Mary-Beth Manning’sValentine to Her Mother

Mary-Beth Manning’s
Valentine to Her Mother

Features by Greta McAnany  |  September 10, 2010

Mary-Beth Manning serves as writer, producer, resident therapist and a myriad of characters in the one-woman show Mother based on her relationship with her own loud, loving, bossy, Bostonian, Irish Catholic mother. READ MORE

Psittacus: Searching for LA’s Theatre Identity

Psittacus: Searching for LA’s Theatre Identity

Features by Greta McAnany  |  August 12, 2010

In a city pegged for its legendary film industry, it is easy for theatre to find its identity somewhat wrapped up in that of the silver screen. With over 500 theatres scattered about greater Los Angeles and near-by counties, plays often lean toward the “kitchen sink drama” of reality TV and sitcoms, showcasing the talent rather than the story. READ MORE

Michael Leoni’s Elevator Is a Moving Experience

Michael Leoni’s Elevator Is a Moving Experience

Features by Greta McAnany  |  August 2, 2010

When you step into an elevator full of people, it’s probably the closest you come to a group of complete strangers during your entire day. There is an inherent awkward, strained atmosphere rife with judgment and discomfort. READ MORE

From the Ridiculous to the Hilarious

From the Ridiculous to the Hilarious

Features by Greta McAnany  |  July 30, 2010

If it were a movie, no one would bat an eye. The distance created by the silver screen between audience and action mitigates the reaction. But onstage, with no buffer between audience and action, the violence is palpable. READ MORE

Richard Tatum Directs Modern-Day,  Gender-Bending Fairytale

Richard Tatum Directs Modern-Day,
Gender-Bending Fairytale

Features by Greta McAnany  |  June 25, 2010

Once upon a time there was a great king who desired to retire in his kingdom of Flugelhorn. He had only one problem standing in the way.  READ MORE

Penny L. Moore’s Steel Magnolias Has Two Diverse Casts

Penny L. Moore’s Steel Magnolias Has Two Diverse Casts

Features by Greta McAnany  |  June 20, 2010

If you head out to The Missing Piece Theatre in Burbank you may be seeing double for the next few weeks. That is, if you’re lucky.  READ MORE

Anton’s Uncles Celebrates Chekhov’s 150th Anniversary

Anton’s Uncles Celebrates Chekhov’s 150th Anniversary

Features by Greta McAnany  |  June 1, 2010

It’s a 150th Russian birthday celebration for the big man in theatre. There will probably be cake and vodka shots for all and, of course, a play to commemorate his work.  READ MORE

Backstreet: A Second Chance to Question One’s Heritage

Backstreet: A Second Chance to Question One’s Heritage

Features by Greta McAnany  |  May 25, 2010

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Santa Monica Playhouse invites audiences once again to question their own roots and define how the word “respectable” colors societal norms.  READ MORE

Guess I’m a Starmite

Guess I’m a Starmite

Editorial by Greta McAnany  |  May 1, 2010

I consider it one of those deep dark musical theatre secrets you don’t tell a soul… READ MORE

Coincidences Led to Produce a Tiny Piece of Land

Coincidences Led to Produce a Tiny Piece of Land

Features by Greta McAnany  |  April 21, 2010

From its inception, A Tiny Piece of Land has been encouraged by the fates. READ MORE

Scott Paulin Directs Horton Foote Play for Open Fist

Scott Paulin Directs Horton Foote Play for Open Fist

Features by Greta McAnany  |  April 5, 2010

“Horton loved telling stories,” says good friend Scott Paulin. “He was a marvelous student of human life; he really got to the heart of things.” READ MORE

Old Glory: The Human War Story at the Victory

Old Glory: The Human War Story at the Victory

Features by Greta McAnany  |  March 25, 2010

War plays can easily devolve into political diatribes that skim the surface of the human experience. Old Glory invites people to a different experience where they can examine their humanity and witness both the isolation and connection that come from tragedy. READ MORE