Christopher Smith

Smith writes about Travel and the Arts for several Southern California publications.

October 31, 2023 at 10:06 a.m.

Lorraine Hansberry's 1959 play about a Black family's quest for upward mobility, on stage in Costa Mesa through Nov. 12, is just as timely in 2023.

October 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

The comedy, adapted from a 1924 work, lands laugh lines with winks, nods and breaking the fourth wall.

October 18, 2023 at 2:19 p.m.

The touring production hits all the right notes, particularly with portrayals of key members David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks.

October 10, 2023 at 1:13 p.m.

Playwright Octavio Solis transplants 'Don Quixote' from the 17th century to contemporary America and introduces dementia as a plot element.

October 9, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.

The jukebox bio of Emilio and Gloria Estefan dazzles in a high-energy touring production.

September 25, 2023 at 3:28 p.m.

Andrew Barnicle, Laguna Playhouse's artistic director from 1991 to 2010, returns to helm this classic, and appears in the cast as well.

September 21, 2023 at 3:48 p.m.

A touring production of the musical at the Segerstrom Center boasts top-notch vocal talent, even in smaller roles.

August 1, 2023 at 9:01 a.m.

The sprawling 1996 musical gets a worthy revival at the Chance Theater in Anaheim.

July 25, 2023 at 10:32 a.m.

An exuberant finale shows what the Latin-themed musical could be with some tweaks.

July 12, 2023 at 3:33 p.m.

Despite a strong turn from the actress in the title role, 'Tina' doesn't engage until a vibrant encore.

All Stories