Bonjour,
We had a wonderful opening weekend for “The Bald Soprano.” It was very nice to see so many of you there. But for those who haven’t yet come, don’t miss this incredibly fun, silly play. A unique experience in the theatre by the master of absurdity, Eugene Ionesco and an evening of fast-paced lunacy and inspired madness is guaranteed for all. Make your reservations now!
Buy Tickets to “The Bald Soprano”
About the play
A revival of City Garage’s acclaimed productions from 2008 and 2012, this mad, crazy, wildly funny play is the comic masterpiece that launched the Theatre of the Absurd. It’s the story of an ordinary evening in the home of M. and Madame Smith that spins madly out of control as they entertain their guests, the Martins. Dazzling in its linguistic acrobatics, the play is a comic masterpiece of joyful, irrational anti-logic and a looney parody of the stolid, thick-witted world of middleclass propriety. In an escalating battle of banalities, polite conversation turns to confusion, then mayhem, and finally explodes into cheerful, liberating chaos. Simultaneously comic and profound, it is a short, sharp ludicrous journey into a funhouse mirror version of the world we think we know—and the truth of what we do not.
TOP TEN! RECOMMENDED!
“City Garage has remounted the 1950 one-act with wackiness and wile, deftly recreating Ionesco’s illogical world for an American audience… an uncanniness that feels friendly and welcoming, suggesting a place where we can all be mad together….Beyond illusions of language and paradoxes of time, there is much amusement to be had.
— Amanda Andrei, Stage Raw
“Michel keeps her entire cast on the same absurdist page while giving them plenty of unscripted business to accompany Ionesco’s words….the entire cast is given moments to shine…Since its 1987 debut, Michel and Duncombe’s City Garage has established itself as the most adventurously avant garde of SoCal intimate theaters….The Bald Soprano adds up to an hour or so of zany absurdist fun.”
— Steven Stanley, StageScene LA
PICK OF THE WEEK!
“Even after 60 years and counting is still good for a load of laughs…impeccable comedic skill and élan…first-rate!”
– LA Weekly
Critic’s Choice!
“A real treat….stunningly skewed retro domesticity…It’s wonderful to see this dependably outrageous company stretch out and get a bit more breathing room….Kudos to the solid company of performers, who are savvy enough to trust Michel and the material and get full mileage out of everything they collectively bring to the party….If you’ve got a taste for the absurd, this is one of those holiday gatherings you won’t want to miss!”
– Backstage
4 Stars!
“Ionesco’s maniacal assault on all things suburban…The cast delivers Ionesco’s mad little play easily and stylishly–having served in Michel’s ensemble for many years, they know how to give the director exactly what she wants!”
– Total Theatre
Frederique and Charles Honored by the State of California
Part of our opening night festivities included a visit to the theatre by Sherwin Shamoeil from Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur’s office. Assemblymember Zbur has been a strong advocate for the arts in California and for smaller organizations like ours. Mr. Shamoiel presented Frederique and Charles a Certificate of Recognition from the California Legislature which read, in part:
“The Caifornia State Legislature commends your over 40 years of dedication to promoting the arts and fostering community in there City of Santa Monica. Through consistent acts of kindness and generosity, you have made the State of California a better place in which to work, live, and thrive.”
The Writers Workshop at City Garage
Are you working on a play, a one-person show, a screenplay, or a piece of fiction and want help pushing it forward? Develop it in the Writers Workshop at City Garage. Get guidance, feedback, story analysis, and support in our weekly sessions. The number of places is limited. Click here for more information.
Merci! ❤️
Frederique 👠👠, Charles, and everyone at City Garage
Archie says Thank you!