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The NoHo Arts Center
Rating Details »
Category: Performing Arts [Edit]
Neighborhood: North Hollywood11136 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 508-7101
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
7 reviews for The NoHo Arts Center
Well, well, there it was. DRACULA. Hot, sweaty and perhaps sexual---at least that's what the flier made me believe the play would emphasize. Now, you see, this was appealing because I wrote my thesis on Dracula, sexuality etc. Thanks to http://Goldstar.com, I snatched a ticket for under $20.
I was anxious to finally see the play and much of what I wrote in action. I drove to NoHO, spotted the valet, passed it and decided to be cheap and circle the area. I managed to find a perfect spot a couple of blocks away from the Arts Center.
There was already a line while I waited to get my tickets at will call. Once I got inside, I enjoyed the intimate space and good view of the stage from my seat. Be sure that you're in the right theater because there are different ones in the building. The man I was sitting next to left after he realized that the coffin and somewhat erotic scenes were nowhere near the prude-y Jane Austen play he came to watch.
Another thing to be cautious of, just in case you happen to walk in the middle front of the theater, be very careful. A woman fell in that area because of the poor lighting, and from what I hear, people are always tripping in the same spot. After the witnessing the fall, and hearing several gasps from the audience, I managed to get comfortable in the red suede like chair and finally watch the play.
A few minutes after it began, the director came out and said, "Wait, we need a coffin on stage." The audience got a good chuckle out of this. A missing coffin in Dracula is pure blasphemy. He apologized and said they were working on a few kinks. I should note that I went the first weekend the show opened and expected things to not be perfect.
The acting and cast were what I pictured the characters in the novel to look like. The layout, lighting and costumes were all very appropriate for the adaption. I do wish the play included more steamy moments between Dracula, Jonathan and Lucy. They didn't even make Van Helsing look as bad ass as he should be. Oh well. What made everything better was the man who played Dracula. He was extremely hot and easy on the eyes. Why weren't there more steamy scenes with him? *Your shows would definitely be sold out if your actors (ahem, Dracula) showed more skin.
The play ended 90 minutes later, and the audience gave a significant round of applause. I headed home, somewhat unsatisfied. Though the venue was great, they seemed to leave out some necessary themes from the novel.
If you're looking for a basic retelling of Dracula, I would recommend seeing the play. I hear the production is extended to April 26th, if you're interested. But, if you've read between the lines and have written your own thesis based on it, I would suggest taking a pass on this one.
I will be back to watch other plays here and even wanted to buy tickets for "Bush is Bad", but it's no longer in production. I suppose there was no need for me to go; I lived through it for 8 years and don't need a play to remind me of the worst years of my life. Call me a pessimist, if you wish.
People thought this was:
- Useful (29)
- Funny (24)
- Cool (28)
I adore this place! Saw Dracula here, my first play since arriving in L.A. a few years ago (I know...WHAT?!). The show was great, cast was wonderful, and there's not a bad seat in the house. Love it!
I came here on a Friday night to watch Dracula. The theater is pretty small, which gives it a very cozy and intimate feel. The people working their were super friendly. Since we got there about a minute before the start time, all the seats were taken, and we had to sit on extra chairs they set up at the top. It wasn't really a big deal, except that the actors used the top area to come and go sometimes, so I kept fearing that I would accidentally trip one of them up.
The play itself was pretty good. The really set the mood well by using fog and having ominous sounds playing from the speakers. I thought some of the actors were good, and others were only so-so. It's a 90 minutes performance, and at times seems to drag on a bit, but otherwise was pretty fun.
I went here for the BUSH is BAD musical a little while back and was pleasantly surprised by this quaint little theater, that still has that touch of old flair outside and within.
It only seats 99 people inside but that means that no seat is a bad seat, and you are definitely up close to the action so for me the music was literally in my face because there was not much distance from my front row seat to the stage. The chairs could have been a little more comfortable, but you can tell that this place has personality and everyone that works here is definitely a part of a happy family.
On a side note, another guest here, literally tripped over a chair and started tumbling forwards across all of the aisles!! I saw him falling in my peripheral vision turned around because I literally thought I was going to have to catch him, when his tumble ended right before a large metal bar. It was soooo scary! A staff person came in, and the only thing he said was, "Ummm we have insurance." He didn't ask "are you okay?" but stated they had insurance ha ha. Gotta love LA and the things we always worry about!
Parking is a little tricky near here, so be sure to get here early enough to find some, and don't buy a soda if you can't finish it before you go into the theater either!! They sell sodas in the front, but you can't go in to claim your seat until you finish your soda!! So beware!!
Also, not sure if this was because I was at a fundraiser show or not, but me being 24 was basically the youngest person in the crowd along with my roommate and friend, which was a bit awkward afterward when they had a thank you cake and champagne gathering for the night...We being the younger ones in the crowd made sure everyone else got their cake first because the age difference was that apparent!
But I would come here again for another play. It is small and intimate and a play you can actually afford to see, so if you feel like being cultural try this place out!
People thought this was:
- Useful (5)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (5)
Saw a production of DRACULA, which is still playing.
The show was good _ I love live theater and there was a good mix of suspense and a couple downright scary moments.
The story has been altered somewhat, but it's a relatively good rendition of the story. Acting was definitely above average _ I was most impressed by the guy who plays Renfroe. He's spry and acrobatic.
Perhaps what impressed me the most was the great use of the set. It's a small theater, and they've been very creative with using the space. Every inch is used quite effectively, and the audience certainly feels really close to the action.
Some tips for if you go:
Street parking is a pain. That's reason enough to get to the neighborhood early and grab a bite or a drink. (Eclectic Cafe, Pitfire Pizza and Spumante are close by.)
Or take the Metro Red Line (to the end of the line.) It's a couple long blocks away.)
Seating is also first come. So it's best to arrive early and get a good spot.
Check Goldstar for cheaper tix. We paid $25 for Dracula, but there are cheaper tickets available online.
Last night I had the pleasure of going to NoHo Arts Center to see PEST CONTROL the MUSICAL. I have never been inside this theater before but have driven by 1000's of times.
Anyway, to make a long story short...A good friend of mine does their graphics (and is an actor) and got 4 tickets to see this show....The theater, itself, is not big by any stretch of the imagination...seats 99 and everyone has a great view (stadium style)...not really a bad seat in the house.
I had the pleasure of meeting James J. Mellon, the artistic director, briefly. What a nice guy! Truly loves what he does and it shows. The attention to detail, for their customers, is excellent...Everyone talks to you whether they know you or not. I love this as I am a bit shy (at first) and this made me feel comfortable.
All in all, a wonderful time was had and I look forward to going back to see more of their productions and meeting even more people! I honestly can't rate this place high enough!!!
If you enjoy local theater, this is THE place to go!!!
Oh...and one more thing...after the show they had a "cabaret show " with some of the cast and other actors...LOVED IT!!! So much fun and it was FREE!!!!
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (3)
This beautifully appointed theater, which houses resident theater company Open at the Top is actually two theaters in one - a 99 seat venue and a 48 seat smaller theater. Here many world premieres are presented, including the well reviewed drama FEED, the stunning GHOST AND MRS. MUIR, along with delightful musical revues from the irreverent Bush is Bad to the currently running Getaway Cabaret. Periodically the company performs a night of "24 Hours of Madness" in which the resident playwrights write six one acts overnight from randomly drawn "themes" and six new one acts are directed, memorized, and fully produced in the second twelve hours for a great evening of theatre. An adventurous and delightful evening is usually found by theatergoers here!
