Tag: Ahmanson Theatre


Spotlight Series: Meet Composer, Conductor, Lyricist, and Producer Christopher Raymond

This Spotlight focuses on composer, conductor, lyricist, and producer Christopher Raymond who has won an NAACP, Stage Raw, and Broadway World Awards for his work in theatre. Chris has also music directed several Los Angeles area awards shows as well as 14 productions with DOMA Theatre Company in Hollywood, among many others. And in December 2018, he became Music Director for Valley Outreach Synagogue in Calabasas where Passover and Shabbat services are being LiveStreamed from home.

Shari Barrett (SB): What would you like readers to know about your professional background?

Christopher Raymond (Chris): I started my career at the age of 15 by playing in the band for Jason Robert Brown’s 13 The Musical at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, Mark Taper Forum and on Broadway.

(SB): I saw 13 The Musical at both the Kirk Douglas Theatre and the Mark Taper Forum and really loved the energy in the show. And all the teenage emotions bursting at the seams reminded me of many challenging days I experienced as a middle and high school teacher.

(Chris): I then went on to study music at CalArts, and am now a composer, lyricist and music director, and have won an NAACP, Stage Raw, and Broadway World Award for my work in theatre.

I co-wrote the theme song for the show, Troy (which opened at the 80,000-seat Beijing National Stadium in July, 2017), and music directed and orchestrated the Ovation Awards twice (at The Ahmanson Theatre and at the Theatre at Ace Hotel). I also music directed / arranged the LA Drama Critics Circle Awards twice.

I music directed, conducted and played piano for 14 productions with DOMA Theatre Company in Hollywood, including prominent revivals of Avenue Q, American Idiot, and Dreamgirls (which was awarded “Best Musical” by the LA Drama Critics Circle Awards and the LA Times Awards.)

I recently wrote the book, music and lyrics for Scarlet Letter: The Musical, which had a workshop production at Greenway Court Theatre. A highlights reel for the musical is available on YouTube here:

In December 2018, I became Music Director for Valley Outreach Synagogue in Calabasas. Working with Rabbi Ron Li-Paz, Cantor Michael Li-Paz, Chaplain Jennifer Eaves Nye and the rest of the VOS team is a continually inspiring experience.

(SB): How has COVID-19 affected your work at your Synagogue?

(Chris): The quarantine orders began in Los Angeles shortly before Passover. Due to this, we at VOS held two virtual Seders on our website. The Rabbi, Cantor, Chaplain, and myself LiveStreamed our Seders from our respective homes as our congregation joined us from their homes. It was a beautiful way to create joy and unity during a challenging time for the world.

We are currently LiveStreaming our Shabbat Services on Friday nights and all of our classes are being held online. We are grateful to live in a time when technology allows us to continue functioning and providing help as a Synagogue while our leadership and membership remain safely isolated at home.

(SB): How are you keeping the Arts alive while at home by using social media or other online sites?

(Chris): I have been recording / composing music in my home studio and I have also been making musical videos for Valley Outreach Synagogue’s website. I have also had an opportunity to watch and support many friends’ musical and arts-related projects online, which has been a joy.

(SB): What thoughts would you like to share with the rest of the L.A. Theatre community while we are all leaving the Ghostlight on and promising to return back to the stage soon?

(Chris): As a community, we are all going through uncharted waters, but I believe that at the end of the day we will be stronger and hopefully a bit wiser from the lessons we’ve learned during this pandemic. May we all stay safe and do our best to keep up our spirits/morale by continuing to learn, grow and create / appreciate art.

This article first appeared on Broadway World.


The 34th Annual ‘Robby Award’ Winners Announced

The 34th Annual Robby Awards show scheduled for March 23, 2020, has been canceled due to the Coronavirus and social distancing.

Here is the list of the winners for the best in Los Angeles area theatre for 2019.  With the Robby Awards, a few categories resulted in a tie vote, even with critic Rob Stevens as the only voter.

The Pasadena Playhouse’s production of “Ragtime” won Best Musical as well as three other awards. The Ahmanson Theatre’s production of “Indecent” also won four awards, including Best Drama. Best Comedy was awarded to Odyssey Theatre Ensemble’s “Loot” which also won two other awards.

A Noise Within led all producing companies with five awards spread over three of their productions—”Argonautika,” “The Glass Menagerie,” and “Frankenstein.” The Geffen Playhouse won three awards, one each for their productions of “Key Largo,” “Skintight,” and “Witch.”

Among 99-seat theatres, Celebration Theatre won two awards for its production of “The Producers,” Boston Court Pasadena won two awards for “The Judas Kiss,” and Antaeus Theatre Company won two awards for “The Cripple of Inishmaan,” while two awards were given to shows at the annual Hollywood Fringe Festival.

The Robby Awards

Teri Ralston Award for Best Musical
Ragtime, Pasadena Playhouse

Virginia Capers Award for Best Director of a Musical
David Lee, Ragtime, Pasadena Playhouse

Michael G. Hawkins Award for Best Actor in a Musical
Marc Ginsburg, Ragtime, Pasadena Playhouse

Michelle Nicastro Award for Best Actress in a Musical
Shannon Warne, Ragtime, Pasadena Playhouse

Gary Beach Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical
Michael A. Shepperd, The Producers, Celebration Theatre

Lisa Robinson Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical
Lauren Van Kurin, Earth to Karen, Hollywood Fringe Festival

Dom Salinaro Award for Best Choreography
Christine Negherbon, Holiday Inn, Musical Theatre West

Elan McMahan Award for Best Musical Direction
Gregory Nabours, Scissorhands, The Fuse Project

John Raitt Award for Best Music and Lyrics
Brooke deRosa, Gunfight at the Not-So-OK Saloon, Trial Run Productions

Nan Martin Award for Best Drama
Indecent, Ahmanson Theatre

Martin Benson Award for Best Director of a Drama (Tie)
Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, Argonautika, A Noise Within
Rebecca Taichman, Indecent, Ahmanson Theatre

Ray Stricklyn Award for Best Actor in a Drama
Rob Nagle, The Judas Kiss, Boston Court Pasadena

Sally Kemp Award for Best Actress in a Drama
Deborah Strang, The Glass Menagerie, A Noise Within

Richard Doyle Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama
Kasey Mahaffy, The Glass Menagerie, A Noise Within

Belinda Balaski Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama
Jenny O’Hara, Daniel’s Husband, The Fountain Theatre

Carole Cook Award for Best Comedy
Loot, Odyssey Theatre Ensemble

Ron Link Award for Best Director of a Comedy
Bart DeLorenzo, Loot, Odyssey Theatre Ensemble

Tom Troupe Award for Best Actor in a Comedy (Tie)
Harry Groener, Skintight, Geffen Playhouse
Evan Jonigkeit, Witch, Geffen Playhouse

Lu Leonard Award for Best Actress in a Comedy
Elizabeth Arends, Loot, Odyssey Theatre Ensemble

Albert Lord Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy
JD Cullum, The Cripple of Inishmaan, Antaeus Theatre Company

Dee Croxton Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy
Anne Gee Byrd, The Cripple of Inishmaan, Antaeus Theatre Company

Michael Devereaux Award for Best Playwriting
David Hare, The Judas Kiss, Boston Court Pasadena

John Iacovelli Award for Best Scenic Design
John Lee Beatty, Key Largo, Geffen Playhouse

Best Projection Design
Aaron Rhyne, Anastasia, Hollywood Pantages Theatre

Paulie Jenkins Award for Best Lighting Design
Christopher Akerlind, Indecent, Ahmanson Theatre

Garland Riddle Award for Best Costume Design
E. B. Brooks, The Producers, Celebration Theatre

Steve ”Canyon” Kennedy Award for Best Sound Design
Robert Oriol, Frankenstein, A Noise Within

Lies and Legends Award for Best Ensemble Award
Matt Darriau, Elizabeth A. Davis, Joby Earle, Patrick Farrell, Harry Groener,
Lisa Gutkin, Mimi Lieber, Steven Rattazzi, Richard Topol, Adina Verson,
Indecent, Ahmanson Theatre

Billy Barnes Award for Best Cabaret Performance
Daniel Thomas Bellusci, Brittney Bertier, Ellie Birdwell, Bruce Kimmel,
Kerry O’Malley, Jenna Lea Rosen, Robert Yacko,
L’Wonderful, L’Marvelous, Legrand, Kritzerland at Vitello’s

Special Award for Props and Puppet Design
Erin Walley and Dillon Nelson, Argonautika, A Noise Within

Robby Living Legend Award
Teri Ralston


From Mormon to Callback Queen Actor/Singer Luke Monday Takes the LA Stage By Storm

Actor/singer Luke Monday has performed as standby for Elder Price in The Book of Mormon which just canceled at the Ahmanson Theatre. He is now preparing to perform his concert/cabaret at Rockwell Table & Stage on Monday March 16 entitled Callback Queen. In our interview Monday talks about both shows and how he really likes performing in Los Angeles.

