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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

Reviews

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

Musical

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

Reviews