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Bring It On: The Musical!

November 13, 2011 10:40 PM by Michael Knudsen Comment Filed Under: Theater Tagged: Ahmanson Theatre, Center Theatre Group, Musicals, Neil Haskell

This past Friday evening I was at the official opening night of Bring It On: The Musical at Los Angeles’ downtown Ahmanson Theatre. Of course I’m a huge fan of the movie (2000) so I was super excited to see what this brand new musical had in store! I’m happy to report the show was hilarious and a total blast, including a new story not based on any of the five films with original music. The audience ate up everything the highly energetic young cast (including super cutie Neil Haskell from SYTYCD) tossed out there, it was such a crowd-pleaser! The show is playing here in LA until December 10th (then it moves to San Francisco, see the entire tour schedule here) and is totally family appropriate, do not miss it! I’m sure Bring It On: The Musical will eventually make its way to NYC’s Broadway, where it definitely could turn out to be a huge commercial success, not an easy feat (sadly) these days when it comes to musical theater.

Bring It On: The Musical is the explosive new musical comedy that raises the stakes on over-the-top team rivalries. Set against the world of competitive cheerleading, this powerhouse new show hilariously proves that winning isn’t everything when it means losing something – or someone – you really care about. Bring It On: The Musical has brought together some of the freshest and funniest creative minds on Broadway, including Tony Award-winning writer Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q); Tony Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (In The Heights); Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning composer Tom Kitt (Next to Normal) and lyricist Amanda Green (High Fidelity); Tony Award-winning orchestrator Alex Lacamoire (Wicked); and Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler (In The Heights). This musical comedy combines an exciting new sound, gravity-defying choreography, and a thrilling story to create a total theatrical event worth cheering for.

Filed Under: Theater Tagged: Ahmanson Theatre, Center Theatre Group, Musicals, Neil Haskell

‘Les Misérables’ celebrates 25 years in Los Angeles!

July 3, 2011 10:44 PM by Michael Knudsen Comment Filed Under: Theater Tagged: Ahmanson Theatre, Center Theatre Group, Musicals

A few weeks ago I attended the Los Angeles premiere (with my pal Cindy) of Les Misérables, the award-winning musical (translated into 21 different languages, productions have played in 42 countries / 291 cities) which is now celebrating it’s 25th anniversary! I did see the show years ago on Broadway twice, I’m not going to lie, it’s not certainly not my favorite musical (I’m more of Miss Saigon fan, which was created by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, the makers behind LesMiz) but I actually enjoyed the production this time around way more than I remember. It totally felt fresh, the cast was incredible, I absolutely loved Éponine‘s On My Own, performed by Chasten Harmon. The show’s only playing at downtown’s Ahmanson Theatre until July 31st, so don’t miss out on seeing this spectacular show.

Filed Under: Theater Tagged: Ahmanson Theatre, Center Theatre Group, Musicals

So the Tonys happened …

June 13, 2011 11:30 AM by Jeremy Feist Comment Filed Under: Awards, Theater Tagged: Neil Patrick Harris, The Tony Awards

… and I honestly can’t even pretend to care. Anyway, here’s all you need to know: Trey Parker and Matt Stone‘s The Book of Mormon took home a shitload of deserved awards, and host Neil Patrick Harris was charming as hell. That’s about all I got out of it. Anyway, here’s the opening of the show, in which Harris talks about how Broadway isn’t just for gays anymore! I swear to God. It’s like pegging at this point. Also, there’s a part where Brooke Shields fucks everything up hopelessly, although that may be because her eyebrows were blocking her view of the teleprompter.

Neil Patrick Harris

Filed Under: Awards, Theater Tagged: Neil Patrick Harris, The Tony Awards

God of Carnage: Don’t miss it!

