A woman carries her heart, broken into nineteen pieces, in a small paper bag. A man shrinks to half his former size, after losing hope in love. A couple keep the love they have given each other in large red bags, or compress the mass into the size of a diamond. These playful and surreal experiences are commonplace in the world of John Cariani’s Almost, Maine, where on one deeply cold and magical Midwinter Night, the citizens of Almost — not organized enough for a town, too populated for a wilderness — experience the life-altering power of the human heart. Relationships end, begin, or change beyond recognition, as strangers become friends, friends become lovers, and lovers turn into strangers. Propelled by the mystical energy of the aurora borealis and populated with characters who are humorous, plain-spoken, thoughtful, and sincere, Almost, Maine is a series of loosely connected tales about love, each with a compelling couple at its center, each with its own touch of sorcery. Taken from the website.

October 28 – November 6, 2022

Above Average! 
Review
7.8 Overall
Users 0 (0 votes)
Story7.5
Set & Design8.5
Entertainment8
Acting8
Costumes7
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In Broken Story, we meet Jess, a driven young New York reporter who arrives at the Los Angeles home of murdered novelist Jane Hartman, hoping to uncover the true story behind a mysterious Hollywood crime. As she meets those closest to the victim, everyone becomes a suspect. Alibis are questioned, and motives are discovered in an effort to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Turns out, Jess is as gifted with her journalist notebook as she is with her imagination. Fantasies collide with the facts, and this dangerous pursuit of truth takes a personal turn. Taken from the press release.

November 4 – 27,2022

(photo credit: Charles Blondeau)

Donald is trying to live his life as a gay man in 1980s New York—a struggling actor no less. Of course his parents are in denial about his lifestyle, disapprove of his career choice, and question his flair for decoration. To get his family to stop kvetching, Donald needs a son. With the help of his ballsy best friend Henrietta and rising drag queen Levi, Donald hires the ten-year-old kid from downstairs to play his son. Taken from the website.

October 14 – November 13, 2022.

Okay! 
Review
6.9 Overall
0 Users (0 votes)
Story6.5
Set & Design6.5
Entertainment7.5
Acting7
Costumes7
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(photo credit: Jenny Graham)

An artist’s responsibility is to reflect the times.”  Following the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church, Nina Simone shifted her talents to activism, creating some of our most powerful Civil Rights anthems.  Described as “riveting, relevant and oh so real” by Broadway World, this deeply personal play with music imagines how the iconic chanteuse forged her true calling–and gave voice to countless other Black women fighting to overcome stereotypes and racism.  Includes Simone’s most impactful songs including “Sinnerman” and “Mississippi Goddam.” Taken from the website. 

Great Show! LA Theatre Bites Recommended!
Review
8.7 Overall
0 Users (0 votes)
Story9
Set & Design8.5
Entertainment8.5
Acting9
Costumes8.5
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October 2 – 23, 2022

Photo by Camryn Long

Chad Deity follows the life of wrestler Macedonio Guerra. As a lifelong fan, he has followed wrestling only to become a “jobber,” one who is paid to lose to bigger-name stars in the ring. Macedonio meets Vigneshwar Paduar, and together they find a way to push it to the limit and say what needs to be said. But will it finally get Mace his big shot at Chad Deity himself? Unspoken racism, politics, and courage are all woven into this play that leaves it all on the mat. Taken from the website.

GREAT SHOW! LA THEATRE BITES RECOMMENDED!
Review
8.7 Overall
0 Users (0 votes)
Story9
Set & Design9
Entertainment8.5
Acting8.5
Costumes8.5
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 —

2022

Best Shows

1. McCoy Rigby Entertainment presents: In the Heights @ La Mirada Theatre

2. The Whale @ COSTA MESA PLAYHOUSE

3. IAMA Theatre Company presents:  Untitled Baby Play @ Atwater Village Theatre

4. CRY IT OUT @ Chance Theater

5.  Sixty-Six Productions Presents: The Effect @ Marilyn Monroe Theatre

Best Musical

McCoy Rigby Entertainment presents: In the Heights @ La Mirada Theatre

Best Set

Eli Smith – Sixty-Six Productions Presents: The Effect @ Marilyn Monroe Theatre

Best Director 

Benjamin Perez – McCoy Rigby Entertainment presents: In the Heights @ La Mirada Theatre

Best Actor

Ramón de Ocampo (Hamlet)  – Hamlet @ Antaeus Theatre Company

Best Actress 

Anna Rose Hopkins (Natalia) – IAMA Theatre Company presents:  Untitled Baby Play @ Atwater Village Theatre

Best Ensemble 

IAMA Theatre Company presents:  Untitled Baby Play @ Atwater Village Theatre

Best Young Actor

Jacob Zelonky (Joey Oren)  –  If I Forget @ Fountain Theatre

Best Young Actress

Tara Cox (Lettie) – A 24th Street Theatre Production
In Association with The Wallis RAPUNZEL ALONE

Best Immersive Theatre Show

Hero Theatre Presents: RISE: An Immersive Exploration of Gun Violence in Schools

Best Sound Design

Trevor Reece –  Sixty-Six Productions Presents: The Effect @ Marilyn Monroe Theatre

Best Lighting

Jared A. Sayeg –  Hamlet @ Antaeus Theatre Company

Best One Person Show

Made in America @ Complex Theatre

Runner up: NOOR INAYAT KHAN: THE FORGOTTEN SPY @ Broadwater

Best Original Los Angeles Show

IAMA Theatre Company presents:  Untitled Baby Play @ Atwater Village Theatre