L.A.’s newest theatre troupe launches its inaugural season with an anthology of one acts by local writers exploring the heart and soul of the city of angels.


When: June 12th-15th, 19th-22nd & 26th-29th
Where: The East Theatre @ The Complex - [web site] [directions]

Theatre Unleashed is proud to announce its first show on the 2008 schedule. What We Should Have Said: An Anthology of One Acts for L.A. will run from June 13-29 (Thursdays-Sundays) at The East Theater at The Complex on the historic Theatre Row in Hollywood. The series of five original works will feature the company’s top actors and directors as well as guest directors from other theatre companies, continuing with the company’s mission of uniting and building upon the L.A. theatre scene.

What We Should Have Said is a collection of short comedic and dramatic works from local playwrights that explore the bittersweet, humorous and redemptive themes of self-identity and our desire to communicate who we are and what we want in a city with its own wants and needs. As this is the first show for Theatre Unleashed, it was important to focus on where the company was born.

“My only real requirements were that the writers tap into the heart beat of Los Angeles and put their unique voices on the page,” said Artistic Director Phillip Kelly. “What in our great city drives them, inspires them or unnerves them about our current plight, not only as artists but as human beings? What connects us or disconnects us as people? The response I received was an overwhelming desire to speak about communication, identity and how the city of Los Angeles plays a part in our lives.”

At the Threshold: In this sardonic and surreal journey by Phillip Kelly, down-on-his-luck Paul Allen faces financial and personal ruin while trying to find a conclusion to the unending (and uninspiring) middle portion of his life. Directed by Andrew Moore.

An Evening with Liberace: With all guns ablaze, writer Will Manus brings the enigmatic soul of Liberace back from the dead for one final night of singing and soul searching. Directed by Carlos Martinez

Shades: Sometimes what we say isn’t exactly what we mean. This shrewd, comedic, award-winning piece by Mark Harvey Levine tears through its own walls, ripping the masks off of three everyday characters and revealing the truth of human nature. Directed by Susannah Myrvold.

The End: What would you say to your “ex” if you ran into him? How would that fateful moment play out? Kristyn Leigh Robinson insightfully and humorously explores a broken-hearted Rachel’s desire to indulge her wounded ego. Directed by Carlos Martinez

Three Small People in Very Big Shoes: If you thought working at Disneyland was all fun and games, you might be right…almost. In this mini-farce by Andrew Moore, three Disneyland character actors attempt to sort out the sordid details of their lives in the warm California sun… Directed by Jim Blanchette.