A PRINCH ASSAULT
For 22 years, the Troubadour Theater Company (aka The Troubies) has amalgamated freely altered classics with music of a particular artist, creating riotous sketch/improv/entertainments that are liberally seasoned with an air of Commedia dell’Arte; this gives the immensely talented players the opportunity to act, sing, dance, improvise, and perform feats of acrobatic skill. After performing for years at a space formerly known as Falcon Theatre in Burbank (now the Garry Marshall), the merrymakers of mash-up musical mayhem are moving their mirth to the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood.
In a perfectly timed tribute to Prince, this year’s musical parody, directed by the company’s Artistic Director Matt Walker, uses as its base Dr. Seuss’s beloved holiday gem about a furry green Grinch who hates the Whos. What happens in How the Princh Stole Christmas!, opening tonight and playing through Dec.31? The Purple One collides with the famous children’s book — that became Chuck Jones’s annual holiday TV special voiced by Boris Karloff — to bring you a “Sign O The Times-skewering of Who-manity’s triumph over The Grump.” The Controversy starts when “The Princh dons Santa’s Raspberry Beret, hops in his Little Red Corvette sleigh, and decides ‘Let’s Go Crazy!'”
The Troubies have a justly tremendous and loyal following, including me, because this is live theater with an emphasis on live and on theater: their particular brand of magic that will take place in North Hollywood will never happen on your television. Come feel the Housequake when the Purple Rain of terror is ended and The Princh is heard to say, “I Would Die For You.”
photos by Ed Krieger
How the Princh Stole Christmas!
Troubadour Theater Company
El Portal Theatre
11206 Weddington St (@ Magnolia) in North Hollywood
Wed-Fri at 8; Sat at 4 & 8; Sun December 31 (with after party) at 9
ends on December 31, 2017
for tickets ($45-55, $100 NYE), call 818.508.4200 or visit El Portal