I understand you are standby for Elder Price in The Book of Mormon. Have you gotten the chance to perform for this show yet? Do you cover other roles?

LM: Yes, I have been performing as a standby for Price! I went on for him on Tuesday March 3rd. I only cover Elder Price in the show. When it’s a role as demanding as this, often times companies will hire a standby just to cover that part. I’m the only Price standby in this company.

This is without a doubt the funniest musical comedy, especially for gay people. Are audiences still jumping out of their seats?

LM: They really are! I wasn’t sure what to expect since the show has played here a few times, but we’ve been selling really well and the crowds have been fantastic. I went on on a Tuesday night, and it honestly felt like a Friday night crowd. Totally electric. I loved it!

What do you think is the message of The Book of Mormon and do you think the message is important in today’s mixed up world?

LM: My takeaway from the show is that it’s ok to follow your own path, even if it’s not what you expected. Particularly in Elder Price’s case, he’s had this very specific idea of how everything in his life (and afterlife) will play out. Obviously once he gets paired with Cunningham and sent to Uganda, that all gets derailed. But by the end of the show he learns to manage the change, and in that change he finds a new strength. I think that’s something anyone watching can learn from. Life always throws curve balls, but it’s all about how you handle the struggles and find a way to move forward!

Is this the favorite role you have played? If not, what is your favorite role and why?

LM: The Book of Mormon is definitely one of my top favorites! Maybe top 3? I love the music in this show. I remember watching the Tony’s one year, hearing I Believe for the very first time and thinking, “I can do that!” Almost 9 years and 3 auditions later and here I am! My other favorites would have to be Gabe in Next to Normal and George in She Loves Me.

You were in Mamma Mia. What part did you perform in that show and did you enjoy being in that production?

LM: Mamma Mia was a blast! One of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It was my first time touring, and the people in that show became my family. I was in the ensemble and I covered Sky, the fiancée. I loved Mamma Mia because no matter what negativity was going on in the world at the time, we could take the audience away for 2 hours and escape all of that and just have fun.

Your cabaret show Callback Queen premiered last summer in San Diego. You tell anecdotes about your career and sing Broadway show tunes. Can you give us a little sneak peek without creating a spoiler alert?

LM: The show sort of opens with my very first rejection, not getting the part I wanted in my 4th grade school play, and then we continue all the way to the present. I noticed a trend with concerts and cabarets that a lot of them are just greatest hits of roles people played or originated i.e. their success stories. And while that is perfectly great, I thought it would be interesting to flip that idea on its head and share stories of rejection. Every actor has them! Without giving away too much, there are going to be appearances from my talented friends from The Book of Mormon, awesome medleys and mashups, a costume reveal, glow sticks, and a choose-your-own finale. It should be a blast!

Do you have a favorite musical or composer or performer?

LM: I think it’s a tie between West Side Story and Ragtime for favorite musical. Two of the most glorious scores ever written, and sadly still so relevant now. I don’t think I’ve got a favorite composer. I appreciate so many of them for different reasons! But I have a few favorite performers. I’m a huge Gavin Creel fan. His voice was and is one of the best in the business. I want to play everything he’s ever played. I guess I’m on my way, seeing that he was an Elder Price! Another fav is Laura Osnes. She’s a true triple threat and just has a positive presence that I think is so important in a cut throat industry like this.

Have you auditioned for the King in Hamilton role yet? It’s a funny, funny role.

LM: Obviously I’d love to play that part but I haven’t auditioned yet! I think it’s pretty spectacular that a character can be onstage for such a short time and yet be so memorable. So it’s definitely on my list of auditions to do. Thankfully Hamilton will be around for MANY years, so there’s time!

Tell our readers anything that I did not mention, like the camaraderie with your Mormon cast or how LA audiences are different from those in other cities across the country.

LM: Well, I love my cast. This is the longest I’ve been with any company and I can honestly say I love each one of them. We lift each other up, and I know they’ll be at Callback Queen on the 16th cheering me on. I think the audiences in LA are used to seeing great theater, so they are really smart! They pic up on the details and the nuances that often go unnoticed in other cities. Being here is a reminder of how truly funny and well written this show is. It feels new again in a way.

Catch Luke Monday on March 16 at Rockwell Table & Stage at 1714 N. Vermont Ave. in Hollywood in “Callback Queen.” Call 323-669-1550 for table reservations. 

Both shows cancelled. Check back after the Corona Virus to see if Callback Queen will be rescheduled.


JOAN OF ART: The Mormons are Back, A Musical that’s Worth a Trip, A Visit to the Iconic Grand Central Market, and Get Ready to Dance, Dance, Dance

There’s a lot of super fun things going on this weekend and I’m going to try my best to be at every one of them.

First up THE BOOK OF MORMON is opening at the Ahmanson Theatre at 135 North Grand Avenue downtown.

I’ve seen this musical (are you ready?) four times over the last few years. Why do I keep going back? Because it’s hysterically funny, brilliant and super clever on every single level. I absolutely loved every second of this show and I promise you will too.

According to The New York Times…THE BOOK OF MORMON is completely irrelevant, outrageous and ‘the best musical of the century’ and numerous publications more than agree with these sentiments.

This wonderfully offensive, extremely smart show is from the minds of Trey Parker, Richard Lopez and Matt Stone, the creators of South Park. Need I say more?

But I will. Briefly it’s the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries they are sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. They start out in Salt Lake City and wind up in a remote Ugandan village. What follows is a sidesplitting story of Joseph Smith and the Mormon Church like you’ve never seen before.

THE BOOK OF MORMON opened this week and plays through March 29th.

For more information and for tickets go to CenterTheatreGroup.org.

Next up is a different kind of musical that will have you traveling to downtown Los Angeles to The Los Angeles Theatre Center, which resides in a historic beautiful building that was originally a bank constructed In the late 1930’s and early 1931.

It’s really cool to see that some of the history of the building has been preserved. In fact on the lower floor is the bank’s original vault and if you’re super quiet and have a vivid imagination, you might just see a ghost or two.

Back to the musical which is entitled FOUND. This musical comedy was inspired by scores of surprising and eccentric discarded notes and letters that have been ‘found’ in the real world by every-day people and brought to irreverent theatrical life.

The show is based on the collection curated by Davy Rothbart in his ‘Found’ books and magazines. premiered off Broadway in 2014 and was the ‘Critic’s Pick’ by The New York Times.

This insightful and hilarious musical is a raucous exploration of human connection and the beautiful weirdness in all of us. I personally can’t wait to see it.

The Los Angeles Theatre Center is located at 513 South Spring Street, Downtown LA 90013. For tickets go to TheLATC.org/Found or call 213-489-0994.

FOUND opens tonight February 20th at 8pm with performances taking place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 4pm and Mondays at 8pm through March 23rd 2020.

Okay now that you’re downtown, you must visit one of my favorite eating haunts that has always without fail satisfied all of my culinary needs and left me extremely full and happy. I’m talking about THE GRAND CENTRAL MARKET located at 317 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

This is a feasting grounds with a dynamic lineup of vendors that have been here for decades. In fact, the market can be traced back from its days as an open grocery to its modern ‘destination dining’.

Its excellent reputation draws James Beard quality chefs. All of the thirty stalls in GCM are definitely worthy of your attention whether it’s for lunch, dinner or an in between snack. No matter what your food tastes are, you will find it here.

The Market is turning 100 this year and after you visit this place, you will definitely be shouting “HERE’S TO ANOTHER 100!.”

To see everything the GCM offers go to their website at GrandCentralMarket.com.

Last on my list, but definitely not least is the BLUE 13 DANCE COMPANY noted for its rhythmic and charged performances that blend hip-hop, ballet and modern and traditional Indian dance.

