Arts & Entertainment
FEATURE: Fundraising Gala to Honor Phantom Projects Founder
After 17 years, La Mirada High’s Cisneros and his theater troop continue to produce work aimed at teen audiences
La Mirada~A special Fundraising Gala, “From 17 to 17” will be held on August 9th at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts to commemorate the 17th Anniversary of Phantom Projects Theatre Group and honor its founder, Steve Cisneros, for his years of dedication to the arts.
Cisneros had the idea for Phantom Projects on the campus of La Mirada High School when his teacher Bruce Gevirtzman had written a play titled No Way to Treat a Lady that had a message about teen pregnancy. The show’s success is what led Cisneros to take the play beyond La Mirada High School.
“I noticed that people were really impacted through theater, with a message that may not have been appealing if it was shown any other way, Cisneros said. “I approached Bruce and he gave me his script and I invited educators to come to a reading of the play and then we booked a five month tour.”
The troupe that Cisneros assembled began rehearsing in his parent’s garage and they began getting requests for their performance from other schools. The unique thing about Phantom Projects is that the group actually uses teenage performers to play the roles, according to Cisneros.
After years of Cisernos personally funding Phantom Projects, the group now has a partnership with the City of La Mirada and they utilize a 5,000 sq ft practice facility.
REVIEW: Graceful Production of Les Miserables Now Showing Through June 22nd in La Mirada
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| James Barbour (with Nathaniel Irvin on ground) star in the LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS/McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT production of LES MISERABLES, directed by Brian Kite and now playing at LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. |
The La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts could not have ended their 2013-2014 season in a more spectacular manner. Their production of Les Miserables was epically successful as the audience riveted at the company’s ability to stage one of the most emotionally compelling musicals in such a graceful manner. It is to no surprise that the production was such a huge success when taking into account the talented cast and creative team.
Set in France during the 1800’s, Les Miserables tells the story of Jean Valjean, a man who rebuilds his life after being freed from 19 years of slavery for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister’s starving child. After being showed mercy and kindness by a bishop, he is inspired to live a life guided by love. Engulfing the audience into a revolutionary period in France, Les Miserables reminds viewers of the power of love during times of despair.
Natalie Wachen Returns to La Mirada to Teach Musical Theatre and TV/Film Classes This Summer
STAR OF HBO’S BOARDWALK EMPIRE, RENT WILL INSTRUCT THE THEATRE TROUPE SHE GREW UP WITH, IN THE CITY SHE WAS RAISED IN; PHANTOM PROJECTS ANNOUNCES EXTENSIVE SERIES OF CLASSES: AGES 10+ INCLUDING A SUMMER OF SHAKESPEARE, DANCE, TV/FILM, MUSICAL THEATRE, AND MORE.
La Mirada~Before joining the cast of Martin Scorsese’s Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning HBO series BOARDWALK EMPIRE, and before starring as Mimi Marquez in the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway revival of RENT, Natalie Wachen was a member of the La Mirada-based Phantom Projects Theatre Group. Now, Ms. Wachen returns not as an actress and director, but as a teacher.
“Each year, the most frequent requests we receive from our audiences, are for classes. Now, we’re answering that request in a very big way. We’re making it possible for every young person to learn, whether it’s acting, dancing, singing, getting a better understanding of Shakespeare, or even if they’ve never even stepped on stage before. Having Natalie return and join our roster of wonderful teachers and working professionals is a huge asset for our new and returning students,” commented Phantom Projects’ Producing Artistic Director Steve Cisneros.
REVIEW: Legendary Musical CATS Now Playing Through May 11th at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
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Daniel Dawson (center, leaping) and the Company of "CATS" perform in the LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS/McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT production, directed and choreographed by Dana Solimando and now playing at LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. |
La Mirada~Renowned choreographer Dana Solimando successfully directs and choreographs the epic classic musical Cats, and brings the lively production to the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts stage. Despite the complexity of the Tony Award-Winning show, Solimando along with musical director John Glaudini and associate director/choreographer Billy Johnstone victoriously maintained a mesmerized, captivated audience.
Among many, one of the most impressive aspects of the show was the sensational choreography. From the very first number, "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats", an intricate number which appeared to have been performed effortlessly, the abundance of talent from both the cast and the choreographers was evident. With not a step out of place, Solimando lives up to her reputation as one of Los Angeles' best choreographers.
With such a talented and experienced cast, it is no surprise that the production was such a success. Todrick Hall, best known as season nine finalist of American Idol, triumphantly took the stage as Rum Tum Tugger Hall's jubilant performance in "The Rum Tum Tugger" was one of the best moments of the production.
Tony-Award Winning and Legendary CATS Opens at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
La Mirada~La Mirada theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment present the fourth production in its 2013-1014 season of shows with one of the most popular musical events of all-time, the Tony award-winning, CATS, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot, with musical direction by John Glaudini and directed and choreographed by Dana Solimando. CATS will feature Kelly Provart as Grizabella and Todrick Hall (whose hilarious YOUTUBE video parodies have been seen by millions of viewers) as Rum Tum Tugger.
Based on the universally popular poetry of T.S. Eliot, CATS tells the story, in song and dance, of the annual gathering of Jellicle cats at which time one special cat is selected to ascend to the Heaviside layer. A true musical theatre phenomenon, CATS opened at London's New London Theatre on May 11, 1981 and ran for a record-setting 21 years. CATS' London success was nearly matched on Broadway where it ran at the Winter Garden Theatre for just over 18 years.
CATS will preview on Friday, April 18, 2014 (with a press opening on Saturday, April 19) and run through Sunday, May 11, 2014.
