theatre asylum

Now Registered on the Better Lemons Calendar – October 7 – 13, 2019

Theatrical shows, Film Festivals, Musicals, Dance, Solo, and Awards Showsregistered on the Better Lemons calendar!

For shows with a LemonMeter rating, visit our LemonMeter page.

One Night Only

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SkyPilot Theatre Company presents “One Night Only – A showcase of highlights from company members”. Join us for an evening that promises to entertain and get the laughs going. Join us for an evening that promises to entertain and get the laughs going. https://t.co/ZlTYETXXy9 pic.twitter.com/G7nnzOrdyK

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 7, 2019

Mermaid of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

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MERMAID OF THE GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH
When an idealistic marine biologist captures a mermaid, they realize mermaids are much different than the fairy tales say. https://t.co/havNJr3rKa pic.twitter.com/8uYGUS5Kf4

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 7, 2019

DEFENDERS

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DEFENDERS – The lines between myth and reality become increasingly blurred in Defenders. When Iceland was threatened with invasion by Germany in WW2, the allies decide to step in. https://t.co/WbXsZkujB8 pic.twitter.com/GolQZHmwvZ

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 7, 2019

Sally Spectre the Musical

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The evening will open with a “Costumed. Multi-Media, Concert Reading” of “Sally Spectre the Musical.” (Book, Music and Lyrics by David P. https://t.co/ASZxcMfC08 pic.twitter.com/O0JHSMKzrx

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 7, 2019

40th Anniversary Celebration- LA Choreographers & Dancers Performance

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40th Anniversary Celebration- LA Choreographers & Dancers Performance – with LA Premiere “A Jewish Child’s Story” https://t.co/LCsPZDUcC2 pic.twitter.com/BfjWRcP6uK

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 7, 2019

Impresario of Castro Street

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The Blank Theatre and Marc Huestis Presents offer a multimedia event to celebrate the release of the audio book of Marc Huestis’s memoir “Impresario of Castro Street,” narrated by actor/activist and Blank Theatre Artistic Director Daniel Henning. https://t.co/1hdbvbZNph pic.twitter.com/qdYObzUYum

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 9, 2019

The Soul of Broadway – Impossible Dreams

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4 Times Entertainment (creators of The Company Men) in association with The Montalbán is pleased to announce the World Premiereof “The Soul of Broadway – Impossible Dreams” starring Terron Brooks with musical direction by Mark Vogel on Sunday, November 3. https://t.co/U9GlmM3u53 pic.twitter.com/9lJPCG2zMa

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 9, 2019

Levi Kreis: Home for the Holidays

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A special one-night-only concert, Levi Kreis’s “Home for the Holidays” will infuse gospel, country, rockabilly, and jazz into an exuberant and spirit-lifting collection of Christmas classics and holiday favorites. https://t.co/a5aXwwX5NJ pic.twitter.com/BnGPuYdGGD

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 9, 2019

Something Rotten!

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“SOMETHING ROTTEN!”
It’s the 1590s in London, and brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play, but they are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star, William Shakespeare. https://t.co/DliGFExLC9 pic.twitter.com/vv84ziIdIl

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 9, 2019

Between Riverside and Crazy

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You can’t beat City Hall, but you can try. In this Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy-drama by Stephen Adly Guirgis, ex-cop and recent widower Walter ‘Pops’ Washington has made a home for his newly paroled son in his sprawling, rent-controlled New York City https://t.co/no74bnhToa

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 9, 2019

The Wrong Kind of People

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THE WRONG KIND OF PEOPLE – Theo, an African-American law student, needing privacy to study for the California Bar Exam during 1942, checks in at the exclusive Guardian Hotel located in downtown Los Angeles. https://t.co/w4Sn9KAGpM pic.twitter.com/CMyWr9dqRl

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 9, 2019

Second City/NBC Bob Curry Fellowship Showcases 2019

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2019 Bob Curry Fellows to Perform Showcase at Second City Hollywood
Los Angeles, CA (August 2019) – On October 17th, the 2019 Bob Curry Fellows will share their talents in the first of three performances. https://t.co/nnG9HuOtrm pic.twitter.com/hMpNa9jLYF

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 9, 2019

The Double V

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“The Double V” is a new play examining how a 1942 letter to the Pittsburgh Courier, asking whether black men should be asked to fight for a country that considers them “half-American,” sparked the Double V campaign and, many believe, the civil rights move https://t.co/o7ag2J7LW8 pic.twitter.com/hdmym3Y4Lo