This incredibly talented company showcases its exuberant genre bending artistry at one of my favorite theatres, The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, which is located at 9390 North Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills 90210.

BLUE 13 DANCE COMPANY is L.A. based and has been influencing the modern dance landscape through their reimagining of the classical forms from India with an American contemporary aesthetic.

They’ve performed on stages around the world, from Paris and Morocco to New York using dance as a vehicle for storytelling and I for one can’t wait to see them.

The BLUE 13 DANCE COMPANY will be performing on February 21st through February 22nd at 7:30.

For tickets and more information go to TheWallis.org.

Whatever you do this weekend people, make it a super fun one.


TICKETHOLDER AWARDS 2019 PART II

My 28th annual TicketHolder Awards are now posted on my TicketHoldersLA website in two parts. You can read part II below and part I here. Click here for photos.

BEST ACTOR IN A PLAY 2019

TIM CUMMINGS, Daniel’s Husband, Fountain Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Ron Bottita, Loot, Odyssey; Gilbert Glenn Brown, The Mountaintop, Marshall; Dempsey Bryk, punkplay, Circle X; Seamus Dever, The Abuelas, Antaeus; Zackary Stone Gearing, Hir, Odyssey; Zackary Stone Gearing, punkplay, Circle X; Nicholas Hormann, Loot, Odyssey; Tom Ormeny, The End of Sex, Victory; Michael Manuel, Frankenstein, ANW; Will Thomas McFadden, 1984, Actors’ Gang; Will Thomas McFadden, Violence: The Misadventures of Spike Spangle, Farmer, Actors’ Gang; Rob Nagle, Apple Season, Moving Arts; Rob Nagle, The Judas Kiss, Boston Court; Bruno Oliver, Waiting for Waiting for Godot, Sacred Fools; Bob Turton, Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Actors’ Gang

BEST ACTRESS IN A PLAY

DYLAN JONES, 4.48 Psychosis, Son of Semele Ensemble

RUNNERS-UP: Tessa Auberjonois, Eight Nights, Antaeus; Denise Blasor, The Abuelas, Antaeus; Tovah Feldshuh, Sisters in Law, Wallis; Liza Fernandez, Apple Season, Moving Arts; Lianne Harvey, An Inspector Calls, Wallis; Susan Priver, A Streetcar Named Desire, Odyssey; Carolyn Ratteray, The Mountaintop, Marshall; Samantha Sloyan, The Thanksgiving Play, Geffen; Maura Tierney, Witch, Geffen Playhouse; Diane Wiest, Happy Days, CTG/Taper

BEST SOLO PERFORMANCE (TIE)

HERSHEY FELDER, A Paris Love Story, Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

HERSHEY FELDER, Monsieur Chopin, San Diego Repertory Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Mike Birbiglia, The New One, CTG/Ahmanson; Helder Guimaraes, Invisible Tango, Geffen Playhouse; Bill Irwin, On Beckett, Douglas; Tova Katz, See You at the Funeral, Broadwater Mainstage; John Leguizamo, Latin History for Morons, CTG/Ahmanson; David Mynne, A Christmas Carol, Wallis; Deirdre O’Connell, Dana H., CTG/Douglas; Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues, CTG, Taper

BEST ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

RICHARD TOPOL, Indecent, Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Keith Allen, Deadly, Sacred Fools; Will Bozier, Swan Lake, CTG/Ahmanson; James Delisco Beeks, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pantages; Aaron LaVigne, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pantages; Ryan Melia, The Old Man and the Old Moon, Wallis; Andrew Monaghan, Swan Lake, CTG/Ahmanson; Liam Mower, Cinderella, CTG/Ahmanson; Andy Robinson, Julius Weezer, Troubadour

BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

JACQUE LYNN COLTON, In Circles, Odyssey Theatre Ensemble

RUNNERS-UP: Caroline Bowman, Frozen, Pantages; Betty Buckley, Hello, Dolly!, Pantages; Alex Hairston, Summer, Pantages; Caroline Innerbichler, Frozen, Pantages; Katrina Lyndon, Swan Lake, CTG/Ahmanson; Dan’yelle Williamson, Summer, Pantages

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY (TIE)

TIM ROBBINS, 1984, The Actors’ Gang

BOB TURTON, Violence: The Misadventures of Spike Spangle, Farmer, The Actors’ Gang

RUNNERS-UP: Ron Bottitta, Hir, Odyssey; Chad Coe, The End of Sex, Victory; Bill Brochtrup, Daniel’s Husband, Fountain; Rob Brownstein, Anne, a New Play, Museum of Tolerance; JD Cullum, The Cripple of Inishmaan, Anteaus; Seamus Dever, Cripple of Inishmaan, Anteaus; Arye Gross, Eight Nights, Antaeus; Stephen Guarino, Handjob, Echo; Joe Hernandez-Kolski, Waiting for Waiting for Godot, Sacred Fools; Justin Huen, Apple Season, Moving Arts; Carl J. Johnson, Driving Wilde, Theatre of NOTE; Brandon Rachal, Native Son, Antaeus/CTG at the Douglas; Tom Szymanski, Violence: The Misadventures of Spike Spangle, Farmer, Actors’ Gang; Will Von Vogt, Witch, Geffen Playhouse; Josh Zuckerman, Eight Nights, Antaeus

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY

MELISSA SULLIVAN, A Streetcar Named Desire, Odyssey Theatre Ensemble

RUNNERS-UP: Anne Gee Byrd, Cripple of Inishmaan, Anteaus; Irene De Bari, The Abuelas, Antaeus; Mary-Pat Green, Cripple of Inishmaan, Anteaus; Alexandra Henrikson, The Thanksgiving Play, Geffen; Sadie Kuwano, punkplay, Circle X; Mara Klein, The Judas Kiss, Boston Court; Mildred Marie Langford, Native Son, Antaeus/CTG at the Douglas; Mary Gordon Murray, Anne, a New Play, Museum of Tolerance; Jenny O’Hara, Daniel’s Husband, Fountain; Zoe Yale, Eight Nights, Antaeus

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

HARRY GROENER, Indecent, Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Rick Batalla, Julius Weezer, Troubadour; John Colella, The Producers, Celebration; Andrew Diego, The Producers, Celebration; Paris Fitzpatrick, Cinderella, CTG/Ahmanson; Ben Ferguson, The Old Man and the Old Moon, Wallis; F. Michael Haynie, Frozen, Pantages; Paul Louis Lessard, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pantages; P.T. Mahoney, In Circles, Odyssey; Steven Rattazzi, Indecent, CTG/Ahmanson; Morgan Rusler, Julius Weezer, Troubadour; Michael A. Shepperd, The Producers, Celebration; Alan Vincent, Cinderella, CTG/Ahmanson; Dan Weschler, The Old Man and the Old Moon, Wallis

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

ADINA VERSON, Indecent, Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Madelaine Brennan, Cinderella, CTG/Ahmanson; Elizabeth A. Davis, Indecent, CTG/Ahmanson; Victoria Hoffman, Julius Weezer, Troubadour; Beth Kennedy, Julius Weezer, Troubadour; Katrina Lyndon, Swan Lake, CTG/Ahmanson; Mary Ann Welshans, The Producers, Celebration; Brittney S. Wheeler, Deadly, Sacred Fools

BEST ENSEMBLE CAST IN A PLAY (TIE)

Stephen Borrello, Joely Fisher, Andy Garcia, Rose McIver, Louis Mustillo, Danny Pino, Tony Plana, Richard Riehle, Bradley Snedeker; Key Largo, Geffen Playhouse

Hugo Armstrong, John Bobek, Austin Durant, Leo Marks, Ramiz Monsef, Helen Sadler, Alan Tudyk; Mysterious Circumstances, Geffen Playhouse

RUNNERS-UP: John Apicella, Noel Arthur, Paul Baird, Gabriela Bonet, Claudia Elmore, Turner Frankosky, Troy Guthrie, Steve Hofvendahl, Connor Kelly-Eiding, Michael Khachanov, Alex Knox, Mehrnaz Mohammadi, Madalina Nastase, Liza Seneca, Janellen Steininger, George Villas; The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Antaeus Theatre Company

