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Larchmont Chronicle
JuLY 2011
SECTION ONE
EntErtainMEnt
Opposites meet in ‘Bakersfield Mist,’ ‘Les Miserable’ returns Bakersfield Mist by Stephen Sachs takes place in a trailer park in Bakersfield, home to Maude Gutman (Jenny O’Hara), a bawdy, chainsmoking, former bartender. She’s purchased a painting in a thrift store for $3 and is sure it’s an authentic Jackson Pollock masterpiece worth millions. She’s managed to convince a sophisticated New York art critic, Lionel Percy (Nick Ullett) to travel to her Bakers-
field trailer to authenticate the work. What follows is an absolute delight of a one-act play pitting these two opposites against each other over a bottle of Jack Daniels, while skewering the art world, and revealing what each values the most in their lives. It is a joy to watch these two performers at the top of their game in this genuinely funny and poignant play. Jeff McLaughlin, set design, has created an excellent, wonder-
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fully detailed trashy trailer. Through July 31. The Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave. 323-663-1525. 4 Stars *** All the iconic Theater moments are still intact and Review as memorable by as ever in the Patricia new 25th anniFoster Rye versary production of Les Miserables, music by Claude-Michel Schonberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, based on the novel by Victor Hugo. Set against the backdrop of the Paris Uprising, the play tells the powerful tale of Jean Valjean (J. Mark McVey) and his experience of redemption as he is pursued by police inspector Javert (Andrew Varela). Directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell this energetic young cast has some powerful voices and their ensemble numbers are thrilling. The set design by Matt Kinley, with projections of paintings by Victor Hugo, is a perfect backdrop to the action. Through July 31. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave,. 213- 972-4400. 4 Stars *** We’ve all sat waiting for a plane or other form of transportation trying to guess our
fellow travelers’ stories. Departures, written by Michael Catlin, Effie Hortis, Jim Lunsford, James J. Mellon, Duane Poole, Penelope Richards, Jed Schl a n g e r and Mark Wyrick, picks 15 travelers, with 15 stories, waiting for their flights in an airport waiting room, an excellent set design by Stephen Gifford. This is a newly revised version of a play that opened last year, and the cast of characters has been expanded to tell the stories with greater depth. In eight scenes over one act, “Departures” introduces us to some interesting, if not unique, characters. Carrie (Mary Evans), a runaway bride, still in her wedding dress is trying to decide the rest of her life. There’s an airline pilot Captain Dennis (K.J. Lodge) with an unusual problem. Some scenes are funny and some are moving, such as a scene between a grandfather Pop (Bob Morrisey) determined to bring his grandson home from Iraq and, his son Bobby (Paul Denniston) determined to stop him. Directed by James J. Mellon, the scenes blend easily, and the result is an entertaining evening. Through July 23. NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood.
818- 508-7101. 3 Stars *** the Last Five Years, written and composed by Jason Robert Brown, is an across-time tale of missed opportunities. We view the connection of aspiring actress Cathy Hiatt (Ashley Cuillar) and novelist Jamie Wellerstein (Rory Alexander) from opposite ends of their relationship. Told mostly in song, this one-act has some charming moments, and Cuillar and Alexander make the
LIBRARIES
(Continued from page 29) Baby's Sleepy Storytime: For babies up to two years old, 15 minutes for a story and a lullaby before bed. Meets on Thurs., July 7, 6 to 6:15 p.m. Ongoing Kid's Summer reading Club: Listen to different stories from around the world and receive an SRC prize sticker on Tuesdays from 4 to 5 p.m. Storytime with Sybil: Kids ages 3 to 5 can bring their parents and grandparents to listen to stories and sing songs on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. teen reading Club: Meet to discuss music, books, dvds and comics. Meets on Thursdays, July 7, 14 and 21 from 4 to 5 p.m.
Library Hours
Tues., Thurs. - 12:30 - 8 p.m. Weds., Fri., Sat - 10 a.m. 5:30 p.m.
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