Articles by Peter Balaskas
Steel Magnolias Theatre Review – This Laguna “Magnolia” Blooms into a Beauty
In this character-driven production, the talented acting ensemble provides healthy doses of heart and soul
Smokefall Theatre Review –“Smokefall” Rises with Creative Magic
Led by the brilliant Orson Bean, Smokefall is a profound, surreal theatrical ride about family, life, and even the joys of apple pie
The Whale Theatre Review – This “Whale” Swims into the Dark Realms of Guilt
Courtesy of playwright Samuel D. Hunter’s layered dialogue and especially Matthew Arkin’s phenomenal lead performance, The Whale is a careful exploration of how redemption is sought and earned
Chinglish Theatre Review – Chinglish Brings Celebratory Cheer to Orange County
Tony award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang explores the issues of language barriers and misunderstandings in his hilarious and insightful comedy, Chinglish, which is a welcome addition to South Coast Repertory’s 2012-2013 Season
Chapter Two Theatre Review – A Theatrical Best Seller at Laguna Beach
Courtesy of Andrew Barnicle’s deft direction and his talented actors, Neil Simon’s semi-autobiographical love story captures all the romantic laughs and tender-hearted tears
Wicked Lit. 2012 Theatre Review – A “Wicked” Tour of Tantalizing Terror
Courtesy of superior acting and direction, Wicked Lit’s successful adaptation of three obscure horror tales has resulted in an extension to their theatre run
The 39 Steps Theatre Review – These “Steps” Dance with Hilarity and Nostalgia
At the Laguna Playhouse, this hilarious adaptation of a Hitchcock classic brings a wonderful sense of slapstick silliness
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Theatre Review – There’s NOTHING Like Love in Orange County
At Shakespeare Orange County, stage veterans Michael Nehring and Evelyn Carol Case drive this timeless play with class and comedic flair
RICHARD III Theatre Review – This Infamous Villain Slashes, Seduces, Slays, and Smiles at Shakespeare Orange County
For this 2012 season opener at Shakespeare Orange County, theatre, film, and television veteran John Walcutt is absolute perfection in the title role
Jitney Theatre Review - August Wilson’s Jackpot of a Jalopy Jaunts into Orange County
As far as JITNEY is concerned, South Coast Repertory has chosen a perfectly dynamic way to end their 2011-2012 season, courtesy of a top-notch cast, led by SCR vet Charlie Robinson
The Prince of Atlantis Theatre Review - A Royal Gem in Orange County
This World Premiere at the South Coast Repertory proves to be a success while delving into family and self-discovery
The Burbank International Film Festival - Legendary Roger Corman Honored; Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films Saluted
At the 2011 Burbank International Film Festival: Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Film Night, Cinematic Guru Roger Corman received The Pioneer in Sci-Fi Filmmaking Award, paving the way for promising filmmakers in the genre
The Comedy of Errors Theatre Review - This "Errors" is Truly Flawless
The Comedy of Errors Theatre Review - This "Errors" is Truly Flawless
SOC regulars Shaun Anthony and Jeremy Schaeg, as well as Alyssa Bradac’s expert direction, help provide a slide-splitting finale to the Orange County theatre’s 20th season
The Comedy of Errors Theatre Review - This "Errors" is Truly Flawless
The Comedy of Errors Theatre Review - This "Errors" is Truly Flawless
The Comedy of Errors Theatre Review - This "Errors" is Truly Flawless
Julius Caesar Theatre Review - A Bloody Good Voyage into Betrayal
With Director Carl Reggiardo at the helm, and veteran actors David Denman and John Walcutt as the leads, S.O.C. 20th Anniversary opener mixes political action with keen philosophical insight on ambition and honor
A Midsummer Night's Dream Theatre Review - This Wonderful "Dream" Shines in the Hills
Director Sam R. Ross and his brilliant actors bring this adapted, updated, and shortened romantic comedy to life with side-splitting results
Extraordinary Chambers Theatre Review – This “Chambers” Opens the Door to Genocide and Inner Pain
Courtesy of the riveting eloquence of David Wiener’s text and the potent performances by its stars, CHAMBERS explores the agonies of loss with realistically frightening results
As You Like It Theatre Review - Orange County Shakespeare's Comedic Production a Charming Debut for its 2009 Season
