Theatre reviews by Makayla Hoppe
Chalk Circle Collective has become a theater that pushes the envelope of what theater can produce—both in itself and in its audiences. Nowhere is that more apparent than in their current production of "The Strangers," written by christopher oscar peña and directed by Coleman Ray Clark. The story follows cris (Steven Lone) as he returns... Continue Reading →
La Jolla Playhouse has taken a crack at the next film-to-stage adaptation with their production of "Working Girl," based on the 1988 film starring Melanie Griffith, Harrison Ford and Sigourney Weaver. The stage show features music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and book by Theresa Rebeck. Tess (Joanna "JoJo" Levesque) is a secretary in a... Continue Reading →
In her autobiographical glam rock musical, Shakina recounts a moment from her trip to Thailand, where she cared for formerly-abused elephants. Accompanied by some very charming puppetry designed by Iain Gunn, Bridget Rountree and Animal Cracker Conspiracy Puppet Co., she sings of hope and the persevering idea that "spirits don't break." That trip to Thailand... Continue Reading →
Over the years of its many productions, Cygnet Theatre has returned time and time again to the great works of Stephen Sondheim. From "A Little Night Music" to "Sweeney Todd" and "Assassins," the company continues to successfully and beautifully produce the works of one of Broadway's greatest composers. It's fitting that Cygnet has selected another... Continue Reading →
Based on the French novel “Réparer les vivants” by Maylis de Kerangal, La Jolla Playhouse’s musical adaptation, “The Heart,” follows the events of a heart transplant within a 24-hour window. The show opens by introducing Simon (Zachary Noah Piser), a young San Diegan who spends his early mornings surfing. What follows is a tragic car... Continue Reading →
This new adaptation from the screen to the stage has proven successful so far, and PowPAC's production is well done. The show runs until Aug. 17 and is a fulfilling theatrical contribution to Poway and the surrounding San Diego area.
Following the 1997 animated film of the same name, "Anastasia: The Musical," currently playing at Moonlight Stage Productions, brings the mysterious disappearance of the Grand Duchess to life with brilliant sets, costumes and performances. Nine years after the Russian Revolution, word has spread around Leningrad that the young Anastasia may have escaped her family's fate.... Continue Reading →
For Backyard Renaissance's production of "A Streetcar Named Desire," director Rob Lutfy and the entire talented cast have rethought this pillar of American theatre into a successful, original new take. The show manages to stay true to its roots while also imparting a modern and inventive view of these memorable characters and story. Simply put, the production is outstanding.
"Indian Princesses" had its opening night show on Father's Day, and it could not have been more perfect. It is a celebration of cultural understanding, female friendships and parental struggles, making for a fun and thoughtful evening at the theatre.
Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" never included a formal ball with S&M leather, but "Regency Girls" at The Old Globe delivers just that. The anachronistic new musical takes Regency-era England and pins it against the modern parallel of reproductive freedom and a woman's right to choose. Elinor Benton finds herself pregnant and unwed; she is... Continue Reading →
To See or Not To See 