We Get Letters





I had the pleasure of seeing this play (The Nun and the Countess)
on opening night and WOW!what a great Show!! I was especially
struck by the performance of Luis de Amechazurra who I believe really stole the show with his performance! I am sure we will see this guyworking in Hollywood on the big screen soon and in plays for a long time to come! -- Mike Estey

Thanks, Jose for your insightful and knowledgeable review of

THE DEAD EYE BOY.

I appreciate your support of our work and our creating this

kind of vibrant theatre in Los Angeles.

I hope you can continue to spread the word about the show.

Best.


Anthony Meindl

(Director)

If you want a laugh a minute, go see 'IS IT HOT IN HERE OR IS IT ME" at the Egyptian Arena Theatre in Hollywood. Dee Wallace Stone (as you've never seen her before) is hilarious as a woman going through the bumpy ride of menopause, taking her bewildered husband (Ruben Garfias is delightful!) and anyone else in her life, along with her. The talented ensemble cast couldn't be better in their variety of roles each actor portrayed. Cleverly directed, the production moved from vignette to vignette with an almost seamless flow. Don't miss this show!
~ Cynthia Cynko

"Is It Hot In Here" - Or is it Me" was marvelous. I enjoyed it so very, very much. It was so entertaining, humorous, informative, interesting, and I could not believe that we were there over two hours. The time just flew. The fact that many of the actors and actresses had more than one part, used more than one accent and did such a wonderful job amazed me, they were all excellent, and perfect for each part.

The story brought out much about menopause and mid-life crisis for both people, and showed how they lived through it and what was important in the end....

I have nothing but great comments for this play, IT WAS EXCELLENT and the director (and all of the rest of the cast) DID A FANTASTIC JOB.

Toni Shustak

Why don't you wacky guys submit the current review of A CLOCKWORK ORANGE to a high school English teacher for an evaluation of the reviewer's understanding of the material? Really, honestly, whoever this guy is, wherever he comes from, he most certainly is not up to reviewing on a professional level. "After a few setbacks and some follow-up treatment, the audience learns that the so called treatment didn't really work and Alex is back to his old self. However, one gets the hint that he was never really "cured" but faked the results to get out of jail, and now that he's free again, he's eager to rape, pillage, traumatize and inflict suffering for the sheer joy of it." Huh? How about THIS interpretation instead? The shock and trauma of Alex's failed suicide attempt neutralizes the Ludovico Treatment's effects, thus curing him of the cure. The implications, of course, are deeply Freudian - the primal self is, ultimately, indelible and must be understood rather than conquered. Also, I stongly advise the reviewer to spend less time admiring Christina DeRosa's "cheekiness" and more time getting the characters straight. For future reference, programs generally are quite useful for telling actors apart (Deltoid and Em were clearly mistaken for other characters). Have fun, you silly people.

Brad Mays Director, Anthony Burgess' A CLOCKWORK ORANGE 2003

Hi- I just wanted to thank you for such a glowing review. (Lear's Daughters) Though, I'm not actually sure who the reviewer was. Whoever you are, mystery reviewer, you made me (and my mother) extraordinarily proud. Thanks again.-

Beth Fisher (The Fool) 9-2-03

Jose,

Thank you so much for such a great review! (Crimes of the Heart) I appreciate you coming out to see our show. I wanted to get back to you sooner, but I went to NY right after the play closed and I just got back yesterday.

I hope all is well with you and I'll let you know when we are doing another play.

Sincerely,

Véronique Ory
Actor/Producer (Aug -2003)

Dear Jose :

Thank you for your insightful, generous and passionate critique of our show. (ZHX Soundscape)

In Chicago, small theater would scarcely exist but for Richard Christiansen, the Tribune critic who sought out art beyond the Broadway show shops and wound up discovering the Steppenwolf and birthing a theater community. It means a great deal to me that you wrote what you wrote. I remember just before the show, you cocked an eyebrow, warning me about trusting the audience to pay for tickets. Perhaps if there were a chance that we'd make any money or that one of us would be whisked off to stardom, I might have been more concerned. But what's important to me is that people show up, that we start to build a community of theatergoers, like the old second city. Your presence and review go a long way to making that happen.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Rob Adler
ZHX SOUNDSCAPE/HOTHOUSE STC (8-6-03)

Hi Jose, I was checking out your website. It's really comprehensive. I'm going to see the Woman of Independent Means this weekend. You inspired me.

