“A Tribute to Blake Edwards”

By: Gracee Arthur

My friend Mary Lou (owner of the infamous Bad Cow) turned me on to the Malibu Stage Company last year. I am ashamed to admit, as a 28 year Malibu resident, I had never attended a performance there until 2010! I am now a subscriber to the 2011-2012 season and kicking myself for not discovering this gem of a theatre sooner!

Recently I attended the second performance of the fun musical “Victor Victoria” which was also a terrific film (1982), starring Julie Andrews, James Garner and Robert Preston; co-written and directed by Blake Edwards. The Malibu Stage Company production, which debuted on October 28th, is directed by Richard Johnson who also produced the play, along with Diane Peterson.

It is a massive undertaking for the little theatre because of all the intricate staging and musical numbers so kudos to music director Scott Nagatani, choreographer Albertossy Espinoza and costume Designer Danielle Horn. The music and dancing were lively even though the production still had some rough edges in its second night, October 29th. The glitches included some technical difficulties screening a lovely memorial tribute to director Blake Edwards. I am guessing a few weeks in, many of these “technical” difficulties have been remedied so the audience will be able to fully enjoy the fun production. Read More