Articles by Ester Shifren
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time” Review - Tony Award-winning riveting production!
This leaves you pondering about the human condition, each person’s role and ability to cope, or not, with it, and how to convey love and emotion without physical connection
The Rainbow Bridge – An Interview With Writer Ron Nelson on his Latest Comedy Created From Tears
Comedy writers seem to know, intuitively, exactly how to walk that line between tears and laughter. One step on the wrong side, at the right time…and disaster could strike
“King of the Yees” at the Kirk Douglas Theatre Review - World Premiere Explores Cultural Divide and Familial borders
“King of the Yees” is a joyride across cultural, national and familial borders that explores what it means to truly be a Yee
Annie Korzen Famous Actress at the Braid Review – Seinfeld’s Doris Klompus in Hilarious Take on Life Topics
I use my experiences as a performer, daughter, and mother—to inspire people to throw away their list of 'must haves' and start saying ‘yes' to new opportunities, whatever age they are
EST/LA Playwrights Offer 3 Programs of New Plays – 2017 Summer Festival Fun in Atwater Village Complex
“Our focus has been to be a development company that nurtures plays from their first readings to a production-ready script for our stage or beyond”
Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) Review – Closing 5 Fun-Filled Days of Events, Screenings and Awards
Aris Katopodis: “Each title represents creating a bridge—whether it is between relationships, races or countries, and the problems and triumphs encountered in reaching the goal.”
Pepperdine Scotland Weighs In On Social Issues at The Hollywood Fringe Interview - Director Cathy Thomas-Grant on International Collaboration and American Premiere of “The Interference”
It is essential that we as a culture begin the fight to ensure that every person is given the respect that they inherently deserve. This is what basic human rights are about
Modern Dance Legend Martha Graham Celebrated - Interview with star Christina Carlisi in West Coast Premiere of “Martha”
Martha Graham’s influence on dance, often compared to Picasso’s influence on modern art and Frank Lloyd Wright’s impact on architecture, unequivocally transformed the art form
Fried Chicken and Latkes at The Braid in Santa Monica - Interview with Rain Pryor Writer/Actress
It is a comical and heart-wrenching story about growing up Black and Jewish in a politically incorrect era. The journey reveals how she finds her identity in both worlds
“For Piano and Harpo” at Falcon Theatre Review – Slick, deeply thought provoking
Successfully portrays a nightmarish, sad, and sometimes hilarious journey from addiction to redemption as the layers of Oscar Levant’s life are gradually peeled away to reveal the pain
Skylight Theatre’s Artistic Director Gary Grossman Interview - State of the Arts for 2017 Season Intimate Theatre
I’m optimistic because Los Angeles is a vibrant Theatre Community! Artists here are resilient and they will fight to make their art grow even stronger
When Jazz Had The Blues Theatre Review – The Era of Jazz And The Greatest Music Ever Written
Musical songbook sustained us during the Great Depression and WWII when blacks and whites served separately and were not allowed to share the same bandstand
"Launchpad” Play Reading Series Producer Keith Szarabajka Interview - Spotlighting Development at Ensemble Studio Theatre/LA
We don’t just read these plays in “Launchpad,” we launch them on their feet with lights, sound and exploration of our spac
A Touch of the Poet Director Robert Bailey interview - Electric and Emotionally Gut Wrenching
The play says a great deal about assimilation and class-consciousness in America and the perennial moral and social dilemmas posed by each wave of immigration
“It’s Time” at Ruskin Group Theatre Author Interview - A Story That Needs To Be Told
"It’s Time” is about the enormity of life, the power of love, and the importance of acknowledging the contributions of all those who have contributed to making us who we are.
