Camino Real (2003)
"In
tackling Tennessee Williams' rarely seen "Camino Real,"
Company Rep signals gutsy artistic ambitions with a take-no-prisoners
inaugural production as the new resident ensemble at NoHo's prominent
American Renegade Theatre... The
production flexes impressive artistic muscle with intensely committed
performances from its 25-member cast. Rather than soft-peddling the
play's excesses, a wildly eclectic staging by Hope Alexander -- a
veteran of several previous "Camino Real" productions who knew
Williams and shared his passion for the play -- fearlessly updates it
with contemporary elements ranging from video displays to Tina Turner
songs." -Philip
Brandes,
L.A. Times
"If
[Hope Alexander's] Camino Real does not win awards, it should
certainly win the support of all of us who wish to see LA theatre emerge
from the shadow of the film industry and stand up for the artistic
ideals of people like Ms. Alexander. I for one can’t wait to see what
she chooses to do next." -Travis Michael Holder,
Entertainment Today
"It's a worthwhile
trip..." -J.A.
Eliason, Backstage West
Season's Greetings (2002)
"If
you like your comedy more sophisticated and thematically cohesive,
"Season's Greetings," by prolific British playwright Alan
Ayckbourn, will ring your Christmas chimes." -L.A. Times
"Director
Aaron keeps the action moving swiftly as the Bunker household slapsticks
its way through three days of holiday angst. Simmons exudes the
self-controlled frustration of a neglected wife whose passions finally
explode in wanton lust for her sister's beau. For his part, Slanina's
Clive effectively communicates the discomfort of a stranger in a strange
land who wants nothing more than to be cordial and accommodating to
whomever's needs are in demand. And Belvin is comically appealing as the
production's most likable character, the ever-pregnant Patty." -Julio
Martinez, Variety
Picasso at the Lapin Agile (2002)
"The
Company Rep... makes a splashy and spirited debut in "Picasso at
the Lapin Agile," the group's inaugural production as an
independent production entity... El
Portal's Circle Theatre is a fittingly intimate venue for the play,
which director Hope Alexander has reconceived as a flat-out vaudevillian
romp, high-decibel and unflaggingly energetic. Breathless,
overwrought and fittingly passionate, Alexander's runaway staging lends
new robustness to Martin's desultory but durable musings." - F.
Kathleen Foley, L.A. Times
"In
an impressive debut outing, the Company Rep plows through all the
absurdities in Martin's extended one-acter,
absorbing
each moment with utter commitment and acceptance..." -Julio
Martinez, Variety
"Thanks
to the surreal mural-bedecked set design of Jackson DeGovia, the Circle
Theater has a smarter-looking tableau than it has enjoyed in quite some
time. "Picasso at the Lapin Agile," and its newly transformed
resident company, are worthy occupants." -Evan
Henderson, Daily News
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