House of the Rising Son

Reviewed by Andrew Holinsky for "The Alternative"

”House of the Rising Son”, a new play written by Tom Jacobson and directed by Michael Michetti, is a lot like watching a David Lynch film. This quasi-love story between Dr. Trent Varro, played by Paul Witten, and Felix Martin, played by Steve Coombs, also centers around Trent’s multi-generational family, with Patrick John Hurley playing Garrett Varro and Rod Menzies playing Bowen Varro. “House of the Rising Son” is set primarily in post Katrina New Orleans. This thinking man’s play interweaves science, gay marriage, the supernatural, and generational differences. The set by Richard Hoover was superb. It is highly recommended you see the show at least twice.

“House of the Rising Son” is currently playing thru Sunday, May 29th, 2011 at EST/LA @ Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. By the way this is a brand new theater complex wonderfully designed the Artistic Director is Gates McFadden from the Star Trek days where she played Dr. Beverly Crusher.

Reviewed by Andrew Holinsky for “The Alternative”

Lust n’ Rust, the original trailer park musical, written by Frank Haney, Dave Stratton, & Carol Kimball and directed by Thomas Colby, is a good time trailer park musical. Lust 'n Rust is the story of Steve, a big-city corporate manager who is transferred to a small Illinois town played by Sal Cecere, and Connie, the soon-to-be-divorced waitress who is his neighbor at the Redbud Mobile Estates played by Joyanna Crouse. Steve's life is further complicated by a difficult assignment - an action that could have a disastrous impact on the local economy. Throughout are toe tapping numbers by the gifted cast of Redbud Mobile Estates residents. The costume design by Gen Anderson is wonderfully deliberate, especially in the 2nd act. The refreshing musical is highly recommended. I loved the music and the book this play is a MUST SEE. Lust n’ Rust is currently playing thru Saturday, April 30th at the Lyric Theatre, 520 N. La Brea Ave, Los Angeles 90036. For tickets call 626-695-8283

"Caught" a wonderful play

Reviewed by Andrew Holinsky for “The Alternative” “Caught”, written by David L. Ray and directed by Nick DeGruccio, is a MUST SEE for everyone gay or straight. The play opens on a Sunday in July of 2008 in Los Angeles as Kenneth, superbly played by Mackenzie Astin, and his boyfriend Troy, played by understudy Derek Daniels Meeker, are finalizing their wedding plans for the following Saturday. Kenneth’s sister Darlene, a Preacher’s wife, and niece Krystal show up unexpectedly from Georgia at their home. Kenneth has not told her of his upcoming wedding nor about his relationship with Troy. This causes tension between Troy and Kenneth. Kenneth finally shares the truth with the disapproving, pious Darlene. Further during their conversation Darlene reveals she caught her husband J.P. cheating on her with another woman. The first act ends with J.P. heading to LA to find his estranged wife and daughter. Micah McCain as Splenda and Amanda Kaschak as Krystal nearly steal the show with their performances. Deborah Puette’s portrayal of Darlene was perfect as was Richard Jenik as J.P. The chemistry between Mackenzie Astin and Derek Daniels Meeker and between Mackenzie and Deborah Puette was convincing and electrifying. The stucco set by Adam Flemming was also outstanding and authentic. “Caught” is currently playing thru Sunday, May 15th at the Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles. 90046. For ticket information call 310-945-5786. You can also go online at Caughttheplay.com for more information.

