Play Reviews

Review-Fernando Valenzuela: Remembering ‘El Toro’ and the Legacy of Fernandomania”

September 13, 2025 RGN staff

Fernando Valenzuela—El Toro—captivated Los Angeles and inspired generations with his signature screwball and the phenomenon of Fernandomania. From humble roots in Sonora to Dodgers legend, he became a cultural icon and multi-time champion. This tribute honors his legacy, his impact on Mexican and Mexican American communities, and the enduring No. 34.

Play Reviews

Review Some Like It Hot

August 4, 2025 RGN staff

Review by Judd Angel-I had the great pleasure of seeing Casey Nicholaw’s dazzling musical comedy Some Like It Hot at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. I was thrilled to experience it. Afterward, I promptly told all my theatre friends it was “live theatre entertainment at its finest.” I was eagerly anticipating the modern interpretation’s treatment of […]

Play Reviews

Review- A Doll’s House Part 2

May 25, 2025 RGN staff

Reviewed by Krystina Bailey Brawer-In the highly anticipated Pasadena Playhouse production of A Doll’s House, Part II by Lucas Hnath (Red Speedo, The Christians)—a modern written continuation of the original play A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen, set in the late 1800s—the lead character, Nora Helmer, leaves her marriage and family in pursuit of her independence. As we step into this play, […]

Photo 1 – (l to r) Bimei Flores (Esmeralda) and CJ Cruz (Quasimodo) in The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Photo by Steve Moyer copy

Play Reviews

Review: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

December 13, 2024 RGN staff

Reviewed by Joy Parris-Exceptional Theater is right here in Boyle Heights. You don’t need to travel to New York to experience a top-tier Broadway production. CASA 0101 Theater consistently delivers unforgettable performances. They have had past hits like Beauty and the Beast, Death of a Salesman, and The Very Best People. This December, they offer […]

Play Reviews

Review Back To The Future: The Musical

November 6, 2024 RGN staff

4 Weeks Only Hollywood Pantages Theatre ∙ Nov 5 – Dec 1, 2024 Reviewed by Tenaya Wallace: Back to the Future: The Musical debuted on opening night at Hollywood’s historic Pantages Theater. It transported audiences back to 1985. It offered a thrilling, nostalgia-packed ride beyond that year. The musical is based closely on the beloved film. […]

Roman-Banks-as-MJ-and-the-cast-of-the-MJ

Play Reviews

MJ The Musical: Unleashing Musical Magic In Los Angeles

December 22, 2023 Joy Parris

MJ the Musical at Hollywood Pantages Theatre for a limited six-week till January 28, 2024 Reviewed by Joy Parris: MJ the Musical received numerous standing ovations on its opening night at the Hollywood Pantages Theater. Kudos to the entire production team for physically and spiritually bringing Michael Jackson to life. If you’re ready to be […]

A Magical Night With Aladdin at the Pantages

September 16, 2023 RGN staff

Disney’s Aladdin Returns by Popular Demand to Los Angeles! Reviewed by: Joy Parris – As I stepped into the historic Pantages Theatre, I could feel the anticipation in the air, and it was clear that the audience was ready for a magical journey. Disney’s Aladdin, brought to life on the stage, promised to deliver an […]