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This complex, endlessly fascinating, and superbly staged new drama interleaves the mercurial careers and strained marriages of two female authors. One is a young present-day novelist struggling after early success; the other just happens to be the poet Sylvia Plath, whose short, patchy career, personal demons, and notorious suicide at age 32 catalyzed several generations of women writers.

"Eddie Izzard Performing Hamlet," Montalbán Theatre, Los Angeles, Jan. 22 -31, 2026 January 26, 2026 | By Bruce R. Feldman In Brief: Eddie Izzard essays some 30 characters in Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy. What could have come off as a stunt is instead a remarkable display of breathtaking virtuosity that honors and illuminates the familiar text. Eddie Izzard in her solo Hamlet . After touring to rave reviews, the trans British actor and comedian Eddie Izzard has brought her

“Perfect World,” El Portal Theatre, North Hollywood, Nov. 1 - 9, 2025 Nov. 4, 2025 | By Bruce R. Feldman In Brief: A professional, polished production that overwhelms the slight story and elusive main character. Still, this new musical has its enjoyable moments. Charlie Rowan McCain, far left, and the Perfect World ensemble (Photo: Jim Cox Photography) When my late mother-in-law was 85, my wife and I took her to dinner and a hit show in New York. The restaurant was price

Latino Theatre Company, “The Little King of Norwalk,” Sept. 25 – Nov 2, 2025, “Mascogos,” Oct. 2 – Nov. 9, 2025, Los Angeles Theater Center Nov. 3, 2025 | By Bruce R. Feldman In Brief: A topical comedy and a time-shifting historical drama, both inspired by actual events, illuminate little known aspects of the Latino experience in America. Randy Vasquez, Ruth Livier, Richard Azurdia and J. Ed Araiza in The Little King of Norwalk (Photo: Grettel Cortes Photography) In th

“Gems,” L.A. Dance Project, The Wallis, Beverly Hills, Oct. 23 – 25, 2025 Oct. 26, 2025 | By Bruce R. Feldman In Brief: A long, rewarding program of three compellingly choreographed abstract ballets danced to perfection. Terrific sets, lighting, and live musical accompaniment, too. Respect! L.A. Dance Project in Reflections (Photo: Jade Ellis) L.A. Dance Project returned to its sometime home, the not-too-big, not-too-small, just-right Wallis in Beverly Hills, with a p

"littleboy/littleman," Geffen Playhouse Kenis Theater, Los Angeles, Oct. 1 – Nov. 2, 2025 October 21, 2025 | By Bruce R. Feldman In Brief: A valiant, empathetic mashup of poetry slam, conventional playwriting, and performance art accompanied by a live percussive soundtrack that punctuates and propels the edgy drama. littleboy/littleman may be unorthodox in form, but above all it is a thrilling, memorable theatrical experience. L-R: Marlon Alexander Vargas and Alex Hern

"Jaja’s African Hair Braiding," Mark Taper Forum, Los Angeles, Oct. 1 – Nov. 9, 2025 Oct. 9, 2025 | By Bruce R. Feldman In Brief: Jocelyn Bioh’s uninhibited comedy soars with prickly wit, sharply etched characters, indelible performances, underlying dramatic tension, and a timely message. Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is a 90-minute masterclass in outstanding writing, acting, and directing. Superb! The company of Jaja's African Hair Braiding at the Mark Taper Forum. (P

"Fiddler on the Roof," The Soraya, Northridge, Calif., Sept. 13-14, 2025 Sept. 21, 2025 | By Bruce R. Feldman In Brief: This abridged concert version in Yiddish of the beloved Broadway classic emphasizes glorious singing and choral work, affording a renewed appreciation for Jerry Bock’s tuneful, enduring score. It also delivers a lot of familiar laughs and a few tears. Assured performances from a veteran cast add to the overall pleasure. Steven Skybell (third from left) leads

“Am I Roxie?” Geffen Playhouse, Los Angeles, Sept. 3 – Oct. 5, 2025 Sept.11, 2025 | By Bruce R. Feldman In Brief: While not up to the level of the best solo shows in recent years, Roxana Ortega’s determined account of her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s ultimately is affecting and has its moments. Roxana Ortega in Am I Roxie? at Geffen Playhouse. (Photo: Jeff Lorch) Everyone has a story. The actress and monologist Roxana Ortega wants us to know hers, specifically the c