30 Years of HIV/AIDS

To move forward in fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic, it is important to see where we have been… We invite you now to join us in commemorating 30 years of HIV/AIDS. We know that your story is vital in remembering our fight through the past 3 decades, the challenges that we have encountered, and the countless lives lost throughout the epidemic. This online forum allows us to raise our collective voices to remind ourselves of the accomplishments in the past 30 years, and to honor all those who have died from the disease. We hope to build a community of support to help inspire us on the road ahead- as we work together to prevent new cases of HIV, care for those who are infected, and educate the world about the truths about HIV/AIDS. Click here to register for the community, and begin sharing your story. * You can begin by sharing your own personal “HIV Story,” by selecting a few pictures that reflect your milestones throughout your HIV history, or sharing a personal video about your experiences. **You can also begin having conversations with people in your community through open discussion forums. These past 3 decades have been full of inspiring people in clinics, community organizations, health departments, government agencies; people advocating for patients’ rights, researching treatments and looking for a cure; and living with HIV/AIDS. Please share the link to this community with others in your world, so they can join in sharing their experiences. * If you are unable to follow the link, please paste cdcnpin.org/communities/hivstory into your browser. You may also sign up for the community by using your Facebook, Twitter, Google, or Yahoo login information. ** Please review the Terms of Service for specific photo and video sharing guidelines.

Announcing: “Caught” Extended thru May 15; Mackenzie Astin Joins Cast on February 19

MACKENZIE ASTIN JOINS THE CAST OF CAUGHT WORLD PREMIERE PLAY, WRITTEN BY DAVID L. RAYAND DIRECTED BY NICK DEGRUCCIO EXTENDS RUN FOR SECOND TIME, THROUGH MAY 15, 2011AT THE ZEPHYR THEATRE David L. Ray’s world premiere play, Caught, presented by Buttermilk Productions in association with Drumfish Productions, and directed by three-time Ovation Award-winner Nick DeGruccio, has extended its run through Sunday, April 3. Mackenzie Astin will assume the role of Kenneth on Saturday, February 19, when Corey Brill departs to join Robin Williams and the Broadway cast of Rajiv Joseph’s Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo. The story of Caught centers around the upcoming wedding of Kenneth and Troy, a committed gay couple living in Los Angeles. Kenneth’s estranged, culturally-conservative sister, Darlene, and her daughter Krystal unexpectedly visit the couple’s home from south Georgia only days before the event. Through this set of circumstances, Caught explores the meaning of ‘marriage,’ and how the family can find a way to meet in the middle while navigating long-standing religious values and staying true to each’s core beliefs. Mackenzie Astin, the son of legendary actors Patty Duke and John Astin, is perhaps best known for his three seasons on the hit NBC sitcom The Facts of Life. His film credits include Dream for an Insomniac, Stranger Than Fiction, Long Island Incident, Last Days of Disco, Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23rd Floor (with Nathan Lane), In Love and War (with Sandra Bullock and Chris O’Donnell), and the Disney feature Iron Will. Other television work includes appearances on Without A Trace, Lost, House, Justice, and My Name Is Earl. The full cast features (in alphabetical order) Astin, Will Beinbrink, Richard Jenik, Amanda Kaschak, Micah McCain, and Deborah Puette. The design team includes set by Adam Flemming, lighting by Lisa D. Katz, sound by Elizabeth Rhodes, and costumes by Katherine Hampton Noland. Casting is by Raul Staggs, and the production stage manager is Darlene Miyakawa. The Ovation Recommended production of Caught is now extended through May 15. Regular performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 7:00pm. There will be no performances on Friday, February 18 and Sunday, February 27. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased by visiting http://www.caughttheplay.com/ or by calling (800) 595-4849. The Zephyr Theatre is located at 7456 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, 90046. # # #

Armistead Banned From Bathroom

Armistead Banned From Bathroom
By Advocate.com Editors
Tales of the City author Armistead Maupin and his husband, Chris Turner, were denied use of the restroom in a bar in Alice Springs, Australia, last week by a staff member who told them the facility was “reserved for real men.”ABC News Australia reports on the incident that occurred when the men entered Bojangles Saloon to have lunch.“According to Mr Maupin, they were told to take a seat, after which Mr Maupin's husband Chris asked if he could use a rest room.“‘The guy said, 'sorry, we don't have one in here but you can go across the street to the public facility.’“Mr Maupin, who had used the toilet in Bojangles the day before, said he pointed in the direction of the toilet and said 'what's that over there?'“‘[The barman] gave me a very pointed look and said that's reserved for 'real men'," said Mr Maupin.”Maupin and Turner promptly left the saloon and filed a complaint with the Visitor Information Centre. Maupin said they received a response within a day from the tourism office, which conveyed that the owner of Bojangles extended his apologies. The author posted an account of the incident on his Facebook page and said the reaction of support from people all over Australia has been “quite extraordinary.”
On Thursday morning, Maupin posted the following statement on Facebook: "Just to be clear: There are no apologies necessary from either Alice Springs or Australia. I've never felt more welcomed by a country. This was a lone gunman, and we just handed him his balls on a platter. It's over."

