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TWIST REVIEWS
Current mood:  blessed
Category: Art and Photography
Teresa Berkin Sherman Oaks, CA
Director PAUL ST0RIALE is sure to win an award for this production of "Twist" at the Avery Schreiber Theatre in North Hollywood. It's fun. It's colorful. And it's a little "twisted." The musical score is amazing, and the cast of highly-skilled actors/singers/dancers brings a professionalism that is head and shoulders above anything else you will see in a small NoHo Arts District theatre. I would single out some of the performers (like Alexandra Billings as Fagin, Brandon Ruckdashel as Oliver Twist, and Chris Carlisle as the Artful Dodger), but, honestly, everyone in the cast did such a fine job that it's hard not to mention each one of them. Instead, I would urge you to go see them for yourself. If you're an adult and you like campy musicals, get your tickets now!
December 26, 2007 Shari Bel Air, CA
Fabulous time. Wasn't expecting much. What a wonderful treat. Talented cast. Best holiday theater.
December 26, 2007 Oliver Carnay Los Angeles, CA
Even if I only saw the last half (It starts at 7 pm on Sundays and not 8 pm! -- and I would definitely go back to see the whole play this Friday!). I thought the actors were so talented. Brandon Ruckdashel, who from what I know is an accomplished model, not only is a very good actor but a good singer as well! I am not surprise to see this Brad Pitt-James Dean type soon hit like a mega star on the big screen.
December 23, 2007 JR Sunset Hills, Ca
Fantastic show. every minute
December 19, 2007 Amy Burbank, CA
Alexandra Billings gives a phenomenal performance as Fagin that captivates the audience. I especially liked the music and vocal performances given by the cast.
December 16, 2007 Jeremy Smith Hollywood, Ca
Great show. Great Actors. Great Singing. I loved it
December 13, 2007 John Maisler Culver City, CA
Twist is hot, the play and the guy
December 11, 2007 TheatreGoer North Hollywood, Ca
i bought half price tickets, but they deserved full price. As someone who has been watching the Los Angeles Theatre scene for the past six years as a writer and actress, I felt that all of the performers in Twist demonstrated exceptional skills, both vocal and physical. A handful of whom should be in New York working on Broadway. The Sand/Leshen/Guadan Team have created something special from an original. The Music and Talent alone allowed me to leave twenty dollars richer with the hope that more productions like this one will surface here in the noho arts district. Well Done, Paul Sturiale and Angela Nicholas, and thank you.
December 11, 2007 Scott Stanley Los Angeles, CA
WOW, I saw Twist over the weekend, and was So impressed by the overal performance, set design and the costumes for a low bugdet production. The musical numbers were catchy and I couldn't help but dance in my seat when songs like, "Clothing Makes the Man", and the opening song, which is filled with live and upbeat dance moves and sets the stage for the rest of the production. The costumes were excellenly executed for the time period in which Twist takes place. I know alot about how much goes into a production and how money becomes scarce, and this performance of Twist, has everything from, great singing,acting,costumes and a great performance if your looking for something sweet, funny and of course alot of great singing... did I mention the singing.... Anyway I will be seeing the show again this coming weekend, and will be RAVING about it All week....
December 10, 2007 Rick van nuys, ca
I thouroughly enjoyed Twist. I am from New York and I think this holds up to New York standards. the singing was great, the cast is having a good time which allows the audience to have a good time. I think it was well directed, choreographed and performed. two twisted tumbs up
December 6, 2007 Jodi Cohen Beverly Hills, CA
....Yes, it's a low budget show but this is a "fringe" musical and if you're expecting to see Jersey Boys or Wicked on stage, yes, you'll be disappointed. Comparing this show to a $120 a ticket Broadway show is foolish. I just got back from Chicago where I paid $49.50 to see a critically lauded play called "The Sparrow". Tickets were $49.50 each for a non-equity production and the acting, direction and dancing were all sub-par. By contrast, Alexandra Billings, Brandon Ruckdashel and the rest of the cast give wonderful performances that would make any city proud.
