Christopher Mai News

CELEBRATION THEATRE presents as part of its New Works Reading Series, ON THE ROOF by Donna Hoke, directed by Christopher Mikish and performing one night only, Tuesday, April 19 at the West Hollywood City Chambers, 625 N. San Vicente in West Hollywood.   It's 1955-post WWII, amid McCarthyism, years before Stonewall. In this dangerous and difficult era, Mitzi operates a cabaret and gay bar where she, Cruz, a playboy bartender; Levi, an aspiring Broadway composer; Bob, a WWII vet; Mac, a guy who just wants camaraderie with his Coke; and Andy, a newcomer with a law degree struggle to find solidarity and courage-maybe even love. 

LA's consistently popular concert series A LITTLE NEW MUSIC, featuring the latest new musical theater songs, returned on Tuesday, March 8, to another sold out house at Rockwell: Table & Stage with an exciting program of music from writers across the nation. BroadwayWorld has photos from the concert below!

Celebration Theatre at the Lex is thrilled to announce that its second play in its new home, under the artistic direction of Michael Matthews & Michael A. Shepperd, the critically acclaimed, Los Angeles premiere of DREAM BOY by Eric Rosen, based on the novel by Jim Grimsley and directed by Ovation Award-winner Michael Matthews (The Color Purple, Failure: A Love Story) is EXTENDING through SATURDAY, APRIL 2 at the Celebration Theatre's new home, the Lex Theatre, 6760 Lexington Ave. in Los Angeles.

Celebration Theatre at the Lex presents its second play in its new home, under the artistic direction of Michael Matthews & Michael A. Shepperd, the Los Angeles premiere of DREAM BOY by Eric Rosen, based on the novel by Jim Grimsley and directed by Ovation Award-winner Michael Matthews (The Color Purple, Failure: A Love Story).

(mostly)musicals returns to the E Spot Lounge on Wednesday, October 7 with TAKE FLIGHT, the company's 14th entry in a series of themed cabarets. Check your baggage at the door, and enjoy first class accommodations, plenty of leg room, and full meal service available. And get a sneak peek at rehearsals below!

Following popular shows in July and August, (mostly)musicals will return to the E Spot Lounge tonight, October 7 with TAKE FLIGHT (a cabaret with wings!), the company's 14th entry in a series of themed cabarets. 'We've had a wonderful time with our shows at the E Spot Lounge this summer and are delighted to return for our October show,' explains producer amy francis schott.

Following popular shows in July and August, (mostly)musicals will return to the E Spot Lounge on Wednesday, October 7 with TAKE FLIGHT (a cabaret with wings!), the company's 14th entry in a series of themed cabarets. 'We've had a wonderful time with our shows at the E Spot Lounge this summer and are delighted to return for our October show,' explains producer amy francis schott.

Actors Co-op (Ovation Award-Winner 2015 Best Intimate Theatre Musical for 110 in the Shade) is thrilled to announce the first show in its 2015-2016 season (and 24th year of producing theatrical excellence in Los Angeles!) with THE BAKER'S WIFE, book by Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof, Zorba), music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Godspell), musical direction by Jake Anthony, choreography by Julie Hall, produced by Kimi Walker and directed by Ovation Award-winner Richard Israel (110 in the Shade, Floyd Collins). THE BAKER'S WIFE opens tonight, September 18 at 8pm and run through Sunday, October 25 at the Actors Co-op David Schall Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St. (on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood) in Hollywood.

Members of the 'Pro99' movement of Actors' Equity Association have issued an open letter to AEA's newly elected president, Kate Shindle, in response to her victory and to her inaugural address as president of the national union for actors and stage managers. The open letter is signed by over 400 Equity members (listed below), including such notable names as Ed Asner, Francis Fisher, Sally Kirkland and Alfred Molina. The 'Pro99' movement formed in late 2014 in opposition to AEA's rollout of a new plan that will effectively force 'intimate theaters' in Los Angeles to pay Equity actors minimum wage, go 'non-union' or even close - despite an overwhelming vote against the plan by 66% of the Los Angeles membership on an advisory referendum. 'Pro99' members around the nation, who take their name from the current AEA '99 Seat Plan' that allows members to volunteer in smaller venues, oppose AEA's new promulgated plan. They are requesting that Equity leadership put a moratorium on the plan until local members' voices can be heard, and that the union work with its members to develop an alternative plan that will more realistically address the needs of the Los Angeles theater community.