Victor Anthony, Joshua Bitton, Lesley Fera, Liza Fernandez, Matthew Hancock, Marisol Miranda, Montae Russell; Between Riverside and Crazy, Fountain Theatre

James A. Alfred, A. Russell Andrews, Francois Battiste, Harvy Blanks, Amari Cheatom, Anthony Chisholm, Brian D. Coats, Steven Anthony Jones, Patrese D. McClain; Nija Okoro, Keith Randolph Smith, Ray Anthony Thomas; Jitney, Center Theatre Group, Mark Taper Forum

Crystal Diaz, Elinor Gunn, Liesel Hanson, Faith Imafidon, Cindy Lin, Nadia Marina, Lynn Odell, Alina Phelan, Briana Price, Nicole Gabriella Scipione, Yolanda Snowball, Jenny Soo, Nancy Stone, Tania Verafield; For The Love Of (or the Roller Derby Play), Theatre of NOTE / Center Theatre Group, Kirk Douglas Theatre

Ian Barford, Tim Hopper, Sally Murphy, Caroline Neff, Chantal Thuy, Cora Vander Broek, Troy West; Linda Vista, Center Theatre Group, Mark Taper Forum

Ro Boddie, Max Casella, Micaela Diamond, Peter Jacobson, Jason Kravits, Nellie McKay, Saul Rubinek, Miriam Silverman, Joey Slotnick, Sam Vartholomeos, CJ Wilson, A Play is a Poem, Center Theatre Group, Mark Taper Forum

Scott Cote, Peyton Crim, Brandon J. Ellis, Angela Grovey, Ned Noyes, Jamie Ann Romero, Evan Alexander Smith, Yaegel T. Welch; The Play That Goes Wrong, Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre

Sile Bermingham, Reed Michael Campbell, Brian Foyster; The Ruffian on the Stair, Los Angeles LGBT Center

Will Brittain, Eli Gelb, Harry Groener, Kimberly Jurgen, Idina Menzel, Jeff Skowron, Skintight, Geffen Playhouse

BEST ENSEMBLE CAST IN A MUSICAL

Nick Adams, Nick Blaemire, Audrey Cardwell, Eden Espinosa, Thatcher Jacobs, Bryonha Marie Parham, Max von Essen; Falsettos, Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Rick Batalla, Chelle Denton, Beth Kennedy, Janelle Lillian, Luis “L.T.” Martinez, Mike Sulprizio, Cloie Wyatt Taylor, Matt Walker, Dave C Wright, A Christmas Carole King, Troubadour Theater Company

The ensemble of Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella, Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre

Alex Falberg, Ben Ferguson, Curtis Gillen, Ryan Melia, Matt Nuernberger, Arya Shahi, Dan Weschler; The Old Man and the Old Moon, Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

The ensemble of Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre

BEST CABARET / CONCERT PERFORMANCE

DEIDRIE HENRY, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, Garry Marshall Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Michael Churven and George McGrath, Party of Two, Groundlings Theatre

NEW DISCOVERY 2019

PATRICK STEWARD, Party of Two, Groundlings Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Reed Michael Campbell, The Ruffian on the Stair, Los Angeles LGBT Center; Olivia Elsease Hardy, Summer, Pantages; Thatcher Jacobs, Falsettos, CTG/Ahmanson; Michael Rishawn, Handjob, Echo; Jarrod Takle, Circa: Humans, Wallis

BEST PLAYWRIGHT

Tracy Letts, Linda Vista, Center Theatre Group, Mark Taper Forum

RUNNERS-UP: Sir David Hare, The Judas Kiss, Boston Court; Larissa Fasthorse, The Thanksgiving Play, Geffen; Hershey Felder, A Paris Love Story, Wallis; Stephen Adly Guirgis, Between Riverside and Crazy, Fountain; Dave Hanson, Waiting for Waiting for Godot, Sacred Fools; Joshua Harmon, Skintight, Geffen; E.M. Lewis, Apple Season, Moving Arts; Taylor Mac, Hir, Odyssey; Jennifer Maisel, Eight Nights, Antaeus; Michael McKeever, Daniel’s Husband, Fountain; Vince Melocchi, Andy Warhol’s Tomato, PRT; Gregory S. Moss, punkplay, Circle X; Erik Patterson, Handjob, Echo; Vanessa Claire Stewart, Deadly, Sacred Fools; Paula Vogel, Indecent, CTG/Ahmanson; Gay Walch, The End of Sex, Victory; Stephanie Alison Walker, The Abuelas, Antaeus

BEST ADAPTATION OR TRANSLATION

Michael Mitnick, Mysterious Circumstances, Geffen Playhouse

RUNNERS-UP: Alistair Beaton, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Antaeus; Nick Blaemire, Anne, a New Play, Museum of Tolerance; Matthew Bourne, Cinderella, CTG/Ahmanson; Nick Dear, Frankenstein, ANW; Jeffrey Hatcher and Andy Garcia, Key Largo, Geffen; Lucas Hnath, Dana H., CTG/Douglas; Jon Laskin and Michael Aquilante, Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Actors’ Gang; Jennifer Lee, Frozen, Pantages; Jonathan Shapiro, Sisters in Law, Wallis; Jen Silverman, Witch, Geffen Playhouse; Michael Gene Sullivan, 1984, Actors’ Gang; Matt Walker, A Christmas Carole King, Troubadour; Matt Walker, Julius Weezer, Troubadour; Jacqueline Wright, Driving Wilde, Theatre of NOTE

BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY

Matt Shakman, Mysterious Circumstances, Geffen Playhouse

RUNNERS-UP: Darin Anthony, Apple Season, Moving Arts; Daniel Aukin, Skintight, Geffen; Matt Bretz and Lisa Sanaye Dring, punkplay, Circle X; Dexter Bullard, Linda Vista, CTG/Taper; Emily Chase, Eight Nights, Antaeus; Guillermo Cienfuegos, Between Riverside and Crazy, Fountain; Gregg T. Daniel, The Mountaintop, Marshall; Michael John Garces, The Thanksgiving Play, Geffen; Maria Gobetti, The End of Sex, Victory; Doug Hughes, Key Largo, Geffen; Rhonda Kohl, For The Love Of (or the Roller Derby Play), Theatre of NOTE / Kirk Douglas; Simon Levy, Daniel’s Husband, Fountain; Marti Lyons, Witch, Geffen Playhouse; Matthew McCray, 4.48 Psychosis, Son of Semele; Will Thomas McFadden, Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Actors’ Gang; Michael Michetti, The Judas Kiss, Boston Court; Michael Michetti, Frankenstein, ANW; Tim Robbins, 1984, Actors’ Gang; Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Jitney, CTG/Taper; Stephanie Shroyer, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Antaeus; Jacob Sidney, Waiting for Waiting for Godot, Sacred Fools; Bob Turton, Violence: The Misadventures of Spike Spangle, Farmer, Actors’ Gang; Les Waters, Dana H., CTG/Douglas

BEST DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL

Rebecca Taichman, Indecent, Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Matthew Bourne, Cinderella, CTG/Ahmanson; Matthew Bourne, Swan Lake, CTG/Ahmanson; Stuart Carden with members of the PigPen Theatre Co., The Old Man and the Old Moon, Wallis; Michael Grandage, Frozen, Pantages; Michael Matthews, The Producers, Celebration; Des McAnuff, Summer, Pantages; Jamie Robledo, Deadly, Sacred Fools; David Schweizer, In Circles, Odyssey; Timothy Sheader, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pantages; Matt Walker, A Christmas Carole King, Troubadour

BEST MUSICAL SCORE

Lisa Gutkin and Aaron Halva, Indecent, Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Rob Falconer, The Play That Goes Wrong, CTG/Ahmanson; Ryan Thomas Johnson, Deadly, Sacred Fools; Robert Oriol, Frankenstein, ANW; Nellie McKay, A Play is a Poem, CTG/Taper; Members of the PigPen Theatre Co., The Old Man and the Old Moon, Wallis; Arturo Sandoval, Key Largo, Geffen; Stephanie Shroyer with the members of the cast, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Antaeus

BEST MUSICAL DIRECTION

Kenneth J. Grimes, In Circles, Odyssey Theatre Ensemble

RUNNERS-UP: Derick Finley, A Christmas Carole King, Troubadour; Shawn Gough, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pantages; Ryan Thomas Johnson, Deadly, Sacred Fools; Amanda Morton, Summer, Pantages; Abdul Hamid Royal, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, Marshall; Anthony Zediker, The Producers, Celebration

