by tony reverditto theatre A-LISTS
Becky Shaw Becky Shaw sold-out in its off-Broadway debut of the wicked comedy last year and now makes its West Coast Premiere. A newly married couple, Andrew and his bride, Suzanna come to realize that their own relationship is on the rocks. This happens after setting friends up on a date from hell in which Becky; a needy, down-on-her-luck college dropout goes on one date with the mean-spirited Max. The fall out of this ill-fated joining together sets off shockwaves in all of their lives. Further complicating matters is Suzanna’s say-anything mother who is clueless about dating a con artist. Director MacKinnon refers to herself as a Gina Gion- friddo (the playwright) “repeat offender” because this is the fourth time she has directed one of her plays. Runs through November 21at South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, Tickets: 714.708.5555 or
scr.org.
Bloody Red Heart Teens are probably living through one of the most troubling times in history, so, it is
refreshing to announce a theatrical adaptation of Amy Goldwasser’s critically acclaimed best-selling book of essays, RED: Teenage Girls in America Write On What Fires Up Their Lives Today. The play named Bloody Red Heart stars L.A. teens and provides candid, first-hand insights into the hearts and minds of today’s American teenage girls; often with shock- ing results. The stage production brings out the voice of these girls’ in their own words as they take on politics, pop culture and body image. Underestimated by society, we must encourage these girls to emerge successfully as the planet’s hope for the future. A production of the Odyssey Theatre’s student outreach program made possible in part by a generous grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Marcled Founda- tion. Runs November 4 for three weeks at the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, 2055 South Sepulveda Blvd. L.A. Ticket: 310.477.2055 or
Odysseytheatre.com.
Daddy Long Legs
Wealthy American Jervis Pendleton III has a chance encounter at a French orphanage with a cheerful 18-year-old resident, Julie Andre. After developing an instant affinity for her, he decides to anonymously pay for her education at a New England college. Over the years, she would regularly write letters to her mysterious benefactor, but he would never write back. Her nickname for him, “Daddy Long Legs,” is taken from a description of him given to Julie by some of her fellow orphans who saw his shadow as he left the building. Years later, he visits her at school, but still conceals his identity. Despite their immense age difference, fate intervenes and they soon fall in love. Runs November 5 through 21 at the La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Boulevard, La Mirada. Tickets: 562.944.9801 or 714.994.6310 or
lamiradatheatre.com.
A Raisin in the Sun In 1959, A Raisin In the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry debuted and was the first play on Broadway written by a black woman. Because of its overwhelming success, two years later the film version was released starring Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee; both were also in the original Broadway cast. In 1973, it was turned into a musical and in 2008 Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs starred in a 2004 Broadway revival. Conflict arises when an insurance check provides the means to fulfill conflicting dreams for Lena Younger (Mama) and her children. The problem is everyone wants something different. Hope, racism, feminism and pride in African heritage are some of the themes in a poor black fam- ily’s struggle to gain middle-class acceptance in 1950’s Chicago. Runs Nov 17 through 21 at L.A. Theatre Works; The Magnin Audiorium, Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. L.A. Tickets: 310.827.0889 or
latw.org.
Randy Newman’s Harps and Angels Come “Sail Away” with the music of one of America’s much-loved songwriters in the world premiere of Randy Newman’s Harps and An- gels. After music scoring for twenty-six films, it’s nice to see something designed for the stage and in the form of a satirical songbook featur- ing his music and lyrics; with the concept conceived by Jack Viertel. The production is described as “a witty, complex and bittersweet creation in which the personal and the socio-political entwine creat- ing a compelling, honest and humorous commentary on what it is like to be born, grow up, fall in love, and live and die in America.” All of that and a strong cast featuring Ryder Bach, Storm Large, Adriane Lenox, Michael McKean, Katey Sagal and Matthew Saldivar. Runs November 10 through Dec 22 at Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Avenue, LA. Tickets: 213.628.2772 or
centertheatregroup.org.
NOVEMBER 2010 | RAGE monthly 21
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