From left: Alexandra Fatovich and Karlie Smith in "Hollywood Treatment" at Santa Monica Playhouse (Photo by Alec James Gould) Written and directed by Lara and Greg McCarthy, “Hollywood Treatment” at Santa Monica Playhouse is a dark comedy centered on Dr. Manwick, a therapist trying to help her clients work through their problems while barely keeping control of her own. As the play moves through her weekly client sessions, it explores love, relationships, ambition, mental heal

Cast of "Made in Brasil: Solo Works" at Highways Performance Space (Photo courtesy of the show) Created and produced by Leopold Nunan and directed by Bia Oliveira, “Made in Brasil: Solo Works” at Highways Performance Space is more than just a night of solo performances. It is an immersive celebration of Brazilian artists, culture and identity that begins the moment one walks in the doors. Before the first act even begins, the production sets a tone that feels intimate, commun

From left: Casey Morris (Todd) and Carolina Rodriguez (Susan) in "Blue Kiss" at Ruskin Group Theatre (Photo by Amelia Mulkey) Stephen Fife’s play “Blue Kiss,” directed by Mike Reilly and having its world premiere at the Ruskin Group Theatre’s new Audre Stage, is an intimate, dialogue-driven drama that leans heavily on tension, perception and psychological unraveling. The play follows Susan (Carolina Rodriguez), a high school student who meets Todd (Casey Morris), an English t

Troy Dunn (Vanya) in "Uncle Vanya" at City Garage Theatre (Photo by Paul Rubenstein) Anton Chekhov’s 1899 play “Uncle Vanya,” adapted by Neil LaBute in 2020 and directed by Frédérique Michel at City Garage Theatre, unfolds on a Russian country estate where the routine of maintaining the property has hardened into resignation. Vanya (Troy Dunn) and his niece Sonya (Anabela Nguyen) have devoted their lives to managing the estate in the service of Sonya’s father Serebryakov (And

Jon Gentry in "Black Bastard" at Santa Monica Playhouse (Photo courtesy Jon Gentry) “Black Bastard” is a compelling one-man show written...

Interview with Fahad Siadat, composer of "The Conference of the Birds," by Anita W. Harris for LA Theatrix