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 9, 2019

Short+Sweet Hollywood Festival – Our Fantasia and On the Terrace

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Short+Sweet Hollywood Festival presents a special event: The World Premieres of two short plays by John Patrick Shanley: Our Fantasia, directed by John Hindman and starring Nora Garrett and Graham Sibley; and On the Terrace, directed by Jackie Diamond https://t.co/1LvqnjLHt8

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 10, 2019

October off the Screen Series

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October, 23, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Little Women. Family/Romance. Directed by George Cukor. Adapted for the screen by Sarah Y. Mason and Victor Heerman.Based on thenovel by Louisa May Alcott. Directed by Merian C. Cooper. From RKO Radio Pictures. https://t.co/lBpvLf4kyX pic.twitter.com/vs6WV2xH2o

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 10, 2019

Pembroke Taparelli Arts and Film Festival

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Pembroke Taparelli Arts and Film Festival https://t.co/wMn01jqI3P

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 10, 2019

An Excuse to Behave Badly

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“An Excuse to Behave Badly – The Variety Show!” is a one-hour variety show with a mix of stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, and the 2019 Hollywood Fringe Festival hit and Encore! Producers’ Award-winner “An Excuse to Behave Badly” by Jenni Halina. https://t.co/FdLeznuhro pic.twitter.com/9ce13PsmWG

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 10, 2019

Magoc Castle Magicians at Theatre West

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Magic Castle Magicians at Theatre West!

Come and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of this annual event – Millennium Magic! https://t.co/yGEIPFMre5 pic.twitter.com/aGbJ2TPDhJ

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 10, 2019

The 7th Annual URBAN DEATH TOUR OF TERROR: Haunted Theatre Attraction!

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Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group proudly presents the 7th Annual URBAN DEATH TOUR OF TERROR: Haunted Theatre Attraction! https://t.co/nLg9b2O8H3 pic.twitter.com/UfnAA7AhKb

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 10, 2019

The 16th Annual Hollywood PAL Awards Gala

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The Hollywood Police Activities League Board of Directors is pleased to announce the 16th Annual Hollywood PAL Awards Gala on Tuesday, November 12th from 6-9:30pm. https://t.co/WcPtj6TjUb pic.twitter.com/TbFrUwyoRG

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 10, 2019

Circa: Humans

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CIRCA: HUMANS – Internationally acclaimed contemporary circus company Circa comes all the way from Australia to make its debut as The Wallis’ first foray into contemporary circus with Humans. https://t.co/ZgUwQbFZnB

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 11, 2019

Chills & Thrills

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Chills & Thrills at Little Fish Theatre
Oct 30 – Nov 3
Our handpicked bag of eight short plays, filled with twisted treats and tricks that scream Halloween. https://t.co/kiAbBDCmxG

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 11, 2019

TAP DANCING MY WAY TO THE NUTHOUSE

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TAP DANCING MY WAY TO THE NUTHOUSE – A burgeoning neurotic evolves into a full fledged tap dance, mime, story-telling, multi media nutcase… Come watch the trip! Does insanity win?

Discounts to Better Lemons subscribers & seniors: $5 off regular price https://t.co/dPwWM7d45T

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 11, 2019

On an Average Day

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The west coast return of “On an Average Day” by John Kolvenbach is running October 4-20th in Hollywood. https://t.co/l6ORBaZydD pic.twitter.com/8nQgHny96C

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 11, 2019

How the Light Gets In

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“There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.”
–Leonard Cohen

A travel writer who never travels. A Japanese architect who can’t figure out how to build a simple tea house. https://t.co/Q568NRBbi8 pic.twitter.com/F304uRwAbn

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 11, 2019

The Eight: Reindeer Monologues

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The Eight: Reindeer Monologues by Jeff Goode
Santa’s Reindeer Tells All! With each deer’s confession, the truth behind the shocking allegations becomes clearer and clearer and seems to implicate everyone from the littlest elf to the tainted Saint https://t.co/IeHHs3EFst pic.twitter.com/2NhcQPjr97

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 11, 2019

DISROBED

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UPDATE: The notorious play, DISROBED, is moving to a monthly residency at Studio C, which is along Theatre Row in central Hollywood, along with 3 new actors! The heartfelt comedy was nominated for Best Immersive Show at this year’s 2019 Fringe Festival! https://t.co/aCH80Pbso6 pic.twitter.com/xgQUJBnrJD