Buyer & Cellar at the Falcon Theatre Review – Wonderfully Witty and Inventive Whimsy
The play, inspired by Barbara Streisand’s 2010 book, “My Passion for Design,” is an outrageous comedy about the price of fame, the cost of things and the oddest of odd jobs
“Mutual Philanthropy” Director Dan Bonnell Interview – Navigating the American Dream for Ensemble Studio Theatre/LA
Temptation and seduction, by the American Dream, proves to be both humorous and hazardous between friends when wealth divides. It’s the elephant in the room that nobody talks about
“Dutch Masters” Director Guillermo Cienfuegos Interview – Thrilling, Frightening Ride to The Bronx One Summer Afternoon
The play is essentially one highly charged extended scene between two people, with dozens of difficult transitions and complicated subtexts and agendas
"Parallel Lives" at Falcon Theatre Review – Hilarious, Thought Provoking Sketches
The show is a series of vignettes, resembling Saturday Night Live—thought provoking, focused and intelligent, and some scenes are funnier than others, with many laugh-out-loud moments
Arts & Politics at Skylight Theatre – Obama-ology Playwright Aurin Squire Interview
Arts and politics have shared a close relationship for centuries. Skylight Theatre is taking an election year look at politics. Asking you to think about— where do you stand, how did we get here and where we are going
BritWeek LA Reception and Gala Review – Star Studded Event in Santa Monica
The outdoor Gala event, hosted by Nigel Lythgoe, featured an endless stream of wonderful all-star music, and dance performances from Alexander Jean
“DRY LAND” at Atwater Village Theatre Review – Fears, hopes and bonds of teenage girls
Amy is pregnant by a boy she’s no longer dating. She doesn’t want the baby, and can’t go to a doctor, risking disclosure of her condition to her parents. The girls discuss and practice their amateurish alternatives for abortion, gleaned online.
“DIRT” Talk With Director Ann Bronston and Producer Maia Danziger Interview - Showing at Raven Playhouse
When presented with a snapshot of life colored by the awareness of mortality, we are reminded through laughter, sadness and a little discomfort to try and do it better
Maury Sterling stars in “A Gambler’s Guide To Dying” Interview – Los Angeles Premiere by Gary McNair
Through the eyes of a young boy and continuing into his adulthood, this is an intergenerational tale of what we live for and what we leave behind
The Painted Rocks at Revolver Creek Review – Riveting Portrayal of South Africa’s Apartheid Days
Now, the presence of the final unpainted rock, as well as his young companion Bokkie, has forced Nukain to confront his legacy as an artist and a black man in 1980s South Africa
"Sondheim Unscripted" at the Falcon Review– Scintillating Improvised Musical Theatre
Sondheim Unscripted is a unique and completely improvised musical in the style of one of Broadway’s most acclaimed artists, Stephen Sondheim. Every brilliant performance brings to it the collective creativity of the participating gifted artists
When Stars Align at the Odyssey – Interview with Playwright Carole Eglash- Kosoff
“It is such a vital part of our history and essential for us to understand it so that we can keep moving forward, not backwards on issues of equality and oppression”
“Not That Jewish” at The Braid Review – Emmy Award Winner’s Scintillating Dramedy
A multifaceted, deeply human story that includes all the elements of the human condition; disappointment, divorce, death, dementia, survival and more
"DISCONNECTION" at Beverly Hills Playhouse Review – Riveting, mesmerizing production
Based on true events, the production is a powerful indictment of the dark side of dedication to a Church, its doctrines and its intrusions into personal relationships
“Jack Lemmon Returns” at the Broad Stage Review – Relives the Magic of Old Hollywood
“It’s wonderfully unique, yet in so many ways it’s a universal, father-son story. We are not only telling this wonderful story of father and son… but also you’re getting that kind of unique aspect of this crazy world I grew up in.”
Giardino Restaurant Opens in Westlake Village Review – Rustic Italian Dining Concept
With a combined 40 years of experience in the Italian culinary and hospitality business, the dynamic duo's collaborative vision to provide authentic yet refined Italian cuisine is fully realized with the opening of their first joint venture
“The Vortex” at The Matrix Theatre Review – Deliciously Delightful Decadence
Noel Coward’s own pain is palpably felt in Nicky’s dialogue. He originally played the role himself— it’s no secret these problems cut close to home in his own life. Today, the themes and issues in The Vortex are still relevant
“25 Years in Cinema Paradiso” Special Exhibition at the Italian Cultural Institute Review – Interesting, Informative,and Evocative
When Cinema Paradiso was released Franco Cristaldi wrote Giuseppe Tornatore: With this film we have to make it into the Heaven of Cinema. Dear Franco, dear Giuseppe, you made it—celebrating 25 years later one of the most beautiful films ever made
“Reasons To Live” at the Skylight Theatre Review – Dramedy at its best
Funny, clever quips help alleviate the build-up of stress from a subject that deals with tragedy. Fortunately the story never lingers too long on that aspect, cleverly switcing back and forth from delightfully lighter hearted scenes.
"Reasons to Live" at the Skylight theatre - Interview with Playwright Meryl Cohn
Meryl: I was really excited by theater when I saw plays as a kid. I remember sitting in the audience of A CHORUS LINE and PIPPIN and I'M GETTING MY ACT TOGETHER...not wanting the shows to end. I wished I could act or sing.