Magdalena Morales

I felt compelled, for some reason to reply to your recent review of The Fantasticks at The West End Theatre. Although not having seen this production, it is one of my very favorite musicals and one I do not tire of.
Although you and I do not see eye to eye on the "Rape" song (it doesn't bother me in the least) I understand stand it to be just how it is meant. Although there are many people that (understandably so) do feel the way that you do and were scared away by the word Rape. I thought you might be intrigued to know that the show was actually given a second choice. For those theatre's not wanting to offend, there is a "stunt song" shall we say, to replace the Rape song. The alternate song fits well and I have seen it used in some theatre's. When Robert Goulet starred in a road company of it three or four years ago, the Rape Ballet was changed to the alternate song, The Abduction. I also think they used that song in the hideous movie made of The Fantasticks a few years back. So it is really up to each individual production of which song they would like to use. I have been in several productions of this show and one of the productions opted to use The Abduction instead.
I just thought you might be interested in that little piece of information.

Thanks,
Hope Kaufman

. . . thank you so much. I wish I had a chance to talk to you afterwards. I just have to say one thing, the show you came to has been the only one that we did not like, did not enjoy. I'll talk to you about it when/if we have a chance. It is indeed an interesting phenomenon in a theatre, related to the auditorium, or the audience rather.
      Thank you again for this very sensitive review (PROPS). It touched our hearts. You are great . . .

      Best,
      Anahid (6/24/03)

Pity that you completely missed the point and unfortunate that you so brazenly display the fact! (Dame Edna)
Brian Benjamin (6-17-03)

Wonderful review (Jewtopia) and Mazol Tov. Hope to see you soon.

Marshall and Becky Fogel. (5-31-03)


Whoever reviewed L'chaim is dumb.
Dorn, Charles - 5-31-03

Just read your review of Road, the Wolfpack Productions presentation. I saw this a couple of months ago – actually saw it twice, as the cast changed roles on alternate nights. A very interesting turn, I thought – it was like seeing two different plays. I thought it was a commendable effort – a bit hard to get into at first, with the off-putting accents and strangeness… but it turned out to be moving and funny. And seeing it twice served to highlight the talents of its young and hardworking cast.
Lighten up!

Kim Cavendish (5.10.03)

I don't know your name, or how to address you, but GOD BLESS YOU for the kind words you've had to say on my behalf for this review. ("Abraham Lincoln in Two Miles a Penny") Of course, an actor/writer always considers the favorable mentions as brilliant, inspired, and insightful, while every criticism is simply born of idiocy. I read them all, and am impacted by them all - it's the only fair way. I spent a couple of years researching, writing, rehearsing, distilling the vast information available on this man, and genuinely came to appreciate his contribution to America... indeed, mankind.

A project of this nature has to be its own reward (nobody is going to cast me on an episode of "Friends" as a result.) I can not tell you how pleased I was to read "...doesn't play... he IS..." and "...it takes another actor to bring him back to life". Thank you very much, for being there and for your generous support.

Warm regards,
Ed Trotta (May 3, 2003)

Excuse me i would just like to briefly point out that some of the information you have posted of a review on the play 'Road' was wrong. im from london and would just like to say the definition of a slag is not a hooker, a slag does not sell herself for money, she is just a bit loose, shes been around a bit and has no sexual morals. a slag is not a profession its a type of person.. you know, like a bimbo is not a profession, its a way of describing someone! thanks, its just that it really anoys me when people get stuff wrong like that.

16, London

P.S - for my A Levels we just performed a production of Road and it was not boring at all, a complete success, you should come down to London and we'll show you what real theatre is all about.

(May 1, 2003)

Where in the play or on stage made the critic assume that it took place in Cuba? (Cutting Open Wings) Members of the cast include Dominicans and Venezuelans who were not trying to sound like Cubans. They were speaking they way their parents taught them to. And for the record, I don't you'll find many cacti or Chihuahas in Havana, Santo Domingo, or Caracas. But you will find a lot of people who do drop their esses.