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 11, 2019

Aliens, Immigrants & Other Evil Doers

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“Aliens, Immigrants & Other Evil Doers” – A sci-fi “Latino noir” satire, inspired by interviews with immigrants who crossed the border to escape economic despair and war, that spotlights anti-immigrant hysteria. https://t.co/Vui7E9g4EJ pic.twitter.com/dg2W11ZblE

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) October 14, 2019

EVENTS OPENING THIS WEEK

SOUTH PACIFIC @ Rubicon Theatre Company

December 6, 2018 7:00 pm

Set against the backdrop of World War II on an island in Polynesia, SOUTH PACIFIC is based on James Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The plot follows a Navy nurse from Arkansas who falls in …read more

FOOL FOR LOVE @ Lounge Theatre

December 6, 2018 8:00 pm

In Shepard’s 1983 classic, a woman named May occupies a stark, low-rent motel room on the edge of the Mojave desert. She is haunted by a frenetic rodeo cowboy named Eddie, with whom she …read more

BOB’S HOLIDAY OFFICE PARTY @ Atwater Village Theatre

December 6, 2018 8:00 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: SANDRA KUKER PR Email: SJKukerPR@gmail.com BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND TWENTY-THIRD YEAR! IT’S NOT THE HOLIDAY’S UNTIL “BOB’S HOLIDAY OFFICE PARTY” RETURNS FOR THEIR HOLIDAY HILARITY BHOP 2018 – Banner.jpg DECEMBER …read more

RUSHIN’ AROUND THE XMAS TREE @ The Belfry Stage (Upstairs)

December 6, 2018 8:30 pm

Grab your eggnog, put on that old ugly Christmas sweater and ear muffs and come celebrate the Holidays with Force of Nature in our favorite way – With a holiday themed RUSH! We’ve gathered …read more

JULIUS CAESAR IRREVERENT SHAKESPEARE PROJECT @ Private Residence

December 7, 2018 7:30 pm

Irreverent Shakespeare Project presents Julius Caesar, directed by Heather Ann Gottlieb, produced by Steven Brandon, Mark Laird, Bradley Gosnell, Rachel Rios and Ari Stidham. An all-female cast of eleven tackles the Bard’s political drama, …read more

YES, VIRGINIA @ The Complex

December 7, 2018 8:00 pm

Mindy Sterling & Arnetia Walker star in this new two character comedy about the unique relationship between a divorced woman and her long time housekeeper. New bonds are formed on New Year’s Eve. In …read more

ROPE @ Avery Schreiber Playhouse

December 7, 2018 8:00 pm

Robo & Bash Productions presents ROPE, A Play by Patrick Hamilton, taking place at the Avery Schreiber Playhouse in North Hollywood. Directed by Anna Safar, this production will open December 7th, 2018, and will …read more

LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST @ Lounge Theatre

December 7, 2018 8:00 pm

CHASE WHAT FLIES presents LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST directed by Taylor Jackson Ross* From the team that brought you last year’s chilling and poignant production of RICHARD THE SECOND comes a hilarious and heartwarming new venture: William Shakespeare’s LOVE’S …read more

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS @ La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts

December 7, 2018 8:00 pm

Join us as all 250 Young Americans cast members come together to turn La Mirada Theatre into a winter wonderland and bring holiday cheer to theatre-goers of all ages. …read more

BLOOD ALLEY CHRISTMAS @ Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre

December 7, 2018 11:00 pm

Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group proudly presents their All-New, Scathing and Razor-Sharp Holiday-Horror-Theater Spectacular in the Great Grand Guignol, Theatre of Cruelty and Butoh-Traditions…Centering around the traumatic memoirs of a forgotten street-alley haunted by …read more

HOW TO DIRECT A FRINGE SHOW: KNOW EVERYBODY’S MOTIVATION @ Studio C

December 8, 2018 2:00 pm

DIRECTING A FRINGE SHOW: Know Everybody’s Motivation Creative and Practical Steps to Success with Matt Ritchey Learn the unique challenges and benefits to directing a production at the Hollywood Fringe Festival! As the person guiding the project, you …read more

SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS & TRICKS FOR CREATIVES @ Asylum (Inter)national House – Combined Artform