May 1, 2011 2:00 PM by Michael Knudsen Comment Filed Under: Theater Tagged: Ahmanson Theatre, Center Theatre Group

A couple of weeks ago I attended the opening night of God Of Carnage at downtown Los Angeles’ Ahmanson Theatre (along with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie who were seated only a few rows away), the Tony Award winning play (by Yasmina Reza) that had critically acclaimed run on Broadway. Thankfully the original cast made it out here, which includes Hope Davis, Jeff Daniels, Marcia Gay Harden, and James Gandolfini. The play focuses on two couples who come together to talk about an incident involving their kids, what starts off as a civil conversation yet quickly turns into a hilarious war of words. I thought the acting was terrific, the four actors totally carry the play. My only complaint was that it was really short, with no intermission, it felt like once the action really got rolling, it was already over. But don’t let that stop you from going, the acting alone is worth seeing this play! It’s only playing until May 29th, so don’t miss out on your chance to see four high caliber actors on stage, doing what they do best.

Filed Under: Theater Tagged: Ahmanson Theatre, Center Theatre Group

The Cripple of Inishmaan: Now playing in LA!

April 10, 2011 8:38 PM by Michael Knudsen Comment Filed Under: Theater Tagged: Center Theatre Group, Kirk Douglas Theatre

Last week I attended the Los Angeles premiere of Irish playwright Martin McDonagh‘s, The Cripple of Inishmaan, over at the Kirk Douglas Theatre (part of the Center Theatre Group) in Culver City which is quickly becoming one of my favorite venues! Years ago (1996) I saw his black comedy The Beauty Queen of Leenane on Broadway and thought it was devastating and fantastic at the same time. This has similar underlying tones of tragedy and loss but it was way lighter than Leenane, infused with a sense of wry humor that seems quite particular to Ireland. The entire cast was terrific, plus with the theatre being so intimate, I really enjoyed the evening. There’s nothing like seeing live theater, if you’re a fan of the format like me, don’t miss this play. On a related sidenote, I really enjoyed spending the evening in Culver City, I don’t get over there too often but everytime I do, I think it’s fab. My pal Tina and I had some fancy cocktails at Ford’s Filling Station (along with some delicious fresh truffle potato chips) and then moved onto Akasha for dinner, which was super tasty! For a Wednesday evening, that whole area was totally buzzing, definitely pop over there when you can. This week I’m going to the opening night of God Of Carnage (downtown at the Ahmanson), which was a huge Tony-winning smash on Broadway, I know it’s going to be another excellent evening, I’ll be sure to let you guys know what I think!

It’s 1934 when word arrives on the island of Inishmaan that Hollywood is making a film on neighboring Inishmore, and Cripple Billy Claven wants in on the action. The Cripple of Inishmaan is bursting with Martin McDonagh’s signature wry humor, salty brogue and eccentric characters. This international touring production, directed by Tony Award® winner Garry Hynes (Beauty Queen of Leenane), and originally mounted by Druid theatre company of Galway, Ireland, has already racked up awards in New York, the UK and Ireland.

Filed Under: Theater Tagged: Center Theatre Group, Kirk Douglas Theatre

Jane Fonda and company shine in ’33 Variations’!

February 13, 2011 12:48 PM by Michael Knudsen Comment Filed Under: Theater Tagged: Ahmanson Theatre, Center Theatre Group, Jane Fonda

The other night I attended the Los Angeles premiere of 33 Variations (at the Ahmanson) starring the legendary Jane Fonda reprising her critically-acclaimed role originated on Broadway. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect (certainly not Cher who was sitting a few seats away from me), I didn’t want to read too much about the play beforehand so I went in with an open mind, and let me tell you, I completely loved it! I had been itching for a good play and this fit the bill perfectly. I’m a huge fan of Jane’s and I thought I’d never have the chance to see her perform live and thankfully she surpassed all my expectations, she was excellent (along with the rest of the cast including Samantha Mathis and Zach Grenier). The play focuses on a Beethoven scholar who’s trying to unravel the mystery of his infamous ’33 variations’ on Austrian music publisher Diabelli‘s waltz (known as the Diabelli Variations), written between 1819 and 1823. Not only is she trying to understand what drove Beethoven to become obsessed with this project, she’s also coping with declining health and a rocky relationship with her daughter. I became totally engrossed in the story, by the end the entire audience leapt to their feet for a standing ovation, while wiping a few tears away. The play is only here until March 6th, so if you’re in LA make sure to get your tickets before they’re gone! Trust me when I say, do not miss 33 Variations.