The GOLDEN GAYS not to be missed

CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM
Donna Pieroni *has performed in over 300 TV, Feature Films, Plays and Commercials. Some favorite work includes: the role of Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd at The Production Company’s Chandler Studio Theatre (for which she was nominated for a Back Stage Garland Award as Best Performance in a Musical),and Showtime’s popular hit series Dexter and Weeds. Other favorites include: CSI:NY, Medium, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Cold Case, ER, The Shield, Jawbreaker, Night Train, Open Window, Edward Scissorhands, the upcoming feature films: The Apocalypse According To Doris and Boy Toy and Married With Children in the role of Sandy. She has performed at such theatres as: The Ahmanson in Dead End with Jeremy Sisto, The Celebration Theatre in The Children’s Hour in the wonderful role of Lilly Mortar, The Odyssey Theatre in to many productions to mention as well as The Body Politic Theatre in Chicago from where she hails! Some favorite roles include: Lady in Orpheus Descending and the title role of Salome in a VERY artistic midnight production of the same. Her travels as a performer have taken her all the way from Argentina (Capital One commercial) to Florida to Los Angeles and everywhere in between. She holds a BA from Columbia College and MFA studies were at IL. State University. She is a proud member of SAG, EQUITY and AFTRA.

Marc Segal (Sam/Sophia) has been acting since the age of 9. He started professionally 25 years ago appearing on television, film andseveral national commercials. He has been married to the same woman for the last 29 years and has three children: Sean and David (the twins) and his daughter Amy. Marc has been teaching acting and improvisation to teens for the past 25 years and has directed over 60 productions. He is grateful to the producers for giving him this opportunity to explore his female side and hopes you enjoy his/her work. God bless Estelle Getty!

Guy Windsor - hailing from the great state of Tennessee, Guy is proud to be making his second Los Angeles stage appearance with WideStance having appeared as Peggy Bundy in this fall's Fairies with Children. His credits include appearances on Diagnosis X (TLC), Las Vegas (NBC), Grey's Anatomy (ABC), the feature films Spring Breakdown, More Money More Family and the award winning short film Loser of Laurel Canyon. His theatrical credits include Annie (Rooster), Bus Stop (Bo), Godspell (Jeffrey), Wizard of Oz (TinMan), Barnum (RingMaster), and tours with The Grand Illusion Magic Show and Walt Disney Entertainment. While pursuing his acting career, Guy moonlights at Universal Studios in the Entertainment Department and operates his own design company specializing in holiday displays for homes and businesses. Guy's hope for the run of this show is that he makes people laugh, makes people think and that he doesn't get used to the slenderizing look of a girdle and painted nails.

Kevin Fabian was born in New Jersey (insert joke here). TV: General Hospital, The Gilmore Girls, The West Wing, Will & Grace, Young and the Restless, Boston Public, and the pilots Paparazzi, As Seen On TV, Molly Marcy. The Web: I.T.’s a Living, Inappropriate Workplace, HBO Voyeur. Film: Brotherly, An American Vampire in America, Out at the Wedding, Our Little Science Story. Theatres: Circle X Theatre Co. Kitchen Dog Theatre in Dallas, The Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, The Old Globe in San Diego and Actors Theatre of Louisville in Kentucky. Commercials: Cheetos, Marshals, Pepsi, Miller Highlife, Apple, Microsoft, ING. Kevin has a BFA from Montclair University and an MFA from Southern Methodist University. Kevin will be appearing later this month (1/31) as Barry Greenfield on Chuck.

