Be Nice, See Lagunatics!

If you are repeatedly humming the tune "I Need a Hero," you probably just saw the 27th Annual Lagunatics "Shticks and Shtones." Lagunatics evolved from a large ensemble of amateur casts to a tight-knit group of professional actors with a couple of newcomers from Laguna Beach High School, a retiree, and a Broadway stage alum. At the helm of this troupe, the Founder, glue, and inspiration of all 27 years of zaniness is Bree Burgess Rosen. Her talented crew of writers, costume designer, choreographer, Music Director Roxanna Ward, and countless volunteers, including Bree's son Noah as master mixologist pre-show and intermission, have contributed to the success of this production.  

The underlying theme BE NICE draws from heated debates and bad decorum during late-night City Council meetings, and the opening number "HELL" accurately sums up the state of affairs in the city over the past year. Bree gets to the heart of School Board woes with "Besmirched" and urges everyone to get along in the self-penned parody "The Last Number." Hilarity ensues in trying to convince "The Tourists & The Locals" to be friends and other topical numbers like "Painted Lady", "In the Nude," and "Circle of Cars."

Punches and jabs are thrown at Councilman Peter Blake while a bright Motown medley puts the spotlight on Mo Honarkar, Developer of the Year. Performance in drag is typical of every Lagunatics show as a drag Librarian takes a starring role in "Read It" and three drag Wonder Women back up singers in "Hero." Choreography is impressive in "At The Ballet," a spoof on the Dance Festival moving to UCI, and "Not Dead Yet" where human replicas of the figures tap dance on City Hall's front lawn.

Throughout the years, the theatre has transitioned from various temporary homes to a permanent venue at Legion Hall. Head to nosquare.tix.com to reserve your seat for the next two weekend performances as well as their spectacular Closing Night Gala. Donations are the sole source of funding behind this non-profit, and the construction of a backstage restroom would not be possible without them. In other words, your generous support in the form of attendance or membership is very much appreciated.

PS: The show is in loving memory of Bill Harris, a longtime voice of Lagunatics and fittingly, the nicest person you could ever know.