Elaine Mura

Fifteen Men in a Smoke-Filled Room Review – The Reluctant President

November 18, 2019 Elaine Mura 0

In a cunning depiction of Warren G. Harding’s ascent to the presidency of the U.S., talented playwright Colin Speer Crowley has woven history and drama into an intriguing whole. Skillfully directed by Jules Aaron, FIFTEEN […]

The 7 Stages of Grieving Review – Australian Aborigines Cross the Water

November 11, 2019 Elaine Mura 2

The first professional Aboriginal production in Los Angeles, THE 7 STAGES OF GRIEVING tells a story worth hearing for every American. For theirs is a tale of an Aboriginal people’s fight for equality and recognition. […]

Miracle on 34th Street Review – From Radio to Stage for the Holidays

November 11, 2019 Elaine Mura 0

Originally a film released in 1947 starring Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood, and Edmund Gwenn, MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET was subsequently broadcast in 1947 as a Lux radio production by Lance Arthur Smith starring […]

Ravenswood Manor Review – A 12-Episode Camp-Horror-Soap Opera

November 11, 2019 Elaine Mura 0

In an interesting made-for-television format, RAVENSWOOD MANOR is divided into 12 episodes broken down into two episodes/weekend for a six-week run. Each pair of episodes, however, stands alone – with a brief summary of what […]

Night of the Living Dead Review – A Classic Film Comes to the Stage

October 29, 2019 Elaine Mura 0

Adapted for the stage by Gus Krieger, George A. Romero’s 1968 film, “Night of the Living Dead” is just in time for a spooky Halloween treat. Directed by Drina Durazo, the original zombie movie brings […]

The New One Review – A Reluctant Dad

October 28, 2019 Elaine Mura 0

Stand-up comedian Mike Birbiglia weaves the personal into his yarns as he tells the story of his somewhat reluctant fatherhood with all its crises and rewards. Written by Mike Birbiglia (with additional writing by Jennifer […]

Neil Simon’s Musical Fools Review – A Ridiculously Clever Musical

October 21, 2019 Elaine Mura 0

When Neil Simon wrote “Fools,” he allegedly tried to create a play which would be a sure flop on Broadway because, in a divorce agreement with his ex-wife, he promised her all the profits from […]

Between Riverside and Crazy Review – Not So Far After All

October 20, 2019 Elaine Mura 0

The Pulitzer Prize committee called BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY “a nuanced, beautifully written play about a retired police officer faced with eviction that uses dark comedy to confront questions of life and death.” After such […]

In Trousers Review – A Matter of Nature

October 19, 2019 Elaine Mura 0

When playwright William Finn wrote IN TROUSERS, premiering off-Broadway in 1979, he began the opening chapter of the “Marvin Trilogy” – later revised and rewritten with collaborator James Lapine into “The March of the Falsettos” […]

The Abuelas Review – The Meaning of Identity

October 16, 2019 Elaine Mura 0

In a riveting companion piece to last year’s successful “The Madres,” playwright Stephanie Alison Walker follows up with THE ABUELAS. For years, billboards across Argentina have carried the message: “If you have doubts about your […]