Bent
Mark Taper Forum
Through Aug. 23
5/5 Stars
In this electrifying revival, Martin Sherman‘s brilliant, Tony-nominated 1979 drama, which originally starred Richard Gere, has lost none of its pertinence. In an era in which new terrorist-fueled Holocausts threaten the globe and homophobia remains an ever-present danger, this searing tale of love against the odds in a World War II concentration camp remains a dramaturgic treasure. Visionary director Moisés Kaufman (The Laramie Project) helms this lacerating production. A magnificent ensemble is headed by Patrick Heusinger and Charlie Hofheimer as Max and Horst, two prisoners whose love bond helps them endure the horrors of Nazi imprisonment. Amid a superb ensemble, Andy Mientus, Jake Shears and Ray Baker are particularly effective. Likewise triumphant are Beowulf Boritt‘s evocative sets and costumes, Justin Townsend‘s lighting, Cricket S. Myers‘ sound and Ken Roht‘s choreography. This isn’t an easy production to watch, but its portrait of spiritual redemption in the face of inhumane behavior is enthralling and unforgettable. —Les Spindle
Luka’s Room
Rogue Machine
Through Sept. 23
4/5 Stars
Rob Mersola‘s dicey new comedy Luka’s Room benefits from the efforts of a splendid ensemble cast under the crisp direction of Joshua Bitton. The story centers around a libidinous college student (Nick Marini, as Luka), who moves in with his eccentric San Fernando Valley grandmother (Joanna Lipari), where he experiences an unexpected rite of passage. Though the production is often quite amusing, the story’s big climactic surprise feels more tacked-on than integral in terms of narrative and theme. Thus, the script doesn’t quite nail the incisive and ironic commentary on the peculiarities and moral dilemmas of the information age that it might with some retooling. Still, Marini is charming and funny as the befuddled protagonist, and Lipari excels as his sometimes confused, sometimes sharp-as-a-whip granny. Also excellent are Alex Fernandez as his slimy ex-con uncle, Vince Melocchi as his conflicted father and Sarah Scott as his femme fatale flame. All of the production’s design elements are superb. —L.S.
A Night with Janis Joplin
Pasadena Playhouse
Through Aug. 23
5/5 Stars
The triumphant production returns to the Pasadena Playhouse in a spectacular new run starring the magnificent Tony Award nominee Mary Bridget Davies. Playing like an actual Janis Joplin concert, the evening is interspersed with Joplin’s history as she tells tales of her early years—both in her career and family life. She speaks to her influences—women like Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Etta James—all of whom appear onstage alongside her. The quartet of performers playing these roles is uniformly superb, but it’s Davies who truly stuns. With a face and movements that embody Joplin’s signature growl and hair-throwing antics, Davies becomes the iconic Queen of Rock; so much so that by the night’s end you feel like you’ve truly seen a Joplin performance. While the typically older Pasadena crowd was more reserved at first, by the time the show had ended the entire audience was on its feet shouting its approval and giving an umpteenth standing ovation. —Kevin Taft