DISCLAIMER:

The reader reviews you see at right were taken from the Los Angeles Times' "calendarlive.com" web site. That page is no longer available on calendarlive.com, so we have replicated it for our web site. We assure you that we have in no way altered the content of the reviews.

Inside Private Lives

Times rating: RECOMMENDED!

Reader Reviews

March 19, 2007 Paul Pasadena, CA I went to this show a few weeks ago and I thought it was amazing. I was very much engaged into each character and they were all very well acted. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys theater. March 19, 2007 Antonio LA, CA Saw this show about 4 times now and it is just wonderful every time. Always different, kand the new characters are great. March 15, 2007 Take' Van Nuys, CA Intriguing and Intense. Fun and Funny. Only flawless acting can do…. March 14, 2007 Don Los Angeles, CA What a great fun experience. Never had been to interactive theatre, and thought I'll never talk to the actors….wrong…I did and had a blast. Actors were superb…..really knew their character and never for a second id I feel it wasn't Tokyo Rose incarnate, or for that matter, all the others. Now I want to go again, see what good acting can do…. February 23, 2007 Catherine Irvine, CA Bravo People! This show was fantastic! I loved the interactivity and the sense of community that developed in the theatre. At intermission and after the show total strangers were chatting and laughing together in private dialogues. Its so rare these days and highly needed in life. The acting in the show was fabulous. I found a real connection in what you achieved. Thanks for following your heart and producing such risk taking work. It sure paid off for me. Cheers. February 18, 2007 T. McGovern Pasadena, CA This was the most different live theater experience I have been to. The acting was superb and it kept my interest that whole way through. The actors seemed to really know their characters, who were controversial people from the past and it made for some fun interaction with the audience. I especially liked Christine Jorgensen (Kristin Stone) who played the first man to have a sex change operation. I didn't that "she" had tried to get a photo shoot in Playboy magazine. The actress tried to convince the audience that she should get the spread….she even had one of the men in the audience out dancing with her. It was hilarious! I also like the intimate theater. Every seat is like the front row. February 17, 2007 Jennie North Hollywood, CA It was an interesting theatrical experience/concept. January 29, 2007 E. Demas Pasadena, CA This is a great opportunity to learn some history and to become INVOLVED in the history! It was thoroughly enjoyable to interact with the characters and to laugh and react to the responses and questions of the other audience members. The performers are fantastic and truly talented - especially considering that they have to be able to adapt to and react to the comments of the audience. A fun night out! January 23, 2007 M. Wilkinson Orlando, FL What a trip! The people and the controversies were fascinating. I remember when some of these figures were portrayed in the news. It was so exciting to actually "go back in time" and be a part of it. I loved that we could talk to the characters as "characters ourselves" - that was fun. I didn't talk to all the characters, but I sure enjoyed watching the interaction between the other audience members. I'm definitely going back to see some of the characters I missed. Bring the show to Orlando! January 22, 2007 Ben Davidson Sherman Oaks, CA This performance is NOT for those who sat in the back room throughout school - although in a 47-seat theater, there hardly IS a back of the room! Your participation is encouraged…in fact required to make this unique and energizing theater experience, well, unique and energizing. The experience of challenging the actual public figures depicted in this performance (and they are finely depicted) is invigorating to say the least! There are moments of extraordinary sadness, hilarity, craziness and high-energy all packed into an evening that goes by too quickly. At the end of the performance, you will want to continue your relationship with the performers, and you will have the chance to do so. (At least we did.) And you will find them to be as honest, modest and talented as any bunch of actors you'll ever meet. January 16, 2007 Steve Latshaw Burbank, CA INSIDE PRIVATE LIVES is a standout theatrical experience…an emotional roller coaster for audience members who experience everything from blistering comedy to righteous anger. Of particular note are Mary MacDonald as aging, booze-swilling, racial slur-slinging and hilarious baseball owner Marge Schott. Maddisen Krown's turn as real life guru Jane Roberts, a self-0purported 1970's medium who channeled a spirit being named "Seth" is both disturbing and enthralling. The moment Jane makes her transformation into Seth is nothing short of chilling….the room is filled with tension and electricity, as if an otherworldly being really has entered our presence. I find myself forgetting that all this focused energy was coming from a single, gifted performer. January 11, 2007 Lindsie Carlsen Los Angeles, CA This is a really original idea for what I suppose you'd call interactive controversial moments in their lives and , as the audience, you are invited to be participants and/or witnesses, adversaries or supporters…a remarkable evening and a lot of fun. The actors are completely convincing, and the authentic sense of being in the presence of these extraordinary people makes it easy to participate. Highly recommended! January 9, 2007 Cybal Hall Van Nuys, CA I didn't know what to expect going in