December 9, 2018 1:00 pm

SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS AND TRICKS FOR CREATIVES From Beefing it Up to Navigating Algorithms Taught by Monique A. LeBleu This workshop is specifically for anyone who is promoting a theater production, venue, film, documentary …read more

TAKING YOUR SHOW TO EDINBURGH @ Asylum (Inter)national House – Combined Artform

December 9, 2018 3:00 pm

Michael Blaha of Fringe Management, discusses taking your show to the Edinburgh Fringe Fest. 17 years of producing in Edinburgh with over 50 successful collaborations including, The Pajama Men, “This Is So Not About The …read more

Now Registered This Week on the Better Lemons Calendar – November 25 through December 2, 2018

NEW Theatrical shows, Musicals, and Workshops registered on the Better Lemons calendar!
For more shows visit our Calendar.
For shows with a LemonMeter rating, visit our LemonMeter page.

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Show Up, Kids! Interactive Family Comedy https://t.co/WkE7u22OM6 #LAThtr #LATheater #LemonMeter pic.twitter.com/EVR6XJwm5g

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) November 28, 2018

Visit their Better Lemons Registered Calendar Page for ticket and show information.
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Measure for Measure posted by Noela Hueso https://t.co/Zu1uL3JHkh #LAThtr #LATheater #LemonMeter pic.twitter.com/PYMbKafQYY

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) November 29, 2018

Visit their Better Lemons Registered Calendar Page for ticket and show information. Calendar
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The Mineola Twins posted by Noela Hueso https://t.co/jruOk9djsn #LAThtr #LATheater #LemonMeter pic.twitter.com/wBFBCV2zTo

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) November 29, 2018

Visit their Better Lemons Registered Calendar Page for ticket and show information. Calendar
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Medea posted by Noela Hueso https://t.co/fWemYJlleN #LAThtr #LATheater #LemonMeter pic.twitter.com/UCW4cZYV7C

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) November 29, 2018

Visit their Better Lemons Registered Calendar Page for ticket and show information.
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Rebel Genius posted by Noela Hueso https://t.co/Iop6Lf857g #LAThtr #LATheater #LemonMeter pic.twitter.com/oGdShRbDwz

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) November 29, 2018

Visit their Better Lemons Registered Calendar Page for ticket and show information.
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Scorched posted by Noela Hueso https://t.co/FLJJnHllPs #LAThtr #LATheater #LemonMeter pic.twitter.com/9syUwunp1h

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) November 29, 2018

Visit their Better Lemons Registered Calendar Page for ticket and show information.
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The Kitchen posted by Noela Hueso https://t.co/d5LzxZzdzT #LAThtr #LATheater #LemonMeter pic.twitter.com/DCcp0Rv9bM

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) November 29, 2018

Visit their Better Lemons Registered Calendar Page for ticket and show information.
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Lost Childhood posted by Noela Hueso https://t.co/3EuuSzBZLj #LAThtr #LATheater #LemonMeter pic.twitter.com/HI2AFvSrfo

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) November 29, 2018

Visit their Better Lemons Registered Calendar Page for ticket and show information.
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Fool for Love posted by James Rucinski https://t.co/k3pCGxIexQ #LAThtr #LATheater #LemonMeter pic.twitter.com/L2laPrmqSZ

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) November 29, 2018

Visit their Better Lemons Registered Calendar Page for ticket and show information.
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middle8 https://t.co/dUs9CKtT49 #LAThtr #LATheater #LemonMeter pic.twitter.com/ze6JjDJVw0

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) November 30, 2018

Visit their Better Lemons Registered Calendar Page for ticket and show information.
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Social Media Tips & Tricks for Creatives posted by, MoniqueLeBleu https://t.co/ndFBhp3E1c #LAThtr #LATheater #LemonMeter pic.twitter.com/ZVWdO3CxBD

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) November 30, 2018

Visit their Better Lemons Registered Calendar Page for ticket and show information.
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Love’s Labour’s Lost posted by Chase What Flies https://t.co/xHJTIMaJFv #LAThtr #LATheater #LemonMeter pic.twitter.com/dLK9CjT4wm

— Better Lemons (@BetterLemons) December 3, 2018

Visit their Better Lemons Registered Calendar Page for ticket and show information.

