Rachel Rosenthal's Tohubohu in Los Angeles: One of a Kind

The Rachel Rosenthal Company's 'Tohubohu' is quite an interesting and very novel show.  I can honestly say that I have never seen anything like it.  And that is the beauty of Rosenthal's performance technique.  Each show will be entirely different than the next.  So although I can tell you about my experience there, yours could be completely different.  While the show definitely took me out of my comfort zone, it was in such a good way.  Even in Los Angeles, it is tough to come across something that you have never seen before. But in this case, 'Tohubohu' is it.

The intimate theater, 'Espace Dbd' is lead by Rosenthal- who directs the actors into different situations to see what happens.  The name 'Tohubohu', loosely translated, means “collision or chaos” which Rosenthal describes as their process and technique.  No one knows what will happen before it actually occurs. And it's a safe bet that what you see will never happen again. “When it’s good, it’s sublime. And when it’s bad, it can be a painful experience. Much like human existence,” says Rosenthal in a naked assessment of the art form, “Sometimes you walk away scratching your head wondering what the hell you just watched. We embrace that sort of uncertainty and chaos which is counter to highly processed culture.” The show itself integrates movement, voice, choreography, improvisation, costuming, lighting, music and a variety of props/sets.

Each monthly performance, which started Feb 19th,  will span three nights during one weekend. All performances begin at 7:30 or 8:30pm. Tickets cost $20. Reservations are necessary to insure seats and can be made by calling 310-839-0661 or online via Brown Paper Tickets at www.rachelrosenthal.org.

Spring/Summer 2010 Schedule:

MAR 12th, 13th & 14th

APR 9th, 10th & 11th

MAY 7th, 8th & 9th

JUN 11th 12th & 13th

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS : at 8:30 PM

SUNDAYS: at 7:30PM

Location: 

Espace Dbd/The Rachel Rosenthal Company

2847 South Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034

- cross street: Hargis Street

- street parking is available

- enter the building through the alley

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Spamalot Premieres in Los Angeles!

Monty Python's Spamalot starts tonight at the Ahmanson Theater in downtown LA! The show just ended its 4 year run on Broadway, winning multiple Tony Awards including the 2005 statuette for best musical, as well as a 2006 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. I had the chance to see it- and it's a hilarious, laugh out loud comedy. The LA musical will star John O'Hurley, who also played the role in the Las Vegas production.

July 7- Sept 6, 2009
Ahmanson Theater
135 N. Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Get $49 tickets!

Click here to purchase $49 tickets or call Audience Services (213.972.4400) and mention code ARTHUR.

Tue-Thu performances through July 16, 2009. Not valid for Orchestra Rows A-Q. Subject to availability.

Not Valid on previously purchased tickets. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

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Ain't Misbehavin' in LA

April 18 - May 31, 2009

@ the Ahmanson

Ain't Misbehavin is playing at the Ahmanson starting April 18th. Take advantage of their new promo: and purchase tickets for 50% off!! click here to buy tickets for 50% off!

Save 50% on select seats and performances of Ain't Misbehavin' through April 30th. Not valid for Orchestra Rows A-Q.

From Culturistas

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What to see in the last weekend of March: LA EDITION

Frost/Nixon

This is the last weekend to see this great historical play! A Culturista recommendation! Downtown is a great area for dinner and nightlife! Check out a list of bars in Downtown here and here.

@ the Ahmanson
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Projectionist
This comedic play opens this weekend at the Kirk Douglas Theater. This theater is right in downtown Culver City, which is a great area to grab dinner or get drinks. Try Fraiche or Rush Street !

@ the Kirk Douglas Theater
9820 Washington Blvd @ Duquesne,
Culver City, CA 90232

Tokyo
The tryptych film, "Tokyo" was released in LA this week. If you liked Paris Je t'aime, Eternal Sunshine on the Spotless Mind or arthouse films in general you will like this film. We really enjoyed it!

@ the NUART THEATRE
11272 SANTA MONICA BLVD.
LOS ANGELES, CA 90025

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Fairfax Regency Theater: See a movie for cheap!

