The Whitmore-Lindley Theatre Center

My Big Gay Italian Wedding!

stlukestheatre — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:08:50 +0000

For ticket purchasing information, please click here to visit the website.
DO NOT CALL the theatre phone number to purchase tickets.

stlukestheatre — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:04:05 +0000

The Porters of Hellsgate present…

Troilus & Cressida
by William Shakespeare

Directed by Charles Pasternak
Produced by The Porters of Hellsgate

The most recent edition of Arden Shakespeare, beautifully introduced and edited by David Bevington, states that Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida is “hard to fit into the usual Shakespearean categories – comedy, history, tragedy, romance – ‘because it has so many elements of all four’ … an experimental play, characterized throughout by an intermingling of mode, tone, genre and style.” The Porters of Hellsgate have chosen this rarely produced and beautifully diverse “problem” play as the opener of their sixth season (their 13th Shakespearean outing, to date), running a full six weeks in the winter of 2012, directed by Artistic Director Charles Pasternak.

Troilus and Cressida is the story of the romance between a young, Trojan prince and a high-born girl at the height of the Trojan War. It is also the story of that war; The Greeks, in a quest to regain what they believe is rightfully theirs (the beautiful Helen, “a pearl, whose price hath launched above a thousand ships”) have been encamped on the beach of Troy for seven years with no exit strategy, and no plan to form one. Amongst their camp discontent and disunity rages, while Hector, eldest prince of Troy and commander of its armies, continues to defeat them in the field and hold them to the beach. Tragedy and romance set amidst the seemingly endless warscape, The Porters focus on the cyclical nature of possession and lust, centering on an exploration of value, the endeavor for honor and eternal canonization, and the furious discussion that rages within even the warring nations of today—what is worth fighting for? What is worth dying for? In the war for answers, the question remains: “What’s aught but as ‘tis valued?”

Hailed as “a promising, young theatre company” by The Los Angeles Times, The Porters of Hellsgate Theatre Company was founded in 2006 by Edward Castuera, Jack Leahy and Charles Pasternak. Their inaugural production of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar opened at the end of that year. Since then the Porters have produced eleven more of Shakespeare’s plays: Twelfth Night (’07), King Richard III (’07), Titus Andronicus (’07), Two Gentlemen of Verona (’07/’08), Much Ado About Nothing (’08), Macbeth (’08), Love’s Labour’s Lost (’08), King Richard II (’09), Hamlet (’10), The Comedy of Errors (‘10), and The Merchant of Venice (’11), as well as Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (’10, in rep. With Hamlet), an original work, Deity Clutch(originally produced in ’10, then remounted for the 2011 Hollywood Fringe Festival), penned by Associate Artistic Director Gus Krieger, and last season, the world premiere of a new translation of Oedipus the Tyrant (’11), translated by resident artist Jamey Hecht, Ph.D.

In 2010, Artistic Director Charles Pasternak was awarded “Shakespeare Performance of the Year” byStageSceneLA for his performance in the title role of Hamlet in The Porters’ production of The Bard’s timeless tragedy (which also received a “GO!” from the LA Weekly). Also awarded, Founding Managing Director Edward Castuera, in the role of Horatio, earning “Best Performance by a Featured Actor/Drama,” and Associate Artistic Director Thomas Bigley, earning “Outstanding Direction of a Drama.” In 2011, Associate Artistic Director Gus Krieger and resident artist Liza de Weerd were both honored with “Best Leading Actor in a Comedy/Drama” awards by StageSceneLA for their work as Shylock and Portia in The Porters’ production of The Merchant of Venice. Also, The Porters had the honor of being Steven Leigh Morris’ full-page feature in the LA Weekly twice in 2010, where their Oedipus was raved as “remarkable,” and The Porters were said to have “commanding articulation of the poetical prose.”

It is the Porters’ continuing intent to bring powerful productions of classical work to the Los Angeles community.

