theater

'The Rock of Abandon' Is the First Ancient Greek Noir

Athenian dramatist Euripides turns amateur sleuth in “The Rock of Abandon,” Stephen Blackburn’s erudite mash-up of ancient Greek history and film noir from Fierce Backbone.

'A Bright New Boise' Thrives on Unpredictability

Rogue Machine’s exemplary L.A. premiere production of Samuel D. Hunter’s Obie Award–winning dramedy “A Bright New Boise” makes us forgive the script’s dramaturgical deficiencies.

'Ain't Misbehavin'' Captures the Era of the Cotton Club

International City Theatre hasn’t, as advertised, re-envisioned “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” the 1978 Tony Award–winning Fats Waller revue, but that doesn’t mean the joint ain’t jumpin’.

'I Ought to Be in Pictures' Suffers From Superficial Acting

Though one of Neil Simon’s lesser-known works, “I Ought to Be in Pictures” contains many of his signature touches. Unfortunately, Falcon Theatre’s production is a lackluster effort.

'The Other Josh Cohen' Is a Hilarious and Smart New Musical

David Rossmer and Steve Rosen’s new musical “The Other Josh Cohen,” at SoHo Playhouse, is “Seinfeld” meets Rodgers and Hart as directed by Woody Allen—a superlative laugh fest.

Antaeus Company's 'You Can't Take It With You' Makes Theatrical Magic

George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart’s warhorse “You Can’t Take It With You” will likely never be put out to pasture, and the prolific Antaeus Company brings it to a full gallop.

A 'King Lear' Played Too Much for Laughs

Stephen Mo Hanan, an actor deservedly celebrated for his comic work in musicals, stumbles taking on the title role in American Bard Theater Company’s only serviceable “King Lear.”

Theresa Rebeck's 'Seminar' Is Unoriginal but Entertaining

In “Seminar,” from Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson and starring Jeff Goldblum, Theresa Rebeck proves again that she can fashion clichés into an interesting, commercial story.

'Hate' Is a Symphony of Bigotry

In Mexican playwright Luis Enrique Gutiérrez Ortiz Monasterio’s “I Hate Fucking Mexicans,” at the Flea Theater, the piling on of political incorrectness becomes almost poetic.

John Stamos on James Earl Jones in 'Fences'

Emmy-nominated actor John Stamos, who appeared along side James Earl Jones in "Gore Vidal's The Best Man," says Jones' performance in "Fences" gave him goose-bumps.