Review: Letting It All Hang Out
"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
Review: A Vibrant, Loving "Fiddler" in Yiddish
"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
Drama Review: Where in the World is Carmen Ortega?
“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
Review: The Lady Wants It Her Way
& Juliet, Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles, Aug. 13 – Sept. 7, 2025; Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, Sept. 9 – 21, 2025 Aug....
Review: Puppets Behaving Badly
“Puppet Up! – Uncensored,” Kirk Douglas Theatre, Culver City, July 16 – 27, 2025 July 20, 2025 | By Bruce R. Feldman In Brief: Puppet...
Review: In Hollywood, No One Can Hear You Scream
"Yankee Dawg You Die," East West Players, Los Angeles, July 3 – 27, 2025 July 15, 2025 | By Bruce R. Feldman In Brief: East West...
Drama Review: Growing Up, Growing Old With Humor and Heart
“The Reservoir,” Geffen Playhouse, Los Angeles, June 18 – July 20, 2025 June 29, 2025 | By Bruce R. Feldman In Brief: Jake Brasch’s...
Review: A Timely, Baleful "Parade"
“Parade,” Ahmanson Theater, Los Angeles, June 17 – July 12, 2025 June 25, 2025 | By Bruce R. Feldman In Brief: Handsomely sung and...
Dance Review: Three is the Loveliest Number
L.A. Dance Project, The Wallis, Beverly Hills, June 13-14, 2025 June 15, 2025 | By Bruce R. Feldman In Brief: Benjamin Millepied’s...