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

Matthew Bourne, Swan Lake, Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Rob Ashford, Frozen, Pantages; Matthew Bourne, Cinderella, CTG/Ahmanson; Kate Coleman, In Circles, Odyssey; David Dorfman, Indecent, CTG/Ahmanson; Nadine Ellis, Janet Roston, The Producers, Celebration; Drew McOnie, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pantages; Sergio Trujillo, Summer, Pantages; Matt Walker, and Suzanne Julie Narbonne, Julius Weezer, Troubadour

BEST SET DESIGN (TIE)

Brett J. Banakis, Mysterious Circumstances, Geffen Playhouse

John Lee Beatty, Key Largo, Geffen Playhouse

RUNNERS UP: Andrew Boyce, Dana H., CTG/Douglas; Lez Brotherston, Cinderella, CTG/Ahmanson; Alex Calle, The Mountaintop, Marshall; Francois-Pierre Couture, Frankenstein, ANW; Joel Daavid, A Streetcar Named Desire, Odyssey; Alexander Dodge, Anastasia, Pantages; Hershey Felder, A Paris Love Story, Wallis; Lydia Fine with members of the PigPen Theatre Co., The Old Man and the Old Moon, Wallis; David Gallo, Jitney, CTG/Taper; Stephen Gifford, The Producers, Celebration; Lauren Helpern, Skintight, Geffen; Nigel Hook, The Play That Goes Wrong, CTG/Ahmanson; Christopher Oram, Frozen, Pantages; Stephanie Kerley Schwartz, Apple Season, Moving Arts; Sibyl Wickersheimer, punkplay, Circle X

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

E.B. Brooks, Mysterious Circumstances, Geffen Playhouse

RUNNERS-UP: E. B. Brooks, The Producers, Celebration; Lez Brotherston, Cinderella, CTG/Ahmanson; Lez Brotherston, Swan Lake, CTG/Ahmanson; Angela Calin, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Antaeus; Wendell C. Carmichael, The Abuelas, Antaeus; Linda Cho, Anastasia, Pantages; Linda Cho, Key Largo, Geffen; Ann Closs-Farley, Driving Wilde, Theatre of NOTE; Ann Closs-Farley, In Circles, Odyssey; Ann Closs-Farley, punkplay, Circle X; Diane Graebner, The Judas Kiss, Boston Court; Alex Jaeger, Eight Nights, Antaeus; Diane Laffrey, Witch, Geffen Playhouse; Shon LeBlanc, A Streetcar Named Desire, Odyssey; Garry Lennon, Frankenstein, ANW; Linda Muggeridge, Deadly, Sacred Fools; Christopher Oram, Frozen, Pantages; Emily Rebholz, Indecent, CTG/Ahmanson; Roberto Surace, The Play That Goes Wrong, CTG/Ahmanson

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN

Jared A. Sayeg, Frankenstein, A Noise Within

RUNNERS-UP: Christopher Akerlind, Indecent, CTG/Ahmanson; Christopher Ash, A Paris Love Story, Wallis; Neil Austin, Cinderella, CTG/Ahmanson; Howard Binkley, Summer, Pantages; Martha Carter, Apple Season, Moving Arts; Paule Constable, Swan Lake, CTG/Ahmanson; Bart Cortright with members of the PigPen Theatre Co., The Old Man and the Old Moon, Wallis; Lee Curran, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pantages; Rick Fisher, An Inspector Calls, Wallis; Elizabeth Harper, Mysterious Circumstances, Geffen; David Hernandez, The Judas Kiss, Boston Court; Donald Holder, Anastasia, Pantages; Peter Kaczorowski, Key Largo, Geffen; Natasha Katz, Frozen, Pantages; Karyn D. Lawrence, Eight Nights, Antaeus; Rose Malone, For The Love Of (or the Roller Derby Play), Theatre of NOTE / Kirk Douglas; Tom Ontiveros, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, Marshall; Andrew Schmedake, Native Son, Antaeus/CTG at the Douglas; Paul Toben, Dana H., CTG/Douglas

BEST SOUND DESIGN (TIE)

Warren Davis, Apple Season, Moving Arts

Alex Hawthorn, Key Largo, Geffen Playhouse

RUNNERS-UP: Eric Carstensen, A Paris Love Story, Wallis; Mikhail Fiksel, Dana H., CTG/Douglas; Mikhail Fiksel with members of the PigPen Theatre Co., The Old Man and the Old Moon, Wallis; Jeff Gardner, The Abuelas, Antaeus; Jeff Gardner, Eight Nights, Antaeus; Jeff Gardner, Native Son, Antaeus/CTG at the Douglas; Paul Groothuis, Cinderella, CTG/Ahmanson; Matt Hubbs, Indecent, CTG/Ahmanson; Peter Hylenski, Frozen, Pantages; Cricket S. Myers, The Producers, Celebration; Robert Oriol, Frankenstein, ANW; Gareth Owen, Summer, Pantages; Robert Arturo Ramirez, The Mountaintop, Marshall; Jonathan Snipes, Mysterious Circumstances, Geffen; Daniel S. Tator, A Christmas Carole King, Troubadour

BEST STUNT / FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY

Edgar Landa, punkplay, Circle X Theatre Company

RUNNERS-UP: Ronnie Clark, Apple Season, Moving Arts; Dane Oliver, Hir, Odyssey; Steve Rankin, Witch, Geffen Playhouse; Steven Simon and Edgar Landa, Waiting for Waiting for Godot, Sacred Fools

BEST CGI / VIDEO DESIGN

Christopher Ash, A Paris Love Story, Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

RUNNERS-UP: Adam R. Macias, The Arbuelas, Antaeus; Adam R. Macias, Native Son, Antaeus/CTG at the Douglas; Duncan McLean, Cinderella, CTG/Ahmanson; Kaitlyn Pietras and Jason H. Thompson, Mysterious Circumstances, Geffen; Kaitlyn Pietras and Jason H. Thompson, Key Largo, Geffen; Aaron Rhyne, Anastasia, Pantages

SPECIAL EVENTS and PERFORMANCES

Humans, Circa Contemporary Circus, Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

Nellie McKay, performing her original music in the otherwise dastardly A Play is a Poem, Center Theatre Group, Mark Taper Forum 

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Michael Curry, Puppet Design, Frozen, Pantages Theatre
Ann Closs-Farley, Hair Design, punkplay, Circle X Theatre Company
Charles G. LaPointe, Wig and Hair Design, Summer, Pantages Theatre

BEST SCENE-STEALING DERRIERE OF 2019

Will Brittain, Skintight, Geffen Playhouse


THE BEST OF SHOWS ON BETTER LEMONS IN 2019

Better Lemons had a fantastic year and we couldn’t have done it without the fantastic critics, publicists, and audience members who share their love of Los Angeles theater, by posting on Better Lemons and sharing their favorite shows and their reviews on social media.

We are especially grateful for all the Registered Critics who took their time this past year to rate shows they have reviewed to be included in our LemonMeter.

There were 1200 productions registered on Better Lemons in 2019! Out of those registered shows, over 600 received at least one review from a Critic and 201 were reviewed by Audience members. Out of these shows, we selected the winners that were most favored by Critics and/or Audiences.