Steve Willoy (4/28/03)

Jose:

Thanks so much for the great review! (18 Mountain Mighty Warriors). We will use it in future publicity packets! We're glad you enjoyed the show. Thanks again!

Michael Hornbuckle (4/7/03)

Jose,
I just wanted to thank you for attending and reviewing DOGS BARKING. it means a lot to us that our first production was reviewed by your company.
Thanks for supporting quality theatre in LA, in which MetaTheatre is excited to be a part. Best! Anthony Meindl (director - March 2003)

I saw the show (These are the Good Old Days ) and I have to take exception regarding the writer's contention that some of the material is derogatory. The song "Yiddische Mama" was a tribute to the performers' mothers and grandmothers. It is a classic Yiddish song featuring photos of Ms. Page and Ms. Gibbs own relatives. There is nothing demeaning about the way it is presented or how it is performed. Just because something is ethnic does not automatically translate into "derogatory." Everyone has their own threshold of taste, but I find the comment regarding this piece of material totally off base.

By the way, the show is great fun. I see the run was extended. So go already!!!!

Sandra Lione
Feb 17, 2003

I want to thank you for mentioning Patricia Fraser's performance in The Madness of Esme and Shaz at Celebration Theatre. I was one of the 6 actresses in that show, and I am in total agreement with you, AND she was a joy to work with. With that huge role, she was off book for every scene before we started work, and I had tremendous fun on stage with her. Her grace, humor and zip created a heart for the play.

Thank you for recognizing her stellar turn.

Kara Russell

To whom it may concern

What a great web site!! It is terrific that there is one place to check on all the theatre activity and get the opinions on what is going on. Thank you and keep it going.

I would like to say too, thank you to whom ever wrote the review of "Busted Jesus Comix" at the Moving Arts Theatre. I'm the crazy Psychiatrist played by Frank Timothy Elliott.

I would like to suggest, if I may, that in the future you take the spelling of the names that appear in your review from the spelling in the program and trust that the producers got it right or as least leave the responsibility up to them. With names it's so easy to get it wrong because there is always more than one way to spell a name, like Eliot, or Elliot or Eliott or Elliott. It seems silly but names are so personal that it's a touchy situation sometimes.

I think your review was terrific and again I say thank you.

Frank Timothy Elliott

I've seen the show (one Night Only) more than once. Each time was better than the one before. The music was fantastic. It was the 1960's again. I loved it.

I want to see more.

T ROSS (10/9/02)

Thank you so much for your heartfelt review of my show, "Home Sweet Hell".

That my show meant something to you comes through loud and clear. The response I've gotten from people who've had a very powerful experience has been overwhelming to me. As mentioned in my notes in the program, my intention with this show was not necessarily to dazzle or entertain but to construct a bridge between myself and the audience. To make a profound connection with another human being. In the case of your reviewer (Nalea J. Ko), I seem to have succeeded. For that I am humbly grateful.

Thank you for sharing this experience with me.

David Rutter - 5/23/02

Wondering who wrote the review? Don't see a name anywhere. (ElectroPuss) Note that the show was not billed as a "comedy" but rather a "comedy/nightmare," and in that spirit I am quite relieved that you did not find the main character getting smacked across the face funny.
And I am even more relieved that you did not find the scene of Carol upside down in her underwear
(directors choice, not the playwright) funny. These scenes were intended to be dark, disturbing, brutal and sad.
The play mixes genres and moods; it play was never intended as any kind of light comedy, and I am
pleased to hear that you did not find it so, but disappointed to see that you did not investigate past the word "comedy" in the poster/program description & that you let that one word guide your reactions to the play so much. Sincerely, Trista Baldwin (4/10/02)

Dear Reviewplays.com;

We saw The Masterpiece at Zombie Joe's Underground this weekend and
thought that it was very disturbing. The players were very talented. We left
the theatre not knowing what to think. Once we arrived home we talked about
it all night long. The visions created left an unforgettable image pressed
in our minds. (I haven't decided if that's good or bad yet) We thought that
the actors were so believable in such an unbelievable little show. Josh T.
Ryan as the main character was so intense that it was borderline frightening
and there were surprises around every corner. Thank you for the tip on an
unseal evening.

