ROGUE MACHINE V. LITTLE THEATRE

The World Premiere of Justin Tanner's "LITTLE THEATRE" directed by Lisa James, after a quick curtain speech by the character James (.Zachary Grant) who, from time to time steps through the fourth wall to keep us up to date with his adventure as a Community Service Prisoner.. (my term for someone doing a job when sentenced for breaking the law in LA.. James had DUIs) ejaculates out of the starting gate at a break neck pace, taking a breath or toke now and then to recount the story of how one succeeds as a playwright and possibly even as a TV writer in Hollywood. 

Another imaginative set by local design wizard John Iacovelli finds us in the production offices of the El Centro Theatre (West of Paramount and north of Melrose) in Hollywood, California.The production moves at a frantic pace. 

 

                  Zachary Grant  Jenny O'Hara   Ryan Brophy

Rehearsal photos by Jeff Lorch

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Notwithstanding wading through the 'shits' and 'fucks' salted liberally throughout the text and a second act rant by Monica (ever wonderful Jenny O'Hara) with the C word spewing directly over the audience, I think that adult attendees will adjust  and enjoy the production.  It's a little far fetched with James's arrival at the El Centro and some silly phone answereing business that settles into the story of his success.  

Jenny O'Hara fills the stage with genuine oddball vigor! (Jenny slapped me once for cause)...  She brings her crusty Artistic Director, Monica, brilliantly to life. It's a romp.

Zacary Grant's character arc  is a little tough to believe. Soon after his introduction to the El Centro for his community service job, James submits a play about Barbie and Ken on the skids at their ages of 28 that the El Centro chooses to mount to qualify for a grant from the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.  James goes on to become the Golden Boy playwright of the El Centro with the mention of my dear friend, LA Times' Theatre Critic, Sylvie Drake, credited with supportive reviews.

Odd moments emerge with a gay theme when James  makes a bargain with long suffering Danny (Jack of all theatre trades Ryan Brophy) to do something for the gift of Danny's shorts?  Really? The regular indulgence in pot and specialty chilled beer from the fridge fuels some of the mayhem. 

James's success .. all of which Monica believes should be credited to her,  leads us to the highs and lows of the creative process and an eventual climax that is not unexpected. 

Tech credits on the wide, wide Matrix stage are great.

CAST

Monica :  Jenny O'Hara

James :    Zachary Grant

Danny:    Ryan Brophy

 

"Little Theatre" 

by Justin Tanner A World Premiere

Directed by Lisa James

Opened: 8pm on Thursday, December 8, 2022

Plays

8pm Wednesdays – Saturdays, 3pm on Sundays

Added performance on Monday 12/19 at 8pm

No performances on 12/24, 25, 31 or 1/1

Closing: January 8, 2023

Rogue Machine Theatre

At the Matrix Theatre
7657 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90462

Face masks are required to be worn indoors at all times.

Street Parking is free after 8PM.  Theatre is located on Melrose between Stanley and Spaulding. 

The marquee needs more light!