WORD ON THE STREET

ASSASSINS
"The West Coast Ensemble's revival is a smart
and finely acted production. In its all-consuming bleakness,
"Assassins" makes most recent musicals look like silly
theme-park rides by comparison. Yet, it's far from a depressing
experience. This complex necrology of the soul transcends its morbid
subject matter toward something spiritual and improbably moving."
Best Bet - L.A. Times


ZANNA DON'T!
"The venerable West Coast Ensemble appears to have
a blockbuster on its hands. Director Nick DeGruccio leads
a spirited cast and fabulous design team through the exhilarating
fun in this consummately polished West Coast premiere rendition...
Sweet, blissfully melodic, hilarious, touching and graced
with a touch of social conscience, this is a butt-kicking summertime treat."
- The Hollywood Reporter


FLOYD COLLINS
"Set in an underground cave, this edgy musical is
wonderfully realized at West Coast Ensemble.
Richard Israel's direction is sure and savvy as he is able to
cut away deftly and assuredly from the trapped Floyd below
and the circus above ... a thoughtful, spellbinding musical."
- The Hollywood Reporter


SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
"Superior Seurat! West Coast Ensemble is finally mounting
the Los Angeles premiere of this Pulitzer Prize-winning musical,
and surprisingly, their small, intimate treatment makes us
identify more personally with the protagonists than
the lavish New York production ever did."
- Variety


THE GRAPES OF WRATH
"Under Claudia Jaffee's inspired direction,
this account of the Joad family's Depression-era migration
from Oklahoma to California revels in exceptional comprehension
from everyone involved, demonstrating that ingenuity has no price tag
... their superb contribution is the paramount element elevating
this deeply moving presentation to the status of company watershed."
- Critic's Choice, Los Angeles Times


EPIC PROPORTIONS
"Epic Proportions is laugh out loud funny from beginning to end ..
The writers and actors follow one of
the most important commandments of comedy:
Make it funny. And they succeed brilliantly."
- Critic's Pick, BackStage West


DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
“A beautiful production …the images are often as strong as the words.”
- Critic’s Pick, BackStage West


COMPANY
“Jules Aaron has met the challenge of staging
the hit musical at a new venue with a new cast.
If you’re feeling lonely for live entertainment,
you couldn’t find yourself in better ‘Company’.
- Critic’s Choice, Los Angeles Times


ELEEMOSYNARY
"... a mesmerizing production in its simplicity and wit ...
what a treat to see such a lovely piece done by this talented company. Bravo!"
- Critic's Choice, Los Angeles Times


UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN REMAINS AND THE TRUE NATURE OF LOVE
“A flawless production ..
riveting and dramatic with uproarious humor
… a definite must-see.”
- West Hollywood Weekly


THE MANDRAKE
“This whimsical, visually stunning production is a
winking commedia d’ell arte for our cynical times … Grade A shtick.”
- Los Angeles Times