-Charlie Mahan
West Hollywood (3/25/02)

Dear folks

I had the good fortune to view the production (Bradbury X 2) at Theatre West on their opening weekend and was impressed with the entire presentation. The Acting, directing, Set, costume and lighting design, all were truly impressive. I was therefore suprised when I read your review and the actors were (in the 2nd play) were not given proper recognition. The actor who played the barber you didn't even mention his name
in the "others in the cast" list. Each one of those performers were wonderful with excellent renderings of their roles and just to listed as part of the company seemed a bit unfair. Especially the role of the rooming house matron, Seemah Wilder. She was so real!!! and Tho you did mention David Brandt in the first Bradbury play (rightly so) but he was so special as the barber, his performance should have been NOTICED!!

Thanks for reading. and thanks for giving this Theatre and Mr. Bradbury the attention they so richly deserve.

Sincerely - Lee Meriwether (3/12/02)

An engaging, first rate play, (it's Just Sex) complimented by a first rate performances from the cast. Hard to believe the show isn't running in a larger theater. It was a sell out the night I saw the play. Well worth the parking fine I paid to see the show.
5 stars.

Keith Howard. (3/08/02)

My girlfriend and I went to see this show opening night, after we saw it on this site.

We thought it was pure genius. (Sketches from the Underground)

Thank you,

Sherry Stern (09/10/01)

I have a question for you. (about Lava/Breath)

If you didn't get a piece of theatre and it didn't speak to you, why not say that? Why call it "art" and elevate it above you and your understanding if you, the audience member, didn't get anything from it?

I have been guilty of both "emperor" approaches depending on my expectations going in and my knowledge of the artists and the playwright. If I know a lot about the playwright or what the director was trying to do, then I find myself to be more forgiving to work that is imperfect and sometimes wouldn't have done anything for me if I was "Joe Blow" walking in off the street. And yes, not everyone is going to like a play, it wouldn't be exciting if it was safe, but if you didn't get it, I would assume to say so!

If you were ignorant of Foreman's work, learn something about him , or have the courage to say that you have never seen it before and review the play as Joe Blow.

Other reviews I have read speak highly and at length about Foreman. It tells me that they went to the play expecting to see something specific and therefore that review speaks to those people who like absurdist theatre or maybe were afraid of seeing Lava for fear of "bad Foreman." I don't like to see bad Moliere.

I thought this review should have been for those that have not seen Foreman's work in the past and perhaps you could have been more straightforward in saying, "I didn't really get it. I did nothing for me." Taking the "Well, the play could be taken this way or that." was a weak way of saying I didn't get it and doesn't make me want to see it. I know that no one likes to get a bad review and a reviewer doesn't like to have it said that he or she just doesn't understand, but I feel that there is a responsibility to the "Joe Blows" in the world to tell them how they would see the play without prior schooling.

I do not work with Sons of Semele, nor have I seen Lava/Breath or any other of their plays. I went to school with a few company members years ago. I also do not want this email to be taken in a bad light, as an insult, or as any kind of slander. I just thought that I might say something for theatre that is evocative but not exclusive to all people.

Thanks for your time

Rene Gallo (9/10/01_

Jose,
     What a wonderfully insightful review of LAVA and BREATH!  Again, 
thanks for attending the performance.  We'll keep you informed on future
productions.

Sincerely,
Matthew McCray (publicist) 8/26/01

We would like to offer our praise to this site. Awhile back we discovered that you had found Zombie Joe's Underground. Ever since we have been keeping a close eye on your reviews and feel that you have
caught the fever that we have had for years.

Talk about the best kept secret in town. These guys are it!
So, as we were combing the site this morning for fun, we saw that the infamous Sketches from the underground is BACK! ZJU must be slow on the mailers, for we haven't received our flyer as of yet.
But we are so excited that this show has come back. It is intense and so absurd, and probablly the most memorable and entertaining show this group does.

