LA Theater Review

‘Other Desert Cities’ Gets L.A. Premiere With Mixed Results

“Other Desert Cities,” Jon Robin Baitz’s latest play, at Center Theatre Group, is comic and plenty political, if overwritten; a couple of key performers fail to hit the bull’s-eye.

'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.

'Foote Notes' Rings With Quiet Truths

Open Fist Theatre Company pairs two Horton Foote one-acts to create “Foote Notes,” and these intimate, flavorful works get a powerful, on-target staging from director Scott Paulin.

'A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens' Spreads Holiday Cheer

“A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens,” the Second City’s very silly spoof on Charles Dickens’ iconic tale and other holiday classics, at Center Theatre Group, is random but fun.

Splendid ‘Coney Island Christmas’ Has a Lot to Say About Life

Donald Margulies’ heartwarming and hilarious “Coney Island Christmas,” at Geffen Playhouse, could help heal a troubled world with a dollop of truth and a sleigh load of humor.

'When You’re in Love, the Whole World Is Jewish' Lacks Variety

“When You’re in Love, the Whole World Is Jewish,” derived from 1960s Jewish comedy albums and directed by Jason Alexander, is mostly a long, repetitive list of stereotypical jokes.

‘The Coarse Acting Show’ Presents the Best Worst Night of Theater Imaginable

In the assured hands of director Paul Plunkett and a deft ensemble headed by Ruth Silveira’s soused theatrical doyenne, “The Coarse Acting Show” at Sacred Fools is a riotous satiric romp.

The Changeling

Director Dave Barton’s outstanding new adaptation of Thomas Middleton and William Rowleys’ 1622 tragedy “The Changeling,” at Long Beach Playhouse, proves accessible and timely.

‘The Motherf**ker With the Hat’ Finds Its Laughs in Unlikely Places

Stephen Adly Guirgis’ ruthlessly funny “The Motherf**ker With the Hat,” about love, fidelity, and substance abuse, gets an expertly acted staging from South Coast Repertory.

LA Review: 'War Horse'

The first U.S. touring production of "War Horse" is a technical and visual triumph, a grandly theatrical, warmly human fable dealing with universal truths.