Praise for The Porters’ previous production,
Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice:

“The Merchant of Venice gives Artistic Director Charles Pasternak and his crackerjack team of young Shakespeareans another finely cut notch on their belt.”
-Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA, “WOW!” Winner of two StageSceneLA Awards

“This company has created a very inventive and truly entertaining interpretation of this problematic play; the stereotypes never brought us down – they actually made us laugh. And that is quite a feat.”
-Tony Frankel, Stage & Cinema

“The Porters, who have never shied from a challenge, take the Bard’s text head on without flinching. Thomas Bigley has helmed a brave production, and possibly The Porters’ best to date.”
-Susan Burns, Melpomene

“The acting is uniformly good, from leads…down to the minor players, a tribute to the meticulous direction of Thomas Bigley. In fact, the entire production’s attention to detail is noteworthy.”
-Joel Elkins, LA Theatre Review

Praise for The Porters’ 2011 Season:

“Absorbing” “GO!”
- LA Weekly / Oedipus“Momentous”
- LA Theatre Review / Oedipus

“Vibrant”
- The Tolucan Times / Oedipus

“Inventive”
- Stage & Cinema / Oedipus

“Inspired”
- Melpomene / Oedipus“Striking”
- LA Stage Watch / Oedipus “Flawless”
-Laist/Deity Clutch

“Intense”
- ACTS/Deity Clutch

“Wonderful… Sadistic”
-Melpomene/ Deity Clutch

“Eloquent”
- LA Theatre Review / Deity Clutch“Truly Entertaining”
- Stage & Cinema / Merchant

“Mesmerizing”
-Melpomene/ Merchant

“Imaginative”
-Stage SceneLA / Merchant

“Outstanding”
- Advice to the Players / Merchant

Troilus & Cressida opens Friday, January 13th, 2012, at 8pm. The production will run Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm, through Sunday, February 19th, 2012, closing the six-week run. Presented at:

The Whitmore Theatre
11006 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601

Tickets are $20, $15 for students/seniors 60+/AEA.
Reservations are available online via Brown Paper Tickets.
(Designated URL at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/216520).
Reservations can also be made via our e-mail or voice mail.
Information line/voice mail: 818-325-2055
E-mail questions/comments/reservation requests to: PortersOfHellsgate@gmail.com
This press release is available online at www.PortersOfHellsgate.com

PRESS CONTACT: ALEX PARKER, PortersOfHellsgate@gmail.com
Press Night: Press is welcome at any performance (plus one available by request), but the preferred press night is Saturday, January 14th, at 8pm.

Coming Soon: Life Changes

stlukestheatre — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:47:40 +0000

The Storytelling Ability of a Boy

stlukestheatre — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:50:01 +0000

For more information, please visit www.storytellingabilityla.com
or follow the show on Facebook.

THE RUFFIAN ON THE STAIR

stlukestheatre — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 20:18:18 +0000

British playwright Joe Orton led an incredibly intriguing, tumultuous, and stunningly creative life that ended when he was far too young. His adventures were vast: through the course of his life he wrote dozens of plays, spent time in prison, and was even writing a movie for The Beatles at the time of his brutal murder. The Ruffian on the Stair, also known as The Boy Hairdresser, was the first of Orton’s socially and politically charged literary endeavors.

In this one-act, we find ourselves in the midst of an offbeat, volatile relationship between Mike, a devout Irish- Catholic thug for hire, and Joyce, a former prostitute, who live in the shabby lower-class nether world of early 60’s London criminality. Their relationship is a simple one: uncomplicated and unromanticized. Wilson, a young “gentleman’ hairdresser” and happenstance houseguest, turns the simplicity on its head when he introduces jealousy, suspicion, terror, and revenge into the mix. The play examines the overwhelming power of love in all the forms Orton recognized: erotic, for hire, incestuous, homosexual, exhausted, familial, desperate love that reaches beyond death itself.

This three person, 50 minute, fully charged show is the directorial debut for Geoffrey Wade. The production features Adam Meyer, Jason Thomas and Rebekah Tripp. Rebekah is also wearing the producer hat for the first time on this show. This brilliant ensemble has come together, guerilla theatre style, in a labor of love to bring this little known Orton play to a contemporary audience.

“Madam Life’s a piece in bloom, Death goes dogging everywhere: She’s the tenant of the room, He’s the ruffian on the stair” -Henley

The Ruffian on the Stair by Joe Orton is playing at The Whitmore Lindley Theatre for 2 weekends:

March 25th, 26th @ 8p
March 27th @ 2pm
April 1st, 2nd @ 8pm
April 3rd @ 2pm

The show features: Adam Meyer, Jason Thomas and Rebekah Tripp
Directed by Geoffrey Wade

Tickets are a suggested donation of $15. (Cash at the door)
To reserve your tickets call: 310.622.5375
OR RESERVE ONLINE AT: http://theruffianonthestair.eventbrite.com/

The Visceral Company Presents the West Coast Premiere of THE REVENANTS Acclaimed “zombie play with brains” has been described as “Chekhov meets George Romero”

stlukestheatre — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:22:41 +0000

The Visceral Company is excited to present the West Coast premiere of THE REVENANTS. This acclaimed play by Chicago-based playwright Scott T. Barsotti has been described as “a zombie play with brains” and “Chekhov meets George Romero.”