Here is a list with all the Better Lemons SWEET productions of 2019:

The Better Lemons DoubleSWEET #LemonMeter Choice Awards for 2019
are going to the following productions:

(33 shows out of 1200 productions received
a DoubleSWEET #LemonMeter rating
from audience and critics)

TALES FROM THE POWDER ROOM at the Whitefire Theatre
41 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
3 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

IF WE RUN at the Lounge Theatre
32 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
3 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

RAISED BY WOLVES at the Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre
32 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
3 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

TO DAD WITH LOVE: A TRIBUTE TO BUDDY EBSEN at Theatre West
30 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
14 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

FERTILE: A CONVERSATION ABOUT THE EXPECTATION OF PROCREATION currently at the Whitefire Theatre
27 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
8 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

HOLLYWOODN’T at the Santa Monica Playhouse
20 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
3 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

THE BULLY PROBLEM at the Arena Theatre – Theatre of Arts
17 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
9 Critics reviews – 94% Sweet

THE NARCISSIST NEXT DOOR at the Complex Theatre
15 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
4 Critics reviews – 75% Sweet

THE ELEPHANT MAN at the El Portal Theatre
14 Audience reviews – 96% Sweet
7 Critics reviews – 93% Sweet

MONO/POLY at the Odyssey Theatre
14 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
5 Critics reviews – 90% Sweet

MASTERS OF THE DARK REALM at the Actors Workout Studio
14 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
4 Critics reviews – 88% Sweet

BUNNY THE ELF LIVE! currently at the Stages in Fullerton
14 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
3 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

CRACK WHORE, BULIMIC, GIRL-NEXT-DOOR at the Complex Theatre
14 Audience reviews – 96% Sweet
3 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

A BIT MUCH at the Lounge Theatre
12 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
3 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

(IM)PERFEKT at the Santa Monica Playhouse
11 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
5 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

BLACKBOXING at the Complex Theatre
10 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
5 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

MIL GRUS at the McCadden Place Theatre
10 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
5 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

TRANSFERENCE at The Broadwater
9 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
6 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

SCRAPS at the Matrix Theatre
8 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
15 Critics reviews – 87% Sweet

SUPPORTIVE WHITE PARENTS at The Broadwater
8 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
4 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

NEIL SIMON’S MUSICAL FOOLS by the Open Fist Theatre Company
7 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
13 Critics reviews – 92% Sweet

ROMEO AND JULIET IN HELL at the Actors Workout Studio
7 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
8 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

FALLEN SAINTS: SALEM at the Actors Workout Studio
7 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
7 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

SAVING CAIN at the Hudson Theatres
6 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
5 Critics reviews – 90% Sweet

THE LAST CROISSANT at The Broadwater
5 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
6 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

TREYA’S LAST DANCE at the Hudson Theatres
4 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
10 Critics reviews – 95% Sweet

OLIVIA WILDE DOES NOT SURVIVE THE APOCALYPSE at the Complex Theatre
4 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
6 Critics reviews – 92% Sweet

CLARISSANT at the Atwater Village Theatre
4 Audience reviews – 88% Sweet
4 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

CIRQUE DU GISELLE at the Assistance League Theater
4 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
4 Critics reviews – 88% Sweet

BATTER UP: MY BRAIN ON BASEBALL at studio/stage
4 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
4 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

JOAN AND WHAT DID THEY SAY – AN EVENING OF ONE ACTS at Theatre Unlimited (T.U. Studios)
4 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
3 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

TREASON at the Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre
4 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
3 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

45 MILLIGRAMS at The Broadwater
3 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet
3 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

The Better Lemons Audience #LemonMeter Choice Awards for 2019
are going to the following productions:

(32 shows out of 1200 productions received
a minimum of 10 audience reviews
and have received a SWEET #LemonMeter rating by the Audience)

TALES FROM THE POWDER ROOM at the Whitefire Theatre
41 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

IF WE RUN at the Lounge Theatre
32 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

RAISED BY WOLVES at the Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre
32 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

TO DAD WITH LOVE: A TRIBUTE TO BUDDY EBSEN at Theatre West
30 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

FERTILE: A CONVERSATION ABOUT THE EXPECTATION OF PROCREATION currently at the Whitefire Theatre
27 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

AN EXCUSE TO BEHAVE BADLY at the Lounge Theatre
22 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

HOLLYWOODN’T at the Santa Monica Playhouse
20 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

THE BULLY PROBLEM at the Arena Theatre – Theatre of Arts
17 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

TELENOVELA at the Actors Workout Studio
16 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

AMERICAN STRANGER THE MUSICAL at Studio C
16 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

THE NARCISSIST NEXT DOOR at the Complex Theatre
15 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

MONO/POLY at the Odyssey Theatre
14 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

MASTERS OF THE DARK REALM at the Actors Workout Studio
14 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

BUNNY THE ELF LIVE! currently at the Stages in Fullerton
14 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

CRACK WHORE, BULIMIC, GIRL-NEXT-DOOR Complex Theatre
14 Audience reviews – 96% Sweet

THE ELEPHANT MAN at the El Portal Theatre
14 Audience reviews – 96% Sweet

MANDY PICKS A HUSBAND at the Actors Company
13 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

A BIT MUCH at the Lounge Theatre
12 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

ASK A BLACK WOMAN at Studio C
12 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME at the Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre
12 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

BIRTHDAY at the Actors Company
12 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

(IM)PERFEKT at the Santa Monica Playhouse
11 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

LEAVING PRINCE CHARMING at the Lounge Theatre
11 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

ENERJOYCE…EVOLUTION OF A PISCES BABY BOOMER at the Santa Monica Playhouse
11 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

YES. NO. MAYBE. at the Complex Theatre
11 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

BECOMING PEACE: A ONE WOMAN DRAMEDY ABOUT POWER, CULTURE, VIOLENCE AND NONVIOLENCE at the Lounge Theatre
10 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

CAT SH!T CRAZY…FROM HOT MESS TO HOT MAMA IN FOUR SIMPLE CATS at the Whitefire Theatre
10 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

OCTOPI WALL STREET at the New American Theatre
10 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

EMBRACE LOVE FREE at the Santa Monica Playhouse
10 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

BLACKBOXING at the Santa Monica Playhouse
10 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

MIL GRUS at the McCadden Place Theatre
10 Audience reviews – 100% Sweet

The Better Lemons Critics #LemonMeter Choice Awards for 2019
are going to the following productions:

(92 shows out of 1200 productions received
a minimum of 10 critic reviews
and have received a SWEET #LemonMeter rating by the Critics)

DANIEL’S HUSBAND at The Fountain Theatre
26 Critics reviews – 96% Sweet

WITCH at the Geffen Playhouse
21 Critics reviews – 93% Sweet

HANDJOB by the Echo Theater Company
21 Critics reviews – 79% Sweet

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG at the Ahmanson Theatre
21 Critics reviews – 76% Sweet

THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN by the Antaeus Theatre Company
20 Critics reviews – 90% Sweet

SKINTIGHT at the Geffen Playhouse
19 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

THE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE by the Antaeus Theatre Company
19 Critics reviews – 97% Sweet

BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY at The Fountain Theatre
19 Critics reviews – 79% Sweet

LATIN HISTORY FOR MORONS at the Ahmanson Theatre
18 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

MATTHEW BOURNE’S SWAN LAKE at the Ahmanson Theatre
18 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

1776 THE MUSICAL at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
18 Critics reviews – 94% Sweet

BRONCO BILLY – THE MUSICAL at the Skylight Theatre Company
18 Critics reviews – 92% Sweet

AN INSPECTOR CALLS at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
18 Critics reviews – 81% Sweet

DEADLY at the Sacred Fools Theater Company
18 Critics reviews – 75% Sweet

ON BECKETT at the Kirk Douglas Theatre
17 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

HELLO DOLLY at the Pantages Theatre
17 Critics reviews – 97% Sweet

READY STEADY YETI GO at the Rogue Machine Theatre
17 Critics reviews – 82% Sweet

TOO MUCH SUN at the Odyssey Theatre
17 Critics reviews – 82% Sweet

SALVAGE at the Lounge Theatre
16 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

LOOT at the Odyssey Theatre
16 Critics reviews – 91% Sweet

ANNE, A NEW PLAY at the Museum of Tolerance
16 Critics reviews – 88% Sweet

MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES at the Geffen Playhouse
16 Critics reviews – 84% Sweet

NICK DEAR’S FRANKENSTEIN at A Noise Within
16 Critics reviews – 78% Sweet

RAGTIME: THE MUSICAL at the Pasadena Playhouse
15 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

INDECENT at the Ahmanson Theatre
15 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

LOVE ACTUALLY LIVE at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
15 Critics reviews – 97% Sweet

DANA H. at the Kirk Douglas Theatre
15 Critics reviews – 97% Sweet

EIGHT NIGHTS by the Antaeus Theatre Company
15 Critics reviews – 93% Sweet

FALSETTOS at the Ahmanson Theatre
15 Critics reviews – 90% Sweet

A KID LIKE JAKE by the IAMA Theatre Company
15 Critics reviews – 90% Sweet

LACKAWANNA BLUES at the Mark Taper Forum
15 Critics reviews – 90% Sweet

HYPE MAN at The Fountain Theatre
15 Critics reviews – 90% Sweet

SCRAPS at the Matrix Theatre
15 critics reviews – 87% Sweet

OTHELLO at A Noise Within
15 Critics reviews – 80% Sweet

PARADISE at the Matrix Theatre
15 Critics reviews – 77% Sweet

LINDA VISTA at the Mark Taper Forum
15 Critics reviews – 77% Sweet

AUGUST WILSON’S JITNEY at the Mark Taper Forum
14 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

