L.A. Stage Insider

Celebrating the Best in Live Theater and Cabaret in the Greater Los Angeles Area

Written by Julio Martinez

August 16, 2023

NEWS

Jazz to the Max, a fundraiser with proceeds going towards the medical expenses for Max Mancini, the son of L.A. Jazz-Scene Influencer, Vibraphonist, Composer, Arranger & Educator, Nick Mancini. On Saturday, August 19 (11am-7pm), over 45 West Coast jazz musicians will donate their time and talents for a day-long summer jazz fest “Jazz to the Max” to raise much need funds for the family of beloved colleague. Nick and his family are going through a period of unrelenting stress and financial hardship in the wake of their newborn son’s (Max) diagnosis of a severe heart defect, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). The day-long jazz festival will include a silent-auction, along with food and beverages for sale, and will be held in a beautiful, shaded garden setting in a “private shaded garden (address disclosed at ticket purchase). ALL PROCEEDS except for rentals and nominal logistical assistance for the Jazz to the Max Fundraiser will go directly to the Mancini family for expenses associated with their son’s care. There will be 16 jazz combos presented throughout the day - two every hour. Tickets may be purchased per two hours: 11am -1pm; 1-3pm; 3-5pm, 5pm -7pm, or a full-day pass with unlimited in-and-out entry. Seating is limited and tickets are available through Eventbrite at http://tiny.cc/ng79vz or through https://performancesalacarte.org. Participating Artists Scheduled to Perform: (Artist Bios can be found at https://performancesalacarte.org)

PREMIERES

Julio Cho, Zandi de Jesus, Rosie Narasaki

Artists at Play, in association with Latino Theater Company, presents the Premiere of “This Is Not a True Story,” a new comedy that tackles, head-on, “the fetishization and anti-Asian racism of Orientalist works,” written by Preston Choi.  Julia Cho, Zandi de Jesus and Rosie Narasaki star as three Asian “tragic heroines,” directed by Reena Dutt. The production is set for a five-week run, Sep 16-Oct 15, at The Los Angeles Theatre Center.  The production opens Sep 16 (8pm), with performances continuing Thu-Sat (8pm) and Sun (4pm), through Oct 15. Previews are Sep 14 & 15 (8pm). The Los Angeles Theatre Center is located at 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles 90013. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (213) 489-0994 or go here.  

Sarah Mann

Madmann’s Playground production of “Van Helsing’s Dracula,” an immersive circus dinner theater experience, will have its Premiere for four performances only starting Oct 21 (6-9pm) at Vatican Banquet Hall, located at 6913 Van Nuys Blvd in Van Nuys. Madmann’s Playground was launched by dancer/aerialist/producer Sarah Mann. Her father, Emmy-award winning composer Hummie Mann, has composed an original score for percussion, keyboard, violin and harp to be performed live by a quartet of musicians. A curated three-course menu of Romanian specialties has been created to thematically match the original narrative. The menu will be created with seasonal ingredients and will be able to meet a variety of dietary requirements including gluten free and vegan. Mann is taking the first step toward establishing a permanent home for the Los Angeles circus community, where their talents will be showcased and adequately compensated. In 2024, Mann is looking to create three pop-up events on the way to finding a permanent location for Madmann’s Playground. Performances of “Van Helsing’s Dracula” will take place on Oct 21, Nov 4, 11 and 18 (6 to 9pm). Tickets and more information are available at www.madmannsplayground.com

AROUND TOWN

Miles Logan Cooper Luka Oida

Beverly Hills Playhouse is hosting Crimson Square Theatre Company production of An Infinate Ache, a romantic comedy that takes to heart the adage that drama is life omitting the dull parts, written by playwright David Schulner. Stars Miles Logan Cooper and Luka Oida, directed by Mia Christou.  Plays Sep 8-Oct 1 (Fri & Sat, 8pm; Sun, 7pm).  Beverly Hills Playhouse is located at  254 South Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, 90211. Tickets on sale:  https://www.crimsonsquare.org/buy-tickets

Dominique Morisseau

Open Fist Theatre Company presents “Blood at the Root,” a “choreopoem” by Dominique Morisseau, inspired by the true case of the “Jena Six.” The young cast features Malik Bailey, Deandra Bernardo, Emma Bruno, Nychelle C.E. Hawk, Nicholas Heard, Jeremy Reiter II, Caroline Rose, Jack David Sharpe, Grace Soens, Amber Tiara and Azeem Vecchio, directed by Michael A. Shepperd. The production runs Sep 9-Oct 28 (Fri & Sat, 8pm and alternate Sundays, beginning Sep 10, 3pm). Atwater Village Theatre is located at 3269 Casitas Ave in Los Angeles, 90039. Parking is free is in the ATX (Atwater Crossing) parking lot one block south of the theater. To purchase tickets and for more information call (323) 882-6912 or go here.   

MUSIC UNDER THE OAKS 

Leonard Cohen

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum presents “Under the Oaks: The Music of Leonard Cohen,” Theatricum company members performing Leonard Cohen’s seminal works, featuring the vocal talents of Sarah Carpenter, Ellen Geer (banjo) Christopher Glenn Gilstrap, Berber Heerema, Greg Hilfman (piano), Melora Marshall, Kellen McDaniel (viola), Marshall McDaniel (cello), Michelle Merring, Gerald C. Rivers (drums), Isabel Stallings, Elizabeth Tobias and Sky Wahl (guitar and drums). One night only, Sep 8 (7:30pm). Under the Oaks continues: Sep 15 (A Midusummer Night’s Music; Sep 22 (The Horizons of Time, an evening of classical music); and Sep 29 (HOL, singer/songwriter Holly Gottlieb with Liz Bee, Courtney Preis and friends). Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.,Topanga, 90290
(midway between Pacific Coast Highway and the Ventura freeway). For tickets and more information, call (310) 455-3723 or go to www.theatricum.com

Arts in Review, hosted by arts journalist Julio Martinez, celebrating the best in theater and cabaret in the Greater Los Angeles area, airs on KPFK90.7fm on Fridays (2-2:30pm), streamed live around the world in real time over KPFK.org.

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