THE REVENANTS will play on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm from February 11 through March 19, 2011 at the Whitmore-Lindley Theatre Center, 11006 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, CA.

Visceral Company co-founder and artistic director Dan Spurgeon directs this production of THE REVENANTS. Previous productions in New York, Chicago and Pittsburgh garnered positive reviews; a film version of the play is currently in development.

With the backdrop of a rapidly escalating zombie apocalypse, THE REVENANTS is at its core a character-driven drama about two married couples who doubt the stability of their relationships and ask the age-old question: “What might have been?”

THE REVENANTS features Carl Bradley Anderson* as Gary; Anne Westcott as Karen; Lara Fisher as Molly (Gary’s wife); and Rafael Zubizarreta, Jr. as Joe (Karen’s husband).

A chilling audio program immediately before curtain, written by John Santo and Dan Spurgeon and edited by Ross Patel, catapults the audience into the horrific world of THE REVENANTS. Sets by Christine Bartsch and lighting by Dave Sousa evoke the dark, cluttered basement where the two couples seek refuge as the world collapses around them.

Justin and Melissa Meyer of Where’s My Head F/X, the special effects team behind the successful LA Haunted Hayride attraction, created the horror make-up and special effects that graphically depict Molly and Joe’s transformation into flesh-eating zombies as THE REVENANTS progresses to its shocking and violent climax.

Tickets for THE REVENANTS are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased at www.thevisceralcompany.com. Please note that this play contains scenes of graphic horror violence and is recommended for mature audiences.

The Visceral Company is a new LA-based theatre company dedicated to works that explore the dark, strange and macabre. We hope to encourage further onstage exploration of the horror, thriller and science fiction genres, which have been underrepresented in theatre, and to build an appreciation of theatre in the younger audiences that are traditionally drawn to them.

* Member, Actors’ Equity Association; this production is presented under the AEA Los Angeles 99-Seat Theatre Plan.

Azure Lorica presents Journey Seekers: A Steampunk Adventure!

stlukestheatre — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:55:06 +0000

Azure Lorica, a brand new Non-Profit Theater Company, is proud to present the World Premiere of the first original steampunk play – Journey Seekers: A Steampunk Adventure! by Eugene Docena and Stefanie Warner.

This fairytale-folklore stars Davis Wyn as ‘Eli’, Josh Polizzi as ‘Laden’, debuting stage actresses Kate Del Rosario as ‘Rosette’ and Anieszka Sea as ‘Doll’, and Michael Heiman as the ‘Conductor’. Featuring music by Delicate Edge.

A mysterious, wicked adventure in the realm of steampunk, Journey Seekers: A Steampunk Adventure! dives in the haunting tale of the Black Basilisk, a folklore speed train from hell. Three strangers brave the journey, facing fiendish Gremlins, the ominous furnace, and its infamous ghostly Conductor; waging their lives for only one stop at the coast. Journey Seekers: A Steampunk Adventure! is a witty suspense-filled fairytale for the new generation of the steampunk movement!

Attendees are welcome to wear costumes to all showings. Redeem $3.00 per costumed attendee on Sunday showings – student and senior prices annulled after Cosplay qualification on Sundays.

PERFORMANCES THROUGH APRIL 18: Fri.- Sat. at 8:00pm, Sun. at 7:00pm

PRICES: General Admission $18.00
Students (valid ID) $15.00
Seniors (65+) $15.00
Cosplayers (Sun.) $15.00

VENUE: Whitmore-Lindley Theater Center

For tickets call THEATERMANIA.COM at (866) 811-4111

stlukestheatre — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:06:34 +0000

THE BLACK GENTS OF HOLLYWOOD PRESENT

AWARD-WINNING PLAYWRIGHT

LAYON GRAY’S

BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE

The Black Gents of Hollywood will proudly and boldly honor and salute the heroic accomplishments and dedicated service of the Tuskegee Airmen at the Whitmore Lindley Theatre Center March 28th – May 2nd. These proud and brave men served their country valiantly during a time of blatant and inhumane racism.