TO DAD WITH LOVE: A TRIBUTE TO BUDDY EBSEN at Theatre West
14 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum
14 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

DIANA OF DOBSON’S by the Antaeus Theatre Company
14 Critics reviews – 93% Sweet

MOBY DICK – REHEARSED at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum
14 Critics reviews – 89% Sweet

THE SOLID LIFE OF SUGAR WATER by Deaf West Theatre
14 Critics reviews – 89% Sweet

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at the Pasadena Playhouse
14 Critics reviews – 75% Sweet

TWO TRAINS RUNNING AT MATRIX at the Matrix Theatre
13 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

IN CIRCLES at the Odyssey Theatre
13 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

TWELFTH NIGHT at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
13 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

RAGTIME at the Chance Theater
13 Critics reviews – 96% Sweet

NEIL SIMON’S MUSICAL FOOLS by the Open Fist Theatre Company
13 Critics reviews – 92% Sweet

WITNESS UGANDA at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
13 Critics reviews – 92% Sweet

THE JOY WHEEL at the Ruskin Group Theatre
13 Critics reviews – 88% Sweet

THE WOLVES by the Echo Theater Company
13 Critics reviews – 88% Sweet

FAITH HEALER at the Odyssey Theatre
13 Critics reviews – 88% Sweet

THE NICETIES at the Geffen Playhouse
13 Critics reviews – 88% Sweet

ARGONAUTIKA at A Noise Within
13 Critics reviews – 88% Sweet

THE PRODUCERS at the Celebration Theatre @ The Lex
13 Critics reviews – 88% Sweet

FEFU AND HER FRIENDS at the Odyssey Theatre
13 Critics reviews – 88% Sweet

LIGHTS OUT: NAT “KING” COLE at the Geffen Playhouse
13 Critics reviews – 85% Sweet

GRUMPY OLD MEN: THE MUSICAL at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
13 Critics reviews – 77% Sweet

HAPPY DAYS at the Mark Taper Forum
12 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

CANYON at theLos Angeles Theatre Center
12 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

THE VANDAL at the Chance Theater
12 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

DEATH OF A SALESMAN at the Ruskin Group Theatre
12 Critics reviews – 96% Sweet

NANCY F***ING REAGAN at the Secret Rose Theatre
12 Critics reviews – 88% Sweet

AMERICA ADJACENT at theSkylight Theatre Company
12 Critics reviews – 83% Sweet

DEFENDERS at The Broadwater
12 Critics reviews – 79% Sweet

ANASTASIA at the Pantages Theatre
12 Critics reviews – 75% Sweet

JULIUS WEEZER at the El Portal Theatre
11 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

ANDY WARHOL’S TOMATO at the Pacific Resident Theatre
11 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

BURIED CHILD at A Noise Within
11 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
11 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

HERSHEY FELDER: A PARIS LOVE STORY at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
11 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

ANNA IN THE TROPICS by the Open Fist Theatre Company
11 Critics reviews – 95% Sweet

THE GLASS MENAGERIE at A Noise Within
11 Critics reviews – 95% Sweet

AT THE TABLE at The Road Theatre Company
11 Critics reviews – 91% Sweet

MISS LILLY GETS BONED at the Rogue Machine Theatre
11 Critics reviews – 91% Sweet

SISTERS IN LAW at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
11 Critics reviews – 91% Sweet

THE GREAT LEAP at the Pasadena Playhouse
11 Critics reviews – 91% Sweet

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE at the Odyssey Theatre
11 Critics reviews – 86% Sweet

M. BUTTERFLY at the South Coast Repertory
11 Critics reviews – 77% Sweet

THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER by The Group Rep/Lonny Chapman Theatre
10 Critics reviews – 100% Sweet

TREYA’S LAST DANCE at the Hudson Theatres
10 Critics reviews – 95% Sweet

DAMES AT SEA by the Sierra Madre Playhouse
10 Critics reviews – 95% Sweet

NEVER IS NOW at the Skylight Theatre Company
10 Critics reviews – 95% Sweet

THE NEW ONE at the Ahmanson Theatre
10 Critics reviews – 95% Sweet

FRIENDS WITH GUNS at The Road Theatre Company
10 Critics reviews – 90% Sweet

ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL by 5 Star Theatricals
10 Critics reviews – 90% Sweet

DISNEY’S FROZEN at the Pantages Theatre
10 Critics reviews – 90% Sweet

THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE by the 24th STreet Theatre
10 Critics reviews – 85% Sweet

SPECIAL at the Theatre of Note
10 Critics reviews – 85% Sweet

SWEENEY TODD – THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET at the South Coast Repertory
10 Critics reviews – 85% Sweet

FIFTEEN MEN IN A SMOKE-FILLED ROOM at Theatre 40
10 Critics reviews – 85% Sweet

LOOSE KNIT by The Group Rep/Lonny Chapman Theatre
10 Critics reviews – 80% Sweet


JOAN OF ART: Delicious Food, Cinderella Like You’ve Never Seen Her Before, Art at the Rendon, and a Classical Musical That Never Grows Old

Now that the rain is over and the sun will be shinning it’s time to step out of your house, get into your car and explore some very cool events that will be happening this weekend in Los Angeles.

I love food… I consider myself of foodie… However my definition of a foodie is someone that loves to try new and different things to eat. I love restaurants that do a twist on classic dishes. Having said that, I am happy to report that you don’t have to go too far to experience one of my favorite restaurants that does just that… JAVIER’S which is considered the finest food of Mexico.

JAVIER’S presents a rich heritage of elevated Mexican cuisine in a friendly, captivating ambiance. Enjoy hand-shaken margaritas, rare tequilas, craft cocktails and a vast selection of beer and fine wines. Dine in the main dining room, al fresco patios, one of their intimate private dining rooms, or at the exquisite bar surrounded by one of the West Coast’s largest selection of the world’s finest tequilas.

JAVIER’S considers all their wonderful customers a part of their family and they thank them for their support and sharing in the success and joy that is JAVIER’S. Everyone needs to experience the freshness of their original Mexican cuisine in a warm, friendly environment at one of their six locations.

I’ll be going to the one located at the Westfield Century City this weekend.

Their other locations include Newport Beach, Las Vegas, Irvine, Los Cabos, and La Jolla. I promise it doesn’t matter which location you decide to visit, you will not be disappointed. Their food is absolutely exquisite and in everyone of their resturants you will experience the same fine dining that they are famous for.

Javier’s selects only the best and freshest ingredients available. The fish is always fresh and in season. They serve only number one White Mexican Prawns, Scallops, Dungeness Crab and Maine Lobster- all sustainable seafood. Oh and their Margaritas are unique and absolutely delicious. It’s hard to stop at one. I’ll be there this weekend for my friend’s birthday and I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

Javier’s is located at 10250 Santa Monica Blvd #1005, Los Angeles, CA 90067. Hours: Open at 10:30 and Closes at 10pm.

You can make reservations via OpenTable.com or by calling (424) 313-8143.

Now if you’re not too stuffed from feasting on all this incredible food, I suggest you get back into your car and head over to the Ahmanson Theatre to see Matthew Bourne’s CINDERELLA. I promise this is not your childhood Cinderella.

Matthew Bourne transforms the classic fairy tale into a wartime romance with a twist of Hollywood glamour. A chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella and her dashing RAF pilot together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the Blitz.

Performed to Prokofiev’s magnificent score, this new production comes alive with heart stopping choreography, vivid theatrical storytelling and sumptuous award winning scenic and costume designs that will transport you, the audience, to the heart of war torn London for a timeless story of the power of love.

I’ve seen many of Bourne’s shows and I’ve been especially looking forward to this one.

The show plays at the Ahmanson and for tickets and more information go to CenterTheatreGroup.com.

CINDERELLA plays from February 5-March 10th 2019. The Ahmanson Theatre is located at The Music Center, 135 North Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles. If you see the show, leave your review on their page at Better-Lemons.com/production/cinderella-2.