To see the infamous Josh T. Ryan and Zombie Joe together again on stage is a treat you don't want to miss. These guys are merciless, fearless, and relentless. They are insanely good! Ryan used to bash T.V's years ago, and they were on! We first saw them in 93 I think it was, in a warehouse off Parthenia. It was the scariest theatre exprience we ever had, and the play hadn't even started yet. But a sheer delight. Thank you for giving them the type of press they need. My wife and I only wish, others would jump on the band wagon! Maybe with their trade mark show you will see what I am attempting to articulate. Usually when they do this show, its impossible to find a seat.

We wish you and ZJU the best of luck. We can't wait to see these guys in action in their true form.

Thanks again

Terry & Melissa Jackson 08/22/01

NO WAY!!! This site is too cool. I was just messing around here at work an wa-la, I found you guys. So I start clicking around for the hell of it, and I can't believe my eyes. HOLLY SH**, Let me explain, In 1997 I saw a show that totally blew my mind. It was such a trip. These two guys were really out there. So I stayed after to just get their story, and they were just simply wierd. So I started checking them out when I could with my friends. We would go check out their shows and stuff. And the little guy we would look for his name in other shows around town and go check him out as well. Well, the show was SKETCHES FROM THE UNDERGROUND: . It was these three guys doin all this crazy stuff, and the one guy was shaving the other guy's head while he was doing a chekov monologue. I didn't even know who Chekov was till then. LOL. Needless to say, I went back a few times that year to check out some other shows. I saw this one called, Blood of Macbeth, directed by Josh T. Ryan and Zombie Joe, and let me tell you man, if was frickin wierd. After talking with other audience memebers at this wierd after party, supposedly they had mixed all these styles together. All I know is that it was really cool, the had 8mm film going and alot of violence and things that made us laugh. Then we caught this one called 818, which was my favorite. It had all this hip hop music and video, and that smaller guy, Josh, played a wannabe black guy, spitting image of about everyone I know in the valley. Very cool and full on hilarious. I just had to write your site when I saw there was a space to do it. You gotta see these guys. Josh T. Ryan is vicious. I have seen him around doing shakespeare at other spots, talk about a stage presence. That cat is crazy. Definately best to catch him at Zombie's where he is unleashed. And the way him and that Zombie Joe guy act together is so funny, even though I don't get have of the stuff they do. I was reading that Zombie doesn't act much anymore, you got to see him with the Josh guy, funny stuff. I heard they have been acting together since high school. Man I didn't know they were still alive, I thought for sure they would be dead by now. When I saw them the first time that guy Josh pulled a gun on me in the show, told me to give him my wallet, I nearly pissed my pants!! The gun was REAL! So I did! It was THE BEST TIME I HAVE EVER HAD at something like that, and it really opened my friends and I up to something like going to plays! Well, hey I am not really into theatre, but I gotta tell you, and I am sure you people at this site already know if you have seen these two in action, its such a blast, these guys are really different and just cool. I am glad to see they are still doing stuff for the people who aren't really into plays, like me and my friends. We will definately try to take a group to see it. Now that we know they are back around. I am surprised. Now that I know they are alive I wonder why that guy Josh or Zombie aren't in f ***** the movies and s***. KEEP up the good work...cool site... later

Mike Northridge, CA

Thank you for the favorable review of The Dead Boy. We all worked very hard to make this play work. Thank you for supporting the theatre in LA. I only wish there were more people like you. I've attached a head shot and not-so-serious Bio for consideration for your website. Thank so much.

Derek Sitter (8/14/01)

