Swink’s Got the Blues as Andak’s Last Stand Begins

by Steve Julian on February 16, 2013 in LA Stage Times, Write with No comments

Annie Matthews, Tro Shaw, Kitty Swink, Kaylee Bouwens and Liza de Weerd in “Ladyhouse Blues” at Andak Stage Company

This is likely the final season for Andak Stage Company, founded in North Hollywood in 2004 by Dakin Matthews and Anne McNaughton. Matthews says his steady work in New York has prompted the couple to become physically and financially bi-coastal, so he hopes to find someone to take over the 35-seat space.

“I’m still here for the next six or seven months,” Matthews says. “I’ve got a couple of plays that I’ve agreed to do [as an actor, including The Nether at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in March and April], but I would like to find someone to sell my equipment to. I’m sure the landlord would like that as well.”

Andak (a combined form of Anne and Dakin) has not opened a play since two years ago, when the company produced Matthews’ translation of Lope de Vega’s The Capulets and the Montagues. But the hiatus is about to end. Kevin O’Morrison‘s Ladyhouse Blues opens Saturday, with Matthews producing and McNaughton directing.  READ MORE…

 

When radio and theater combine — The Book of Mormon on Off Ramp

by Steve Julian on February 15, 2013 in Speak with No comments

The things we do for radio

by Steve Julian on February 15, 2013 in Speak with No comments

From a few months ago — Flu season has started, and it’s a race. As the influenza virus searches for vulnerable victims, CVS pharmacist Jill Kolin came to KPCC to give flu shots, including a live on-air flu shot for Morning Edition host Steve Julian.

Table read, Bullets Fly

by Steve Julian on February 15, 2013 in Write with No comments

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I gathered a lot of stories when I was a police officer. Over the years, people have read plays I’ve written, often dismissed them, and asked, “When are you going to do a cop play? You know, something you know.”

Now I have.

BULLETS FLY takes on relationships among cops at the scene of a triple homicide. A cop lies dead, along with a meth-head and his teenage daughter inside a ramshackle mobile home. Bullet casings are everywhere. Blame is, too. Unanswerable questions and suspicions, even among the cops.

We’re looking at a 2013 production.

Pictured left to right: Janet Song, Stephanie Erb, Jason Vande Brake, Wenzel Jones, Marcelo Tubert, Patricia Scanlon. February 2013.

Why live theater is in trouble

by Steve Julian on February 15, 2013 in Speak with No comments

What REALLY happens during pledge week

by Steve Julian on February 14, 2013 in Speak with No comments