Shakespeare Orange County's AS YOU LIKE IT is a joyous, exciting adventure into love and mistaken identity, courtesy of a solid direction by Carl Reggiardo and a phenomenal performance by Kara Revel as Rosalind
Richard III Theatre Review - The Infamous Duke of Gloucester Seduces and Kills With Sinister Glee at A Noise Within
The Bard's most notorious historical villain is very much alive and well (but, alas, this cannot be said for his victims) as RICHARD III proves to be an spectacular 2009/2010 season opener for the Glendale based theatre troupe
Southern Comfort Theater Review - Long Beach Production is a Romantic "Comfort" for the Soul
With veteran actors Michael Learned and Granville Van Dusen at the helm, Kathleen Clark’s play on the budding relationship between a retired widow and widower brings a glimmer of romantic hope in a world filled with bitter cynicism
A Midsummer Night's Dream Theatre Review - A Hilariously Sweet "Dream" in Orange County
Director Mark Rucker’s vision and the comedic timing of his talented cast illustrate once again the superior craftsmanship this Orange County theatre troupe possesses
The Train Driver Theatre Review - This "Driver" Gloriously Rockets Full Speed Ahead
This year, Athol Fugard’s U.S. premiere of THE TRAIN DRIVER is a true testament of how a talented playwright and theatre company can come together to create a story about race, rage, and redemption
King Lear Theatre Review - This King Lear Howls With Madness and Pride
Director Thomas F. Bradac and his talented cast at Shakespeare Orange County elevate this complex epic about betrayal and pride to uncanney levels of theatrical brilliance
The Three Musketeers Theatre Review - Topanga Canyon Adaptation of Historial Epic Tragically Misses Its Mark
Sadly, Director Ellen Geer tries too hard to include every aspect of Dumas’s classic, resulting in a disastrous second act that brings down the entire play
Blank Theatre Review - Solo Artist Presents Profound Theatrical Mosaic About Identity
L.A. performer Brian Stanton demonstrates his multifaceted skills as an actor and playwright in his one-man show BLANK, which details his journey about how an adopted young man decides to meet his birth mother
A Midsummer Night's Dream Theatre Review - Magnificent Magic Comes Alive at The Botanicum Once Again
For the fifth year in a row, the Will Geer Theatre continues its annual tradition of producing this enjoyable Shakespearean production that appeals to all ages
Hamlet Theatre Review - Theatricum Botanicum's 2010 Season Opener "To Be" the Beginning of a Phenomenal Theatrical Summer
Theatricum Botanicum regulars Mike Peebler, Melora Marshal, Jeff Wiesen, and Susan Angelo alternate their performances as the Danish prince and his conflicted mother, resulting in what may be the best production of this Shakespearean play that has been conjured in Southern California to date
- Wednesday May 22nd
- 12:00 AM | Cannes Film Festival
- 5:30 PM | Craft Beer Tasting in May at Bistango
- 7:30 PM | The Fantastics---South Coast Repertory
- 8:00 PM | Steel Magnolias---The Laguna Playhouse
- Thursday May 23rd
- 12:00 AM | Cannes Film Festival
- 2:00 PM | Steel Magnolias---The Laguna Playhouse
- 8:00 PM | Steel Magnolias---The Laguna Playhouse
- 8:00 PM | The Fantastics---South Coast Repertory
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Mother’s Day Home & Garden Gifts – Mother’s Day Home & Garden Gift Guide 2011
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Mother’s Day Food & Beverage Gifts – Mother’s Day Food & Beverage Gift Guide 2011 Over $15
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Mother’s Day Family Gifts – Mother’s Day Family Gift Guide 2011
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Mother’s Day Vehicle Gifts – Mother’s Day Vehicle Gift Guide
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Mother’s Day Hot Lingerie & Sleepwear Gifts – Mother’s Day Lingerie & Sleepwear Gift Guide 2011
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Mother’s Day Handbag & Purses Gifts – Mother’s Day Handbag & Purses Gift Guide 2011
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Mother’s Day Entertainment Gifts – Mother’s Day Entertainment Gift Guide 2011
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Mother’s Day Health & Beauty Gifts Over $25 – Mother’s Day Over $25 Health & Beauty Gift Guide 2011
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Mother’s Day Travel & Leisure Gifts – Mother’s Day Travel & Leisure Gift Guide 2011
