Theater

Playwright Larissa FastHorse’s “Fake It Until You Make It” is a farce about two women — one Indigenous, the other white — competing for a grant to fund their nonprofits.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

With antisemitism on the rise, The Braid’s founder says it’s more important than ever for Jewish people to tell their stories, and gather for a good laugh.

from KCRW Features

Rainn Wilson says a central theme in “Waiting for Godot” is the danger of inaction. He explains the linguistic and physical challenges of his role, and the healing power of theater.

Rainn Wilson on what ‘Waiting for Godot’ reveals about humanity

Rainn Wilson says a central theme in “Waiting for Godot” is the danger of inaction. He explains the linguistic and physical challenges of his role, and the healing power of theater.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Emmy winner Ben Decter’s new musical shows the impact of his daughter’s epilepsy on their family, and the importance of communication.

Epilepsy, family, talking the tough stuff: New Hollywood musical

Emmy winner Ben Decter’s new musical shows the impact of his daughter’s epilepsy on their family, and the importance of communication.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Aasif Mandvi is likely best known for his peak “Daily Show” years, but his range is vast and he’s here to share how he’s flexing it on stage in “Waiting for Godot.”

Aasif Mandvi briefly steps away from ‘Waiting for Godot’ to chat w/ Elvis

Aasif Mandvi is likely best known for his peak “Daily Show” years, but his range is vast and he’s here to share how he’s flexing it on stage in “Waiting for Godot.”

from The Treatment

World-famous pianist Hershey Felder talks about his new role as composer Sergei Rachamanioff in the new play, “ Rachmaninoff and the Tsar ,” at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica.

‘Rachmaninoff and the Tsar’ explores a musical prodigy

World-famous pianist Hershey Felder talks about his new role as composer Sergei Rachamanioff in the new play, “ Rachmaninoff and the Tsar ,” at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica.

from KCRW Features

After four decades in Park City, Utah, Sundance may be moving. The film festival has narrowed down six finalists for its next host city, starting in 2027.

Sundance might leave Utah. Where will the film festival go?

After four decades in Park City, Utah, Sundance may be moving. The film festival has narrowed down six finalists for its next host city, starting in 2027.

from KCRW Features

Renée Elise Goldsberry tells all about Wickie Roy — her scene stealing character on “Girls5Eva” — and performing original songs for her own documentary.

Renée Elise Goldsberry’s infinitely adventurous career

Renée Elise Goldsberry tells all about Wickie Roy — her scene stealing character on “Girls5Eva” — and performing original songs for her own documentary.

from The Treatment

Before a note is sung, artists at the LA Opera Costume Shop put in hundreds of hours of work creating outfits that bring each show to life.

‘Every detail is essential’: Costuming LA Opera's ‘Turandot’

Before a note is sung, artists at the LA Opera Costume Shop put in hundreds of hours of work creating outfits that bring each show to life.

from KCRW Features

Writer and director Tim Robbins explores comedy, drama, and modern woes in a new stage play, “Topsy Turvy,” from The Actors’ Gang.

‘Topsy Turvy’: Actors’ Gang aims to bring unity via theater

Writer and director Tim Robbins explores comedy, drama, and modern woes in a new stage play, “Topsy Turvy,” from The Actors’ Gang.

from KCRW Features

Gus Van Sant’s film about musician Kurt Cobain’s final days has been adapted into an opera that will make its U.S. debut with the LA Phil this week.

‘Last Days’ opera looks at human alienation, magic in the mundane

Gus Van Sant’s film about musician Kurt Cobain’s final days has been adapted into an opera that will make its U.S. debut with the LA Phil this week.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Fat Ham” is a modern retelling of the Shakespearean story and pulls from playwright James Ijames’ experiences growing up in the U.S. South.

‘Fat Ham’ brings Black, queer perspective to ‘Hamlet’

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Fat Ham” is a modern retelling of the Shakespearean story and pulls from playwright James Ijames’ experiences growing up in the U.S. South.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The West LA theater company’s new artistic director, Tarell Alvin McCraney, wants to connect with younger audiences and create a safe space for immersive horror.

Can Geffen Playhouse attract younger audiences with immersive events?

The West LA theater company’s new artistic director, Tarell Alvin McCraney, wants to connect with younger audiences and create a safe space for immersive horror.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

“Existencia,” a new work by the experimental performance troupe Diavolo, explores the chaos and community that resulted from the 1994 Northridge earthquake.

‘Existencia’: Northridge earthquake gave rise to community

“Existencia,” a new work by the experimental performance troupe Diavolo, explores the chaos and community that resulted from the 1994 Northridge earthquake.

from Greater LA

Kate Berlant wants audiences to know that her semi-autobiographical show, “KATE,” is theater, not stand-up. It begins on Jan. 17 at the Pasadena Playhouse.

Beyond jokes: Kate Berlant shares struggles with fame and identity in new show

Kate Berlant wants audiences to know that her semi-autobiographical show, “KATE,” is theater, not stand-up. It begins on Jan. 17 at the Pasadena Playhouse.

from Greater LA

Lina González-Granados is conducting LA Opera’s “El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego.” She reflects on the show’s themes of love and forgiveness, plus her journey to U.S. orchestras.

Lina González-Granado on ‘Frida y Diego,’ always being ready

Lina González-Granados is conducting LA Opera’s “El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego.” She reflects on the show’s themes of love and forgiveness, plus her journey to U.S. orchestras.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Actors’ Gang’s new show, “Methusalem,” is directed by Brent Hinkley. He and fellow co-founder Tim Robbins discuss the show and the group’s legacy.

The Actors’ Gang preserves punk rock roots after 40 years

The Actors’ Gang’s new show, “Methusalem,” is directed by Brent Hinkley. He and fellow co-founder Tim Robbins discuss the show and the group’s legacy.

from Greater LA

Theaters nationwide are struggling with an aging audience, the ongoing economic impact of COVID, and competition from TV streaming platforms.

Intermission or final curtain call for mid-sized theaters? Some patrons aren’t returning

Theaters nationwide are struggling with an aging audience, the ongoing economic impact of COVID, and competition from TV streaming platforms.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Silent film actress Alla Nazimova threw the biggest parties in 1920s Hollywood. Romy Nordlinger brings her back to life in the new “Garden of Alla.”

Alla Nazimova was the Madonna of her time. This silent film star is the subject of a new play

Silent film actress Alla Nazimova threw the biggest parties in 1920s Hollywood. Romy Nordlinger brings her back to life in the new “Garden of Alla.”

from Greater LA

Director Timothy Scott Bogart on having one of the “most consequential creative experiences” by watching “All That Jazz,” a film he goes back to for inspiration.

Director Timothy Scott Bogart on seeing ‘All That Jazz” for the first (and fifth) time

Director Timothy Scott Bogart on having one of the “most consequential creative experiences” by watching “All That Jazz,” a film he goes back to for inspiration.

from The Treatment