BRIAN ROHAN (Damian/Dorothy) Theatrically, Brian has workedat the Laguna Playhouse, Company of Angels, the Ark, the Knightsbridge, and the Pasadena Shakespeare Company. He starred in the Beverly Hills P.S.A.s "It's a Wonderful City" (as the Jimmy Stewart character. Local Emmy nominee) and "Do You Know C.P.R.?" (local Emmy winner). On screen, he has starred in the multi-award winning horror films "Criticized" (19 Festival Awards including Best Actor) and "The Horribly Slow Murderer with the Extremely Inefficient Weapon". Besides 14 Festival Awards, the latter film has become a genuine sensation on Youtube, becoming the #6 (as of this writing) "Top Favorited" video of all time in a short period of time. Special thanks to Mark and Chey!

Nick Denning (Mario) hales from the island town of Shelter Island, NY. He is a graduate of the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theater in NYC. Off Broadway credits: "Fools in Love" & "Tempest Tossed Fools" (Shakespeare re-imagined for children) at the Manhattan Ensemble Theater, and a limited run at BAM. Stared as "Crow" in the final run of Sam Shepard's "The Tooth of Crime" at La MaMa's Annex Theater. Since moving to Los Angeles the end of 2007, Nick has stared in pilots and festival awarded film projects. He was a company member of Circus Theatricals Ensemble, doing two shows in rep last season. Nick is thrilled and grateful to be working with such a hilarious cast.
Sean Riley’s recent years have been spent coaching/teaching young actors in their
pursuit of fame in Hollywood. He has also been working in front of and behind the scenes on various film a
stage production. Including Assistant Directing/Stage Managing Sylvia! and Snakebit at the Meta- theatre. He has done this while continuing to perform in productions including George M!, Singing in the Rain, On the Town, Crazy for You, Showboat, Some Like it Hot …and a few others with Fullerton CLO... Oklahoma!, Anything Goes, She Loves Me!, Guys and Dolls …and many others
regionally. He also toured nationally and internationally with the BYU Dancers’ Company... Sean wishes to give his many thanks to family and friends for their love and support. He also wants to
especially thank WideStance, for giving him this great opportunity to work with this exceptional
cast.

Carlos Castro attended the Interior Design Institute in Newport Beach. He was instrumental in getting our previous run of The Golden gays off the ground. In addition to providing much of the visual artistryfor the show, Carlos does everything from props to sound design. Chances are Carlos has had his hands in any aspect of the show you enjoy.
Jim Thomas Mora is super excited to be working on another wonderful and fun project. Jim was inspired to join forces with John and his DP Carlos after seeing ‘Cell Phone Funeral. Fro
m that moment Jim, John and Carlos have been working hard together to come up with great performance pieces. Golden Gays turned out to be an amazing show, a great time and went a lot further then Jim ever imagined. Jim has been in theatre for the last 14 years, and has the great honor to work with such awesome companies as The Pasadena Playhouse, Carnival Cruise Lines, McCory Rigby Entertainment, and Musical Theatre West. His duties range from Technical Director, Set Designer, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Stage Manager, Asst. Stage Manager, Prop Master and Crew Chief. Jim’s favorite Musicals are ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, ‘Guys and Dolls’, ‘Hair Spray’, ‘Annie’, and ‘Dream Girls’.

Laura Coe is a professional theatre technician. Since graduating from UC Davis with a BA in Technical Theatre, she has been working in various theatres in Sacramento. Favorite jobs included Stage Manager/Sound tech for Suspects Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, Assistant Stage Manager for Sacramento Theatre Company and Wardrobe Stitcher for Music Circus. Since moving to LA in
2009 Laura has worked as 2nd AD/Production Designer on the web series We Are With The Band,
stage managed a show at REDCAT, and stitched for the TV show EagleHeart.

The Meta Theater
7801 Melrose #6 Los Angeles, CA 90046