Theater Review: Once Live at the Hollywood Pantages

Once
Hollywood Pantages
July 15 - August 10

Now open at the legendary Hollywood Pantages is the 8 time Tony Award winning musical Once, featuring a stellar cast of musicians, singers, and dancers.

The official synopsis is as follows:

Once tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant drawn together by their shared love of music.
 Over the course of one fateful week, their unexpected friendship and collaboration evolves into a powerful but complicated romance, heightened by the raw emotion of the songs they create together. Brought to the stage by an award-winning team of visionary artists and featuring an ensemble cast of gifted actor/musicians, Once is a musical celebration of life and love: thrilling in its originality, daring in its honesty... and unforgettable in every way.

And it truly is an unforgettable show, in pretty much every way.

Click the RAWR for the full review.

RAWR(for more)

Theatre Review: BARE: A Rock Musical

Bare: A Rock Musical

Directed by: Calvin Remsberg

Musical Direction by: Elmo Zapp

Choreographed by: Jen Oundjian

Produced by Topher Rhys & Jamie Lee Barnard

Book by: Jon Hartmere & Damon Intrabartolo

Music by: Damon Intrabartolo

Lyrics by: John Hartmere

Synopsis: With pulsing rock music at its core, BARE focuses on the coming-of-age of a group of high school seniors at a co-ed Catholic boarding school, each struggling to define themselves in the face of their relationships, sexuality and religion. 

A story of discovery, acceptance and love, this provocative piece centers on the clandestine relationship between two roommates in a well-locked dorm room. As the pair navigates adolescence, we see the consequences of secrecy unravel though their eyes and those around them. 

Hayworth Theatre 
2511 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA  90057 

Runs 
Fri, Sep 06 – Sun, Sep 22 
Fri, Sat: 8:30pm
Saturday Matinee: 2:30pm
Sunday: 7:30pm 

TICKETS

13 years ago, Bare took Los Angeles by storm and became a phenomena in musical theatre.  It told an important resonating story about acceptance and fear and confusion that is even more important now maybe than it was over a decade ago.

Now, after its long absence, Bare, now subtitled as a "Rock Musical", comes home courtesy of Glory/Struck.  It's an exciting project and a welcomed return judging by the full audience buzzing with anticipation at last night's performance.

Less than a month ago, one of Bare's creators, Damon Intrabartolo, passed away suddenly.  He would not have the chance to see this production of his show.  That is especially sad as I think he would have been extremely proud of what the people at Glory/Struck have produced.  They've created a beautiful production here and one that I am more than confident in calling a must see show.

Click the RAWR for the full review.

RAWR(for more)