The Top 15 Most Entertaining Shows on the West Coast in 2019
Jill Weinlein Chief Los Angeles Theatre Critic
Theaters in Los Angeles and Las Vegas offered some of the most entertaining shows in 2019. Here is a list of my favorite shows that I reviewed for OnStage Blog. Click on the show to read my full review:
LADY GAGA - JAZZ AND PIANO -Gaga passionately sings century old songs from the Great American Songbook, along with stripped-down versions of a few of her award-winning contemporary songs. Music to Gaga brings joy to her heart and wow's her audiences. PARK MGM, Las Vegas
WITNESS UGANDA - Winston Churchill in his 1908 book “My African Journey” said Uganda is the 'Pearl of Africa.' After watching Witness Uganda, I declared the musical a sparking diamond onstage. The energy and music reminded me of the award-winning 90s rock musical RENT. Instead of watching impoverished young and creative artists struggle under the shadows of HIV in New York City, I watched a group of teens and children in Uganda orphaned by AIDS, and how one man’s life changes forever by helping them. WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS, Beverly Hills
LATIN HISTORY FOR MORONS - Inspired after learning his son “Buddy” was being bullied at his prestigious private school by a racist student, Tony Award-winning actor and writer John Leguizamo delved into books about Latin history to find his son, and himself a Latin hero. While researching, he discovered honorable Latin leaders and epic civilizations that school textbooks overlook. With this wealth of information, he created his one-man show. AHMANSON, Los Angeles
THE BITTER GAME - This "high-impact" immersive theater experience is the work of playwright and talented actor Keith A. Wallace. This talented actor portrays a multitude of characters in his one-man performance. The immersive outdoor show is divided into five acts, structured as the four quarters and overtime in a basketball game. WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS, Beverly Hills
DISNEY'S FROZEN - Award winning Director Michael Grandage keeps the show moving and entertaining, along with sparkling scenic and costume designer Christopher Oram, and video designer Finn Ross’ Northern Lights and snowfall. PANTAGES, Hollywood
TWELFTH NIGHT - Standouts include Willow Geer as the gender changing twin sister Viola/Cesario, and the beautiful Christine Breihan playing aristocrat Lady Olivia,who falls madly in love with Cesario. Together they make quite a team. Set among ancient oak trees in the bucolic Topanga Canyon, this is by far the most picturesque outdoor amphitheater in Southern California. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, Topanga
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY- There are so many winning elements to the hit Broadway touring musical. First the show’s music by Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award winner Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Grammy and Tony Award winners Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman. Besides familiar toe-tapping songs "Pure Imagination," "The Candy Man," songs, new-to-Broadway includes “A Letter from Charlie Bucket.” PANTAGES THEATRE, Hollywood
MISS SAIGON - Cameron Mackintosh’s Broadway revival of “Miss Saigon” is especially poignant as Americans read about and watch the political refugee crisis, as desperate people flee violence in Central America and other countries under our current administration. AHMANSON THEATRE, Los Angeles
LIGHT'S OUT: NAT KING COLE - Velvety voice Dulé Hill portrayed Nat “King Cole during the last night of his televised variety show. Cole was part of jazz royalty, and one of the most beloved musical icons in the 40s and 50s. The costumes by Katherine O’Neill during “Caroling, Caroling” are beautiful, and I admired the show-stopping number by Ruby Lewis as Betty Hutton singing “Anything You Can Do” with Cole. GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE, Los Angeles
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL R.U.N. - is gritty and edgy the minute your enter the lobby of the 1,463-seat theater. It’s one of the most immersive live theatre/graphic novel/multi-media thrillers ever produced with the help of Hollywood filmmaker Robert Rodriguez (Spy Kids, Machete and Alita: Battle Angel) newest live action story. LUXOR THEATRE, Las Vegas
MIKE BIRBIGLIAS "THE NEW ONE" - Comedian, writer and performer Mike Birbiglia bares his soul about his relationship with his couch, wife and daughter. Directed by Seth Barrish, the story evolves on how this piece of furniture that offers comfort for sitting, sleeping, watching television, eating meals and finally cradling a baby. AHMANSON THEATRE, Los Angeles
JABBAWOCKEEZ - Audience members will recognize most of the funk, rap and pop songs including Michael Jackson song “Pretty Young Thing”, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”, Sting’s “Englishman in New York” Eagles “Hotel California.” MGM GRAND, Las Vegas
HELLO DOLLY - The show starts with a kaleidoscope of colorful lighting by six-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz (Lighting Design), and costumes by four-time Tony Award winner Santo Loquasto (Scenic & Costume Design). The jewel and rainbow sherbet hues dazzle the stage, especially during “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” and “Before the Parade Passes By.” This cast is one of the best dressed ever. PANTAGES, Hollywood
VALLEY OF THE HEART - This is a family affair for playwright and director Luis Valdez. His brother Daniel Valdez plays the patriarch Cayetano of the Montano family, and Cayetano’s son Benjamin is Luis Valdez’ talented son Takin Valdez. Projection designer David Murakami's visual storytelling of immigrant farmers, President Roosevelt declaring war on Japan, and horrific internment camps in California and Wyoming enhances this show. MARK TAPER FORUM, Los Angeles
BLUE MAN GROUP - their new show SPEECHLESS pushes the boundaries in color, bright lights, music, art, a little magic, and exciting human connection without a spoken word. PANTAGES, Hollywood