for the sole purpose of bringing down the other side.
Pic 001 – Top L. – Jennifer Cannon, Jack Tynan – Mid. Pic. – Adam Faison, Jennifer Cannon, Jack Tynan, Geoffrey Lower – Bot. R. – Jack Tynan, Margaret Fegan
Rabbit Hole
“The Lounge Theatre Has A Family Drama Done Right – In “Rabbit Hole”!”
THE GEEK AUTHORITY – Lorenzo Marchessi
JTK Productions present a wonderful family driven drama called “Rabbit Hole” at the Lounge Theatre in Hollywood. It’s the story of heartfelt loss, dealing with family and accepting the past to move forward with life, relationships and knowing what you may need to let go of.
Touchingly written by David Lindsay-Abaire it tells the story of a young family in a suburban home in New York that lost their young son in an accident. Learning the pain that is with the mother and how she is straining her relationship with her husband, sister and mother. Director Eric Hunicutt gave the touch of warmth by making this a very personal and intimate ambiance that only enhances the feeling and pains of everyone on stage.
Jordana Oberman plays Becca who is the mother who suffers this great loss. Although you would think this emotional arch would be easily played, Jordana gives this character the needed anger and frustration that makes her inner kindness and pain shine through in a very subtle way. Her eyes are windows into her heart as she relates her own frustration with herself and her feelings which create quite some powerful emotional scenes with her husband played by Michael. Her relationship with her sister played by Toni is both a hoot and something to learn from as again, Jordana makes this sad situation so powerfully real for the audience.
Pic 001 – Top L. – Toni Christopher, Darcy Shean – Mid. Pic . – Jordana Oberman, Toni Christopher, Michael Yurchak – Bot. R. – Rocky Collins
The Lady Was A Gentleman
“An Amazing And Talent Theatre Troup Of Women, And “The Lady Was A Gentleman” Is A Jewel Of A Play To See!”
THE GEEK AUTHORITY – Lorenzo Marchessi
This is the West Coast premiere of a Broads Word Ensemble production of a uniquely charming and funny play produced by Tara Donovan and Danielle Ozymandias and it’s called “The Lady Was A Gentleman” and it’s performed at the Dorie Theatre at the Complex in Hollywood. It’s a wonderfully uplifting and positive piece of friendship, careers and the desires of women from all walks of life. The performances are sharp. The story is touching and the characters are just plain fun to see.
According to its own press release it’s an, “…An examination of love, identity, race, and gender that is sure to leave you laughing out loud as celebrated actress Charlotte Cushman goes on (another) farewell tour of the U.S. with her personal assistant Sallie, a free black woman, and an ever-expanding entourage of adoring younger women….”. But I would say it’s about women in a lesbian world going about their business at the turn of the century and discovering who means what to who and everything from the frolicking fun, innate jealousy and even how pride can get in the way.
Written by Barbara Kahn and artfully directed by Kate Motzenbacker, this is a positively fun and inventive play about women who love women and how romance sees no boundaries or borders. Kate did a remarkably good job making the audience feel right at home using the remarkably honest and believable story written by Barbara. It’s a fanciful tale of feelings and emotions written with much heart and put together and staged for theatre in a very inviting way.
Pic 001 – Left Pic. – Tara Donovan, Sonja Inge – Mid. Pic. – Lacy Altwine, Chantal Thuy, Maikiko James – Right Pic. – Maikiko James, Dawn Alden, Sonje Inge
The Lady Was A Gentleman
“An Amazing And Talent Theatre Troup Of Women, And “The Lady Was A Gentleman” Is A Jewel Of A Play To See!”
THE GEEK AUTHORITY – Lorenzo Marchessi
This is the West Coast premiere of a Broads Word Ensemble production of a uniquely charming and funny play produced by Tara Donovan and Danielle Ozymandias and it’s called “The Lady Was A Gentleman” and it’s performed at the Dorie Theatre at the Complex in Hollywood. It’s a wonderfully uplifting and positive piece of friendship, careers and the desires of women from all walks of life. The performances are sharp. The story is touching and the characters are just plain fun to see.
According to its own press release it’s an, “…An examination of love, identity, race, and gender that is sure to leave you laughing out loud as celebrated actress Charlotte Cushman goes on (another) farewell tour of the U.S. with her personal assistant Sallie, a free black woman, and an ever-expanding entourage of adoring younger women….”. But I would say it’s about women in a lesbian world going about their business at the turn of the century and discovering who means what to who and everything from the frolicking fun, innate jealousy and even how pride can get in the way.
Written by Barbara Kahn and artfully directed by Kate Motzenbacker, this is a positively fun and inventive play about women who love women and how romance sees no boundaries or borders. Kate did a remarkably good job making the audience feel right at home using the remarkably honest and believable story written by Barbara. It’s a fanciful tale of feelings and emotions written with much heart and put together and staged for theatre in a very inviting way.
Pic 001 – Left Pic. – Tara Donovan, Sonja Inge – Mid. Pic. – Lacy Altwine, Chantal Thuy, Maikiko James – Right Pic. – Maikiko James, Dawn Alden, Sonje Inge