December 5, 2007 Joe Noho, CA
Twist, Brandon Ruckdashel, is on the cover of Frontiers! Guess show is catching on.
December 4, 2007 Chalres Dick Los Angeles, CA
The goal of theatre is to create a dialogue. As a cast member, I feel the need to comment. We are here to entertain and hopefully to make you think. Our company is incredibly strong and you will be captivated by every cast member at some point during the show. Are techincal aspects as great? No. But I would hope not many attend theatre to see spectacular lighting and sound effects with lesser talent. Our costumes simply suggest a time and place. If we were in the Ahmanson, please, berate the execution. But we are at The Avery Schreiber: a black box with limitations. In Henry V, Shakespeare instructs the audience to imagine...isn't that what theatre is? So please, come see the show and focus on the story, on characters and on the talent of 14 committed actors who are simply there to entertain you. If you leave miserable, then maybe all you need is a good whipping.
December 4, 2007 Darlene Monterey Park , CA
oh what a clever musical. The actors sang beautiful. The songs were so well timed. Alexandra Billings was so brillant loved her as the crafty Fagon. Brandon Ruckdashel what an honest lovely voice. So pretty to watch. Chris Carlisle had the best voice in his solo i almost cried. Best thing of all "Twist" entertained my boyfriend who tends to be a testosterone heavy male who shys away from anying slightly different. He only came with me because he hates me driving in the rain. When i heard him laugh out loud tap his feet and after the play was over say "that was really entertaining". I knew the play was a hit. Great job all.
December 4, 2007 Deb and Greg Taylor Toluca Lake, Ca
My husband and I enjoyed this show greatly. We're in our 50's, and thought maybe it was going to be too much for us, but as we sat in the theatre we wnjoyed every moment from start to finish. The Lights were not a problem for us. There's scene changes in every play, and these were not abnormal. Ioved Bill Sikes and was very happy when during a blackout, he picked up nancy and took her offstage, rather than a dead body leaving the stage. Cast was incredible and so was the Direction. I also actualy enjoyed the lighting. wasn't too much, or too little and by the way, That Fagin is a STAR!
December 4, 2007 Tina L. Pasadena, CA
I saw this production on Saturday. Steven is 100% right on about the talent in this show. Chris Carlisle shines his way through a role adding color and imagination along the way. Brandon Ruckdashel is truly a "find" and a guilty pleasure to watch being bound. Darrin sings "Slip Away" like an angel. It is a shame that we don't see more of Justin, he is truly a gem within his moment. Definitely not least, Alexandra, who engages an audience lost within the long blackouts and set changes.
December 4, 2007 Jeremy Westwood, CA
There is an interesting article in the Bruin about Twist, Brandon Ruckdashel. Thought he was a recent UCLA Acting student but apparently he is from New York. Hope to follow in his footsteps when I graduate.
December 4, 2007 Joey D. West Hollywood, CA
Have been looking forward to the LA version of TWIST. I saw the play in NYC. This production is equally as good. Alexandra is wonderul, full of spunk. Darrin, as Nancy, sings with a heart of gold. She is a vision to behold. Justin with his rock star quality brings lots of energy to a much over-looked part. Go and see the play and decide for yourself. That is the true gift of theater. Anyone can afford the ticket price and have themselves an interesting evening.
December 4, 2007 Tony West Hollywood, CA
I agree that Twist is a great show to watch. Like a lot of people there I came to see the new kid from New York Brandon and was very pleased.
December 4, 2007 Steven Stanley Alhambra, CA
Gila Sand & Paul Leschen's Twist gives the Dickens classic a subversively gay S/M musical twist. Sand's book is full of amusingly twisted lines like, "It's Tuesday. Do you ever recall having supper on a Tuesday? Tomorrow's food day." Leschen's songs are catchy, melodious, & hummable. Looking & singing like an angel (with a naughty gleam in his eye), Brandon Ruckdashel is, as they say, a find. Casting Alexandra Billings in the role of Fagin was both an inspiration & a coup. Tall, lanky, bleach-blond Chris Carlisle is a dynamically androgynous Dodger--with a sensational voice. The lovely & star-quality-blessed Darrin Revitz, is absolutely endearing as Nancy. Only a very simple lights-up, lights-down lighting design, & frequent scene changes which leave the audience waiting in pitch darkness could be worked on. Kudos to director Paul ST0RIALE. Read my full review at www.LAStageScene.com.
