Palestine, New Mexico
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 8pm
Mark Taper Forum, LA
This production is the latest from a group known as the Culture Clash. This is the third or fourth production of theirs that I've seen. The first was very enjoyable and educational about the land around Dodger Stadium and the drama surrounding how the city of Los Angeles took possession of it to build the famous ball-house. The most recent production was about a family where the sons went in different directions morally and how the father dealt with it. Very heavy drama.
This is about an area in New Mexico where the author is claiming that jewish people came to live and kept it secret that they were jewish. There's an element about the war we're in in the middle east and they tried to be topical and comedic at moments, but overall the show really isn't very good. The acting is fine, even impressive at times, but the writing and the concept just leave something to be desired.
Skip it.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins
Thursday, December 10, 8pm
Ahmanson Theatre, LA
This was the second time that I've seen this musical. The first time was on Broadway the year it came out. Luckily, the original leads are in this touring production. The disappointing part came with the modifications that they understandably had to make to the physical set. On Broadway the whole house sank down when the scene was upstairs in the children's bedroom. It was very impressive. The touring company has to take this set to every theatre that they'll be performing in, so it's self-standing and less awe-inspiring than the original.
The show is very fun, on the whole. The dilemma will come with it's inevitable comparison to 'Wicked'. Unfortunately, they weren't able to modify the well-known story like the 'Wicked' creative team did. The musical feels compartmentalized into scenes that don't relate. The shifts are abrupt rather than organic. I suppose it's fine if your target audience is very young.
I would recommend this show, but bring along a child. They'll really love it!
Thursday, December 10, 8pm
Ahmanson Theatre, LA
This was the second time that I've seen this musical. The first time was on Broadway the year it came out. Luckily, the original leads are in this touring production. The disappointing part came with the modifications that they understandably had to make to the physical set. On Broadway the whole house sank down when the scene was upstairs in the children's bedroom. It was very impressive. The touring company has to take this set to every theatre that they'll be performing in, so it's self-standing and less awe-inspiring than the original.
The show is very fun, on the whole. The dilemma will come with it's inevitable comparison to 'Wicked'. Unfortunately, they weren't able to modify the well-known story like the 'Wicked' creative team did. The musical feels compartmentalized into scenes that don't relate. The shifts are abrupt rather than organic. I suppose it's fine if your target audience is very young.
I would recommend this show, but bring along a child. They'll really love it!
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