Actors Co-op (Ovation Award-Winner 2015 Best Intimate Theatre Musical for 110 in the Shade) is thrilled to announce the first show in its 2015-2016 season (and 24th year of producing theatrical excellence in Los Angeles!) with THE BAKER'S WIFE, book by Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof, Zorba), music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Godspell), musical direction by Jake Anthony, choreography by Julie Hall, produced by Kimi Walker and directed by Ovation Award-winner Richard Israel (110 in the Shade, Floyd Collins). THE BAKER'S WIFE will preview on Wednesday, September 16 and Thursday, September 17 at 8pm and will open on Friday, September 18 at 8pm and run through Sunday, October 25 at the Actors Co-op David Schall Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St. (on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood) in Hollywood.

(mostly)musicals returns to the E Spot Lounge on Monday, August 24 with LUCKY NUMBER (a cabaret that COUNTS), the company's 13th entry in a series of themed cabarets, and we have a peak at rehearsals below.

On Wednesday, June 3, A LITTLE NEW MUSIC returned to Rockwell: Table & Stage in Los Feliz for its 8th edition, showcasing the best of new musical theatre writing with an incredible cast of Broadway and local talent. Tony Award-winner Daisy Eagan co-hosted with her partner-in-comedy Jordan Kai Burnett. Bryan Blaskie returned to ALNM for his 7th time as music director. Scroll down for photos of the engaging, exciting, and unpredictable night that was A LITTLE NEW MUSIC 8!

CELEBRATION THEATRE presents as part of its New Works Reading Series 'Like Drowning' tonight, March 17 at 7:30pm at the West Hollywood City Chambers, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd. in West Hollywood. 'Like Drowning' takes place in an upper East Side Manhattan apartment, switching back and forth in time from the early 1990s to present day. The earlier scenes explore the relationship of Richard, a handsome, irresponsible actor in his 40s, and Rodney, a slightly older, attentive, well-off member of a theater's Board of Directors. In the present-day scenes, some 25 years later, an older version of Rodney brings an older version of Richard to his apartment to care for him as he faces his greatest personal challenge.

CELEBRATION THEATRE presents as part of its New Works Reading Series 'Like Drowning' on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:30pm at the West Hollywood City Chambers, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd. in West Hollywood. 'Like Drowning' takes place in an upper East Side Manhattan apartment, switching back and forth in time from the early 1990s to present day. The earlier scenes explore the relationship of Richard, a handsome, irresponsible actor in his 40s, and Rodney, a slightly older, attentive, well-off member of a theater's Board of Directors. In the present-day scenes, some 25 years later, an older version of Rodney brings an older version of Richard to his apartment to care for him as he faces his greatest personal challenge.

On the heels of Memorial Day, Broadway Across America - Houston is presenting the First US National Tour of the acclaimed play WAR HORSE. The visually spectacular production first premiered on London's Off-West End in the Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre. It transferred to the West End's New London Theatre, where it is still running. It enjoyed Broadway success at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre at New York City's Lincoln Center. It has since been produced in Canada, Australia, and Germany. After seeing this tour, it is no surprise that everywhere the play goes, it leaves tear-soaked audiences speechless and amazed.

A Cuppa Tea Theatre Company will make its debut at the Hollywood Fringe Festival with the beautiful SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD directed by Christopher Maikish and starring Scott Weston, Keith Montanez, Sherry Mandujano and Emily Morris, with percussionist Indigo Smith

War Horse is an emotionally stimulating and visually stunning spectacle. Spot on acting, visual and audio affects, and a simple set pull together to bring the audience back to World War I era Europe. Screens, lighting, projected images, and music help to tell the story and propel you along this exciting journey. Part of the 'Broadway at the Marcus Center' series, War Horse opened in Milwaukee on Tuesday at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.

[title of show] is the story of two musical theatre guys who aren't anywhere close to making it but decide to write a musical about writing a musical, starring themselves and their two best friends.

War Horse cast members took a few minutes to talk about coming to Minneapolis during a meet and greet on June 12, 2013. Watch the video of their interview and see another video from Minnesota Public Radio of them playing Albert & Joey, and find out some fun facts about Joey, the War Horse. The show closes in Minneapolis June 23.

The touring production of WAR HORSE, now at the Providence Performing Arts Center, is a visual delight and a masterwork of theatrical craftsmanship.