Arts in Review

Julio Martinez introduces the world premiere play 'How High the Moon' and welcomes director Asad Kalata. Kalata describes the play's plot, which revolves around two families in the San Fernando Valley during the 1950s, particularly focusing on the character Amy and her relationships. He explains the seamless structure of the play, which features minimal set changes and transitions. Kalata shares his background with Theater West and discusses the collaborative process with playwright Barbara Nelberry. He also mentions the play's run dates and offers tickets to KPFK listeners.

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Julio Martinez hosts playwright Keith Sarabica and actress Jasmine Kimiko to discuss the world premiere of Sarabica's play 'Slava Ukraini or Waiting for Elon.' Sarabica explains that the play is inspired by a Ukrainian Marine lieutenant's plea to Elon Musk during the siege of Mariupol. Kimiko describes her role as a Ukrainian soldier and shares her experiences in rehearsals. The play is set to run from August 2 to August 31 at the Atwater Village Theater, with performances on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

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Julio Martinez states that he is the host of KPFK's Arts in Review. He discusses the significance of the upcoming 4th of July holiday and introduces a radio play titled 'Churchill and Roosevelt at Christmas.' The play recounts events following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and features dramatizations of conversations between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The production includes performances by various actors portraying historical figures and concludes with a holiday greeting from the cast and crew.

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Natasha Mercado describes her experience directing five shows at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, including 'Doofus,' which premiered on June 4th. Mercado explains her journey into directing, noting that she began in 2022 and has a background in performance and writing. She discusses the unique aspects of clowning, emphasizing vulnerability and connection in her work. Mercado mentions the challenges of organizing multiple shows and the importance of props and costumes in her productions. Julio Martinez hosts the segment and offers tickets to 'Doofus' for listeners.

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Julio Martinez hosts Denise Moses, who discusses her one-person show 'Small But Aggressive', which is based on her experiences with grief following her husband's battle with glioblastoma. Moses explains that the show was inspired by the visits she received during her husband's illness and the promise she made to write about it. She shares her background in performing arts, including her early experiences in children's theater and her work in various productions. The play is set to open at the Hollywood Fringe Festival with performances scheduled for June 19, 20, 27, and 28.

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Brian Leonard describes his journey to writing a solo show, 'Therapist Zero,' which reflects on his experiences raising a daughter with emotional challenges. Leonard explains that the show has evolved through input from his daughter, who has been supportive of the narrative. He shares that the performance has received positive feedback from audiences, particularly parents who relate to its themes of mental health. Leonard notes that he has performed the show at various festivals, including the San Francisco Fringe Festival and Off-Broadway, and discusses the challenges of connecting with audiences in different locations.

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