Category Archives: Reviews

Westside Ballet’s Nutcracker Features Palisades Dancers

Posted on November 26, 2023 by Sue

  The Westside Ballet of Santa Monica opened its 50th-anniversary of The Nutcracker, over Thanksgiving weekend to sellout performances. The show, which features special guest stars Tiler Peck, Lucia Connolly and Lyrica Woodruff as the Sugar Plum Fairy, has also … Continue reading →

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Detective Thriller “Towards Zero” Provides Memorable Night

Posted on November 9, 2023 by Sue

By LIBBY MOTIKA Circling the News Contributor Agatha Christie is in the air. Our cultural tastes seem to run in the detective procedural genre these days, and Christie novels, plays and revivals pop up regularly. PBS has been airing a … Continue reading →

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“Mean Girls” Provides Terrific Fun and a Delightful Evening

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Sue

Only at Pacific Palisades High School, could you experience a Broadway caliber musical, without having to leave town. Mean Girls opened tonight, October 5 at Mercer Hall. This show is exceptional on several levels, starting with the talent. Director Nancy … Continue reading →

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Oedipus’ Fate Redeemed in Musical Revival at Getty Villa

Posted on September 19, 2023 by Sue

  By LIBBY MOTIKA Circling the News Contributor Getty Museum Director Tim Potts greeted the sold out, opening night audience for the 17th  season of the Villa Outdoor Classical Theater with a promise. “This is going to be a really … Continue reading →

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“Coming Out West” Featured at Santa Monica History Museum

Posted on August 27, 2023 by Sue

  By LIBBY MOTIKA Circling the News Contributor Gay and trans men and women living as themselves, with jobs and marriages and dogs and cats and visibility. Extraordinarily ordinary. This is the triumph of community, solidarity, and yes, decades of … Continue reading →

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A Delightful “Anastasia” Opens Friday at Pierson

Posted on July 20, 2023 by Sue

One of the most anxiously awaited summer theater events, the Theatre Palisades Youth’s production of Anastasia, will open on Friday, July 21, and run select evenings and matinees through Sunday, July 30. Anastasia is a family-friendly musical that features a … Continue reading →

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Former Palisades Honorary Mayor Guttenberg Receives Rave Reviews

Posted on June 6, 2023 by Sue

  Former Palisades Honorary Mayor Steve Guttenberg has put the story of his life into a play. Tales from the Guttenberg Bible has received rave reviews, during a month run at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, New Jersey. … Continue reading →

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REVIEW–Romantic Comedy at Theatre Palisades Provides Delightful Evening

Posted on June 4, 2023 by Sue

The romantic comedy, Bell, Book & Candle, which opened Friday, June 2, at Theatre Palisades, provided a delightful evening and accomplished acting. Based on the 1950 play by John Van Druten, the story centers around a witch, Gillian Holroyd (Jasmine … Continue reading →

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Run For Your Wife Explodes with Delight, then Fizzles 

Posted on April 6, 2023 by Sue

By LIBBY MOTIKA Circling the News Contributor Timing, set-up, doors for clandestine entrances and exits, spiraling ruses and whip-smart dialogue add up to essential ingredients for farce. Theatre Palisades’ Run For Your Wife by Ray Cooney, now on stage at Pierson … Continue reading →

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“Matilda the Musical” Opens with Joy, Energy and Talent

Posted on March 16, 2023 by Sue

If a resident wants a phenomenal opportunity to see a Broadway-quality musical, with a 14-piece orchestra, amazing voices and delightful choreography (for $16) head over to Palisades High School. Then, settle in at Mercer Hall and be prepared to be … Continue reading →

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