December 3, 2007 Rick Stiles Santa Monica, CA
Despite the productions technical faults there are many stand out performances. Darrin Revitz (Nancy) with her beautiful voice and honest connection to her character. Brandon Ruckdashel (Twist) an actor who shows true commitment his performance and this shows "off the beaten path" themes committing 110% to being bound, beaten, and tied. Not to mention the passion that grows irresistible between him and the Dodger. "Please sir, may I have some more....of Brandon's body." Chris Carlisle (Dodger) shines in sucker and has many stand out moments with Alexandra Billings (Fagin) whose comic timing and connection to the material show what true actors achieve over a lifetime of experience in the theater. Yes, there are problems with the show. I went for the entertainment and went home entertained. my 10 cents... Go for the standout performances
December 3, 2007 Michael Landman-Karny North Hollywood, CA
While the lack of lighting design deters somewhat from enjoyment of this production, great performances and a catchy score make this an enjoyable night out at the theatre. Brandon Ruckdashel is quite a find- a sexy buff performer with a voice to match.
December 3, 2007 Casey McCord Riverside, CA
Yes, in answer to the last review....the costumes are pretty bad. Either stick to the 1800's or do an obvious comic balance. For example what was up with Fagin's modern purses ? If that was supposed to be funny Iit passed over me. I found it distracting. BUT, that being said....It is a plucky group of actors who sing their hearts out. These are an extremely talented group of performers who give life to a wonderful musical score. I see some of tomorrows young stars in this LA Theater production. And that is worth the price of admission. Casey McCord Riverside, CA
Fun camp. great cast. Shout out to Alexandra, Brandon, Chris, Darrin and Justin. Act 1 is too long, if the audience stays for Act 2...they are in for a treat. Good voice through out. Tech aspects are poor with way too long black outs. Don't bring the kiddies, this is adult only fare.
December 3, 2007 Andy Steinberg Los angeles, CA
Saw the show on Saturday. It blew me away. Loved the musical score. Everyone's talking about the guys, but it was Darrin Revitz who stole my heart. A real standout. In a sea of frantic performances, her simple elegance and beautiful voice held the show together. Alexandra was wonderful too and was meant to be over the top. Nice going ladies!
December 2, 2007 Sam DeBoer West Hollywood, CA
Brandon Ruckdashel is an incredible actor, the New York Times was right when it called him the next Brad Pitt. Check it out
December 2, 2007 Julie Harris Smith Los Angeles, CA
What a hoot! Play is fun camp. Every cast member is great.
December 2, 2007 Carmen Sanchez Sherman Oaks, CA
Loved the play. Very talented cast. Crazy version of a beloved tale. While others speak of Oliver and Fagin, I think Nancy is the heart and soul of this twisted piece. It's her unselfish actions that set Oliver free.
December 2, 2007 Joe Taylor Pasadena, CA
Maybe I am old fashioned but all this hype about the Twist guy misses the point. Alexandra is the real star, not some New York pretty boy they brought in. All anyone can talk about was him. The real star is Alexandra I have seen Alexandra in every show she has done and she is a great star. Theater used to be about acting and not looks. The show is great because of Alexandra!!!!
December 2, 2007 Jeff Madox Beverly Hills, CA
Hope to see this week if ticket available. Loved the old Oliver film back in the sixties. Hear that the guy playing Twist is incredible
December 2, 2007 Tony W est Hollywood, CA
Saw it last night when it opened. The guy who plays Twist, Brandon Ruckdashel, is incredibly hot !!!
6:33 PM
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