A Beethoven scholar is driven to solve the genius’ greatest mystery while her own life rumbles around her: all gracefully underscored by a live pianist sharing the stage. In a journey that spans 200 years, 33 Variations is a sublime waltz between past and present, fact and speculation, art and life, mother and daughter.

Two-time Oscar winner Jane Fonda heads a cast of eight in the new American play written and directed by Moisés Kaufman (author of The Laramie Project and director of I Am My Own Wife and Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo).

Filed Under: Theater Tagged: Ahmanson Theatre, Center Theatre Group, Jane Fonda

Tony-winning musical ‘Next To Normal’ – now in LA!

December 5, 2010 5:22 PM by Michael Knudsen Comment Filed Under: Theater

This past spring when I was in NYC, I had the chance to see the rock musical Next To Normal which I absolutely fell head over heels for, I was completely blown away and emotionally shaken! The Tony award-winning musical (it was nominated for eleven Tonys and won three) just made its west coast debut at the Ahmanson Theatre downtown, I attended the premiere last weekend and once again I was totally riveted, thankfully the super talented Alice Ripley (who won the 2009 Tony for Best Actress in a Musical) is reprising her role as ‘Diana Goodman’ – the troubled bipolar mom who is just trying to keep it together for herself and her family. (I don’t want to reveal too much about the plot, just go see it!) I literally can’t say enough about this show, the music is excellent (of course I have the soundtrack) and the story will definitely stay with you long after you see it! (You also might want to have some tissues handy) This is one musical you cannot afford to miss, but you have to be quick, it’s leaving Los Angeles on January 2nd but will continue to play in various US and Canadian cities on its tour (here’s the full schedule) Everyone I know that has seen the show has loved it, Next To Normal comes highly-recommended, do not miss it, trust me on this one!

Filed Under: Theater

Venice: A New Musical! See it before it leaves LA!

November 4, 2010 8:10 PM by Michael Knudsen Comment Filed Under: Theater

A few weeks ago I saw a new musical called Venice which is currently playing here in Los Angeles at the Kirk Douglas Theatre over in Culver City (I hadn’t been there before, it’s such a nice and swanky venue, I was very impressed). I wasn’t really sure what to expect, it’s a modern musical tale that samples Shakespeare‘s Othello and Brecht, all set to hip-hop, rap and R&B music! I can be quite picky and critical when it comes to musicals, so I’m not lying when I tell you how much I truly enjoyed it from start to finish! The story was great, the music memorable, and the performers all did an amazing job! (There are clips below) Unfortunately the show’s run ends on Nov. 14th, so if you’re a local, you need to get your ass over to Culver City to see Venice! Trust me, you will not be disappointed, I would never steer you guys in the wrong direction, especially when it comes to musicals! I can easily see this show heading to Broadway in the future, audiences young and old will totally enjoy it! By the time it was finished, everyone was on their feet, myself included, bravo indeed!

Venice is a next generation Broadway musical that uses the vocabulary of hip-hop while sampling Othello and Brecht to spin an epic tale of struggle and redemption sure to entertain audience members.

Matt Sax and Eric Rosen, creators of the 2007 audience favorite Clay, return triumphantly to the Douglas with Venice, an ambitious new musical with a highly original score that fuses hip-hop, R & B and even opera.

Set in the not-too-distant future, this tale of two brothers who must lead their city out of a terrorist war is a visionary new theatrical work filled with love, politics, treachery, tragedy and exhilarating music.