Dear Reviewplays.com:
: Just wanted to say "thanks!" for the terrific notice I received in your recent review of "These Days" at the Next Stage. I know I speak for the entire cast and production staff when I say we appreciated your taking the time to seek us out and post an intelligent, thoughtful review of the show. Secondly, I wanted to invite you to a new show in which I'm involved at Company of Angels in Silverlake. It's called "Table Dance," and it's an evening of five one-acts. We opened on June 29th and run through August 18th, with performances on Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. The production features: * "Trampy, Tattooed Waitresses" by Dean Farell Bruggeman Directed by Erik Hanchey Featuring Tim Kitchens, Nicole Krauter & Bonnie Leigh * "A Decent Proposal" by John Dubiel Directed by Belle Bridges Featuring Lisa Balaban & Pete Punito * "Surprise" by Mark Harvey Levine Directed by Adrian A. Cruz Featuring Becky Meister, Virginia Schneider & Russell Towne * "Prior Self" by Leigh Fortson Directed by Sheila Sawney Featuring Erik Hanchey & Joyce Matlock * "Heart on a Sleeve" by John Dubiel Directed by John Dubiel Featuring Jennifer Haft & Jon Malmed Company of Angels is located at 2106 Hyperion Avenue in Silverlake; the cross street is Lyric. Gated parking is available.; Hope you can make it! And thanks again for supporting L.A. theatre by maintaining such a terrific website!; Dean Farell (7/17/01); Hi!
I'm the director of ALFRED STIEGLITZ LOVES O'KEEFFE and just wanted to say
thank you for such a well-written and intelligent review. How did you know
about the play? We hope to move it into L.A. proper soon and would love for
you to come back when that happens. We would have extended at the Fremont but
it wasn't possible with their current schedule. We loved playing there. Now that I know about; your website I plan on visiting it often to see what's happening in L.A. theatrte.

Thanks again.
Mary-Pat Green (6/26/01)

This play (Don Mendo's Revenge) was terrific! I especially liked Ernesto Miyares, he is a great actor. Thanks for such a wonderful play.
Susan Artigas
from Miami

(5/16/01)

Hi, Jose!: Thanks so much for the GREAT review of "Honkies With Attitude." It's rare and wonderful when a critic really gets the kind of darkly funny and disturbing stuff we do at Moving Arts.
Thanks again! - Julie Briggs, Moving Arts (5/08/01)
To Whom It May Concern --
Thanks so much for the thoughtful review of "Honkies With Attitude."
It's apparent your writer watched and analyzed the show very carefully,
regardless of any criticism, positive or otherwise. Regards,
Darrell Kunitomi Director, Moving Arts (5/07/01)
I saw this production (Don Mendo's Revenge) on opening night of the English at the Los Angeles Theater Center. I think the show is very good and well put together. The director did a very nice job with the actors movements and dance sequences.
The whole picture is very entertaining, funny and fun. The director, Agustin Coppola seems to have a very good grasp of the classic Spanish 15th and 16th century theater. The audience all enjoyed the show very much as they all laughed hysterically. At the end of the show everyone stood up to clap for the fine performances. A few of my favorite performances were from (Mendo) played by Ernesto Miyares. He did a fabulous job. (Ali) played by Kiko Mahetcha. His interpretation of a 15th century gypsy took you back in time to that period and it was a very strong performance. ( Magdalena) played by Paola Botempi was a regular 16th century spoiled girl, played very well by this actress. (Bentoldino) the town squire who sings at the beginning of the show did a beautiful job setting the pace. (Pero) played by Ray Michaels Quiroga gave a strong, captivating and astonishing performance. (Moncada)played by Ray Lopez was very funny and enjoyable. (Nunio) played by Antonio Nesme was very credible and very entertaining. The show is a must see for everyone. I will personally invite all my friends to come see this and have as good a time as I did. My congratulations to this cast and this director for their fine work. Oh, I understand this was the first time this play was written in English and translated by Margarita Lamas who also played the role of (Ramirez). The translation was very well done and easily followed. Kenneth Shelly Director/Producer Sunshine Independent Films

The play I saw of Don Mendo's Revenge in Los Angeles was very entertaining.

The over all show was very funny and well put together. I saw this production in Spain several times and this one in Los Angeles was in every way just as good or even better. Now specifically on characters, Don Meno, Pero, Ali, Moncada and Nunio gave superb! performances. Don Nunio and Don Pero did a very nice job changing their character moods and colors from serious anger and pain to funny comedy moods. Ali made a great gypsy. Moncada did a nice job with this role and Mendo was very entertaining. The guards need to learn how to keep up with the rest of the cast. The king, Queen tried, but didn't quite make it to the level of the first five I mentioned. The lady who played Magdalena's guardian was not quite ready to go on stage for this performance.

She stumbled a few times on her lines and character. Magdalena was ok,
but needs to also come up to the level of the stronger actors. Azofaifa and
the dance maidens were very funny and did a very good job. The direction of
the play was very well put together, but I think the director could have
brought the weaker actors to the level of the stronger ones with a bit more
work and tune fining. Over all the performance was very enjoyable and I
recommend it to everyone.