EVENTS OPENING THIS WEEK

WICKED @ Pantages Theatre

November 29, 2018 2:00 pm

WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing …read more

COME FROM AWAY@ Ahmanson Theatre

November 29, 2018 2:00 pm

This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of 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 …read more

DIXIE’S TUPPERWARE PARTY @ Kirk Douglas Theatre

November 29, 2018 8:00 pm

This hilarious Off-Broadway smash returns to Los Angeles, featuring Dixie Longate, the fast-talking, gum chewing, ginger-haired Alabama gal who is bringing your grandma’s Tupperware party out of the living room and into the 21st …read more

NICOLE HENRY, SET FOR THE SEASON @ Smothers Theatre at Pepperdine University

November 30, 2018 8:00 pm

Renowned for her potent combination of dynamic vocals, impeccable phrasing, and powerful emotional resonance, acclaimed jazz singer Nicole Henry brings new life to classic holiday repertoire. Her expressive vocals and stage-commanding charisma have earned …read more

WHITE NIGHTS, BLACK PARADISE@ Hudson Guild Theatre

November 30, 2018 8:00 pm

In 1978, People’s Temple, a progressive, Black multiracial church, self-destructed in a Guyana settlement named after its founder, the Reverend Jim Jones. A riveting story of complicity and resistance; loyalty and betrayal; black struggle …read more

A HARMONY BOYS CHRISTMAS – LIVE FROM WAIKIKI BEACH! @ The Broadwater

November 30, 2018 8:00 pm

The Boys are back! It’s 1963 all over again and famed foursome The Harmony Boys are returning to spread Christmas Cheer all over your face in a new holiday special on the gay and …read more

FIRST NIGHT BY JACK NEARY @ Point Loma Playhouse

November 30, 2018 8:00 pm

First Night by Jack Neary A bright, warm comedy about dreams, life and love, that had critics and audiences cheering at its premiere. Danny Flemming had convinced himself that life’s dreams can’t be anything more …read more

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE @ Theatre West

November 30, 2018 8:00 pm

“It’s a Wonderful Life.” Matt Johnson directs this radio-drama style staging of the holiday classic, based on the 1947 Lux Radio Theatre version, about a man who learns how important his life is to …read more

ELF THE MUSICAL@ Musical Theatre West, Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center

December 1, 2018 2:00 pm

Based on the cherished 2003 hit film starring Will Ferrell, Elf the Musical is the story of Buddy the elf. Featuring songs by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, The Wedding Singer), with …read more

THE SANTALAND DIARIES @ Santa Monica Playhouse The Main Stage

December 1, 2018 8:00 pm

“A sardonic, merrily subversive tale—just the antidote to bright-eyed joy before too many shopping days have passed. Worth more than a photo album full of Santas!” NY Newsday. Patrick Censoplano once again dons the …read more

JAKE SHIMABUKURO @ Smothers Theatre at Pepperdine University

December 1, 2018 8:00 pm

In just over a decade of recording music and playing sold-out shows worldwide, Jake Shimabukuro has already redefined the ukulele. In his hands this diminutive Hawaiian instrument becomes a complex and bold new musical …read more

A CHRISTMAS CAROL @ The Whitmore-Lindley Theatre Center

December 1, 2018 8:00 pm

From award winning solo performer comes the classic Dickens tale of redemption and hope. Blanco’s tour de force performance brings Dickens’ wonderful characters to life with magic and audience participation. The lessons of forgivenes …read more

DEATH HOUSE @ The Road Theatre Company

December 1, 2018 8:00 pm

On the night a death-house chaplain must hand over the reigns to the confident young pastor set to replace him, the men encounter an enigmatic inmate who challenges their convictions and changes their lives …read more

HOW TO PRODUCE A HOLLYWOOD FRINGE SHOW @ Asylum (Inter)national House – Combined Artform

December 2, 2018 2:00 pm

How to Produce a Hollywood Fringe Show taught by Matthew Quinn Excited about the thought of doing a show at HFF, but have concerns and questions? Get the answers to your questions and an overview of …read more

SUGAR PLUM FAIRY @ Skylight Theatre Company

December 2, 2018 3:00 pm

Skylight Theatre Company and Frier McCollister present Sandra Tsing Loh’s “Sugar Plum Fairy” Directed by Bart De Lorenzo This offbeat and thoroughly original holiday treat offers festive cheer while engaging audiences to participate (think G-rated …read more

