| Download the official "Mirror Mirror" Press Release (05.19.04)
Backstage West
Published June 30, 2004
Reviewed by Terri Roberts
Read the entire review
"Who says there's no magic in the theatre?" — Backstage West
"In these incendiary political times, the concept of evil has been simplified to black and white, and personified as 'terrorists.' In truth, evil is far more complex than that and is rooted in deeper, darker issues—including envy. Following the 9/11 attacks, director Debbie Devine began examining envy and its sibling, power..." — Backstage West
"The strong cast is supported by Tom Buderwitz's simple yet glorious scenic design — dominated by celestial patterns on the floor, a giant wheel, and of course a large mirror for projections against the upstage wall. Projection designs and lighting by Christopher R. Boltz are moody and full of shadows and suspense. John Zalewski's environmental sounds and the haunting original music by Brenda Varda add another layer of ancient, Old World feeling, as do the medieval costumes by Rosa Lopez." — Backstage West
•
Los Angeles Times
Published July 2, 2004
Reviewed by Lynne Heffley
For entire review see the July 2, 2004 edition
"24th Street Theatre has done more than most local companies to raise the bar for quality family theatre, exposing edgy, sophisticated artists with adult followings to new audiences through its annual "Saturday Explorer" Series." — LA Times
"...a cast of pros and the creative depth of director Debbie Devine and her co-writers, Tina Kronis and Richard Alger or Theatre Movement Bazaar." — LA Times
"It's an intriguing idea, and lighting designer Christopher R Boltz's shadows, illuminations and liquid projections, along with set designer Tom Buderwitz's metal bars and dominant, time-turning, wooden wheel structure, provide style and substance - as does composer Brenda Varda's evocative soundscape." — LA Times
•
Published Monday, May 31, 2004 in Los Angeles Downtown News
SUMMER-Y JUDGEMENT
Season Highlights Include Imported Hits and Local Offerings
By Rob Kendt
(excerpt)
On TV, summer ain't what it used to be. While it was once a sleepy season of reruns, the growth of cable and the rampaging scourge with the coy misnomer "reality" programming have combined to change business as usual, giving viewers more incentive to stay home — or, depending on your point of view, all the more reason to flee the idiot boxes for some fresh air.
On Downtown stages, summer programming appears to follow a familiar take-it-easy trend, with companies content to mount one signature offering and leave us free for beach reading and blockbusters the rest of the hot months - and also to look outside Downtown, where the citywide theater season shows few signs of slowing down.
That makes a list of highlights easier to compile. For those interested in more locally oriented work, there are a handful of auspicious offerings:
At the USC-adjacent 24th Street Theatre is "Mirror Mirror" (June 26-Aug. 1). This is a fantastical new work from the twisted minds of Richard Alger and Tina Kronis, whose Theatre Movement Bazaar has staged a number of mind-bending pieces at nearby Sacred Fools Theatre, in collaboration with director Debbie Devine, well known for her productions of fairy tales that aren't just for kids. This sounds as promising as last year's knockout production of the fractured fantasy Kate Crackernuts, and with a veritable who's who of local theater talent on board — scenic designer Tom Buderwitz, sound designer John Zalewski, composer Brenda Varda, among others — this should be the small-theater event of the summer Downtown.
Reprinted with permission from Los Angeles Downtown News. |
 |
| "This play was great. It's so true that true talent is found NOT in Hollywood. The entire team was extremely talented: from performers to the behind-the-scenes support. I highly recommend this event. 24th Street Theatre is a symbol of respect and love for L.A.'s history." — Rebecca V.
•
The Word About The Theatre
by Liam Connor, 9-years-old
"Mirror Mirror" is another version of Snow White - except it's Snow White and the One Dwarf. In this story the Young Queen dies giving birth to Snow White and the Queen's sister decides to become the new Queen and marry the king - all with the help of the mirror.
The thing I like about "Mirror Mirror" was that it had so much moving stuff - the set has a moving wheel, windows, a cage door, a drawbridge, just like a real castle. The acting was really good - everyone was great. The character I liked the best was Drasil, the man of the moon, because he had the cool mystical powers that you don't see in the other Snow White stories.
It made me think about how some people think they have it all good and then it turns bad - and it may make you feel sad, but then someone can help change things with the power of good energy. I think that kids should go to see this play because it has lots of drama, action, great costumes, actors - everything that makes a good play.
•
Published June 24, 2004 in the Los Angeles Times
 |