Brad Glaser -
Casting Director click here for next comment on this play.

(5/4/01)

Jose:

Thank you for your kind review of our production, LOVES & LOSSES.
We really appreciate it.  Thanks for starting your website, too!  It's
great to have a site devoted to live theater in Los Angeles.

Best regards,

Mark (Levine) (5/03/01)

I also saw this show (Don Mendo's Revenge) on opening night Spanish. I too thought the show was excellent. The sets, the lights and the costumes were fabulous. In the acting side I thought Paola and Ernesto were very good, but so was the rest of the cast. I think the guy who played Don Pero, Ray Michales Quiroga was extremely funny and did and brilliant acting job. The fights and deaths were also very good and Ray Micheals Quiroga directed those. Kiko who played the gypsy was very good and also funny. I think this play was up there in the high quality of shows being performed at the moment and they should all be recognized for it.

Alicia Glaser - Actress / Director (4/30/01)

We saw the play (The Box) and loved its originality. Elaine Cole (4/27/01)

It was great to see your site review the infamous and wonderful ZOMBIE JOE'S UNDERGROUND THEATRE GROUP. My husband and I have been following this theatre group for the past decade and love to see that the papers and reviewers have finally recognized this gem of a place. Founder Zombie Joe and partner
Josh T. Ryan are literally the most creative people we have ever watched. We have seen them act and direct and are always quite pleased with the shows they put on. To watch these two men in particular has been quite amazing.

Their show Sketches that they have performed 7 different times throughout the last ten years is out of this world. A rare treat to see the two on stage together. Zombie Joe's last direction of Notes From the Underground was intense and electrifying and Josh T. Ryan's direction of OTHELLO was a roller coaster ride of fun. But they are both even more fascinating on the stage. We stumbled on the group back in 92' in a little warehouse in a bad neighbor hood and have been on their mailing list ever since. We go see
a lot of shows at the Cornet and the Mark Taper, and I have to say for such a small "underground" type of experience these guys have "it" and grow with every show. Why they aren't completely famous by now, we'll never know, but are glad that they are our little artsy find. We hope more people will discover these true talents. They do have a wonderful little fan base but deserve the attention they have been receiving as of late due to their new No Ho Arts District Location on Lankershim. We saw Deathwatch opening night and were very surprised. The actors were very professional and moving.

Lenny Sans was great, David Blanchard was more than deserving of his wonderful review in Backstage West, and Josh T. Ryan as usual is always amazing (someone needs to put that guy on the screen- he has the next big thing for over ten years). It was also a whole new experience at the underground for US. They are always changing styles and for my husband and I, who both are college grads, it is always a pleasure to catch a glimpse of theatre history and theatre theory jam packed into an hour of raw entertainment. It was a mind blowing night of theatre as usual at ZJU. Giving us an affordable night out that is always well worth the low ticket price, unlike the previous venues mentioned where it is always a hit or miss and a dent in our budget.

Please keep up your fantastic support of this great venue and much luck to your fabulous site. To all those who have not experienced a ZJU production, we highly recommend you treat yourself.

Sincerly

A Happy Artsy Couple in the No Ho Arts District

Melissa & Terry Jackson

(2/23/01)

Thank you, kind sir, for your wonderful and precise words for our DEATHWATCH. This is an excellent theatrical site, and you are always welcome to join us as our guest...VOICES, a highly original and ambitious progressive movement/viewpoints and vocal experiment in our space, opens March 16.

Your humble servant-

Zombie Joe, proprietor. (ZJU Underground Theatre)

Thank you for the nice review (of Margarita on the Rocks) and you will be in our regular press releases just electronically - how pleasant.

Judi O'Neil

Creative Center (02/19/01)

Dear All, Someone just turned me on to your website today because you reviewed a sketch comedy show (Why Are You Crying?) I directed last fall for the Search Party at the Sidewalk Studio. I am now appearing as an actor in the drama Deathwatch, at Zombie Joe's Underground (the ZJU Theatre Group) in N. Hollywood, which I noticed was listed in your "Coming Soon" section. Hope one of you can make it out to the show. BTW, I don't know who reviewed the sketch show, but thanks for the great review. I'm telling my friends about reviewplays.com. Thanks, Lenny Sans
(02/13/01)

Jose,

Thank you so much for your kind words - not only in this email, but in the fantastic review. You'll be shocked to find that the other two reviewers were in the audience the same night you attended!