A HOLIDAY COMEDY SHITSH*W@ The Complex

December 4, 2018 7:30 pm

A Holiday Comedy ShitSH*W LOS ANGELES PREMIERE New Banner – SJK 11.6.18.jpg An Original Sketch Comedy Walk Down A Hilarious Dysfunctional Santa Clause Lane December 4, 2018 @ The Complex Theatre Opening December 4 …read more

EVENTS OPENING THIS WEEK

AFFLICTED: DAUGHTERS OF SALEM @ La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts

November 15, 2018 10:00 am

Afflicted: Daughters of Salem tells the story of the Salem girls—Abigail Williams, the leader, Ann Putnam, Mercy Lewis, Mary Warren and Betty Parris, and the crucible of events that led up to the infamous …read more

EXIT WOUNDS @ GTC (Grove Theatre Center)

November 16, 2018 8:00 pm

The world premiere of Wendy Graf’s Exit Wounds explores the effects of a national tragedy on three generations of the perpetrator’s family. How do you find redemption when someone you love has committed a …read more

A CAROL CHRISTMAS @ The Group Rep/Lonny Chapman Theatre

November 16, 2018 8:00 pm

The Group Rep presents a new musical version of the immortal Charles Dickens classic set in America today, book by Doug Haverty, Music/Lyrics by Bruce Kimmel, directed by Bruce Kimmel, orchestrations by Richard Allen, …read more

SISTERS MATSUMOTO @ LA Theatre Works – James Bridges Theatre UCLA

November 16, 2018 8:00 pm

Set in Stockton, California in 1946, Philip Kan Gotanda’s acclaimed play about a Japanese-American family returning home after time in an Arkansas internment camp during World War II takes on renewed resonance as current …read more

CHICO’S ANGELS FIVE-O: WAIKIKI CHICAS @ The Colony Theatre

November 16, 2018 8:00 pm

Chico’s Angels will celebrate 15 years of entertaining with a four show run of at The Colony Theater (555 N 3rd St, Burbank, CA 91502). Waikiki Chicas runs from November 15-18, 2018 Tickets …read more

A CHRISTMAS CACTUS @ Little Fish Theatre

November 16, 2018 8:00 pm

A Christmas Cactus by Eilot Byerrum Directed by Gloria Iseli This merry mystery mashes Dickens and Doyle in a charming Christmas tale where goodwill and justice triumph. Christmas Eve is about to get interesting …read more

THE COLOR PURPLE @ Greenway Court Theatre

November 16, 2018 8:00 pm

Book by Marsha Norman Music and Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray Directed and Choreographed by Jeffrey Polk November 9 – December 9, 2018 The Color Purple is an inspiring family saga that tells the …read more

SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS AND TRICKS FOR CREATIVES @ Asylum (Inter)national House – Combined Artform

November 17, 2018 3:00 pm

A TWISTED CHRISTMAS CAROL@ Santa Monica Playhouse The Main Stage

November 18, 2018 3:00 pm

A Sneak Peek Staged-Reading of a New Play by Award-Winning Playwright Phil Olson It’s Christmas Eve in a small west Texas town and cantankerous barbecue joint owner Buford Johnson gets in an argument with his …read more

STORYTIME @ The Group Rep/Lonny Chapman Theatre

November 18, 2018 7:00 pm

The Group Rep presents StoryTime, a story salon produced by Patricia Willson, featuring fresh, live personal stories as entertainment – – an evening of joy, sadness, and a touch of comedy on Sunday, November …read more

Paul Yen's Finding His IDENTITY (SECRET Or Otherwise) in Fringe

Armed with the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2017 Fringe Scholarship, actor Paul Yen will world premiere his one-man show SECRET IDENTITY CRISIS June 3, 2017. Paul took some time off from his superheroing to answer a few of our superpowering, probing questions.

Thank you for doing this interview with me, Paul!

If you were to pitch your super one-man show to the networks, what would your three-line pitch of SECRET IDENTITY CRISIS be?

A Vietnamese-American re-establishes three iconic superheroes as Asian-American men to examine the journey of Asians in America throughout history.

What was your process of elimination in picking your three superheroes to feature in SECRET IDENTITY CRISIS?

Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man were my first three choices. Before the superhero craze, these were the three characters I most associated with the word ‘Superhero.’ My original intention was to develop a separate show for each one, but I eventually combined them all into one show.

Will Fringe audiences get to see you in hero masks and tights?