For those of you SICK of paying 12 dollars for a movie at the Grove---check out the Fairfax Regency theater right down the street. Pay only 5 dollars for a matinee! Sadly I remember when all theaters cost around 5 dollars to see a movie.

NOW PLAYING:

Crossing Over (R) 11:30 | 2:10 | 4:45 | 7:20 | 9:55

The International (R) 2:20 | 7:30 | 10:10

Waltz with Bashir (R) 12:10 | 5:10

The Wrestler (R) 12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:45 | 10:15

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Frost/Nixon

You may have seen the film- since this years Oscars held it in high esteem--but it started as a play, written by Peter Morgan. The play had successful runs in NYC and London and now for the first time it is in LA. The LA version stars Stacy Keach as Richard Nixon and Alan Cox as David Frost. While both actors had great performances, I was especially impressed by Stacy Keach's ability to bring such vulnerability and humility to his character. I left the theater feeling confused as to why I felt bad for Nixon. The costumes were fun since it was set in the 70's and the set designs are simple and practical- conveying the space without being overly fussy. They include a monitor at the back of the stage which serves as a TV set for the audience. This was a very effective way to communicate to the audience what the interview looked like on TV. It gives us the sense that we are there in that time period watching it live.

My only gripe is that I think a more intimate theater would have been a better venue for this play. When you are in a theater so large, like the Ahmanson, you can't see facial expressions on the characters faces and you feel this distance between you. It can be harder to relate to the characters. They attempted to solve this through the TV monitor- but a smaller theater would have made the play more enjoyable.

Besides that, Frost/Nixon is a great play. It shows a part of history and makes you feel as if you are there watching it unfold. If you actually did watch it unfold in the late 1970's than this play will fill you with nostalgia, while giving you background information you probably did not know.

Frost/Nixon will be at the Ahmanson Theater from March 11-29th, 2009.

135 N. Grand Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Check out Goldstar.com
for half price tickets!

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Musical Theater Culture: What's hot in LA

If you are feeling devoid of some musical theater culture, go check out a show in LA. There are tons playing now and in the next month. Here are some of the best:

Phantom of the Opera



January 21 – February 21, 2009

The Pantages Theatre
www.Broadwayla.org
6233 Hollywood Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90028

Rent

March 3rd-March 8th, 2009

The Pantages Theater
www.Broadwayla.org
6233 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028


Minsky's

January 21st-March 1st, 2009

The Ahmanson Theater
www.centertheatergroup.org
135 N. Grand St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012


Pippin

January 15th- March 15th, 2009

The Mark Taper Forum
www.centertheatergroup.org
135 N. Grand St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Man of La Mancha

February 17th-March 1st

UCLA Freud Playhouse
405 Hilgard Ave., Westwood
310-825-2101


Check out Goldstar Events and Stub Hub for great prices on tickets! Goldstar has the best prices you can find--but they go fast!!

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Musical night

I went to see "The Drowsy Chaperone" Saturday at the Ahmanson. Knowing nothing about this musical before I saw it- I was pleasantly surprised at how great it was. It is a delightful and clever comedy- about a 1920's show brought back to life to the audience through a man in his apartment. The costumes were 20's period so you can imagine gorgeous. My favorite costume of the night was this ethereal nightgown worn by the leading lady (played by Andrea Chamberlain):

The 1920's wedding outfit.






Unfortunately- this was the last weekend in LA- but it still is touring around California until October.

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Wicked!

Lady Ash and I went and saw Wicked last night. It was a fabulous production- from the performances, the costume, to the sets and lighting. We really really loved it- the music and the voices were just incredible. Megan Hilty as Glinda and Caissie Levy as Elphaba were spectacular, so endearing with gorgeous voices ( I was blown away my Caissie). So if you haven't seen it yet- get your asses to the theater people.

our outfits to the show:

Coat- Guess
Shoes- Betsey Johnson

Leather Jacket- Image
Missoni-inspired dress- H&M
Shoes- XXI

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