Performances will be 7:30pm on Wednesdays & Thursdays; 8pm on Fridays; 2pm and 8pm on Saturdays; and 2pm on Sundays. (with two added Sunday evening performances; May 4 and May 11 at 7:00pm).
There will be no matinee performance on Saturday, April 19. Talkbacks with the actors will be on Wednesday, April 23 and Wednesday, May 7.
Tickets range from $20 - $70 and can be purchased at La Mirada Theatre’s website, www.lamiradatheatre.com or by calling the La Mirada Theatre Box Office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310. Student, Senior and group discounts are available.
LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS is located at 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue where the 91 and 5 freeways meet. Parking is free.
Tony-Award Winning and Legendary CATS Opens at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
La Mirada~La Mirada theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment present the fourth production in its 2013-1014 season of shows with one of the most popular musical events of all-time, the Tony award-winning, CATS, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot, with musical direction by John Glaudini and directed and choreographed by Dana Solimando. CATS will feature Kelly Provart as Grizabella and Todrick Hall (whose hilarious YOUTUBE video parodies have been seen by millions of viewers) as Rum Tum Tugger.
Based on the universally popular poetry of T.S. Eliot, CATS tells the story, in song and dance, of the annual gathering of Jellicle cats at which time one special cat is selected to ascend to the Heaviside layer. A true musical theatre phenomenon, CATS opened at London's New London Theatre on May 11, 1981 and ran for a record-setting 21 years. CATS' London success was nearly matched on Broadway where it ran at the Winter Garden Theatre for just over 18 years.
CATS will preview on Friday, April 18, 2014 (with a press opening on Saturday, April 19) and run through Sunday, May 11, 2014.
Performances will be 7:30pm on Wednesdays & Thursdays; 8pm on Fridays; 2pm and 8pm on Saturdays; and 2pm on Sundays. (with two added Sunday evening performances; May 4 and May 11 at 7:00pm).
There will be no matinee performance on Saturday, April 19. Talkbacks with the actors will be on Wednesday, April 23 and Wednesday, May 7.
Tickets range from $20 - $70 and can be purchased at La Mirada Theatre’s website, www.lamiradatheatre.com or by calling the La Mirada Theatre Box Office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310. Student, Senior and group discounts are available.
LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS is located at 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue where the 91 and 5 freeways meet. Parking is free.
La Mirada Symphony Free POPS Concert February 23rd
La Mirada~The La Mirada Symphony under the direction of Dr. Robert Frelly will present Salute to America! POPS concert on February 23 at 3pm at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
Highlights include Variations on America by Charles Ives, March from Raiders of the Lost Ark by John Williams, and Lincoln Portrait by Aaron Copland. Guest narrator will be television and film actress, Morgan Brittany.
Parking and admission is free, no reservations required. A $5 donation is suggested. Doors to the theatre open at 2:00 pm. For more information visit LaMiradaSymphony.wordpress.com.
Fullerton Native Sons to Perform at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
La Mirada~Jackson Browne and some close friends will play a benefit concert at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts on February 27th.
Browne will play along with Steve Noonan, Greg Copeland and Greg Leitz, all from Fullerton, to benefit the Steve Noonan Medical Fund and the Fox Fullerton Restoration Project.
General Tickets at $40, $60 and $80, along with Golden Circle seats are available at http://www.lamiradatheatre.com/jacksonbrowne/ or by calling the theater box office at 562-944-9801 or 714-994-6310.
For more information about the performers and the causes, visit here.
La Mirada Symphony Getting Ready for Annual Free Pops Concert
The La Mirada Symphony under the direction of Dr. Robert Frelly will present Salute to America! POPS concert on February 23 at 3pm at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
Highlights include Variations on America by Charles Ives, March from Raiders of the Lost Ark by John Williams, and Lincoln Portrait by Aaron Copland.
Guest narrator will be television and film actress, Morgan Brittany. Parking and admission is free, no reservations required. A $5 donation is suggested. Doors to the theatre open at 2:00 pm. For more information visit LaMiradaSymphony.wordpress.com.
REVIEW: Award Winning ‘God of Carnage’ Now Playing Through February 16th at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
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| Jamison Jones, Amy Sloan, Maura Vincent and Hugo Armstrong star in the LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS & McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT production of GOD OF CARNAGE, written by Yasmina Reza and directed by Michael Arabian. |
La Mirada~With a talented cast and production team, the Tony Award-winning play God of Carnage was successful in its comedic ventures to keep audience members at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts completely riveted. Director Michael Arabian commits to the challenging task of staging French playwright Yasmina Reza’s complex and sagacious tale.
God of Carnage revolves around two sets of Brooklyn parents meeting to resolve an altercation between their eleven-year-old sons. As the play begins, tactful and polite exchanges are made, but by the end of the night, four professional adults find themselves at a stand-off with each other that test the limits of human nature.
The small cast of four, starring actors Hugo Armstrong, Jamison Jones, Amy Sloan, and Maura Vincent, demonstrated outstanding chemistry in a story with such unexpected twists and turns. Respectively, each actor portrayed their unique character in an impeccable manner. Landing one punch line after another, audience members spent most of the hour-and-half run in hysterical laughter. God of Carnage didn’t just keep the audience laughing, but contained various shocking, unpredictable moments that had them perplexed, yet excited. With a successful first weekend, God of Carnage is quickly becoming characterized as a must-see for all theater fanatics.
Performances are at 7:30pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8pm on Fridays; 2pm and 8pm on Saturdays; and 2pm on Sundays. Ticket prices range from $20-$70. For purchasing and information visit the La Mirada Theatre’s website at www.lamiradatheatre.com or call the La Mirada Theatre Box Office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and groups.
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