12
JUNE 2018
SECTION TWO
Larchmont Chronicle
Darkly funny one-act, American electoral system in song As Forever Bound by Steve Apostolina opens, a young girl, who we later learn is Rosalind (Emily Goss), crosses to stage right and remains sitting in partial darkness throughout the beginning of the act, the first of many intriguing aspects of this interesting play. Lights up on the apartment, stage left, of rare book dealer Edmund (the never disappointing French Stewart, “3rd Rock
From the Sun”). His décor is interesting, a collection of large cockroaches taped to the wall. The landlord claims there is no roach problem and Ed has been given a 30-day notice to vacate, and bankruptcy cannot be far behind. Fellow book dealer Shep (playwright Steve Apostolina) arrives, and solutions to Ed’s problems are discussed. Lights up stage right, and Thomas (Rob Nagle) arrives.
Theater Review by
Patricia Foster Rye He’s Rosalind’s teacher. The current subject is Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” Rosalind’s manner seems intimidated at best, and we’re not sure where we are. Back at the apartment, Shep and Ed concoct a scheme to rob Thomas (the teacher but also a rare book collector) of a rare tome worth thousands. What follows in this one-act is a delicious series of mysteries and revelations that leads to a fascinating, if grim, conclusion, but to say more would spoil the fun. It is always a joy to watch Mr. Stewart work, and in this darkly funny play he is pitch-perfect and supported by a terrific cast. Through June 16, Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave. 4 Stars • • • Soft Power, play and lyrics by David Henry Hwang, music and additional lyrics by Jeanine Tesori, is billed as “A Play with a Musical.” The first act opens in the offices of Dragon Media in Hollywood where Xue Xing (Conrad Ricamora), a Chinese executive, has arrived to hear a pitch for an American TV series set in Shanghai. The time is just before the 2016 election, and everyone fully expects Hillary Clinton
Discover the Park La Brea Lifestyle
to win. We quickly learn that DHH (Francis Jue), a fictionalized version of Mr. Hwang, has written the series pilot script and is ready to “sell” it. The dialogue is fast, smart and very funny. A variety of topics is covered including an admiration and affection for “The King and I,” the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical of the 1950s. The titular soft power also is discussed and refers to the international cultural influence that China seeks in the world. DHH suffers a serious stabbing attack, and this event catapults the play into the musical genre. The delineation is clear as we experience a huge set piece of a passenger plane rolling on stage, scenic design by David Zinn, with brilliant stage lighting, design by Mark Barton. Next, a chorus of singers / dancers appears, many doubling later in various roles. There’s a scenario where Hillary (Alyse Alan Louis) and Xue meet and fall in love, a lesson in pronouncing Mandarin Chinese, an over-the-top riff on the American electoral system in song, a campaign rally at a glitzy McDonald’s and a take on the current gun crisis — all supported by Ms. Tesori’s hummable tunes and framed by some energetic choreography by Sam Pinkleton. Through June 10, Ahmanson Theatre, The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave. 213-9724400. 4 Stars • • • Wood Boy Dog Fish by Chelsea Sutton is a reimagining of Carlo Collodi’s “The Adventures of Pinocchio.” The first hint that this is not your childhood Pinocchio is the pre-show and lobby display
reminiscent of a turn-of-thelast-century’s carnival exhibition of freaks and curiosities, open one hour before curtain. Prop design for the show and lobby display is by Hardly Human FX. The show is billed as “mature and delightfully macabre.” The Cricket is killed (although he’s now a commercial spokesman), there is a blue poltergeist Blue (Tane Kawasaki) haunting all, and the legendary Dog Fish (Paul Turbiak, he also plays Cricket), a terrible sea monster, preys on our greatest fears. His famous Adventure Ride, in the shantytown of Shoreside, has been closed. Geppetto (Ben Messmer) has been tasked to repair it. It’s about this time that Geppetto creates Wood Boy (voiced by Rudy Martinez and manipulated by Japanese Noh-type puppeteers covered head to toe in black — no strings). The supporting cast of characters, some wearing commedia dell’arte masks, plays various villains and friends of the plucky little puppet. The puppetry is excellent. The core question of what it means to be real is pursued by Wood Boy. Original music is by Adrien Prevost. This show combines multiple production values including song, dance, interactive sets, projected media and 3-D experiences (glasses are provided.) At times, it’s audience interactive, including haze / smoke, strobe lights and a benediction of water. Rated PG-13; it includes mature content and is not intended for young audiences. Through June 24, The Garry Marshall Theatre, 4252 West Riverside Dr., Burbank, 818-955-8101. GarryMarshallTheatre.org. 3 Stars
Trina Turk and ‘Incredibles 2’
Leasing Office 6200 West 3rd St. 877-418-7027 parklabrea.com
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In celebration of the upcoming release of “Incredibles 2,” Larchmont Village’s Trina Turk partnered with Disney•Pixar and is launching a new swimwear line. Designer Trina and husband
DISNEY film inspired new swimwear line by Trina Turk.
Jonathan (Mr Turk) will be at the launch party at their Larchmont Boutique, 212 N. Larchmont Blvd., Thurs., May 31 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The swimwear collection inspired by the film encourages an adventurous lifestyle and for consumers to embrace their inner superheroes. “I’m a big fan of ‘The Incredibles!’ I love the references in the production design to iconic mid-century modern architecture in Palm Springs, as well as the dynamic characters, especially Edna Mode,” Trina Turk said. The 12-piece line consists of black active-wear pieces with graphic red and white stripes and the “Incredibles” logo, black and ivory geometric print jersey dresses, women’s sunglasses and men’s swim and active pieces. Prices range from $56 - $288. The “Incredibles 2” movie opens in theaters June 15.