and was pleasantly surprised by the talented actors and their performances and interactions with the audience. It was a lot of fun to be able to be a part of their story as well as sit back and take in the characters. One performance that stands out in my mind is Mary MacDonald as Marge Schott. January 5, 2007 Sahag North Hollywood, CA "Inside Private Lives" is a fun and unique theatre-going experience. The entire cast is phenomenal and they all did fabulous jobs of becoming their characters. While the 'interaction' is at first a bit intimidating and perhaps uncomfortable, all it takes is a minut to realize what you're in for and have fun with it. The audience is told to lose themselves and become their own characters, which surprisingly, was exactly what happened. This would either make or break a show, I'd assume, and the audience I was with had a blast with their questions and comments. This made for a truly fascinating evening and gave me great insight into each character's life. I was engrossed, enriched, and entertained. I can't wait to go back and see the show again. This is definitely one of the best LA has to offer and I highly recommend it. Take a few friends, have a glass of wine, and have fun! November 28, 2006 Kat Los Angeles, CA Bias aside, I think that this production is exactly the type of infusion that the theater community, and theater-going community, needs - something original, thought provoking, and talent laden (my personal favorite being Adam LeBow's Elia Kazan) rather than the same old or too-cool-for-it-own-good fare usually served. November 20, 2006 James Moe Los Angeles, CA This is a fascinating show. It is broken into individual one-man shows based on controversial characters from America's recent past. After a traditional monologue the audience is encouraged to ask questions or even argue with characters being portrayed. The actors are forced to defend themselves (and their positions are often indefensible) in character. Especially notable was Mary MacDonald playing Marge Schott. November 17, 2006 Greg Ashamalia Hollywood, CA You think "Wicked" is original and fun…try interactive theater…different every time I've been…Try having Marge Schott call you out in front of the audience or Jane Roberts slip into Seth right in front of you!!! What a gas!!! November 17, 2006 Heather Kulpers Sherman Oaks, CA It was very shocking at first, these actors breaking the 4th wall and looking and talking to the audience. I didn't know what to make of it, then it became fun. Let's test the actors knowledge of their character and their improv skills. How risky, but the cast pulled it off. I'll go again. November 13, 2006 R. Rose Woodland Hills, CA This is an interactive play. What fun to not only enjoy the show but to also be part of it. Kristin Stone set the tone for great performances. It felt like you were at a party with all sorts of interesting people. November 13, 2006 Dallas Travers Los Angeles, CA An hour after the show…and I could not stop discussing the character from Inside Private Lives. The performances were engaging and provocative. I especially enjoyed Maddisen Krown's portrayal of Jane Roberts. Her realistic performance hit a chord with the audience and left me wanting more. November 8, 2006 Sheri Bender Altadena, CA What an amazing evening-really intriguing! I was impressed by the actors and their thorough knowledge of their characters. You should go and see it! November 8, 2006 Michael Tilson Los Angeles, CA My girlfriend dragged me to this and I hardly remember the first piece. However when someone starting arguing with the character, someone from the audience - I got interested. For once I wasn't bored senseless and the these pieces really got me interested in the lives of the individuals. I never knew about the Kellogg family or the Hunger strikes in Ireland. I debated with the king of England when he suggested 'we' do not report his affair in the media. Funniest was the girl who did the Tupperware lady - she really is an awesome actor and amazed someone like her hasn't been snatched up the studios. They gave free wine at this thing so I went home happy. November 6, 2006 Kembha Constantine Los Angeles, CA "Inside Private Lives" is truly a unique and interactive experience that engages audience participation. The cast is excellent in their portrayal of some of the most notable figures of the 20th century. November 6, 2006 Tonya Isles Los Angeles, CA This show is great! I have never experienced anything like it. The characters are intriguing and effectively keep the audience engaged in the performances. I can't wait to see which characters are added to future shows. November 2, 2006 Leif Gantvoort Culver City, CA Theatre like you've never seen before. It takes audience interaction to a new place, where you are encouraged to have an opinion and give it. Don't miss this opportunity to interact with some of our centuries controversial figures. October 30, 2006 Jeff Sable Glendale, CA This is a show that can be seen over and over again, as the very talented cast will rotate. I would certainly like to see some of the "Lives" that were not in the show the evening I went, I would love to ask even more questions of the characters that were present. If you can find it in you to get involved, the show will always be different, and I imagine that these characters will continue on their own evolutionary journey. Go see it many times!!! October 30, 2006 Douglas Dispiri Los Angeles, CA More than the title, this is a sneak peek into these private lives. Each character is created with insight and depth by the actor/actress. Some character recreations might, by only a name, seem obscure but they quickly become recognizable due to their actual significance.