STARRING: THOM SCOTT II, JAY JONES, LAMMAN RUCKER, LAYON GRAY, DEMETRIUS GROSS, DEREK SHAUN, ANTONIO D. CHARITY

SATURDAYS ONLY 7:45PM

( 818) 754 5725 RSVP LINE

You may also log on to

http://www.myspace.com/blackgents

Theatre Unleashed observes The Way of the World

stlukestheatre — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:22:32 +0000

Theatre Company opens its 2009 Main Stage Season with a modern adaptation of the famous Restoration Era satire that takes sharp aim at the City of Angels.

When: March 20^th – April 19^th, 2009

Where: The Whitmore-Lindley Theatre in North Hollywood [web site] [directions]
Tickets: $25 (or $30 Double Feature Ticket w/ Tales of an Unsettled City all Saturday nights except April 4^th!)

For More Information: Call (818) 849 4039 or e-mail webmaster@theatreunleashed.com

CAST
Fainall – Charles Allen Hutchison
Mirabell – Phillip Kelly
Witwoud – Vance Roi Reyes
Petulant – Gregory Crafts
Wilfull Witoud – Bryan Gaston
Waitwell – Ben Atkinson
Lady Wishfort – Marcia Loring
Millamant – Lynda Coe
Marwood – Karen Baugh
Mrs. Fainall – Jenn Scuderi
Foible – Julia Plostnieks
Mincing – Ana Therese Lopez
Messenger/Chauffer/Servant/Waiter – Benito Cardenas
Betty/Peg – Heather Lake

LOS ANGELES – Fresh off sell-out crowds for the launches of both its sketch comedy troupe Die Grüppe and the innovative Art Gallery Series, Theatre Unleashed is thrilled to announce the official opening of its 2009 Main Stage Season with the William Congreve classic The Way of the World, March 20-April 19 at the Whitmore-Lindley Theatre Center in North Hollywood.

The Way of the World tells the story of the wealthy, decadent Wishfort family and their circle of friends – among whom we find the vain, the venal, the comic and even the good-hearted. The play’s hero Mirabell must battle for control of the family’s vast fortune while simultaneously wooing the only woman who seems determined to reject him. Schemes, disguises, mistaken identities and romantic misunderstandings pile on top of one another in a play that blends biting satire, slapstick farce and wistful romance.

In a poignant twist, director Colleen Reilly has adapted the Restoration Era play to set it in modern day Los Angeles, giving the artistic team the freedom to play with the piece’s many themes in a way that will be a bit more recognizable to modern audiences. However, Reilly is quick to point out that they have stayed true to Congreve’s original vision and structure, only slightly “translating” some of his language to make it more believable in the mouths of contemporary Angelinos.

“This play deals with themes – wealth, status, self-deception, love – that never go away and make for great dramatic fodder,” Reilly said. “Productions of Restoration Comedies tend to be set in the era in which they were written. That can have the effect of making them seem too ‘pretty’ and removed from contemporary concerns. We wanted to make the play seem fresh and vital because it is… even though it was written more than 300 years ago.”

An award-winning screenwriter and film and stage director, Reilly also added a few surprises for the Theatre Unleashed production, including original music using Congreve’s lyrics set to modern melodies and an intimate stage design with mechanisms in the show to get the crowd involved in each and every performance, much like audiences of the time the show was written.

“Our mission to work passionately and professionally in creating truly remarkable theatre is well-embodied by our collaboration with Colleen,” said Andrew Moore, president of Theatre Unleashed. “She is pushing us to further heights of professionalism and quality. Colleen is a sharp wit with a keen aesthetic sense and I’m looking forward to seeing what she does with this incredible show.”

The Way of the World runs for five weeks on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. As a bonus, on Saturday nights after the Main Stage performance, Theatre Unleashed will present the first edition of its Tales of an Unsettled City series, entitled Beginnings. The show is a collection of one-acts, monologues and songs that deal with the many joys and tribulations that come with life in a new city. As an added bonus, on April 4, Theatre Unleashed will celebrate its birthday with 24 hour theatre, pairing company actors, writers and directors to write, rehearse and stage a play in less than a day. For more information, check out http://www.theatreunleashed.com.

Whitmore-Lindley featured on Fox 11

stlukestheatre — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:47:32 +0000

A promotional piece on “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot”, Directed by Aliah Whitmore, playing at the Whitmore-Lindley Theater in North Hollywood, on FOX 11 News, aired on April 5, 2008.
from April 5th through May 11th, Saturday nights at 8pm,
and Sundays at 5 pm, at the Whitmore-Lindley Theater at
11006 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA, 91601. (Magnolia and Vineland)

Click here to watch