[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of Above The Curve Theatre’s world premiere production of Malice in Malibu, written with book, music, and lyrics by Adrian Lee Bush, co-directed by Diana De Luna and Erica Cochran, and running from October 9 through October 25.
What a wonderfully delicious setup for a musical mystery! I admit I am always a total sucker for a good whodunit, especially when it turns its clever lens on the absurdities, the desperate dreams, and the absolute insanity of the entertainment industry itself. Set against the hyper-glamorous, beachside backdrop of a high-stakes, private Hollywood casting audition, Malice in Malibu treats its audience to a fast-paced, satirical thrill ride.
The story kicks off when seven hopeful actresses arrive at a sleek Malibu estate, each firmly believing she is uniquely positioned to land her definitive big break. Instead, as the evening unfolds, they quickly discover that they share a dark web of hidden connections. Tensions skyrocket, long-buried secrets unravel, and a shocking twist takes the night from a tense professional rivalry to a hilarious, high-stakes murder mystery.
The production shines thanks to a large, high-energy ensemble featuring numerous talented performers who balance campy comedy with vocal demands. Being funny and dramatic and singing and dancing, sometimes all at the same time is quite gargantuan ask. And yet, they all rose to the task and knocked it out of the park!!
Adrian Lee Bush’s book and music are supported by co-directors Diana De Luna and Erica Cochran, musical director Sandra R.S. Floruti, and choreographer Kasmira Buchanan, who skillfully created some pretty impressive dance sequences!
Malice in Malibu is an absolute riot of a show! Brimming with deeply memorable moments and utterly hilarious storylines!
god for theatre!! What would we do without it!?
Above The Curve Theatre continues its tradition of women-driven storytelling with this entertaining new work, earning a strong recommendation from me to see it!
Support theatre in all its forms, but most especially in NoHo!!!
Where:
LACAE Theatre
1031 Camarillo St, NoHo Arts District, CA 91602
When:
October 9 – October 25
Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm
Sundays at 2pm
Tickets:
https://www.abovethecurvetheatre.com/reservations.html
The Cast
The Malice in Malibu cast features: Andrew Yanker, Anna Dawahare, Audrey Walker, Chandra Bond, Erica Cochran, Jessica Dowdeswell, Jocelyn Barkenhagen, KiSea Katikka, Langdon Janos, Lauren Elliott, Lisa Eve, Mandy Kaplan, Marz Bannos, Enani Contreras, Sandra R.S. Floruti, Tatiana Gomez, Toby Ross Hinners, Vivian Oxley, & Zachary Demet
The Malice in Malibu Team
The production features book, music, and lyrics by Adrian Lee Bush, with direction by Diana De Luna and Erica Cochran, musical direction by Sandra R.S. Floruti, and choreography by Kasmira Buchanan.