[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of Inspecting Carol by Daniel Sullivan and The Seattle Rep Co. at Los Angeles Pierce College Theatre through December 11.
It’s that time of year when holiday shows abound and we can expect playful and heartfelt traditional productions full of music and pathos and love. Inspecting Carol is not that. This is much darker and much more fun! The play centers around a struggling theatre company in rehearsal for its annual production of A Christmas Carol. All the parts have been cast, to the usual suspects, although there has been a hilarious attempt toward racial inclusivity, but there is one very big problem…money. An expected grant has not been given and in its place the county sends an inspector, to evaluate the company and their play and to determine if they will receive any funds this year.
Of course, this throws everyone into a panic and, even though their play has been produced in the same way every year for decades, the actors are restless and pick possibly the worst time imaginable to “change things up.” Right on cue, another spanner in the works arrives in the shape of a fledgling actor, overly keen and desperate to join the company. He is comically mistaken for the expected inspector and welcomed with open arms, offered a leading role, and of course, this only makes matters worse.
Inspecting Carol is a farce, in the best possible way. It’s a wonderful undoing of the magic and myth of the theatre. Uncovering all the stresses and the power struggles, the last-minute disasters and the clashing of personalities backstage.
Acting is not an easy job and neither is producing a play, this show is a lovely window on the world, even if it’s a chaotic one, contrived entirely for our pleasure.
Yet again, Los Angeles Pierce College Theatre gives us a splendid production full of noteworthy and intelligent actors with a real love for the craft. It’s a truly gorgeous destination theatre, high up on the hilltop of the Pierce College campus.
Every time I visit it’s a thrill, driving up and up almost to the clouds it seems and feeling the quiet all around and the valley far below. It’s a poetic place indeed to see a play and they never disappoint.
The show closes this weekend, so if you are looking for something fun and a bit of an adventure, Inspecting Carol at Pierce College Theatre is perfect for you!
The Cast
LAPC Theatre’s cast includes Bella Bitran, Whitney Evans, Pahola Godinez, Pantea Kiani, Ramtin Mik, Angelo Rosales, Ryan Snyders, Shane Steinman, Andrew Tafur, Meliisa Ayliz Urkmez, Dale Van Slyke and Victoria Amora.
The Team
The production features scenic design by Jordon Kieff, lighting design by Edward Salas, costume design by Eileen Gizienski and sound design by DJ Medina. Sasha Santa Cruz is the stage manager.
Tickets:
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5592506
When:
Through December 11
Where:
6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367