Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Producing Artistic Director John Lant is wrapping up the Write Act Repertory year 2025 with the Holiday Express Festival, consisting of six World Premiere One-Act tales of human holiday experiences. The host this time is charming and witty Alicia Marie Agramonte (an actress, video recorder, stage director, writer, and creative producer). Introducing each act with poise, she adjusts easily to what the audience throws at her. Beautiful to watch and very connected to what she is saying, she is strong and direct in her choices.
Write Art Repertory is dedicated to the development of original plays, lesser-known works by established writers, adaptations of classical-themed materials and musicals. Working together seven writers and seven directors created a collection of one-acts, which are put together as PIECES OF DECEMBER – Holiday Express (2025).
The six shows are, ‘Red Eyes with The Wise’, written and Directed by Abigael Peltonen; ‘Steve’s New Year’, written and directed by Darrin Yalacki; ‘Dreck the Halls’, written by Thomas J. Misuraca and directed by Jorge A. Pulido; ‘Three Wishes’, written by Susan C. Hunter and directed by Laura Lineback; ‘My Toxic Christmas Tree’, written and Directed by David Lvov and Dmitry Parkhomchuk; ‘I’ll be Home for Boxing Day’, written by Jorge A. Pulido and directed by Susan C. Hunter.
The cast of seventeen actors including host in a pear tree, work together in a pleasing way. Sonja Hansen with the background in performing sketches and improvised comedy, is colorful and expressive. Bruce R. Anderson is fun as the Christmas tree; Allison Delaney portrays Rebecca in ‘Red Eye …’ with ease and confidence. Lance Bagley, Lisa Eve, Katie Mary Garland, Kimo Keoke, Mike Knox, Adam Kroksh, Michael Kulukundis, Ceci Laiche, Nneka, Jesse O’Freel, Marquice Perrera, Jack Searer and Ally Jo Williams all embraced their roles with confidence.
Under the producing artistic leadership of John Lant since 2003, an award-winning producer and director, the company has produced over 75 Mainstage and 200 original one-act plays. Write Act Repertory also produces rarely seen works and unfinished musicals by composers who passed before their work was completed.
Producer Darrin Yalacki with Co-Producers David Lvov & Dmitry Parkhomchuk with a great team of creatives like, Operations Manager & Associate Producer: Jonathan Harrison and Lighting Design: Zad Potter do all the necessary tasks to keep the theatre functioning. Additional Write Act Rep Producing Partner is Anne Mesa and Tamra Pica. Sandra Kuker PR – Sandra Kuker-Franco (sjkukerpr@gmail.com) covers publicity.
Write Act Repertory at the Brickhouse Theatre is located at 10950 Peach Grove St., North Hollywood, CA 91601 (off Vineland Blvd, just north of Camarillo St.) The show opened on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 7:30 pm. It runs on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and on Sundays at 3:00pm. The days are December 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21. The very last performance is on Sunday, December 21 at 3:00 pm. Run-time is approximately 100 minutes with intermission. Box office opens 30 minutes prior to curtain. Street parking in neighboring residential area. Please plan to arrive early. Walk-ins will be waitlisted at the door. Reserving ahead of time is strongly encouraged. There may be Holiday-type loud noises and limited flashing lights.
Tickets purchased in advance for students/seniors (must show ID) are $25, General Admission at the door is $30. For reservations call 1-800-838-3006 (ext.1) or online at Brownpapertickets.com at https://holidayexpress25.bpt.me or OnStage411.com
For theatre: info@writeactrep.org
Facebook: facebook.com/writeactrepertory
Official Website: writeactrep.org/los-angeles