Beauty & The Beast

I had an amazing experience stepping into the role of Bessie in Beauty and the Beast at the West Valley Playhouse. I would like to thank the cast and production staff for a wonderful show and getting me up to speed. Here are a few backstage pics we snapped!

Charlotte Ruiz (Poison Ivy) and Alissa-Nicole Koblentz

Sarah Tully(Beauty) and Alissa-Nicole Koblentz

Marq Del Monte (Mr. Benedict) and Alissa-Nicole Koblentz

Cast Photo!

A Western Musical Melodrama

Excited to announce that I have been cast as Juanita(the sexy lady of the Saloon) in the new Western Musical Melodrama High Noon-ish. Directed by George Lindsay Jr. Come take a romp with us through the wild west with everything from villians to heroes and all sorts of in betweens. With a wonderful new score and lots of laughs! Show opens in April. More details to come! 

For more information and tickets check out 

West Valley Playhouse

Performing at the Clyde Porter's West Valley Playhouse

7242 Owensmouth Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91303

(818) 884-1907

Broadway World Best Actress-THANK YOU!!

It was announced a few days ago that I came in runner up for Best Actress in a musical (Resident) by  broadwayworld.com (Southern California) for my performance as Joanne Jefferson in RENT at pacslo.org with Kelrick Productions. Thank you all so much for voting for me. It has been such a honor. RENT was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I would like to thank Kelrick productions for taking a chance on me!

One PERFORMANCE Only!

I will be stepping into the role of Bessie in Beauty &  The Beast for one performance only at The West Valley Playhouse March 5th! For more information about the show please go to westvalleyplayhouse.com.

Murder at Rutherford House

This New Year's Eve I will be performing in the murder mystery Murder at Rutherford House at the West Valley Playhouse. I will be playing Sarah/ Camille Rutherford(that's right, TWINS) in this mystery. Am I the murderer? Come find out. 

                    For tickets and information about this special event please contact:

The West Valley Playhouse

http://www.wvplayhouse.com/

NEW YEARS EVE PARTY
Friday December 31st
8:30pm to 12:30am
Call for tickets (818) 884-1907 

Tickets include dinner, drinks and more!

Synopsis of the show: It is the fifth anniversary of the death of Lord Rutherford. Lady Rutherford is throwing her annual dinner in commemoration of the event-- to which you are cordially invited. On arrival you are given a character name and a dossier explaining your background and connection to the Rutherford family. Over cocktails, you mingle with the other guests, spotting the Baroness von Keepsemfrumfloppen and figuring she's an actress, but what about all these other people? Suddenly, there's a gunshot resulting in the evening's first corpse. The body is removed and you sit down to dinner. A detective reveals himself and begins the investigation. What have you observed so far? Have you a clue to the killer? Clues seem to be everywhere, but which ones count and which are red herrings? Ultimately, there is a parade of suspects. You may question them. Perhaps you ask just the right question at the right time and unmask the murderer. Perhaps you ask the wrong question and become the prime suspect! You begin to wonder: will you survive till the coffee and cordials are served? In the end, all is revealed and justice prevails. The Silver Sleuth Award is given to the guest who best explained the who, why and how dunit of the murder at Rutherford House.

The Two Dwarves and The Seven Whites

Check out a few photos from our opening week! For more information on the show go to: http://wvplayhouse.com/

                               Alissa-Nicole Koblentz as Betty White with her stellar cast.

BraodwayWorld.com's Best Actress in a Musical

Hello! Just found out I was nominated for Best Actress in a  musical by BroadwayWorld.com for my performance as Joanne in RENT (Kelrick Productions). The winner is voter's choice, so please go and vote for me.


http://losangeles.broadwayworld.com/liveupdate2010socal.cfm?btype=7


Thank you so much!!

The Two Dwarves and The Seven Whites

Excited to announce that I have been cast in The Two Dwarves and The Seven Whites at The West Valley Playhouse. The show opens November 27th and runs through the end of December. I play Betty White, one of Snow White's sisters. The sporty one, a la Sporty Spice. For more details to go: www.westvalleyplayhouse.com or call (818) 884-1907. 

