Abby Hassell
Staff Writer
A small group of local actors share their love of the theater by performing with the Malibu Stage Company. The non-profit company performs out of a small playhouse off Pacific Coast Highway.
The company began 12 years ago and in its current home on PCH for the past five years. Before getting its own playhouse the company performed in a variety of locations, including Pepperdine’s Smothers Theatre.
The playhouse where the Malibu Stage Company plays is an intimate setting that helps the audience get up close and personal with the theatrical action.
The actors perform no more than 20 feet away from the audience.
Although the parking situation at the small theater isn’t ideal, the gardens and huge trees that surround the playhouse give it a suitable theatrical feeling.
The artsy setting is different than that of Smothers. The small, round playhouse has only a few rows of seats and a small stage but is a nice oasis located in the heart of Malibu.
The Malibu Stage Company has put on a variety of productions including musicals and dramas. It typically puts on four to five full productions a year.
In recent months, the company hosted a series of readings to raise money and preview material for upcoming productions, said Oren Safdie, a company board member and local playwright.
It showed two new plays, premiered another production and also showed a Pulitzer Prize nominee. The readings did not focus on elaborate props and the sets were minimal — the focus was on the acting.
Only a few actors read the play from a script in their hand and acted it out. Because of this the audience was able to focus more on the story and the acting.
One of the major advantages of having a small playhouse in Malibu is the proximity to the homes of famous actors and actresses. It gives television and movie actors a chance to get into theater, Safdie said.
While going to Starbucks can be hit-or-miss, attending one of the productions of the Malibu Stage Company almost guarantees a celebrity sighting.
Some recent actors to perform include Don Most and Marion Ross from “Happy Days.” Other performers include Ed Asner, who has been the voice of many television characters, and Bruce McGill who recently played Podrosa in “Collateral.”
Not only are familiar faces on the stage, but they are also in the audience. The late Johnny Carson, who was honored at a recent performance, was known to attend the playhouse.
Several Malibu Stage Company actors said they hoped more Pepperdine students would attend these shows, even if it was only for the purpose of spotting a celebrity or two.
The company’s next performance will be “The Playmaker” by Dan Decker featuring actor Roy Dotrice. Dotrice is a Tony Award-winning actor who received his award for his work in “Moon for the Misbegotten.” The British actor got his start during his time as a prisoner of war in 1942 when he helped raise morale among his fellow captives. He spent nine years performing in the Royal Shakespeare Club and has produced and directed over 100 plays.
“The Playmaker” is about the later life of Shakespeare. The author, Decker, also founded the Screenwriters Group, a school to help guide beginning screenwriters.
The reading will be performed Saturday, Feb. 26th at 8 p.m.
For more information about attending a production, call (310) 589-1998. A $10 donation is recommended. Reservations are available due to limited seating.
The theater is located at 29243 PCH, just north of Heathercliff Road.
02-24-2005
