Go See Bent! (LAArtsOnline.com)

^{Bent runs through August 23rd at the Mark Taper Forum}
GO SEE BENT!

By Ken Werther
Graphics Courtesy of Center Theatre Group

Since its London premiere in 1979, the play Bent by Martin Sherman has been described with words like, “powerful,” “thought-provoking,” and “a theatre classic.” The Guardian of London called Bent, “A work of considerable dignity and passion,” and The New York Times said, “it should not be missed.”

Sherman’s profound love story illuminates the deepest, darkest moments of one man’s fight to survive gay persecution in 1930s Germany immediately following Night of the Long Knives (a purge that took place in Germany from June 30 to July 2, 1934 when the Nazi regime carried out a series of political murders). The title of the play refers to the slang word used in some European countries when referring to homosexuals. When Bent was first performed, there was only a trickle of historical research or even awareness about the Nazi persecution of homosexuals. Many believe the play helped increase that historical research and education in the 1980s and 1990s.

This is not a happy play, but it is a decidedly important one. I saw Bent on Broadway in 1980 when I was 25 years old. Its stark images have never left my consciousness. Now, in the first major U.S. revival since then, the Mark Taper Forum is presenting this startling play that illustrates how love can transcend persecution no matter what the cost.

Cheers to 23! (LAArtsOnline.com)

^{23rd Annual Young Playwrights Festival at The Blank Theatre. Photo Courtesy of The Blank Theatre}

Cheers to 23!

By Ken Werther

Now celebrating its 23rd Anniversary, The Blank Theatre’s Young Playwrights Festival will present 12 plays by young playwrights aged 12—19 from seven different states at the Stella Adler Theatre in Hollywood June 4—28. This is a truly remarkable event that throughout its history has produced 260 plays by young playwrights.

Noah Wyle, Artistic Producer at The Blank, says, “The Blank finds the freshest, most original voices in the American theatre, invites them to Los Angeles, and promotes their work during our month-long festival. These thought-provoking works, performed and directed by seasoned professionals, have entertained thousands of audience members over the years. While these authors are often as different as the states from which they come and the subjects with which they deal, they share something truly improbable. They’re teenagers.” Wyle continued, “They are the voices of today’s theatre — and of tomorrow’s as well.”

Many of the plays presented in the Festival have been nominated for multiple LA theatre awards and several alumni playwrights are populating the nation’s theatres and sound stages with their work. Many winners have gone on to successful writing careers and one has even been a Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. I cannot urge you strongly enough to check out this year’s YPF!

For all the details on The Blank Theatre’s Young Playwrights Festival, click here.

Tragic Love! (LAArtsOnline.com)

^{The Phantom of the Opera (starring Cooper Grodin and Julia Udine) runs June 11–August 2 at the Pantages Theatre (Photo: Matthew Murphy)}

Tragic Love!

By Ken Werther

The Phantom of the Opera began its life in London in 1986 and is currently in its history-making 29th year. Opening in New York in 1988, it has become the longest running musical in Broadway history with 11,375 performances and counting. Phantom has been the Broadway musical against which all others are measured.

The Phantom of the Opera is a timeless story about undeniable obsession that could never die. Far beneath the majesty and splendor of the Paris Opera House hides the Phantom. Shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all, the love he holds for the beautiful Christine Daaé is so strong that ultimately even her heart cannot resist. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s mesmerizing score, Harold Prince’s now legendary direction, jaw-dropping scenery, and breathtaking special effects magically combine to bring this tragic love story to life.

Opening in Los Angeles in 1989, The Phantom of the Opera played at the Ahmanson Theatre for four-and-a-half years. It has since returned to LA multiple times at both the Ahmanson and Pantages Theatres, and this time around the show will also be making a stop at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa in August. It is estimated that Phantom has been seen by more than 140 million people. Wherever you are, the Phantom awaits!

For tickets at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood (June 11-Aug 2), click here. For tickets at Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa (August 5-16), click here.