Synopsis:



In this variation of the classic fairy tale, two human-sized dwarves, Beryllium and Boron, must help handsome Prince Suave find a bride. The sometimes sharp-tongued, but often wise Mirror helps Beryllium deal with his mischievous brother. Boron is a clever rascal who ends up tricking the mirror and involving the two inept Wong brothers in his schemes. The Prince speaks fluent medieval English which adds to the charm of the play. Now he must choose one of the White sisters for his bride: Snow White, the eldest; Egg White, the brain; Bleached White, the airhead; Betty White, the sports fanatic; Lilly White, pure as the driven snow; Pearly White, with a super smile; or Off White, cool and laid back. But whether the sisters choose the prince or the dwarves is another question!

The Cover of Life

Neo Ensemble Theatre is proud to present

A Staged Reading of

THE COVER OF LIFE

by R.T. Robinson

...Directed by Patrick Rogers and Donaco Smyth

Time August 17 · 7:00pm - 11:30pm

Location A Neo Ensemble Theatre Production at the Burbank Senior Artists Colony

240 East Verdugo Avenue

Burbank, CA

The Story:

In 1943, the three Cliffert brothers have gone off to war and their brides have moved in with their mother-in-law. Life Magazine picks up the down-home story and sends a snappy New York writer to Louisiana on assignment. North meets South and career meets home in this deeply affecting story about the struggles of women trying to achieve a sense of self-worth.

The incredible cast includes:

LAURA JULIAN, ALISSA-NICOLE KOBLENTZ, ARI NEWMAN, BETH NINTZEL, JACQUELYN RIGGS, PATRICK ROGERS, KATIE WATTS-WHITAKER

with Stage Directions read by KRISTINA REYES

ADMISSION IS FREE! PLENTY OF GOODIES WILL BE SERVED!!

Musicals in LA:The Fantasticks REVIEW

theTRIBE, The Fantasticks, and The Mute
http://musicalsinla.blogspot.com/



I was fascinated by The Mute. Normally, a non-speaking, non-singing character in a musical would be relegated to mere background status. Not so here, because it is this character that weaves the very fabric of the show with a powerful presence that is felt rather than heard.

Seeing theTRIBE’s production of The Fantasticks in a small theatre (think 16 x 22 foot stage and 42 seats in the house) provides an opportunity for real connection between the actors and audience. Without extravagant production elements and an overabundance of flash, we are allowed the ability to focus in on the heart of the performance and a real sense of intimacy emerges.

Stripped down to its essence, a moment becomes electric in its ability to move us…and that brings me back to…The Mute.





Perhaps it is an unusual character to single out, but this mute (Setareh Khatibi) was extraordinary. With a beautifully expressive face and willow-like physical presence, she creates the world of The Fantasticks from nothing, slowly calling forth each actor into his or her respective character, willing the lights into focus and setting the stage for the journey to come.

Yes, technically El Gallo (Christopher Karbo) narrates the musical and is the man who pulls the stings, however it is The Mute who orchestrates the performances on this stage, commenting on the action with a flicker of expression, creating the wall with her body, sprinkling the rain with abandon, painting the picture of the glen.

There is a certain voyeuristic pleasure derived from watching someone watch someone else and the effect here is hypnotic. We feel her joy, skepticism, disdain, contempt, understanding, sadness – all nuanced in a way that isn’t telegraphed but honestly felt as she watches the players learning about the world. She reflects their inner life even in the very moment of their realizations; a seductive presence that sees the humor and the pain in each situation.

That is, after all, what The Fantasticks is all about. Two young lovers (Madison Mitchell and a charming Michael David) ultimately lose their innocence in the school of life, unwittingly helped along by her mother (Alissa-Nicole Koblentz) and his father (Tony Oliver), aided by El Gallo, The Mute, and two additional players (Darryl Maximilian Robinson and Stacy Lynn Baker).

Direction is by Christopher Chase and Tiffany Oliver provides the musical direction. James Lent is on piano and Alex Sherer on percussion.

Youthful exuberance and theatricality lead the way, but it is the simplest moments that are the most effective in this rendering, among them a lovely “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” with minimal keyboard as accompaniment, the sweetly poignant “They Were You,” and a poetic moral delivered by El Gallo in Act II explaining why he had to hurt the lovers.

How different life would be if we could glance over our shoulder and see the look on The Mute’s face before we rushed into our own decisions. Would it change them? Or, in our hunger to experience all of life for ourselves, would we still jump onto our own merry-go-round ride, no matter what the consequences? I wonder.

theTRIBE's The Fantasticks runs through July 11th at Theatre 6470 at The Complex in Hollywood. Tickets are available at www.thetribeproductions.org/.

The Fantasticks now on Goldstar!