Elaborate costuming was my hope, but the costs of producing my first show wouldn’t let me go as far as I’d like. There will be fun hints of the heroes and some key accessories, but the audience will mainly recognize the heroes through their stories.

You have acting credits going back to 2008. Why, in 2013, did you change your stage name from Paul Nguyen to Paul Yen?

When I joined SAG-AFTRA in 2013, there were quite a few Paul Nguyens on file. I wanted to hang on to my Vietnamese heritage; however, I didn’t want to be pigeonholed, since Nguyen is such a common Vietnamese last name. I took out the ‘Ngu’ from my last name and hung onto the end, because I’m gonna work hard until the end. ‘Yen’ is ambiguous enough and also happens to be my favorite Vietnamese name.

What was your parents’ reaction when you told them you wanted to become an actor?

My mom was supportive in that “worried-mother” kind of way. I think my dad gave me his best effort: “That’s great…but how are you gonna pay the bills?” Followed by a laugh. But they’ve become truly supportive over the years, and one of my favorite moments of all time was when I told my dad about an audition and he gave me a genuine, “Good Luck!” I didn’t care how the audition went at that point.

My only Asian movie role model was Bruce Lee. Please tell me you’re not too young to know who he was?

I didn’t grow up as a big Bruce Lee fan, but I certainly knew who he was and thought he was a badass. He passed away before my time, but I think many generations have been influenced by his legacy. Bruce Lee plays a pivotal role in SECRET IDENTITY CRISIS, and through my research, I’ve become a firm admirer of his accomplishments, the legend he is and will continue to be.

Who is your Asian role model?

First and foremost, my parents. Then Son Goku (he’s Asian), Russell Wong, John Woo, Chow Yun-fat, Tony Leung, Wong Kar-wai, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Faye Wong, Ken Leung, Maggie Cheung, Ang Lee, Justin Lin, John Cho, Akira Kurosawa, Bruce Lee, Jeremy Lin, Keni Stylez, Kenneth Choi, Ashima Shiraishi, Benedict Wong, Constance Wu, Ali Wong… to name a few.

Tell us the most funny ‘ha-ha’ audition you had.

When I booked my first network co-star. I was required to prepare the role with, and without, an Asian accent. I was determined to wow casting with no accent, but also offer a third option where the character was pretending to have an accent (influenced by Ken Leung in Keeping the Faith). I went in, did no accent, accent, and they stopped me before I got to my third option. I really didn’t want to play the role with an accent, so of course, that’s exactly what they offered me. I was certainly appreciative of the opportunity, but I tried to downplay the accent to the best of my ability during the shoot.

Tell us the most not-so-funny “I can’t believe they said that!” experience you had.

Someone in the business threatened my acting career over a heated debate we were having about the presidential election. I thought, “Are you being serious right now?”

In my formative years in Los Angeles, armed with my S.A.G. card, I was told I didn’t look ‘Chinese enough’ or ‘Asian enough.’ I did book a commercial as an Eskimo though. What ethnicities have you been cast as?

Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Nepalis. I strongly believe that in Asian/Western Asian stories, Western Asians should be able to play all Asians. I’d like to tell Vietnamese stories, but I wouldn’t want to limit myself to only my ethnicity. If that were the case, I’d only ever play a Vietnamese person from the Vietnam War. Asians are complex. I’d love to play a Special Forces Soldier. A samurai. A Chinese gangster. A member of the 442nd. A space pilot. A porn star. So on and so forth.

What classic role would you like to tackle the ‘Asian version’ of?

Michael Corleone.

You are an avid motorcycle racing fan. Do you know of any Asian motorcycle racers?

There are many overseas. My favorite Asian motorcycle racer is Noriyuki Haga, aka “Nitro Nori.” I instantly gravitated toward him when I first started following World Superbike in the early 2000’s. He was the essence of cool.

What is in the immediate future for Paul Yen?

I’d love to tour this show in major cities and on college campuses. If I can inspire one Asian-American, then it will all be worth it. On screen, I’ll continue to seek out roles that are complex and that challenge me as an actor and as a human being. I’ll also continue researching the 442nd Regimental Combat Team for a project I’m developing. Aside from that? Spend time with friends and family, catch up on my reading, and rock climb!

Thank you again, Paul! I look forward to meeting all your superheroes!

To meet Paul and his superheroes at the Asylum @ Underground Theatre, log onto www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/4564 for available tickets and schedule through June 24, 2017.