By Shari Barrett
Los Angeles-based Theatre Movement Bazaar is dedicated to developing a unique style of theatre rooted in physical action which merges dance, theatre, music and cinema, heightening physicality to create provocative storytelling. Their latest production at the Odyssey Theatre, Going Mad: Alice in Hollywoodland, was written by Richard Alger and directed by Tina Kronis, co-founders of Theatre Movement Bazaar. Produced by the Odyssey Theatre and Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy, the two-week run at the Odyssey Theatre in West L.A. was made possible by an LA County Creative Recovery LA initiative grant funded by the LA County Board of Supervisors through the American Rescue Plan Act.
Established in 1929, the theater training program at Los Angeles City College is one of the oldest and most respected training programs in the country. It has trained countless numbers of students who have gone on to successful careers in the entertainment industry. The Odyssey has partnered with the Academy since 2008 to offer young theater artists who display exemplary drive and creativity the opportunity to work in a professional theater environment.
Going Mad: Alice in Hollywoodland was inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. Set in a present-day Hollywood TV and film studio, Alice (luminous Norene Flowers) tries to make her dreams come true as a production assistant. But she soon falls into the cruel court of the entertainment industry where everyone is subject to the wayward whims of the studio executive Regina (red dress-clad Victoria Davidoff), including the writing team of Hatter (Adam Lopatka), Mouse (Emma Baker) who speaks up for Women’s Equality in the work place, and Hare (Sam Yang). But why can’t the trio seem to write a new opening scene for Alice? Then there’s bumbling grips Tony Dumm (Manuel Marin) and Tony Dee (Art Sandoval), and Blanche the Diva (white-clad Cara Schell Sandefur), all of whom assist in making the backlot into an enchanted scene of accidental surrealism with circus music often playing in the background as characters rush around.
Scenes move along at a fast pace with the 17 actors giving it their all to entertain the audience with lots of laughter. Well-choreographed dance breaks during set changes make it seem as if everyone is there to not only make a name for themselves but to have fun by holding a Wrap Party even before filming has started! And every so often, a mound of hula hoops spins Alice into yet another level of studio lunacy.
At times the organized pandemonium onstage was a bit confusing, until some wise words of wisdom were shared to bring us back into the writer’s view of what it must be like to work on an out-of-control Hollywood sound stage. And occasionally, Humphry (Tony Gonzalez) pops up to encourage others to join him in Improv games, even though it seemed the entire play really was being done that way!
And as her first day winds down, Alice enjoys an impromptu manicure from Max (Alex Bravo, who also portrays Tuttle Lloyd, Regina’s assistant) who shares his wisdom on how to survive the absolute madness and superficiality around her by reminding Alice, “A little powder, a little paint, makes a woman what she ain’t!” Which makes more sense, perhaps, than Alice’s observation that “if I knew today would be a trainwreck, I would have taken the bus.” Such is life in the crazy world of Hollywood entertainment!
Going Mad: Alice in Hollywoodland performances take place Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. through May 25. Tickets range from $15 to $25. The Odyssey Theatre is located at 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West Los Angeles, 90025. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (310) 477-2055 ext. 2 or visit https://odysseytheatre.com/ And while there, also purchase tickets to the darkly comedic satire Stalin’s Master Class onstage through June 2, featuring incredible performances by 4 amazingly talented actors.
Since its inception, Jazz Hands for Autism has been a beacon of inclusivity and talent, providing a platform for neurodivergent musicians to showcase their skills and creativity. The group will present its 10-year anniversary concert, marking a decade of empowering neurodivergent musicians and challenging industry norms, this Saturday, May 25 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Playa Studios, 11260 Playa Court in Culver City 90230. Tickets are available at https://www.jazzhandsforautism.org/concert
Their 10-year anniversary concert will feature over 15 neurodivergent musicians, presenting a blend of original compositions and covers that showcase their unique talents and perspectives, the 21st in the Jazz Hands for Autism series which continue to break barriers and redefine the music industry landscape. Audiences will experience an unforgettable musical journey that celebrates diversity, creativity, and inclusion.
In addition to the stellar musical performances, the event will also feature the Mayor of Culver City, Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, as a keynote speaker, whose presence underscores the community’s support for initiatives that promote inclusivity and highlight the contributions of neurodivergent individuals.
Manager of Publicity and Community Relations, Folarin Ajileye, expresses his admiration for the growth witnessed over the past decade: “It is amazing to see the growth of our musicians over the course of 10 years. We have expanded our concert experience for our audiences, including live-streaming and stage production, and we are challenging the barriers of diversity within the music industry day-by-day. We hope to continue championing the voices of neurodivergent musicians in Los Angeles & globally.”
Did you know that 1 in 36 Americans, and up to 3% of the world’s population, are on the Autism spectrum, with over 85% unemployed or underemployed? This is why Jazz Hands for Autism exists to break stigmas by empowering neurodivergent creatives, and to create pathways to inclusion through expression, education, and employment in the entertainment industry and beyond. This program is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture. For more information about Jazz Hands for Autism, visit https://www.jazzhandsforautism.org/