The Fantasticks is now on Goldstar! A few half priced seats have been released. http://www.goldstar.com/events/los-angeles-ca/the-fantasticks-2.html

For more information on The Fantasticks, go to thetribeproductions.com

Here are a few shots from the show. (CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE)

Musicals in LA: Features The Fantasticks

theTRIBE, The Fantasticks, and a Unique Sponsor a Seat ProgramShare.

Quality theatre at affordable prices. Isn’t that what every theatergoer is ultimately looking for? theTRIBE, led by Christopher Chase and partner Tiffany Oliver, is one theatre company that wants to help, by providing quality, accessible theatre in Los Angeles County.

One of theTRIBE’s unique ways of accomplishing the task is with their “Sponsor a Seat” program, which allows patrons to purchase a discounted ticket that will be anonymously given to someone who might not otherwise be able to afford a night at the theatre.

Chase says, “Our hope is that, by providing tickets to those on a limited budget (e.g., students, single mothers, foster families, etc.), we will enhance the theatre community; and quite possibly, those who receive sponsored seats might eventually even be able to sponsor others. I can’t think of a more organic way for a theatre-loving community to grow.”

You can see theTRIBE’s work in action next month in their upcoming production, The Fantasticks, opening June 4th at Theatre 6470 at The Complex in Hollywood.
“The Fantasticks is a classic piece that I am honored to be directing” says Chase. “Besides being laugh-out-loud funny, the show is honest in its depictions of love, its displays of humor, and its personal explorations of the unknown. It is, at heart, about growth.

Traditionally, the show focuses on the growth of two young lovers, Matt and Louisa, (played by Michael David and Madison Mitchell), along with two single fathers, a bandit, two older male actors, and a male mute. To balance the male-heavy cast, Chase will have women playing several of the roles normally played by men; Alissa-Nicole Koblentz as Hucklebee, Stacy Lynn Baker as Mortima and Setareh Khatibi as The Mute.

Chase says, “This gives us the opportunity to explore relationships other than just Louisa and Matt. We also see friendships, professional interactions, and even spiritual connections that couldn’t be explored so gracefully with only one female in the cast.”

The remaining cast members are Christopher Karbo in the role of El Gallo, Tony Oliver playing Bellomy, the girl’s father, and Darryl Maximillion Robinson as Henry.

“The staging has also been updated using more realistic movements instead of the classic over-the-top style, although we’ve kept some comedic gags intact for those who are already fans of the show," adds Chase. "If you’re looking to smile, laugh, hum along to beautiful music, and maybe learn a little something about yourself, The Fantasticks is the perfect show to see.”

You can catch theTRIBE’S production of The Fantasticks June 4 -July 11 at Theatre 6470 at The Complex in Hollywood. Tickets are available online now at http://www.thetribeproductions.org/tickets/.
And remember, following the show, if you’re so inclined, you’ll have the opportunity to sponsor a seat for someone else to enjoy the show too. Fantastic.

http://musicalsinla.blogspot.com/

Citrus City Grille, May 2nd

I have been asked to sing at the Citrus City Grille on Sunday, May 2nd at 7:30 p.m. Come join me for a lovely dinner and cabaret. For more information about the restaurant Citrus City Grille go to:
http://www.citruscitygrille.com/Corona/index.html.

Bio on Citrus City Cabaret:
The 1st Sunday Night of each month, performers from LA to Broadway will be featured in a night of outrageous dining and entertainment under the stars at the beautiful Citrus City Grille in Corona, CA!

For more on Citrus City Cabaret:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/citruscitycabaret?ref=ts

The Fantasticks

My newest show! I have been cast in The Fantasticks with The Tribe Productions as Huckleebee performing at the Complex Theatre in Hollywood. The show runs June 4th-July 11th. For more information visit http://www.thetribeproductions.org/.
A tiny tidbit about me and The Fantasticks. I played the role of Huckleebee in 10th grade at my high school. I recently came across some pictures from the production. For a laugh, check back to see them!

'bare' Live Audio

Please click on the link and take a listen. Check me out at 3:10 for snippets of "See Me" and "Warning"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHljKDpx00A



'bare' - Los Angeles Workshop at the Hudson Theatre. November 14, 2009. Live audio demo: "Epiphany," "Role of a Lifetime," "Wonderland," "Best Kept Secret," "Are You There?," "Touch My Soul," "See Me," "Warning," "God Don't Make No Trash," "Once Upon A Time," "Bare," and "No Voice."