Now what would a weekend be without ART and once again the Rendon Gallery l is presenting another one of their unique and I have to say amazing art shows. This one is called THE CASSPIR PROJECT.

For this iteration of THE CASSPIR PROJECT, Ziman has designed the massive gallery space with a “macro and micro” experience in mind. Each room within the gallery space brings context to the next, informing the project as whole. The exhibition starts with an installation of brightly colored AK-47s leading into a room with large photographs taken in Soweto. For the photos, Ziman recreated scenes from newspapers during the apartheid, incorporating many of the elements found within the exhibition such as the beaded guns and SPOEK 1. A screening room shows a 20 minute documentary by Ziman which tells the history of the Casspir, from its design and conception to people’s personal experiences with it in the ‘70s and ‘80s. It chronicles Ziman’s reclaiming of the Casspir, detailing how he transformed and Africanized it. The exhibition culminates with the dramatic presentation of SPOEK 1, lit only by a spotlight in a dark room.

Opening a dialogue between those who remember and those too young to know, The Casspir Project is a profound attempt to reconcile history. Ziman has reclaimed the savagely violent brute—embellished and bedazzled, the Casspir has been made less threatening, its power and authority subverted.

10% of sales of artworks (excluding the Casspir) will be donated between Brady Center To Prevent Violence, whose mission is to create a safer America by ending America’s gun violence epidemic, and The Ron Finley Project which aims to transform inner-cities around the World, from food deserts to food forests through urban gardening.

Ralph Ziman was born in 1963 in Johannesburg, South Africa, and currently lives and works in Los Angeles, California. He has had solo exhibitions at Joseph Gross Gallery in Tuscon, AZ, and C.A.V.E. Gallery in Venice, CA, as well as group exhibitions at the National Gallery in Cape Town, South Africa, Brooklyn NY and the FNP Art Fair in Johannesburg, South Africa. His work has been written about in Art in America, BCC, and The Guardian.

For more information go to therendongallery.com. The off site location is at 1242 Palmetto Street Los Angeles. The Project will be on view from February 7th to March 7th 2019.

Whatever you choose to do this weekend, have a great one people!


Friday Features – Sweet Shows This Coming Week

Better Lemons has lots of registered shows and events and lot of them have Critics and Audience reviews posted. Here you can see their favorites and when you click on a title, you will see all the critics’ and audience reviews and ratings. From there you can choose what your adventures this weekend will be. We wish you a fantastic weekend!

OPPENHEIMER

Yes, Virginia

THE COLOR PURPLE

DIXIE’S TUPPERWARE PARTY

Finks

LOVE ACTUALLY LIVE

A CAROL CHRISTMAS

COME FROM AWAY

Delusion: The Blue Blade

Special

Sisters Three


Friday Features – Sweet Shows This Coming Week

Better Lemons has lots of registered shows and events and lot of them have Critics and Audience reviews posted. Here you can see their favorites and when you click on a title, you will see all the critics’ and audience reviews and ratings. From there you can choose what your adventures this weekend will be. We wish you a fantastic weekend!
https://www.better-lemons.com/production/emma/

Sugar Plum Fairy

SOUTH PACIFIC

Clarissant

COME FROM AWAY

OPPENHEIMER

Delusion: The Blue Blade

THE COLOR PURPLE

DIXIE’S TUPPERWARE PARTY

Yes, Virginia

Finks

LOVE ACTUALLY LIVE

A CAROL CHRISTMAS

Postponed – Aleichem Sholom! The wit and wisdom of Sholom Aleichem

Sisters Three


Friday Features – Sweet Shows This Coming Week

Better Lemons has lots of registered shows and events and lot of them have Critics and Audience reviews posted. Here you can see their favorites and when you click on a title, you will see all the critics’ and audience reviews and ratings. From there you can choose what your adventures this weekend will be. We wish you a fantastic weekend!

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

Cost of Living

Remembering Boyle Heights

The Big Event: Sunny Afternoon

BUS STOP

She Loves Me

HANSEL AND GRETEL

Blacktop Highway

The Big Event: King Dick


https://www.better-lemons.com/production/emma/

COME FROM AWAY

OPPENHEIMER

Sugar Plum Fairy

Delusion: The Blue Blade

SOUTH PACIFIC

THE COLOR PURPLE

Clarissant

Finks

A CAROL CHRISTMAS

Postponed – Aleichem Sholom! The wit and wisdom of Sholom Aleichem


Friday Features – Sweet Shows This Coming Week

Better Lemons has lots of registered shows and events and lot of them have Critics and Audience reviews posted. Here you can see their favorites and when you click on a title, you will see all the critics’ and audience reviews and ratings. From there you can choose what your adventures this weekend will be. We wish you a fantastic weekend!

The Little Foxes

The Bench, A Homeless Love Story

The Value of Moscow

Blue Surge

A Mile In My Shoes

VALLEY OF THE HEART


https://www.better-lemons.com/production/emma/

COME FROM AWAY

Cost of Living

OPPENHEIMER

Delusion: The Blue Blade

The Big Event: Sunny Afternoon

THE COLOR PURPLE

BUS STOP

Finks

She Loves Me

A CAROL CHRISTMAS

HANSEL AND GRETEL

Postponed – Aleichem Sholom! The wit and wisdom of Sholom Aleichem

The Big Event: King Dick

Blacktop Highway


Friday Features – Sweet Shows This Coming Week

Better Lemons has lots of registered shows and events and lot of them have Critics and Audience reviews posted. Here you can see their favorites and when you click on a title, you will see all the critics’ and audience reviews and ratings. From there you can choose what your adventures this weekend will be. We wish you a fantastic weekend!

The People VS Hell Kross

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

Death and Cockroaches

My Date With Death – A Musical Romance

Anatomy of a Hug

THE UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODY OF STRANGER THINGS

COME FROM AWAY

Cost of Living

The Little Foxes

The Bench, A Homeless Love Story

OPPENHEIMER

Finks

Delusion: The Blue Blade

The Value of Moscow

THE COLOR PURPLE

BUS STOP

Blue Surge

HANSEL AND GRETEL

A CAROL CHRISTMAS

She Loves Me

A Mile In My Shoes

Blacktop Highway

VALLEY OF THE HEART


JOAN OF ART – A Great Broadway Musical, Salsa Dancing, Comedy, and a Car Show

Hope you all had a great thanksgiving weekend and are ready for some really fun pre-holiday events. First up is an awarding winning show straight from Broadway entitled COME FROM AWAY at the Ahmanson located at 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012. This is a show that proves there are still some really great people on planet Earth.

The musical takes place on 9/11 when the world stopped. This is the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. The musical was written by Tony nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein and features Christopher Ashley’s Tony winning direction.

I’m seeing tonight when it opens but the show plays until January 6th 2019 so you have plenty of time to see it. For tickets go to CenterTheatreGroup.org or call 213-628-2722.

In addition to theatre, music, film and eating, I love cars, especially vintage cars. Well there aren’t any vintage car shows around, but there is the 2018 L.A. Auto Show at the LA Convention Center from November 30th – December 9th and I’ll definitely be there. This is the world’s largest auto show with over 1000 vehicles. Whether it’s new vehicle shopping, free test drives, experiencing the latest tech or exploring an assortment of customized rides and exotics this is the place to be. The doors open at 9 am and close at 10pm. For tickets or more information go to LAAutoShow.com.

I also love to Salsa. Not sure if I put that on my list of fun things to do. Every Friday night is Salsa night at El Floridita Restaurant located at 1253 Vine Street in Los Angeles. Not only do they have delicious Cuban food but the band is sensational and the dancers, wow. It can be a little intimidating since their so good but everyone is welcoming and it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a professional, it’s all about having a great time and I promise you, you will. For more information go to ELFloridita.com

And lastly if you want to laugh then get over to the Comedy Store in Hollywood. Saturday, December 1st, Dane Cook, Arsenio Hall, Bryan Callen, Brian Monarch and many more will be on stage sharing their humor with you.

The famous Comedy Store is located at 8433 Sunset Boulevard. The Main Room opens at 6:30 and there’s a two drink min per person. For more information or to purchase tickets to to TheComedyStore.com.

Whatever fun thing you chose to do people, have a great weekend.