LA Theater Review

'One Night With Janis Joplin' Brilliantly Conjures an Icon

For anyone old enough to remember the Queen, Pasadena Playhouse’s “One Night With Janis Joplin” will make the past 40-plus years melt like a grilled cheese sandwich in a microwave.

'Tomorrow' Is a Treat

Donald Freed’s outstanding “Tomorrow,” from Skylight Theatre Company, Rogue Machine, and Britain’s York Theatre Royal, explores the mentor-mentee relationship among three actors.

‘The Whale’ Gets Successful L.A. Premiere

Samuel D. Hunter’s acclaimed Off-Broadway drama “The Whale” receives a fine production at South Coast Rep, with Matthew Arkin doing tour de force work as its 600-pound protagonist.

Winning 'Nuttin’ but Hutton' Delivers Schmaltzy Musical Entertainment

Premiering at NoHo Arts Center, Diane Vincent and Sam Kriger’s old-fashioned musical tribute to the spectacular Betty Hutton, “Nuttin’ but Hutton,” has definitely got somethin’.

'On the Spectrum' Plants a Flag for Sensitivity and Hope

At the Fountain Theatre Virginia Newcomb and Dan Shaked sensitively portray two autistic people in Ken LaZebnik’s “On the Spectrum,” which owes a small debt to “The Miracle Worker.”

Brightly Packaged 'Catch Me If You Can' Re-Creates the Swingin' '60s

The national tour of Terrence McNally, Marc Shaiman, and Scott Wittman’s musical version of Steven Spielberg’s 2002 film “Catch Me If You Can” soars at the Pantages Theatre.

‘Tribes’ Raises Timely Issues

The deaf son of a hearing family falls in love with a woman who is going deaf, and matters quickly get ambiguous, in Nina Raine’s hot new play “Tribes,” from Center Theatre Group.

'Trainspotting' Finds the Right Balance Between Grim and Funny

Harry Gibson’s stage version of Irvine Welsh’s novel “Trainspotting” is not for the faint of heart, but Roger Mathey’s strong direction and solid performances deliver the goods.

'Alabama Baggage' Lacks Believable Characters

Buddy Farmer’s “Alabama Baggage,” at Theatre Asylum, a tale of molestation and revenge, touches on relevant issues, but the muddled script fails to convey the gravity of its subject.

'Wolves' Never Makes It From Low Growl to Full-On Howl

Steve Yockey’s “Wolves,” at Celebration Theatre, promises thrills and chills and lots of blood but leaves you wondering in more ways than one who is going to clean up the mess.