Featuring Jonah Platt, Topher Rhys, Maureen Chesus, Michael Noah Levine and Aysha Wax. With Cambria Beilstein, Hannah Bornstein, Patrick Burns, Rob Cameron, Dominyque Dickson, Omar Garibay, Laura Hartley, Alissa-Nicole Koblentz, Erika Salomon and Brian Wallis.

Book and Lyrics: Jon Hartmere. Book and Music: Damon Intrabartolo. Musical Director: Rachel Howe. Director: Chris Chase.

Band: Akane Tada, Andy Alt, Alex Williamson, Vivien Larena, Marco Sanchez, Michael Luebke.

www.bare-la.com

Winner for Best Ensemble Cast 2009

Congrats to the cast and crew of You Can't Take It With Your for our 2009 Artistic Director Achievement Award for Best Ensemble Cast (Comedy or Drama). It was great to see most of the cast at the award show. I was honored to share the stage with all of you. This award would not be possible if it wasn't for John Barker our incredible director.

Nominations!

Krystal Combs (Millie Dillmount) and Alissa-Nicole Koblentz (Muzzy van Hossmere) in Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Santa Monica Theatre Guild.

Alissa-Nicole Koblentz (Essie Carmichael) and Kenny Lombino (Paul Sycamore) in You Can't Take It With You at the West Valley Playhouse.

Two different shows, two different award shows... I am so excited announce that You Can't Take It With You (West Valley Playhouse) is nominated for The Valley Theater League's Artistic Directors Awards (ADAs) in the following categories:
Best Ensemble Comedy
Best Revival Comedy
Best Stage Manager
Best Director Comedy.






Thoroughly Modern Millie (Santa Monica Theatre Guild) has been nominated for 17 Geoffrey Awards:
Acting Award Nominees
Best Actor - Brandon Stanford
Best Actress - Krystal Combs
Best Supporting Actor - Zach Pond
Best Supporting Actress - Joanna Churgin
Best Character Actor - Tony Obnial
Best Character Actress - Alissa-Nicole Koblentz
Best Featued Actor - Melissa Falarski, Zan Roberts and Shaina Zalma
Best Bit Actor - Vincent Perez
Best Bit Actress - Jessica Breslow
Technical Award Nominees
Best Technical Production
Best Director - Anne Gesling
Best Set Design - Thomas A. Brown
Best Lighting Design - William Wilday
Best Costume Design - Ellen C. King
Best Sound Design - Bob Marino
Best Music Direction - Anne Gesling
Best Choreography - Paul Reid & Allan Penales

Congratulations to all the nominees!

bare @ The Hudson

Here are some pics from bare on and off stage! (Click on to Enlarge)

bare is Back!

Delighted to share that bare is back and moving to the place where it all began nine years ago- The Hudson.

For discount tickets check out:
http://www.goldstar.com/events/hollywood-ca/bare.html



Website: http://bare-la.com/

bare is a contemporary rock musical that focuses on the coming-of-age of five high school seniors at a Catholic boarding school. As the students struggle to find their identity, they strive to define themselves in terms of their sexuality, religion and relationships.

With a pulsing rock score at its center, bare is a contemporary rock musical that focuses on the coming-of-age of five high school seniors at a Catholic boarding school. As the students struggle to find their identity, they strive to define themselves in terms of their sexuality, religion and relationships. follows the secret love affair between Peter and Jason, two high school dorm mates, and the sensual persistence of the popular Ivy, who aggressively pursues her attraction to Jason.

In October of 2000, in a little theatre on Santa Monica Blvd, a theatrical phenomenon was about to be born. 'bare,' with a score by Damon Intrabartolo and lyrics by Jon Hartmere, became an instant hit, extending several times, consistently playing to sell out crowds, and breaking box office records. The show would later receive another sold-out production at the American Theatre of Actors in New York City, and has become a favorite among regional theatres.

In the years since, bare is a contemporary rock musical that focuses on the coming-of-age of five high school seniors at a Catholic boarding school. As the students struggle to find their identity, they strive to define themselves in terms of their sexuality, religion and relationships. has achieved an almost cult status among musical theatre fans and now the show will come home to the Hudson Theatre, where it all began nine years ago, in an extension of its sold-out concert workshop.

RENT On Stage and Off

Mark, Roger, Maureen, Joanne, Angel and Mimi.
Roger, Joanne and Collins.
Joanne and Alexi Darling.
Mark and Joanne.
Cast photo!