A or B? World Premiere at The Falcon Theatre Review – Slick Romantic Comedy
Sparks start flying when Abby Morgan and Ben Steele meet in corporate New York City during a job interview for a high-profile marketing job. Are they destined to become lovers or co-workers? Is it possible to be both?
The Magic Flute at the Broad in Santa Monica Review – Isango Ensemble Enchants and Enthralls
The talented players constantly surprise and delight when transitioning with apparent ease from their roles as singers and actors,to perform as drummers and marimba musicians—Their joy is infectious and palpable!
On The Razzle at Theatre West Review – The Razzle with a Dazzle of Farce
Set in Vienna at the turn of the 20th Century, “On The Razzle” follows the hilarious adventures of two naughty, bumpkin grocery assistants, Weinburl and Christopher, who shirk duty to experience one joyful day in the big city
Live Love Spa Splash! Media Event Review – A Day of Beauty
A bevy of Hollywood beauties gathered last week for a day of pampering and relaxation at the Second Annual LIVE LOVE SPA SPLASH! Media event, at the Spa at The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza
The Face in the Reeds in Santa Monica - John Ruskin Interivew
RUSKIN GROUP THEATRE is a hidden gem that is located right across the runway from the Santa Monica Airport. Though it's become a favorite of locals, many people from all areas of Los Angeles and Orange County love and attend the plays offered.
The Face in the Reeds Theatre Review – Passover Dramedy with a difference
The Face in the Reeds, centers on a dysfunctional family’s Passover Seder. The gathering turns into an almost-war-zone of conflicts, twists and turns, as faith, conversion, religious belief, and parental responsibility are examined and dissected.
“Is there Sex After Marriage?” at Two Roads Theatre in Studio City Review – A Scandalous Scintillating Dramedy
One night, Roger and Sherry accidentally find themselves at a swingers’ party. What they see there and who they meet there startles them. Will they participate?
“Luigi” World Premiere by Louise Munson Review – Family Reunion in Tuscany
While Italian music plays in the background, the scene is set in a delightful picturesque setting of a Tuscany cottage backyard, complete with a lemon tree and rustic table with chairs and bench. Relatives have arrived to visit ailing Uncle Luigi.
“The Gamester” at Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills Review – Delightful Romantic Comedy
The Gamester is a clever modernized version of a play set in the 18th century Paris, France, and is brilliantly done in rhyming couplets. You’ll find yourself laughing all the way through a performance that has many unpredictable twists and turns!
“Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory” movie review – Music’s Healing Powers
In many wonderful moments we witness those transformations unfold—seeing joy and gratitude on all the respondents’ faces as they're experiencing the music from their younger days. Some even manage to carry a tune!
“The Manor” at Greystone Mansion Theatre Review – Murder and Madness
Money, madness, murder, sex—it’s all here! “The Manor” is extremely enjoyable and will get you wondering what really happened, and wanting to explore further for yourself.
The Sexual Life of Savages Theatre Review – Riveting and Raunchy
The Sexual Life of Savages examines our own hidden thoughts about sexual constraints and beliefs. This superb presentation pulls no punches and delivers many twists and turns, and angles to ponder about tolerance, empathy, and morality.
“Penelope” at Rogue Machine Theatre Review – Snarling Black Comedy
On a sun-scorched Greek island four men living in Penelope’s empty, derelict pool are the remaining survivors of 100 aspiring suitors, all testing her fidelity while she waits for her husband, Odysseus, to return.
“The Love List” at the Reuben Cordova Theatre in Beverly Hills Theatre Review – A Compelling Comedy
Leon,married, takes his friend Bill to dinner for his fiftieth birthday and gifts him with a purchase from a Gypsy matchmaker, a Love List for Bill to complete, cataloging his orderly choice of the ten most desirable qualities in a woman
“Educating Rita” at the Reuben Cordova Theatre in Beverly Hills Theatre Review – A Scintillating Comedy
A Pygmalion-themed story about a brash, married twenty-six-year-old working-class Liverpool hairdresser, who desperately craves a higher education and expansion of intellect, horizons, and possibilities
“Man in a Case” at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica Theater Review – Mikhail Baryshnikov Stars
“Man in a Case” and “About Love” are an adaptation of two anti-love, haunting short stories by Anton Chekhov that create a bridge between our time and the 19th-century.
“Paul Robeson” at The Ebony Repertory Theatre Review - Keith David is Brilliant
Playwright and director Phillip Hayes Dean’s one-man play “Paul Robeson” powerfully chronicles the life of a remarkably talented man who, against great odds, achieved huge accomplishments and international stardom
