Given that there was very little quality Los Angeles theater to recommend in 2010, its a pleasure to report on two shows now playing in the Los Angeles area that are well worth seeing.
Down in Long Beach, International City Theatre is presenting the West Coast Premiere of the unique and enchanting Gertrude Stein musical "Loving Repeating," with music by Stephen Flaherty ("Ragtime," "Once On This Island") and lyrics by Gertrude Stein (adapted by Frank Galati). This show played in Chicago in 2006 to acclaim, and it is a shame that it has not received many productions since then. Granted, this non-linear, poetic show is not going to be appeal to those who like their musicals spoon-fed to them. But ICT gives this sublime score and book a beautifully sung and performed production. It is quiet and contemplative, yet moving and sweet. Ms. Stein would have been proud of the way this show makes her words sing. ICT should be commended for bringing this challenging show to their audience. I strongly suggest you reward them with a visit to this show which plays through February 13. You too will be rewarded.
Hollywood's Montalban Theatre is now featuring the engaging and thrilling cirque-ish show "Traces." The reference to a cirque-like show is somewhat misleading, because this is a hipper and more engaging show than what has evolved at Cirque du Soleil and its knock-offs. Most of those shows feature rather anonymous performers. By contrast, "Traces" provides the back-story on its 7 extremely talented and interesting performers. As a result, there is more emotional pull here than in the standard cirque show. Very creative, very well constructed, very exciting, "Traces" is very recommended.
