From left: Norbert Leo Butz (Paul Child) and Christina Kirk (Julia Child) in "The Recipe" at La Jolla Playhouse (Photo by Rich Soublet II) A commissioned work by Tony-nominated playwright Claudia Shear, La Jolla Playhouse’s world premiere of “The Recipe” tells the story of how rebellious Pasadena native Julia McWilliams became masterful French cook Julia Child, based on Bob Spitz’s 2012 book “Dearie.” Beginning with her time at Smith College, the two-act play covers Julia’s s

Ann Noble (Richard) in "Richard III" at A Noise Within (Photo by Craig Schwartz) A Noise Within theatre company has a knack for making old plays seem new. William Shakespeare’s historical tragedy “Richard III” is no exception, not least due to casting Ann Noble in the title role. Her performance as the ruthlessly manipulative would-be king is riveting, heightening our emotional investment in this gruesome tale of royalty behaving badly. Directed by Guillermo Cienfuegos with a

From left: Marianna Gailus (Sylvia) and Cillian O'Sullivan (Ted) in "Sylvia Sylvia Sylvia" at Geffen Playhouse (Photo by Jeff Lorch) Rising playwright Beth Hyland’s “Sylvia Sylvia Sylvia,” having its world premiere at Geffen Playhouse, is just what you’d want in a new play — ambitious and compelling in a well staged and performed production. Bringing to life poets Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes as they affect a current writer and her husband, the play challenges expectations in