Can you believe that? Based on subsequent reviews, and the things the audiences are saying, I know that this is an excellent show, one we'll try to mount again in another space in the future.

Despite the fact that the other reviewers didn't really "get it", I was pleased to know that YOU did (you and another hundred or so people, over the course of the weekend). I will keep you posted on my various theatrical adventures - and wish you continued success with your great website!

Best Wishes,

Bonnie Gillespie
The Female Perspective
12/18/00


Dear no name reviewers, Please credit yourselves in your reviews, so that I can lavish you personally with gratitude, with praise to the work you are doing,

janedoe (11/1/00)

I thought your review (of the Wismann Sisters) was very astute. You were genuine and not overly kind, but I felt a sincerity, from you, about the girls talent, ability and the overall performance. Of course I thought the girls were amazing, and that they were gorgeous. The sultry voice of Rebecca's (as you put it), was a great description of how she worked the cabaret lounge (in her slow ballads). The fact that you said Christin's rendition of "Peel Me A Grape" was excellent, even though it was difficult for you to compare it to a sexy mature woman's delivery (Diana Krall's I believe you noted). I thought it incredible that she is only sixteen and was still able to pull it off.

Your perception to their individuality, versatility, and yet their close harmonies, voice blend, and inventive arrangement shows that you are a very quick study. Your overall review was accurate, without pulling any punches. I must warn the public, "Do not ask for a review from Reviewplays.com, unless you can handle the truth.

Thank you for your candor.

(unsigned - October 10, 2000)

Just read the review. You're very generous and I love what you wrote. THANK YOU!!!! My girlfriend, Susanne Stoeckeler, who is an editor by trade and one of the performers (the one from the Catskills), said some very complimentary things about your writing. I personally liked the humor you injected into your review.


Our next show will be in October. The Center has two more weekends of their play. I will email the dates early this week. Glad you and your friend enjoyed the show. And, thanks for putting up the photos and the review so quickly. Have a great week and I'll be in touch.
Tim Simek ;-): (Director - Founder - Slow. . .Children at Play)
(09-15/00)

I/we absolutely love your web site. We enjoy plays, especially musicals. Maybe you could find out if a play we saw some years ago will be coming to town. Or as a possible revival. The play is called, "Marching Falsettos". We saw this play its last closing night. And we were so sorry we didn't see it a little sooner.

I also enjoy reading interviews with the actors in any given play. Would it be possible for you to include interviews? John Raitt is still alive and well and it would be wonderful to find out the inner workings of Pajama Game, the play, and his motivations of the character.

Once again, we thank you for this web site. In spite of what is said about Los Angeles not being a "PLAY" kinda town, we do enjoy plays.

Catherine Arbuthnott-Andersen

(08/22/00)

"First, thank you to the critic who took time out of their evening to attend "Cockroach Nation." It is often so hard to get reviewers from most publications or services to see the theatrical works presented in L.A., especially opening weekend.

Second, thank you to the critic for the wonderful featured review. The cast, crew and production team put an immense amount of hours to present the show that was witnessed. As far as I'm concerned, this reviewer got exactly what I was after, along with the playwright.

Thank you for making our day."
Mark Kinsey Stephenson (Director 8-8-00)

Dear Jose, I just checked out the site, and of course, my review. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Netiquette says you should never do all caps because it makes the recipient think you're yelling. Well, I am yelling:)
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really appreciate that you took the time to attend; that you are including the review is fantastic; and, that it is so positive, is a dream come true for me and I'm sure will really help me with audience-building, my career, and, well, to be honest, my sense of self as a performer. It takes a lot of sweat, tears and $ to mount that show. Your review was a tremendous validation. Thank you also for saying such nice things about the CD.
Aren't my players great!? They are such pros. I will share the good words with them. Thank you for that too. Thanks again and again, Jose, Be well, Rebecca Varon (08/15/00)
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